#the stronger the hate;; open starter

[maskednihilism]

Tag dump

[edenmemes]

baldur's gate 3 starters (part 1)

part 1 / ? .

❝ a less trusting person might think this all sounds very suspicious. ❞ ❝ you say all the right words, but i’m not sure you mean the right things. ❞ ❝ i know somewhere quiet. somewhere intimate. somewhere we can…indulge in each other. ❞ ❝ eugh, don’t be nice to me. it makes me want to be nice back. ❞ ❝ we needn’t be enemies. there’s plenty of those to go around already. ❞ ❝ there’s a steeliness to you, an unwavering tenacity in the face of, to be frank, quite dire odds. ❞ ❝ even the waves of fate can break upon the shores of will. ❞ ❝ i appreciate anyone that opens a conversation with threats of bodily harm. ❞ ❝ oh, you know me - ever the optimist. i’m trying to focus on the positives. ❞ ❝ i’m not easily impressed by people, but you’re stronger than i gave you credit for. ❞ ❝ there’s an air about you. something alien. ❞ ❝ loosen the grip on your pride for one blasted moment, won’t you? ❞ ❝ it’s been a long time since someone stuck their neck out for me like that. ❞ ❝ there’s something odd about this village. people skulk around like they’ve something to hide. ❞ ❝ you know, if you want to spend time with me, you only have to say so. ❞ ❝ i want to know what the world sees when it looks at me. what you see. ❞ ❝ what’s better than a devil you don’t know? a devil you do. ❞ ❝ you must know that you’re…that you’re very special to me. ❞ ❝ the gods are nothing if not vindictive in their vengeance. ❞ ❝ stay with me a while, will you? day will come all too soon. ❞ ❝ here’s my little treat with their cheeks all flushed. ❞ ❝ i am terrified. i will not claim otherwise. ❞ ❝ my apologies. i’m not quite myself yet. i had the strangest dream last night. ❞ ❝ we didn’t die today. tomorrow, perhaps. but not today. ❞ ❝ leader’s need to make tough decisions. we do what we must. ❞ ❝ i think that unknowable powers come with unknowable consequences. ❞ ❝ i’ve had a lifetime’s fill of watching little men puff themselves up with grand titles. ❞ ❝ in these times, all we can trust are the blades in our hands. ❞ ❝ it’s not easy to turn away from one you once loved. ❞ ❝ much has been promised to you, hasn’t it? but what has been taken from you? ❞ ❝ damn it all. i can do nothing right - not a damn thing. ❞ ❝ every instinct i have tells me that nothing’s changed. that i’m still just a means to an end. ❞ ❝ do not speak of a story you only know the half of. ❞ ❝ i dreamt every night that you’d come back to me. that somehow it was all a nightmare dawn would undo. ❞ ❝ when the time comes to strike, you must take it. for there may be only one chance. ❞ ❝ your eyes. there is pain, endless and deep. but also devotion - blazing like the sun. ❞ ❝ you’re adorable even when you’re teasing me. ❞ ❝ i don’t need your help, and i don’t need your pity. ❞ ❝ i’m more than what i was. and i’m not afraid of anything any more. ❞ ❝ i said exactly what i meant: i love you. you should never, never doubt that. ❞ ❝ this is all like some sort of terrible dream. but it’s real, isn’t it? ❞ ❝ there is no redemption. can’t you see? it is too late. ❞ ❝ i don’t know that it was brave. i just know that it was right. ❞ ❝ you took those bastards down like it was nothing. it…was amazing. ❞ ❝ they underestimated me. so they paid the price. ❞ ❝ we fight, we die, and we just hope that when our time comes, there is someone else to take our place. ❞ ❝ unfortunately for me, you’re my friend. rescuing you from mortal peril is my right. ❞ ❝ what did you think i was going to say? 'oh, come here, i'll kiss you better'? ❞ ❝ flowers are so overrated. they're bright, gaudy, and almost never make good poisons. ❞ ❝ i’ve been lied to, my whole life. and i was gullible enough to just believe it. ❞ ❝ you know, i never pictured myself as a hero. never thought i'd be the one they toast for saving so many lives. and now that i'm here…i hate it. ❞ ❝ you know, i feel a connection between us. like we're two souls walking the same path. ❞ ❝ the forgiving sort, are you? you should be careful. plenty would take advantage of that. ❞

❝ it’s as if god made you just to ruin me. ❞ ❝ perish the thought. every word i said was nothing less than true. ❞ ❝ you have a manner of irresistible desperation about you. i like it. ❞ ❝ i got my eye on you. you got the look of a troublemaker. ❞ ❝ i’m starting to think you’re my guardian angel. ❞ ❝ it seems you know me better than i know myself. ❞ ❝ you…you have no idea what you’ve done. ❞ ❝ they say madness and genius are separated by but a hair’s breadth. perhaps the same is true of madness and stupidity. ❞ ❝ oh, it’s you. don’t you get tired of telling people how to live their lives? ❞ ❝ good morning! thank you for not killing me the other night. ❞ ❝ when the time comes to strike, you must take it. for there may be only one chance. ❞ ❝ it is good to savour the moment of victory - but pace bg3 syourself. our fight is just beginning. ❞ ❝ i was too hasty to judge you. i thought you were witless, gutless, unimpressivably bland… ❞ ❝ yours is the first happy face i’ve seen in a good while. ❞ ❝ when hope has been whittled down to the very marrow of despair – that’s when you’ll come knocking on my door. ❞ ❝ thank you, my friend. maybe we’ll meet again, in another life. ❞ ❝ you’ll regret sticking your nose in my business. ❞

[goodnightmemes]

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER SENTENCE STARTERS

❛ I'm sorry for your loss, your...your losses, rather. ❜

❛ Nobody gets away with anything. Not really. ❜

❛ Don't lecture me about family values. You're just as shit in that department as I am. ❜

❛ That day was the last day we were all in the same place. Alive. ❜

❛ They will love you because I love you, and the only thing stronger than love is how scared they are of getting cut out of the will. ❜

❛ And most people go their whole, wasted, stupid lives without one minute of true resolution. Not me though. ❜

❛ You know what a resolution is? It's a deal you make with the future. ❜

❛ The people in charge of making us healthy make us sick. We cheat the dying. We fleece the poor. Promote the racist. Let the demons run amok. This world needs changing. ❜

❛ You're supposed to be shadowing me. Shadows don't fucking talk. ❜

❛ This is beneath you. And you're going to kill it. But you're better than all of this. And the minute you figure that out, you're going to be unstoppable. ❜

❛ There's no such thing as a step back. You go forward. If you hit a brick wall, you don't go back, you go through. ❜

❛ Nearly realized is the sweetest. It's better, I promise, in the moment just before than in the moment after. ❜

❛ You are consequence. And tonight, you are consequential. ❜

❛ You are a pretty, pretty little thing. ❜

❛ You wonder why people hate us. This is why. ❜

❛ Everybody knows that edible arrangements are what you send to people you hate. ❜

❛ If you start thinking this is reality, you'll just slip into the abyss. ❜

❛ We can talk about it after because I've had a shit day and I really just wanna starfish and forget the world. ❜

❛ Don't talk to me until I've come at least twice. ❜

❛ I love how deliciously, pointlessly mean you lot can be. ❜

❛ You still didn't need to come here though. It could have happened quiet. Peaceful. In bed. But I guess it's got to happen like this. ❜

❛ It's amazing how far you can get on denial. You know why so many people use denial to get by? Because it really fucking works. ❜

❛ You can't enhance this image? You see it all the time on TV. They hit a button, it enhances it. ❜

❛ I don't even own anything funeral black. ❜

❛ Satin is silk for poor people, no one should wear it to a funeral, unless they died in it. ❜

❛ Nobody knows they're the fall guy until they're falling.❜

❛ Women are the natural leaders of the species. Ancient Egypt had it right. ❜

❛ Okay, just because the door's open doesn't necessarily guarantee you a seat at the table. ❜

❛ You're not who I thought you were. ❜

❛ I really didn't want to think it, but...you're all fucking monsters. ❜

❛ Watching you shit on your principles would have been worth every fucking penny. ❜

❛ The mind of guilt is full of scorpions. And I wouldn't wish their sting on anyone. ❜

❛ Don't have to be smart to be dangerous. I'm not scared of rattlesnakes 'cause they're so smart. ❜

❛ You're so out of touch with your human side...you can't even listen to anything outside your own head. ❜

❛ I haven't seen you sleep in like...I mean, it's been a fucking long time. Like, horror movie long. ❜

❛ Life is insane. It is madness. The sooner you understand that, the better off you'll be. ❜

❛ The world might not be safe but listen to me, and listen carefully. I won't let anything happen to you. ❜

❛ All these terrible things and I thought, that's when people come together. But we've never been further apart. ❜

❛ Tell me it's worth it. Tell me you know the risk and I'll be there with you. I'll back you up. Just tell me. ❜

❛ Shut your mouth, get your shit together. The fuck is wrong with you? ❜

❛ Men, when they think they're immortal, all they want to do is fuck. When they figure out they're going to die, all they want to do is fuck. ❜

❛ It just makes you think, you know, life is so fucking short. ❜

❛ You don't have to be a tyrant, but if you don't want to be consistently cruel, then you have to be sufficiently brutal at least once to establish authority. ❜

❛ I thought it was an act. I figured you just played the housewife so you could keep a roof over your head. Spread your legs or suck his dick twice a week and you're set. You never have to work a day in your life. And I thought, "Good for her, she found her angle," but...this is really you. Isn't it? ❜

❛ Words got us into this, words can get us out. ❜

❛ You're a collection of impeccable, elaborate masks in orbit of a stunted heart. ❜

❛ There are certain things one shouldn't have to face in life. Time enough for self-reflection after. ❜

❛ I don't normally like to get my hands this dirty, but honey, you earned it. ❜

❛ I see you now. I look at you and I see... You. The poverty of you. ❜

❛ The real world is Darwinian. Survival, chaos, power. Leverage. ❜

❛ You feel it. In the air. We're sitting outside of time and space. ❜

❛ This is the moment luck meets opportunity. ❜

❛ In the ancient world, we'd seal this with blood, or spit. And then later, papyrus. But, a deal's a deal all over the world. ❜

❛ We're a... virus, I think. People, I mean. ❜

❛ But everyone loves something. And in that love there's collateral. ❜

❛ I say this with love. Let it go. Let it all go. ❜

❛ So I say, we stand tall and proud. Bill's come due. Let's not hide here in the basement like we've got something to be ashamed of. No. Not us. You and me against the world. ❜

❛ It may not have been perfect, but you can't say we didn't change the world. How many people can say that at the end? ❜

❛ I knew I would climb to the top of the tower on a pile of corpses. ❜

❛ It don't matter in the end why you did any of it. I don't fucking care why you did it. We don't want your confession, or your rationale, or your explanation. ❜

[beyondspaceandstars]

Paint 'n' Sip

Relationship: Bucky Barnes x Reader Warnings: N/A, just all fluff! Summary: You convince your boyfriend Bucky to go to a paint and pour with you. A/N: so this is part of my attempt to post the writings I originally posted on ao3 before I made this account so this is a pretty old one-shot (ao3 says 2020 but I feel like I wrote this before that lmao) however I did go through and edit it so it's a bit stronger than it was before! please enjoy, it's a super simple little fluffy thing :)

Masterlist

"Doll, come on…" Bucky sighed as he gripped the event flyer in his hand. You were sitting on the couch, watching, while Bucky was planted in front the kitchen island.

You just came in the room minutes ago with puppy dog eyes in full swing and a pout as sad as you could muster. Of course, your boyfriend immediately knew something was up, but he gave you the benefit of the doubt and read the flyer you were shaking about. You had got yourself cozy on the couch and waited for his reaction. As predicted, he wasn’t a willing participant.

"What?" You frowned. "It’ll be fun."

He shook his head and turned to you. "Painting and drinking wine? Sounds more like a girls night activity."

"Well," you sighed and crossed your arms, "none of my friends are available, so I thought my wonderful boyfriend who loves me so much would go with me." You tried to keep your face as serious as possible, but it was difficult thanks to Bucky’s expression which told you he wasn’t that convinced yet.

"Doll, seriously, of course I love you, but I draw the line somewhere."

You groaned and got up from your seat, making your way over to your stubborn boyfriend. He placed the flyer on the counter and opened his arms to engulf you. Despite your slight annoyance, you accepted. You were always weak when it came to him holding you.

"You’re being a bit dramatic about this," you said as you gently ran your fingers through his hair. "It’s just a bit of painting paired with some wine sipping. What’s there to really hate?"

"Well, for starters, I’m not much of an artistic guy—," you rolled your eyes, but he continued, "and it’s gonna be full of moms."

You couldn’t help but let out a laugh. "Moms? You think it’ll be full of moms?"

Bucky gave you a look, eyebrows raised. "Wine and painting? Sounds like a mom activity."

You shook your head. "I’ll have you know, this is a very trendy thing trendy adults do."

Now, Bucky was the one laughing. "Oh? And we’re so trendy?"

You lightly hit his arm for that comment. "Come with me and you’ll see that it isn’t so bad."

He truly couldn’t say no to you. And you both secretly knew it.

Saturday night had finally rolled around.

You sat at your vanity touching up your makeup while Bucky lounged on your shared bed. You kept sneaking glances at him through the mirror, taking notice of how he had freshened up a bit more than usual. His jeans hugged him in the right places and his hair was done well. It warmed your heart to see the effort he was trying to put in for you. Even if it was just a night of painting and drinking, it was still a night out with each other.

"You almost ready, hon?" Bucky asked as he kept glancing at the clock on the wall. Your reservation was at seven and you were sure going until the last possible second with your makeup.

"Oh, sure, sure," you waved a hand in dismissal. "Just let me put on lipstick."

"Lipstick?" Bucky frowned. "That just means you won’t let me kiss you."

You let out a laugh, trying to stead your hand as the scarlet color coats your lips. "You can keep your lips to yourself for a few hours."

Your boyfriend mumbled something under his breath then whisked you out of the shared apartment.

You both arrived in just the knick of time. After checking in and grabbing your drink, you two found the only open seats. They were in the middle of the room. And they were nicely situated between two groups of excited, bubbly women.

It didn’t go missed by you that Bucky was the only guy that and from the frown forming on your boyfriend’s face, you realized he noticed at well. You did your best to hold in laughter. He would probably bug you endlessly for this one, and you knew it.

"I think you owe me for this, sweetheart." Bucky muttered as he stared emotionless at the blank canvas propped up the table.

You glanced down at your sorted paints and brushes. "Maybe this will allow you to find your inner Picasso."

Bucky let out a humorless chuckle before taking a big gulp of his drink.

While your boyfriend stewed in his grumpiness, you decided to eavesdrop on the ladies around you two—partially desperate to prove it wasn’t just moms here. You quickly found out that the women on your side were college students out celebrating the end of finals. There was, also, what looked like, a bachelorette party going on a few tables in front of you. You were just about to tell Bucky he was wrong about the clientele when the women sitting closest to him started talking about their children's soccer games. As if on cue, Bucky shot you a look.

"You so owe me for this," Bucky whispered to you. You had to cup your hand over your mouth to stop yourself from roaring with laughter.

The room died down when the instructor introduced themselves and began the class. The painting on tonight’s agenda was a simple sunset with a forest landscape. It sounded quite cute and may even make a nice piece for over your dresser, you thought.

As you got into the painting, you kept glancing over at Bucky. To much surprise, he was extremely concentrated on his canvas. Every brush stroke was done such precision and no move was done unwisely. His drink was even going untouched, completely forgotten about as he was consumed by paint. Your heart fluttered at this sight.

Turning back to your canvas, you tried to match his precision. The blending of your sunset wasn’t exactly up to par, but you thought if your stubborn boyfriend could get into it, you could too. It was your idea after all. How were you doing to be shown up by Mr. Grumpy over there?

Eventually, the instructor concluded the session and everyone around you was quick to show their group what they had done. Plenty of wine had flowed as well, probably contributing to the frenzy.

You stared at your sunset and were a bit…unimpressed. It was alright for a beginner, you figured. You turned to ask how Bucky was doing but your words died on your tongue when you saw his final painting. Bucky’s was the completed opposite of yours… It was like a whole new world. The detail, excitement, colors, everything… The care and concentration he had put into it didn’t go unnoticed. Everything flowed so gently and beautifully. To say you were amazed would be an understatement.

"Buck, that’s…incredible." You were in awe. Bucky glanced at you and a slight blush creeped up on his cheeks.

"You really think so?" He asked.

You nodded. "We’re gonna have to hang it up when we get home."

He chuckled and asked if you ere ready to go. You agreed, deciding it was time to free home.

With both paintings in one hand, Bucky used his other to intertwine your fingers and swung your arms back and forth gently as you two walked back home.

"I’ll be honest, I had a good time tonight," Bucky admitted.

"Really?" You giggled. "I hadn’t notice at all. I thought the canvas would combust from your intense stare."

He bumped his side into you lightly. "I was just… really into it. We gotta paint more."

"Oh, no, not we." You shook your head. "I think this is your hidden talent."

Bucky started to blush again and looked away toward the street.

"I mean it, babe." You mumbled, rubbing patterns on his hand with your thumb. "I think it could be good for you. Therapeutic, maybe."

His walking speed was slowing down a bit. You were looking at him while his eyes were trained on the pavement.

"Only if you promise you’ll hang up every painting I do."

You smiled at the comment. He started picking that talent up from you—making some lighthearted comment even in the slight serious of times. The fact he even considered it made you feel all fuzzy. You couldn’t wait to see what he could do with a full set of acrylics.

"It would be an honor to display any of your paintings."

He gave you a peck on the cheek, now making you blush as you continued your way home.

[websterss]

I GOT YOU, YOU GOT ME  — LUKE PATTERSON

SUMMARY: What is love without a few obstacles in the way. Luke finds out that Caleb put a stamp on you.

WARNING(S): Angst, mentions of death 

WORD COUNT: 6,838

PAIRING: Luke Patterson x fem!Reader 

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy it! Feedback is always welcomed!

MASTERLIST

The boys had appeared backstage at the ghost club. They were together in Julie’s garage about to get ready for the show when Caleb showed up. Now they stood backstage. Not one of them was enjoying any second of being there. It was a lot harder on Luke because the last time he saw you, you had suddenly vanished out of the garage. Caleb taking your place and appearing on top of Julie’s piano. He told Luke that you were, “Okay…for now.” Which did not sit well with the boys. Next thing they knew Caleb blew some magic dust in their faces and they poofed out of the garage.

Now here they were, in some of the most ridiculous outfits they’ve ever worn. Luke’s collared shirt, tie and blazer were too much for the free loose style he preferred. The boys watched as Caleb came down some stairs from their left.

“Well don’t you look nice.” He smirked

“S-Sweet threads.” Reggie was surprised by the outfits they were wearing but somehow they were nice and he hated that fact he agreed even more. Caleb took a nail file and filled his nails in front of the boys.

“H-How’d you know our sizes?” Alex put his hands out.

“That’s your question!” Luke responded in annoyance as he kept pulling at his collar that did not want to loosen up. He felt so restricted and covered up he felt like he was about to snap.

“I know you boys aren’t my biggest fans, and an eternity at my club might seem overwhelming, but I just put you in sweet threads so humor me on this one last pitch. Now for starters…isn’t it nice that you’re all here together.”

Luke looked at Reggie, then at Alex.

“And believe me, everything you two want, including Willie and Y/n…is here.” He gestured to Alex and Luke. Who were confused about what they should do. Alex shifted on his feet while Luke looked over at Alex. On one hand they did not want to join the club, but you and Willie were here. The only people they wanted to be with. “And on my stage, you don’t vanish when the music stops.” Caleb approached Luke. “You soak in the applause for as long as you want. The connection that you will feel with that audience…” He adjusted Luke’s black bow tie. Luke’s thoughts were unsure. He looked like a hopeless puppy. “Will be like no other, I promise.”

Just as he finished the crowd cheered, all excited for the show that was about to start.

“Oh, shh shh. Do you hear that?” Caleb took a step back from Luke. “They’re waiting for you!” A sudden high jolt struck the boys in the chest making them bend over in pain. They groaned in agony as they got struck harder this time.

“Ooh that one looked like it hurt!” Caleb shrugged as he walked backwards towards the curtain strings. “Now let me remind you. You don’t know if playing the Orpheum is your unfinished business. Do you really have time to make that mistake? I suggest you take my offer because the clock is ticking.” Caleb reached for the glass on the tray his servant was holding for him and took a sip. “And Luke.” Luke looked up from the pain. “So is Y/n’s time.” He smirked as he set his drink back on the tray.

“What did you do to her-“ Luke groaned as another jolt struck him and the boys. They were growing stronger by the minute.

“Ouch.” Caleb furrowed his brows. Just then Caleb snapped his fingers and you suddenly appeared. However he didn’t make you reappear gently. You ended up hitting the ground with a thump. You groaned as you slowly sat up with your hands.

“Y/n!” Luke exclaimed as he rushed over to you to help you up gently.

“You know where to find me.” Caleb opened the curtain and walked onto the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen I’m back!” He exclaimed to the audience.

Once you found your balance again Luke could see a look of fear in your eyes. “Y/n?” He frowned, caressing your hairs out of your face with his hands.

“There was nothing there…” You whimpered. “I-I couldn’t see anything.” You closed your eyes, shaking your head. “It was all just pitch black.”

“What did he do to you?” Luke said it more to himself than towards you.

“Luke, you have to get back to Julie.” You looked up at him with tears in your eyes. “You have to…you can’t stay here with Caleb. It’s not everything he says it is. You have to fight it okay?” You cupped his face crying.

“What about you? I’m not leaving you here with him.” He shook his head. “You had to go through a month of losing me that night, alone. I’m not losing you this time.”

He was referring to how he had died back in 1995. You were a mess after hearing the news. You couldn’t get out of bed, you wouldn’t eat, you just didn’t want to live in a world without him. And soon tragedy followed you till your dying breath. Your car flipped. A semi had run into the drivers side after you failed to see the stop sign. Funny how things ended up now. It brought everyone you knew great loss, but it brought you back to your Luke.

“You can’t save me this time Luke.” You whispered and you took a deep breath.

“Don’t say that. We’re gonna find a way and we’ll all be back singing with Julie in no time.” He smiled softly.

“Luke’s right Y/n, we’re gonna find a way okay.” Alex spoke up. 

“No matter what.” Reggie pitched in. He smiled your way.

“No you guys don’t understand.” You shed a tear. Luke and the boys frowned.

“Don’t understand what, Y/n?”

“I can’t leave…” You broke down. “He took my soul.”

“N-No.” Luke furiously shook his head as he walked up to you again. “No he didn’t.” He chuckled, but you weren’t laughing. “No…” His voice grew quieter.

“He took Willie’s soul too.” Alex looked down at his feet.

“No that can’t be. He can’t do that.” He ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair. You noticed that it went back to being styled again. “I’m gonna kill em’!” Luke huffed angrily.

“Well technically he’s already dead…” Reggie made a noise of disagreement. Luke turned to give him a look of annoyance. “So you can’t really kill…” Reggie averted his gaze as he trailed off.

“When?” Luke looked at you with a serious expression. 

“Luke-“ You began to protest but he cut you off. “When, Y/n?” Angry Luke was not to be messed with.

“Yesterday.” You sighed. “I didn’t know what he wanted to talk to me about. He said that he wanted me to pass you guys a message. He told me he wanted to invite you guys to another show.” You scoffed remembering, you hated yourself for falling for his lies. For falling into Caleb’s trap. “Nothing felt wrong at the time. He showed me the perks of being able to do tricks, he said he could grant me my deepest desires with the snap of his fingers!” You made emphasized gestures with your hands to demonstrate how much Caleb made it seem like this big luxurious thing. “It seemed silly at the time but that didn’t turn out to be the case…” You cried “I-I didn’t think the stamp would be harmless.” You sniffled as you pulled back your sleeve to reveal the purple stamp. Luke’s heart ached at the sight of the purple mark printed on your wrist. He knew all too well about that stamp and what its actual purpose was now. “I’m such an idiot.” “You’re not.” Luke held your hand. 

“He tricked you, Y/n. All of us. Besides you were just being your trusting self like you always are.” Luke smiled sadly. “He took advantage of that. He was wrong to do that.” He pulled you into a hug. “We’re gonna get your soul back Y/n, I promise.” He pressed a kiss to your temple.

“How?” You gripped him tightly.

“We’ll find a way.” He dug his face into your neck. 

“Yeah!” Alex and Reggie chimed in.

“Everything’s gonna be fine, Y/n.” Reggie offered reassurance. Even if he was scared himself. “I’m scared guys, what if something happens to m-“ You suddenly vanished from Luke’s arms. He tried grasping the air of empty space. His hands wrapped around nothing. You were no longer there. Confused and scared he turned to look at the boys.

“W-Where’d she go??” He whipped his head around multiple times. Trying to catch a glimpse of you around the room. You were gone. Caleb let the boys see you for only a limited amount of time. He had his leverage to uphold over the boys and he wasn’t gonna screw it up. Caleb was willing to do anything to get the boys to join his club.

Before they could panic any more their bodies started reacting to the music that was playing. Caleb was pulling them in by the groove of the beats playing.

Alex was first. His hand twirling his drum stick, not being able to control it. He then appeared on stage, he was scared because he couldn’t stop playing the drums.

“Alex…show me watcha’ got.” Caleb introduced him. He looked around at the audience who cheered but he was nowhere near as happy to be there.

“Yeah Alex!” Someone cheered from the crowd.

Next was Reggie who could feel the music flow through him, he could feel his body move on his own and that’s what worried him. Luke turned his head to see the empty spot where Reggie once stood and watched as Reggie reappeared next to Caleb on his left.

“Reggie…swing it baby!” Reggie played a smooth bass run. The musical connection he’d usually have wasn’t there. His feet moving on their own accord.

“Now Luke!” Caleb pointed off to the sidelines of the stage. Luke had swung his guitar to the front of him. He scowled as Caleb kept magically pulling him closer on stage, but Luke was trying to fight it. He tried and tried and soon he was walking forcefully towards Caleb. He scowled as he aggressively played each note. No control over his own body. You were right this wasn’t what it seemed like. They’d get to play eternity, but not on their own accord, not willing, there was no individuality, no freedom. Nothing.

“How do you like my new band?” Caleb sang. The crowd was eating it up. They were loving it more than the boys were. As Caleb began to scat. You suddenly appeared center stage wearing a hot number similar to Caleb’s backup dancers. The only minor difference between your outfit and theirs was the lack of feathers and extra accessories. Caleb made you look less ridiculous than his dancers. A purple two piece that coordinated with the boys suits, the added beads and jewels color coordinated with their suits. As someone who was from the 90′s, the heels Caleb put you in were new. Never in your life would you ever wear heels. You could never walk in them. High tops were always the move, not the three - four inch heels you wore. Yet as you moved, not on your own accord, but by whatever Caleb was making you do. You moved gracefully. Twirling and kicking a leg up in the air. Swinging to the music.

Luke’s eyes widened as he watched you go into a sudden split. You got up and then danced over to him. Your hands ran across his shoulders, and your hips swayed side to side. You were not enjoying one bit about this. Luke’s eyes displayed how grateful he was to see you again. Yet they feigned hurt because this wasn’t what neither of you wanted. Caleb smirked at the two of you, then snapped his fingers as he sang.

Luke had stopped playing which caused him to wonder why, but he soon realized why. His hand immediately reached out for yours, suddenly twirling you in circles three times. He was surprised by how you didn’t get dizzy. He knew that you weren’t loving this either, he knew that you had two left feet, but Caleb made you move so elegantly no one would ever know that in reality you couldn’t actually dance. You stopped spinning and then Luke spun you out and then in. For the ending drum hit that Alex played, Caleb made Luke dip you into his left knee then bring you back up. Your head hung back as he dipped you. Luke supported the back of your head as you went down, then right back up. Chest against chest. The motion was quick and sudden. You breathed heavily as your hands rested on his shoulders and your left leg lifted against his hip. Luke’s right hand caressed your exposed skin on your left thigh as he held it up against his side.

You could feel his hot breath against your cheek. Luke had turned his head briefly then looked right back at you. Your breath was taken away by his moves, it had caught you off guard. Luke wasn’t gonna lie, even in the ridiculous outfits they were in, you managed to look even more beautiful. You were breathtaking the moment you appeared on stage. If the circumstances were different, Luke would have showered you with kisses. He wouldn’t have hesitated to take your lower lip. To take you there and then like he would back when he’d convince you to skip classes with him.

As he reached forward to brush his lips against yours, you vanished into thin air again. Luke almost wanted to cry. He looked to the roaring crowd that he had tuned out, then looked to Reggie, then to Caleb.

He knew they couldn’t stay here, he knew what would happen to them if they didn’t accept Caleb’s offer too. Yet no music was worth making without Julie, without you by his side every time. A world worth living in the afterlife was not worth it without you. It wasn’t worth picking up a guitar again if he was being forced to play in front of a crowd.

He knew what he and the boys had to do. They had to fight. 

-

Julie had gone onto the stage. The boys were nowhere to be seen. She grew worried that something had happened. She had an idea but it was too much for her to bear. She was devastated her friends were gone. She didn’t want to have to play alone but she knew that she had too. She had to go up there alone, she had to do it for them. They were the reason she was where she was now. Julie wouldn’t have been able to do it if it hadn’t been for them. If it hadn’t been for you. You were starting to grow on her. She found an equal, a companion, a shoulder to cry on within you. You were there for her when she couldn’t go to the guys about things. Luke liked to tease you and let you handle the ‘girl stuff’ as he put it.

You were gone too.

After delivering her speech, Julie took a deep breath and began playing the notes she knew by heart on the keyboard.

“Don’t blink. No, I don’t want to miss it. One thing, and it’s back to the beginning Cause everything is rushing in fast Keep going on never look back. And it’s one, two, three, four times That I’ll try for one more night Light a fire in my eyes. I’m going out of my mind, Whatever happens Even if I’m the last standing. I'ma stand tall. I'ma stand tall, Whatever happens Even when everything’s down I'ma stand tall. I'ma stand tallI gotta keep on dreaming. Cause I gotta catch that feeling. Whatever happens Even if I’m the last standing. I'ma stand tall. I'ma stand tall.” Julie poured her heart out onto the song.

Alex was the first to appear on the stage with her. She was taken aback, but so happy to see him. He smiled at her as he each beat.

-

The boys were about to play another song but they were trying so hard to stop. Caleb smirked as he twirled around two of his dancers. The crowd were dancing in their seats waiting for another great song.

Alex had looked down at his hands. He could admit that this was now how things were supposed to go. He should have been there right now with Julie and the boys playing the Orpheum, not here being forced out of his will. Music was supposed to come out freely, not pressured out by some old magical ghost. He knew Willie’s soul and yours was taken. Alex was going to make sure that you both got them back, so that you wouldn’t have to endure this place anymore. The song was beginning and right as he was about to collide his sticks with the center of his drums. He stopped. He didn’t know what it was but it was like he could feel something stir within him. Like music…He observed himself, then began unbuttoning his white shirt. He smiled as he was able to remove the bowtie, then quickly folded the ends of his sleeves. The boys were watching him with curiosity, then were taken back when he vanished from the stage. This caught Caleb’s attention. He frowned as he heard Reggie gasp.

Reggie felt like something was calling to him, almost like an echo to his heart, to his soul. It was a light trying to guide him back to where he belonged. Reggie quickly shed off his blazer, feeling like he was wearing too much red to begin with. Caleb took a step back as he looked offended about the blazer being on the floor. Reggie kept the vest on though. He smiled over at Luke, who was also smiling non stop. Then he vanished too like Alex had. Luke laughed as he stared at the empty space Reggie stood.

-

“Right now. I’m loving every minute Hands down. Can’t let myself forget it, no. Cause everything is rushing in fast. Keep holding on nevеr look back.” Julie’s heart felt full as Reggie appeared beside her. Her boys weren’t gone, they were slowly coming back to her one by one. All that was left was Luke. “And it’s one, two, three, four times. That I’ll try for one morе night. Light a fire in my eyes…” Julie grew aware of how much Luke was glitching. Luke was having a hard time trying to appear on stage. To the audience it looked like the ‘hologram’ was malfunctioning, but to Julie and the guys, they knew Luke was trying so hard to fight against whatever was holding him back.

-

“Now Luke…” Caleb chuckled. “Alex and Reggie clearly have some different opinions in mind.” Luke scowled. He pulled at the collar that was suffocating him. He grunted as he ripped the bowtie off, then the sleeves of his shirt. Leaving his whole arms exposed just how he liked it. His chains and arm scarf made their appearance as he looked down at the ripped pieces on the ground.

“Ouch!” Caleb feigned hurt. He placed a hand on his chest and shook his head. “Should’ve stuck with the sleeveless outfit I had in mind for you then, huh?” Caleb clicked his tongue at Luke.

“This isn’t about the outfits.” Luke snapped. “It’s about the-”

“The music. Yes I know.” Caleb rolled his eyes. “But what about it being about the girl too.” Caleb smirked.

“What are you…Where’s Y/N-” Luke suddenly remembered. He began but was cut off when Caleb made you reappear once again, but this time Caleb had a strong hold on your arm. Luke grew guilty at the thought of almost leaving without you.

“Luke?” You were in your normal clothes again. The fear in your eyes was prominent. He was scared too.

“Let her go!” He warned Caleb. Luke’s eyes grew dark.

“Can’t do that!” Caleb sing-songed. You looked down at the torn material on the ground. Then you looked up at Luke’s outfit. He changed his look….

You looked around for Alex and Reggie but they were nowhere to be seen. A smile appeared on your face.

“Luke, you have to go. The Orpheum, remember?” You exclaimed trying to get out of Caleb’s hold. “Julie needs you.” You pleaded.

“Not without you!” He argued.

“Yes without me. You made the outfit your own. See! The guys were able to leave. You need to go, Luke.” You smiled sadly. “Your unfinished business, remember.”

“What about yours huh? You’ll be trapped here, remember. You didn’t even know what it was. You said it was something you didn’t get the chance to do.” Luke’s eyes watered.

You did though…You did know because it was the one thing you had been scared to do. To say. Your smile grew as a tear shed down your face. Caleb found the interaction adorable, he just had to roll his eyes at the two teenagers in love.

“Well this is just too precious, but I do have a show to do so if you’ll excuse-” 

“I love you, Luke!” You blurted out.

Luke took a step back not expecting you to do that. He was gonna say it back, but he noticed that you had started to glow.

“Y/n your-” He gasped. You frowned then looked down at yourself. Caleb let go of you then yelled angrily. 

“No!”

You then gasped when something struck you. You knew that it wasn’t good. You didn’t feel good, but you didn’t want to tell Luke.

You looked down and watched as the glowing hue died down. You glanced up at Luke and giggled as you ran up to him.

“I think I got my soul back.” You muttered. Yet deep down you knew that something was wrong. Caleb struck you with something, but you just wanted to get Luke out of here so you lied, plus it was nice seeing him smile again. “I love you…so much Luke.”

“You waited till I died to tell me…dumb!” Luke chuckled as he cupped your face and kissed you roughly. He was taking the moment to savor the feeling of your lips against his. To make up for the moment that Caleb ruined between you two on stage. To show you how much he loved you. He pulled back and pressed his head against yours. His smile grew every second.

“No!” You both turned your head to face Caleb. “I’m not through with you my darling.” Caleb smirked.

“You forgot about something Caleb.” You smirked too. “And what is that?”

“You went back on your deal, You can’t harm another ghost you mark…Willie is free now.” You reminded him. His smirk faded away suddenly. “You don’t have a hold over him or me. You lost this time.” You knew that wasn’t true. He still had his hold over you, but Willie was free. Caleb promised you no harm would come to Willie or the guys, but he hurt them. So now he had to let Willie go. He was being reluctant to let them go…to let you go. Luke grabbed a hold of your hand.

“I believe we have a show to get to.” He beamed.

“Let’s go then, what are you waiting for!” You exclaimed as you pulled at his arm. Luke grinned, grabbing your hand and then orbed you guys out of the club. Not wanting to spend another second here.

-

“I’m going out of my mind!” Luke finally appeared on stage coming in with his vocals. There were no more glitches or malfunctions. He fully appeared as himself. He rocked out and sang his heart out. Julie had grabbed her mic when he finally showed up. She started jumping up and down on stage. She had looked around for a brief second which Luke caught onto. He looked at her then gestured over to the crowd where you stood in the front row. Julie turned her head in time to see you throw a big kiss at her with your hands. She grew excited and continued dancing around on stage.

“Whatever happens even if I’m the last standing I'ma stand tall. I'ma stand tall Whatever happens even when everything’s down I'ma stand tall. I'ma stand tallI gotta keep on dreaming Cause I gotta catch that feeling, Whatever happens even if I’m the last standing I'ma stand tall. I'ma stand tall.”

“Like I’m glowing in the dark. I keep on going when it’s all falling apart Yeah I know it with all my heart. Ooh, ooh.” Luke and Julie harmonized together. Then Luke sand. 

“Never look back!” 

“Whatever happens even if I’m the last standing. I'ma stand tall, I'ma stand tall.” Alex stood up and let his voice be heard. You always enjoyed hearing him sing.

“Whatever happens even if I’m the last standing. I'ma stand tall, I'ma stand tall.” 

Reggie then sang his heart out next. “Stand tall!”

“Stand tall!” 

“Whatever happens even if I’m the last standing. I'ma stand tall, I'ma stand tall, Whatever happens even when everything’s down I'ma stand tall, I'ma stand tall I gotta keep on dreaming. Cause I gotta catch that feeling, Whatever happens even if I’m the last standing. I'ma stand tall, I'ma stand tall…” They finished off slowly.

The crowd cheered as the guys and Julie stood in the middle of the stage bowing. You blew a kiss at Luke and then placed your hand over your heart as you looked at Julie. You were even surprised when you noticed Carried had stood up as well. It had been a beautiful moment to witness. You knew the band was going to be a hit.

You started crying right after the boys vanished from the stage leaving Julie standing alone. You wanted to go up there and hug her. They were the reason why Julie was doing what she loved again. You were so proud of them. Their unfinished business was accomplished. They played the Orpheum. They could finally cross over. You were so happy for them that you couldn’t even be hurt by Luke leaving. Luke talked about crossing over so much you weren’t surprised that he finally did.

But you grew surprised when you and Julie made it back to the garage studio to find the boys laying on the ground in pain. You didn’t even bother to turn the lights on, but Julie did. You were only worried about the boys and why they were still here.

“Luke!” You ran over to him. His eyes were closed, and he groaned out. “I-I don’t understand?” 

“Why are you here? I-I thought-” Julie was cut off by the sudden jolt that struck the boys. He held onto Alex and Luke’s hands as they groaned out in pain. Coughing because taking so much of their energy away. “I-I thought you crossed over. Why didn’t you cross over?”

Alex took his hand back silently thanking you for comforting him. “I-I guess playing the Orpheum…” He struggled to stand up. “Wasn’t our unfinished business.”

“Point Caleb.” Reggie said sarcastically. He used the sofa chair as support to hold him up.

“We wanted you guys to think we crossed over…so we pretended to.” Luke glanced up at Julie then looked at you beside him. “We just…” He shook his head, shrugging because he found it silly. “We had nowhere else to go.” Luke looked so hurt you didn’t think holding his hand was doing enough to comfort him.

“We’d thought you’d go straight to bed…” Reggie shrugged looking at Julie then at you. 

“And we thought you’d go on one of your walks or visit your parents grave like you always do.”

“Yeah well.” Alex sighed heavily as he leaned against the piano. “I knew they were both gonna come out here but nobody ever listens to-” Another jolt struck the boys. This one was stronger than the last one causing them to curl over and clutch their stomachs. They were all brought down. Luke had to lay down, Reggie let go of the couch, and Alex almost fell to his knees.

“I don’t know how to help!” You exclaimed as you looked over each of them. You had never seen them in pain this badly.

Julie rushed forward and pleaded at them. “You have to save yourself right now! Go join Caleb’s club please! It’s better than not existing at all…please just go, go poof out, do something please! Do it for me please. Do it for Y/n, Luke.” Julie gestured to you, who was on the verge of crying. Luke turned over to stare at you with a look you couldn’t describe.

“We’re not going back there.” Reggie shook his head. He never wanted to return to that terrible place.

Luke stood up letting go of your hand and stepped closer to Julie. “No music is worth making Julie, if we’re not making it with you.” Julie tilted her head, her eyes glossing over his words. “No regrets.” Luke admitted. She reached forward to embrace him. At first you were touched that she even attempted to hug Luke, but your eyes widened when Julie was able to wrap her arms around him. She didn’t phase through him. You were taken back because she was able to touch him. Luke wrapped his arms around her too when she went in for a hug. Reggie smiled and Alex was confused.

“I love you guys.” Julie sniffled.

Julie then suddenly pulled back realizing she could feel Luke. She ran her hands down his arms then to his hands. “How can I feel you?”

Luke was surprised too. “I-I don’t know.”

Julie gasped as she placed her hands on his face. You were in too much pain to care about her touching Luke, you knew there wasn’t anything more to it. Luke then cupped her face too. Laughing because he couldn’t believe what was happening.

He turned to look at you guys. “I feel stronger.”

“Alex, Reggie, come.” Julie told them. You knew that the boys were more hurt, so Julie had motioned them over. Julie wasn’t aware that you were hurt too. She thought you were fine, all of them did. So they thought.

“How can that be?” You said to yourself. You were about to walk up to them when you felt the energy suddenly drain from your body. You stumbled back slightly.

The guys walked up to Julie and wrapped their arms around each other. Halo beams glowed up into the air above them as they stayed in that position for a few seconds. They were too busy to notice that they didn’t catch the sudden thump that hit the ground. You collapsed.

“Woah, I-I don’t feel as weak anymore.” Reggie smiled.

“Yeah, me neither. Not that I was ever that weak.” Alex joked, causing them all to laugh. The guys then all looked down at their wrist. The purple stamp removed itself from their wrist and flowed up into the air.

“What do you think that means?” Julie gaped at the purple magic that floated above her. 

“I think the band is back.” Luke smiled.

“You guys think we could try that hug one more time?” Alex asked, they laughed and huddled together embracing each other with their hands.

“I like this!” Reggie admitted.

“Me too!” Julie exclaimed. “We played the Orpheum!” They all jumped up and down together.

Luke was the first to step back from the hug briefly to glance back at you. He finally grew aware that you were quiet the entire time.

“Hey, Y/n why you’d get-” Luke chuckled but felt his heart plummet when he noticed you on the ground. Your eyes were closed. “Y/n!” Luke rushed over to your side. The guys and Julie rushed to your aid too. Luke cupped your face trying to get you to open your eyes. “Hey baby, come on now. Open your eyes for me yeah.” Luke smiled, pleading with hopeful eyes. He gently patted the side of your cheek. “Why aren’t you opening your eyes?” He exclaimed. “W-Why isn’t she opening her eyes?” He looked over his shoulder at Julie, Alex and Reggie. “Y/n, open your eyes. Open your eyes baby, please!” Luke took you into his arms and rocked you. Shaking you and patting your face. No response. “Come on now. I can’t do this without you.” Luke shook his head.

“She was fine….She looked fine…” Julie shook her head. “Why isn’t she fine?”

“You guys were the last ones to leave the club…”Alex pointed out. “Did anything happen?” “She said she got her soul back, but why would…” Luke trailed off as he looked down at you. His eyes roamed over your body until he caught a glimpse of your wrist. He grabbed your arm and pulled back your sleeve to reveal the purple mark still present, still tattooed onto your skin. “I-I don’t…why is this still here?” Luke croaked. “Shouldn’t this be gone.”

“Caleb might still have a hold on her.” Reggie furrowed his brows.

“He can’t.” Luke denied any thoughts. “Y/n was fine, she was fine.” Luke hugged you closer to his chest. “You were fine, why aren’t you fine?” He whimpered to you. He brushed your hair out of your face looking at your closed eyes. You looked peaceful, too peaceful. You didn’t show any signs of suffering. His hands stopped as he suddenly remembered that Julie was in front of him. “Julie, come here.” He sniffled as he adjusted your body to allow Julie to be able to get closer to you. “Y-You can feel us, maybe if you hug her, or touch her, she’ll wake up.” Luke was so sure that his idea would work.

“I’ll try.” The corner of her lips were drawn down, but her eyes reassured Luke that she was willing to try. Julie slowly reached forward to place her hand on your skin. The anticipation was tense around the room. Alex, Reggie, and Luke waited for her hand to come in contact with your skin, but all she was met with was air. Her hand had gone through you. Luke shed a tear as he watched Julie’s anxiety start to form as she repeated the motion. Her hand still went through. He gently stopped her hand and shook his head. Luke reassured her through his teary eyes.

“Could you guys give me…” Luke gestured to you. “I just want to be alone with her right now.” 

“Luke are you sure?” Alex grew unsure about leaving Luke alone. No one should have to be alone for something like this. Alex was so fond of you. He was glad Luke and you met when you guys did. After he and Luke had gone through something, Alex thought things were going to be weird, but you never made things weird. Alex was just glad Luke had you. His anxiety was slowly growing and making its appearance. He never did like change. Dying had been a big change, now you were not waking up. He didn’t know how he’d be able to handle this. He was concerned for Luke because Luke never really showed anyone how he was feeling. He’d bottle things up, so staying calm right now was worrying Alex.

“Alex please…” Luke’s glossed over eyes peered up to look into his. Luke averted his gaze and glanced down to look at you again. His thumb caressing over your cheek.

“We’ll be outside okay.” Julie stood up and placed her hand on Luke’s shoulder before she guided Reggie and Alex out of the garage closing the doors behind her.

As soon as the doors closed Luke immediately broke down. Tear after tear fell down his face. He hugged you closer, rocking you in his arms as he dug his face into the side of your neck. “I’m so sorry baby.” He muttered into your neck. “I’m so sorry.” He pulled back to look at you. “I-I didn’t even tell you I loved you.” He shook his head. He hated himself for not saying it back at the club. He had kissed you instead, he didn’t say it, not even when you guys were in school. “God I love you…I love you so much. I should have told you sooner, I should’ve told you after our first date. I should’ve told you when you were there for me after I ran away. I should’ve…” He cried. He clenched his jaw, closing his eyes as he rested his face on the crook of your neck. He just held you. Trying to embrace you closer, there wasn’t any more room to possibly hold you against him closer. He kept readjusting his arms around you to hug you. He sniffled, small cries filled the quiet studio.

Julie, Reggie, and Alex, could hear him through the doors. Each shedding their own tears. Each filled with sorrow and pain.

Luke couldn’t move. He stayed sitting on the floor. Holding your body up. He began muttering words that slowly turned into a song. “When I can’t think of the right words to say…I just sing oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh.” He sniffled as he rocked you. “Come on and harmonize with my melody and we’ll sing oh oh oh oh oh oh oh…” He pulled back to get a view of you. “Ain’t it a perfect harmony. You got me.” He waited to hear you sing your part back to him, but you didn’t. “I got you.” He whispered. “I got you.” He nodded. “You got me. Yeah you got me.” A tear fell down his cheek. “I got you. A perfect harmony…” You two would always finish off harmonizing but you didn’t sing your parts, so Luke’s voice alone didn’t create that magical sound that made your voices mix so perfectly. “I love you so much…” He dug his face into the crook of your neck sobbing. He had been too lost in his own thoughts he didn’t notice the purple mark leave your body. The magical trace that was printed on your skin flowed into the air. Caleb’s mark was gone.

“You waited till I died to tell me….” You rasped. The glowing hue came back and took over your body. “Dumb.” Luke gasped as he pulled back and gaped at you with wide eyes.

You sighed as you slowly opened your eyes squinting at the lights that were too bright at the moment. Luke cupped your face as you tried sitting up, but you found yourself on his lap instead. Luke looked relieved and on the verge of happy tears. You placed your hands over his cupped ones and smiled. You were so tired and your head hurt from the fall.

“Oh my god!” Luke exclaimed as he checked you over to make sure nothing else was wrong. “Guys get in here!” Luke yelled out. The three outside gave each other looks of concern as they opened the doors and rushed in. They all stopped mid run once they saw you awake. “Oh my god. You’re okay!” He held your face in his hands. His eyes gleaming over with tears of joy. “God I love you so much.”

“What just happened?” Julie was confused because the light in you dimmed not too long ago. 

“I’m free.” You gasped. You looked down at your forearm, running your palm over the area where the mark had been.

“Does that mean that…” Alex trailed off as he stopped to think for a minute. “Willie? Is he-” 

“He’s okay Alex.” You smiled as you caught sight of someone entering the studio.

“Alex.” Everyone turned around as Willie suddenly appeared. Alex stood still for a moment as he ran up to him and hugged him. They pulled back and shared a hesitatant kiss.

“You’re okay.” Alex laughed. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” 

“Likewise hotdog.” Willie smiled at the happy blonde.

Luke couldn’t help but smile at his best friend then look over at you.

“I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t woken up.” He ran a hand through your hair. 

“Hey, you got me.” You sang as you cupped his face gently. He smiled as he pressed his head against yours.

“I got you.” He harmonized with you. You laughed and pressed a tender kiss to his lips.

“I want love!” Julie pouted. Blurting out her inner thoughts causing everyone in the room to laugh.

“You’ll get there soon kiddo.” You laughed as you reassured her. “You’ll get there soon.” You smiled fondly at Luke.

[dreamtydraw]

Hi ! Can you tell us more about what kind of dynamic Corvus has with the other LIs if you played their route ?

okay so i took to play everyone's route ( except Cirrus chapter 2 ) so I can finally answer ! I'll start from the worst relationship to the best relationship Corvus has with the Lis ( fun fact you can notice how comfortable they are with them based on how much Corvus is willing to show their appearance )

For starter Corvus fear Cirrus like a wild rabbit would fear any predator. They are NOT comfortable around him because of the fact he's showing up as a sort of superior authority that makes them feel extremely vulnerable and because they constantly fear that someone could use them, the gut instinct of fear push them to AVOID Cirrus. If I want to explore Cirrus route I would make up another character because this two are not compatible.

Now Oleander and Corvus is a particular relationship- There isn't more honest than someone who dislike you and Corvus dislike him, more precisely they dislike how amused he seems to be from their torment. This weird relationship of hate is mixed with a sour strange need of validation, Corvus despite their inner monologue of discomfort do enjoy Oleander's company and is willing to offer more loyalty than they claim they would. I don't really know how Oleander view this relationship as for now I kinda have a hard time understanding his personality, so maybe i'll develop it once I have a better grasp of who he is as a character.

Francesco is a breath of fresh air for Corvius. They abandoned their whole guard because their heart wants to believe on a stranger kindness and they genuinely enjoy spending time with him, it helps forgets about death. Even if their motive aren't all pure hearted, Corvus do see in Francesco a friend. They like the way he approach the world and his strange mannerisms. The relationship is ambiguous as they both share mixed signals of interest but as for now ( so beginning of the story ) it's casual on Corvus side ( but I do hc the theorie that Francesco might know mc from outside the mountain and already likes or have stronger feeling toward them than we know. So he surely like them way more than platonicaly and is overjoyed to spend time with them. )

Now let's dive straight for them, hey should make out- that the understanding everyone around them have of what Corvus and Keir relationship might be. The worst situationship to witness, they both fumble at each other attempt to take that step in the relationship and the slow burn is a bit too burning for how slow it is.

Now outside of the romantic aspect, I do like their relationship in the fact they don't really share the same morals but respect the one the other share and are open to understand it. It's rare to find someone who you feel at ease despite your difference and it offer instant where you can see things from another point of view. Corvus is literally an enjoyer of material collections who do not want to be seen as kind for the fear of being used by others while Keir does not find interest in owning more than necessary + actively do goods to help others. They complete each other in a way that don't stop them from being who they are individualy and I swear to god i am a big sucker for Moon and Sun themed pairing okay-

Also on a more developed part but Keir's route is the most fitting route for Corvus because it force them to go against one of their insecurity which is the idea of being used + not having any worth. In this branch of the story Corvus find a purpose and something that makes living worth it when they enjoy the fruit of helping a community.

Thank you for reading this far ! It's not super detailed but that really because I wait for more materials / understanding of what I could use from the game to build Corvus relationship with the lis !

[notstilinski]

The Fall of the House of Usher Starters !

Taken from the Netflix 2023 series, The Fall of the House of Usher! Some of these have already been edited. You can change them however you see fit! There may be some light spoilers present!

“Listen, I’m sorry… For your loss. For your losses, rather.”

“Have a glass. See what a few years of your worth tastes like.”

“Don’t lecture me on family values. You’re just as shit in that department as I am.”

“The gates are always open but that doesn’t mean you answer the phone?”

“Don’t mention them ever. They don’t exist. Do you understand?”

“They will love you because I love you, and the only thing stronger than love is how fucking scared they are of getting cut out of the will.”

“All good. Right behind you.”

“You guys, we should really get together more often. It’s just a balm for the soul.”

“You know what a resolution is? It’s a deal you make with the future.”

“You’re basically 80% cum, I can fucking smell it on you.”

“Jesus, (Name), when you get going, you get going.”

“The oven mitts come off and the nail polish goes on.”

“It’s better, I promise, in the moment just before than in the moment after.”

“You are consequence, (Name). And tonight, you are consequential.”

“You are a pretty, pretty little thing.”

“Opportunity doesn’t give a fuck what you’re going through.”

“(Name), damn it, everybody knows that edible arrangements are what you send to people you hate.”

“If you start thinking this is reality, you’ll just slip into the abyss.”

“You shouldn’t be here and you don’t have to be here. That’s all I was saying.”

“It’s amazing how far you can get on denial.”

“Christ, no one knows they’re the fall guy until they’re falling.”

“Don’t complain about the drugs.”

“He throws us the food and watches us fight for it. You know that.”

“You’re not who I thought you were.”

“I didn’t want to think it but… you’re all fucking monsters.”

“Don’t have to be smart to be dangerous.”

“You gotta be smart. You have to realize, you can’t trust people. Not you. Not anyone.”

“Don’t stand there and look all hurt, you asshole! You think I don’t know?”

“Shut your mouth, get your shit together. The fuck is wrong with you?”

“Both of us lucky in one way, at least. Got good people at home who love us anyway. Let’s not let them down.”

“I trusted them, so I trusted you.”

“All of the best of (Name) without… without the broken heart.”

“You don’t have to be a tyrant, but if you don’t want to be consistently cruel, then you have to be sufficiently brutal at least once to establish authority.”

“I’m sorry. Why the fuck would you do that, sweetheart?”

“No, I’m afraid you’re ringside for my reckoning, old friend.”

“You’re a collection of impeccable, elaborate masks in orbit of a stunted heart.”

“You’re a monster, you know that?”

“Should’ve died here, honey. It would have made you an honest person.”

“You only ever wanted to be loved by them. You only ever wanted their approval. And it’s still no fucking excuse.”

“If I die, this stops?”

“Outsourcing intimacy.”

“I look at you and I see… you. The poverty of you.”

“We’re a… Virus, I think. People, I mean.”

“It’s a slap on the wrist that comes with a blowjob.”

“I say this with love. Let it go. Let it all go.”

“I knew I would climb to the top of the tower on a pile of corpses.”

“Because it don’t matter in the end why you did any of it. I don’t fucking care why you did it.”

“We don’t want your confession, or your rationale, or your explanation. So take all that with you, why don’t you.”

[roleplay-evil]

Little Miss + The Struggle Starters

"You should have done yourself a favor and died while you had the chance."

"I think that's a really great idea I'm not gonna try."

"You have me now. You can trust me."

"Why did you leave me behind?"

"What are you doing? Open the door!"

"If you can move, leave. Trouble never comes alone."

"Why won't you make this easy?"

"I helped you, now you help me."

"I'm sorry! Just help me out."

"You should forget about me. Find a new friend."

"I'm fine. I won't stop until I find [name]."

"I'm all alone now..."

"Let's press on while we can."

"Look, I get it. I won't be a burden."

"Stop whining, keep working."

"I don't want your help, I can find them myself."

"I think we're winning."

"You're stronger than that now."

"It's very important to get there before sundown. Otherwise, the monsters will have you for dinner. Yum yum yum."

"Wow! Educational."

"This building looks promising. Think there's anything inside?"

"[name], I don't think I can go on any longer..."

"This is so exhausting. You should just give up."

"Who cares? You need to worry about [name]."

"They're the only thing left in my life that's good."

"[name] was always the one who knew what to do."

"Forget about the past. Just focus on what's ahead."

"Well, thanks for scaring my appetite away."

"We've got what we need. Can we call it a day?"

"They've always been there for me. I won't abandon them!"

"Let's go find out what happened to [name], huh?"

"Less talking, more paying attention."

"A monster. What do we do?"

"Another one of these fuckers?"

"Run. Absolutely do not try fighting it."

"I'm not afraid. They can't hurt me."

"Watch it. There's another one up ahead."

"That doesn't leave us a lot of time."

"Fuck, I hate using guns."

"You like my special weapon? Use it wisely."

"Are you gonna let me shoot them or do you want to complain some more?"

"I didn't leave [name] behind! I would never!"

"I'm here, baby. Please be alive."

"What if [name]'s the whole reason you're alone?"

"I'm not crazy, I just don't want to be alone anymore."

"Maybe you should just let them go."

"It'll kill you if it sees you."

"I can't find [name]. They're my friend."

"It won't see me. I'll be careful."

"We're not gonna last long in a rat run like this."

"It's so dark in here."

"Stay right where I can see you."

"But it's too dangerous!"

"Don't you love me anymore?"

"I'm probably dying."

"Shit, are you getting worse? Need some water?"

"Along the way, I saw lots of dead bodies."

"Now tell me why you're so upset."

"Gosh-arooney, you little bitch."

[nissho-ku]

— yoichi isagi used to be human once.

as human as one could be with the power of mediocre magic. a gift bestowed to scant few people from the deities known to take upon the form of dragons. born into a family of non-sorcerers, yoichi had to keep his talent hidden from others as the village they lived in had outlawed magic and the family had no money to move them somewhere safer for their only child. how yoichi wishes he could go back to that time; before he had accepted traversing with a troop of treasure hunters, promised enough money to move his family and some to hold them steady if he would use his mediocre skills to help them obtain a stone said to have been dropped by the deities themselves.

yoichi remembers the feeling of betrayal well. the scent of his own blood filled his nostrils as the head of the group, kaiser, had laughed at yoichi and his naiveite. all too trusting of a random group of strangers to imagine they would ever let him get a pay cut. he remembers the attempts to wrestle the stone from his grasp, his brain fighting him, imploring him to think of a way to save himself and get as far away as possible. without thinking, he took the stone to his mouth, swallowed it, and everything went dark.

that was the last thing yoichi remembers before a burning inferno was in front of him. horrified at his surroundings, he tried to escape, to recollect his thoughts and emotions, but all he could hear being cried out was ‘monster! you're a monster!!’

and perhaps he is, yoichi thinks to himself; weeks later and huddled in a nicely kept shrine, observing his human skin mottled with gradient scales covering bits of his legs, arms and hands with wounds leaking blood attempting to hide the vibrant blue. from what he could gather, due to swallowing the stone, he'd somehow been able to transform himself into a dragon, it seems. he could not go home like this, unless he wanted to bring trouble to his parents. he hated making them worry as well since he has not been home in a while. however he had bigger things to worry about as of now.

yoichi could hear the murmurings of people outside; he could smell them, a crowd of them gathered and clearly disturbed by his presence. he wouldn't fault them if they were on the verge of grabbing pitchforks and chasing him away, but a new scent catches his attention. it smells strongly of the sea; heavy in salt, pungent enough that it makes isagi want to cover his nose. but the smell gets stronger and stronger, until the closed doors of the shrine open and a tall man enters. yoichi bares his teeth, body tense even though he is in no shape to defend himself. he is too weak to use his magic but he would surely put up an act against these humans.

this one doesn't look scared of him. “get away from me if you know what's good for you,” he hisses. it's weird, he thinks, how calm this sea smelling human is in the face of a monster.

@maxstats / dragon tales starter!

[occasionalrpmemes]

Amigo the Devil: Volume 1 Starters

sentences taken from the 2015 album. edit as desired. warning: this one does NOT pass the Hayes Code lmao. content includes, but is not limited to: sex, violence (both domestic and otherwise), alcohol, strong language, religion, general moral degeneracy, et cetera

It's all for you.

I'd rot in hell with you, if you'd just ask me to.

Come on, believe me, follow me home, there's no judgement here.

Take the shot.

This night is going to end horribly for someone.

I'm not so much afraid of letting go as much as scared of giving up.

Open up to me.

The Devil came and sold his fucking soul to me!

If I've hurt you, please forgive me. Love makes you do funny things.

This fire feels so real.

Don't say a word, my darling. I know how you feel.

On rainy days, we'll drink until the gray is left in nothing but our hair.

I know you want it, too.

I'll lay by your side 'til everything is rotten through.

Tonight, we'll celebrate life! Eat the best food and drink the best wine.

I hope your husband dies.

Are you feeling upside down or even empty inside?

Meet me down by the bar. We'll go and take this drink out to the stars.

Death is just one moment.

Some people follow rules, some people go around.

As an elephant, I'm only really relevant when I'm standing in the room.

I am the son of an asshole.

No one deserves my world quite like you do.

I'm not so much afraid of being alone, just kind of feel I've had enough.

God knows I'll do what I need.

These hands are stronger than you're led to believe.

We'll never have a house to decorate, a place that we can call our home.

If I can't have you, nobody will.

There's only one thing in this life that makes us living.

I want to be where all the stupid shit I say sounds so romantic and true.

Live with me in this sin forever.

There's nothing left to lose, 'cuz I've already lost it all.

Tonight, I'll follow you home and start up a fire that'll keep us both warm.

Hang around, let down your hair.

So you should start to undress and just… try a little less.

Now you're with this asshole- you expect me to believe it's gonna last?

Let me have this dance with you.

Your eyes look like diamonds still stuck inside the mines.

When your tongue is putrid and your skin is sagging down, I'll stick around.

It's true, I hate everything but you.

We'll laugh a little, drink a little, see what you're made of.

All the bridges in the world won't lead you back to fix what couldn't be erased.

This fairytale just ain't coming true.

I'll drive my car like I stole it, drink at the bar like I own it.

These wrinkles are the maps of all the places we went no one else would dare.

I'd rather have a reason I should stay.

There's always gonna be a better high, and a lower down.

We take things a little far, but you couldn't name a place I wouldn't go with you.

I'm capable of making you disappear.

I have a couple different faces if you need a place to hide.

The time we spent together when the light was out became my thought of you.

I am the agent that decides your fate.

There's only one kind of people in the world: people who die!

It doesn't matter what you've heard or if you're good or bad and everything between.

I love the shitty things we do together.

It's been a while since I've held anything as close as I have you.

I'd like to live my life just like a dog. Humble as can be and unconditional in everything I love.

I'll make you famous one way or another.

Home is the last place that I'd stand to be with anyone but you.

I'd crawl in bed with you. Even in someone else's blood, on top of someone else's love, in the worst motel we find.

This life is a maze with only one way out.

Every dime spent is worth looking good- and that's Hollywood!

They'll write about our story here for years to come and maybe even more, cuz there's never been a love like this before.

I'll cut to the chase, just don't try to leave.

Trust me, I'm not jealous, I'm just hoping that he really messes up.

When I had you near me I just couldn't think of anything to say, but now that I'm alone, I got the perfect things to tell you everyday.

We'll leave the world the way dreamers do.

All the parties we can throw - we'll dress like anything we please!

All the distance that we've spent apart will never have to mean a thing. Every mile I traveled was to find the perfect stone to fit your ring.

Living in the moment's hard when everything I want is in the past.

When the night falls, out comes the terror.

Your heart will always have a place to live with nothing left to be.

[whosxafraid]

She's A Rolex

Starter requested by @ifyoucatchacriminal

Banging.

That's the first thing that should have told him something was fecking wrong. But up until three seconds ago he was dead asleep--closer to the actual than the metaphorical to boot. And now he's shuffle footing it to his front door. Half fell down the god damn steps before getting to the lock. Half a dozen curse words not in English before he's slinging the god damn thing open. Green and off yellow going wide as he stares down at the face staring up at him.

"Watch?! Lass, wha--?"

No time. Let me in.

And he's on alert in a fraction of a second. Gaze tearing from her to the outside. The outside where the rain is coming down in sheets. The scent of everything sub-duded. Muted. Muggy if he had to put a word to it. And he hates that. Hates that in spades. But where scent is not helping him sight and hearing attempt it. But there's too much movement from the rain and too little of it anywhere else. And its roaring like a dragon thrice pissed. So it's with only so much caution that the door slams shut behind her. Every lock from the top to the bottom shoved into place.

And hand that only dares hover at the small of Watch's back as he ushers her through the space he uses as a garage. Passed the SUV, van, and motor bike, all unmarked, all unassuming and as black as the void in which they sit. Onward up the steps he directs until the next door behind them is pulled closed. And from there she sheds shoes and socks while he takes her coat.

His guest allowed to venture out into the living room of his abode. A living room buffeted on two sides by floor to ceiling windows. Similar sized bookshelves that stand upon either side, in between and along the length of the opposite wall. Watch moving to collapse upon the couch at the center of the view while Luka digs up a towel, blankets, something to eat and drink. And by the time it is all said and done? She looks far better than she did when the banging began.

"Ye go' toi'me now, lass?"

She nods. A breath taken. A wary look at the windows. He knows she knows nothing can touch her here. That glass has stopped stronger things than sniper bullets in and outside of this zip code. And while he will close the blinds if she asks...

I'm being...watched.

He doesn't smile. Not a single lick of amusement to what should have been a slightly funny inside joke to break the tension. But now isn't the time for jokes and there's the slightest chuck of his chin to get her to continue.

I don't know how...or by who...hell I don't even know when it specifically started. I just....things weren't...things haven't been where I put them. Every time I leave the house it feels like there's someone right behind me but every time I try to catch them...

Hands come up as she shakes a frown from her features.

I thought it might have been the nymph you said lives in the tree in my court yard--she's been acting weird. I thought maybe she was sick but she wouldn't talk to me. And then two nights ago...

She wanders away from whatever she was going to say, and he has to redirect. The slightest nudge of a finger against tea mug in her hands now, because anyone that knows Watch? Knows her germophobia cannot handle being touched.

S-sorry uh...t-two nights ago--this is going to sound insane but I--I was working and... I swear I felt someone touch me, Luka. I felt the warmth of their hand the weight of it but the second I turned around...nothing. Nothing but this gut wrenching feeling I was exposed. Exposed like I was in Pa--Paris. I wasn't followed...I checked and rechecked and rechecked again just like you taught me.

And that is all he needs to hear. He promised her what happened to her in Paris would never happen again. And he meant it. It wouldn't. Watch had nearly died that night, and it was not something Luka O'Rian was going to allow to happen twice. And he tells her as much, before getting up. Moving to one of the windows. Phone pulled from a pocket, a number dialing as it settles at his ear.

Because Watch isn't his only "friend" and if there's one thing that all six foot ten and red hair of him is good at? It's finding people that don't want to be found. Especially when they're a threat to his employee and by that measure his own livelihood.

[ammy246]

While Narusasu will always be my otp, if I had to choose for Sasuke to end up with a woman, I would've picked Hinata over Sakura. Yes, it's true they never really interacted. However, there is a lot of potential.

Hinata lost Neji while Sasuke lost Itachi. The two of them could've met at the graveyard, and bonded knowing there's someone out there who understands what they are going through. Hinata was never shown to have a grudge against Sasuke for everything he has done, and she was also never one of his obsessive fangirls so he'd be more open to talking to her than other women. Hinata is the head of her clan yet is not as strong as Neji was or her younger sister Hanabi, so perhaps Sasuke would help train her. Hinata would be calm and easy to talk to, allowing Sasuke to feel comfortable and maybe even open up to her after awhile. As time passed, he'd think "what was the dope thinking ignoring a beautiful and strong woman like this?" and that's when he'd realize there was more to his feelings, and start suppressing them, because how could someone so good possibly love him? Meanwhile, Hinata would realize she was thinking about Sasuke way more than Naruto and enjoying the time she spent with him. She'd also grow protective and hate when her friends hate on him for having been a traitor, and they'd point this out to her, making her realize how much she truly loves him.

Now I'll address the elephant in the room; Naruto Uzumaki. Hinata confessed to Naruto, however he never addressed those feelings, or showed signs of returning them. Hinata felt awkward, and didn't confront him. However, Sasuke eventually convinced Naruto to stand up because he hated watching Hinata be sad over this unrequited love. Naruto admits he was never in love with Hinata and viewed her as a friend, but has feelings for Sakura, and never confessed because she still loved Sasuke. Sasuke says he does not love Sakura and convinces Naruto to consider confessing to her. Naruto agrees, and apologizes to Hinata for not being in love with her, and hopes for her to find someone who makes her happy. Hinata is sad the man she loved rejected her, but says "Ok" with a smile on her face, and tells Naruto to do the same. Sasuke is there for Hinata as she cries, and resents his best friend for making her cry, but realizes he is just as guilty for how he treated Sakura, making him resolve to finally end her delusions of falling for him. He eventually does confront Sakura, which results in her punching him in the face for all the pain he ever caused her, then running away. She later on apologizes for this, but he forgives her, because he knows he did more than enough to deserve it. Things stop being weird between them, and two eventually start becoming friends. Naruto eventually confesses to Sakura, and the two later on reveal to Sasuke and Hinata that they are together.

Hinata and Sasuke would grow closer overtime. The two would be hesitant at first; Sasuke didn't know how to love while Hinata was afraid her new love would be doomed like her previous. Sasuke felt like he didn't deserve Hinata, and Hinata was afraid to get too close. They grieved together, and started healing together. Eventually, the boundaries between them began to close. Hinata's happy someone returns her feelings while Sasuke doesn't have to keep his walls up around someone for a change. The two are inseparable, and other people are starting to notice.

Many villagers would not approve of their relationship- at least at first. For starters, Sasuke would really have to prove himself, because the Hyuuga would not want a traitor marrying into the family. They would eventually consider it, because the idea of a Hyuuga/Uchiha child would be really appealing. They will also notice how Sasuke has been a good influence on Hinata, and that she has grown stronger because of him, which redeems him in their eyes. Hinata may not marry Naruto which would've been preferable because of his Hokage status, but she married a strong and capable man who helped her become strong and confident as opposed to weak and shy like she once was and If they had any children, they would certainly become the most powerful in the village. As for the general citizens, they would not be trusting of Sasuke at first, but Hinata would help appease them, especially since the marriage would be willing and not arranged. How could Sasuke Uchiha be a monster if someone as lovable as Hinata Hyuuga loved him and was happy by his side?

The two eventually get married, and have a child. Their child grows up to be one of the most powerful ninjas the village has seen in centuries, and restores honor to the Uchiha name while leaving a good legacy behind for the Hyuuga. As parents, Hinata is kind and encouraging while Sasuke is quiet but guiding. The child would be judged for being an Uchiha but praised for his Hyuuga side, and their goal would be to make everyone accept both parts of their bloodline. Sasuke would eventually advise them on the Uchiha clans past failures and do his best to ensure his child never falls to the darkness while ensuring they had parents to come home to. Hinata would do her best to help them become a leader, and ensure they knew how to be strong when it counted most, but also kind to those around them.

[phoenixduelist]

@memcria , for Esmeralda based on the August 20th starter

Slight trouble was stirring at the Austro-Hungarian borders as the Queen decided to send a mock invite to the previous oppressors to join her in celebrating Hungary's independence. Petty? Absolutely. Was everyone in Buda laughing at her audacity? Of course. Perhaps even the Ottomans had a chuckle, considering how their ambassador accepted her offer with surprising amount of respect. He was probably already drunk somewhere, after all, Buda wasn't exactly new to them.

That being said, the castle doors opened wide for anyone wishing to spend the day there, she was quite sure it was Count Bélássy who fainted upon announcing. Merchants filled streets and castle alike, most of their products free or cheap, as they had been paid previously by the Queen. Harvest flourished despite the recent wars waged, she saw no downside of feeding the lower classes and paying for the merchants' craft upfront for a seamless celebration.

Performers could be found at every corner, dancers, storytellers, actors, musicians, and of course fencers. The swords were blunt, therefore Rozália would've taken no delight in the activity; she had her own attraction for the old times' sake, not involving dull blades. The Queen of course refused to sit and smile nicely throughout the whole day, itching to move, mingle, to have an unfiltered opinion on how people were feeling and how they saw her.

Continuing King Matthias' infamous peasant disguise which sparked many folk tales, she followed in his footsteps steadily, ditching the crown and jewels something more simple. A flowing blouse with bright red roses sewn up to the shoulders, high waisted fitted pants with a leather underbust corset, two swords sewn into the material, completed with simple knee high riding boots. The only accessory was the swordbelt, although that was more like a part of her. Her hair kept short and unruly, a little blessing in disguise in the summer heat.

Especially when she spotted some extremely elegantly dressed ladies violently fanning themselves. Well, she said the castle is open for everyone. Maybe they were scared of her lurking, waiting in a dark corner. The thought brought a deep chuckle from her, they weren't so wrong after all.

Rozália was pleased to see her orders being followed, both regarding food and allowing in whoever wished. She adored dancers, meanwhile she wasn't bad, the shimmering ebony haired woman was obviously more talented and head turning. While all eyes followed the graceful woman's form, some ladies stomping onto their husbands' feet for looking bordering on disrespect, Rozália slipped most of the sum she decided to carry with herself into the pot.

She was magnetic, no reason in trying to deny the fact. She didn't perform because she had to, because she wanted to; that was brighter than the sun glittering on the Danube. Therefore she waited a respectable time after her dance ended and the crowd was distracted by a new attraction.

“Pardon me, Miss” her rich voice cut through the blur of the background noise with confidence, the accent stronger than usual as a result of not using the language in a while. Maybe she didn't speak English...nevermind, she will try Spanish and Italian then.

“You must have heard this from many before, allow me to add the truth to the pile: I haven't seen a lady finer than you in this city. Kingdom, possibly.” petal lips smiled softly, hiding its thorns within. Rozália had no intention to hurt or even to frighten her, quite the opposite. Maybe it was better she probably didn't recognize her, she would've hated if she felt threatened into keeping her accompanied if she didn't wish to.

“May I be so bold to ask for your name?” the Queen bowed slightly before returning to her full height, no doubt imposing by its own, along with her build “Of course, I understand if you don't wish to share. In that case, I will leave for you to enjoy the festivities in peace.”

[goodnightmemes]

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER SENTENCE STARTERS (part one / ep1-4)

❛ I'm sorry for your loss, ...your losses, rather. ❜

❛ Nobody gets away with anything. Not really. ❜

❛ Don't lecture me about family values. You're just as shit in that department as I am. ❜

❛ The gates are always open, but that doesn't mean you answer the phone. ❜

❛ That day was the last day we were all in the same place. Alive. ❜

❛ That is a brave and thoughtful thing to say. Especially if you want to get written out of the will. ❜

❛ I don't give a shit about the world. ❜

❛ The prenup's like a fucking phone book. ❜

❛ You let me move in, but you won't let me meet your family? ❜

❛ I'll freeze their fucking head and give it to my father on a platinum plate. ❜

❛ They will love you because I love you, and the only thing stronger than love is how scared they are of getting cut out of the will. ❜

❛ We really should get together more often, it's a balm for the soul. ❜

❛ And most people go their whole, wasted, stupid lives without one minute of true resolution. Not me though. ❜

❛ You know what a resolution is? It's a deal you make with the future. ❜

❛ The people in charge of making us healthy make us sick. We cheat the dying. We fleece the poor. Promote the racist. Let the demons run amok. This world needs changing. ❜

❛ If you could catch them all, take all of it, all the greed, the foulness, the rot in the world and sit down across from it, what would you say? ❜

❛ Was it ever going to be enough? ❜

❛ You're supposed to be shadowing me. Shadows don't fucking talk. ❜

❛ This is beneath you. And you're going to kill it. But you're better than all of this. And the minute you figure that out, you're going to be unstoppable. ❜

❛ We all, all of us, know pain. It's the great equalizer. ❜

❛ There's no such thing as a step back. You go forward. If you hit a brick wall, you don't go back, you go through. ❜

❛ Tell me, and don't lie. Is it everything you wanted it to be? ❜

❛ Nearly realized is the sweetest. It's better, I promise, in the moment just before than in the moment after. ❜

❛ Things like this, all things, in fact, have consequences. ❜

❛ You are consequence. And tonight, you are consequential. ❜

❛ I've always liked the bad boys. Got a weakness, I suppose. And you bad boys... you always just loved me. ❜

❛ You are a pretty, pretty little thing. ❜

❛ Say what you want, he was one of us. He didn't deserve to die like that. ❜

❛ You wonder why people hate us. This is why. ❜

❛ Everybody knows that edible arrangements are what you send to people you hate. ❜

❛ Did he mean it or is it just the edibles and the pot and the speed and the wine and the coke and the pills talking? ❜

❛ If you start thinking this is reality, you'll just slip into the abyss. ❜

❛ Dad decided that I belong in a room of smoke and mirrors, and I'm like a ceiling fan and I spin and I spin and I spin and I don't go anywhere. ❜

❛ Wow. I don't know who wouldn't want to be ringside for that, but no, I'm gonna let you grieve yourself into a coma by yourself. ❜

❛ We can talk about it after because I've had a shit day and I really just wanna starfish and forget the world. ❜

❛ Don't talk to me until I've come at least twice. ❜

❛ I love how deliciously, pointlessly mean you lot can be. ❜

❛ You still didn't need to come here though. It could have happened quiet. Peaceful. In bed. But I guess it's got to happen like this. ❜

❛ I'm sorry. It's not personal. It's just, well...Here we are. ❜

❛ It's amazing how far you can get on denial. You know why so many people use denial to get by? Because it really fucking works. ❜

❛ What? Don't like it? Cut me out the fucking will! ❜

❛ You can't enhance this image? You see it all the time on TV. They hit a button, it enhances it. ❜

❛ I don't even own anything funeral black. ❜

❛ Satin is silk for poor people, no one should wear it to a funeral, unless they died in it. ❜

❛ You know what? Fuck you if you think that, 'cause I would bleed for this family. ❜

❛ I will knock your goddamn lights out, you raise your voice at me. ❜

❛ Nobody knows they're the fall guy until they're falling. ❜

❛ Hey, I was hoping for some drugs. Sorry to be blunt about it, but that's it. I want some drugs. ❜

❛ Maybe you're right. Maybe I should take a break from the drugs. ❜

[sonicasura]

I think you misunderstood something. These people aren't told that their loved ones have been used for inhumane experiments, the Defense Force knows better than that.

What I meant with what little they are told, is the death of their loved one and that the wrapped bodies can't be unwraped due to the advance decomposition the bodies are currentlyu in. Its been months since they died after all, so not a lot is very intact to say the least. Nor pleasent to look at. Not to mention the smell.

And they are also given some false information as well. Mostly to keep questions to a minimum, along with giving the grieving some closure and knowning that whoever took their loved one away and caused their deaths is going to be dealt with as soon as possible.

And what you said about their bodies being too messed up to survive without help? Thats pretty much what would happened if allowed to live. And they had to do a lot more begrudging autopsies then you'd think. Sure the organisation kept their documents, files, notes and so on pretty updated and organize which made it easier to figure out who was who in the long run. But DNA samples was needed to make sure they had the right person and sometimes the only way to get some was to open the body.

And yeah it really takes that long of time for Isao and all the higher ups to really come to a decision. Theres a lot things to consider and despite Isao's hate for kaijus, he understands that theres a lot more going on and that Kafka is far more a victim than a monster.

It does not stop Isao from ordering a series of special tests and various other tasks so they can get more accurate info and facts for said decision. But the general makes sure that all of this are under stric supervision and humane as possible. Not to mention that any scientist has to get his and several other high command approval for it to happen.

And as time will show that ever since Kafka came into the Third's custody, more of his older self is slowly returning, along with other things that makes things clear that he is not a lost cause and can become an asset for them. And a few other officers in the Thirds becomes close enough to Kafka that they too can keep him calm when Mina is not around.

Soshiro and Okonogi is of course part of this small group.

As for how Kafka looks like now? For starters his a lot bigger than canon. About three to five meters tall at the most for now, with bit a slightly more thicker build to properly support his body. He also walks on all four as well, but can walk normally as well after some traning as Kafka kinda forgot how to do that thanks to all his been through.

As for other alterations? He has indeed a bladed tail, or tails rather. Seven intotal that are attached a little higher up than the usual tail spot, with no added poison or other nasty surprises for now. Though the blades are sharp enough Eiji's battle armor is going to have a hard time staying intact. Kafka is more than happy to wear special made sheaths for his tail ends as the blades themself makes even the himbo weary. Not to mention he gets nervous when people gets near the blades themself as he does not want to accdently hurt or kill them with the blades.

Though Soshiro can't help himself with having the occasional blade fight with the tails. They pose a very intersing challenge for the man and it helps Kafka getting more control of the limps as well.

He also sports bone armor plates around his body too. But most of it is found around the tails to keep the blades inplace and around his limps. His torso spot some too, though smaller and in places that protects the more vulnerable parts on both the front and back. His neck area is also protected by these bone plates too.

His head and face is also a little different too. Kafka sports a few extra pairs of horns than in canon. All horns also have different sizes, with the biggest being ram like and used as such too. The demonic mask like features are stronger too and he has more cracks as well. And the teeths are a bit more numerous than in canon as well.

I figured as much. Thanks for the clarification.

It probably took quite the amount of work for Kafka to mentally begin to recover much less trust other officers. Won't be surprised if he had multiple rough nights at the beginning and still does but on a lesser scale. His room was no doubt customized for comfort since nobody wants to risk triggering Kafka by putting him in a sterile or blank room.

Quite the big guy as I can imagine his size also brought some issues. He probably looked a lot more intimidating once he relearned to walk on two feet. Though I wonder if Kafka also has speech problems considering his isolation and no doubt altered vocal chords.

My brain conjured up the ridiculous image of his tail sheathes during the early spars with Soshiro being made from foam or the equivalent to reinforced pool noodles. He's probably very insecure about wielding the blades against an actual person so it would be best to take it one step at a time. Let Kafka work up to them.

[oconnellthebrave]

open event starter @exitiumstarters

Deja vu was now becoming a common occurrence in the vampires life and she hated it. Walking into the gala, it felt as if she was being placed in some alternate universe. Years ago, she had been in a place just like this.

Marcel held a ball and she had been invited as a distraction. So even then it had always been a mandatory appearance. Then, she had worn a white dress with her dramatic touch of angel wings and now, she was in all black. Had she done this on purpose? Yeah, probably. Camille had never been shy of self-sabotage.

Before talking to anyone, she made her way to the bar, ordering a stronger drink than the ones they offered on the trays. Quickly after it was made, she downed it and began the task of walking into the crowd. Unsure of who she would run into.