#the prompts were “what represents happiness” and “what represents sadness” respectively

[ask-zacharies-snackarie]

I drew sun and moon in kinitoPET, can you tell who I spent the most energy on?

[smilingperformer]

Started thinking about the past scenes shown in the OP and ED.

Like, Dot's scene showcases the moment when Liko was missing and she was struggling to find the correct info to find her (as in Spinel was feeding wrong info), right? It's what my first thought is upon seeing this.

Roy's is right after Rayquaza left after the, would it be called first or second battle? The one where Terapagos' tera form first debuted. I don't know if Rayquaza's first debut in the series can be called a battle lol. But I remember this moment well.

And Liko's appears to be the moment after losing to Chili/Rika. It's a bit more dramatized as she didn't walk off sad (instead cried on the spot, confused on it, but felt happy about finally understanding the battles), but I do believe that is the intended reference here.

And then, in the ED.

This is from the very first episode. When Liko finally starts befriending Nyahoja during her time at Sekiei Academy in Kanto.

Roy's refers to the episode where Roy and Hogator first met at Roy's home Island in Kanto. Episode 4 right? First thing that comes to mind is where Roy compliments Hogator's singing.

And then Dot is when she finally became partners with Kuwassu for real during Liko's amnesia-and-missing episode where she finally makes the big push to overcome her struggles so she can find her first IRL friend. The official debut of their partnership. While before that they were, sorry for lack of better wording, mere accomplices. Not really partners. So I would say these three scenes represent the moments when each of them gained their first meaningful bonding. Not saying there was no bond before that moment between the two, I just think that moment was one of the most significant ones.

And then we have this scene:

Which kinda showcases the past and future selves of the RVT adults. Molly's I think is our first look at her past self. While the rest we have seen in their respective focus episodes. Kinda interesting that even thou we have had episodes with focus on Molly, we've never seen flashbacks related to her. We still don't know exactly what prompted her to join the crew. Nor do we know of Murdock or Landau's reasons for joining the crew, but we DO know their pasts in flashback forms. (By the way, I love that Landau is doing his own thing and not doing the Pikkaan dance lol.)

Is Molly's outfit reminding anyone of anything? Closest I can think of is Alola but I do not think it's exact. So it could be new.

[redheadspark]

Hi!! May I request Rhys from ACOTAR with prompts #13 and #14 please?

A/N- This is great for Rhysand! Thanks for requesting this, anon!

Truth

Summary - When rumors and doubt creep in, High Lord Rhysand snuffs it out

Warnings - Angst and Fluff rolled together

“Who said these nasty lies?”

“Who do you think, Rhys?”

You were curled up in your bed, tears stinging your eyes as our husband and mate, High Lord Rhysand, was pacing back and forth in a lot of rage and anger.  Mor was sitting next to you on the bed, running her fingers in your hair as Cassian was standing near the entryway of the bedroom, his won anger was festering under his skin, as it should, since his own sister was the center of gossip from a certain High Lord over in Spring Court.

Cassian got wind of it first since he was visiting Spring Court with Azriel as representative of Night Court, much to the dismay since Tamlin was never a favorite when it came to the High Lords.  But Rhysand was tied up with his own work back in Velaris, so he sent you to go with Cassian and Azriel instead.  You’ve done your own delegation work and negotiations with other High Lords, you in fact built up a great reputation as a leader and High Lady.  Most of the other High Lords had respect for you, admired you even, all but one.

It wasn’t spoken when you were in the room with him, but High Lord Tamlin was mostly tolerable with you as you two were going over the treaty that was brought up some time ago between your neighboring Courts.  You, being optimistic, thought it was going well as you excused yourself from the room.  Azriel and Cassian were outside the door since Tamlin was alone, which had been a big mistake since both the Illryians heard the nasty rumors about the High Lady of Night Court and how she slept with Rhysand to be the High Lady.  They heard it from Tamlin himself

Tamlin made a huge mistake, not merely because he spoke against their High Lady, but he spoke against Cassian’s twin sister.

They both wished to retaliate immediately, but they knew better since it would be an all-out war.  They both winnowed your home, you were confused as to what was going on and why you were leaving abruptly.  It was only when you were finally home at the House of Wind that they filled you in with what Tamlin said.  You took it hard, filled to the brim with sadness and uneasiness as you looked at yourself. There was no reason you should let those words get to you since you were beyond happy with Rhsyand and with your life in Night Court.  

Tamlin had no idea that you and Rhysand grew up together as childhood friends, that you fell in love with each other over time lowly but with deep affection. He had no idea that you were trained just like the other Illryians as a soldier and not as a dainty flower that Tamlin thought you here, fending for yourself over a dozen times against alpha-type Illyrian soldiers at the camp.  There was more to you than a pretty face, more grit and strength.  

Yet you still let those nasty words get the best of you in that moment.

“How are we going to deal with him?” Cassian asked in a growl as Rhysand still paced, thinking to himself.  You could see from your spot on the bed, how his brows were hunched and a fist made at his side.  Rhysand was never one to be challenged or crossed when it came to his wife, let alone his Inner Circle.  You were his center, his entire world, and he had no shame in reminding the doubters and nay-sayers of your title and his love for you. 

“Maybe now’s not the time to talk about it,” Mor calmly advised, Cassian and Rhysand looking over at you as you were still crying on the bed and curled up against Mor’s lap.  Cassian was about to say something else when Rhysand over to you, his anger was no longer evident on his face as he knelt in front of you on the bed to pull you in his arms.  You hugged him tightly, almost wanting to hide from the rest of the world as Mor and Cassian slipped out of the room silently to give the two of your some space.

“Maybe it wasn’t right for me to go there,” You mumbled in his hold as you were finding your voice again, “I wasn’t ready to deal with Tamlin, or any other High Lord for that matter,” 

“You’re more than capable,” Rhysand reminded you as he sat with you on the bed, pulling you into his lap and keeping you tightly in his arms, “You are a great leader and a wonderful High Lady.  The others respected you and all that you contributed to Night Court.”

“You’re just saying that,” You hummed in a low tone.  Rhysand tutted and lifted your chin with a singular finger.  You saw his violet orbs pouring into yours, how intense they were, yet filled with love he had only for you after centuries of being together. 

“I say that because it’s the truth,” he stated, “You are without a doubt a powerful leader and High Lady, and this Court has been thriving because of you.  No matter what anyone else says, you are important to me.”

You felt that love in his words, in your mating bond that was now humming and throbbing in your gut.  Rhysand saw you as an equal, never was someone less than him.  When it came to being a leader or simply his mate, Rhysand loved reminding you of your worth with him.  

“It brings me pain to hear you talk or even think less of yourself,” He reminded you, you smiling softly as he smiled, seeing a sense of relief on your face, “I would think after centuries of being together that you wouldn’t doubt the love I have for you,”

“I don’t!” You started to argue, though he chuckled and shook his head to show that it was merely a joke.  He kissed the tip of your nose as you grinned, “I do love you. Rhysand.  More than anything,”

“That I do not doubt,” he stated in his lighthearted manner, “But just remember in those darker times that you feel not good enough, those are lies.  Don't talk about yourself like that, nor think of yourself like that, ever.  Promise me,”

You felt those powerful words down to your veins, wrapping around your bones and sinking into your heart.  Rhysand would build you up every time, just like you would build him up when he doubted his place as the High Lord.  You both knew how to go against the doubt, to build yourselves up, and to survive the world together.  Although this moment seemed like a slip-up of your own doubt, Rhysand could always remind you of your worth.  Even If he wasn’t the High Lord, you would still love him with all your soul.

Rhysand had choice words for Tamlin the next morning, and there was never another gossip or ill rumor from Spring Court ever again. 

The End

[winwin17]

Mogtober 2023 Day #18

Prompt: Jupiter North

(Quick summary: To all appearances, Jupiter has a lot of confidence, but he tends to feel differently when he looks at himself with his Witness ability, until one day Frank inspires a deep lesson.)

Jupiter North hated the mirror.

Well, that wasn't *exactly* accurate.

It was more of a love-hate relationship, but on many days, the hate was very predominant.

Such was the case on one particular day when he found himself lost in thought, wandering down a hall in the Deucalion toward his office. Halfway there, he happened to catch sight of himself in a hallway mirror.

What he saw made him stop.

His general appearance was about enough to make anybody stop on any given day, what with his bright ginger hair, flashy wardrobe choices, and all around handsome features. But for himself as a Witness, there was always so much more.

Jupiter gazed at his reflection with a perceptive eye that saw far more than the average person ever could. With regards to himself, it was a criticizing eye, most of the time. He had learned to tune it out a lot, just like how he filtered what he saw anywhere else in the world in order to maintain not only respect for other people's boundaries, but also his own sanity. But sometimes he just couldn't ignore it all.

Today was one of those days.

Standing before the mirror, he cringed as he took note of the sizeable gray cloud that was hovering around him. Stress, discouragement, and worries - that's what that represented. Jupiter was generally a pretty positive person, but lately he'd been carrying a lot of concerns for Morrigan, and how to figure out what was going on with the disappearance of the Hollowpox, and how to keep Squall from getting into his little girl's head. Well, not *his* little girl, technically, but close enough. Enough that the concern Jupiter carried for her expressed itself through the Gossamer in a bigger, denser gray cloud than Jupiter typically saw with average levels of stress.

In addition to the gray cloud, there was also that flickering light around his head, blinking in and out, suggesting an unsolved mystery, questions with answers just out of reach. Jupiter had an inquisitive mind and always seemed to be on the trail of some mystery or another. So this wasn't an unfamiliar sight, but it was a constant reminder of multiple pressing concerns. Sometimes he couldn't tell if he was chasing the questions or if they were chasing him.

Beneath the obvious, glaring layers of stress and discouragement, Jupiter could see some of his own older battles. Over his heart was one particular scar, old, but still bleeding a bit. That was from the death of his sister and the way he still carried some guilt for feeling like he should have been able to prevent it somehow. Very close to it was another old wound, mostly healed by now, that represented how he hurt for Jack without parents in the world to guide and support him. It was connected to a vague shape like weights on his chest. That was the responsibility he felt for giving Jack a better world now.

Jupiter sighed deeply as his eyes followed the innumerable strings of multiple colors and textures that tied his person and his heart to one thing or another, mostly life events and happenings, a few to people. In them he could read just about every moment of his history. All the joys and happiness, yes, but also all the pain, the losses, the sad times. Even more than that, he could see all his personal flaws and shortcomings and guilt for every instance he felt he had not been or done enough. These dark, dreary smudges tended to overpower the marks of good things, laughing at him, mocking him.

"You're not enough, you're not enough, you're not enough," they chanted. They repeated over and over until they filled his head with their echoes, like the complex layers of some polyphonic music. He could almost feel the ambiguous shadows that leered over his shoulders.

Along with this was a dread as black as the blackest night, surrounding his heart like the cold waves of a threatening ocean. Sometimes their tide was low, sometimes it was high, but it always existed in some measure. Jupiter knew he was seeing the fear of failing Mog. It was the dread of making one wrong move and letting her be torn away by Squall or overcome by the voices of her past that said she was cursed - or worst of all, of himself somehow accidentally letting her down and losing her trust. Jupiter shuddered at the slightest notion of it.

Here and there and everywhere, he was marked with scars and shadows and shatters of various shapes and size. How could he ignore them? Why did he ever look in the mirror anyway, when these constant reminders of who he was always glared at him from his reflection?

"Admiring yourself, Jove?" a voice came from behind him.

"Hm?"

Jupiter was suddenly pulled out of his deep thoughts. He hadn't noticed Frank approaching him.

"Oh, no, never," Jupiter answered, mustering up the smirk and playful, half sarcastic tone that almost always threw others off the trail of his true thoughts in these cases. "Why would I do that?"

"Oh, only because of the half million wonderful things that make you Captain Jupiter North," Frank shrugged. "Ask anyone. What's not to admire?"

The vampire dwarf gave Jupiter's arm a friendly bump and meandered on his blissfully ignorant way, but his words turned Jupiter back to the mirror again.

"What's not to admire?" he'd said. "Half a million wonderful things."

Jupiter squinted at himself. He was so used to seeing his flaws and his burdens, so used to both examining them and yet also ignoring them, that he rarely took much note of his positive traits. But now that he thought about it, what was there?

Determination - there was that - like the constant beating of a heart that just wouldn't give up. Values that had an appearance similar to beautiful plants with roots that buried themselves in the deepest part of his core. Intelligence and an inquisitive nature that looked sort of like the flashing lights of unanswered questions, but were more of a constant glow around his head, almost halo-like. Similarly, the radiance of a positive and caring nature shone in the center of his chest near the sternum, much like the constant candle of kindness Dame Chanda carried within herself. And a consistent life purpose, made greater than ever by the new addition of his investment in Morrigan.

Right then, something shifted, not so much in Jupiter's actual sight as his perspective, and suddenly he saw a person alive and aglow with a beauty and value that went much deeper than gorgeous hair or fine clothes.

Why did he not remember ever seeing himself like this? It had all been there. He'd even seen it before - only he hadn't *seen* it. Even as a person who was generally self aware and had a measure of value for his own positive traits, he'd somehow always felt that it was just strange to look at his own good qualities with that level of scrutiny. Besides, the weight of all his cares and concerns had so long overclouded them that he must've unconsciously trained himself only to see his person as an amalgamation of all his scars and battles and shortcomings.

He was all of that, yes, but he was so many good things, too. So many smiles and happy moments like warm little nooks in his heart to sustain him through the winters of his lapses into harsh self judgement. Brightly colored strings tying him to wonderful experiences, beautiful places, and the best of people.

And running through all of it was a massive tide of love, surging and pulsing and coursing through positively everything. There was love for Jack, love for his Wunsoc unit, love for even the family and friends who were long gone like his sister. There was love for Fen and Frank and Dame Chanda and the whole Deucalion family. There was love, newer and perhaps greater than any of the others, for Mog, sparkling with the bright hue of newfound purpose.

The river of love was so great it was impossible to tell where it began or ended, and it flowed out into so many different branches in multiple directions. But it didn't just give; the love of other people was constantly splashing into the tide that sourced from his own heart, too.

Jupiter could hardly tear his eyes away from the mirror now. This change of perspective was so overwhelming. It wasn't until he heard footsteps behind him that he looked away from the sight.

Turning to see who was approaching, Jupiter was met with the familiar black eye-patched face of his nephew.

Jack started to open his mouth as if to start a conversation, but seemed to catch something, and closed it immediately. Jupiter didn't need his Witness ability to watch Jack take in the sight of his uncle in such deep thoughts in front of the mirror and make the connection of what was going on. No words were spoken, but they made brief eye contact and something unspoken passed between them. Jack's eyes reflected a sense of recognition, and he gave a simple, understanding nod before continuing on his way again. But that confirmed to Jupiter what he'd really always known. Jack knew. He got it. He did this, too.

"Jack," Jupiter called the boy back. "There's something important I need to tell you."

He put his hands on Jack's shoulders and turned him to face the mirror.

"I want you to remember, whenever you look at yourself in the mirror - with or without your eye patch, but especially without - to always try to see yourself as a whole. It will save you a lot of trouble."

Jack nodded, silent for a moment, until Jupiter released his shoulders, then said, "Thanks. I'll try to remember that."

"Well," Jupiter said at last, reaching out to make a quick adjustment to Jacks collar. "I've got things to do now. But remember, Jack: the mirror is not your enemy."

[snicketsquadron]

Witness to Departures

Jacques believed one should bring three gifts to a baby’s first birthday celebration: something practical (an unseemly amount of diapers), a favorite childhood book for the baby (Pippi Longstocking) and something for the parents to remind them of their own existence as adults and sentient beings in the post-baby haze (Samuel Beckett’s Molloy).

When he arrived, Beatrice was seated in the back yard, infant son on her lap, surrounded by a gaggle of cooing friends. Little two year old Violet toddled around, gently shepherded by the watchful eyes of her mother and the guests. She seemed to be fascinated by the screws holding the lawn furniture together, poking at them with pudgy toddler fingers.

Bertrand met Jacques at the back porch with a handshake, clap on the back and a smile. 

“Good to see you” Jacques began. 

“You, too. I take it you’re here representing the Snicket delegation? I bet Beatrice it would only be you.” 

“I’m sure my siblings would be here if they could. Kit’s preoccupied in Tunis and...well, no one knows about Lemony.”

Bertrand let out a little sigh. Both men leaned on the porch railing, standing side by side, looking at the guests rather than each other. “I know your siblings, Jacques. You don’t have to lie on their behalf. Even if they were both in the city, Lemony couldn’t stand to see Beatrice, and Kit’s indignant that we’re leaving VFD. ...We do think he’s alive” Bertrand added a little more gently. “We almost named Violet ‘Lemony’. But once Klaus was born there were enough rumors...we don’t know for sure. If I knew anything for sure I would have told you already. But we believe he’s alive, for what it’s worth.”

“Hope is worth a great deal. And Lemony still thinks the world of you. He can be happy for you both and sad for himself at the same time. The same goes for Kit’s anger. That’s the troublesome part- it’s because they love you both that they feel hurt.”

“But not you? You’re not here to try to talk us back into the fold?”

“You know I take the ‘voluntary’ part of VFD very seriously, Bert. I’ll miss your work, and your presence. But I’m grateful that you two left, because it means you had a choice. Many of our enemies don’t.”

“But?” Bertrand prompted, a wry tone sneaking into the word. 

“But it doesn’t have to be either-or. You know you could do both. Plenty of volunteers have taken parental leave until their children are old enough. The Quagmires had triplets last year- they’re not going deep-sea diving anytime soon but they can still coordinate correspondence. My parents-”

And you Snickets are so well-adjusted Betrand thinks. But what he says aloud is “You mean ‘until their children are recruited’. You’re telling me we can do both as if that’s some novel idea instead of the status quo that’s been expected of volunteers for decades. As if we didn’t try.” Violet had probably overheard some VFD coded phrases in her scant two years, though Bertrand hoped she would forget them as she grew older. “And if it was just me and Bea, we’d still be in the mountains. The entire point is the children. The neophyte system was falling apart when we were in it, Jacques, and it’s only gotten worse. And even if it was in perfect working order...it feels like fattening a cow for the slaughterhouse. I’m not raising my children just for them to be snatched away as soon as they can walk and talk.” 

“Shouldn’t that be up to them?”

“Jacques!” the anger in Bert’s tone was more than a hint.

“I mean it. Like I said, I take the voluntary aspect very seriously, and that goes both ways. If you get to choose to leave, they get to choose to join. The neophyte fostering system is a mess, and you know I never liked the tattoos. I’ll respect your wishes. I can promise I won’t be standing out of your windows making wolf noises. But I know you and B, and I’ve seen your library. Any children raised in this household are going to be well-read, clever, and kind. They will be a force for justice and nobility in the world, even if they never learn a single code.”

“Being well-read and noble isn’t the same as being a member of VFD.”

“We’ll have to disagree on that. It’s the only part that matters. The rest is affectation.”

[mlovesstories]

Their Promise

Summary: YN runs into a royal, the royal runs into YN. 

AN: I am so excited for this.  I hope you like it as much as I do! Brad means Charlie BRADbury. Thanks to my love @cherryblossomflowers​ and also to @supernatural-jackles​ for the inspiration and advice. 

Words: 6800

Warnings: cussing. Injuries, death

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Masterlist of Masterlists

“Please welcome Prince Dean Winchester!” He walked out onto the stage at the gala, raising money for those who had been burned by fires that ravaged their country in the previous weeks.  

“Thank you for joining me tonight.  We all know why we are here.  Please, let’s do what we can to help the families that need it the most right now.  Enjoy your evening, and let’s see those checkbooks!” Dean laughed.  “Good evening.” He raised his glass of apple cider and so did the crowd below him.  

“Cheers,” they all said.  

Prince Dean interacted with the crowd to gain their attention for the cause.  Being a professional at conversation, he made everyone comfortable and relaxed. In a way, it was a façade.  Dean was those things, but he had to work hard to maintain them consistently.  

“Your Highness, the king wants to see you.  Please say good night to your guests,” his main security guard prompted him. 

“Okay.  One second.” Dean stepped back on stage and announced his departure.  The security team guided him from the event back to his family’s palace. 

“Hi, Dad.” Dean saw a distraught look on his father’s face.  King John Winchester hugged his son at the bottom of the stairs as his son came in. “What’s wrong?” He was baffled by his dad’s gesture.  

“Your mom. She was in-” 

“DAD!” Prince Samuel ran into the room, disheveled and breathing hard. “Security said there was an emergency.  What happened?” 

“Your mom, she was in a car accident…. She didn’t make it. They won’t let me go see her.” John started crying.  Sam and Dean looked to each other before trying to catch their father as he fell to the marble floor in the foyer on the home.  His boys were overcome with emotion as well, tears falling onto each other and their clothes.  Dean held his dad and his brother, fulfilling his natural role in the family.  What were they going to do without her?  As John straightened, he explained, “Security hasn’t let all of the leaders know yet.  The crash was just outside the gates, so hopefully that will stop the news from spreading before it needs to.” The three leaders wiped their eyes.  

John went on to describe what had happened in more detail.  

“Your mom’s driver wasn’t paying attention and crashed into a wall.  Mom was impacted immediately. I can’t go to her.  I want to see her.” 

“I know, but we can’t.  When things like this happen leaders can’t be in the same location.” Dean reasoned, relying on his royal duty handbook.  

“She’s my wife,” the king responded, trying to justify going to see his love.  

“Sir, can we escort you to your room?” One of the butlers looked to the oldest Winchester.  The three royal family members stood from the ground.  

“No, thank you, Rupert.  I need to be with my boys.” 

“Yes, Your Highness.  You will be needed in about an hour to meet with authorities for next steps.” He bowed. 

“Thank you, Rupert.  You are excused.” 

“Yes, Your Highness.” The butler bowed again and left the room.

Dean changed from his tuxedo into jeans and a tshirt. The tuxedo represented so many things that he hated about being part of the royal family.  He was angry and very emotional.  Taking it off was shredding a skin he used only when needed. 

Before the three realized how much time had gone by, security came to address the family.  

“Your Highness, Princes Winchester?”

The family looked up from the couches they were quietly sitting on, staring at nothing. 

“Yes?” Dean looked to Benny, his favorite of the security team. 

“King Winchester, we would like to take you to her. The appropriate people have been notified.  She is at the hospital.” 

“We’re going too.” Sam interjected, almost defensive.

“Sam, at ease.” John put a hand up to calm him. “Thank you, Lafitte.  We will be right there. Please let the team know we need to put ourselves together.  We’ll be ready in five minutes.”

Hurriedly, the three men grabbed jackets and shoes before being taken to a private hospital room.  Mary lied on the bed, motionless.  The color was gone from her body.  

Sam gasped looking at her. 

A doctor walked in behind them and gave them an update.  He explained how the accident rattled her body and killed her.  He asked if they would like a moment with her. 

“Please,” the husband whispered. 

“Yes, sir.” The doctor left the hospital room.  Security provided three chairs for them to sit with her.  

“Oh, Mary,” John sighed sadly.  

After a few moments with the queen, Benny stepped in the room.  

“It’s time to say goodbye, we need to move you so that the news is not aware of her death yet.”

“Benny…” Dean groaned.

“I’m sorry, Prince Winchester.” 

“Give us one more minute,” Sam stated.  Benny left the room and guarded the door. The youngest walked from his chair, squeezed her hand, and said goodbye. As the royal family left, a sheet was pulled over Mary’s body.  John, Dean, and Sam were escorted out of the building and back to the palace. 

The next morning, the queen’s death was announced to the world. The family grieved as they had to remain professional and well… royal. Exhibiting their somber faces but no tears, they made their statement to the news outlets. 

“She was a great leader, mom, and wife.  We will miss her greatly.  Please pray for our family as we process the loss of our great Queen Mary.” John ended his announcement on the palace balcony. The security team guided them back inside.  

A few days later, the environment was very stiff. 

“Sir, we need to make some arrangements for her funeral,” their most respected assistant talked with John.  “Everything is picked out, we just need to go over everything one more time.  While we do that, why don’t you rest? Have you eaten anything in the past two days?” Charlie rubbed his arm. 

“No, I haven’t, Brad.  Can you send up some crackers and water to my room? I’m not very hungry.”

“Yes, of course. RUPERT!” Charlie yelled for the butler over the noise of the staff.  “Get some crackers and water for the king, please, and maybe some fruit too. Bring it up to the master suite, please.  Check on the princes as well.  They haven’t eaten either.” Charlie walked with King John as he got closer to his room.

“I’m sleeping in guest bedroom one.” He abruptly stated, a glossy expression covering his face.

“Of course, sir.  I’ll send Rupert here then.  He will be with you momentarily.” 

He turned to look at his assistant. 

“Will you miss her, Charlie?” John dropped the formalities, as she was more than an assistant to him. 

“Oh, yes sir.” She weakly smiled.  “But it isn’t my job to be sad.  My job is to help you with this and fulfill my duties.” Charlie took a deep breath. 

“She loved you.”

“And I loved her too.” She almost broke down, but she felt she needed to keep herself together for professional reasons.  “Go rest, King Winchester.  Rupert will be here in a moment with your snack.  And for the love of Chuck, please eat it,” she winked. 

“You’re bringing Chuck into this?” He laughed. “Just because he beat me at the writing competition once does not mean he is an almighty god or something.” 

“Sure, Your Highness.” Charlie grinned wryly.  “Rest,” she pushed him toward the door of the guest bedroom.  “Sleep if you can, okay?” 

“I Chuck swear,” he smiled.  John entered the room, happy to be alone and in a room that didn’t remind him of his love.  After he ate a few bites of his food, he fell asleep. 

The Winchester Family put on brave faces as they went through the royal duties and attending events because of their mother’s death. Being in their twenties, Dean and Sam tried their best to act as grown up as they could, but they knew all of the procedures and politics of Mary’s death was a lot to handle. 

“Let’s go,” John stood behind his boys, motioning for them to walk to their back door. 

“Why do we have to go? We said goodbye to her in front of everyone already.” Sam groaned. 

“They want to see us at her grave site. It’s on the property and will take five minutes. One last thing, Sammy.” John felt bad for his sons. Yes, they were adults, but he didn’t want them to face this at such a young age. 

They did as they were expected, having news outlets taking photos of them standing and looking at her headstone. 

“I’m going to take a nap,” Sam led the way back to the palace.Tired from having to put on a brave face, he wanted to have his own space. 

A few hours later, the king told his sons they would be flying to Lawrence, Kansas.

“Why?” Dean rolled his eyes. “Haven’t we been putting on a face long enough? Why do we have to travel the world and pretend mom didn’t just DIE?” He started to stomp away. 

“”I AM THE KING, AND YOU WILL TREAT ME AS SUCH!” John growled. Dean stopped, forgetting formalities. He turned back to his dad. “You know I don’t expect you to bow at my every whim, but I am your father and the king of Genovia.” 

“Sorry,” he looked away from the king.

“We are going because we are having a private memorial with just your mom’s family. Grandpa Samuel is too old to travel, so we are going to him.” 

“Don’t we hate him?” Sam looked at his dad. 

“No,” John laughed. “He’s just rough around the edges. He doesn’t like me because he thinks I made your mom become a royal,” he put a finger up, “but I didn’t. It was completely her choice to enter this family. We leave tomorrow. Pack your things tonight so that Rupert can put them in the car.”

The boys stood in their places taking in what was happening. When John saw they were not doing as told, he glared at them. 

“You’ll have plenty of time by yourselves on this trip. Go get your things in order,” he turned and left the room.

The next day, they flew to Kansas. Both princes were quiet, but John didn’t ask why. He knew they were tired and frustrated. 

“Why don’t you both go take a nap?”

“Fine.” Dean moved through the plane with ease. The other two Winchester men heard a crash and his body hit the bed. 

“Sam?” 

“No, thanks.” Sam turned to look out the window. 

After they landed and arrived at Samuel’s home, the three Winchesters were surrounded by security. 

“Benny, some space, please.” King Winchester stated flatly. Benny heard the tone in his voice. 

“Boys, cars only.” He watched as the team walked toward the vehicles that they had arrived in. “Two around back and two in the front.”

“Thank you,” John smiled. 

“I get to come in and sit on this guy’s couch.” 

“Benny-“

“No. I stay or the whole security team surrounds the house.” 

John chuckled. 

“Okay.” 

“Boys.” Samuel nodded from his recliner. “Just so we are clear, you are not royalty in this house. You are my son-in-law and grandsons. When is the memorial service for my daughter?” He looked at John. Charlie stepped in. 

“Tomorrow at noon.” 

“Who are you?” 

“I’m… a friend trying to help the family keep their calendars going through this difficult time. My name is Charlie, and I think you raised a wonderful woman. Excuse me while I take a moment.” She stepped outside to take a walk in the backyard.

“Is she one of your little minions that makes everything perfect for you?” Samuel said passively. 

“Hey!” Dean growled. “She is our friend and mom’s assistant. Leave her out of this.”

“Dean, it’s fine. Samuel, we need three guest bedrooms. Is that okay or would you like us to go to a hotel? The boys can take one room, the security team and staff needs one, and I need the third.”

“Fine, Winchester,” Samuel groaned. 

“If you don’t want us here, let’s go home.” Dean stared at him. 

“Get your ass out of my house if you talk to me like that. Or I’ll send you to one of the rooms like a little boy!” 

“Samuel,” John calmed him. “Boys, take the room with the two beds. Please pull out the air mattresses from the closet for Benny, Charlie, and whoever else needs one.” 

“Charlie can be with us. Not that she doesn’t love you, Benny. She loves us more though,” Dean grinned. 

“I will be on the couch by the entrance, but thank you, King Winchester. The extra room can be for the guys outside. I’m Benny Lafitte, Mr. Campbell. Head of security. It’s very nice to meet you. Don’t mind me. Please continue as you would.” 

“Right…” Samuel huffed. 

The princes walked up the stairs and did as told. Not wanting Charlie with a bunch of guys in the same room, Sam put a small air mattress between the two beds. They were very protective of her. 

“Dean Winchester, why am I sharing a room with two princes instead of the staff?” Charlie raised a brow. She loved them like brothers, but it still surprised her. 

“You want to be in a room full of dudes who we don’t even know the names of or do you want to be with us?” 

She hadn’t really thought about it. Charlie saw the caring nature in both of them, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. 

“Fine, but keep your hands to yourself, Winchester,” she smiled knowing he would never do any such thing.

“Hands off, promise,” he smirked. “Let’s go. Time for bed. Even you, Missy.”

Charlie started, “I have to finish up the-“

“We will carry you up the stairs if we have to, Brad,” Sam grinned. 

She grabbed her backpack and went up the stairs. As they followed her, she said, “Fine, but don’t complain when I have to pee every two hours from drinking so much water to keep up with you guys.” She could hear Dean’s eyes roll. 

“Bed, now,” he responded. 

“Yes, your majesty.” 

The boys did NOT have a lot of alone time in Kansas.  Dean needed out. 

“Dad, I’m going to New York!” Dean yelled obstinately at his father. 

“No, you are not! You are the prince! You cannot galavant across the United States!” 

“Watch me!” Dean pounded down the steps of Samuel’s house, Benny following. “You better stay here Benny, or I swear-“

“FINE- be back at the palace in two weeks. AND BRING BENNY WITH YOU!” John shouted out the front door. “That’s an order from the King!” He gritted his teeth. 

Dean rolled his eyes.

“Whatever, come on, Benny.” 

The two drove to New York with hats, sunglasses, and winter clothes as to not be recognized. 

“You’re a real asshole sometimes, you know that?” Benny glared at his friend and prince. 

“Leave it alone, Benny.” 

“I’m not driving you to New York with an attitude like that!” Benny punched the gas of the town car. “And where in the world are we going to park this thing?” 

“We’ll figure it out! And don’t tell me how to talk to my father!” 

“You’re running away, and you know it!” 

“I need a second to breathe, man! I’m tired of being somber! I’m tired of the cameras and people asking me about my mom’s death! It’s been two weeks, how do they think I’m doing?” Dean pounded the dashboard. 

“Fine, but don’t be an ass!” Benny shouted. “I am not going to die protecting you just because you want to do something erratic!” 

Dean hadn’t thought about it that way. He was putting others’ lives in danger. He sighed, calming himself. 

“I’m sorry, Benny.”  

“Now, shut up and let me drive.” 

When they arrived in New York, they gave the car to the valet and checked in under a fake name. 

“I’m going to go hit the bar-“ Dean started. 

“No, you’re not. I’m in charge. King’s orders, remember?” 

“Benny, don’t.”

They dropped off they’re few belongings in a two bedroom suite. 

“Yes. I’m ordering drinks for the room.” 

“Benny, come on!” 

“Just for tonight. Get settled, and tomorrow we’ll go out.” His bodyguard tried to reason with him. 

“Fine, but I l’m getting hammered then.” The prince stated his argument defiantly.

“Whatever, Winchester.” 

Benny ordered food and drink for them both, a soda for him and some brandy for Dean. 

The next morning, Benny woke up to the prince groaning. 

Hung over.

Benny rolled over and sighed. He stood and got dressed before checking on Prince Dean. 

“Lafitte! I hate you.” Dean stayed as he saw his security enter his room. “You let me get drunk, and now I feel like crap.” 

“You’ll live.” He grinned. “Drink some water.” 

Dean slowly felt better throughout the day. 

“I’m not getting drunk tonight. Remind me what happened today when I want to get drunk again.”

“Yes, Prince Dean.”

“There is a matinee I want to see at 4. Can we go, bodyguard?” He laughed. 

“Hat, sunglasses, and hair messed up. But yes.” 

“YES!” Dean became excited like a small child. 

A few hours later, Benny looked Dean over before they left for the show. 

“Be good,” his bodyguard groaned. 

“You know I’ll be on my best behavior,” the prince grinned. 

“Go,” Benny turned him toward the door. “I will bring you back right here if you don’t keep a low profile, you hear me?” 

“It’s going to be fine, ya grump.” 

“Let’s go before I change my mind.” 

Dean enjoyed the show, but Benny scanned through crowd over and over. The prince put his hand on the arm rest and felt a hand already there. 

“Oh, sorry, miss,” Dean smiled when he saw a beautiful woman. “I didn’t know-“ he stopped. 

“It’s okay.” She grinned. 

For the rest of the movie, Dean was a statue. He tried to catch up to her after the movie ended. He tapped her shoulder, she turned around. 

“Are you from a vending machine? Because you are a snack.”

Oh, you idiot. Dean cringed at his own words.

“Wow, smooth.” YN smiled. 

“That was dumb, I’m sorry,” Dean ran a hand over his face. “You’re- youre YN LN,” the prince jumbled his words. 

“Yeah…” she rolled her eyes internally. 

Another chump. 

“I love your show. Your character is strong, and independent. And beautiful.” Dean’s cheeks went red. 

“Well, thank you.” 

“Do you want to get a drink? I’m free and it’s early. No leading on, I promise,” he said seriously. 

“Oh my-“ she realized who he was. Dean knew it too. 

“Never mind.” He tried to pass her. 

“We met once,” YN stated. He turned around. “There was a gala a few weeks ago-“ 

“You were in Genovia?” His eyes widened. 

Benny stood off to the side, frustrated that YN recognized the prince. 

“Yeah. I guess I made the rich list or something. You were a great host.” 

“Obviously not good enough since I wasn’t paying attention to you,” Dean sighed, angry at himself. 

“What are you doing here? Isn’t this a little… normal for a prince?” 

“Can we move this along? For everyone’s safety?” Benny looked between the two of them.

“Would you mind coming to my suite, I don’t want to be recognized. I promise I will keep off.” 

“Sure. As long as your dog stays down too,” she turned to Benny and laughed. “Come on,” she took his hand. YN let him lead the way back to his hotel room.. 

YN was nervous as she had never met any world leaders before. What she didn’t know was that Dean was even more nervous. They both wrung their hands together and Dean’s knee didn’t stop bobbing up and down. 

“It’s nice to meet you, Prince Dea-“

“Please,” he put a hand up, “just call me Dean.” 

“Okay… Dean.” YN smiled. “Why are you in the city?” 

“I needed to get away, honestly. With what happened with my mom, I just…” he stopped. 

“Needed to breathe.” 

“Right.” He nodded. 

“I get that. You’ve probably been surrounded by everyone asking about it. Being anonymous is probably a dream for you.” 

“Eh, sometimes. I don’t mind being in front of people. Everyone knowing my business isn’t fun.” 

“I understand.”

“You mean you don’t want other people to know you wore a purple scarf at a dinner with a friend who you used to be frenemies with?” Dean chuckled. 

“Exactly,” she eased. 

“Wine?” Dean asked. “Benny can get room service.” 

“Benny is not your butler, I’m sure.” YN grinned. “But yes, that would be lovely. Rosé if you don’t mind.”

Sticks up for herself and lets me know what she likes. Yes, please.

“I will order it then,” he smiled. Dean got on the phone and ordered the wine.

“Wow, you did something so normal!” YN cackled. Dean took a moment and then laughed with her. 

“People don’t know that I do normal stuff all the time.” 

“I’m sure you do, I’m just giving you a hard time.” 

Over the next few hours, both of them laughed and realized they had a lot in common. 

“Prince Winchester, you have an early morning tomorrow,” Benny interrupted. 

“Right,” YN excused herself. “So do I. Thank you, Dean. Sleep well.” 

“You too, sweetheart.” 

After she left, Dean turned to Benny. 

“You ruined my date!” 

“Go to bed.” Benny crossed his arms. “It’s late.” 

“Are you my father?!” Dean squared up to his bodyguard. 

“You’re halfway drunk and you were about to make a fool of yourself.” 

“Whatever,” the prince rolled his eyes. “I’m going to bed.” 

Dean only slept because of the wine. He woke up remembering his evening with YN LN. 

“Did I get her number?” He ran into Benny’s room. 

“You ass.” His bodyguard groaned and rolled over. “No,” Benny growled. 

“DAMMIT!” Dean retrieved the paper and saw himself on the front page. “BENNY!” 

His bodyguard jumped out of bed. He saw the photo. 

“We need to go home. Now.”  

“But I met a girl, and-“ 

“No. Get your crap. We need to go.” 

Dean heard his phone ring. 

“Dad.” He sighed. Dean answered the phone. “I know, I know, Benny and I are on our way home.” 

“Good. We’ll see you in a few hours.” 

They hung up. 

“I hate you.” Dean stated to his bodyguard. 

“Come on, time to go home. Be thankful she isn’t in the photo too.” 

“Good point.” 

YN saw the photo in the New York Times. 

“He got spotted.” 

She tossed the paper on the table. 

“Poor guy,” YN’s mom said at breakfast. “The prince needed time away and then he was recognized.” 

“Yeah.” YN hid the fact that she had seen him the night before. 

She wondered if she would hear from him, especially since he was probably trying to hide.

He tried to find her and contact her, but she didn’t have any personal social media. He knew her publicist ran the pages, not her, and he had reached out but no response. Dean became discouraged. 

YN felt dismayed that she hadn’t heard from him, and she didn’t want to seem desperate. 

“I have to go, Mom.” She grabbed her things. “I’ll be home in a few weeks.” 

YN took her passport and put it in her bag. 

“Be safe.” 

YN landed and saw a friend waiting for her. 

“Hi,” she said quietly. “How are you?”

“Good!”

At the palace, Prince Dean stared out the dance hall window.

“Your Highness?” Charlie stepped into the room. 

Dean turned toward the family’s assistant. 

“Hey, Charlie.” 

“Your Majesty, can I be frank?” 

“You know you can.” He grinned. 

“You need a hug.” Charlie looked at him sincerely. 

Dean laughed, not expecting that to come out of her mouth. 

“That obvious, huh?” 

“The last few months haven’t exactly been easy.” Charlie walked toward him. “Come here,” they sat down on a couch off to the side. He slouched until he was comfortable. She wrapped her arms around him. 

They sat there quietly. A few minutes later, she looked down to see him asleep on her lap. She smiled. 

“Dean?” Sam rounded the doorway when he saw Charlie and Dean in the dark. 

“Shh… he finally relaxed.” Charlie looked at the younger prince. 

“Oh. Okay.” Sam stopped. 

“Come here, you lug.” 

 Sam started to walk toward her. She motioned for him to sit.

“Lie on the other side.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. Since he was so big, she leaned into him. 

After some time, they all fell asleep. 

“DEAN! SAM!” The king’s voice bellowed throughout the halls. He checked the dance hall and found three of his favorite people asleep. John stopped, taking in the scene. He saw Dean snuggled into Charlie and Sam against her. Benny arrived next to the king.

“We need to go in an hour.” The bodyguard started toward the three of them. 

“No, leave them. We can be late. They haven’t relaxed like that for months.” 

“Charlie is on duty, sir.” 

“Leave them, Lafitte. That’s an order. That is evidence that she does her job right there. Don’t disturb them.” King Winchester said lowly. 

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Benny bowed slightly and left the room. 

“Boys, Brad,” the king walked into the dance hall a half hour later to wake Charlie and his sons. 

“Huh?” Charlie’s eyes opened. “Oh, sir! I’m so sorry! I-” 

“Got my boys to sleep? First time in two months.” He smiled.  “You’re fine.” 

“Boys, wake up.” Charlie tried to move but was squished between the two.  

“Dean, Sam.” John said deeply.  “Come on.” He tapped them both to wake up.  

Dean moved first.  

“Oh, hey, Dad. Sam. Get up.” 

Once all three were awake, they got ready for guests to fill the hall.

Charlie ran her fingers through her hair, straightened her outfit, and made sure the boys were ready.  

“You’re bossy.” Dean smiled. 

“It’s part of the job description.  Come on, hurry up!” She left his room and knocked on Sam’s door. “Sam, time to go!” She heard a low “Be right there!” 

The ball was their annual get-together.  Known throughout the country as the best party of the year, Dean and Sam knew to be on their best behavior and smile while others felt bad for them losing their mother.  No one knew, but Dean was aware that he would probably cry later from the facade he had to put on.  

“Thank you all for joining us this evening.  Please partake in food and drink to celebrate the new year!” King Winchester shouted to his guests.  Raising his glass, he cheered with the crowd and drank the entire glass within a few seconds.  

The Winchester Family greeted and interacted with what felt like a thousand people. They were all becoming tired when a young lady walked confidently to Dean. 

“Hello, Prince Winchester. May I have this dance?” 

Dean didn’t care at this point. He didn’t realize how cunning she looked… but Charlie and Benny did. They looked to each other as to say that they would be watching her closely. Charlie saw the lady’s hand go lower and lower on Dean’s back. The assistant could tell he was tensing. She stepped in. 

“Prince, can I have a few minutes? A dignitary donated a large amount of money to your organization and would love a photo with you.” Charlie carried her clipboard and smiled to his dance partner. 

“Of course. Excuse me, miss.” As he walked away, he thanked Charlie. “Brad, she was driving me crazy! She was so... handsy!”

“You’re welcome, Your Majesty.” 

YN landed on her friend’s guest bed. 

“Thanks for letting me stay here. I’d much rather stay here than a hotel. The production people are lovely about where they were going to have me stay, but I’m so glad to see you.” 

“Of course.” Eileen signed, her hearing getting worse. 

Dean went to bed after the party. His schedule was cleared for the next day by Charlie so that he could recover from the party. 

“Thank you, Brad,” he hugged her before going to bed. “You always look out for me.” 

“You know it. Go to bed,” she turned him toward the door and lightly pushed him to enter his room. “Good night, Prince Dean.” 

”You suck.” 

“Go!” Charlie laughed. 

“‘’Night, Brad.” 

“And cut!” The director yelled to the cast. 

“Ugh,” YN sighed. She wiped her tears from the hard scene. 

“Again, please! Great job, YN!” 

“Winchester!” Benny ran up to the oldest prince as he was about to exit the back entrance of the palace to a car waiting.  “Where in the hell are you going without me?” 

“Stop following me around!” Dean turned to face Benny. “Just leave me alone!” 

“Dean,” Charlie said quietly as she walked up to the two.  “Just take a breath.” She put her hand up. Dean dismissively turned back toward the door.  She cut in front of him. “Just stop for one second.  I know that the last few days have been hard.  Why don’t I go with you? Benny can stay here.” Dean looked at her.  He saw her seriousness and sweetness. 

“Okay.  Lafitte, stay here.” The prince looped his arm through Charlie’s and then walked out of the door.  

“I gotta ask you something, Winchester Numero Uno.” Before they entered the vehicle, he huffed at her. “Where were you thinking of going?” 

“Anywhere.  I’m pent up, and I need to get out.” 

Charlie asked the driver to take them somewhere Dean didn’t hear. He didn’t care.  

The prince stared out the window of the town car as they went to the unknown destination.  

“Dean,” Charlie whispered. 

“What, Brad? What? How can I help you? Along with the thousands of others who have been asking me questions lately.” 

She smiled.  Charlie knew he was frustrated. 

“I was going to ask if you wanted some sour candy.” She chuckled. “But I can keep them for myself…” she took out the bag and reached into it.  He snatched it out of her hand and ate a piece before she knew what happened. “HEY!” His assistant punched him in the arm.  

“Best question I’ve been asked since you asked if I wanted a hug.” 

“‘Cuz I’m awesome.” Charlie grinned. 

“Where are we going?” 

“My old stomping grounds.  No one will recognize you here, and it’s late so no one will see me either.  Let’s go.” After the driver parked, the two exited the car.  She took his arm and huddled against him because she was chilled.  

“Why are you always cold?” 

“You didn’t exactly give me a second to get ready to go out, dumbass. You were throwing your little tantrum.” 

“I’m sorry, Charlie-”

“I’ll live.  Come on.” She practically dragged him into a restaurant with no one in it. The shop owner smiled and Charlie asked for her regular order. “I’ll order for you, Winnie.  I know what you like.” 

Taking a seat, he looked around.  Dean smiled at the nickname she used to make sure they weren’t found out. 

“Winnie, really?” He laughed as Charlie sat down to wait for their order. 

“I can’t call you Dean, you know that.  Will you relax?” 

“Oh, crap.” Dean saw a group of people walking toward the door of the restaurant.  

“Switch me.” Charlie stood up and had Dean sit to face away from everyone.  She handed him her hat, and he put it on. 

Everyone ordered and slowly left the room.  Charlie encouraged Dean to eat, but he was nervous about being recognized. While trying to remain calm, someone bumped him with her hip. He turned out of instinct. 

“Sorry,” she quickly stated. 

“It’s okay,” he responded. “It’s-” he froze. “You.” 

“Dean?” YN whispered. 

“What are you doing here?” Dean looked at her confusedly. 

“Guys, move it along.” Charlie stated urgently. 

“Here,” YN scribbled her number on a napkin. “Facetime me later,” she smiled. “Good to see you. Nice to meet you…?” 

“Charlie, assistant extraordinaire.” She shook her hand. 

“Goodnight, Dean.” YN whispered again, trying to respect his anonymity for the moment. 

Dean raced through the palace to find his brother.  He knocked on his brother’s door. 

“GO AWAY!” 

“It’s Dean, open up!” The older one pounded on the door again. When Sam opened the door in his pajamas and messy hair, Dean took a breath. “I found her!” 

“It’s 3am and we have to fly tomorrow for… whatever it is.  What in the hell are you talking about?”

“YN LN.  The actress! She’s in Genovia!” 

“Huh?” 

Dean walked into Sam’s room and shut the door.  He sat in one of the chairs close to the bed. 

“She didn’t say.  Charlie took me to this place and we were eating.  She was with a group of people.  YN accidentally hit me with her hip, and she recognized me when I turned around.  I got her number.” He beamed. 

“This couldn’t wait til morning?” Sam sighed. 

“You know how much I wished I could’ve gotten her number the first time, come on, man! Be excited for me!”

“I’m excited for you, now get out,” Sam rolled his eyes. 

“You two better be in bed!” They could hear Charlie say on the other side of the door.  

“The ruler of the roost has spoken,” Dean smiled. “‘Night, Sammy.” He left the room to find Charlie with her arms crossed.  “I’m going, I’m going…” She pinched his ear and dragged him toward his own room. “OW!” 

“You promised me that you would go to bed after we got home, mister.  GO.” 

The prince chuckled.  

“Good night, Brad.” 

“Sweet dreams, Prince Dean.” 

The next evening, Charlie stomped into Dean’s hotel room.

 “Have you called her yet?” 

“Huh?” He stared at the TV. 

“YN!” She kicked his feet off the ottoman. 

“What is wrong with you? You manhandle me like I am a child!” Dean stood and walked into the restroom, shutting the door. 

“Oh, don’t be a baby.” Charlie smiled. “You’re grumpy because you’re tired.” 

When Dean was finished, he walked out to wash his hands.

“I haven’t called her yet. I’ll do it tomorrow when I have more time.” 

“You never have any time, you’re a prince,” Charlie plopped herself down on a chair.  

“Will you go away? I’m tired. You’re always telling me to go to bed.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” She stood up and walked past him.  

“Brad,” he grabbed her wrist. She stopped and eyed him curiously.  “Thanks, little one,” he kissed her hand.  She rolled her eyes.

“Lights out, five minutes.” Charlie grinned. “‘Night, Prince Dean.” 

After arriving home, Dean paced back and forth in the living room. 

“Call her.” Charlie said seriously. 

“You aren’t helping.”

“I saw her number.  I can call her for you if you like?” Charlie grinned wryly. “You have five minutes or I will do it for you.” 

“You are such a dick.” He huffed at her.  

“Hurry, we have that leader dinner thing in an hour and you need to be changed.” 

Dean walked into his room and sat down.  He pressed the facetime button and called YN. 

“Oh- my-” YN stuttered. “Hi, Dean.”

“Hi, beautiful.” 

She blushed. 

“I don’t have a lot of time because… royal stuff, but I wanted to say you looked amazing the other night.”

YN laughed. 

“I was in sweats and a t-shirt, Prince Dean.” 

“I know,” he raised a brow.  “So what are you doing in Genovia?” 

“A movie.” YN shrugged. 

“So your wonderful face will be on a screen near me sometime soon?” He giggled at his joke. 

“Lame…” she rolled her eyes sarcastically.  

They talked for a bit about little things.  Dean liked her even more. He heard a knock at the door. 

“I need to go, it’s time for me to get ready.  Sweet dreams, YN.” 

“Prince Dean, please get ready, you need to be there soon.” Benny stepped inside. 

“I’ll be ready, thanks.” 

Dean and Sam hiked themselves up the stairs and away from their guests, loosening their ties. 

“I’m exhausted, good night bro.” Sam passed Dean to go to his room. 

Dean didn’t hear Charlie walk up behind him. 

“Dean,” she started.  When he didn’t turn around, she faced him to read his expression.  Charlie saw tears about to fall. She took his hand and walked him into his room and shut the door.  “What happened?” 

“I’m fine.” 

“Sure.  That’s why you could barely get in here without crying,” she looked at him kindly. 

“It’s nothing.  I think I’m just overwhelmed.” 

“You know you can talk to me.” Charlie rubbed his back. 

“Thanks, Brad.” 

“We need to talk about YN, but you should relax.”

“Nosey,” he chuckled. 

YN and Dean talked more consistently and she visited the palace on one of her days off. 

Sam was walking through the living room when he saw her. He raised a brow, confused. 

“You must be YN,” he walked to her and shook her hand. 

“Prince Winchester, nice to meet you.” 

“Move along, Sasquatch. YN and I are going to watch a movie,” Dean walked in with popcorn. 

“Yeah, yeah. Nice to meet you,” Sam smiled and left. 

“Your country is beautiful,” YN sighed, happy.  

“It’s not mine, but I understand what you mean.  It’s gorgeous.  Like someone I know.” 

“Scruffy?” YN laughed, pointing to the dog. 

“Close, but no. You ready to watch this movie? Get comfy.  It’s kind of long, but totally worth it.” 

YN ended up falling asleep against Dean.  They woke up the next morning to King John’s bellowing through the palace. 

“DEAN! I need you!” He saw Dean and YN on the couch and touched his shoulder.  “Son, wake up,” he said gently. 

“Huh? Oh. What’s wrong?” Dean tried to sit up without disturbing YN. 

“It’s Sam, he was hurt. He’s fine, but he stepped outside and was hit with a stun gun.  Security caught the guy, but-” 

Dean raced to the in-palace infirmary. He threw the door open to find Sam with his shirt off and two marks on his chest. 

“I’m fine, Dee.” Sam huffed. 

“Where is this person, and can I pummel him?” 

Sam started to laugh but stopped when he realized how much it hurt. 

“No,” their dad walked in.  “He’s a jerk, but he’s looney.  He didn’t understand what he was doing.”

Dean dismissed his father’s remarks. 

“Sammy, are you okay?” 

“Yes, I’ll be fine.” 

“Good,” Dean knocked his hand against Sam’s and left.  

“Is Sam okay?” YN rose from the couch.

“He’ll be okay.”

“Maybe I should go,” she weakly smiled.

“No, you’re fine.  My dad is taking care of everything. Sit down,” he collapsed on the couch and motioned for her to sit down. 

“Okay,” YN sat down.  

They continued to date in secret so that they wouldn’t be in the public eye.  Once they had become serious, they were ready to be seen in public.  

“You ready to do this?” Dean changed his shirt from a button up to a polo.  

YN took a deep breath. 

“Yeah.”

They went to a tennis match. In front of people. Together.

The couple could feel everyone’s stares and glances.  

“Are you still happy we did this?” Dean looked down at his girlfriend. 

“I think so. People would have found out about us anyway, I guess. I’m ready to go, can we?” She looked to their bodyguard. 

“Of course, ma’am,” Benny motioned for her to walk toward him and up the stadium steps.  

“I’m tired, that’s fine with me.” The prince moved so that she could step in front of him and walk to Benny.  

“Thank you, Benny,” YN took Dean’s hand to lead him up the stairs behind Benny.  The crowd murmured.  “I don’t know if I will ever get used to that.” 

“Eh, part of the life now, princess.” Dean grinned. 

“Shut up, Dean!” YN whacked him with her purse. The crowd giggled. 

After they went back to the palace, they turned on YN’s movie that she had shot in Genovia over one year previous. 

She looked over at Dean to see him wiping away a few tears that he barely let out. 

“Honey,” she took his hand. “What’s wrong?” 

“You died, sweetheart.  I don’t ever want that.” 

“I died in the story, not in real life. Come here.” YN opened her arms to him.  He snuggled in next to her.  “I’ll be with you until the end.” 

“Promise?” 

“Promise.”

Forever Friends (Everything):

@katymacsupernatural  @unicornblood4ever  @supernatural-crazed-girl

@fangirl-moment-x  @empirialwolf @winchesters-favorite-girl  @super100012  

 @percywinchester27  @waywardsuns  @supernatural-jackles  

@mcallmestiles @sdavid09  @kingandrear  @bellero @skylarraker

@seality​​​​​ @jaycc7983​​​ @luci-in-trenchcoats​​​ 

@cherryblossomflowers​​ @because-you-never-know-when​ 

@sleepylunarwolf​ @choosemyname​ 

@internationalmusicteacher​ @mersuperwholocked-lowlife​ 

@encounterthepast​  @torn-and-frayed​ 

@giggles1026​ @xiumin-girl99​ 

@mangueweaschester

@idksupernatural​  @silverstripe101A

@thevelvetseries​ @jennawinchester152a​ * @samsgirl93​ *    @supernatural3002​ *

@tmiships4life * @breereadsthings​ * @mersuperwholocked-lowlife​ *

@a-magey​ @vicmc624​ @hookedinto-fictionalworlds​   @beatifuldisaster018​

@miraclesoflove​ @myopiamystical​ @fallen-wolf22​

@waywardnewcomer​  

@marvelouslysherlockedhunter

[thecluelessredhead]

Sunset Curve: A Hollywood Legacy

Word Count: 2050

Chapter 2 of ??

Additional notes at the bottom.

Chapter Two

Bobby was sprawling in his dressing room, his guitar on his chest, playing with the strings gently. Occasionally, he would stretch out a slender arm and pick up a peanut. He wouldn’t eat it immediately, but hold it up to the light and look at it, as if that specific peanut would tell him the secrets of the universe. He asked once. The peanut didn’t answer. 

Luke came flying into the room while he was performing this ritual. He was grumbling and speaking incoherently, but when he saw Bobby, on his back studying a nut, he stopped, and shut the door slowly.

“Hey, buddy,” he said slowly, like he was talking to a horse that might rear its head at any moment. “You okay?” Bobby nodded, tossing the peanut through the air and catching it in his mouth. “Strike out with Rose?” Luke approached on his toes, still seemingly afraid of Bobby. Again, Bobby just nodded. “She got a boyfriend?” Luke sat down on the edge of the couch Bobby was on. 

Nod.

“His name’s Ray,” Bobby said, his husky voice seeming even deeper through his peanut. 

“Bummer,” Luke sympathized, clapping Bobby on the knee. “But hey! No time to be sad! We go on at the Orpheum in an hour!” 

“Yeah!” Bobby sat up, looking suddenly energized. Then, he registered Luke for the first time, who was dripping wet. “What happened to you?” 

“It’s pouring outside,” Luke answered.

“Good or bad?” Bobby asked, all business. 

Luke grabbed a handful of peanuts. “Could go either way,” he gargled through a mouthful. Bobby grunted his agreement. “Hey, where are Alex and Reggie?”

“I don’t know. Didn’t Alex say he’s just going to get some air?” Bobby asked. Luke shrugged. He didn’t want to talk about Alex. 

“Reggie should be here by now, too,” Luke said, anxiously. 

“They’re gonna make it,” Bobby assured him. Luke took a deep breath, trying to center himself. “Is that all?”

“Huh?” Luke looked at Bobby. He knew what Bobby was asking.

“Is that all you’re upset about?”

Luke stood up, and walked away, facing a small table of trinkets, picking each of them up individually, and examining them closely. “It’s just…” He heaved a sigh, and turned his head, to get a look of Bobby in his peripheral vision. Bobby was watching him closely, but not scrutinizing. Just watching in a way that was careful and kind. “Whenever I imagined this night, my parents were in the front row.”

Bobby didn’t respond immediately. He didn’t know how long it would take him to come up with the right words. Perhaps he would never get there. So, all he could blurt out was, “Maybe they’ll show up. There’s still time!”

“Yeah, thanks,” Luke replied, still playing with the chachkies and sounding very insincere. “I don’t need them.” He turned to face Bobby, his jaw hardening. “I’ve made it this far.” He crossed to the window and threw it open, looking into the rainy world beyond. Bobby turned to follow his movements with a face of patience being lost. Luke pressed his hands against the lower sill and scanned the streets below for Alex or Reggie.

“You miss them.” It wasn’t a question. 

“I don’t need them,” Luke repeated. 

“You said that already.” Luke turned his head slightly so that Bobby could see his jaw tightening. 

“Well, what do you suggest that I do?” he asked rhetorically, turning back to the window and hunching his back slightly. On the streets, there was already a snaking line waiting to get inside. No one seemed to care about the rain, which lifted Luke’s spirits. All of these people were here to see Sunset Curve. They weren’t just some opening act anymore. People cared. Wanted to see them. 

“Play the song,” Bobby said, and for a moment Luke had forgotten he was there. He froze, and turned slowly, keeping his hands on the window, and leaning so far from Bobby, he could feel the rain on his forehead.

“The song?” Luke prompted, although he knew what Bobby was trying to say.

Bobby heaved an enormous sigh, and flopped back onto the couch. What a pair of dramatics they were. “You know.” Bobby stood up and raised his eyebrows pointedly. He walked forward so that he and Luke were nose to nose and Luke could lean no further out of the window. “Unsaid Emily?”

“No!” Luke stood up straight, throwing Bobby away from him. “I wrote that song ages ago!”

“Like a week ago?”

“No!” Luke snapped again, already reaching for the doorknob to leave the room, not even knowing where he intended to go. 

“Look, what do you have to lose?” Bobby spit the question out at his friend, who stopped, his hand on the doorknob, his head turned slightly to the left, his jaw clenched. “Pride?” Coming out of Bobby’s mouth, the word sounded derogatory and pathetic, but he was right. That’s exactly what Luke had to lose. He flung the door open and stormed away from Bobby, leaving the door, and the conversation wide open. But Bobby had his answer. 

Chatter rang through the hall. It bounced off the hallowed walls and reverberated through every room of the theatre, amplified by excitement. The band stood backstage, nerves running high, but not in the same way that they had been before. Now, they felt the kind of nervousness that only came from the moments before seeing your dreams realized. The jabbering hit their ears but stopped there, their brains were too fried with both joy and terror. 

The time had come, and none of the four could believe it. Alex had believed that some horrible fate would befall them before the night would arrive. But, the PA system crackled, and a man with a voice clearly intended for radio said, “Live at the Orpheum. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Sunset Curve!” The lights went down, and the place fell silent.

As soon as they were on stage, all fear and anxiety melted. They could hardly see the audience through the bright spotlights and their own blinding jubilation. What they didn’t see was the handsome young man who slipped in while the bouncers weren’t paying attention. Willie. He crept over to a table and dropped down next to a very confused girl, without taking his eyes off the drummer. 

The entire show was one big blur, much like a wedding day. Luke Patterson, married to his work. Before long, all four boys were bouncing energetically up and down and drenched in sweat, playing their greatest personal hits, heard by only their most devoted fans. The show went on late into the night, but no one cared about the time, for they were too engrossed. 

When it at last ended and everyone cleared out, no one noticed the teary eyed couple, leaving reluctantly. The woman was short with brown hair that looked constantly frizzy. The man dwarfed his wife, but in a way that made them only look more compatible. They took one last longing look at the band before being forced from the building by the throng. Only two guests chose to stay behind. Willie, despite the fact that he wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place, and a tall powerful looking woman, who approached the band as they whooped and hollered, living in the high of what they had just achieved. 

Silence fell over the four as she drew near, and they all turned, falling into their classic positions as a part of the group. Luke stepped forward, preparing to represent the band. Alex stood close behind him, almost protectively, as if afraid that the woman would attack. Reggie and Bobby stood behind Luke and to his right, like an anxious audience of the whole thing. Luke looked back at his band mates one last time before turning to face the woman and sticking out his hand. 

She took it and shook it. “Gentlemen. I’m Olivia Garcia.” The four introduced themselves in a similar order that they had to Rose. “Let me get right to the point. I’m an executive for Pacific Records. What I saw tonight was very impressive. I spoke to my colleagues, and we would be happy to represent Sunset Curve.” She passed an awestruck Luke a thin card. “Give us a call.” She gave the frozen boys a small smile, and left the place, brushing past Willie who had an impressed look, gently coloring his face as he looked at Alex and his bandmates. He approached the boys tentatively, who had turned to face each other. High fives were passed and shared eagerly while all the boys whooped with joy and spoke indistinctly over each other.

Alex caught sight of Willie and slipped away from his ecstatic bandmates unnoticed, who were now jumping in childish circles chanting, ‘we played the Orpheum!’. 

“You came,” Alex said, unsure what he meant by that statement. Clearly, Willie had come. Was Alex implying that he was surprised? Was it merely a statement of joy? Was Willie overthinking the whole thing as much as he was?

“Told you I’d find a way.” He grinned.

“A legal way?” Alex teased. Willie blushed and shrugged, rolling his head toward the ground. It had now become apparent to the other three band members that their drummer was no longer an active part of their celebrations. They turned and registered Willie, every possible scenario of who the boy could possibly be running through their heads as they studied his face, particularly the way he looked at Alex, and vice versa. Bobby, who seemed most determined in respecting Alex’s privacy, nudged Reggie, who took Luke by the arm and steered him in the other direction. They then pretended like they weren’t listening as intently as they were, staring at the ceiling and the floor and the stage. 

Willie dropped his joking act to make serious eye contact with Alex, a truly terrifying concept. “You guys were really good.”

“Oh, thanks,” Alex said, sticking his elbows out and turning his head shyly. 

“So, that woman was someone important, huh?” Willie continued.

“Yeah, she said she wants to represent us!” He beamed, glee lighting up his face in an instant. “It’s totally insane, and completely terrifying and I’m so excited!” He went on rambling, and Willie watched, smiling, as Rose approached the other three onlookers.

“Even better than your soundcheck,” she said, giving them an excuse to focus on something other than Alex. Reggie tilted his head and smirked, Luke grinned and thanked her. Bobby did nothing. “Listen, I’m having a party later tonight. Like, now, actually. It’d be great if you guys would come. Beer, fans. Great music, of course.” She waited patiently for their response, and though they dragged it out, her spiel was pretty hard to ignore. “You can even ring you friend.” Rose jerked her thumb back to Alex and Willie, still talking happily. 

“Alright, I guess we’ll come,” Luke agreed, looking at his bandmates with a crooked grin. 

“Great!” Rose gave Bobby the address, and bid them a safe walk.

Luke stepped tentatively toward Alex and Willie, peeking over Alex’s shoulder. “Look, I’m sorry to interrupt, but Alex, we’re headed out. Rose is throwing a party. Your, uh-” Luke searched for the proper word hesitating slightly over the word friend. “-buddy is welcome as well.” He inwardly pinched himself at the foolish choice of words.

Alex turned to Willie, the question in his eyes. 

“No, I couldn’t,” he admitted apologetically. “My folks will be wondering where I am. I catch you later, though?”

“Yeah, of course,” Alex agreed. Willie shot him one last sideways smile, and rushed from the theater.

“Who was that?” Luke asked as soon as he was gone, and Bobby and Reggie hurriedly stepped forward to hear about the mystery man. 

“A guy I ran into,” Alex answered, grinning to himself at his own little pun. “Willie.” He grinned at the way the name felt on his lips. The boys nodded assent.

“Shall we?” Reggie asked, making a large gesture with his arms in the general direction of nowhere.

“Won’t Carla miss you?” Bobby wondered.

Reggie shook his head.”She’ll understand.”

“Then, let’s go boys.” And Luke led the way to the party.

Notes: If you’re with me thanks again! Chapter three will be back hopefully sooner rather than later. If anyone is interested, I can make a tag list, so just let me know.

[levinneheart]

I'm the tanaka request! o.o I didnt see the other prompt lists! it's from prompt 1 and I'd love a fluffy scenario?? but if you add a little angst to make me suffer i wouldn't be opposed to it thank you bbyyy

❝ heeeey!! i looove your writing!!! it makes me go fnfjkdksnaj idk if you're taking requests but if you are can i ask for 13 + 28 with Tanaka? my boy needs some loveeee thank youuuu ❞ — requested by anon

ASDFGHJKL! Thank you for my first request and for requesting this bby, anon! I’m so sorry this took so long! This was supposed to be a headcanon but it ended up getting super long so I decided it’ll be a scenario. Glad you enjoy my writing, hope I did him justice here 👉👈 Also, I left the ending up to you! Tehehe. N e wayz... Happy reading!~ (Fun fact: I was this 🤏 close to turning this into a fully angst story but I held back hahahaha). Love from Levinne

Uno

requested on: 26-27th of July 2020

finished on: 31st of July 2020 (around 9pm)

➳ Pairing: Tanaka Ryuunosuke x F!Reader (ft. Shimizu Kiyoko)

➳ Synopsis: u·no(adj.) — one in spanish

➳ Genre: Fluff, Angst, First Kiss, Pinning, Scenario

➳ Prompt: 13 ‘Wait! Please don’t pull away... not yet’ + 28 ‘You were my first kiss’ from prompt 1

➳ Word count: 1k+

➳ Warnings: Slight angst, slight manga spoiler if you squint

➳ Playlist: Both Of Us by B.oB. (ft. Taylor Swift), Just A Dream by Nelly (Sam Tsui Cover), Just Give Me A Reason by P!nk (ft. Nate Ruess), Sad Song by We The Kings (ft. Elena Coats) that inspired this scenario!

They first met and became childhood friends because both of their representative parents were close to each other since college but unlike their older siblings, Saeko and (r/n)... (y/n) and Ryuunosuke weren’t exactly friends.

They were more like... acquaintances who went to each other’s houses to celebrate a relatives’ bday or some special occasion that their parents dragged them to.

(Y/n) always meet Ryuunosuke with your mother and vice versa, but when they do encounter each other... she’ll politely nod her head to greet him whilst he awkwardly waves a hand in response.

Until one day on Saeko’s birthday, (y/n) and Ryuunosuke were partnered up by the game host on a game called: newspaper dance. Wherein players are grouped into pairs and given a page of a newspaper. The players dance around the paper until the music stops wherein they have to stand on the paper and remain so until the music starts again. As the game progresses, the paper is folded in half for each round and each pair must make ways to pass each round. A pair which steps out of the paper is eliminated and the last team standing wins.

The competition was steep since there’s only two pairs left: them and a pair of their siblings’ friends – they were surprisingly winning by a hair, it was also unexpectedly easy to adjust and cooperate with Ryuunosuke.

On the next turn, the newspaper was folded to a one-fourth sized intermediate paper, causing them to struggle with putting both of their feet on the paper and keeping their balance — the adrenaline was now high and the pressure was on as the game host and everybody else started counting down.

In her panicked self, (y/n) boldly asked Ryuunosuke if she could carry him and when he nodded — she immediately put one leg on her hip and wrapped her arms under his butt before carrying him as she tipped over the small folded newspaper.

She couldn’t see the other pair in her position but she focused on the task at hand, quite literally. After what felt like eternity to her was actually just five minutes. “You can put me down now.” He said, tapping her shoulder as (y/n) slowly crouched down and settled him on the ground.

They were obviously announced as winners!

After that incident, they started talking more. Ryuu began changing to a loud extrovert before shaving his beautiful blond hair off, although (y/n) liked his hair - if he preferred it shaved then she’ll respect his decision.

It wasn’t until middle school that they became tight knit like surrogate siblings! These days are when Ryuu became hot-headed and prone to fights while (y/n) was the one who kept him in line and helped him study, especially when he needed a high score to continue playing in the volleyball club.

They were now on the middle school graduation, (y/n) actually managed to help Ryuu pass and graduate with her help. He knows she know that he’s indebted to her so after the ceremony, Ryuu approached her and asked if he could do anything to make it up to her since she was always so patient with him.

“Ice cream and a hug.” She answered.

His eyes widen in disbelief. “That’s all?”

“Mhm.”

“I’ll give you a hug after the ceremony on the after party.”

“There’s an after party?”

“Yeah, at our house with our families.”

“Of course.” She scoffed, rolling her eyes.

Ryuu chuckled. “But we’re not attending.”

(Y/n) looked at his smirking face with a smirk of her own, thus forming a plan that only them could think of. It would surely bring chaos to the after party and to their families because they won’t know what hit them.

In the graduation ceremony, they went up to their friends and made small talk before taking a bunch of pictures with them and their families. It was a heartwarming and fun experience to everybody who graduated and attended. However, on the way to Ryuu’s house, they started chatting with each other on their phones and internally snickering to themselves in the backseat of their parents’ cars as they went through their plan once again.

Once they arrive at their destination, the plan commences. (Y/n) approach her parents and asked if she could have a sleepover with Ryuu after the after party as she removed her graduation gown and handed it to her mother before informing them, she’ll ask Saeko if she could borrow some of her old clothes so that they won’t have to worry about that. (Yer mother’s name) told her if she behaves then she could, to which (y/n) eagerly agrees on.

Stage one of the plan was a success! Now, stage two is to borrow clothes which was the easiest of the plan since when Saeko heard little (y/n) was staying the night, she immediately gave her old clothes that didn’t fit her anymore. Next is the tricky part... stage three. They worked fast and diligently as they started by taking pieces of food, one by one so no one would noticed and that was also a success. Stage four is to escape unnoticed from the after party which went without any hitch. And lastly, stage five: locking themselves in Ryuu’s room and having their own little party.

Ryuu went out of his room to buy you ice cream and got seen by his sister as everyone was looking everywhere for you guys. He went back out of breath, locking the door behind him and giving her the vanilla flavored ice cream before joining her on his bed. His door banged multiple times as they sat inside hysterically laughing before it got unlocked with its own keys.

(Y/n) would look back on those good memories as they now looked at each other, knowing that they soon had to parted ways in high school.

“I never had that hug back then, Uno.” She stated with a wry smile as she sadly watched her parents pack their belongings and place it on the trunk of their car.

Ryuu rubbed the back of his neck. “Oh yeah... I forgot.” He awkwardly admitted.

“(Y/n), say your goodbyes to Ryuu-kun. We’ll be waiting in the car.” Her parents informed her before leaving the two alone.

“Last hug before I never see you again?”

His heart broke when he saw tears flowing down from her eyes and he couldn’t help but cry himself. He opened his arms, widely as she immediately tackled him into a hug. “Shh. We can still talk to each other and maybe someday.. we’ll be reunited. You never know, (nickname)...”

“Really..?” She pulled away slightly to look up at him before hearing her parents called out to her. “I have to go—”

“Wait! Please don’t pull away... not yet.” Ryuu glanced at her eyes then her mouth before looking at her with red tinted cheeks.

(Y/n) leaned closer to him while he closed their distance as their lips met for a quick yet soft kiss before parting shortly. “This is my promise to you, (n/n)... we will see each other again.”

“It’s a deal, Uno.” She replies before getting inside of her parents’ car, feeling giddy and shocked from her first kiss.

They continued to text one another, sometimes he would send pictures of his volleyball team, although Ryuu went to Karasuno while she went to Inarizaki.

She would take on the role of being their manager as she thought it would bring them together someday and it did... in the worst way possible.

(Y/n)’s heart shattered as she saw Ryuu talking to a pretty girl with black shoulder length hair and glasses before letting him carry her bag for her. She took a picture and texted him.

[randomfandomimagine]

End Of The Year Faves

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your 8 (ish) favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2020. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome work!

I was tagged by @myriadimagines and @musicallisto, thank you, lovelies!

10. Zack Fair (FFVII) gif imagine

I really love this one because it’s like the definition of short and sweet. It’s adorable, warm and I think I got Zack’s characterization pretty well and I often reread it when I need a smile. I just love my boy Zack and how this little thing turned out.

9. Connor (DBH) prompt (”I shouldn’t be in love with you”)

The reason I love this one it’s because I wrote it as one of my favorite things to write: a character study. I tried to express Connor’s struggle as he develops feelings for the reader and how conflicted he would be to have fallen in love with someone, having developed such a human thing as feelings. One of the many reasons why I love Connor is because of his arc in the game, because of how guilty he feels for becoming deviant despite being the very android that hunts them, it just gets to me. I’m just really glad that I could explore that in this prompt and that I managed to show it properly as well as make this more angsty, since my specialty is usually fluff.

8. Yennefer (Witcher) prompt (”I shouldn’t be in love with you” “Are you jealous?” “I’m so scared”)

This is the only Yennefer request I’ve ever gotten (besides one for a dating would include that I had already written), and I had so much fun writing it! Yennefer has appeared in my Witcher writings a lot, but never as a main character and never as a love interest, so that’s why this was so cool! I think she’s a very interesting character, so I really enjoyed getting the chance to explore her personality. I love how it turned out because I think it’s the perfect balance between her being sly and also being loving and showing her feelings for the reader. 

7. Too Nice (John Ambrose McClaren, TATBILB ficlet)

John Ambrose is another character I really like writing for. What can I say? I fell in love with him and it was great to write something for him. This is somewhere between love and almost hate, with a lot of misunderstandings and complex feelings that ultimately lead to a happy fluffy ending. He’s just the sweetest and it was curious to write his reactions to someone who doesn’t always respond well to his kindness, even if because it flusters them.

6. Special (Howl Pendragon, HMC ficlet)

And yet another character I love. It was a bit hard settling on just one version of the character, because I love both the movie and book versions, so I tried to make it a little bit of both... even if this Howl is more suave and charming like in the movie rather than the absolute endearing disaster that book Howl is. Still, I always have fun getting other characters involved with the reader and their love interest, so I loved adding Calcifer and Marko to the mix. As well as the cute interactions Howl and reader have, I love the ending in which he hints at the fact that the reader unlocked something in his heart that he didn’t think was possible.

5. Kind (Jesse Pinkman, Breaking Bad ficlet)

I don’t often get to write about Jesse, so this was awesome! Peekaboo was one of my favorite episodes and it was amazing to get to explore it. While it’s not perfect, I really like how the connection between Jesse and reader turned out, how kind (:D) he is and patient and respectful, and I think I also poured a lot of emotion to the reader with that background.

4. Separated (Zuko, ATLA ficlet)

By this point, it’s obvious that I’m more proud of ficlets (because they’re longer and take more planning and more time and effort) and about characters I love because I think the passion I have for them is more obvious. I wrote this one right when I was watching ATLA because I loved (and still love) Zuko so much. It’s sort of a character study as well (it’s established that I adore writing them) and I’m so glad that I had the idea of getting Iroh involved because he’s awesome. This ficlet just has a lot of pining and repressed emotions that come out in the end and I love it.

3. Weight On His Shoulders (PS4 Peter Parker ficlet)

This one if pretty recent, as I wrote it after beating the game myself. This game is just awesome, and this is my favorite representation of Peter ever. He’s cute, charming, nerdy, loving, kind, a bit awkward and just everything that Peter and Spidey should be (at least for me). I wanted to represent both his personas in this one, and I like the balance I achieved with it as well as the emotions, the pining, the secret identity and in the end the understanding of the reader. The part with Spidey saving reader is great and I’m very happy with how reader is prepared to confront him about it once they learn he’s Spiderman only to change their mind when they see how much it’s weighing on him so they decide to relax with him for a bit.

2. Reunion (Cloud Strife, FFVII ficlet)

I’ve written a lot of things for this fandom this year because I was super inspired after beating the remake with my brother, I loved it (honorable mentions to Heal My Heart and Stars In Your Eyes, two other ficlets that I wrote and I’m very proud of). Cloud has always been one of my favorite characters, and in this one I got to examine a side of him I usually don’t. Not only does this ficlet include Zack Fair (another one of my favorite characters) but it also goes along with an idea I had been thinking about for a long time of a female reader pretending to be a boy to get into SOLDIER and becoming friends with them, but it also shows Cloud as the meeker and shy boy he is in Crisis Core. It was so cool to write about him back then and after once he had joined AVALANCHE. His relationship with the reader was also bittersweet because of their past and it’s just so complex and emotional that I love it, especially their reunion at the end.

1. Soul of a Warrior (Jaskier x Nissa, The Witcher Fanfiction Series). This was a big project, as series always are. I spent several months planning and plotting the story and even more months writing it, and also revising it once it was finished before posting it. I put so much effort, love and time into this series that it absolutely had to be number one. Soul of a Warrior is probably the thing I’m most proud of (that I have written) in 2020. 

As most of you know (my mutuals definitely do, as they have gifted me amazing things with him), Jaskier is probably the character I fangirled the hardest about this year. I wrote many things for him (the ficlet What Would You Do Without Me? deserves another honorable mention because it’s probably my favorite thing I’ve written this year along with the series) and working on each of them has brought me so much serotonin. Jaskier is just such an amazing character, loving and compassionate but cheeky and selfish while at the same time being charming, optimistic, bubbly, extroverted and a huge flirt. So many layers!

But back to the series... Soul of a Warrior had one of the best faceclaims I’ve found, the sweetest friendship between my OC Nissa and Geralt and the slowest of burns romances with Jaskier. Him and Nissa are very similar in some aspects, so much so that they’re both too blind to realize the other’s feelings (idiots to lovers, am I right?) but they care so much about one another. The three of them were strangers, but they become family (found family, another one for the fandom bingo!) and I’m the proudest of how real and organic their relationship feels. Not to mention that their dynamic was super fun to write because Geralt is the only one that knows they’re in love and is so fed up and exasperated with their obliviousness. As well as this, I think I managed to mix action, emotion and depth really well. My secondary OCs feel more alive than others before them, Nissa was pretty complex and coherent and had a true voice of her own, and their part on the story feels important. There are tense moments, cute ones, sad ones, tragic ones... a little bit of everything. I think this one as a lot more angst and whump because I was in a bit of a dark place when I wrote it, but it still has hope and light in it, which I really love. The series also has a lot more violence than what I’m used to, but it was interesting to get out of my comfort zone a bit. 

Overall, not only do I think it’s fun to read, compelling, funny and emotional all at once, I’m just very proud that I managed to write something a little different from what I usually do and feel like I did it well. I put a big part of me in this series and for that reason Soul of a Warrior will always have a special place in my heart 💜

That it’s, sorry if I ranted a bit! I tag anyone who wants to do this!! 

[ethelphantom]

Death Doesn’t Discriminate (Between the Sinners and the Saints)

If this is the first fandom you read fics from me, you might not know that I am, in fact, not a fluff writer. I am an angst writer, and my angst is almost never light. You might've gotten a taste from it from my prompt fill for the 9th day, soulmates. My expertise is grief and loss and, you guessed it, death. Oh, and insanity. This... is probably what you should expect from me for the next few writing prompt fills... Oops? Today’s prompt just so happens to be death.

So yeah. Death. And grief. And brief implications of losing one's mind. Please mind the warnings. The death's aren't graphic, nor is the descriptions of corpses, but like, both are still somewhat described so it might be disturbing to someone? Please be careful. Love you all!

Ao3

This is Maribat -- don’t like; don’t read

______

The freezing wind played with her hair as she felt like the skin of her face was going to break in the cold. The tears that flowed down her face froze as soon as they left her eyes, but Marinette couldn’t bring herself to care. Yet another day in their ruined paradise had passed by, but she didn’t know what to make of it because said paradise that she had loved, no matter how cruel and ruined it was, had now come to an end.

The butterfly brooch in a tight grip was close to breaking, so hard she was squeezing it. It didn’t matter. Why would it matter if it broke? It was the fault of its wielder they were here now anyway. She blamed everything on those who had wrongly taken Miraculouses and used them for their own gain, because of their own greed.

Ryuko placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently. “Look at the bright side. We won, we finally won. You got the brooch, Agreste and Sancoeur are on their way to prison. The war you’ve been fighting for years has finally come to an end. You won”, she said and gave her a small sad smile. Her eyes betrayed her emotions though — she was devastated. It was in no way surprising, they had just had to watch too many of their comrades die — and even Ladybug’s Miraculous Cure wasn’t strong enough to bring them back. No.

She should’ve remembered. Nothing could bring the dead back to life.

She should’ve taken better care of them.

They had won through the loss of countless innocent lives — their victory had been secured by countless tragic demises. It was all their fault.

“I… Won?”

The bracelet of the turtle laid upon the snow, and its wielder was detransformed, dead on the ground for all the world to see. Walking past him, Marinette picked up the Miraculous and bowed to her fallen comrade, to her former friend. His shield had not been strong enough to protect him from Hawkmoth’s sword.

The corpse of the one who was supposed to manipulate time and give them a second chance was leaning against a tree, his blood having already turned the white snow under him a glaring red. Marinette knelt next to him, squeezed his fingers and took off the miraculous. It revealed a young man with blue hair, one of the few to stand beside her through thick and thin in both her civilian life and behind the glamour of the Miraculous. One last time she brought her hand to her heart and paid her respects to her dear friend. Even he couldn’t give himself — or any of them — one last second chance.

The fox, their illusionist, had fallen for illusions and mirages, visions of something better and a future filled with hope. Her life had ended as she fell to her death from the top of the Eiffel Tower, and with no miraculous to save her as it had dangled in Mayura’s tight grip, she had broken her skull as she hit the cold ground. She had been the first one they lost. Her miraculous Marinette had retrieved as she defeated Mayura, who was now missing her eyes. The peacock’s gleeful smile had turned to a horrified, soundless scream as she realised what was to come.

Never again would Mayura or Nathalie Sancoeur be able to fight or perform her duties as she once had.

Oh, and Chat Noir. Her sweet kitten. He’d fallen victim to his own mind, cruelly executed by those he once called family. Years of manipulation and conditioning to become the perfect tool for his so-called family to use, he’d been forced to try and kill her with his cataclysm — only, Agreste and Sancoeur hadn’t realised he would never kill his lady and instead forced his hand to touch himself. The last thing Marinette could remember of him were his teary eyes and the broken smile, along with a sorrowful whisper of “Farewell, M’Lady, make sure you avenge all of us. Make sure you bring them in front of cruel justice, or bring it upon them yourself. Don’t let anyone else die after me.”

As a miraculous could hardly be destroyed, she had picked up the silvery ring from the ashes and murmured her apologies to both her lost kitten and Plagg, who had once again had to watch his holder get their life stolen from them. She could barely come to terms with the deaths of her friends and comrades, but even considering how horrible it must have been to Plagg to lose holders times and times again was so much worse.

And for his death, she’d taken away the use of Gabriel Agreste’s hands. He would never be able to use them again, regardless of what anyone tried. She’d made sure of it.

But even though she's promised to fulfill her kitten's last wish, she’d failed him, as there had still been one more death after his. One death that she could not accept.

She was the Great Guardian of the Miraculouses. She was The Ladybug. She was meant to protect her team, she was meant to ensure they stayed safe. She couldn’t fail, she couldn’t lose a battle, let alone the war, because if she did, it would be immediate Game Over, not only to every single miraculous wielder,  but also everyone else that might be unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity of a miraculous that had fallen into the wrong hands. That was all there was to it. Even if everything else was lost, she would still need to be standing and ready to fight — and fight she had.

But, even though she’d technically won, why did it feel like she’d instead lost her everything? Why did she feel like she hadn’t done her job well enough?

All these young lives had ended way too soon, but there was nothing she could do about it. Marinette walked in the snow that was stained by unforgiving crimson, leaving behind dirtied footprints. Once upon a time she might have been disgusted and horrified at the sight of all this, but now she was merely empty. Numb.

Except that she wasn’t. There was one that made sure she couldn’t be numb, one whose death hit her the hardest.

She fell on her knees next to the corpse of someone who was dressed in red, black, yellow and green. A chuckle void of happiness escaped her lips. Even in death she couldn’t forget about how atrocious that suit was, how that someone looked like the personification of a traffic light.

At last, unable to hold herself with pride like the “victorious” Ladybug she was supposed to be should, she buried her face to the chest of her beloved and sobbed, the one person she hadn’t been prepared to lose. She’d long ago accepted she might lose her teammates, either to death or something else, but she had never come to think she might have to see a day when her love would be ripped away from her hands. Marinette had never wanted to bid adieu to any of them, but this one? This goodbye she never even got to say was devastating.

There were ways to bring him back — after all, that had already been done to him once — but Marinette couldn’t bring herself to even consider letting something corrupt her love so thoroughly again. Besides, she needed to get rid of the Lazarus pit once and for all with the aid of Tikki and Plagg, that she knew. She had promised it to the few who had suffered from it, she had promised it to all the kwamii. She couldn’t leave such thing in existence now that she had finally defeated the danger that had loomed over Paris and the entire world in a way for years now, thus preventing her from going and ridding the world of the curses left behind by the gods that became the kwamii a long time ago.

Her hands became stained by Damian’s warm blood (it was the only warmth she could feel in this endless, merciless cold) as she held him close and wept, though in a much different way than Gabriel Agreste’s or Nathalie Sancoeur’s. Their hands were stained in sin along with the blood of so many, hers was for trying to tell them goodbye.

She was bitter, she was angry, she was furious. She was vindictive.

But, as the one who was supposed to represent creation itself, she could do nothing about it. She would stay quiet and grieve in the depths of her soul where a part of her would always be missing, lost to the eternity of agony and time.

At least she had a body — a corpse — to bury. She hadn’t been given such luxury with some of the others. At least she could bid her last farewell to the one for whom she would have given up anything.

Marinette had the power to destroy and create anything she wanted, but there was no way she could bring her lost teammates and her lost love back to life. They wouldn’t be happy with her for destroying the balance of the world for it, and so she kept to her pain. She simply clutched Robin's — her beloved Damian's — hand in her own, trying to get the last bits of his warmth to herself, hoping for them to bring her comfort. She was nowhere near ready to let go.

Abeille — the former Queen Bee, the reformed Chloé — walked up to her and lifted her up even as she tried to resist and stay with her love. Marinette struggled as she tried to get back to the one she would have given her entire being to if he had asked, but when Chloé still wouldn’t let go, she surrendered to her fate and let herself go limp.

“Honeybug, please. You can’t do this to yourself. I know this is difficult and painful — it is that for me too —, but you need to remember we won. You won. You don’t need to suffer anymore”, she told Marinette with feigned confidence, but it was clear that in reality she had no idea what to say.

Marinette sneered and looked up and the dark, gloomy sky as snow flakes floated down and melted on her face. “I don’t… need to suffer anymore…? Beil, what are you talking about? I lost the most on this day. Officially, I won, but is it truly so? Look at what it brought me!”

She could no longer keep her composure as she screamed her heart out, unable to care about what potential witnesses thought of her. It didn’t matter, they didn’t matter. Marinette threw her hands to her sides and shook her head, her entire body trembling. “Yes, I won, but at what cost?! I lost everything and everyone I ever fought for!”

Abeille flinched back at her hysterical voice, but she couldn’t leave because she could see how devastated Marinette was, how horrified she was, yet how emptiness ate her alive from inside and made her numb. It was clear to her and Ryuko, Marinette’s closest living friends, that if they left now, there would be something bigger than a piece of her heart and soul that would break and shatter into a million fragments. They knew she would lose it.

And so, they both stayed by her side, throughout the numb and bitter apologies to her beloved’s father even as he tried to reassure her it wasn’t her fault (he did blame her, but he also knew she blamed herself enough for the both of them and even the rest of his family, so deep he knew her guilt was). They stood by her side as she brought the existence of the Lazarus pit to its end. They held her close as they buried their lost teammates and friends together, refusing any help from outside parties — after all, it was their solemn duty to let their dead to finally rest. They founded the new order of the Guardians hand in hand, dedicating one room to those miraculous wielders who had been on their side and lost their lives, and another to the one whose existence and life would have kept their Great Guardian who was too young for all of this from losing her sanity.

And, when the day came when both Abeille and Ryuko had to say goodbye to this world?

Well, that was the day Marinette Dupain-Cheng lost her mind and, bitter at the entire world and existence, started to consider bringing all of existence to an end so she could once more reunite with her friends and her love.

___

@ladysblackcat @daminett4life @tinyterror333 @annabellabrookes @7-sage-7 @theyellowfeverexperience @thethirdwheelfriend @lady-phoenix-of-tardis @kris-pines04 @daminette-december2019 @bluerosette23

[sparklyjojos]

THE SAIMON FAMILY CASE recaps [1/13]

These will be full recaps of the latest JDC book, The Saimon Family Case (彩紋家事件) from 2004, which is a prequel taking place in the late 70s. While it’s a prequel, it can be read without any knowledge about the series. (It does spoil one death from Carnival at the end, but I feel like everyone already knows about this particular one).

It won’t be obvious in the recaps, but the book consists of seven parts seven chapters each (similar to Maijo’s Tsukumojuku) with two additional parts at the end.

The novel is light in terms of content warnings (for a murder mystery, anyway), but small kids WILL die in this, and we’ll be talking a lot about a specific type of systemic xenophobic violence near the end.

See that big family tree above? Save it somewhere for future reference. Believe me when I say you will need it. (Also, as always in the recaps, family name will be given first, Japanese-style.)

Well then—has everyone found their seats? Is everyone ready to witness the most splendid illusion?

Let's start the show.

PART 1

A note at the beginning informs us that soon 20 years will have passed from the end of the famous Saimon Family Murder Case, often called the “Crime Revolution” because of its impact on the future of similar complicated incidents. The details of the case have been hidden from the masses, but the time will soon come when everyone will learn the truth.

--

It’s the very last day of the year 1999. The mysterious first person narrator of the framing device is an older gentleman attending a New Years celebration in Las Vegas with his wife. They watch a fairly young blond magician perform close up magic for the guests. The magician borrows a 10,000 yen bill from the narrator, seals it in an envelope, sets it on fire, and it suddenly turns into a rose in his hand. When the narrator is asked to check his wallet, inside he finds a bill with the same denomination and serial number, but of a noticeably larger size… among a few other stunning differences.

“Happy New Millenium!” the magician exclaims.

This little illusion awakens memories from that case in both the narrator and his wife. As the world heads towards the new century, they are the only people left who were so closely involved in those tragic events of old.

--

It's September 19th 1977, and the entire Saimon family celebrates the 99th birthday of their old matriarch, Saimon Tamako. The celebration takes place on a performance stage next to the family's main residence in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture. Tamako’s daughter Akiko pushes the matriarch’s wheelchair towards the stage.

A perceptive guest may notice two other old women in the crowd who look astonishingly like Saimon Tamako, though they are a little younger (97). These are twin sisters called—if you can believe it—Tsukumo Tamako and Tousen Tamako. The three Tamakos look near identical, and in fact once used that similarity for their magic acts: all secretly shared the single stage name of Soga Tenju. That was decades ago, of course. The Tamakos no longer look like the beautiful young woman (actually women plural) known from her most famous illusion, Courtisane and Bell.

Once Akiko and Tamako take their place on the stage, all the lights suddenly go out for just a second, and in that brief darkness two things happen.

One: the red-and-white stripes of the celebratory curtain decorating the stage suddenly turn into black-and-white stripes of a funeral curtain.

Two: Saimon Tamako dies.

--

Saimon Tamako is ruled to have died of natural causes, not unusual at her age, and the curtain changing color must have been just someone’s attempt at a distasteful joke.

However, the threat of something darker going on still seems to lurk in the background. There’s a lot of people with bad intentions in this world. As part of the Saimons, Akiko is well aware of that. She recalls what she knows about the family's past.

Back at the beginning of the 20th century, Saimon Tamako made her living performing magic with a traveling circus group. Eventually she met a rich man, married him, and with his financial help established the Soga Tenju troupe.

Of course, the magician Soga Tenju was actually three women, all looking identical, all having similarly unclear pasts and wandering with the same group, all being called simply Tamako because no one even knew their real names.

It happened that three rich men of Tsuwano, who all have been friends—Saimon Taishin, Tsukumo Taigen, and Tousen Taikun—fell for the same “Soga Tenju”, and upon discovering the secret behind the magician decided to marry one member of the trio each. Since this was the era it was, the women didn’t really have a say in the matter. (Akiko hopes for more emancipation in the future and feels sad that she probably won’t live to see it; she’s over sixty herself.)

The tendency for similar names came with all sides of the family, it seemed. The three rich men were themselves a little weird, and that shared “Tai” in their names was something they added intentionally to show their bond. Their respective firstborn children—Tsukumo Haruko, Tousen Natsuko and Saimon Akiko—were given names referring to haru (spring), natsu (summer) and aki (fall). Since the Tamakos were so similar looking, their daughters also looked close enough that one could mistake them for triplets.

Akiko herself has three sons—Taishi, Akio, and Takayoshi—but now that they are all adults, they no longer feel so close to her, especially the youngest Takayoshi, who never felt inclined to stage illusion and broke all contact with the family. He didn’t show up for Tamako’s birthday and even now, a month later, hasn’t contacted them yet.

On October 19th, Akiko is busy sewing new props for a magic routine, the Five-Ball Cascade, in which juggled balls seem to change colors between red and white in mid-air. Remembering her times as the young magician Soga Tenshuu, she attempts the act just one more time. As she throws the balls in the air, she feels a stabbing pain in her chest and suddenly sees familiar faces in the balls—her mother, her husband, her sons—changing from white to red, like a bloody cascade. As they fall to the ground, Akiko does too.

--

A month later, on November 19th, a few members of the Saimon family are combing the Tottori sand dunes in search for young Saimon Yuuta, who went missing the previous day after announcing he’d like to show them something at the site. Everyone’s on edge; it’s barely been a month since Akiko's death.

A rope is found sticking out of Umanose, the famous “horse-back” dune, and several people pulling on it manage to unearth what looks like a giant card—four of diamonds—and Yuuta’s corpse tied to it.

--

--

Not even a few years have passed since JDC’s founding when young detective Ajiro Souji and his wife Mizuki take part in Saimon Tamako’s tragic birthday celebration.

The couple feels at home in Shimane, both because Mizuki was born in the prefecture, and because Ajiro has been friends with the Saimon family ever since receiving their help during the Ajiro Family Murder Case—the experience which prompted him to create JDC in the first place.

That case, as usual, was solved by his grandfater Soujin and mentor Shiranui Zenzou [and if you want to know more about it, read Carnival]. Both of them are splendid detectives, but decided young Souji should be the one to become JDC’s representative instead.

...but we keep saying "JDC" here, and the truth is the tiny group doesn’t call itself by the fancy English name Japan Detectives Club yet. It goes simply by Nihon Tantei Club and occupies the third floor of an office building filled with boutiques, clinics and the like.

Aside from Ajiro the representative, the staff consists of six office workers and twelve detectives (not counting Soujin, who is almost always out on business). The detectives are divided into the Shiranui Section and Kirigirisu Section, named after their respective leaders. There is some tension between the sections: the Shiranui part puts more value on past experience and doesn’t approve of choosing young Souji as their representative, while the Kirigirisu part praises his potential and thinks of the organization’s future.

So far Nihon Tantei Club is pretty unknown, no dramatic and giant solved cases to their name, and everyone has a strange conflicting feeling: at once wishing for the peace to never end and wishing for the inevitable tragedy to just happen already; to just get to the point where what should be unusual becomes the new normal, because everyone knows deep down it has to happen one day.

On November 22nd, Kirigirisu Tarou as usual takes the train to work, thinking about how the world will inevitably change as the new century comes around—though, of course, he can’t be sure he will actually get to see it, as nobody knows what will have happened in over twenty years.

Maybe he’s mulling over the passage of time and worries about the future so much because he's a man without a past. Kirigirisu lost all his memories to head injury a few years ago, at the same time when he was wrongly accused of murder. Fortunately, he was proven innocent thanks to both Ajiros, could begin new life as a detective, and even found a wonderful wife called Kano. He would love it if this usual everyday life could continue indefinitely… although without crime, a detective like him would be out of a job. For now he wants to focus on helping the Ajiros as he can.

Kirigirisu arrives at the office, which is mostly empty this early in the morning. Well, except for the delinquent detective Raiouji Rokenrou, looking just like you’d expect a punk named after rock’n’roll to look like (sunglasses, a lot of hair gel…) and taking a nap on the couch. Apparently Ajiro Souji had a long meeting with him about something last night, and now wants to talk to Kirigirisu.

Ajiro Souji is a sharply dressed 29-year-old man, easy to mistake for a normal office worker in the crowd. (Kirigirisu always flinches a bit seeing his elegant tie; he himself has a strange phobia of wearing anything around his neck, which he suspects has to do with an unknown event forever hidden behind his amnesia).

They each light a cigarette and have a friendly conversation. Ajiro mentions that he recently tried to switch to cigars, but alas, it seems that it’s still “too early” for him to appreciate them; about forty years too early, according to grandpa Soujin. [Seeing as Ajiro is a huge cigar fan in most of the series, grandpa miscalculated by at least two decades.]

Soujin is a thin man of short stature who hardly looks like someone in their seventies, although his hair is just as white as his usual suit, with just a black bowtie breaking the color. He always gives off the air of a mafia boss, his sheer power of personality taking hold of everyone around. Soujin apparently feels constant wanderlust, so he almost never shows up at the office. In fact, Kirigirisu hasn't seen him in over two months now. Who knows what he’s doing.

But back to the situation at hand, Ajiro wants Kirigirisu's help. For the next few days, they will investigate a case together in another prefecture, Rokenrou taking care of Kirigirisu’s section in his absence.

The case surrounds a strange series of deaths. First, Saimon Tamako dying (seemingly) of old age on her birthday on September 19th. Second, her daughter Akiko suffering a (seemingly) accidental death on October 19th, when a misplaced sewing needle stabbed into her heart. And third, a very strange but (seemingly) accidental death of another Saimon family member that has just happened on November 19th. Ajiro and Kirigirisu are to investigate whether or not the perfectly spaced string of incidents may be an act of serial killing.

The case is of personal importance to Ajiro. After all, the person who requested their services is the same man that helped solve the Ajiro Family Murder Case: Saimon Ryuusui, known better as the great magician Soga Tensui.

--

(The third person narration swaps here to a completely different font, and informs us helpfully: but ah, before the two detectives could head to Tsuwano, they would go to Yamaguchi first, to watch the magic show of the Saimon family, a marvelous experience that Ajiro has already had a few times because of his friendship with the family, and that Kirigirisu would witness for the first time.

And from the very moment they were invited to see the show first, they felt uneasiness settle inside them. Only much, much later would one realize just how deep the hidden meaning of the show really was, and that solving all its mysteries was crucial to solving the Saimon Family Murder Case.

You could even say that the show itself, filled with so many wondrous mysteries to solve, was the true Saimon Family Murder Case. If so, then the magician Soga Tensui could be defined as its culprit—and if so, then Ajiro and Kirigirisu have just walked right into a marvelous illusion indeed.)

--

[>>>NEXT PART>>>]

[nobodies-png]

If Marluxia/Lauriam (probably post-KH3) had to send personalized bouquets to KH girls (Namine, Larxene/Elrena, Xion, Kairi, Aqua, Strelitzia - more would be against rules?), what kind of flowers these bouquets would consist of?

 ohh this is a cute prompt - I don’t know much about the language of flowers, so I had to google a lot for this one lolol, hope it’s still good ! feel free to correct me or even add other possible combinations, y’all flower enthusiasts out there 

Marluxia/Lauriam :

The bouquet for Namine consists on white tulips, associated with purity, peace, respect and new beginnings, along with forgiveness. Then cherry blossoms, representing how beautiful and fragile life is. It’s a very simple bouquet but with a lot of meaning behind. It also serves as a way for Lauriam to apologize for his actions during the entire drama in Castle Oblivion.

Larxene/Elrenas’ bouquet definitely has yellow poppies, a flower for success but also poisonous if eaten. Narcissus, self explanatory (egotism and high self-esteem, among others). And finally, sunflowers, for loyalty and longevity. Unlike the other bouquets, this one is kind of an inside joke between them - a friendly jab towards her previously mean, sharp and s t r o n g personality, but also an appreciation for her loyalty and friendship. 

Xion gets, yOU’VE GUESSED IT, FORGET ME NOTS ! The pun in Xion’s name is too good to pass up so I don’t think I gotta explain this one lol. Apart from those, there’s also bells of Ireland, to wish the receiver good luck. Baby’s breath, for innocence and purity of the heart.

In Aqua’s bouquet there’s blue pansies, which according to Hanakotoba, they’re meant for someone thoughtful and caring. So it fits ! Also iris flowers - for hope, wisdom and valour. And bluebells for her humility, cause even Lauriam can acknowledge Aqua’s strength for surviving so long in the dark.

For Strelitzia, Lauriam would totally just gather her favourite flowers (Star of Bethlehem, light pink roses, plumerias and primroses). During the time they spent apart, Lauriam was known for making arragements for her - they were wildly different, depending on his mood. Some were simply made to calm and reassure himself or her safety, colorful and happy. Others were simply a way to apologize to his sister for not being a good brother. Then, there’s those sad bouquets that he tries not to think about, the ones people leave on their loved one’s graves. 

[miss-musings]

A Hellstrop look at 4.03

Going through it scene-by-scene:

Opening scene, these two are looking domestic AF -- outside, sharing some coffee (presumably), which makes me think of their matching coffee cups at the airport at the end of 3.05. I also find it interesting that they’re plotting their day together, rather than with the rest of the Soul Squad. Just reiterates what I said earlier -- Eleanor and Michael are co-leading (or co-parenting) this Good Place Experiment 2.0.

So, then. Eleanor brings up what a dork Chidi is, which Michael also laughs pretty heartily at. It’s when she remarks on how much she loves him, that Michael changes the subject. 

“It’s so great he erased his memory,” Michael says... almost like he’s happy that he gets to spend less time with Chidi and more time with Eleanor. But, then he sees the look on Eleanor’s face, and he quickly remarks how he’s always cognizant of how Chidi electing to erase his memories has caused Eleanor pain. He specifically says that he always thinks about it and he’s respectful of Chidi’s sacrifice. Hmmm....

Then, when Chidi approaches, all chipper and blissfully unaware of who exactly they are to him, Michael is practically beaming.

In the office scene right after the ‘coffee date,’ as it were, Michael -- who has known Chidi through 803 reboots and during his two-year reboot on Earth in the new timeline, says that he’s never seen Chidi so relaxed before. Huh. And, then of course, he -- very rightly, I will clarify -- says that Chidi needs to be tortured in order to become a better person. OK. Eleanor’s on board with it, and she’s very gung-ho about using her ‘torturing ex-boyfriend skills’ for Chidi’s betterment.

I also find it interesting that Michael (and Eleanor) decide to turn to Jason for help in torturing Chidi. Wouldn’t they be afraid that Jason could accidentally give the whole thing away? Also, Jason seems to like Chidi and says himself that he’s coming off the heels of a rough break-up and maybe isn’t the right person for the job. But, of course, they know exactly how effective Jason will be at making Chidi miserable enough to decide to better himself, so they pursue it anyway.

I think the whole crux of the episode, as we’ll talk about more later, is that Eleanor is acting kind of petty with this whole ‘motivating Chidi via torture’ thing. While everyone -- even Michael -- says it’s time to let up, she’s like no, let’s keep going until he’s straight-up miserable. It’s almost like that whole “If I can’t have you, no one can.” Eleanor has grown a lot, but she’s still clearly vindictive toward her ex-boyfriend for “abandoning” her, even though he did it in an act of self-sacrifice.

When Michael and Eleanor visit Stressed!Chidi, they’re wearing matching sweater / bow tie. So cute!!! When they wear matching blues and pinks and purples, it’s usually pretty subtle. But, this was VERY obvious, thanks to that bright shade of yellow. I wonder if any of the residents ever wonder if these two Architects are a ~couple~. Like, they don’t know how Architects’ lives work. Maybe. Who knows?

Also, Michael seems to be very happy to see Chidi being tortured again. And then of course the little fist-bump between them. :)

At the luau, Michael and Eleanor are wearing matching leis!

So... who’s idea was it to create the helpful Magic Ants? Michael seems to have control over them, since Eleanor tells him to call them. Also, even though we didn’t get the scene, I would’ve loved to have seen Michael and Eleanor drinking champagne in their shared co-Architects’ office, because they are the co-parents of this neighborhood. But, damn, Chidi’s torture is to the point where Michael’s saying they need to ease off and Eleanor’s even more gung-ho. And I love the little touch of Eleanor moving to Michael’s side whenever Chidi comes into the office. Rather than moving closer to Chidi, she moves closer to Michael.

And then THE ANTS SHOW UP! Did Michael already mentally summon them with his demon powers???

OK, so for the Chidi-almost-confesses-and-Eleanor-breaks-down scene:

I know I’m not the first to point this out, but I love how, even when Michael is facing Chidi and talking to him, his body is still pointed at Eleanor. I feel like I remember some random tidbit back in my hardcore dating days. If you’re standing in a group (circle or semi-circle) of people, and you want to see who someone’s the most interested in, look at where their feet are pointed. I feel like this is actually kind of worthless when it comes to trying to figure out whether your crush actually likes you or whatever, BUT, I think it’s a point worth making here.

And, of course, their blocking reinforces everything this season has given us so far. Eleanor is in charge; Michael is her ‘assistant’ / co-Architect; and Chidi is THEIR subject now. He’s no longer an equal. Michael and Eleanor are really the equals here, even though Eleanor and Chidi are supposed to be our couple. It’s sad, really, and as much as I love Eleanor and Chidi, I’m very curious as to how the show is going to give us their romance again considering they now have a very unbalanced dynamic. (Unless they somehow give Chidi his memories back, which I’m not sure if that’s even possible.)

“And this is the Universe getting back at me” -- not the Universe, buddy. Just a bitter ex-girlfriend.

And that fact that Chidi thinks that Eleanor is God (or the God equivalent of this afterlife) just further reinforces how much I feel like we’re not really going to get Chidi and Eleanor as a real couple again. (Unless, again, they give him his memories back.)

So, as Eleanor’s having her little cry, Michael stands by her side, gives her a box of tissues, explains away her remark about how she’d promised to take care of him. And his dialogue again points out that this is Eleanor’s neighborhood. SHE’s the Architect. He’s helping her, sure; but she’s the one calling the shots now. Then, I love how he basically tells Chidi that Chidi’s pain is Eleanor’s pain, and then basically tells Chidi that he will blow up whatever the problem is. LOL

Like “OK, anything that’s causing Eleanor pain is going to get blown up. So, just tell me what it is!” Of course, Michael’s in on the whole thing, but it’s still kinda funny that that’s how he frames it to Chidi.

AND THEN, when Chidi tries to offer his apologies and comfort Eleanor for causing her pain, Michael LITERALLY SHOVES HIM OUT OF THE ROOM!!! “She’ll be fine [as long as you’re not around]!”

LMAO, you guys

So.

Now we come to the “Eleanor figures out why she’s been acting so vicious” scene.

Want to point out that it looks like Michael’s pocket square matches Eleanor’s sweater.

Michael points out that Eleanor & co. were only torturing Chidi because they had to. He basically gives her an out. He says what they were doing was necessary for the experiment, but -- because Eleanor’s grown so much -- she has to verbalize exactly why she did what she did without being prompted.

As we saw with flashbacks in earlier seasons, one of Eleanor’s biggest insecurities was people leaving her. In relationships, she always wanted to be the dump-er not the dump-ee, to the point where she reads Sam’s emails to his dad just so she can get the drop on him before he has the chance to leave her. This time, though, Chidi was the one who left HER, and she was angry, as she says.

Eleanor points out that Chidi is the person she talks to when she’s angry. But, we’ve seen her talk to Michael when she’s been angry, namely in 3.06 when she has her emotional outburst saying “I wanted that mom!” And, just like there, we can see why she prefers to go to Chidi instead of Michael (when she has the option, which wasn’t the case in 3.06), because Michael doesn’t understand human emotion.

“You’re often happy when you should be sad, and angry when you should be happy.”

But, just like last episode, Michael is the one there, comforting her, telling her to get her shirt together because they have work to do, and she’s the only one who can lead them right now. He tells her that she’s entitled to be a little angry, and that she’s on a road to work through it. Which is a much better response than he had for her during her little outburst in 3.06. So, Michael’s growing too, and learning what Eleanor and the rest of the Soul Squad need from him, even though he’s not human and doesn’t understand their emotions.

:)

P.S. Also, after rewatching that clip of the hooded figure making their way to the Good Place experiment, I’m thinking it’s either Shawn or Vicki in the Michael!SkinSuit. It seems to be a person of a taller, broader build, and they seem to be wearing more formal looking shoes. But, that could just be a stand-in and not actually representative of whomever it actually is. But, Vicky-as-Michael seems like the best bet right now, considering that was brought up in the 4.01 “previously on” and hasn’t really been mentioned since. I feel that like that’s a shoe that has to drop at some point soon.

[chierafied]

Sailing to Sunset (SKW2019d3)

Prompts:  Red Tulip - Fame, Charity, Trust + Flirt

Modern AU. 2,296 words.

Shoutout to all my friends over at Discord. 😉💙

--------------------------------------

Kagome stepped down from the stage, the applause roaring in her ears as she escaped the glare of the lights.

The host of the evening was thanking her for the wonderful speech and encouraging the audience to donate for the good cause.

Kagome, meanwhile, re-entered the grand hall, nabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and retreated into a quiet corner.

Though she was a very outgoing person, she had spent most of the night talking and smiling with the other guests of this charity fundraiser and could now do with a little break.

To be honest, she felt very much out of her depth anyway. She had never been one for these kinds of fancy parties for the rich and the famous.

That she now was a part of that world felt nothing short of preposterous.

Honestly, she still felt like a little girl playacting – which thankfully, given her choice of career, she excelled at.

It had been ten years ago when a middle school play of all things had kindled her passion for acting. 

But if someone had told a fifteen-year-old Kagome that she would in ten years be one of Japan's up and coming actresses, nicknamed online and on the media as "Tokyo Sweetheart" after the first drama she had starred in... Well, fifteen-year-old Kagome would have had a hard time believing such a lofty claim.

Frankly, twenty-five-year-old Kagome was still struggling to grasp what her life had become.

Funnily enough, at fifteen years old, she had also got her first inside glimpse to the life of the rich and famous.

Their classes had been shuffled for the last year of middle school, and for the first time ever, Kagome had found herself to be in the same class with Inuyasha, the younger son of the Nishizawa family.

They had actually become very good friends so Kagome had visited Inuyasha's house – more like a palace – several times. The Nishizawa family was very wealthy, owning multiple chains of hotels.

Actually, the hotel they were in right now for the charity fundraiser was a Nishizawa hotel.

The thought had barely registered on Kagome's mind when she met the gaze of someone standing across the room from her.

Kagome froze, her champagne glass stopped halfway to her lips.

She hadn't seen him in nine long years and yet the mad butterflies she'd felt every time in the presence of the very first crush she'd ever had were back, as if she was that star-struck fifteen-year-old again.

For a moment, Kagome just stood there, staring at him and contemplating her options.

Then, she downed her champagne, squared her shoulders, and plastered a smile onto her face.

She strode across the room, ignoring her wobbly knees.

She told the stupid butterflies to calm down and tried to channel some of that effortless flirtiness that Satsuki, one of her upcoming roles, seemed to possess.

"Sesshoumaru!" she greeted him warmly as she finally reached him, inclining her head slightly. "It's been too long. You're here representing the Nishizawa, I presume?"

"Miss Higurashi," he intoned in a voice that sent delicious shivers down Kagome's spine. "Our guest of honour tonight."

Kagome's cheeks flushed – although some of that blushing was probably just from standing next to Sesshoumaru.

Damn, Inuyasha's older brother was even hotter than she remembered.

"I wouldn't go so far as that," she said, waving a dismissive hand.

Sesshoumaru's golden gaze pierced her and he raised a single eyebrow.

"You were made a representative of the Hope children's homes, were you not? That’s why you were up there just now, making a speech," Sesshoumaru said, nodding towards the stage.

"Well yes, I was very honoured to be asked to be their spokesperson. It is such a good and important cause."

"Hnn. It does not surprise me that you would devote your efforts to charitable pursuits."

“Well I hope you’re in a charitable mood too, Sesshoumaru, because the donations we receive tonight will shape these children’s lives.”

“Very well put, Miss Higurashi. I can see why they made the offer of the spokesperson’s position to you.”

Kagome grinned. “I can be persuasive, every now and then.”

“Of that, I have no doubt. After all, you managed to befriend my half-brother – and very quickly, too, as I recall.”

Kagome bit her lip, fighting another blush.

He remembered! Actually remembered! 

She hadn’t been sure before, since his behaviour had been just as typically aloof as it had always been. 

“How is Inuyasha doing?”

“Remarkably well. He recently got engaged.”

Kagome gasped. “Oh, that’s wonderful, what great news!”

“Not quite,” Sesshoumaru said wryly. “Because now my father has joined my mother in pestering me about my love life or lack thereof.”

“Oh, I very much doubt there is any lack in that area,” Kagome scoffed.

“How so?” Kagome turned to him, incredulous, and pointedly gave him a once-over from head to toe. “I mean look at you! Any girl would be happy to be on your arm.”

“It is not a matter of not receiving any offers. I just have very discriminating tastes.”

“Of course,” Kagome concurred, deflating more than a little. 

Sure, she hadn’t expected to swipe Sesshoumaru off his feet or anything, but she’d thought now she might at least have some chance. Unlike ten years ago when she’d been the girl who Sesshoumaru probably hadn’t even noticed existed.   

Although perhaps her chances right now weren’t much better; he wasn’t even looking at her. He was staring at the hall and the crowds of people, frowning slightly.

“Everything all right?” Kagome asked after a moment of hesitation.

“Quite. I was just thinking that perhaps it’s time to mingle again. Sadly, you can’t keep to yourself in these type of events.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Kagome agreed.

She had already half-turned away, convinced that Sesshoumaru had been trying to politely imply that he’d like her to leave, when a warm large hand on her bare shoulder stopped her.

Startled, Kagome turned back and saw him regarding her, his face as carefully blank as always.

Then, he offered her his arm.

“Shall we?”

Delighted, confused and giddy at the same time, Kagome set her trembling fingers on Sesshoumaru’s arm and let him lead her away.

  --------------------------------------

Kagome stopped at the end of the pier and stared.

“Woah, that’s a big and fancy boat.”

“A yacht, actually,” a familiar deep voice corrected from behind.

Kagome’s heart leapt to her throat and the butterflies surged right into her stomach with gusto.

She peered over her shoulder and met the cool golden gaze.

“Sesshoumaru! Umm, what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to ensure no harm comes to my property.”

“Your property?” Kagome frowned.

“Yes.” Sesshoumaru nodded and glanced pointedly at the boat.

Yacht.

Whatever.

“Oh wow, that’s yours?”

“Indeed,” Sesshoumaru replied, a rare smile touching his lips.

“Very impressive,” Kagome said. She slanted him a sly look. “Is this where you bring all the ladies?”

“Only the ones who are worthy,” he returned with a straight face. “Although I believe we established back at the charity fundraiser that there are no ladies in my life.”

Kagome gaped at him. Was he actually joking with her? 

He very much sounded like he was joking... But this was the first time Kagome had witnessed any indication of Sesshoumaru having a sense of humour.

The corners of her lips quirked.

"Well, the charity fundraiser was weeks and weeks ago. Your sad and barren love life could have well grown into full bloom by now."

Sesshoumaru chuckled, sending the silly butterflies in Kagome's stomach into a frenzy.

"Unfortunately, it has not."

Kagome's curiosity perked. "Unfortunately, is it? So there is a lady then who has caught your eye?"

Sesshoumaru met her gaze squarely, his golden eyes alight with amusement.

"Perhaps."

"How mysterious," Kagome replied, trying her best to seem calm and unaffected, even though her nerves were in full jitter and the butterflies were collectively losing their shit.

Having Sesshoumaru's undivided attention all to herself was a heady experience for sure.

Kagome decided to change the topic of conversation back to safer waters.

"So since you're here in person to play the guard dog, I presume this boat is very important to you."

"Yes, I am rather fond of my yacht. I expect you to show her the respect she deserves."

Kagome couldn't quite suppress her snort.

"Then I will. I'm surprised though that you would be willing to lend your boat for the drama shoot in the first place."

Sesshoumaru shrugged his shoulders. "I know your producer, he was one year above me in university. Besides, it's an excellent opportunity to show her off."

Kagome laughed.

"I never took you for a boat enthusiast."

"If you ask nicely, maybe I will take you out on a cruise sometime."

Kagome blushed, but her smile was bright.

"Is that a promise?"

Sesshoumaru's mouth was twisted into a half-smile. "It could be."

"Then I just might have to hold you to it," Kagome quipped, her heart racing in her chest.

Before Sesshoumaru could reply, the moment was broken; the director was calling Kagome to get onto the set so they could start filming.

Kagome flashed Sesshoumaru a bashful grin and hurried towards the boat.

She was probably already slipping into her role as Satsuki, however, since right before getting on the boat she turned back, laughter in her eyes, and called back to Sesshoumaru:

“Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle.”

Sesshoumaru’s low laughter followed her as she hopped onto the boat and got to work.

--------------------------------------

It had taken some manoeuvring, finagling, and a heap of good luck, but finally Sesshoumaru had Kagome right where he wanted her: standing at the bow of his yacht, the wind whipping her hair.

She looked radiant in the white sundress adorned with red tulips, and when she looked up and smiled at him Sesshoumaru’s breath caught in his throat.

The very first time Sesshoumaru had happened to see Kagome on screen he hadn’t recognised her.

It was only afterwards when the media started to pick up on her and her drama’s popularity and her name was broadcasted in headlines that Sesshoumaru finally made the connection to the young girl he vaguely remembered and who had once been Inuyasha’s best friend. 

But although Sesshoumaru didn’t watch much of television nor had he ever been the type to harbour crushes on celebrities, the moment he’d seen Kagome acting in that drama he’d been smitten.

He’d started to obsessively follow every series she was in, no matter how small or big of a role. He may or may not have been collecting articles and photo spreads of Kagome from various magazines. 

He had made sure Kagome would make an appearance at the charity function for Hope children’s homes, conveniently held at one of his family’s hotels. And the gods and goddesses of fortune had smiled on him when, while he had been gathering his courage to go approach the object of his admiration, she had instead come to him.

And the only reason he had lent his precious yacht to be used in the drama production was so he would have an excuse to see Kagome again.

But in the end, it had all paid out, because here they were, alone with the vast beauty of the ocean spreading all around them.

Sesshoumaru walked over to join Kagome at the railing.

When he reached her, he cupped the small of her back with his hand.

Kagome turned to him, a smile ready on her lips.

“You know I didn’t even ask nicely, but you took me out on a cruise anyway,” she said, her beautiful blue eyes alight with laughter. 

“I promised, didn’t I?” he asked, eyebrow raised.

“I guess you did,” Kagome replied, pressing closer to him.

Sesshoumaru’s heart swelled. Nothing had ever felt as right as having Kagome in his arms.

“Do you want to hear something funny,” she murmured while looking out to the sea.

He let his chin drop to rest on the top of her head. “Do tell.”

“I had this huge crush on you when I was fifteen.”

Sesshoumaru’s heart stuttered in his chest.

“Truly? How remarkable. I suppose then I have some things to confess to as well.”

“You have? What things?”

“Well, for one… I am actually the owner of the Hope children’s homes.”

Kagome turned out to stare at him, her eyes wide with astonishment. “Really? Wow. That is amazing. I would have never guessed.”

“Therefore, I was well aware that you would make an appearance at the charity fundraiser and I was most eager to meet you – because my dear Tokyo Sweetheart, I just might be your biggest fan.”

Kagome’s cheeks flushed, the adorable soft pink echoing the glow slowly spreading across the horizon as the sun began its descent.

Unable to resist any longer, Sesshoumaru gave in to his silent urge and did what he’d dreamed of doing for so long: tipping up Kagome’s chin, he bent down and claimed her lips in a slow and deliberate kiss, both lingering and thorough.

“Wow,” Kagome whispered softly when they finally pulled apart. “I might still have a crush on you.”

“That is very good news because I definitely have one on you,” Sesshoumaru returned, smirking.

Kagome smiled and leaned into his embrace.

For a moment they stayed like that, enjoying each other’s presence and the atmosphere around them.

Then, after drinking in the sea and the stretching horizon and the play of warm colours spreading across the sky, Kagome let out a giggle.

“Sesshoumaru, are we literally sailing off to the sunset right now?”

“Well, since we’re on a yacht and not a sailboat, technically…”

“Sesshoumaru?”

“Yes?”

“Shut up and kiss me again.”

“Gladly.”

[hoodie-lover]

My Multiverse Part 10

Ink was ready, he had his number two ready to help him, and he had his toys ready to play with. Before he opened a portal to the anti-void, he walked up behind Dream and hugged him, placing his hands in and around Dream’s soft ribs. 

“Can I have a kiss~?” Ink asked, his eyes a pale pink. 

“Why?” Dream asked, smirking and turning around to place his hands on Ink’s skull, rubbing it tenderly. 

“So we can get you into the right mindset. I’m soulless so I can’t truly be guilty, but you still have a soul, however deformed it may be, you can still feel genuine emotions. And we don’t need you feeling any guilt about what we’re about to do.” Ink explained, but continued. “But it can also be fun~.” Ink added, winking. 

“Sure Inky~.” Dream said, tackling the guardian. 

The two guardians kissed, a soft moan escaping from either one of them every now and then. Ink soon grabbed Dream’s shoulders and pulled him closer, then flipping. With Ink now on top, he summoned the chain he’d used on Dream when he’d first kissed him. And he tugged it, bringing Dream’s skull upward, and then he forcing the skull back to the floor with a prompt and deep kiss. 

They continued to flip and kiss for about 15 minutes before they both needed a break. Both thoroughly happy, and satisfied, they opened the portal to the anti-void, ready to begin the punishment. Though as both skeletons got up from the floor, a strong blush was spread across both faces. Ink’s face was a rainbow and Dream’s face was a bright yellow. 

Dream grabbed Ink’s arm, leaning his body against Ink’s and leaving his head on top of the god’s head. When they entered the anti-void, they saw Error holding Blue like a sleeping child. Dream squealed just a bit at the scene, he found it so cute. Ink chuckled at Dream and shook the guardian of his arm before walking up to the cute pair on the anti-void floor. 

“Glitchy~, wake up. It’s time for your punishment.” Ink whispered. Error perked up and pushed Ink away, gripping the sleeping Blue tighter. 

“What do you want?!” He cried out, covering place Blue’s ears would be if he actually had them. 

“We’re going to punish you for trying to tell Blue about my powers.” Ink said, booping Error on the nose. 

“We…?” Error repeated, and upon seeing Dream, he felt his metaphorical heart stop. 

“I made him like me. So I can have someone to relate to, and have fun with.” Ink said, looking at Dream with a longing look. “And thanks to you Error, credit where credit is due.” Ink added on, giggling as he poked Blue in the skull. 

When Blue’s glitchy eyes opened up, he looked up, in no particular direction. “Error…? We...out?” Blue asked, his voice still echoing. Blue grabbed Error’s clothes, beginning to shake and tremble. 

“Hi Blue! Did you miss me?” Ink asked, and Blue stopped breathing. 

Error panicked and began to run Blue’s back, whispering a soft song. But Blue was still frozen solid, like a block of ice, and just as cold. Error had often been told this was a sign of an upcoming REBOOT. Though Error never stopped breathing before, and he often went limp or isolated himself. 

Glitching and static covered Blue’s body as his eyes became covered by the glitching of his body. He was in the middle of asking a question, or screaming, Error wasn’t sure, but he was stuck on the ‘ah’ sound for the time being as he had something akin to a seizure. Error and Ink were stunned, Error usually went limp when he was close to or REBOOTing. What was going on? Error quickly moved Blue off of him and gave him some space. Ink also backed up, though he was more curious.

When Blue finally stopped, a REBOOT progress bar appeared over his head and began to fill up, a percentage showing how far along he was. 

“This is new. Dream get over her and take him.” Ink called out, and Dream walked over and picked up Blue by the shoulders and threw him over his back like a sack of potatoes. 

“NO!” Error screamed but Ink blocked his path and grabbed his hands, which had already been tangled with his strings, signalling he was ready for a fight. 

Ink threw Error onto the ground and placed a foot on his chest, pressing down and breaking a rib effortlessly. Ink then let Error’s hands go and untangled the strings, letting the soft material rub against his boney hands. He giggled and began to pull them, and pull hard. 

Error cried out in pain as Ink pulled on them, forcing Error’s eyes to make more, and it hurt, “STOP! PLEASE!” Error begged, trying to grab the strings and keep Ink from pulling more. 

“Fine.” Ink said as he ripped the strings clean off Error’s eyes. Then Ink looked over at Dream. “Make sure Blue doesn’t wake up, making him uncomfortable or feeling in danger should do it.” Ink told Dream, and the positivity guardian gave a thumbs up in response. 

Error breathed a sigh of relief as he was let go, but he clutched his ribs in pain as he sat up. Ink opened a portal to the pale AU Error knew all too well. And in front of him were Nightmare, Cross, and Fresh. They stepped out in unison, eyes blank and void. Though Error noticed something off about all of them. Fresh’s glasses were gone, Nightmare’s goop was more liquidy and runny, and Cross was slouching, something he would never tolerate. 

Ink snapped a finger and Nightmare walked up besides Ink, staring into nothingness. “As you probably guessed by now, I was bluffing when I said I’d dust them, but I most definitely will torture them.” Ink explained, and Nightmare collapsed to the ground and screamed in pain. 

It was loud, even the souls Error had stringed up above them were shaking from the noise. Ink spun his finger in a circle, like turning a dial, and Nightmare screamed louder, his tentacles flailing about. Error also saw the large tears were falling down his face. 

Far away from Ink, Dream looked on. He had a hand clutching Blue’s ribcage, cracking it every few seconds, which resulted in Blue’s REBOOT being stunted at 26%. Dream may not have felt guilt about what was being done, but a small tear in his soul, or whatever it was at this point, drew his attention. Dream used his free hand to summon his soul and look at it. It was normal, or normal for what is was now, a golden apple core with a rainbow sheen. The rainbow was the embodiment of his gift from Ink, the gift of control, and it also showed his undying allegiance. As Ink’s signature color, or colors, were forever on his soul. 

But the blue shone greater than the other colors, Dream knew that Ink’s blue vial represented sadness, so did Dream feel sad? He didn’t understand, he wasn’t guilty for what Ink was doing and his role in the torture of his brother, so why was his soul saying he was sad? Dream stole a glance at Blue, his limp body and glitchy bones, this wasn’t what Dream had thought their next meeting would look like. He still remembered when Ink had explained the vials to Blue. 

“Your soulless?! How?!” Blue had gasped, staring at Ink in shock. 

“I woke up like this, so I have no idea.” Ink said, though Dream knew it was a lie at the time, Dream was never told the truth either. 

“Well, I find it ironic that the favorite color of the Magnificent Sans is the color of sadness. For we all know that I am the most positive Sans in existence!” He announced to the room, which other than him only consisted of Dream and Ink. 

It was a favorite memory of his, he’d have to ask Ink if it was real or not. He silently hoped it was real. That was when he saw the blue color fade, and a golden hue take over. Dream dispelled his soul and made another crack in Blue’s ribs, setting the REBOOTing process down to 25%. 

Error was trying to get to Nightmare, trying to calm him down, but he couldn’t. Nightmare just screamed and cried in pain and Error was powerless as Ink laughed. Error managed to get his feet, but shambled as he found his footing.

“See Glitchy? This is what happens when you don’t do what I say. Honestly, I can make him scream and beg for death, of his own will. But I’ll give you one more try to not mess it up. If you spill anything, I will know, and your family will never be happy again.” Ink threatened as he grabbed a rusty knife and ran it across Nightmare’s face.

Error recognized the knife, it was the same one from the dungeon wall. He saw it break and slice and the bone as if it were butter. Error was terrified, as his, basically, dad screamed in pain Ink carved his name into Nightmare’s cheek. 

“Now that he’s done, time for Crossy~!” Ink announced and dropped Nightmare in a portal. A loud bang came from the portal, signaling Nightmare had hit the ground, and the portal closed. 

“You didn’t think I’d stop at one Error? Did you?” Ink cackled as he brought up Cross. 

Just then a blue bone shot up through Error, keeping him in place. “Just in case.” Ink explained and snapped his fingers. And Cross’ eyes sparked to life, and he collapsed on the ground. Scowling, but not at Ink.

Characters belong to their respective owners

Next

First

[justlookatthosesausages]

Prompt: Anna finds out that at the ball when Elsa wanted to talk to Anna alone she actually was going to tell Anna about her magic, not about Hans.

(I’m actually going to turn this into an AU heheheh)

=========

“May I talk to you, please? Alone?”

Anna frowned, about to say she refuses, but suddenly noticed how the Queen was fidgeting with her hands. A flashback came to her mind: that was exactly the way that Elsa used to nervously hold her hands when Anna and her broke something when they were little, and had to tell their parents. The redhead’s eyes widened. So Elsa hadn’t changed that much after all… There was a silence, Elsa sadly staring at her, and Anna cleared her throat.

“Uhm, Hans, will you please excuse us for a minute?” Asked Anna.

Elsa was surprised that she actually agreed, but kept her regal attitude.

“In fact, it may take a bit longer than just a minute…” She winced.

Anna nodded. “We’ll see you around”, she told her fiancé.

Hans frowned with doubt but accepted. He hoped that they weren’t going to talk about the suspicious engagement. He was close to his goal, the Queen better not ruin everything. He had a sly smile as the two sisters walked away.

Still lost on the reason why Elsa was isolating them, Anna followed her elder in the corridors, and noticed how far she was walking.

“Hey, you walk faster than I imagined. I mean… Not in a bad way. I mean…”

She sped up a bit, unsatisfied to just watch the back of Elsa’s blonde hair bun, and caught up her rhythm so she was next to her. With surprise, she noticed that Elsa’s face was pale with apprehension. Anna had a pout and tried to engage the conversation.

“What do you want to talk about? I figured you’re not going to talk about Hans. You want to show me something, right?”

Elsa’s expression changed when she heard what Anna said. She couldn’t help but turn to her with a smile at the corner of her lips. “You’re always really clever”, she complimented.

“Well, yeah, duhh”, eyerolled Anna. “Wait, what?”

Elsa had a chuckle, but that was all of the happiness she allowed herself in that moment. When they finally arrived to destination, the reason of their presence here made her face sad again.

She opened a door, letting Anna in before her, and the princess recognized the room where was hung the giant painting representing their father during his coronation. ‘How fitting’, Anna thought. She then spotted that the candle and the box settled on the furniture underneath were glistening with a sort of thick white layer. She was about to step to them to see what it was, but the sound of Elsa closing the door behind them distracted her.

“You’re locking us in?” Frowned Anna.

Elsa’s eyes widened. “Oh, no, I just… Closed the door. I wanted some privacy.”

The blonde noticed how Anna was looking at the handle.

“Anna, about the door…”

The redhead lifted her eyes to her. Elsa clarified.

“I mean, the door of my bedroom. I’m…”

The Queen audibly gulped. Her eyes were filled with upcoming tears.

“I’m so, so sorry. I couldn’t… I didn’t…”

Anna understood how deeply sad she was about to be, and wanted to put a hand on her shoulder. Elsa gasped and did the same avoidance gesture that she did earlier.

“No, don’t touch me!”

The younger retracted, both physically and psychologically. Elsa noticed.

“I mean, I can’t touch you.”

Anna frowned at the nuance. “What do you mean?”

Elsa bit her lower lip. “It’s… About…” She struggled. “It’s about me.”

There was a silence, the redhead understanding that Elsa needed her own time to reveal things, and respecting that. She waited.

“I need to show you. I can’t bear any of it anymore.”

Anna’s eyes widened. Elsa took off the glove of her left hand with the most shaking hands Anna had ever seen. She looked at her elder with deep worry.

“Elsa, are you okay?”

The Queen almost startled at her words, too focused on staring at her fingers now free in the open air. She gulped.

“I… I’m not, but I have to do this.”

Anna had a sad frown. “Look, if you’re not comfortable with it, you don’t have to—”

“No, Anna, I have to show you.”

There was some authority in her voice, but some determination as well, which Elsa apparently needed to be supported at that moment. Anna nodded in agreement.“Okay, go on.”

The princess wondered if what made Elsa have such shaking hands was because she was afraid of getting microbes. Though the room wasn’t even dirty…

Elsa breathed in and out with difficulty, and clenched her eyes closed as she moved her fingers. Anna wondered what was all that stress about. Then suddenly, when she saw what appeared around her elder sister’s fingers, she let out a loud gasp of amazement.