#they all give me the same *i am intensely sympathetic to you but also want to strangle you* feeling

[nelyoslegalteam]

so @potatoobsessed999 and i finished our reread of the hobbit last night and i’m now fully and completely convinced that

arkenstone’s a silmaril

arkenstone is maedhros’ silmaril specifically

and this COULD be a post about how the arkenstone is described exactly the same as the silmarils are, or how thorin talks about it in the exact same way that the feanorians do, but for the moment i am skipping all of that because listen to me. just for a second here accept this as canon into your hearts because if this is so then that would mean.

that bard, a king who had his home destroyed by a great evil from the north and was willing to hold the glowing beautiful stone ransom to protect his people, willingly laid maedhros’ silmaril to rest with thorin, a king who had his home destroyed by a great evil from the north and who sought to retrieve the glowing beautiful stone that was the last remaining thing he had of his father.

and i just think that’s such a potent ending for the damn thing. there is the peace that was never achieved in the silmarillion. there is the sympathy that was never achieved in the silmarillion. the silmarils cannot come home to the feanorians, but they can come home to durin’s folk. they can find their home with a different people of aule. with a different people who have faced horror and death in their own home. with a different son who has lost his father who had lost his father, left to hold his people together. and it can do that because instead of being fought over, it was in the end given up freely.

and i just think that’s nice, actually.

[imtryingbuck]

Timeless Love.

~ gif not mine credit to owner ~

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader

Summary: Bucky might have met the love of his life in the middle of a war, he just wished he was able to live a life with her.

Word count: 6,598

Warnings: angst. kidnapping. fluff. Hydra. forced breeding. forced miscarriage.

A/N: enjoyed writing this!! Thank you for the request. Also thank you to @buckys-wintersoldier for helping me when I needed it!🤍

Part 2

Masterlist

“Y/n L/n. 107th.”

She nodded smiling at her friend who had also been given the same unit. All the nurses - professional and volunteers alike were waiting for their names to be called to hear what unit they would be stationed with.

Then she was given the news that she was going to be the matron. And at twenty four years old that was a massive accomplishment, herself and her parents were beyond proud.

“Hey doc” she couldn’t help but roll her eyes at hearing the familiar voice that she began hearing everyday. “I’m injured doll, need your help to patch me back up”

Looking up for the clipboard she carried around she saw the Sergeant who had captured all the attention from all the nurses. Though he never paid any mind to them, just her.

James Buchanan Barnes.

“Firstly I’m not a doctor, just a nurse and secondly this is your seventh time coming here this week”

“Firstly you should be a doctor, better than the one we’ve got and secondly I keep getting hurt”

“Bucky… it’s only Wednesday.”

“You love me. Aren’t you going to ask me what my very serious injury is?”

“I don’t love you. Okay, what seems to be the problem Sergeant?”

“Y-you don’t love me? I’m going to cry myself to sleep tonight thanks to you!”

“What’s your injury Sergeant?”

“My heart” he places his hand on his chest and looks up at her sympathetically. “My heart hurts doll”

“James… you do realise that your heart is on the left side not the right…”

Moving his hand to the left side “Oh… are you sure?”

“Yes I’m sure” chuckling at his facial expression, he winks causing her to laugh.

“The truth is that I just wanted to see you, I like you even though you’re being mean to me” he pouts and bats his eyelashes as he kicked his legs back and forth.

“How am I being mean to you?” She asks whilst counting stock, trying her hardest to ignore the intense gaze of his ocean blue eyes on her back.

“Because you won’t let me take you dancing”

“You should go with one of the other nurses James”

“I don’t want any of the other nurses, just you”

“You-“

“Y/n! Y/n quick we need you!” Mary’s panic scream interrupted her. Jumping up and rushing out of the tent with Bucky right behind her, a group of men carrying a stretcher with a man lying on it. His right leg gone as well as his left arm.

“Get him in here” Bucky opens the flaps of the tent, his eyes trained on the young soldier as they passed him. “Help me transfer him on to the bed, carefully.”

Bucky watched on as Y/n took control, ordering the nurses around and trying to get the soldiers to move away so she could work. When one of the men wouldn’t move Bucky stepped in.

It wasn’t long before Y/n made everyone get out except for the nurses.

“Go” Bucky’s head snapped from the medical tent to Dum Dum sitting next to him, giving the man a questioning look, Dum Dum laughed. “The doc”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about” he mumbled before downing the rest of his drink.

“You’ve been turning down women all night and I’m honestly surprised that you haven’t burnt a hole into the tent with how intense you’ve been looking at it. Oh and let’s not forget that you’ve been obsessed from the second you laid eyes on her”

“I-no I haven’t.”

“You have, and don’t bother trying to argue with me. Go and talk to her”

“And say what?”

“That’s on you” Bucky contemplated on whether or not to take his friend’s advice, it didn’t take too long before he was getting up and heading over to the medical tent. “Shes in her own tent” he heard from behind him so he changed course.

Standing outside the small tent he fixed his hair before pushing the flap aside, he found her sitting hunched over the small table one hand in her hair and the other scribbling away as she filled in paperwork.

“I can feel your eyes on me” her whispered voice snapped him out of his head.

“Are you alright doll?”

“I’m fine don’t worry, go and enjoy your night”

Moving closer to her he saw the tears falling freely down her cheeks. “Hey, hey why are you crying doll?”

“He… he didn’t make it. I tried everything bu-but it wasn’t enough, he was only seventeen Bucky.”

“Oh doll. You did everything you could-“

“But it wasn’t enough! And within the week his parents are going to know I failed, I failed to save their son”

Bucky pulled her into his arms, holding her close to his chest ignoring the feeling of her tears wetting his shirt. “It’s not your fault” he whispered over and over again as she fell apart in his arms.

“I failed”

“No you didn’t! Nobody would have been able to have saved him Y/n and you know that.”

“He was only seventeen Bucky. A child!”

“I know sweetheart, I know.”

As the laughing and music continued outside Bucky kept Y/n close to his chest, rocking them both from side to side slowly. Sleep began to overtake them, being the gentleman that he was he turned his back on her waiting for her to change into her nightwear.

“Goodnight doll”

“Stay… please”

“Of course” he was slightly shocked by seeing her shifting over in the small cot then patting the space she had created.

Climbing in next to her, wrapping her up and pulling her into his chest. Pressing his lips to her forehead “goodnight my love”

It became an unspoken routine between the two of them that Bucky would sleep in her bed, they ignored the teasing from all those around them - as if the nurses weren’t warming the soldiers beds themselves. There was nothing sexual about what they were doing, it was just two lost souls finding themselves seeking shelter within one another.

That however changed one night when Bucky went into their now shared tent finding her once again hunched over the table. “Hi doll”

“Hi Sergeant”

“Me and the guys move out tomorrow”

“I heard. How are you feeling?” She asked looking up from the papers in front of her.

“Nervous I won’t lie, but I’m going to miss you”

“I’m going to miss you too but you shouldn’t be gone long, right?”

“Two weeks, three at the most” he shrugged. “Doll, come and dance with me”

“There’s no music…”

“So? Come on” he held his hand out for her to take, his heart fluttering with the look she gave him as she puts her hand in his. “You are so pretty” he whispers as they swayed together.

“‘M not.”

“Yes you are. From the second I laid eyes on you I thought you were the most prettiest dame I had ever laid eyes on.”

“You’re lying!” She chuckled.

“I am not!”

“If you say so”

Bucky gently raises her head up by her chin, “I have never lied to you.”

“Bucky… kiss me please” she asked softly. Their lips met slowly at first before growing heatedly and passionately.

The next morning with only a thick blanket covering their naked bodies they basked in the silence of the camp, Bucky running his fingers through her hair and Y/n drawing invisible circles on his chest.

“When this war comes to an end me and you are going to get married” Bucky declared as he broke the silence.

“Don’t I get a say in this?”

“Nope” he chuckled. “Why, don’t you want to marry me?”

“And put up with you for the rest of my life?”

“Yeah, why what’s wrong with that?”

“You’re annoying”.

“And?” He drawls with a cheeky grin on his face.

“I’ll probably smoother you in your sleep?”

“And? Doll you aren’t giving me a good reason for why we shouldn’t get married”

“You honestly want to marry me?”

“More than anything, and I promise I’ll be an amazing husband and we’ll have so much fun together an-“

“Yes”

“-d we’ll make so many memories-“

“Yes”

“-and we’ll grow old toge-wait… yes?”

“Yes Bucky, I’ll marry you when the war is ov-“ her words get cut off from him pressing his lips to hers.

“I can’t wait to annoy you for the rest of our lives together”

Later that morning, before Dum Dum led his unit out of the camp heading to only where they knew they were going Bucky ran over to Y/n giving her a kiss and promised her that he would come back to her.

Since the only people left there was the nurses, injured men and some of the officials the camp was excruciatingly quiet. And since it was only just them… well the camp had become very boring.

Two weeks passed quicker than she thought, waiting to hear the loud chatter from the men to fill in the silence yet it never came. Another week went by and again there was no sight of them. Y/n was helping Private Smith sit up in more of a comfortable position when Mary came rushing in, slightly out of breath.

“Th-they’ve been captured!”

“What? How do you know?”

“Word just come in, I overheard it but apparently Captain America is going to rescue them because he knows someone in the unit”

“I-okay. Okay erm… we’ll need to get things set up for when they come back just incase they are hurt” Y/n rambled off, unaware that she was squeezing Smiths hand - not like he minded.

“He’ll be fine darling” Smith squeezed her hand back.

“I-I know. You need to eat-“

“I will don’t worry but you need to eat too darling as well”

Sitting down next to him they enjoyed a nice meal together, Smith doing everything to help get her mind off of Bucky and the others by talking to her about his life before the war, his wife and children, telling her all the plans he had planned when he got home. It worked. Until it was time to go to bed, being alone with her thoughts made her mind come up with all kinds of scenarios and most of them weren’t good.

It was another two weeks before word got to them that they were coming back. Captain America had saved them.

Y/n was in the medical tent filling out paperwork when applause erupted in the air as Captain America approached with the 107th behind him, hearing the cheers she jumped up and began getting things ready, as the first person was brought in her sole attention was on the solider and not the other one she had been worrying about in the five weeks since she had seen him.

“Hey! Let’s hear it for Captain America!” She smiled at hearing his voice as she concentrated on the patient in front of her.

“He’s already asked about you” Ann says as she put pressure on the solider’s wound.

“Ah, your the famous doc that he wouldn’t shut up talking about”

“Excuse me?”

“Barnes? Yeah he wouldn’t stop talking about you, if you ask me he’s in love with you” the guy winked.

It wasn’t until everything in the medical tent had calmed down that she had heard his voice again. “I’m injured doll”

Spinning around she sees him standing there with a grin on his dirt covered face. “Who are you?”

“Your future husband, silly. Missed you doll”

“I missed you too” hearing her words he crossed over to where she stood and placed his hands on her face, cupping her face before placing his lips against hers. Both sighing in content at the feeling they had both been missing for weeks.

“Are you hurt? Where?”

“‘M not hurt my love, just messing with you”

“Are you not going to introduce me Buck?” A new voice cut through making them take a step apart from each other.

“Y/n this is Steve, Steve this is my doll” Y/n smiled at the blond who happily returned the expression.

“It’s nice to meet the woman who this one wouldn’t stop talking about”

“I didn’t talk about her once” Bucky rushed out. “I didn’t doll” shaking his head whilst looking at her.

“He’s actually not the first person to tell me that” Y/n winked at Steve making the man laugh.

“I hate the both of you.”

A celebration was held that night when they came back, the men sharing the tale of how they were captured - all teasing each other when they said they weren’t scared. Telling the women how Captain America had told them to leave but they refused, Dum Dum said that they arrived together and were going to be leaving together. Everyone including Y/n hanging on to every word that was spoken of their rescue and how they defeated the enemy.

Bucky never spoke a word, no, he was too lost in watching the flames of the fire-pit flickering off Y/n’s face. Mesmerised by the way her eyes shined so brightly in the darkness, audibly groaning as he watched her bite her lip - his mind going straight to the gutters.

Much later that night Bucky took his time in making love to her.

The 107th Infantry Regiment had been teamed up with Steve to take down an organisation, Bucky promised her that he would contact her whenever they set up camp for the night. Every night they spoke even if it was just for a few minutes, he told her where they were and asked how everything back at camp was going, before ending their call he would tell her that he was coming back to her.

The last time she spoke to him he informed her that they were in Austria, he made her giggle when he complained that they had to go up the alps, telling her how cold it was. He then shocked her by telling her that he was in love with her. Before she could even respond the connection cut off.

She knew there was something wrong when she never received another call from him, Mary and Ann told her that he was just busy and that he would come back and everything was going to be fine. Every time she tried to speak with the General about the update of where they were he just walked away from her.

For two months she didn’t hear anything from him or from anyone, for two months she spent her time trying to take her mind off of the brunette who had wormed himself into her heart.

Mary came running over to the river where Y/n was sitting watching as the ducks swam past her. “Y/n… they’re back.”

Jumping up and running to where the men were, she looked around for the man who she had been missing more than anything, her eyes moved frantically from man to man who all seemed to have a problem with making eye contact with her. Her heart settled when a hand rested itself on her shoulder.

“Darlin’ I-I need to talk to you” it was Dum Dum.

“W-where is he? Dum…”

“Come with me love” he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and moved them to her tent. “I’m sorry darling, he… he didn’t make it”

“W-where is he though?”

“He fell off the train in the alps, we couldn’t find his body”

“No… no we need to fi-find him so his family can bury him… Dum please” his heart ached for the woman in front of him, all he could do was hold her in his arms as she broke down crying. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that Bucky’s last words to Steve was him begging the blond to make sure he looked after Y/n.

After crying for a good solid ten minutes she removed herself from his arms, wiped her tears before nodding and walking out - leaving Dum Dum standing there dumbfounded.

She knew herself that she wasn’t going to be able to be aloud time away to mourn, they weren’t dating or married, while they had feelings for each other and they spent every waking moment together it didn’t mean anything to the higher ups. Walking into the medical tent everyone went quiet at seeing her, Mary tried telling her that she could go and rest but Y/n just shook her head and got to work. She needed the distraction to take her mind away from the pain in her chest.

For months after she became a shell of herself, no longer laughing or smiling, no longer holding conversations with anyone, always working and taking little care for herself. And finally that day came when the war ended, everyone around her celebrated whilst she was packing up her things ready to head back home.

It had been two years since the war ended and people were still picking up their lives. Y/n was on her way to home after finishing her shift at the local hospital when a black car pulled up alongside her.

“Excuse me Miss, are you Y/n L/n?” A man asked as he got out of the car.

“I am, who are you?”

“Ah, we have a friend in common”

“We do? Wait what are you do-“

“Don’t make this harder than it has to be Miss L/n, wouldn’t want to hurt you.” Her eyes were wide as his hand tightened around her neck, her whole body trembling with fear. “Nighty night” he smirks as he presses a needle into her left arm.

Y/n woke up disoriented and dazed with her hands and ankles tied painfully tight, trying to speak but her words came out as slurred. “Ah little lambs awake. Go back to sleep little lamb” the same guy from side of the road spoke, but instead of a needle being pushed into her arm he raised his leg and kicked her straight in the face. Knocking her out instantly.

The second time she awoke was when a bucket of stale water was thrown into her face, both arms tied to arms of the chair she was uncomfortably sat in. A man infront of her smiled as she was trying to blink away the water droplets off her eyelashes.

“So you’re the precious little one that our Soldat keeps muttering about, no matter how many times we wipe his memories he always mutters your name”

“I-I don’t know who you are talking about”

“Soldat! You know him” the unnamed man shouts as if it was the most obvious thing. “Get her ready. Miss… I won’t lie to you, what’s going to happen next is going to hurt… well have fun” the man sighs dramatically and then chuckles making his way to the door, leaving her alone with four men holding guns.

Everything that happened next happened in a blur from two of the men grabbing her roughly and dragging her down the corridor, to being strapped down on a cold metal table - a meek looking man muttering something to her that she couldn’t quite understand before a large needle was injected into her arm. 

When she woke the next time she was in a small room - on the floor, that only had a chipped white framed bed with a thin mattress on top of it, she grimaced at seeing the blotches of stains. Her nose crunched upward at the nasty aroma lingering the room. Y/n flinched at hearing noises just outside, she could hear clearly that a man was laughing which caused her to back away and put her hands over her ears trying desperately to block out the sound. Not understanding why everything was amplified.

“Ah, little lamb you’re awake. I’m pleased to tell you that it’s worked, your going to be our new little asset-“

“W-what have you done to me?”

“We’ve made you stronger than any man could wish to be! We’ve made you fast-“

“What have you done!”

“Right, we’ve injected you with a special serum that’s enhanced you. Your lucky little lamb, those before you never made it past the thirty minute mark after injection. Now you’re ready for your second phase of becoming our little asset, boys… be careful with her.” The second he finished his sentence the same four men from before came in and grabbed her roughly once again.

Being dragged down a corridor and into a room she tried to beg the men to let her go, pleading with them that she had a family and they’d be looking for her, she even tried bribing them. Her begs and cries fell on deaf ears.

“Now little lamb, from what I can gather is that this chair here, a beauty in her own right isn’t actually nice to those that sit in her. She’s not exactly been kind to your little boyfriend but that’s because he tries to fight it, I’m going to be kind to you and suggest that you don’t do the same as him otherwise it will hurt more.” He waved his hand in the air lazily and the two agents that had ahold of her shoved her towards the chair, once sat they strapped her legs down and placed a strap across her chest.

“P-please stop ple-“

“None of that little lamb, it’s not going to hurt… much” he chuckles. “Try not to scream, it’ll will only annoy me”

She goes to reply when a loud buzzing sound came from both sides to her, frozen and strapped into place as two metal plates places themselves onto her face. Y/n could hear the man in a white coat start to count down from five, squeezing her eyes shut tightly she saw a blinding white light as her whole body spasmed and withered in pain. The agents all flinched as the glass behind them started to crack. Once it finished and the plates were moved away from her head, her head started to roll to the side as drool began seeping from her mouth.

“Little lamb, do you remember me?”

“W-w-where am I?” Her mouth felt like it was full of cotton wool, and her tongue felt heavy.

“What’s your name?”

“Y-Y/n”

“Do it again”

By the eighth time of having her mind wiped the window was gone, she had blood seeping from her ears and nose, her bottom half was wet. After they were done with her she was dragged back to her cell and tossed on the ground as if she was nothing.

Y/n had forgotten everything. She didn’t know who she was or where she was. They kept calling her little lamb. Crawling into the corner of the room she pulled her knees up to her chest and began mumbling incoherently to herself.

Every time she closed her eyes all she saw was a blacked out face with the brightest blue eyes.

For years she moved and breathed when they told her too, she spoke when they said, she ate when they told her to eat - not like it was much mind you.

Throughout those years she didn’t understand her purpose of why she was there, she never got to leave the place she was kept at, all she did was train and fight with those who were a lot bigger then her in height and weight.

What she didn’t realise is that she did have a purpose for those she worked for, and that she was leaving the base to do their bidding. Completely unaware that she had taken so many lives.

She didn’t know what they were injecting into her every few months was the sperm belonging to the Winter Soldier in hopes that they could create an army of pure bred super soldiers that they could use to fight and take down their enemies without themselves having to do anything. Or that the nurse who seemed to take pity on her would give her a tablet to force the innocent little foetus to never grow up in a world that it would only be used for pain and suffering.

She didn’t understand what she had done wrong, one minute she was training with the other super soldiers and then she was being hit and shocked by the batons and then dragged to the room that kept the cryostasis chambers, she pleaded with the agents that she would be good, begging them not to put her in there again but they didn’t listen. Her whole body stiffened when they gave her the option - chamber or chair.

She hated the chamber.

But she hated the chair even more.

“See you in a little while little lamb.”

Fury had told them that SHIELD had discovered a new Hydra base and that they needed to go and take it down, not even an hour later they were fifteen minutes away from touching down at the location of the base.

“Cap, it looks deserted…” Natasha said as she slid her gun into her holster.

“We still need to be cautious” Steve told them. He tapped his foot against Bucky’s to gain his attention. “You okay?”

“Don’t worry about me. Seriously punk I’m fine”

“Alright. Everyone be careful.”

They moved quietly and slowly towards the base - that had seen better days - without any trouble, getting inside they all stole quick glances at Bucky making him sigh. “No I’ve never been here before”

“Didn’t say anything Barnes”

“You didn’t need too”

As they moved further inside it became obvious that they were the only ones there, apart from a few rats running around. Steve gave the orders out, him and Wanda going together down one hallway, Bucky and Sam - which he did mainly to annoy his best friend, Natasha and Tony going off to find the computers to see if they can get anything off them.

“How long do you think this place has been empty for?” Wanda asked.

“Not sure… it looks like awhile.”

“Steve?”

“Yeah?”

“Why are they all open?” Wanda points at cryo chambers, looking at Steve with a raised eyebrow.

“I don’t know? But let’s keep looking there has to be something here for us to ta-“ Wanda cuts him off with a gasp. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s a woman, she’s pretty…”

“What are you- Y/n?” Wanda’s head snapped from the woman in the chamber to the blond standing next to her.

“Do-do you know her? Wait… Y/n?”

Pressing his comms button Steve tells Bucky to come to where he was, told him to hurry up, hearing the distress tone of their captain Nat and Tony also went along too.

“Steve is this the same Y/n that Bucky calls out for in his sleep?” Wanda asked, watching him nodding slowly she looked down sadly.

The team had slowly grown use to Bucky screaming and hearing him thrash around in his sleep and had even witnessed him trashing him room trying to escape, thinking and believing he was still at the Hydra base he was kept at. One night it had actually taken all of them to try and pin him down on the ground after a horrific nightmare, it took Thor to grab Mjölnir to place it on Bucky’s naked chest to pin him down and for Wanda to use her magic to clear his mind just so they could get him to calm down. She apologised profusely for it the next day but he just smiled, placed his hand on hers gently and thanked her. But every night without fail they all heard him mumbling or crying out for Y/n and none of them wanted to overstep that boundary by asking him directly so they asked Steve who this person was and all he told them was that it wasn’t his place to say anything but that she meant the world to Bucky. And after that they let it be though they were all curious.

And now Wanda was staring up at the woman who had been on her friends mind for so long, she didn’t know how Bucky was going to react to seeing her here.

“Steve?” Bucky stood at the doorway with Sam, Natasha and Tony behind him. “What’s up?”

“Buck… she-she’s here”

“Who?”

Steve watched as Bucky paled and his eyes got shinier with tears filling them. “Y/n.”

“N-no no you’re lying Steve.” His eyes moved to Wanda when he noticed her shifting from foot to foot. He knew by the look on her face that what Steve was saying wasn’t a lie.

He moved slowly to where Wanda stood, never taking his eyes off her until he stood in front of her, it wasn’t until she gave him a sad smile that he finally looked to his right. A choked sob was the only sound in the whole building. Wanda tried to grab him before he fell but it was no use, Bucky landed with a loud thud on his knees as he looked up at the woman he had fallen madly in love with in the forties. The woman he had made a promise too. A promise he couldn’t keep.

“St-Steve we need-I need to get her out of here”

“I know Buck, I know but we need to be careful, we don’t know how long she’s been in there for”

“We can’t leave her!”

“We aren’t going to leave her Barnes, just give me a few minutes to try and figure out how we’re going to get sleeping beauty out of here, okay?” Tony says before looking around the room to find a way to get her out.

As everyone moved around the room trying to find a way to get her out of the chamber Bucky stayed on his knees looking helplessly up at her. “That’s why you couldn’t find her, she’s been here”

“I tried Buck-“

“No, I know you did. H-how long do you think she’s been here for?”

“I… I don’t know”

Not long after, Tony managed to find a way to open up the door to the chamber without causing any damage to Y/n. They all shivered as the cold air hits them, Bucky took the straps off her and took her gently into his arms. His body tensed when Tony injected something into her arm. “It’s just to keep her asleep until we get back to the tower”.

Steve told him to take Y/n onto the jet so they could finish off clearing the base, they all watched as he carried her as if she was the most delicate thing in the world.

“Steve, she’s a super solider” Nat looked over at him from the computer.

“Have you found anything else about her?”

“She’s got way more kills under her belt than I do, they call her little lamb” saying that nickname made her nose scrunch up. “And… oh Steve, they’ve been injecting her with Bucky’s sperm, it never worked” Steve’s eyes burned a hole into the computer screen angry at everything that he was hearing.

“Sh-she was a nurse you know? A great one, all the men said they loved going to her because she was just the kindest of them all. She deserved so much better than this.”

“Steve she’s been in cryo for twelve years… they wrote down when they were put in and taken out, she was never taken out twelve years ago”

“Jesus. Right, gather everything you can on Y/n and I’ll meet you on the jet”

Leaving Natasha to do what she did best he went to the jet, he stood there watching as Bucky stroke his fingers through the top of her head, not taking his eyes off her face.

“I-I’ve put blankets on her from the back, she’s still freezing Stevie.”

“Buck, there’s something I need to tell you about her.”

“What is it?”

“She’s like us, she’s got the serum too. T-they were trying to impregnate her with-with your… you know, and Nat found out that she’s been in cryo for twelve years”

“T-they don’t care do they? They don’t care who they hurt or the pain they inflict, they-they’ve hurt the sweetest, big hearted person and for what? Just to leave her in there for all those years? It’s my fault isn’t it?”

“No Buck, it’s not your fault-“

“It has to be, I kept saying her name when they first got me. I didn’t want to forget her so I kept saying her name and look what happened!”

“Bucky it’s not- don’t try and interrupt me- it’s not your fault. But we’ve found her and she’s going to come home with us and we can help her”

“Did she do bad things too?” His voice was so small and quiet that it was lucky that Steve had enhanced hearing otherwise he wouldn’t have heard what his friend said.

“Yes but Buck we know her, we know she’s a good person just like you she’s been made to do bad but we can help her, I promise you”

“We’ll all defend her tin-man” Tony says, when both men look over they see the four of them nodding in agreement.

Two weeks after finding his only love and brining her back to the compound Bucky refused to move away from her hospital bed, on the fourth day Steve had to beg him to come with him to get some food - it wasn’t until his stomach growled in hunger that he finally accepted Steve’s offer, he left her with a kiss on her forehead and made Natasha and Wanda watch over her, made them both promise to ring him the second Y/n started to stir awake.

Steve then tried to get him to leave just so he could get a good night sleep or to have a shower but the brunette shrugged him off - it wasn’t until Dr Cho came in and told him to get a shower, told him that he should be clean and smell nice for when Y/n woke up. That had him running to his room and showering quickly before running back down to her.

It was better than nothing.

“Steve?”

“Mhm”

“What’s Fury going to do when Y/n wakes up?”

“Nothing, him and Tony have already pleaded her case and all she’s got to do when she wakes is give all the information she can remember. Fury is positive that she’ll be be fully pardoned and he thinks that she could be an asset to the team, that is if she wants to stay”

“W-why-do you think she’ll want to leave?”

“I don’t know Bucky”

“Would you be mad at me if I left with her?”

“No. I would be mad though if you didn’t invite me over for dinner” Bucky let out a laugh whilst he rubbed his thumb over her knuckles.

Steve and Wanda had left after spending a couple of hours keeping Bucky company as he watched over Y/n, he was just starting to drift off to sleep when he felt her hand twitch.

“Y/n? Doll?” Another twitch. “Doll, come on wake up”

Bucky shot straight up knocking the chair backwards when Y/n jumped up out of the bed, falling down instantly, he watched as she pulled herself to the wall bringing her knees to her chest, her eyes moving around the room frantically. Her voice hoarse as she mumbles softly to herself, Bucky slowly moved around the bed.

“Doll? Y/n it-its me Bucky”

“Bucky?”

“Yes, yes it’s me” she says his name again, her teared filled eyes looking straight at him. “You’re safe.”

“W-where are we?”

“Somewhere safe, I promise.”

“They will be here for me” slowly standing up, ignoring the blood seeping down her arm she moved over to Bucky. “I-I need to leave, I need to go back home, they-they’ll be mad at me”

“Y/n hey, hey stop, doll look at me, they aren’t looking for you okay? You’re safe here, I’m not letting anyone hurt you again. I promise”

“You promise?”

“I promise” Bucky moved closer as soon as she was in reach he pulled her in his chest, squeezing her tightly, repeatedly pressing his lips to her hair.

Helen came in a little later to run some checks, talking to Y/n like she was an actual person and not like she was a nobody like she was use to, when she said thank you it meant more than just a simple gesture. The next day Steve, Sam and Wanda walked into the hospital room shocked to seeing Y/n sitting up and talking to Bucky, though they had slowly gotten use to seeing Bucky coming out of his shell even after all these years of knowing him Sam and Wanda stood there watching Bucky be a whole new person, the only person that didn’t find it weird was Steve who had a huge smile on his face, happy to see his best friend finally happy and at peace now that he had Y/n with him.

When Fury got word that she was awake he came down to see her, she answered all of the questions he had as best as she could. Fury reassured both her and Bucky that nothing would happen to her.

A month after waking up Y/n hand in hand with Bucky sat in a room with the team standing behind them, Fury at the end of the table and members of the government in front of them. She was nervous to hear what punishment she was going to receive, yes Fury promised that she wouldn’t be but when Bucky finally caved and told her all of the crimes she was connected to - not only did her heart break at hearing the things that she did but she feared what kind of punishment she was going to receive, she felt like she needed to be.

“Y/n L/n you are granted a full pardon, but you will need to be a part of the Avengers-“

“That’s not what we agreed on!” Fury interrupted the man.

“It’s the best thing-“

“I’ll do it. I-I need to do it” Y/n nodded.

Bucky and Steve had to beg Tony not to throw a party to celebrate Y/n’s freedom and her new role in the team of superheroes, he reluctantly agreed but told them they needed to do something as a team for her. Bucky told him a nice meal would do, it wouldn’t push her out of the comfort zone she had created for herself, so that’s what they did. Their laughter throughout the meal bounced off the walls as Y/n was retelling her memories of the antics Bucky would get up to during camp, told them how she managed to push Steve in to the river when he refused to go into the water.

In that month Bucky had been sleeping in bed with Y/n after she begged him to stay with her, and that night was no different. The team no longer heard Bucky’s screams because he no longer had nightmares.

“Y/n”

“Yeah?”

“I never stopped loving you, you know?”

“I’ve never stopped loving you either.” She smiled up at him. Slowly their lips met, both sighing at the familiar feeling that they had been deprived of feeling for nearly eighty years.

Just as Bucky closed his eyes to get some sleep he began chuckling when he heard Y/n’s question.

“Are you still going to marry me so I can put up with you for the rest of my life?”

“I made a promise didn’t I?”

Tags: @imcinnamoons | @pigeonmama

[reueslee]

I swear, when it comes to the ‘Burr showed no remorse’ thing I am willing to fight the entire planet one by one. All the examples of ‘callousness’ are such obvious self-defence mechanisms. I mean, this is the guy who got queasy just *hearing* about a set of executions. Sorry, just felt the need to rant in a sympathetic inbox :)

I notice you’re also interested in Luther Martin. I am so here for Martin content. It is very frustrating being hyperfixated on AmRev in the UK without access to decent sources!

YES. His "callousness", his "coldness", his "heartless" behavior, every time a historian is discussing Burr in a negative light, they almost always misinterpret a likely trauma symptom or defense mechanism as some nefarious or malicious... It gets on my nerves.

I literally came across this the other day, regarding Martin's defense of Aaron Burr:

Scharf, J. Thomas. History of Western Maryland, 1882, p. 384

"The most heartless man the country ever produced." Are we talking about the same Burr...?

I could rant about it for days. Perhaps I will on here, someday. Give me fuel and I'll rant like crazy.

And, yes, I am interested in Luther Martin! I actually read a thesis on him yesterday by a past student at my university from during the 1940's while at our Special Collections. I took photos of the entire thing too, which I'll add to my history Google drive and give to anyone who wants it, but probably not circulate it any more than that. I didn't have enough time to fully read the entire thing, but it was really interesting! It helped me understand just how much the coping mechanisms back then varied and how destructive they could be for others and the self. I'd like to give all of those guys intensive therapy, stat.

It also reminded me not to take every interpretation as fact; The author made a really big claim that Luther Martin had a crush on Theodosia Burr Alston. Upon referencing what he cited for that (Blennerhassett's journal, and historians citing the same section of the journal), it was described to be an "idolatrous admiration" that both Martin and Blennerhassett shared for Theo. Additionally, Martin is quoted as saying this:

Obrecht, Everitt D., The Influence of Luther Martin in the Making of the Constitution of the United States, Maryland Historical Magazine, 1932, p. 181

Take that as you will, but I personally can't see that alluding to some crush that Martin would have on Theodosia. Protective and affectionate compassion for Theo? Yes. Strictly romantic? From direct evidence, it doesn't seem like such. Rather, I'd argue the opposite – he seems to deeply feel for Theo as Burr's daughter, and their relation to one another. For the admiration aspect of it, I mean.... How are you not going to admire her, by all accounts she was an impressive, stunning woman. I'd be fangirling (or have that "idolatrous admiration" as the olden folk said) as well.

That is just one of the many things I read about Martin, but it really stuck out to me because after every piece of misinformation I've had to challenge about Burr, I always make sure to check the direct evidence people are citing. Sometimes, these guys truly do just be saying shit.

Also, if you (or anyone 👀) ever need any access to academic journals, books, manuscripts, etc, just let me know. I can't imagine being so far away from the subject matter you're researching, it's one of the main reasons I chose university in Virginia, rather than my home state, Tennessee. I can access most things in person or online, and if my university doesn't give me access to something I'll ride up to the Library of Congress if I need to HAHAHA. Internet Archive tends to have so much though – the modern historian/hobby-historian's best friend!

[omo-queer]

hey V, I don't want to be invasive so forgive me for asking. how are you edging/ruining/ theoretically able to cum, all without touching? asking as someone who has only ever been able to finish with a specific toy and no other method lol im curious and also a little jealous!

thanks for the ask! this isn't too invasive, so no need to worry!

it bears noting that i am able to get myself off pretty easily with my own hands but i also have a right hand like a vibrator (and that's not really an exaggeration... people have alleged my hands are magic. i blame rhythm games and a body that hasn't always been the most interested in going over the edge by hand.)

the key components (for me) to being able to go over the edge without any genital contact are audiovisual stimulation, pressure, and tension. here's a summary of what works for me on these:

audiovisual stimulation—this one's simple. my brain really enjoys seeing and hearing people being penetrated, especially if they're getting off, and i feel almost a sympathetic response. i think this is related to the way some people can get off just from topping someone with a strap, although the strap does absolutely give some pressure with each thrust so that might be considered an "easier" variant of what i'm talking about doing (easier in quotes bc none of this is particularly easy to do the first time.) normally i don't watch that much vanilla porn (or really too much video pornography at all if i'm honest) but the easiest source of this kind of stimulation for me is watching simple amateur videos of people riding dildos. sound really helps. them having a real orgasm really helps.

pressure—this one is a little trickier, but it's got a few contributors. the more i need to come, the more "pressure" there is in that sense. (thank you, denial kink.) the fuller my bladder is, the more pressure there is from that side. (thank you, piss kink.) if i'm wearing tight pants and/or underwear or i'm under a blanket that comes into contact with my genitals that's another way to make the barrier to entry easier, although to get a perfect ruin i make sure to remove anything that was in contact as i pass the point of no return. that said, clothes and a full bladder both make the process easier, but i can get over the edge without either.

tension—this is the most difficult one to get right, i think. what i do, as i get more aroused, is roughly equivalent to kegel exercises, although i also tense certain muscles in my abdomen that i don't believe are part of the pelvic floor. this should work somewhat with any type of anatomy (and i'm aware of people who have hands-free orgasms with the two most common genital configurations,) as most people have some partially or fully internal erogenous tissue full of nerve endings that, when pushed on from the inside, is sexually pleasurable. this won't feel anywhere near as intense as direct stimulation, and i find it takes a while (and particularly good audiovisual material) to even reach the point where it feels like i could go over the edge. it also bears noting that the first few times i did this, even though i have damn strong pelvic floor muscles, i still ended up sore the next day like i was working out. don't hurt yourself, but figure out what muscles you can tense and release over and over that your body feels some slight pressure from. sometimes i find little thrusting motions with my hips help, though i try not to use these in combination with a blanket or anything because i think that would count as humping.

so basically, you're trying to get your brain so worked up that the idea of real stimulation is enough to get it to go over the edge, and at the same time do everything you can to go over the edge without touching your genitals (or, if you're a weirdo purist like me about the idea, doing things you consider "cheating." for example i avoid grinding my thighs together, humping things, anything that gives direct stimulation to my genitals.) of course, every body is different—and considering that the most important of this is about tricking the brain, every brain is also different—and so your mileage may vary. there's (of course) nothing wrong with you if you can't get this to work, and the first couple times i tried for it i couldn't manage it myself.

for the easiest setup and again this isn't easy the first time you do it, find the audiovisual material that works best for you, bring yourself right up near the edge in the way you would normally masturbate but not to the point of no return, and remove stimulation. then try your hardest to come by flexing and tensing muscles. if you get too far from the edge, bring yourself back up and try again. if you have other parts of your body that are sensitive to touch, you can lean on that a little (e.g. neck, nipples, thighs but not too close to the genitals) you can put your hands to work on those, although in my experience none of those are fully necessary either.

feel free to ask any questions this raises! i'm amenable to DMs, or if you're asking from a blog you don't want known (or just don't like DMs) you can also pick an emoji to send anon asks with! i have a list of taken emoji in my pinned, so you can pick anything that isn't listed there. i would love to hear any experiences you have using this info, and would be glad to give more details if they would help.

[fiona-fififi]

⏳⏳🧭🏃‍♂️‍➡️ if I may be so greedy

My love, you can be as greedy as you want. I am, however, very, very late answering this, so have many more sentences than you requested. 💚

⏳️ Eddie's gone (aka the coma!fic)

As an aside, this one decided to give me all the problems, and I kind of hate where it landed, so whether this is where it will end up, I don't know, but it's what I managed for now. Also, I have done zero research for this fic, so like. no one expect any kind of medical accuracy, we're here for the drama.

They make it to the hospital in record time, Buck stumbling through the doors on wobbly legs and heading straight for Eddie, leaving Maddie behind in his desperation. No one stops him—a testament to just how much time he's spent at Eddie’s side in the last months—and he's grateful for the grace of the staff, too afraid of just how quickly he would break down if confronted, and desperate to keep himself together at least until he knows what's happened.��

He's a few steps from Eddie's room, at a near sprint, when Eddie's doctor steps out in front of him, and he only just manages to stop himself before barreling into her, breath coming heavy as he stares with wild eyes. “What is it?” the words a rush of fear and hope, the sound jumbled enough that he's not sure she'll even understand.

But she does, maybe out of pure instinct, and she gives him a sympathetic smile and reaches out to lay a comforting hand on his elbow, steering him gently away from Eddie. He wants to protest, twists back to look over his shoulder, even as she guides him toward the little waiting room nearby that Buck hates with his entire being.

“Mr. Buckley,” she says carefully, tone even, not betraying a bit of what she's about to say, “let's talk in here. You can sit, make yourself comfortable.”

And he knows she's being kind, but he's tired of being handled with kid gloves and the last thing he could possibly do in this moment is sit anywhere other than Eddie's side, so he stands his ground, even in shaky legs, and shakes his head in defiance. “No,” he tells her, not unkind, but forceful, “just tell me what's going on.” 

“It's good news,” she promises, and Buck lets out a shuddering breath he hadn't realized he was holding, tries desperately to keep the tears from gathering in his eyes. 

Maddie rounds the corner, then, just in time to hear the words, and her eyes fill with a relief Buck thinks must mirror his own when he meets her gaze for a brief moment. He reaches for her, and she meets him there where his feet feel nailed to the floor, tucks him into her side in a way that makes him feel small and safe, and he clings as he chokes out the words “good how?”

“There have been some changes. He regained consciousness for about five minutes earlier. It was short-lived, but it implies improvement we hadn't fully expected. We're running some tests now, but when it happened, he was alert and seemed coherent. He asked for Christopher. And for you,” she tells him, and it's matter-of-fact in a way that feels unreal—because the idea that Eddie's awake, that he’s recovering in a real way and awake feels like some kind of miracle, but her tone reflects none of the intense joy that threatens to knock him off his feet.

“He-he's awake?” Buck chokes out, voice threatening to die in his throat as he struggles to keep himself upright, clutches to Maddie's shoulder to steady himself.

“At the moment, he's resting. And he's weak. All the work his body's been doing to help him recover has taken a lot out of him, and with all the time he was comatose, even the smallest activities are going to be a struggle for him for a bit. Probably a long while. So I want you to be prepared for that when you walk in that room. It may well seem like nothing has changed,” she speaks carefully, and Buck knows it for the warning it is—what he will see is the same thing he has for months now, and he knows it's going to feel like a knife to the heart even with all the assurances, “but I assure you that things are improving rapidly. He's still not completely out of the woods, but we expect him to wake again, and recovery looks promising.” She pauses for a moment. Let's Buck take in the information, and he's grateful for the pause. “Are there any questions I can answer for you?”

Buck nods, tears suddenly flooding his eyes as he chokes on the words that try to tumble from his throat. “Can—can I see him?”

“Of course,” the doctor smiles at him in a way that doesn't feel like it's full of pity for the first time since Eddie was admitted, and it makes Buck feel out of sorts in a way he's not sure he expected. “Just remember that he may not wake while you're in there, but that doesn't mean he's not making progress.” Buck nods at the reassurance, and he clings a little tighter to Maddie. “I'll be close by if you have any questions. I'm glad I could give you some good news today.”

Her tone is soft and earnest, and Buck holds himself together as she walks away, even as the tears that flood his eyes start to fall. He sucks in a harsh breath as soon as she's gone, choking on a sob as he turns to tuck himself into Maddie's arms as she tugs him close and hugs him tight, hushing him gently just as she had in their childhood, and he lets the rush of tears fall as relief overwhelms him.

🧭 Eddie's gone - alternative universe

WARNING for suicidal ideation on this one.

“Buck?”

It takes a moment for the pull of consciousness to settle over him. He feels comfort like he hasn't in days—soft fingers stroke his hair, and for a moment, the voice sounds like Eddie's, even if part of him knows it's only in dreams.

“Evan, can you open your eyes for me?”

It takes him longer than it should, too bone weary and aching for waking. But then a quiet “please” that sounds almost as broken as feels pulls him back, and he forces his eyes open. Finds Maddie sitting on the arm of the couch beside him, eyes damp with unshed tears, and lips pressed into a tight line with worry.

“You weren't answering your phone,” she tells him in that shaky voice that's somehow endlessly gentle and equally as accusatory. 

He blinks a few times. Tries to process her words through the fuzziness of his mind. Pushes himself up until he's sitting up, hunches over, but out of her reach. He thinks he notices her lips press tighter in distress. Knows he should feel guilty. Can't really feel at all.

“Told you,” he insists, tone a little harsher than is fair, “I need some time.”

“What, so you can sit here and drink yourself to death?” Her tone turns just a little angry. He understands why when she tosses the bottle of pills into his lap that had been sitting open on his coffee table next to a near empty bottle of whiskey when he'd passed the night before. “You can't take these with alcohol, Buck. You could have killed yourself.”

“Yeah,” he snaps back before he can think, all the hurt built up in ways he doesn't know how to control dampening his common sense, “that was the point.”

🏃‍♂️ Maddie's not the only fugitive in the family

“Buck,” Eddie finally murmurs, drawing Buck's eyes to his, and there's so much guilt and worry there that Eddie feels himself soften further, as he tries on a sad smile, “I promise you, I am okay.”

Buck watches him for long moments, big sad eyes locked on Eddie's until he finally gathers himself, trying to blink away all the emotion he'd let Eddie see, even as he whispers “I missed you” so quiet that Eddie's not sure he's supposed to hear. 

And part of Eddie wants to be angry over that—wants to scoff and remind Buck that he's the one who left. But Eddie can't bring himself to respond with cruelty to Buck's vulnerability. So instead, Eddie gives him a sad smile and answers with a soft “missed you, too,” because he means it, and he hopes Buck knows.

Buck stays for a moment longer, holds Eddie's eye for as long as they can both stand, and then, finally, drags himself away and stands, moving back toward the door, where he digs through a small stack of shoes until he produces a pair of barely worn slippers with hard soles. He holds them up triumphantly and then returns to kneel before Eddie once more, carefully helping him to slip them on. When Eddie tries to protest, Buck shakes his head. “Uh-uh,” Buck scolds gently, “no arguments. You're going to get cold without them.”

And Eddie can admit he's probably right. Even with the warmth of the little space, he can admit that there's an underlying chill in the hardwood floors that he's not entirely accustomed to, so he nods and responds with a sincere “thank you” that has Buck grinning, much of the earlier discomfort melting away as he clambors to his feet.

Once he's up, Buck starts moving near immediately, smile still in place, and Eddie's not sure Buck has even realized how much his earlier tension has melted away. “I'm gonna go grab you a sweater, so you can ditch the bulky jacket, and then I'll make us some dinner. Sit tight, okay?”

For a moment, Eddie considers protesting. Wants to tell Buck he doesn't need to go through all the trouble. But Buck is already gone, ducking back into what Eddie imagines is the bedroom, and Eddie can't bring himself to crush the ease Buck seems to have regained at the idea of helping care for Eddie, so instead, he strips the jacket off his shoulders and lays it carefully over the arm of the couch to wait for Buck to reappear. 

Make Me Write

[mrsaltieri-real]

His Perfect Victim (Mickey Altieri x OC!Dahlia Levine)

Chapter Sixteen: Lexi

Words: 3.2k

Warning/s: langauge, a lot of angst, past relationship trauma, mentions of sex and violence, mentions of pre-killer Mickey, relationship doubt, toxic relationships, Dahlia being lowkey gay for Mickey’s ex, etc

A/N: This was really intense to write. It’s a very important chapter though so I hope you guys enjoy! Goes into Mickey’s past a little more and makes Dahlia doubt a LOT. Thank you to @bisexual-horror-fan for beta reading and editing this for me! So much love!

Also, if anybody is interested to know the dynamic between Lexi and Mickey, I wrote a reader x mickey one shot a while back which is literally them. I’ll tag it. Raw (Mickey Altieri)

@lizey-thornberry

⬇️For reference, Lexi’s face claim is Alexa Demie⬇️

Well, this is fucking awkward.

I sat at the table, fingers drumming the stained wood anxiously. Lexi smiled at me, looking a little bashful as she sat herself in front of me.

“Do you, uh, want a drink or something?” I asked, quickly getting to my feet.

“Oh, uhm, yeah, water would be great?” She replied, smiling up at me. She didn’t seem anxious or concerned at all, rather the opposite. Not only that, but she seemed completely at ease, and it was making me a little uncomfortable.

But God, she was breathtaking.

I hummed to myself as I walked toward my sink, grabbing a glass and shakily filling it up with water.

Come on, Dahlia. Calm down.

“Thank you, Dahlia. I’ll get right to it. If that’s okay with you?” She asked as I handed her the glass of water and sat back down in front of her. All I could do was bob my head once.

My boyfriend's ex was here, across from me in my dorm room. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I felt too awkward to make eye contact with her. She was stunning. Intimidatingly beautiful. My insecurities were sneaking up on me rapidly and there was no holding them at bay. Every move she made, every flick of her hair and elegant movement, caused me to feel more and more self-aware.

She had a gracefulness about her, so much confidence radiated from every pore that just being in the same room as her was overwhelming. She tucked ran a hand through her long, black hair, sweeping it over her shoulder before dropping her hand to the table, her elegant and manicured fingers drumming lightly on wood.

Why the hell would Mickey break up with her? She was fucking perfect.

“How long have you been dating Mickey?” Lexi asked me after she took a sip of water.

“Eight months. Can I ask, I’m sorry, why are you here?” I asked my question tentatively, still not looking the stunning girl in the eye.

“I, uh…” She let out a sigh, placing the glass back down on the table. “I made a promise to myself that if Mickey ever got serious with somebody, I’d warn them.”

I stared at the woman like she’d grown two heads, my eyebrows raising as I asked, “I’m sorry, you’d warn them?”

What the hell was there to warn me about? Mickey was nothing short of a gentleman with me. Never pushed me to do anything I wasn’t comfortable with, always made sure I was okay. What could she possibly be worried he’d do to me?

“Look, Mickey can be… Intense. I just thought I should let you know, give you a heads-up, you know? I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I went through with him and-“

“I’m sorry,” I shook my head, finally making eye contact with her. “What you went through with him? How do you even know who I am? That I’m dating him?” The questions came bubbling out before she could even attempt to answer, the stress of the situation beginning to hit me at full speed. I didn’t like this at all.

She smiled halfheartedly at me, shrugging slightly as she answered only my second question. “Everyone knows who you are, Dahlia. Everyone knows what happened to you and your friends in California last year.”

Her big brown eyes were sympathetic and didn’t have a shred of ill intent behind them. Maybe she was good at masking, maybe she was genuine.

“Okay, but how do you know I’m dating him?”

“I received a phone call a few months ago. Some woman named Debbie?” She looked at me, as if she was expecting some realization to cross over my face.

Debbie? I didn’t know anyone named Debbie.

She seemed to pick up on the fact that I had no idea who she was talking about and carried on, “Well, she told me that she was looking out for you, that you were dating Mickey, and she was worried. I don’t know how she got my cell or even knew who I was. But I felt obligated to come down here and tell you some things about him.”

The way she said that word, “him”, it had some venomous undertones that I couldn’t ignore. It actually made me flinch to hear it. Mickey is a cocky asshole, sure. He could behave like a dick. But he was a college student in his 20s, how bad could he have been when he was in high school?

This felt wrong, like I was somehow betraying him and his trust. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat as Lexi continued to talk.

“Mickey has always been… Complicated. I dated him for over a year and I never met his family, he didn’t really seem to have many friends. He was eighteen and lived in an apartment all alone, which struck me as odd because we were still in high school, but he just said some crap about his family not being around. He was sweet at first, tentative and caring. But sometimes he’d act… Different.”

“Different?” I asked anxiously. My fingers twitched for my ring, but I ignored it.

“He’d be on some weird kind of edge for days on end and then completely disappear for others. He’d come back, and he’d have this weird wildness to him that I can't explain. It was like he was on some kind of high or something.” Lexi watched my face drop, and she leaned forward, shaking her head quickly.

“He was never violent with me. Well, not in that way anyway.”

“Not in that way?” I asked, eyebrows furrowing.

“Sometimes when we’d have… Sex, he’d go a little overboard.”

I didn’t flinch away from the comment. I was insecure, but I wasn’t insecure enough to feel bad about Mickey sleeping with an ex-girlfriend. But I did however feel uneasy about the way she spoke. Her face screwed up slightly as she relived some memory, and she shuddered delicately.

“You don’t have to tell me, Lexi.”

“I think I do. I won’t go into the details, but Mickey is dark. Darker than he’ll let on. Don’t get me wrong, he never forced me to do anything.” She said the last part quickly when she took in my expression. “It’s just… I don’t know you and you don’t know me, but just be careful, Dahlia. There’s something off with him, trust me.”

“Why would I trust you? I don’t know you. You’re some chick who dated my boyfriend and came to my door and started telling me to, what, dump him?” I couldn’t hold back the scoff. I felt a sudden wave of protection over him, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being genuine.

I hated that. I hated that I was doubting my trust in the man who’d saved me from myself.

“Mickey hasn’t done anything to me.”

“Really? Nothing at all you can think of?” I pursed my lips like a fucking child, and she leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms across her chest. “Dahlia, I promise you this isn’t some weird ex-girlfriend shit, okay? Trust me, there is something wrong with him.”

“Trust you? I don’t know you!” I threw my hands up, letting them fall back down onto the table with a loud thud.

“Look, I get how weird this is, okay? I just… You’ve been through a lot and I promise you, he’s just going to make things worse. It’s not in him to help people, not really. Not unless there’s something in it for him.”

“Mickey wouldn’t do anything to hurt me.” My voice was stern, I couldn’t help how defensive I was feeling over him.

“Really? So he’s never done anything in an attempt to hurt or upset you?”

I hesitated, teeth sinking into my bottom lip and my gaze averting from her. He had. My mind flooded back to the party, that stupid party. We talked, we laughed, we bonded, but then he tried to kiss me and I rejected him. He immediately got angry, defensive and proceeded to trick me into walking into Sidney’s bedroom where he fucked a girl right in front of me.

With how well things were going, I’d all but forgotten about that night, as well as how much of an asshole he was. I wasn’t stupid, I know people didn’t change so rapidly in the way that he had. Was it all a trick? Was Mickey that good of an actor? Had all the movies and television shows he loves watching so much made him talented at hiding who he really was?

“That’s what I thought.” Lexi crossed her arms, leaning back in her seat. “Listen to me, Dahlia. He is not okay. It’s all a fucking act, okay? He’ll be the person you want him to be until he gets what he wants. It’s like he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.”

“And what does he want?” My voice was small, and I still couldn’t look her in the eye.

“What do most guys want?” Her body language altered slightly before she cleared her throat and asked, “Have you…”

My eyes met hers for a moment and I shook my head. “No.”

“Then it isn’t too late.”

I scoffed, unable to stop myself from rolling my eyes at her.

“Not too late? What, is he going to fuck me to death?“I could taste the acrid bitterness of my words as I spat them out to her, my hands bunching up into fists.

“He’s just something else when it comes to it. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s fun, but it’s like he can’t help himself, like when he’s in the moment that mask just slips away for a while. It’s one of the many, many reasons he and I broke up. I know he never meant to, I think in a lot of ways he didn’t realize what he was doing, you know? We were young and stupid and inexperienced. But I just couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t warn you.”

“The only thing Mickey said is that things had ended badly between you two.”

Lexi surprised me by laughing, a genuine laugh and her head thrown back. “That’s what he said? If you consider him nearly killing me then yeah, it ended ‘badly’, sure!”

I felt a strange shudder go down my spine, goosebumps beginning to rise on my arms. “What?”

She stopped laughing, a small smile still toying on her lips as she leaned forward, as if she was worried someone would overhear her.

“There’s kinky, then there’s him. It wasn’t on purpose, he just gets…” She paused for a second as if she were trying to find the right words before settling on, “Lost in it. You just need to be careful with him. I’m not saying break up with him or anything, that’s not what this is. He’s just not right.”

“You keep saying that yet you won’t go into specifics.” I argued. As she looked at me, I could tell she’d noticed the slight waver in my body language, how on edge I was becoming. I did my best to mask it, but to no avail.

“So what, you don’t believe me?” Her tone wasn’t accusatory, more sad than anything. I could see the genuine worry and concern she had for me, some girl she didn’t even know. It was disconcerting as Hell and made the doubt in my mind gradually become more and more overwhelming.

“It’s not that I don’t believe you. I don’t know you. But I know him. He’s not the same stupid eighteen-year-old high schooler that you loved.”

“He never loved me, Dahlia. I don’t even think he’s even capable of it.”

Lexi shook her head. I could see in her face that she’d admitted defeat, and I didn’t blame her. I was so infatuated with him, I really don’t think there’s anything she could have said at that moment.

Looking back at it now, I didn’t deal with the Lexi thing in the right way. She told me all these things about Mickey, but I’d made the decision to repress and ignore because that’s the only way I could deal with it. I couldn’t believe for a second that Mickey would’ve hurt me. Surprisingly, I was right. He didn’t set out to hurt me in the end, but that’s exactly what he did.

“Look, I can’t stick around to change your mind, I don’t want to bump into him, but-“ Lexi grabbed her purse, pulling out a small piece of paper and a pen before she scribbled down a phone number with an L above it and stood up from the seat, “- Call me if you need me, okay? I know you don’t know me, but I don’t want anyone to go through what I did with Mickey.”

I looked at her beautiful face for a second before my eyes dropped to the paper she held outstretched to me in her hand. Furthermore, I hesitated for a moment before taking it, feeling a weird sense of betrayal the moment my fingers closed around the paper.

“I should go.” She walked toward the door, pausing for a minute to turn and look at me again. “You seem like a sweet girl, I get what he sees in you. Good luck, Dahlia.”

In Lexi’s eyes, I could see that she wanted to say something else, but she decided not to.

The moment she left, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and wrapped my arms around myself.

Mickey’s ex-girlfriend making the effort to track me down after receiving a phone call from some chick named Debbie was naturally not sitting right with me, not at all. I felt the same wave of unease flutter over me, and I shivered as I stared toward the door after her, unsure of what I was going to tell Mickey.

I couldn’t tell him that his ex dropped by, that would be weird. But at the same time, didn’t he have the right to know? Wouldn’t that be a good way to know if he was hiding something?

I pulled my phone out of my jacket pocket, scrolling through my contacts until I found his name. My finger hesitated over the call button before I sighed, dropping my phone onto the table with a clatter.

If I wasn’t worried, if I had complete trust in him, why was the thought of telling him about this making me feel like I wanted to throw up?

The sound of my phone vibrating made me jump, “Jesus Christ,” I muttered before picking it up, seeing Mickey’s name printed across the small screen.

Another moment of hesitation before I tentatively answered, clearing my throat before speaking.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Dahli, sorry about earlier, you caught me at a bad time. I didn’t mean to be rude.” He sounded a little breathless, the strange excitement Lexi had described evident in his tone.

“No, it’s fine.” I tried keeping my voice even, not wanting him to catch on that something was wrong. I knew that conversation would be a headache, and over the phone wasn’t the right time to talk.

“Are you alright? You sound weird.” Mickey’s voice changed, a suspicious edge lingering in his words. Fuck, he knew me too well.

“No, no, I’m fine. Sorry, was just about to, uh, take a shower when you called.” I was a terrible liar but lucky for me, Mickey seemed too lost in his own distractions to notice.

“Are you sure?”

“Mmm.” I rolled my eyes at myself before clearing my throat again. “Yeah, I’m sure. I just miss you, you know?”

“I miss you too.” His voice changed again, back to the somewhat giddy undertone. I couldn’t help but wonder why he seemed to be in such a good mood. “I wanted to call and tell you that I’ve done what I needed to do quicker than I expected, so I’m on my way home. I’ll be about an hour, I’ll come by your dorm?”

I glanced at the door and down to the piece of paper with Lexi’s phone number on my table. I had an hour to get myself together because I had no doubt he’d see past my feeble attempts of lying.

“Yeah, that sounds great! I’ll see you soon.” I tried to make my voice light and enthusiastic, and clearly must’ve been at least halfway convincing enough because the phone call ended happily enough.

As I stepped into the shower, it did the opposite of what I wanted it to. I didn’t feel relaxed, I felt even worse. The hot water was doing a shit job at relaxing my tense muscles, it was like the burning water turned ice-cold the moment it made contact with my skin.

No way could I tell him about Lexi. I didn’t know everything about him, but I knew Mickey well enough to know how angry he’d be that she had tracked me down.

There were too many mysteries and confusions surrounding her arrival. How did she know where my dorm was? How did she know I was in a serious relationship with Mickey? Did he hurt her? Would he really hurt me? What if I’d been ignoring the screaming red flags because I needed him so badly?

He brought me back to life. When I came to Windsor, I was an emotionless wreck, a shell of a person who was just surviving rather than living. But he… He built me back up again. In my head, I couldn’t imagine the person Lexi described him to be when he was eighteen. But maybe I’d been completely blinded because of how much I loved him.

I loved Mickey. I knew I loved Mickey, and it was truly terrifying. I couldn’t even fathom the idea that he could hurt anyone, it just wasn’t him. But maybe I didn’t know him as well as I thought I did, maybe none of us did. He’d been an enigma, somewhat of a mystery, since I’d met him. He was very talented at only allowing people to know what he wanted them to. He was so charming and charismatic that it was too easy to see past what he could be capable of.

I was being crazy, right? I knew Mickey. How could I possibly know Lexi was even telling the truth about him? It was easy to think this way, but I couldn’t ignore the feeling that she was being nothing but truthful. The way she spoke about him, she had no ill intent behind her words. It didn’t seem like she hated Mickey or that she was jealous. She never told me that I should break up with him or that he was a bad person, just that there was “something wrong with him”. It was like she was genuinely concerned about what was in store for me.

But the one question that was toying with my mind the most, who the fuck was Debbie, and how did she know anything about me or Mickey?

[ragnarokhound]

re: your tags on the jason’s anger post~

hard agree!! i will read reconciliation fics bc like… i do enjoy them getting to be a happy family/group but ultimately, i am firmly in the Jason Todd Was Right camp, &. serious work would need to be done for him to ever actually be part of the family again, bc the actual roots of his issues run DEEP. (and again! he has points!!)

and also same again on like… if i mention the batfamily dynamics in my fics, with the exception of au’s, jason’s relationship with bruce especially is still at least a little strained. he’s a member but also kind of an outsider and maybe he has complicated feelings on that sometimes but ultimately it’s bc his convictions / beliefs run deeper than his need /want of acceptance / belonging.

anyway sorry to dump a rant in your inbox but, i loved your tags & wanted to reply 💞

OUUGHH YES THO!! THANK YOU FOR RANTING, ALWAYS RANT IN MY INBOX STAY IN THIS SPACE WITH ME <333

(I'm about to have a mini-rant of my own, and disclaimer, it's largely informed by my terrible foundation of the UTRH movie + fandom osmosis + the occasional page/panel drop/arguments from other fans skdndndj sO GRAIN OF SALT THE SIZE OF RHODE ISLAND: )

Because yes yes absolutely! It would take serious work on Both sides for Jason to be brought back into the fold. They would both need to want it, and someone would have to be willing to bend on what they are ok with letting slide. Bruce would have to allow Jason his independence and divergence in philosophy; Jason would have to make concessions to Bruce's hard anti-murder stance.

There would have to be compromise, and reparations of some kind. They would have to actually talk and be able to listen. Apologies exchanged (mostly from Bruce because lmao) and a bunch of stuff people with the whole picture could probably tell me better lmao. ALL HARD ASKS

Because yes yes yes!! Jason's convictions and his beliefs ABSOLUTELY run deeper than his desire for acceptance. That's not-so-low-key the biggest obstacle for both him and Bruce in their ever reconciling. It's why Talia was able to manipulate him at all (idk the specifics of that, but details), it's why he hatched a deeply convoluted plan to get back at Bruce and the Joker and fuck over Black Mask in one fell swoop.

He wanted to confront Bruce with the consequences of letting Joker run around even after committing a deeply heinous and personal crime. Show him that taking a more intense and hands on approach and cracking down HARD on the crime families in Gotham would have more immediate results than what Bruce did. And that's not even getting into the Robin stuff yet lol

I don't personally agree per se with Jason's stance on murder and crime fighting lmao - but I also think he has a goddamn point, especially in this universe. In the world of batman, where death can be impermanent and supervillains pull all kinds of heinous, torturous bullshit, Jason has a lot of righteous and justified anger about how Bruce does things, on top of his hurt and betrayal over how both he and his death were treated.

Bruce's stance makes sense to me too, in a 'everyone deserves a second chance' and 'no one is beyond redemption' and 'its a slippery slope' perspective. But at some point you have to wonder about accountability. About what's acceptable. When the Joker is an unrepentant, murderous, sadistic criminal who has demonstrated that he cannot be adequately jailed or rehabilitated, what do you do? Do you ever give up on him? When is enough enough? Is the death penalty ever justifiable?

It's what makes Jason vs Bruce's arguments interesting and tragic to me, because from Jason's perspective, he is seeking retribution for himself as a victim. He is an avenger for victims failed by the system as it stands. And the system fails a lot of people. It needs to change. (And it's something being felt very strongly by a lot of people rn IRL which makes Jason's ideals v sympathetic.)

But from Bruce's perspective, Jason has given up. He has lost hope in the inherent goodness of people. He no longer seeks to find the good in people; he has decided that there exists instead a sharp dichotomy, that there is such thing as a bad person who deserves to die for what they've done, and for being bad. As opposed to seeing deeply injured people who need help, even when you find them repulsive. Rotten work, that.

Bruce sees the end of the path that Jason is on, and it's a bullet that Jason puts in his own brain - because if there are good people and bad people, and bad people deserve to die... won't Jason lump himself in with the bad people eventually? (I am once again standing on my 'Jason Todd wants to die on some level' soapbox)

Anyway, all this to say - there is a sharp divide in Bruce and Jason's methods/beliefs that makes their reconciliation impossible if neither of them is willing to budge. And when they both see budging as a terrible thing to do, a failure to the very people they are dedicating their lives to protecting...well.

It's gonna take a lot of angst and a lot of work.

[hannie-dul-set]

hello!! I love all your works - the details the plot the very clever and funny punchlines hehehe they make me feel a certain way that life just… is not delivering TT (i have been in your inbox before) and I’m just here to wax poetic about peach tree again my beloved my favorite my no 1 on this little hellsite known as tumblr. Every now and then I just feel this rush of fondness for it HAHA and I wanted to share that somehow somewhere :”

a little confession is that I felt like peach tree is really similar to my life… but just as the story is still unfolding so is my own life’s story - the ending is still a mystery. Sometimes I hope to come in and see the next part of peach tree, hoping it’d give me more things to dream and hope for (I may be sounding too delusional I hope that’s not too intense). but I just mean to say that I am very thankful and feel blessed to read your works! <3

I think one of my recent favorites would be the one w soobin in the pubs committee w y/n as well!! you rly have such a way with words and ideas I wish you’d write a drama hehe

sending you lots of power and boss vibes (which you seem to have lots of already) to get through school!

head was spinning because of my midterms coverage last night but my mood instantly got better when i read this during my break 😭.

when i started writing peach tree, i wasnt sure if people would want to read a 40k word vomit (now at 80k if you include act ii that's catching dust in my gdocs) of me venting about the issues i had to work through 😭😭 it's a personal work, and seeing a lot of you guys relate to it makes me both happy and sympathetic at the same time.

UGH this story is just so very dear to me and i'm glad you find some sort of comfort to it. to everyone still waiting for act ii......i will really try my best to get it out within the year, maybe during my summer vacation because it's not like my current silly little fics where i can just barf out some jokes and call it a day HAHAHAHAH i need to be in a certain headspace to write it, and the wip is currently stuck on a particularly emotionally climactic scene that my brain and heart just isn't ready for 😭😭😭.

the soobin fic, love vomit, is very much peach tree coded and also a testament to my tendency of oversharing my life through fanfics and kpop boys HAHAHAHAHHAHA thank you so much for this anon, hope you're having a wonderful day!

[movemnt]

so, this is me rambling through a rundown of most of what they cut from the final version of r.esident evil r.evelations 2. This is all summary of what was gathered from the horrid mess in the data files that a friend datamined and we sorted through about a year after the game released. It's a goddamn nightmare in there.

To make a very lengthy story short, they had the full game set to go until about 2 weeks to the first episode being released, and then basically halved it after delaying it for about another week with no explanation??? Nobody knows why they decided to go this route and we probably won't ever know. they left the game data in a bit of a cobbled mess with those data files still in it (and when I say it's a mess i mean it's a M E S S. it took three weeks to get just some of the dialogue that was missing and then much more to make some semblance of sense of the whole thing and piece it all together. like why not just delete all of it???? unless it was a case of 'if i remove this tomato the entire game will cease to function so it stays in this spot outside of the stage'-) and some dialogue tags and actions have zero context to them in the game in its current state.

i'm also not putting in the dialogue tags and am instead summarizing them because this post will be 10x longer than it is.

I also want to note that as much shit as I'm about to give it I fucking adore this goddamn game, it got me through some very dark times in my life, I even have Moira as my alias for most websites- it's amazing, but the fact that they left this much is kinda bizarre and makes me wonder what could have been. also it's v weird to do this summary again. i've done it once before but some details are missing from what i had in a draft of the deleted post i wrote and the post that a friend wrote so some of this is from memory.

alas.

The first episode is basically the same in terms of story. Claire and Moira get kidnapped, they wake up and Moira is freed after Claire does the first puzzle in the cells. It's much more hyper in pace and intense then smoothed into the more liminal space horror that we get in the prison currently. It was lengthy on both sides with a bit more of a reflection on things from barry's side in reference to Moira and LOTS. OF. PUZZLES. ON CLAIRE'S SIDE. kind of a blessing i'm not going to lie. alex went fucking hard (she literally set all these traps herself with a bit of help from neil) and her dialogue tags are ruthless. the xbox 360 demo they sent to cons and press reflect this.

The second episode... jesus fucking christ my guys.

For Claire's side: So instead of the ending being based solely on the choice you make in the third episode, there were a couple of different choices you can make in the second alluding to different endings where some characters die, some don't, ALL CHARACTERS DIE, all but one live, etc (I'll explain this in the fourth episode). Basically, you can help guide Moira's conquered fear a bit more instead of making it based around this one pivotal moment. It's a nice, slow blend into the root cause of her fear. She even talks more about what happened and Claire encourages her to try to protect herself more, even knowing what happened. Moira seems a bit more sympathetic, though is still angry at Barry for being over"bear"ing (ba dum tiss). It's not a constant slew of 'I HATE BARRY'' 'DOES HE ALWAYS TELL THAT AWFUL JOKE' and teenage-ish angst, there's actually much more of a blended mix of her trying to process what's going on and what happened between her and polly years ago. ( also there's a lot of what I like to call "Burton Joke Moments" lmao )

Also. I must state that the N.eil x C.laire dialogue was not present and actually isn't present in the original script of the game still, either in the old version and in the script in the japanese version. C-usa is notorious for implying things in their translation of R.esident E.vil stories (they got some fucking fire up their ass from Capcom and the development team after this one though, it was BAD.). The basis in the japanese script is that they were coworkers, he's the boss, without him terra save might crumble, and the script went more in the route of Claire being concerned about Neil as the leader of Terra Save as a whole.

Also, CLAIRE ACTUALLY ACTS LIKE CLAIRE. While the moment of Moira and Natalia bonding over the bracelets is still present and connected with the other pieces of dialogue, in the pieces of dialogue we found she is much more presently concerned with the actual fucking child they have tagging along with them. "Natalia, are you okay?" "You can come down" "Can you jump that high?" "Do the monsters scare you?" "You've got this, we'll get you out of here, don't worry." "Wow you're strong!" "do you need to catch your breath?" etc. While some of what was found can also be implied to be towards Moira, all of it sounds much more uplifting towards the kid than what we get in the present version.

Pedro's death is marginally the same, though the dialogue is that much more heartbreaking. That man was so fucking scared and Alex taunting him seemingly pushed him even more and made him an example of what those bracelets can do. Claire is also much more reassuring to him and trying to take charge of the situation before it eventually goes to the hell it turns into.

that's what i remember of claire's side, barry's side-

It was so much more creepy because Alex actually follows and watches you throughout the chapter (tbh a bit of an inside joke between me and a friend is that Alex walked so MR. X could run). There's animations and coding that imply she was supposed to be loaded into each scene in the city. Once you load it with the monster Alex model that's covered, she is permanently Watching you it's really fucking weird and was honestly funny to watch my friend test out (after it took hours to get it to Function). This also goes along with the present implications of her watching through cameras and through the revenants. She is literally Always watching you.

Speaking of! Fun Fact that I love just bc of its creepy factor- Alex is literally watching you through the revenants, but even this mechanic seems a bit faulty, or it's faulty on purpose? They don't seem to see Natalia, but heaven forbid they touch Barry if he's hiding it's an immediate grab (npc controlled or not). Oddly enough this is kinda the same for Moira in Moira's dlc chapter. They see her but also kinda dont? i'll explore that in my own hc for her later. Makes me wonder if they have this whole system of snuffing out who's infected and who's not it's really fucking cool. Or if it's glitchy. I'm gonna go for the former option bc it's cool.

anyway- that is most of what i recall from his side of ep 2, i think there was more with the pedro fight but it was mostly repeats of his scared rant in claire's side, if i remember more i'll add on to this.

episode 3-

i dont remember much about anything before the big neil fight, so im not sure if much of it changed aside from the aforementioned script stuff with claire and neil. there was a bit more talk about barry from moira following the encounter with evgeny and it's much more defeated than the high strung nature we get from her in the first chapter. "i didnt have to be told i did something bad" or smth turned into something like "i just wished we could have talked more without being stubborn". like honestly it seems less that they always fought, but were more complacent and silently tense until one of them poked the bear. kinda like a "not causing a fight for the family" sorta deal???

the fight though- i think it would have been so much stronger with the dialogue that was taken out. like i am not saying i dont like 'WE WERE SUPPOSED TO SAVE PEOPLE IT'S IN THE GODDAMN NAME!' but, claire is really going in on what neil has been doing, she's much more reactive after she has gotten some more clarity on what neil has been doing.

there's also like this document found in the chamber where you can find the dead butler, and it talks about albert and his visits and how ppl would just look really weirdly at this dude dressed all in black leather and telling them not to mind him lmao

barry's side didn't change much. barry's discovery of evgeny and then of moira's phone hit me like a goddamn brick wall and i dont think it changed much aside from the little different bits of dialogue you can hear from moira in episode four (i'll explain this in episode 4's piece)

now. episode 4.

holy shit on a shitstick-

some of this will be a mish mash of what i remember, what is missing, what is in concept art pieces, and what we had to gather from all of the above.

Starting with Claire's episode. So, there's a massive reason why claire episode 4 is only 10 minutes long as opposed to the other chapters, in short, there was a LOT cut out of it and connected to other pieces that were cut out, etc. I'll start with smaller bits of info and go up into the rather massive thing that we could only piece together and theorize about because, quite frankly and as much as this might make no sense, what we found makes no goddamn sense unless we connect it to scene stuff.

so, little weird things first- moira was supposed to get a katana from the tower at one point. for some reason alex kept one around, highly suspected to be albert's but i don't know. there's also a silenced pistol that implies that claire was supposed to silently shoot at the glasps that are released once the tower starts to go into self destruct mode. There's supposed to be more puzzles strewn about the lab, and more sight seeing around it too. Like you were supposed to see around it a lot more and not just from the confines of a glass box.

and then you get to moira's death.

you were supposed to hear her voice recording to barry as claire is walking away. that's fucking heart wrenching. like there's a reason why she has her phone in hand but not doing anything with it- she was about to record her final words to her dad, thinking she was about to die.

Now the big thing.

When you take the camera away from the insulated box they have you in with claire and moira and go beyond alex, you can find some bits and trinkets: two hospital beds (of which you can already see) some tricell equipment and purple tubes with rocks. Close inspection shows that they look a hell of a lot like lava rocks. Now hold on you may say, would that imply alex was trying to clone a certain brother of hers- i don't believe so. However, it implies that she had his dna. It's also implied that she was testing out what she was doing with natalia to see if she could do the same with albert's dna. which. makes a lot of other things make sense. Honest to god the one thing i hate about the way they did this is all the disconnected plot lines, like the one that "you were right albert it's not enough to live i want to transcend" alludes to. Like they left that in there and just didn't bother to explain why and let you assume he just rambled on about it to her one time and he continued that ramble into 5- yeah just. ugh.

another thing to ramble about before going into the brief discussion about barry's episode 4- the ending of barry's episode 3 (among other things) is just so. so unclear without the piece that is missing from claire's episode 4. alex grabs natalia and there's a brief moment where alex shows genuine fear, that's because her experiment worked, but only half way. See, half of her escaped and transferred into natalia and now lays dormant, the other half, however, is cursed to stay into the mutated form she is in. The only problem is this half in natalia is the worst half. this is where the "true or false, you, natalia, are false, i alone am true" thing and her raging hatred for natalia comes into play. only thing is they didnt show this or explain it.

and then barry's episode 4.

so, the multi-endings bit kinda comes into play here. Right now we have only two endings, a good ending and a bad ending. However, there's parts that make it look like the ending was supposed to be split up. Barry and Moira were supposed to work together for a bit (like when they escaped the area the first boss fight with alex happened in, it just cuts to them somehow running outside even though this cave was DEEP into the ground), there's some lines for evgeny (even though he dies which is honestly really curious).

that's honestly all i can recall at the current moment and as i dive into old files i might find more. hope yall enjoyed my ramblings.

[autiponi]

CHAPTER 4

-Dad. I have not been a child for a long time, I think I can dress myself for a flameday party.

-Maybe. But for me you will always be maybe twenty years old, time flies too fast.

-I can just see it, don't petrify me here old man.

Agreas excitedly talked to his daughter Aj while mending her clothes once again for her hundredth flameday. By demon standards, she was already a young adult, but Agreas still liked to treat her like a just teenage child who needed to be watched over for important events.

-And how are the party preparations going? Today in the morning you were running around like crazy.

Aj looked at herself with undisguised pride in the mirror. She loved elegant outfits and wanted to wear such at every party or even without such an occasion every time. Her favorite part of the outfit, was always a small cape with various motley ornaments which, according to her, not only always looked good on her, but at the same time she could finally feel like an actual daughter of the demon king.

-Everything will be ready soon. Unfortunately, this time I invited a little less guests than usual, I do not want the same thing to happen as in the previous party... complete chaos.

-Ah, oh no! So this time instead of inviting the whole city and still all the nobles, you only invited three quarters of the city and half the nobles. I saw this huge list on your desk.... It was maybe just a little smaller than before. How will I manage with such a handful of guests?

A feisty and sympathetic smile was gently painted on her face. She loved her father, however, at the same time she was aware of his perfectionism, which she often laughed at to bring him down to earth.

-Ah... sorry my princess for so little, I should remember that such a number of guests is an insult, next time I will still call up demons from the other side of the world, I think this will be enough already?

-Of course! Sounds great! Even with such a number I am satisfied, maybe I even prefer it that way.

-This is what I thought.

-Surprisingly only few guests from the south.... They are very nice!

-I don't know if you want you to hang out with those....

-Don't exaggerate, they have such a nice dark complexion! Have you seen a demon in our house with such! They are wonderful!

-And probably at the same time they are full of germs....

-Dad, you continue to exaggerate.

-Maybe, I still prefer you to be careful.

-Whatever you want, fossil.

Further banter between them was interrupted by one demon from the servants who entered the chamber after knocking. He was carrying a letter, which he immediately handed to Agreas and then stood proudly waiting for further orders.

-From the far North a letter?

-Yes sir! They ordered to warn you to meet with.... "Him." Rumors are beginning to spread that "he" is somewhere in their lands and you need to be as careful as possible because of this! As a higher help, I also recommend not to ignore it.

-But it is, after all, very far away... and even if he were to get through here, we have such a guard that he would not survive even a minute crossing the city limits! I recommend searching, but the plans do not change.

-I understand my lord. I know it's not my head to question orders, but I don't feel it's a good idea not to change plans with such information.

-This is the most important party of the whole year! I can't just cancel it when everyone is about to arrive. Go to the guards and give them orders to guard the gates.

-Understood. I wish the king a good time as well as you, Miss Aj.

The servant soldierly stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him. Aj, on the other hand, became intensely interested in the person they were talking about and at the same time was surprised that she knew nothing about such a person, she thought her father had no secrets from her.

-Dad. Who is this... "he" you were talking about?

-Ah... no one important dear, it's just that he is not welcome here....

-That doesn't really sound like an answer to my question....

-You'll find out soon enough, I'm not going to bother you with it on a day like this... it's a matter of what doesn't concern you for now, and let's stick to that.

Agreas' answer had a completely different effect than intended, but AJ did not move further on the subject because she knew that her father was quite stubborn and would probably continue to stand by his own and not answer her questions about the stranger, despite her pleas.

The father and his daughter set off after getting ready to enter the great throne room where the party was to begin. Sheaves of white light from the ceiling added to the eerie atmosphere and at the same time there was a perfect view through them of the thrones for three people, for Agreas, her daughter Aj and once also for his royal wife Lilith who tragically died by ambush during the eternal war between bloodthirsty angels. Agreas never allowed her throne to be hidden, it was too important a memento of her for him. Beautifully decorated tables were already prepared all around, and servants were bringing out more and more beautiful and wonderful-smelling dishes from the kitchen for the guests. Agreas, however, instead of looking at the preparations closely watched his daughter who leaned her arm against the banister, she was happy and that was the most important thing for him at the moment.

-...I am surprised every time, how beautiful it is here at this time.... these flowers, tables.... it's a pity it can't be like this more often.

She looked at her father with a gentle smile. She was well aware that her father was watching her closely, but Agreas strenuously tried to pretend that this was not the case by looking off into the distance at some unknown point.

-Well, if it was like that more often you would quickly get used to it. And so I can see the same beautiful smile every year.

-You are exaggerating old man. my smile is the same as everyone else's.

-But it's my daughter's smile.... this one is special.

Aj lightly put her head on her father's shoulder.

-...Thank you. It's nice to see you happy too.

He stroked her gently on the head. At this, dishes of a higher caliber than the previous ones slowly began to enter the room. These included trays of sweet snacks as well as cakes carried by several demons. One of the demons, clearly frustrated by the work of the others, began to conduct the rest of the service to make sure nothing fell on the floor. Seeing this scene and what they were carrying Agreas looked at his daughter again this time with a face full of seriousness.

-...Just don't eat all the cream cakes again please. Others would also like to try them at least once.

The daughter's face automatically went from a smile to one full of regret.

-...I won't promise something I'm not capable of doing.

-Creator give me the strength....

-This is your fault! If they were more often I wouldn't eat so many of them!

-But these are a whole three big trays.

-Yes, So what?

-...

The first nice guests invited by the servants slowly began to enter the hall. Dignified and beautifully dressed, they also wore all sorts of masks as part of the fact that Agreas had asked them to do so before the party as a surprise. Some had beautiful floral or sun and moon symbolic designs, while most had beautiful all kinds of colors. However, among the crowd of demons as well as individuals from other worlds, AJ noticed the already familiar silhouettes she least wanted to see at the moment. -...There they are again, that multiversal abomination, also known as Magids.... These ones you might not have invited.  Every year I ask you to do so.

-Don't exaggerate, they are not so .... bad.

-They literally wished you a quick death to be able to fight for the throne.... did they really have to come here?

-...Just don't pay attention to them, they are part of the family then I have to invite them.... our honor depends on it darling. There are enough guests that you won't even have to talk to them or even look at them.

-...You know very well that Mercury is unlikely to miss this opportunity...a nightmarish asshole and even worse, a poser.

-I won't miss the opportunity to threaten him either if he gets even a millimeter too close to you.

These words lifted Aj's spirits a bit, though she still felt that hosting Magidans for such a party was not too good an idea on her father's part. He, however, was just too honorable not to do it, which she understood, but still hated.

Soft, live and energetically played pleasant music surrounded the entire room as well as the guests. Each of them was very different and strongly deviated from the norm, they were foreign and at the same time similar because they were from different worlds. Aj although she was already accustomed to guests from other worlds, she still felt a slight uneasiness as she walked past each of them.

-...It's been a while...why can't I get used to it? I feel somehow strange.... But it will be fine.... Dad wouldn't invite some psychopaths here.... right? True... certainly true, Aj calm down, they are just like you.... only... different... ugh. What is happening to me!

She spoke to herself in spirit and tried to calm her overloaded mind. To relax a bit, she stood at the food table and slowly ate the cream cakes one by one while sincerely hoping that these would somewhat calm her hypersensitive alertness today. She just felt that something was wrong, and at the same time she wasn't reassured by her father's conversation with the servant when they talked about "That Someone" and further wanted to know who it was they were talking about. Seeing a very disheveled and unsure princess, a demon with a beautiful snake on his shoulder with golden eyes approached her.

-Good evening Princess Aj-.

-I DON'T EAT ALL THE CAK!.... Oh... good evening, sorry. I mistook you for my father....

-Nothing happened! I just wanted to ask if you were okay, you look shaken. The boy took off his mask what he had on his face. He had a snake-like tongue drawn on it, as well as eyes reminiscent of the snake he was holding on his shoulder. his face also strangely had something of the reptile on it, mainly through his eyes, although in the end his facial features were very boyish and not threatening.

-Yes. yes. everything is fine.... I'm just surprised how many visitors there are here.... in the sense, it's not bad that there are so many... but at the same time it slightly intimidates me.... you know what I mean, right?

-Yes, yes! I understand... Or rather, I understand that it's just hard for you. But it's nothing wrong! It happens to everyone.

He was clearly confused and didn't know what to fully say. Only after a moment of silence did he try to restart the conversation while smiling warmly.

-I forgot to introduce myself to you, I am Serpient! I deal with snakes on a daily basis and your father is very fascinated by it, which is why he invited me here. I also wanted to meet you personally! He decided when I talked to him that you will definitely love snakes too! To this I brought with me my favorite... His name is Apophis and he loves new company!

A gentle blush appeared in the boy. However, Aj didn't even notice it, because she didn't look at him too frightened and embarrassed come on she listened carefully to what he was saying.

-I understand... what kind of snakes do you mainly deal with besides him?

-King pythons! They are so beautiful often.... that's what my friend is too, would you like to hold him perhaps?

-Sure... I MEAN-

Before Aj could voice any objection, the huge and powerful snake was already hanging on her shoulder and slowly climbing up until its head was close to Aj's terrified face. She was already expecting the worst, that it would strangle it, maybe bite it, maybe it really is a mimic that can change shape, but in the end nothing of the sort happened, the snake just licked her on the small, sharp nose and rested its head against her shoulder. -And he's already taken a liking to you! Ha!!! Actually with the fact that he likes to meet new people I lied a little, So you must be seriously special that he treated you like this! FASCINATING!

-That's for sure.... f- what a cool guy he is... but can you please take it off my hand already very please. please please please please.

...

Agreas noticed Aj and Serpient talking among themselves. He was pleased that his daughter was finally able to find someone to talk to after being cooped up for so long. He was so focused on this that he didn't even notice when a young woman approached him with a tiny notepad in her hand. -Are you Agreas, the king of all demons?

It was only when the girl spoke to him that he got down on the ground and looked somewhat puzzled at her. she was wearing a beautiful red and white mask with tiny pointed eye holes through which the coal-black empty pupils could be seen. He felt a mild discomfort with her, a strange feeling he had experienced much earlier in another situation. However, he didn't let it show in order not to come off as rude.

-Ah, yes it's me... I'm sorry I was thinking, do you expect something specific? Something to help you with?

-Not really... I just wanted to get to know you a little better. And I won't say... I feel lost among so many visitors.... I'm not used to large crowds.

The woman took off her mask and smiled friendly at him, to which Agreas himself also responded with a smile and handed over a glass.

-I think I can help you relax a bit before I have to go give a speech, do you like whiskey perhaps?

-Even very much, thank you. I didn't think demons could read minds.

-Ah, no. I was just guessing.

Agreas poured the woman's liquor into a small elegant glass. While doing so, she stared at him apparently thinking hard about something.

-This is the first time I've seen a party at a demon's house... it's often described differently in books what I know, it's apparently quieter here... without many.... strange things.

-I've never seen too many human books, but if they describe it as a fire dance and general agony, then no.... have not been like that for a long time. Rather, one doesn't see such in modern demon parties anymore.

-What do you mean by "Modern demons"?

-The mentality of humans as well as demons is changing rapidly. This place used to be not so friendly to outsiders. There were many wars, assassinations, deaths of innocents.... I am not personally proud of them, but the past, unfortunately, I will not change. Some deaths had to happen, such life.

-I understand. What must have happened that so much has changed?

-...It's quite, difficult matter...back in the days when my little Aj was just an innocent flame....

-You don't have to say how difficult it is for you.... sorry.

The woman averted her eyes slightly and looked at the notebook. A slight embarrassment was visible on her face.

-Nothing happened. I have long since come to terms with it is what I can say. It is no secret. Her mother, and my wife was brutally murdered by angels.... torn apart, stripped of any dignity... angels are horrible creatures wanting only power, death and the attentions of the higher powers.... I did not want my people, to have to be the same as them after the war, I decided that my once love of war and death I would stifle.... and live in peace with the rest of the world. I do not regret this decision, although sometimes it is difficult.

He once again looked back at Aj, the woman also looked at them and on her face was painted a picture of deep compassion as well as understanding.

-...She must have a really good life with you right?

-I hope so.... I wouldn't forgive myself if she didn't....

-I understand... It's, quite charming.

The woman finished her drink and put the glass back on the table while putting her mask back on and writing something down in her notebook.

-Sorry again for such an intrusion, but I really wanted to meet the king of such powerful beings as demons. And who knows, maybe I will make a decent research paper on your topic too, which is not outdated by the way.

-This is good to hear, I am honored. A little curiosity is always useful because it makes history! And I am glad how I could somehow help.... Unfortunately, now I must excuse myself for a moment, I want to give a speech for my daughter.

-All right, I hope there will be another opportunity to talk later?

-Of course, I am looking forward to one.

The woman waved to the demon king and moved quietly into the crowd. Agreas, on the other hand, went to his throne to make a very important speech for the kingdom, as well as for his daughter. Aj was already waiting for him and kept looking at her hand watching it closely.

-I'm usually the one who has to wait for you.... something happened?

-No... all is well, I just can't wait for you to finish chattering.

Agreas stroked his daughter's tender head with a warm smile.

-All right then, today will not be such a long speech.... I saw by the way that you finally met the snake boy.... he seems very nice!

-Yes, yes... he is, very nice. A snake too, or something.

-I don't hear much confidence in your voice-.

-Long story, I'll tell you when you're done talking.

-These flames today....

Agreas informed the servants with a movement of his hand what was about to happen. All the lights turned toward the throne and the guests, intrigued by this, immediately looked at the king and his daughter standing proudly on the pedestal.

-This day is not just important for me, but for all of you! My daughter, and our Princess Aj, has just reached one hundred years of age and thus has reached adulthood! I will kindly ask you to applaud her!

-Dad. no need... really. Aj barely mouthed anything out of a rather strong, all too strong stage fright. However, the crowd without noticing it began to clap politely. Agreas continued after the applause had already ended.

-Today's date will go down in history, but only for this reason! As my daughter is already an adult, I want to give her a gift.... Which will not only be for her, but also for all the people!

-What are you ... dad...?

-Four thousand years ago I sat on this throne.... However, I could not always consider myself a good ruler during this period.... I turned out to be a tyrant.... I led armies into wars that could not always lead to success. However, I learned my lesson.... and I proved to all of you that anyone can change! I've worked my whole life for it... and I also won't be younger anymore. I am a tired older demon who only holds the scepter in his hand.... THAT IS WHY, I HAVE MADE THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION FOR ME, AS WELL AS FOR YOU.... AND I HAVE DECIDED, I NEED A REPLACEMENT! Aj began to look around the room in disbelief, the whole crowd began to cheer, but after a while it quieted down again to hear the end of the speech.

-AJ, MY Daughter, THE YOUNGEST AND ALSO THE ONLY OF MY FAMILY....

Aj was too confused and excited to look at her father. That's why then, she noticed a strange light what was flying from the crowd towards her father with great speed.

-SHE WILL BECOME OFFICIAL TODAY....

-D-Dad...?

-MY DEPUTY TO THE THRONE. YOUR QUEEN FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE! FOR LIGHT AS WELL AS DARKNESS!

-D-Dad something is flying in your direction!

-CALL FOR A THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE!

The light suddenly hit with remarkable precision between Agreas' legs, a portal opened under him through which he began to fall.

-D-DAD!

The whole hall began to clap and cheer, and only a terrified, and confused AJ was left at the throne.

-... She looked nervously into the crowd, she didn't know if it was intentional or not. She felt immense pride and at the same time fear piercing her, and did not know completely what to do.

The portal as quickly as it appeared, also just as quickly disappeared without a trace.

She began to look desperately around the room, while trying to mimic that she was happy.

She had only one thought in her head "After all, her father would have told her as if he wanted to perform such a show.... right?"

All the servants, however, what was around unlike her were in no way as concerned as she was, maybe it was actually intended and her father just forgot to tell her....

...

Agreas fell through the portal without quite knowing how it happened. The first thing he noticed as he fell was the darkness, a piercing shadow all around him that stung him from the very beginning and went all the way into his bones. Once he fell after just a few minutes it could only get worse, he felt a massive pain from the fall and could not move any of his limbs. he felt like a helpless animal just shot off for fun by poachers. all he could do now was beg for help

-H-Help...! Where am I...! Hello!

He tried several times to get up, but he just couldn't. his body, maimed and broken despite its usually ability to regenerate fairly quickly, refused such help. The awful big shadows, slowly circling his body and poking at his limbs to make him feel the pain and agony even more. In between the darkness, however, he suddenly noticed someone, and wanted to call out to him to give him help, but then he noticed one detail in his appearance that frightened him.... It was a large hat from under which he could see an electronic eye glowing an aggressive red.

-Hello my not very dear Agreas, I haven't seen you for a long time.... You look a little broken since my last visit! I would like to acknowledge that I am sorry, but lying is rude.... It hurts badly, by the way?

-...Where are we? WHAT DO YOU WANT AGAIN CANAL!

Agreas tried to shout, however, the pain strongly prevented him from doing so. Unlike Mike who stood impassively over him trimly.

-This, my dear is the abyss. It is such a void between worlds for a while until the "Creators" develop it.... However, this one, is not accidental, Because once here stood the capital of angels... angels who fought so long with demons that their fate had to end so tragically.... Do you remember that, or has your memory not been the same for these few hundred years? -...You were not there.... YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON THEN!

-But I absolutely know... Because you are a child of Apollyon.

Just as the angel king Cedric was then too, your mutual hatred and pride led to the destruction of this entire world!

You could not finish fighting! ONE HAD TO FINISH THE OTHER! And with all this, you did not just destroy this world!

You can also be proud of yourselves by the way, you were probably the first creatures what passed through the dimensions....Isn't that an honor?

-It was not my fault.... what is your problem with this! For such a thing you decided to attack me? and the rest of my family!?

Agreas' heart was beating very fast and aggression and envy possessed his head more and more, he was slowly losing his mind being around Mike. Mike himself took advantage of this and continued.

-You are part of the being that created the worst things of this multiverse... you are what is going to bring it all down... you are a disease, a cancer of this world what only a few know. You are worthless trash to be thrown away. NOT A SINGLE SCUM CAN SURVIVE, WHAT HOLDS THIS SOUL IN ITS CHEST!

Mike unexpectedly thrust a strange crystal into the demon's chest, followed by another, and another, and another....  Agreas felt pain again all over his body and tingling, he screamed and tried to get away from the ground or at least from Mike writhing as much as he could. However, the shadows were already wrapped around his arms and were penetrating even more with every movement. He couldn't even defend himself. -I read a lot before I decided to meet you again you know? instead of leaving your worthless carcass and existence alone....

I can store your soul in these crystals, making you never know peace, a wonderful technique.... Isn't it?

Mike, however, did not wait for an answer, and instead slashed Agreas' throat aggressively. He pierced his larynx as well as his vocal cords so that the man could no longer say anything or even scream. Once Agreas stopped wiggling and fell dead to the black earth, the crystals came out of his body and merged into one larger one, Mike looked at it and his heart started beating faster.... however, he ignored it and put the crystal in his bag while continuing to look down.

-...And as for your daughter, don't worry about her, she will find out about your death later tonight...and her death will be much more interesting than you can even imagine.

Aj stood as if she were standing at a standstill, while looking at the guests she did not know completely what to do in this situation.

"Maybe this is Dad's rehearsal of how I will handle a difficult situation?" she thought, and after this thought she abruptly stood as if at attention while trying to pretend to be confident. The crowd looked at her with curiosity, and the Madig family in the background smiled wryly at the new ruler of the demon kingdom.

-...I thank my father for such an impressive... gift. I am extremely grateful to him!Therefore, let's have fun until the morning! As long as the sun beckons in this beautiful hall! I guess.. Yea!

The guests once again clapped loudly for Aj. The joyful music, performed live by the servants even encouraged them to dance until they lost their strength.

Aj, however, stood only by the throne, anxious she could not, for a moment, shake off the thought that something had gone wrong at her coronation, she could just feel it. A shocked Sophia, her maid, came to her. She had an equally distressed look on her face as she watched the unhappy ruler.

-I saw what happened in advance. Was it planned Miss Aj?

-You don't know anything either? anyone knows?

-On the contrary. the rest of the staff is also terrified but we were told not to sow premature panic.

Fear and disbelief were painted on Aj's face after these words.

She took Sophie quickly by the hand and they ran out of the room.

-GUARDS: YOU HAVE TO SEARCH ALL CHAMBERS AND ROOMS! NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE MAIN HALL UNTIL MY FATHER IS FOUND! THIS IS NOT EXERCISE! HIS EXIT WAS NOT PLANNED!

She screamed while running down the hall. The maids, squires, cooks as well as the rest of the staff, equally terrified, started searching all the rooms they happened to have on hand.

-Dad must be here somewhere.... he couldn't just disappear like that!

-Some up the hall as we watched said it was an inter-dimensional portal.... so one cannot be sure-

-I SAW WHAT HE HAD UNDERFOOT! HE MUST BE HERE! AND IF HE'S NOT, I'LL FIND HIM PERSONALLY ANYWAY AND NO ONE WILL LEAVE HERE UNTIL HE'S FOUND!

Suddenly, one of the maids opening the door to one of the bedrooms fell down with a scream, AJ automatically came over to see what happened.

...

Blackjack left the party immediately after completing the task.

The execution from her part of the plan was precise and flawless. No one noticed her and at the same time she didn't perform too much chaos which was a good sign. She waited for Mike in front of the castle gates and during that time decided to talk to Jeremy on the phone. ~Hey are you feeling well after leaving the hospital yet?

Are you sure it was a good idea for you to leave early?

~Yes, it is definitely better, although sometimes I can still feel the stitches on my abdomen a bit....

~This is what happens when you leave the hospital earlier than planned by the doctors.... you should really lie down a little longer.

~I have bed in my home jer. And in the end nothing really hurts anymore, trust me it is fine.

~All right... On another note, what are you doing now? I seem to hear music from far away.

~I am waiting for my employer after doing my part of the job.... It wasn't hard, although a bit stressful.

~At this hour? Strange this job....

~Just like any other. You yourself often pull nights in the hospital and are probably even in it now. And instead of being at the patients you talk to me.

~It's not the same. you know it yourself.

~I know, I'm just teasing.

~Mmmhm, and just out of curiosity. what did you have to do in this job?

~I don't know if I can tell you too much. It's quite... it was a strange task.

~Amelia. Don't get into some trouble again, isn't it enough for you that I've had to get stitched up a few times already?

~I'm not! Just... it's complicated, I'll tell you one day.

~You don't sound very convincing.

~You wouldn't believe me?

~Never in my life~.

~Dup.

~Liar.

~A loser from school. They laughed softly at each other over the earpiece.

It had been a long time since there had been a situation for them when they could simply laugh at each other while continuing to adore each other. Blackjack, however, suddenly heard footsteps, so she said a quick goodbye to Jeremy and looked at a slightly out of breath Mike.

-Isn't this the age to run anymore?

-We'd better get out of here quickly.... Before someone realizes.

-..What have you done-.

A demonic scream full of rage and despair was suddenly heard from the castle. Mike grabbed Blackjack by the arm and looked her straight in the eyes.

-Open the portal before someone sees us.

-Ey, I'm asking you something! WHAT DID YOU DO THERE!

-NOT NOW, OPEN THE PORTAL, IMMEDIATELY! She created a portal and they quickly ran through it.

Blackjack almost fell to her knees once they were already in London. She looked questioningly at Mike while he had his head lowered and was panting.

-As I tell you . open the portal. then you are to open it, clear?

-...What the hell did you do that someone shouted so much! And not to me in such a tone!

-I left Agreas body on the bed, satisfied? I promised him that the demons would find out about his death the same night.

-You. WHAT DID YOU DO!? IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BLOODY DISCREET! BESIDES, WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM THAT THEY SCREAMED!!!?

-They would have found out sooner or later anyway.... I pierced his throat... and I took his soul into the crystal, he will never cause trouble again and his soul will not return to Apollyon. Unless something happened that I would not want to happen....

Blackjack looked at him with a blank stare and took a few steps back. Mike, seeing this, calmed down slightly and moved closer to her while toning his voice.

-Come on. You knew yourself that he was going to die... and as they have his body, they can at least give him a nice poke-.

Mike received a blow from Blackjack right in the face.

The one by the impact of the blow took a few steps back and his hat fell on the wet sidewalk.

-...You are insolent. He has a daughter, you know that right? WHY DID YOU HAVE TO TREAT THIRD PARTIES LIKE THIS IN THIS SITUATION! ARE YOU AWARE OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO HER NOW!? ESPECIALLY WHEN WE DON'T EVEN KNOW IF SHE HERSELF IS APOLLYON'S CHILD?!

-...I only do what is necessary. And his daughter probably will not feel it anyway.... She probably has a throne now because of that too....  she only wants power. She's a demon, that's what matters to her, you should know that by reading your pseudo-scientific books.

-...You once had a friend who died, and at the same time had a daughter.... and you seriously still do not understand what I mean?

Blackjack moved down the street without a word.

Mike did not stop her, he understood perfectly what she felt at that moment. He felt guilty, but at the same time he knew that this had to happen. Therefore, only one word could come out of his mouth.

-...I'm sorry.

...

A few minutes passed, for Aj, however, it felt like hours.

The medical servants took Agreas' body gently and went with him quickly through the long corridors of the castle. Aj followed them, weeping as she looked at her dead and blood stained father whose eyes were further open, only emptiness as well as sadness could be seen in them.

-Did anyone know about this beforehand? How could this have happened!?!? Who is responsible for opening the portal in the great hall, IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING YOU HAVE TO ANSWER!

-Quenn AJ, no one knows anything so far, you must wait for the right person what will take care of this matter-.

-BUT I CAN'T WAIT, I NEED ANSWERS NOW! Now...

Sophie gently stopped AJ holding her by the shoulder. The queen could not stand the emotion and began to cry harder while hugging the maid. Sophie tried to calm her down and comfort her, while stroking her like in the days when Aj was just a baby. -My Queen...

Aj. You won't be able to do anything by going after them, now you have to deal with making sure the rest of the demons find out what happened.

-...And what am I supposed to tell them! I just became a ruler.... Sophia, I'm scared...I don't want to go there! I can't go there...

-You are the queen, you have to do it. And after that we will also be able to find out what happened.... Go there please.

She grabbed Aj's hand and walked with her inexorably towards the great hall.

-...No...I can't! you hear me!?

-You have nothing to fear, you are the queen here now! Get up and tell them!...do it for the people! Do it for us...

-... Aj hugged Sophia tightly before entering the room.

She felt her fear, her shaking body and a string of tears of despair after such a sudden loss. Besides, she couldn't blame her, she understood perfectly well what it was like to lose such a close person. However, Aj was now the queen, she had to reap no matter what the situation was, keep her cool and at the same time support the people so that they began to support her as well. The music had long since stopped playing through the confusion.

The puzzled guests, already without masks, looked around perplexed and tried to understand what was actually happening now. Aj stood at the balcony, heartbroken in spirit yet trying to be a good ruler on the outside. She looked at everyone and, after taking a few deep breaths, began a big speech.

-...Your king, my father.... He has just been found.... dead, in his own bedroom. The portal you may have seen during my crowning ceremony was not planned...someone must have kidnapped and killed him then.

Faces full of fear appeared in each of the guests. At the same time, the Magid's eyes were as they always were, cold and without any sympathy. They didn't really pay any attention to Aj's words and only continued to drink the beverage what happened to be on the table. Aj, however, ignored them, took a posture of attention, felt a sudden surge of determination and wanted one to come to the people as well.

-In his last words, he entrusted me with his throne.... I am extremely grateful to him for that and I would like to thank him for that.... and I will thank him, only in a different way than with empty words. I APPEAL THIS TO YOU, MY FAITHFUL DEMONS, HELP ME FIND THE CREATURE WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS GREAT LOSS. LET HIM BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEEDS THAT CAN NEVER BE FORGIVEN! LET JUSTICE BE DONE! LET IT RULE OUR WORLD! LET MINE, AS WELL AS YOUR FAMILIES.... BE TOGETHER SO THAT NO MORE SUCH TRAGEDIES CAN OCCUR! MAY ALL DEMONS LIVE!

She suddenly heard applause, shouts full of determination and willingness to fight. They made her feel, for that moment, pride and readiness for what was to happen in the next few days. Suddenly, however, she noticed the Magids again, and they came to her on the balcony. Uranus, Mercury's mother looked at Aj with clear contempt which she clumsily tried to hide under an empty smile. -Are you sure... that you are up to it?

-What do you mean.

-I mean... that you are still young, and for that you are a descendant of Agreas.... I don't trust you to be competent enough to rule now if I'm honest. However, I can help you as you wish.... My son would also be able to sit on the throne, it's always extra help in the end and at the same time he is more competent to do so.

-No thanks. I think my father knew perfectly well what to do by giving me the crown.... Especially when Mercury is as old as I am and he wasn't even considered for the deputy throne. She looked from the corner of her eye at Mercury with a biting smile. A great frustration began to be clearly painted on his face, visible through his red blush. His dream had always been to have royal power and prestige, but Agreas had instead always dismissed him at every possible opportunity. Uran gently stroked her son's face and looked coolly at Aj. -As you wish. However, young lady, keep in mind that we will be watching your hands. We will not tolerate you as we did your father before, you were worth each other anyway.... weak on the throne as much as family. scandal....

-So sorry Mrs. Uran... and now excuse me, there are more important things on your mind than unfulfilled ambition.

Aj left the room to get away from the Magidans as soon as possible and, above all, from Mercury, whom she felt like killing on the spot. Sophia was already waiting for her at the door and as soon as the ruler appeared she hugged her. -You did phenomenally well! You will be a great ruler Aj... I feel it with all my heart. The maid gently began to stroke Aj, the latter no longer shook as much as before and stood upright while also hugging the maid tightly.

-...Thank you for thinking so.... Please bring out all the guests in a moment and clean the hall.... From tomorrow everyone is to be ready to seek information about what happened.

-understood... it's late Queen Aj, can you manage to sleep? How about accompanying you to your room?

-No, I can manage... I need to be alone for a while to think it all over.... Thank you for being Sophia.

-You're welcome... good night queen Aj.

...

Blackjack was walking home down a dark street. Gently crying, she thought about what had happened during the party. She felt guilty and at the same time had in her mind that maybe it was right after all, the confusion in her mind intensified more and more. However, there was also another feeling, the worst you can feel when you are alone in the middle of the night... it was the feeling of being watched.

It was quite Hard to write this…. but here it is at last! Thank you as always for reading! And I have nothing from the announcements in total, so have a nice day, and that's it! :>

[codynaomiswireart]

“Gauze in the Wound” - Part 25, Preview

Hello Tumblr! It’s been a long while!

It’s hard to believe it’s been about five years since I started my “Gauze in the Wound” fic. I wish I had it completed ages ago, but other things in life have had to take priority, and, to be honest, with TTS/RTA itself having wrapped production, a lot of the drive to write fan fiction pieces for it has waned on and off in me during the couple years following its finale. (Plus getting locked out of my Tumblr account for a time didn’t help either.  xP)

However, I’m still very fond of the series, and I do want to bring this piece to a conclusion. So, while I don’t have this next chapter fully finished, I did want to post this preview of chapter 25, as a sort of Advent present for anyone still wanting to read the story! Thank you for your patience! This has been a great fandom to be a part of, and I miss the days of geeking out over new episodes and coming up with theories for what was in store next!

I hope you’re all doing well, and are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas season!

All the best, ~ Cody

AS ALWAYS, THIS PREVIEW IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BEFORE THE FINAL DRAFT!

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"Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour increasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family." ~ Henri Nouwen

“Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.”  ~ C. S. Lewis

“I closed me eyes, I couldn’t see And now I’ve lost all I could be I disappeared, faded away Gave up my world, but now I pray, ‘Give me a chance to mend Let it begin, don’t let it end!’

I wanna live again! I wanna live again! If I could go back then I’d do it all again One day I’m gonna die But I’ll put up a fight till then If I could live again I wanna live again!

When things got hard, I lost control I’d take it back with all my soul Here in this hell, it’s sinkin’ in The slice of heaven I was livin’ in Give me the chance to start Breathin’ it in with all of my heart!

I wanna live again! I wanna live again! If I could go back then I’d do it all again One day I’m gonna die But I’ll put up a fight till then If I could live again I wanna live again…!”

~ “Live Again” by Jeremy Jordan

---------

“I am Lord Demanitus…”

Of course, at these words, Varian immediately thought of when Zhan Tiri had fooled him with his own lies about being Lord Demanitus. Varian shook his head, certain that Zhan Tiri was just feeding him more illusions. He couldn’t trust this man!

“No!” Varian yelped, taking a step back, feeling the light of the silver people grow more intense behind him as he did so. It made a shudder run up his spine, but the figures behind him didn’t seem at all alarmed as Varian continued to cry out. “D-don’t try this with me again Zhan Tiri! I know it’s you! Y-you’re not going to take me in again, you hear!? I won’t let you!”

But the man only smiled sympathetically before calmly removing one of his gloves. He then held up his bare hand, the back of it glowing with a mark emblazoned upon it. It was the same mark that Varian had seen decorating several of his father’s things that he’d left behind after…after being sealed in the amber – a circle with three marks slashed across one side.

“I understand, Varian,” the man said gently. “But hear me, my son, and know the truth.”

Varian could see the mark on the back of the man’s hand begin to glow brighter and the blue streak in Varian’s hair also lit up in tandem. He heard in his mind the resonance of bright, silvery tones ringing out in beautiful harmony together; quite the opposite to the dull, lulling, droning thrum he’d heard from Zhan Tiri’s magic before.

Somehow, in that moment, Varian knew the truth in the man’s words.

This really WAS Lord Demanitus! Somehow, against all odds and all logic, it was him!

…And he was also one of Varian’s distant relatives!

[“Ab herede Demanitus… “Heir of Demanitus…”]

Seeing the look of realization dawn in Varian’s eyes, Demanitus withdrew his hand, and redonned his glove.

“But I…I don’t understand,” Varian said in a small voice, again conscious of the legions of people surrounding him as he hugged his arms round himself. “What’s going on? Why are you here? Why are-?” Varian swallowed, casting his eyes downward. “Why are you all here? Am-am I just seeing things? Have I gone crazy? I mean, aren’t you all…?”

“Dead?” Demanitus said, finishing Varian’s sentence. Varian bit his bottom lip in response, lowered his eyes again, and conceded a small nod, nervous about offending those standing around him. Perhaps the dead didn’t like to be reminded of the fact.

“Do not be afraid Varian,” Lord Demanitus repeated, laying a steadying hand on the boy’s shoulder. “All this… Well, it isn’t quite what you think it is.”

Varian glanced up at the man, confusion written all over his face.

“Do you remember, Varian, how Zhan Tiri told you that the Moon Drop can alter time and space?”

Varian paused, then nodded again.

“In that much, at least, he told you the truth. What you are seeing now is one such warp that the Moon Drop can conjure. That is, it is allowing you to see that which your brain can process regarding the light your ancestors left among the stars.”

Varian stared up at the man, still clearly confused. “What are you talking about?”

“We live deep within the past every day, Varian,” Demanitus continued, directing Varian’s attention to the night sky above them. “Whenever you look up at the stars, you are seeing – in one sense – millions to billions of years into the past, with eons more still on the way. The light that enters your eyes in that moment traveled multiple lifetimes to reach you. And if any living soul out there in the vastness of space could look back at our little marble of Earth, they too would see light that traveled millions of years to reach them from our world. Every passing moment of every day, we choose that which becomes imprinted upon the fabric of space and time, extending outwards for millenia. Every moment, we determine what becomes written among the stars. You can see it here now, as the Moon Drop has pulled from the lives of your ancestors – that is, the record of their lives cast out into the heavens by their light while they still walked the planet – and have made them manifest to your consciousness in a way that you could perceive.”

“…S-so, they’re not…?” Varian swallowed, now glancing at those around him. “Y-you’re not all, er, ghosts then?”

Many of the figures around him laughed (though not a mocking laugh), which rang about Varian with bright, joyful tones – quite different from the mournful moans and wails Varian would’ve expected before this moment. Varian then remembered his own appearance in comparision with them – remembering who the real “ghost” was in this situation – and again hunched his shoulders in embarrassment.

“No, Varian,” One of the nearby figures said, drawing Varian’s attention to her. As the silver lady came close, Varian perceived her as being a great-grandparent on his mother’s side – Thyra, her name was. Despite her having lived to a ripe old age, her appearance didn’t strike Varian as being of any particular age; as if all the moments of her life manifested into one appearance made her somehow as youthful as Varian, yet her face also somehow carried with it the wisdom and experience of old age. Again, Varian realized how he hadn’t thought much about his past relatives before this moment, and it made him shy to be in her presence as she knelt down by him.

“We are not ghosts. The Moonstone can reveal many things, perhaps even glimpses beyond the veil of the mortal plane. But even then, anything seen beyond just a glimpse would completely overwhelm your mortal senses. What you see now are merely shadows of the past, made manifest to you by the Moon Drop so that we may help you.”

“So that you might…help me?” Varian asked, suddenly remembering the situation he had been in before blacking out. Zhan Tiri had a hold of him, Xavier had been captured as well, and any help that may have been possible from the Captain and the guards was blocked from any advance. Varian lowered his eyes again.

“What is the matter?” Demanitus asked invitingly, giving Varian’s shoulder a comforting squeeze.

“How?” Varian murmured, feeling his heart break all over again. “How is any of this supposed to help me? I can’t- I’m useless back there! And we’re just wasting our time again! Zhan Tiri’s going to-!”

“Oh, don’t worry about that, Varian,” another figure interrupted.  “Time… works a bit differently here. You’ll be able to prepare for the coming fight well enough. That is, if you so choose.”

“‘If I choose?’” Varian repeated back, feeling borth a flare of hope and caution spark in his chest. “You mean… there’s still a way to stop Zhan Tiri!?”

“Indeed,” Demanitus replied with a nod.

Varian’s eyes widened, and he found himself grasping the man’s shoulders in urgency, in hope. “Please, Demanitus! Tell me what I have to do!”

“I will tell you, my son,” Demanitus said, his expression both pleased with Varian’s response, but also now shifting to seriousness. “The only way to stop Zhan Tiri now is to release his grasp on you; to release his grasp on your heart.”

At these words, Varian brought one hand to clutch at the fabric of his shirt over his heart where he’d felt Zhan Tiri’s horrible squeezing and tugging before. He nodded. “R-right. So… how do we get him to let go of me?”

“I’m afraid,” Lord Demanitus continued, “it’s not a matter of Zhan Tiri letting go of you now, Varian, but of you letting go of Zhan Tiri.”

“What!?” Varian yelped in disbelief, releasing Demanitus’s shoulders. “W-what’re you talking about? Z-Zhan Tiri’s the one holding onto me!”

But Demanitus shook his head (though not unsympathetically). “You are forgetting, my son. The truth is, Zhan Tiri would have no foothold inside of you if you did not allow him to. The tether runs both ways.”

Varian stared back at the man – offended, bewildered – and opened his mouth to retort him. How dare this man have the gaul to suggest such a thing! Did he not see how hard Varian had been fighting against Zhan Tiri just now!? What could possibly make him think that Varian-!?

But then, Varian did remember. He remembered taking Zhan Tiri’s bonding serum, and the feelings of hatred, revenge, guilt, shame and anger that the demon conjured from him whenever the boy would try to stray from what the demon wanted him to do. To be fair, Varian had tried to say no. He had tried very hard in fact. But the feelings, the memories, the hurt kept coming back. Even if Varian tried not to think about it himself, Zhan Tiri made sure he didn’t forget. He kept Varian stuck there, replaying again and again all those things that made him so angry, so saddened, so self-justified, yet also so hopeless in his feelings.

Varian winced as he felt another tug at his heart at these thoughts; the tug of the invisible chain that kept him tethered to it all. It hurt, yet Varian also felt justified in its existence. He didn’t like it… but he also found he didn’t want to get rid of it. This realization startled him, and Varian found the need to run his hands through his hair, and take a deep breath.

“Then… what do I do?” Varian managed to croak out in a small voice. “If I can’t let this go, what hope is there?”

“Exactly!” Demanitus replied, and Varian wondered how the man could sound almost triumphant at these words. Perhaps Varian had gone mad, or Lord Demanitus had. It suddenly struck Varian with the horrible possibility that perhaps the benevolent alchemist of old wasn’t as benevolent as the stories made him out to be. Varian closed his hands into frustrated fists as he looked up at Demanitus in utter bewilderment.

“Listen, Varian…” Demanitus continued gently, kneeling down to Varian’s level and clasping Varian’s hands in his own. As he did so, some of the silver people placed their hands upon Demanitus’s shoulders, and those closest to Varian placing their hands upon his shoulders. Those further away opted to place their hands on the shoulders of the silver people in front of them, until they were all connected in a vast framework of sorts. Varian shut his eyes as he felt their touch, and only fear kept him from trying to shove them away as he felt the magic inside him respond to the network that formed around him; a chorus of soft, angelic tones beginning to ring just on the edge of his hearing as it did so.

“There is still hope,” Varian heard Demanitus say to him, as he could see the light of the silver people grew brighter around him from behind his closed eyelids. “It will be hard,” Demanitus continued. “In some ways, it won’t fair. I may even involve a kind of death for you. But you do have the power to change things, my son – to open up the future to possibilities for yourself, and for others as well, and to be free from Zhan Tiri’s grasp.”

“But how?” Varian asked, feeling the tightness around his heart again as he squeezed Demanitus’s hands back in tandem.

“You must forgive,” answered a chorus of voices both outside Varian and inside his mind. He flinched at it. One reason was from the sensation of again encountering such a large company of voices, like on the night his powers first awoke inside of him.

The other reason was… well, frankly, he didn’t like the answer.

“Forgive?” Varian asked tersely, and with a hollow laugh, his frustration reaching its height now. For a moment, Varian did try to contain his inner thoughts and emotions on this point, especially in front of the celestial court that had turned its attention to him. But somewhere in the company around him, Varian felt a coaxing for him to share more, and before he could think to stop himself, he found himself crying out. “How!? How can I forgive what they did to me? What theydidn’t do for me? Old Corona is gone, and if-if Dad is dead, it’s all their fault!”

“It’s all their fault!”

Varian started, his eyes snapping open as he heard the voice shout in chorus with his.

But- wait, where’d everyone go!?

Varian looked about him. Demanitus and the silver people around him had vanished, and he was now not on the Celestial Plain, but in a dark corridor, lit by dim torchlight.

And yet… Varian thought he could still sense the presence of Demanitus and the others nearby. If he let himself focus long enough, he thought he could even still feel Demanitus’s hands holding his own. But what was-?

“Those traitors!” the voice came again, Varian immediately turning his attention back to it. Cautiously, Varian went and peered through the doorway at the end of the cooridor where the voice had sounded from. What Varian saw was a crowd of people, all assembled in a large chamber, wearing hooded cloaks, and the speaker standing upon a central platform.

“Hear me, sons and daughters of Saporia!” the speaker shouted. “Are we not obligated to seek payment for the blood of our fallen brethren? Our queen and her cohorts have spat upon their graves and brought dishonor to their struggle – surrendering our cause just as the hour of victory was upon us!”

A series of outraged shouts and curses rang through the hall at the man’s words.

“But we will not forget!” the man continued. “We will not allow our brethren’s sacrifice to be in vain! For today, we form a new order – founded upon the memories of these warring days, founded upon memories of blood, founded upon the honor of Saporia, and founded upon the cause to destroy Corona!”

A great roar went up from the crowd, and Varian felt the hair on the back of his neck rise up in apprehension. What was going on?? Who were these people!?

“Today, we are the Separatists of Saporia!” the man decreed, answering Varian’s unspoken question, and drew a sword in his fist. He raised it to the sky. “For Saporia!”

“FOR SAPORIA! FOR SAPORIA! FOR SAPORIA!” the crowd repeated.

“But…why am I…?” Varian began to ask himself, still puzzled about what he was seeing, and why. But then…

“Now, my brethren,” the spokesman said, sheething his sword as the cries died down. “It is no secret that at present, we do not have a force strong enough to overturn the outcome of this war. However, there is one among us who has a plan that, in due time, will bring us back to our once glorious place among the kingdoms.” Here, the man gestured to a figure behind him. “Zhan Tiri, if you please.”

Varian’s eyes widened, and he froze. He dared not move as he watched the cloaked figure come forward, the man pulling back the cowl of his cloak as he did so. Varian supposed he shouldn’t have been astonished that Zhan Tiri looked rather different that the other times Varian had seen him. He was a shape-shifter after all. But somehow, Varian was taken aback by… well, how normal he looked. Save for the dark, bitter cloud resting upon his countenance, and the slight points at the ends of his ears like an elf, Zhan Tiri looked like most any other man, perhaps in his late twenties or so. Many might even had called him handsome. But unlike his face, his words were far from lovely.

“Fellow Saporians,” Zhan Tiri began, his voice carrying throughout the chamber. “Like you, I too feel ashamed by the weakness of your queen. Nay! No longer shall she be called your queen! She has forgone that right since turning her back on her people, and allying herself with the accursed Herz der Sonne!”

The crowd let off more shouts and curses.

“However,” Zhan Tiri said, waiting a moment for the crowd to quiet down as he raised a hand. “There may still be a way for us to achieve victory. While I am not of your race, your people have been good to my people for many a year, and this will not be forgotten. The people of Corona have forgotten the old ways of magic, and have instead turned to their machines of metal – a detestible thing to us fae! And no offender among the Coronians has been worse than that of Lord Demanitus!”

Yet again, the speech was interrupted by a roar from the crowd. Varian found himself shrinking back further behind the door, and would’ve made a run for it to escape before he was discovered. The atmosphere was feeling far too intense for his liking. But, again, he thought he felt the hand of Demanitus in his own, holding him tight, urging him to stay in place. Varian obeyed, and continued to listen.

“But, as I suspect many of you know,” Zhan Tiri proclaimed with a wicked grin (making his ordinarily handsome face now eerily uncanny), “we fae have our ways of getting what we want.”

A hostile chuckle rumbled through the crowd.

“I must ask you to be patient, my friends,” Zhan Tiri said. “For in order to build up our strength, we must first work on deceiving our enemies. Fortunately, that deception has already begun, for your former queen has seen fit to assign me to work with Lord Demanitus – something about a joint effort to rebuild the destruction and devisions between our two sides or some such useless, platitive effort.”

A murmur of mocking sounds went through the crowd at these words.

“I know, I know,” Zhan Tiri continued. “Unashamed, nonsensical tripe! But I assure you, I shall use this opportunity to get in good with the brightest minds of Herz der Sonne’s entourage, and with this knowledge, we can rebuild our forces, know our enemy’s weaknesses, and take these lands for ourselves – once and for all!”

(End of preview)

[absolutepokemontrash]

MC’s half Demon, and they look AWFULLY familiar...

‘Kay guys, I got a different kind of stupid Headcanon to throw at you. Get ready!

Part 2 Lessons 1-5 Part 2.5 Group Retreat Lessons 10-12 Lessons 13-15 Part 3 Part 4

*ahem* picture if you will, it’s the day the exchange program is set to start. The student council (nix Mr. Kill All Humans, Weeb-supreme, and our Scummy Sweetheart) have assembled to welcome the new human student. All is going according to schedule, the portal opens up at eight am sharp, they hear the pitiful screams of the selected human who was not given a heads up about the whole thing, and the poor little human falls straight onto the marble floor.

There’s something a tad... off about this human don’t you think? After they’ve peeled their sorry ass off the floor they observed the assembled student council with an air of sophistication and self importance that no one expected. Their posture was perfect, their eyes sharp and calculating... they bared a striking resemblance to-

“Lucifer,” Diavolo looked to his right hand man, then back to the human. “The human kind of looks like you!”

And out popped four pitch black wings from the human’s back and two small horns out of the sides of their head, one horn was a bit bigger than the other. They even still had some of their down feathers! How cute!

((Content warning: Swearing (I have a potty mouth, forgive me), but that’s it.))

Luci-dad

So, the MC is Lucifer’s kid! Of course Mr. Prideypants immediately tries to recall exactly what little romp in the human world uh... spawned this half-human half-demon child of his. Good thing MC’s got the other parent on speed-dial.

“Please note, MC,” Lucifer pinched the bridge of his nose upon hearing Asmo take even more pictures of his newly discovered hellspawn. “I was not aware of your existence, if I was I’d-”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m not upset.”

Lucifer blinked a few times in surprise. “P...pardon? You aren’t upset?”

“No, my parent told me that my father was a high ranking demon, and they bare no ill will against you. Though, I am looking forward to this whole... exchange program thing.”

Oh wow, that was easier than Lucifer thought. Damn. Well, he was a father... (let’s be real, he’s been parenting his brothers for thousands of years, and a good chunk of you sinners call him daddy)

MC is probably the most protected student at RAD, despite the fact that they have no visible security detail whatsoever. They didn’t want to be seen as... weak and pathetic.

Something about this human just... set the lesser demons on edge. Any talk of eating them was stamped out on the first day when they walked by. It’s like Lucifer himself was staring at them, daring the demons to try and bother the human. MC’s powerful presence kept them protected and feared.

...at least until dear uncle Asmo decided to do their hair one morning. All those ribbons may have looked adorable but they kind of ruined the intimidation factor.

MC loved to mess with the other students, keeping their lineage a secret for the first little while just made it so much funnier when the other demons tried to scramble out of MC’s way without looking like they were running from the ‘weak little human exchange student’.

Oh wow, what a sadist. Like father like child

Flying lessons are a must. Poor MC isn’t terribly good at controlling their wings, and their horns are still growing in so when they pop into their demon form the first thing they get is a sore skull. Ow... it sucks that Lucifer isn’t outwardly very sympathetic.

“Ow!” MC crashed face first into the grass in the backyard of the House of Lamentation. “Father! My wings are cramping! Can’t we practice this tomorrow?”

The sight of seeing his dear child crash face first into the ground had lost its hilarity after the first three times. Lucifer slowly lowered himself to the ground and crossed his arms as he stood over his incredibly grass-stained kid.

“MC, we’ve been ‘practicing this tomorrow’ for the past month. If you want to learn to fly you’re going to have to actually manage to stay in the air for more than three minutes.”

MC shot Lucifer a withering glare that only preteens were capable of, Lucifer matched it with his own much more sophisticated glare.

“You’ve been flying for over a thousand years! Don’t you have any tips that can actually help other than ‘don’t panic, you’ll look ridiculous’?”

Lucifer dragged a gloved hand down his face and looked around, the two were alone as far as he could see.

“MC,” Lucifer began. “When I was a young angel, I needed to learn how to fly with someone else.”

MC perked up. “Who?”

“Michael. The smug bastard picked up flying quicker than I did.”

“What’d you do?!”

Lucifer smiled at his child’s intense investment. “I practiced flying every day for five extra hours until I could do everything that Michael could do, just better.”

MC’s starry eyed interest died almost instantly upon hearing about the extra five hours of practice. “Humph, I bet I could outfly younger you and Michael with only two hours of practice a day.”

“Really now?”

“Yes! Watch!” MC shook off their wings and took off in a running start before shakily making it into the air. Their form was decent enough, and they weren’t shaking as much as the previous attempts. “SEE?!”

“Yes MC,” Lucifer smiled. “I can see.”

You know what else Lucifer could see? MC crashing right into a tree.

“Ouch...”

Okay... maybe they could halt practice a little early and order a treat from Madame Scream’s. A little sugar to refuel is needed when the end goal is crushing a mutual rival beneath their heels. Just some good old fashioned father/child bonding time!

MC has a smaller seat right next to Lucifer’s seat in the Assembly Hall. I will not compromise on this one.

For all your fluff needs, I give you: Lucifer teaching MC how to play the piano. He has a proud little smile on his face when his kid finally starts getting it. That’s all. Enjoy the image.

That one Uncle who gives you Alcohol at Family Gatherings (Mammon)

Yeah, when Mammon burst in late to the party and whining about everyone’s spamming him with texts to haul his scummy ass to the Assembly Hall, the last thing he expected was to see a mini-Lucifer.

“What the fuck am I lookin’ at?!”

The glare the two Lucifers gave the poor Avatar of Greed was enough to make him want to turn tail (uh, wing) and book it down the hall.

“Mammon, this is MC. They’re my child.”

“Hello.”

“...whaaaa..?” Mammon looked between the two, same glare, same intimidating aura, same annoyingly good posture.

Mammon scratched the back of his neck and looked over at his older brother. “Do I uh... still gotta babysit em’ if they’re not human?”

“The lake of Cocytus will melt the day I let you babysit without supervision.” Lucifer grumbled.

“I don’t need a babysitter!”

Despite Lucifer’s initial denial, Mammon and MC ended up spending a lot of time hanging out when Lucifer was busy with paperwork. Of course Mammon’s first thought was ‘how do I profit off this situation?’

MC is now Mammon’s designated babysitter after they caught him picking up their feathers that had fallen off with the intention of painting them white and claiming they were Lucifer’s from back in the Celestial Realm.

Mammon does end up spoiling MC a little. Just a smidge. They’re the kid of his totally not his favourite brother after all! How could he not? Whether or not these gifts are obtained legally or are legal at all is subject to scrutiny.

“Mammon, I can’t drink this!” MC placed the bottle of Demonus back on the counter of the kitchen.

“Why not? That’s a bottle of the good stuff! We gotta celebrate you gettin’ an A on that test somehow!”

“I’m underage! Incredibly underage. I’m not legally allowed to drink.”

Mammon wordlessly plopped a silly straw into the bottle. “...does that help?”

“No.” MC then inclined their head to the bottle. “And I don’t want to get hung from the ceiling, that bottle was in my father’s study yesterday, I’m above theft.”

“How old are you s’posed to be anyway? Never mind... uh...” Mammon wracked his brain for something else he could do for MC that didn’t cost anything (don’t judge him, the poor bastard was flat broke!). “I could... teach you to drive!”

“Driving?”

“Yeah! Drivin’ is awesome! We can take my car!”

The bills for the damages done to the car and the Devildom were mailed to Lucifer the next day, and MC and Mammon got to keep each other company as they hung from the ceiling. Ah well! At least MC wasn’t upside down!

Mammon wasn’t that good of a flight teacher either, he also crashed into a tree (the same tree MC crashed into, actually) when he was cheering for MC. They were finally able to do a loopdy loop! He was proud and distracted! Okay?! Lucifer! Stop smirkin’ at him! It’s not that funny!

At least the vantage point from the tree was decent and the branches didn’t scratch him up too badly. Oh hey... that person walking by was wearing a very nice watch... he’d be right back-

That Uncle That is Always Absent From Family Gatherings and When He is Present He Leaves Early (Levi)

He missed everything. That is not an exaggeration. He was in the middle of an online raid battle and couldn’t look at his phone! No Lucifer he can’t pause an online game! That’s not how it works!

Okay, the human exchange student is half demon? WOAH! THAT’S JUST LIKE THAT ONE ANIME- W A I T. THE LITTLE NORMIE IS LUCIFER’S KID?!

Okie doke, he was fully convinced that MC just had to be an anime protagonist.

They binged every series that Levi compared them to. Sure MC might have missed a few assignments because of late night anime binges, but they were too good for this school crap anyway, right?

Nope. Lucifer put a ban on the two watching anime until both their grades improved. Surviving that hell brought the two together.

“Ugh!”

The sound of a pencil case being haphazardly thrown across the room made Levi peek out of his bed-tub. If his figurines got knocked over so HELP HIM-

“This is stupid!!I shouldn’t have to catch up with this!” MC crossed their arms and gave their Demonology textbook their best disapproving glare.

Lucifer Lite (tm) was having a hell of a time trying to claw through their missed work, and Levi sympathized, he really did, it’s just... he was playing Animal Crossing-

Levi paused the game to placate his anime-buddy when their wings popped out and he feared for his rare merch’s safety.

“H-hey, MC? Do you need help?” Levi’s offer was met with a bone chilling glare that lived rent free in his nightmares ever since. He had pulled a Mammon and forgotten he was talking to Lucifer’s child. Lucifer’s allergy to help must have passed down to MC.

“No! I don’t! It’s just... dumb!” MC hissed, she turned and looked over at the fish tank. “Right Henry 2.0?”

Henry 2.0 did not respond.

“MC, you need to finish your homework or we can’t watch anything together,” Levi sighed, he had finished his work over an hour earlier. He had mastered the art of all night anime binges and managing to do most of his work in the fifteen minutes between the time he woke up and the time school was supposed to begin. “We haven’t even binged all of volume 4 of TSL yet!”

“Mmm...” MC grumbled. “Fine...”

MC picked up their pencil case and began continued their work. Levi breathed a sigh of relief and went back to Animal Crossing.

The tiny normie did in fact finish their work, only after they caved and asked Levi for help. Swore him to secrecy, they did... very intimidating, they were.

Just saying, he most definitely sent that one Keanu Reeves meme with big Keanu and little Keanu but with Lucifer and MC to the wrong group chat. Poor bastard.

Flying lessons? No. Levi hadn’t flown since his time in the Celestial Realm, he had no advice to give other than: “Flap your wings!”

“THAT’S WHAT I’M DOING YOU-”

MC didn’t get to finish that thought, they lost their balance and fell right into RAD’s fountain. Ah well, Levi had a head start on running for his life that he squandered by laughing at MC. RIP.

The Uncle/brother/whatever the fuck that Starts a Fight With Your Dad at the Family Reunion. (Satan)

Oh... another Lucifer? Eugh. Gross.

Satan gave the kid a wide berth when they first met. Everything the kid said or did ticked him off. “Tsk. Look at MC. Making an omelette. So annoying.” “Oh wow, MC vacuumed? Roll out the red carpet, we need to celebrate their existence!” “Look at them. Breathing. Disgusting.”

MC’s pride wouldn’t ever let them admit it but... they knew Satan didn’t like them, and it hurt their feelings.

“Shhhh,” Satan whispered into his backpack.

“Meow.” The backpack replied.

“I said shhhhh.”

The backpack did not reply after that, which was a good thing considering the little princet of the HOL was nearby.

“Satan?” They asked. “Who are you talking to?”

Satan coldly brushed past them as he made his way to his room. “No one you need to concern yourself with.”

When the little calico kitten was safe in his room, Satan quickly realized a mistake in his foolproof ‘sneak a cat into the house’ plan. He didn’t have any toys for the kitten, and he didn’t want his books getting scratched...

It was alright, he’d just rush out to the a store that sold cat things and rush back! Five minute trip tops!

Well when Satan got back the cat was no longer in the room. Oh dear. He discreetly tore apart the house looking for the poor little thing until he ended up finding it in the library, happily chasing around a loose feather being held up by MC.

“Oh, hello Satan.” MC chirped as the kitten batted it’s adorable little paws at the feather.

“My... my door was closed. Did you let the cat out?”

MC shrugged. “I heard meowing.”

Satan ran a hand through his hair and grumbled. Stupid smaller Lucifer. Stupid original Lucifer. Everyone sucked.

“Let me guess, you’re going to run to Lucifer and tell him all about the meowing and the rule breaking.”

MC shook their head and glared at Satan. “Of course not. I’ve already gotten way too attached to this little guy anyway. We’re co-parenting this kitten like mature adults.”

With some coaxing, Satan did sit down and play with the kitten, maybe MC wasn’t... so terrible.

The two watch Unsolved Mysteries together, that’s their show. “This guy did it.” “Satan, we’re two minutes into the episode-” “Trust me.”

Thirty minutes later.

“He did it.” “See MC, what’d I tell you?”

Lucifer did find out about the cat, but with enough pleading, MC and Satan managed to warm up the cold spot in Lucifer’s chest where his heart should have been. The cat’s name is Detective Toe Beans (or just Bean).

Satan can’t fly, he has a tail, but he did read up on wing anatomy and how flight actually works in demons, his advice would be good in theory, but it’s full of so much technical jargon that MC can’t understand it.

At least MC didn’t crash into something, they barrel rolled through one of the HOL’s windows. Good thing it was the window to their room. The broken arm still hurt like hell.

The Best Dressed Bitch Who Brings The Booze to The Reunion. (Asmo)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Lucifer’s kid was SO CUTE! A thousand pictures commemorating that adorable moment needed to be taken! Wait- Lucifer- GIVE BACK THE PHONE-

Asmo, surprise surprise, absolutely adores little MC! So cute! So small! He was just so excited to announce to all his Devilgram followers that Lucifer was finally a certified DILF.

That post disappeared five minutes after it was made but the damage had already been done.

Asmo made sure MC looked their best at all times, if they needed help talking to anyone? Asmo’s got their back!

Sure, maybe he’s a little pushy, but pushy’s a good thing sometimes, right?

“Asmodeus-”

“No, these shoes wouldn’t fit you...”

“Asmo-”

“No, not these ones either...”

“ASMODEUS.”

Asmo squeaked and jumped upwards, Geez Louise... little MC’s voice could sure be scary when they wanted it to be...

“I don’t need any fancy new shoes.” MC huffed, sitting up straighter in one of the chairs in Asmo’s room. “I thought this was supposed to be a sleepover.”

“Hmmm...” Asmo pouted. “Makeovers are an essential part of sleepovers... what’d you do with your human friends up in the human world that could possibly be better than a make-over?!”

MC began to list things off. “Ordered junk food, talked about people we hated, watched movies,”

“Greasy food is so bad for your skin...” Asmo cringed and shook his head violently. “But I’m totally down to watch a movie and bitch about people I hate!”

“Ah yes, human sleepovers, a tradition I never quite had the chance to enjoy.” Solomon said from Asmo’s bed. “Who are we bitching about?”

“Remind me what Solomon is doing here.” MC muttered as they sat down in front of Asmo’s TV.

“Because, I wanted to hang out with my two favourite humans.” Asmo cooed, reaching over and trying to pinch MC’s cheek, which they awkwardly dodged.

“Can we watch The Exorcist?” Solomon asked, propping his head up with his hands.

“Ew, no.” Asmo made a face at him. “That scene with the vomit? Hell NO.”

“Mm.” MC mumbled. Asmo turned to look at them.

“MC? Are you doing okay? You don’t look like you’re having any fun...”

“I’m fine.” MC grumbled.

Asmo pursed his lips, as much as it made his little narcissistic heart break, he nudged MC. “Why don’t you pick the movie, sweetie. I’m sure Solomon and I will like anything you pick!”

MC noticeably brightened. “Let’s watch Scream!”

The strangled noise that came from Asmo was... concerning, but to his credit, The Avatar of Lust held his tongue about his distaste for the movie, and the three slumber-party goers had quite the lovely time.

After the movie ended, MC went back to their room, sure it was a sleepover but their bed was right down the hall.

Good for Asmo and Solomon. Horny fuckers. We stan.

Asmo just claps and tries to cheer MC on when it comes to their flying lessons. (The idea that Asmo came up with to wear his cheerleader costume from the previous Halloween was immediately shot down by Lucifer)

“You’re doing wonderful, MC- WATCH OUT FOR THE POWER LINE!”

MC didn’t hit the power line, but Asmo’s scream of terror caused them to fall butt-first into a dumpster. Their injured tailbone served as a tragic memory of the incident.

Oh well, good thing Asmo had nice smelling soap to give that could mask dumpster-stink.

The Uncle that eats everything and tells you to eat your veggies while you angrily pick at your broccoli at the kid’s table. (Beel)

Lucifer... has a kid?! Beel choked on the cheetos he had snuck into the Assembly Hall when the kid’s wings popped out.

Oh wow, that’s nice :) maybe they can eat together. Belphie would probably like them.

Wait what is the gender neutral term for Niece or Nephew?

...Nibling? Uh... let’s not say that around Beel. We don’t need him to get hungrier and begin associating MC with nibbling on things.

The Underground Tomb incident probably went a little differently, but after all that nonsense, the two are closer than two peas in a pod!

Mmm... peas...

“Beel?” MC stepped into the Avatar of Gluttony’s room.

“Hi MC.” Beel was doing push-ups in the middle of the room, on the ground right beneath his head was a massive bowl of spaghetti that he bit into every time he completed a push-up. “Can you come stand on my back? I need the extra weight.”

“On your back?” MC padded closer. “Are you sure? It’s not going to hurt?”

“No, it’ll be okay.” Beel assured them. “Belphie and I did this all the time. Except Belphie is normally asleep.”

MC tentatively stepped onto Beel’s back. It was a balancing act to say the least, they eventually gave up on standing and ended up sitting cross legged between Beel’s shoulder blades.

“You did this with Belphegor?” MC asked.

“Yeah,” Beel sighed. “He was always too tired to exercise, but he’d let me bench press him sometimes...”

MC frowned and hugged their knees to their chest. Knowing full well that Beel’s twin wasn’t in the human world like Lucifer said was absolutely ripping them apart from the inside. Guilt felt just as rotten as their pride did when they were being belittled...

“Maybe you’ll see him again sometime soon.” MC whispered. “Maybe my father’ll come to his senses and let him come back down to the Devildom.”

Beel paused his push-ups for a brief moment, then nodded and went back to his eating exercising combo. “I hope so. He’ll like you, MC. I’m sure of it.”

MC nodded. “I... hope so.”

Beel’s a pretty decent flight teacher, but his wings are just so different from MC’s that it renders any tips he had next to useless.

“MC, maybe your wings aren���t flapping fast enough.”

“Beel, I appreciate the thought, but I’m not a hummingbird. Or a fly. I don’t need to flap my wings a million times a minute to stay afloat.”

Ah well, MC tried to take some of Beel’s advice, but their lower right wing cramped up and they ended up flying in circles until Beel was able to catch them. Ah well, better than the dumpster incident the previous week.

The Uncle That Passes Out in The Basement and You’re Not Allowed to Wake Him Up Even Though All Your Toys and Video Games Are Down There. He Also Picks a Fight With Your Dad’s New S/O Before He Passes Out. (Belphie)

Sitting in the attic was quite a drag, and this supposedly weak little human was quite the annoyance to try and call out to. It took a lot longer than expected, but when he heard little footsteps coming towards his prison, Belphegor nearly jumped with joy.

Oh... it... looked like Lucifer. Smelled like Lucifer. Stood like Lucifer. Quacked like Lucifer. Or... trilled..? Whatever sound a peacock made, this brat sounded an awful lot like Lucifer.

A... half-demon. Hmph. Belphie honestly thought Lucifer had actual standards. Not anymore, he guessed.

(Man I could fill a whole-ass fic with the Belphie betrayal thing, but for now let’s skip to post attic nonsense)

Okay so maybe MC wasn’t disgusting. They made a good nap buddy. It was cute when their wings came out when they were sleeping sometimes. Well... it was cute when they didn’t hit him in the face and make him wake up with his mouth full of feathers.

What Beel said had been true, Belphie made a good substitute when weights weren’t available, but Beel didn’t want MC to feel left out, so Belphie and MC ended up sitting on his back while he did push ups. MC once got bored and started playing Go Fish with Belphie on Beel’s back while he exercised.

Yes. MC is still a member of the Formerly-Anti-Lucifer League.

“Are you sure he’s not going to be too mad at us?” MC asked for the dozenth time that day. Detective Toe Beans was wrapped around their neck like a scarf (he had gotten so big!!!) while MC nervously sat in one of the Library chairs.

“Positive.” Belphie said with a toothy grin. “Besides, he’s like putty when it comes to you. Just give him your best puppy eyes and we’re not guilty on all charges.”

Putty..? Really..? Lucifer..? How strict was he before MC got there... they wondered.

“Sh! He’s coming!” Satan stuck his nose into a random book, it was the Oxford English Dictionary... and it was upside down.

Belphie pretended to pass out and MC decided that the best course of action was to stare deeply into their cat’s eyes. Yeah... that looked casual and not weird.

“Satan, MC, Belphie.” Lucifer nodded to the three of them as he walked towards the entrance to his study.

“Lucifer.”

“Afternoon, father.”

Belphie let out a cartoonishly loud fake snore that nearly caused both MC and Satan to break cover and start laughing.

Side note, Bean had adorable widdle eyes! That cute little face was just to die for-

“You three..!”

Belphie, Satan, and MC peeked their heads into Lucifer’s study, their handiwork was perfect. Everything was covered in red post it notes. Perfectly not harmful, but SO inconvenient!

“You’re all cleaning this up or so help me-”

“GO!” Belphie and Satan each grabbed one of MC’s arms (Satan also grabbed Bean) and sprinted out of the House of Lamentation. Maybe they’d move back there in twenty years... they hoped that Solomon and The Angels would let them crash at Purgatory Hall...

Belphie had used up his physical energy supply for the next four years. He passed out the moment they stepped into sanctuary. Time for a nap...

Flight practice? Ha. Belphie’s napping. Though, he was suspiciously awake and filming whenever MC did something stupid.

“Try not to suck so bad.”

“GO TO HELL BELPHIE!”

“I’m already there. Hell is every second I’m stuck here watching you fail.”

“YOU’RE GOING TO GET IT FOR THAT!”

Well... MC mastered the dive bomb that day. Lucifer bought them a cake.

Bonus! Your Dad’s New Husband! That Has Managed to Somehow Make Everyone Hate Him Despite the Fact That He’s A Cinnamon Roll. (Diavolo)

A mini Lucifer? A mini Lucifer!

Diavolo dotes on MC like he’d dote on his own kid. MC wants a crown? They’re getting a crown! A damn nice one too! MC wants a title? Here! MC is now... idk Ruler of the area between Majolish and Hell’s Kitchen.

Poor Uncle Mammon’s got some financial insecurity, he’s still the cool uncle... right?!

He is very much that ‘how do you do fellow kids?’ Meme.

He tries to do stereotypical ‘dad’ things but he’s not very good at them. Once he tried to host a barbecue...

Barbatos saved the day, but Mammon’s hair was still singed, Solomon’s cooking still gave Beel food poisoning (SOLOMON EATS TOXIC WASTE I SWEAR-), Luke still got hit in the face with a frisbee, and Simeon got an unhealthy dose of DAD NERVES and got so stressed everyone was almost blinded by the holy light he suddenly started blasting. We do not mention the water guns.

(Seriously whose bright idea was it to give Belphie and Satan water guns while they were in Lucifer’s presence?)

Praise Barbie. He’s too good for them.

“Um...” MC awkwardly held up the baseball, trying to look at it from all angles like it was a completely alien object. “Lord Diavolo... are you sure you want to play catch?”

Diavolo clapped his hands and bounced on the balls of his feet. “Yes! It’s a thing human fathers do with their children, correct? We must make up for lost time between you and Lucifer, right?”

Lucifer massaged his temples and nodded. “If you two would like to play catch...” Lucifer grimaced. “I will too.”

“Okay! MC, throw the ball to Lucifer!” Diavolo instructed.

Lucifer half heartedly held up his baseball glove as MC tossed him the ball. He caught it, and looked over at Diavolo, who was applauding like he just witnessed the greatest feat in sports history.

“Okay! Throw it to me!” Diavolo waved his glove in the air, Lucifer rolled his eyes and smiled. He threw the ball at Diavolo with... a lot of force. Enough force to probably dent steel... Diavolo caught it like it was nothing.

MC suddenly feared for their safety.

“Okay MC, catch!”

Diavolo threw the ball with enough force to break the god damn sound barrier. Well, maybe that was an exaggeration, but the ball sailed way over MC’s head and crashed right through a window.

“Oh my...” Diavolo put a hand on his hip and surveyed the damage to the window. “This isn’t so bad, I believe in human world TV shows this happens quite often. Look! The glass broke in a perfect circle!”

“Yay... property damage...” MC murmured.

Lucifer sighed and pulled out his DDD. “I’ll phone someone to replace the win-”

“Lucifer no! Now according to human world customs we must,” Diavolo took a deep breath, rushed forward, grabbed both Lucifer and MC’s hands and started sprinting away from the Demon Lord’s Castle. “RUN FOR IT!”

“Di- Diavolo!” Lucifer gasped.

“Who are we running from?! That’s your castle!” MC squeaked.

“I don’t know! Just run! That’s what the human TV show says to do!”

Weirdly enough, Diavolo was the best flight instructor. MC’s ability to fly increased tenfold after Diavolo found out that MC was learning to fly.

“You’re doing amazing MC! That was a perfect turn!”

“Thanks Lord Diavolo, I’m surprised I haven’t crashed into anyone or fallen yet!”

“Well, I highly doubt you’ll be crashing into anyone anymore, your flying is practically perfect now!”

Mammon proceeded to fly past them holding what looked like Lucifer’s wallet.

“M-mammon?!”

“Oh... I wonder what he’s doing. Look, MC! It’s Lucifer! Hello Lucifer dea-”

Lucifer ended up colliding with the two of them and sending them all crashing to the floor.

That was the last time MC fell during flying practice.

(We currently have a Go Fund Me set up for Mammon to get the funds necessary to flee the Devildom after that incident. Please donate to save- oh shit hi Lucifer-)

[willow-darling]

Wake up call (regina mills x female reader)

!! WARNINGS !! READ THIS FIRST BEFORE READING AHEAD !!

This is smut. The following kinks are in it: morning sex, mommy kink, fingering, dom and sub, and other things.

It's basically lesbian smut.I wrote this out from my dr, I shifted to ouat and got an idea for the smut. There she can read my mind, it's a soulmate thing I added. This was also the first smut I ever wrote so don't be too harsh. I write better now, but I still love this one.

Enjoy!! You have been warned!!

I wake up in my usual position, laying with Regina, her holding me while I lay against her chest. But this morning, I woke up a lot more, needy, than usual, and since it was quite peaceful, I thought it’d go away. Until I noticed Regina’s leg being right between mine, intertwined in a way. I just look at the sleeping goddess in front of me, unsure of what to do, I just lay still and try to fall back asleep.

Until she suddenly moves, pulling you a bit closer and moving her leg against your panties, making a whimper come out. You now know she’s awake, or at least, a little.

Because of the friction, she was making with her leg, you couldn’t help but moan softly, and giving in to your own instincts, slightly grinding on her thigh, trying to stay silent. Suddenly you heard a low and raspy voice saying, “Well good morning, princess. This certainly is a nice surprise.”

“Shit she’s awake!” you thought, forgetting that she can hear that and getting the immediate response: “I am, darling. Although you seem more active than me, so early in the morning, too! How scandalous of you.”

You looked up at the woman, seeing a big smirk on her face, along with the look she gave you, very pleased with herself but also a look filled with lust. If your breathing wasn’t shaky enough, it would be now.

“Oh don’t let me stop you from finishing what you started. I wanna see it too, princess.” She whispered, “Or do you need my help because you can’t do it yourself?”

The way she knew the right things to say to get you going, was amazing, but also so bad. Because you knew it’d be a thing she’d be repeating today. So, you just kept quiet, unsure of what to say or do, until Regina grabbed your hips and pulled you further towards her, saying “Don’t lie to me, I can feel it, remember? You’re not that good at hiding your needy eyes, not at all. Perhaps we should do something about that,”

She chuckled lowly, this usually scared you, but in an exciting way. Only, right now you didn’t feel that exciting, scared feeling, you just needed her, so bad. The only thing you could mutter out was: “please, mommy...”

You knew very well what was going to come next, and on queue, “Please what, princess? I can’t help you if I don’t know what you need.” She said with a smirk, softly stroking your hair. This gave you that false feeling of her being soft, knowing damned well what would happen the moment you told her what to do. No more softness, not until after. And yet, you still melted into her arms, obeying her commands.

“Please help me, mommy. You know I can’t do it by myself.” You said, blushing, still embarrassed at these moments, but immediately getting a reassuring kiss. “You know I don’t judge you for that, princess. It just means you’ll always need me to finish, which feels nice.” She smirked, now paying attention to the mess that was you on her thigh, soaking, already.

Deciding not to torture you with her leg between yours, she flipped you over. You being on the bottom, her on top. Getting a questioning look, “Are you sure you want this, you don’t have to, don’t do it because I want you to.” You reassured her it was something you wanted by grabbing her face and kissing her, getting a chuckle and a big smile. Because you rarely do this, but she loves it when you do.

She pulls away, wanting to put down some rules. Saying “You know the basics, tell them to me.”

You repeated the rules she had set, feeling safe with her, because she did take good care of you, even with this. “I can only cum when you tell me to when I ask and you say yes. We use the traffic light system or the bandana system.” “what do those two mean?” She asked, testing you on it,

“Traffic light system is where you name a colour after telling me an action, or during an action. If I say “green” It means I’m okay with it and you can go/continue, if I say “orange” it means that you need to pause for a moment, and when I say “red” it’s me telling you to stop. The bandana system, one we frequently use, is where you give me a bandana to hold, and if I need you to stop, I drop it.” You say, having gone over this quite a lot because she wanted to make sure you were comfortable, not just her.

“Good girl,” Regina said, smirking, as you kissed her again. She takes over, kissing you deeply and trailing her hand up to your chest, not needing to take off a shirt, since you slept shirtless. She started playing with one of your nipples, knowing the sensitivity they had.

A quiet moan escaping your mouth as she stopped kissing you and moved her mouth over to the nipple, expertly using her tongue, knowing all the various movements to drive you crazy. And they did.

You needed a lot more than just that, you wanted a lot more than that. Your neediness bubbling up and moaning out, “Mommy, please… I need more… touch me, please.”

She looked up, going to your face again and kissing you. “Of course, princess, since you asked so nicely, it would be cruel of me not to do anything.” She smirked, locking eyes with you to see your reaction as she started playing with your nipple again, while her left hand was slowly trailing down to your core. Leaving little marks with her nails until she reached the inside of your thigh, where she felt you through your panties. “So early and already soaking wet? Poor baby, mommy will help you out.”

You never broke eye contact, keeping her intense look on you, feeling every single thing she did. She had a mischievous look in her eyes, that she was planning something.

Regina knew exactly what to do, something you hated and both loved. She moved her hands onto the side of your panties, removing them quickly as she noticed it was something she bought for you. “feeling special, with that particular underwear?” She smirked, slowly rubbing through your folds at a torturous speed, making you needier and wetter.

Without a warning she slammed two fingers into you, still watching your look, which shifted as you broke the eye contact. You moaned loudly, bucking your hips into her hand, needing so much more than she was giving. Your breathing became a bit erratic, resulting in the woman giving you a more calming look, laying herself on top of you, syncing your breathing.

She loved you too much to make you have a panic attack, even if it was a very gay one, it could always turn into an actual one. But she knew that this would work because this happened a lot, you needed to concentrate on what was happening, so you wouldn’t be surprised. She kissed you again, calming you down effectively as she looked at your eyes asking if she can go. You said “green” meaning she could start.

She nodded at the colour, starting to thrust in and out of you slowly, making you moan and whine. Because she thrusted at a torturously slow pace. In… out… in…. out…, you thought, accidentally looking at Regina again, seeing her enjoying every second of your whines.

“More...” You managed to get out, mind fogged by your neediness, but Regina understood, nodding at picking up her pace, finally going at a nice and stable rhythm you liked.

You moaned loudly as the woman kissed you, saying “Don’t want to wake up the neighbours now, do we?” She joked because the walls were extra thick, purely for this purpose.

You couldn’t think, except for the part where she was fucking you, your hips bucked in the rhythm Regina was pumping in, she used her thumb to play with your clit, rubbing slow circles, at a very different pace. You liked this a lot and you were very close to the edge already. Remembering the rule and getting out “Mommy… please… I-I’m close, can I cum, please?”

She looked at you with a sympathetic look, “You have been a very good girl, so I’ll let you. Cum for me, princess.” She cooed, still pumping your fingers but moving herself to your core, wanting to taste it.

It didn’t take long for you to come undone, the woman quickly removing her fingers and expertly used her tongue to help you ride out your orgasm, making you come a second time. The moment she started fucking you with her tongue, it had made you feel all wet again.

This time, when you were done, she kissed you, “Taste yourself, princess, you’ll love it.”

She was right, and you enjoyed every bit of it as you sneakily slid your own hand down her panties, knowing she had a need too, that needed to be taken care of. Regina looked at you in surprise saying “Baby, you don’t need to do that.” You admitted you wanted to and immediately slipped two fingers in, making the woman whimper. You loved pleasing her, the sounds and faces she made at you made you so happy, she reassured you were doing well. Guiding your hands as to where to place them, successfully thrusting into her with your two fingers, picking up the pace as you heard her moan, uncontrollably. All you could hear was “Good girl, making mommy feel good.”

You carefully slid her panties off, throwing them into the room. Wanting to do the same, taste her, which Regina encouraged. You did as you were told, seeing her throw her head back in pleasure, with her gaping mouth open, a moaning mess. You decided you were going to tease her a little more, by putting your mouth on her clit, sucking and using your tongue to move the small nerve bundle, making everything 10x worse.

With a few last thrusts and licks, she came with a moan, that pulled you closer, biting down on your neck, to muffle herself. After she had ridden out every last bit you went down and “cleaned” her, using every single trick you knew, wanting her to come a second time, now that the sensitivity was high. You did it quite easily, the woman grinding on your face, and you slightly moaned at the feeling. Suddenly she came all over your face and into your mouth, you cleaned her up for real this time and kissed her.

“You taste so good, mommy,” you said, being tired, “I need some more sleep, I’m a bit tired.”

The woman kissed you and handed you a small drink, taking care of you, “I know princess, thank you” She cooed, laying down next to you, and falling back asleep together again.

[youn9racha]

I Know (Part II)

Pairing: Changbinxfem!reader

Genre: smut

Warning: mild stalking, stripping, phone sex???, mutual masturbation, semi-exhibitionism, a tiny bit of corruption kink, and an even tinier praise kink, switch!changbin, switch!reader

Words: 2.8k

Extra Notes: like I’ve mentioned in the last part, everyone is above the age of 21 (think senior year of college age), so thats that. I’ve also noticed that the lyric is not that related to the story, but oh well :’) anyways, hope you enjoy this

And baby, I know, I know whatever city you’re in, you’re still the boy that I’d pick…

PLEASE READ PART 1 FIRST BEFORE THIS !!

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This is no way representative of the way Stray Kids act. They’re nothing but references of character, and in no shape or form is this how they act. And I am in no way romanticizing or glamorizing any toxic behavior exhibited, they’re just stories that is meant to be read. Readers discretion is advised.

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Changbin’s calling me…

What in the world does he want to talk to me about in this ungodly hour? It wasn’t late, but it certainly wasn’t early enough for a call like this. I looked back at the window and I still see the curtains still closed, assuming he was out or maybe in another room. I answered and put the phone in my ear.

”Hello?”

“Hey, (y/n)! I just wanted to call to check up on you,” he said, “how are you?”

Damn, he only called for innocent intentions... Why is he so damn cute?! (y/n), you got two choices to respond back; you either respond give him a nice sweet response, or you give a sly yet friendly comeback. It can work—

“(y/n)?” The voice out of the phone took me out of my inner self’s debate.

“Yes! Yes! I am fine,” I said, embarrassed and mentally facepalming myself. This is not doing well, he already thinks I am a creep and a loser. Or maybe not, since its seems like I heard a faint chuckle and the word “cute,” followed by, but that could just be a figment of my imagination. “How are you?”

”Oh, I am good, just came back from hanging out with Chan and Han,“ changbin responded, there were shuffling in the background so he could be doing something while on the phone, but what is it? I wouldn’t know. I heard him and Chris mentioning a ‘Han’ in our conversation we had while preparing for my apartment, so that name is familiar, however the owner’s not. “You should meet him one day, I think you both will be good friends.”

”Woah there, you better take me to dinner first before I meet your friend,” I teased. Keep it going, (y/n), you’re on the right track, you’ve definitely caught him off guard, like you always do.

“Give me a place, time, and date, you’ll get that dinner, or maybe I’ll let Chris take you.” Changbin nonchalantly said, oozing confidence just by his voice. That bitch… Always makes it harder for me than it already is. As if he saw my blushing reaction, he began laughing.

“What’s wrong, princess? Cat’s got your tongue?” He said it in a low voice. Usually, I would gag if anyone—let alone a man—calls me princess, but with him, it felt different. It felt… arousing? No! No! (y/n), get a grip!

I rolled my eyes and laid on my back to be more comfortable, “What is it, Changbin?” I said, changing the subject, “What is that you wanted to call me at 10 p.m?” Yes, pretend like he didn’t just call you princess in the sexiest tone of voice you’ve ever heard. Totally would work.

”I told you, I just want to check up on you,“ he confessed but he also paused to say something further, “and also I am bored and I kinda felt like talking to you. I’m not wasting your time, aren’t I?” Although I couldn’t see him, he does however sound really sincere with his words. I don’t want to sound naive, but he sounded truthful.

“No,” I shook my head, “you really didn’t, besides I just got out the shower and was just scrolling through instagram.” I said, looking down in my nails.

”Oh, really?” He said, “were you going to sleep?”

”No, I stay on social media for a long period of time, I don’t sleep that easily“

”I see,” he said, but then he stopped talking. As the awkward silence has erupted between us, I started to think more about the first time I saw him and how I felt. While I thought it would be better for me to tell him later on and on person, but this balloon inside of me was getting bigger and bigger as guilt is inflating it. I sighed and started to speak, “Hey Changbin.”

”Yeah?”

“Can I confess you to something?”

”Tell me anything, doll, I’m all ears.”

Dammit! You’re not making it easier.

I bit my lips, “uhh,” I am glad he wasn’t looking at me, grimacing and slapping my head.

”You know hitting yourself isn’t gonna help,” as soon as Changbin uttered these words, my heart sank. My eyes widened as I got up and looked out window. His curtains were open, and it showcase a very, very pleasant show.

I see Changbin, sitting at the edge of his bed, facing me as his black shirt was fitting his form really well, especially with the semi-flexed arm that has his phone near his ears meanwhile the other arm was holding the elbow of the occupied arm. He was look at me straight at my eyes when we made eye contact, and fuck, was that an image to look at. As I looked like a deer going through a headlight, Changbin tilted his head in confusion, but he still had a smirk, “what is it you wanted to me?” he said through the phone.

”I-I“ I stuttered. At this point, I’ve lost all sense of dignity and my self thought, I am about to get called a creep by a good looking man I met not too long. Here goes nothing.

”I may have invaded your privacy,” I said, which caused Changbin to furrow his eyebrows in even more confusion, still having a slight smile to it. “What are you talking about?”

”Ugh, Changbin, I saw you half naked when apartment touring numerous times!” I yelled in frustration, as he kept pushing my button. I looked away, not bearing to look at him, as I closed my eyes out of guilt. “I understand if you don’t want to be friend, even though we met for only a week, but I just couldn’t bear the guilt that I—“

As I confessed, I heard a laugh coming put of the phone, I opened my eyes and looked at Changbin looking down, with shoulders shaking up and down. Now, I have the confused look that he had, “What’s funny?”

“Oh, princess, you have no idea,” He said, still looking down. Me still being bemused, he noticed my silence and looked up at my frowned face.

”I know…” He smirked, while my eyes were widened. Son of a bitch.

”W-wh-“

“I thought you knew that I��m doing all this on purpose, I’ve been trying to catch your attention every single way.” He leaned forward, placing both elbows in his knees, “I thought you were smart, only to be a gullible baby.” He whispered the last part, as I gulped at the last part. God damn, he’s so intense with his gaze. His eyes wandering all over me meanwhile maintaining a very dark yet exciting aura, which typically puts me off but now, I’ve never wanted to pounce a man so badly.

I smirked at him, the guilt I had had fizzled away, only to replace with arousal.

“So you’re not mad?” I looked at him, with innocent eyes, now laying on my side, facing him, as my robe slipped and exposed a part of my shoulder and the upper of my chest. He breathed in, as he was examining me, “no, why would I be mad at you?” He leaned back, as his head was thrown back, neck exposed, placing his free hand on the back of his neck.

God, is he so fine…

”I could never be mad at my precious baby.” He smiled a seductive smile at me, which made me riled up by rolling my eyes and looking up. “You like getting called that, don’t you?” He may have said it in a question form, but it didn’t feel like one, it was rather a statement than a question. “Hm,” I said, looking back at him, eyes half opened out of hunger for him.

We had an intense eye contact, where if it weren’t for the distant and the glass that is placed in front of us, we’d probably be all over each other.

”Has your hang out with Han and Chris worn you out?” I asked, decievingly innocent. Man, the power this man has over me is no joke. He scoffed, “so you’re just going to mention other men like that?”

Ignoring him, I got up, letting the towel that was loosely in my head fall onto my bed, and went closer to the window, “let me relieve you of your stress, if you don’t mind.” I shyly fidgeted on my robe belt. He looked at me up and down, licking his lips, “I wouldn’t mind, if you don’t as well.”

There’s nothing more sexier than mutual consent. (y/n), shut up, don’t ruin the moment.

I smiled and backed away from the window. I put my phone on speaker and put it on the side. I looked back at him, as I held onto my robe belt, he looked at me with a smile. I turned around with a slight sway on my hips, as I slowly undid my belt, slowly exposing my back at him, smiling as I heard a shuddering breath coming out of the phone.

As the robe completely fell off my body, being just in my underwear, exposing whatever secret flaws that has been hidden from the public. I silently gasp at the cool breeze as I held onto my chest, sensing my nipples getting hard. “Turn around for me, baby,” Changbin’s breathy voice echoed all over the room.

We may not be in the same room, and we maybe exposing ourselves to whoever is above and under us as well, but neither of us care. In our eyes, we only got each other, and we’re the only ones in existence.

I turned to him, letting go of my breasts and letting myself be bare, only to see him palming himself through his tight pants, groaning at his lack of full on skin-to-skin touch. It’s like he was waiting for me to tell him touch himself, which proved correct when he said, “please, let me touch myself.”

I smiled sympathetically, and also slightly astonishingly. I have never met a man with such switch like that. His dominating demeanor has faded and been replaced to a submissive cutie, which I obviously seem to admire very much. Pretending to thinking, I sat down, and looked at him, putting my hands behind me, “only if you give me a show too.”

I smirked at his state. He was disheveled, and adorned a beet tint all across his cheeks and nose. He looked beaten, but I loved it, and he does too. He put his phone on speaker too, quickly got up, and rapidly got his shirt.

“Ah ah!” I said, which caused him to freeze, looking at me, desparation was seeping through his eyes. Menacingly smiling, “slowly.”

Which he obeyed, surprisingly patient and sensual, I jokingly remarked that “he got dancer hips,” with the way he took off clothes while his hips moved in a way not many who can control their bodies can. He chuckle, “you should see how it works wonder,” his cocky attitude has made a comeback, which should piss me off but it made the whole thing hotter than it already is.

We’re both in our underwear, looking up at our eyes and looking down at each other’s half-nude bodies. Changbin wasn’t the tallest man I have ever met—not that it matters—, but he got many aspects that makes up for it, and its not just looks or personality. Just by the outline, I can tell that his little guy wasn’t little.

I propped myself with my elbows as I spread my legs, for him to see the wet spot that is stained in my underwear. He grunted at the sight, while I chuckle, “you like what you see?” I faux-innocently asked as I trailed my hand from my neck, making my head fall back, down to the valley of my chest, onto the waistband of my underwear.

“Fuck…” Changbin cursed, admiring the sight in front of him. He didn’t realize how lucky he was to see me in a state like this, not many have the privilege, especially not with men I met in a short amount of time.

I tugged my panties, took it off and exposed a part that he was dying to see, which caused him to gulp. He sighed with a smile, “god damn, (y/n),“ he shook his head in disbelie, “I’ve always thought you were gorgeous, but now I’m convinced you’re a goddess“

I giggle at his words, “and you, sir, are a demon disguised as a greek god” I teased back, tracing my two fingers around my lips, I noticed that he still was in his underwea. He still waited for my permission. How adorable.

”You can take off your underwear, Binnie” I didn’t even mean to give him the nickname, but I was too excited to even think straight. I looked at him, and saw him reveal his friend, and I gasped loudly, which made Changbin alert. “What? Whats wrong?”

”Nothing, its just,” I chuckle, “you have a nice dick.”

”Thank you,” He smirked as he sat down and looked at me, with full attention. I put my two fingers into my mouth, while maintaining eye contact. I then trailed my finger down to clit, which resulted in me letting out a blissful gasp. Meanwhile, Changbin was repositioning to a comfortable position as he began to touch himself, which caused him to let out a choked out groan.

”Binnie, as you touching yourself?” I half-whispered, but it was still loud enough for him hear along with my fingers movements that moved from my clit onto my slit, which made me moan.

”Ah-y-yes” Changbin groaned and nodded, as he was stroking his dick following the pace that I was going at.

After hearing Changbin’s groans, I began inserting my fingers at my slit, making me whimper in the process, “oh, fuck” I cursed, as I started to thrust my fingers in and out, noises coming out of my mouth along with the wetness of my pussy were getting louder, which excited Changbin, as his stroking was audible through the phone along with his beautiful groans.

“god, (y/n), if only I could touch you,” Changbin spoke through groans when he saw me fondling my breast and going faster. I was getting louder with my noises, in contrast of Changbin’s quite yet beautiful and audible noises. So much so, it sounds like Changbin was watching porn, rather than getting fucked at a distance.

“Ah-are-fuck-are you close?” Changbin asked through whines, his speech was getting difficult as he was getting closer to climax with his strokes going as fast as I was.

I nodded, out of struggle of speech, whining out, “Ah! Binnie!”

“Fuck, (y/n), I’m—“ Changbin grunted, as his strokes was started to get sloppy, he began to thrust onto his hands. I began to feel like something burning up in my stomach, moaning at the sensation, “Chang—I’m cummin— I’m cumming”

“Me too…” He choked on his words, as his groans and moans were also getting louder. Our phone voices combined was dirty but erotic, topped with the scene of two people masturbating to each other, now thats even a hotter view.

“Binnie!”

“Go ahead, baby... cum”

And just like that, I let out a squeal as I reached my peak, still playing with myself until I sensed an overstimulation. Not too long after, I was hearing a lot of grunt from the call and then I looked at Changbin, who ended up cumming onto his stomach, his chest raising up and down, letting himself catch his breath. Still out of breath, we both looked at each other, we both laughed at our fucked out state.

“Holy fuck, was that hot?” Changbin commented, taking the phone, putting it out of his speaker and back to his ear. I laughed at his sudden remark, nodding, “oh yeah, can’t wait to feel what you feel like,” I bit my lip.

”At least buy me dinner first,” He teased, referring to the remark I had at the time, which made me roll my eyes and him to chuckle. “You’re a dick,” I said.

”A big one, and a pretty one according to you,” He teased again. I started to jokingly groan at his words, causing him to laugh, “alright, alright, I’ll stop.”

I got up and picked the phone, looking at him, “I had fun, we should do this again,” him and I started exchanging a smile, this time it was more pure than the smiles we had earlier. He nodded, “for sure, but the next time is going to be in one of our beds, I really need to touch you.”

”The feeling is mutual.”

We began to talk a little more, until we both have felt that slumber was starting to sneak up onto our eyes. We both ultimately had to hang up, since we don’t want to raise our phone bills with our already long call. While facing away from the window, I couldn’t help but started admire Changbin in my head.

I typically hate men, but Changbin wasn’t just like any man.

He was Changbin, and I highly doubt that you’ll ever find a man like him.

[salmadahab]

This is a date I will never forget in my life. I prefer to see it now as the day you were liberated from pain and suffering. I know now that we learn how to live with grief and loss but we never forget. So even after five years, still like every year, I can recall everything that happened in the hospital during these awful 16 days, I still even remember the smell of the hospital and me lying to you every second before the coma that everything is fine, especially me. I remember, one moment Amr’s blood pressure was very low, he fainted -he loves you you know- and I was taking you to the intensive care, I was in the middle where everything was collapsing, uff ... it’s still tough.

One of the things I am recalling very very well is the successive calls of some of my former colleagues from my former workplace asking me every day a series of silly stupid questions on when will I resume work -as if I was the center of this place- refusing to approve my annual leave even with my direct supervisor’s approval and refusing to stop calling and texting me even after I resigned, calling many times every single day. I remember also that you asked me before the coma if I settled my absence and I lied and told you that they totally understand the situation, are incredibly supportive and there is nothing to worry about. Again, I was lying.

But I also remember all these silly calls, text messages, coming from the top guy at this place, a very prestigious man, calling every day asking me to go back to work and sending me people to the hospital to check if I am there or not, harassing me over and over. Absolutely manic and heavily powerful.

I don’t want to go through what they have done after you passed away, but they succeeded very well to prove to me how awful they are. Surprisingly after I resigned -under pressure- this guy kept asking everyone in the office why I left, spreading his favorite rumor that I am emotionally unstable because I just lost my mom and def. I am coming back. Gross!

I kept everything inside me and it is very heavy till now, every time people ask me where did I work before, or say the name of this organization, I feel sick, humiliated, angry, and sympathetic toward anyone who is trying to escape this place but can’t afford it. It is still painful.

I was never able to vent properly and always felt ashamed of being passive to what happened, but recently, just a couple of months ago, I got the courage to give a testimony of what happened to me during these 16 days along with other despicable incidents during my two and half years of working there and I asked for proper just action. Doing only this already made me feel a little bit relieved. It was very hard to talk, it’s like you have to describe everything you felt back then and put in words, very clear descriptive words, this was tearing me apart. You know when you try to deny that something happened because it it’s easier that way and it feels so bad when you admit it and you know you couldn’t do anything back then. There is something also very bad, seems that we never forget an insult, abuse, or harassment, you will move on and know how to deal with it, but you will never forget.

This year, I remember everything the same way, however, I am glad to add one more sentence to this story that I will remember forever and I wish I could tell you this. Today, mom, I want to tell you that this guy is out of his position forever, he is stripped from his power and any tiny possibility to harm/hurt/harass any person again. Some of my former colleagues insisted to celebrate this news with me because they thought that I am his biggest victim. Seems that it was obvious to everyone except me.

Mom, today, I remember but I am not feeling ashamed of this part of the story and I am happy that I was able to spend the last moments with you and that I fought for this back then. People were hurting me, and I didn’t know what to do, I cared only about you so I didn’t react and couldn’t in the past five years, but I have all your good traits alive inside me, and I couldn’t stay passive anymore. I am proud and you should be proud because finally, I know how to be safe and how to protect myself as you were always telling me. I miss a lot, your place is absolutely irreplaceable 💔

[twst-bs]

NRC Students and an Anxious MC

And with this, I've done all of the students at NRC!! Well, with the nervous MC, anyway, I have some other stuff in the works too.

Also, in case anyone was wondering, I'm open for both requests and commissions!

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Ace: “You look awful.”

The Ramshackle Prefect shot Ace a glare, but it lacked their usual fire. “Thanks, Ace.”

“Come on, I didn’t mean it like that and you know it.” he caught up with them easily when they turned around to keep walking. “I just meant you looked like you had a rough night. Or like you’re stressed out. You know.”

“Your grave only has to be six feet, Ace, you can stop digging now.”

Ace rolled his eyes. “You aren’t usually this crabby. Seriously, what’s up?”

They sighed. “You’re right, I had a rough night.”

“Any particular reason why? Or just ‘cause?”

The two of them had reached Crewel’s classroom, but they still had a few minutes before they had to be in there. The Prefect bit their lip nervously. “I kind of freaked out last night because of the homework.”

“It was pretty hard, huh?”

“Well, that too,” they crossed their arms, almost like they were trying to hide themself. “But, it’s like...I feel stupid, you know? You guys all know this magic stuff, but I’m struggled to handle even the basics. Then I thought, well, if I can’t handle the basics, I’m going to get punished, and I would deserve it because I’m an idiot, and...you can see how the spiral went.”

Ace was quiet for a moment, studying them with an unreadable expression. Then, he heaved out a side and grabbed their wrist, tugging them into the classroom. “I guess it can’t be helped, then.”

“Huh?”

He plopped unceremoniously into his seat and dug around in his bag. “Be quick about it, okay? Queen only knows what Crewel’s punishment for getting caught copying homework is.”

The Prefect stared at Ace with wide eyes. “Seriously?”

“It’s better than nothing,” Ace shrugged, slapping his notebook down on the desk. “If he says anything, I’ll tell him you helped me word it. Now, come on!”

Deuce: They weren’t getting anywhere.

The longer they stared at the question on their worksheet, the less they could focus. Apparently this was supposed to be basic stuff, but there were so many strange ingredients with different magical properties that they couldn’t keep track. And the more that had to flip back and forth between their textbook and worksheet, the more stupid they felt.

“...right? Hey, are you alright?”

Deuce’s voice broke through the panic that was beginning to set in, and when they finally looked up, his blue eyes were wide with concern.

“What? I’m sorry, Deuce, I kinda...spaced there for a minute.”

That only made the crease in Deuce’s brow deepen. “You looked really freaked out. Is something wrong?”

The two of them had made a habit out of studying in the library together. Since Deuce wasn’t the best student and the Prefect was playing a very intense game of catch up, they figured they could motivate each other while studying. But lately, all they had been able to do was sit there and be anxious about everything.

"I...um…" They absent-mindedly clicked their pen, unable to look Deuce in the eye. "I'm sorry."

"What are you apologizing for?" he asked incredulously. "For real, are you alright?"

The genuine worry in his expression made something in them burst. They threw their pen down on the table and buried their face in their hands. "I don't know what I'm doing! I went from magic not existing to suddenly having to study it, and I can't even master the basics! I'm terrified that I'll fail and Crowley will kick me out and -"

"Whoa, whoa, hey, it's okay!" Deuce's chair scraped against the floor as he hurried over to their side, grasping their hands in his. "Everything's gonna be okay."

Their chest heaved as they tried to suck in enough air. "But -"

"Listen," he cut them off. "The stuff you have to deal with is a lot. And I'm sorry for not realizing it earlier. If you want, we can go to Professor Crewel and ask for some tutoring, or even remedial lessons. Whatever you need, I'll help."

Cater: “What are you looking at?”

At the sound of the Ramshackle Prefect’s voice from behind the couch he was sitting on in the Heartslabyul lounge, Cater lolled his head back to grin at them. “Heya! Just scrolling through Magicam, what else is new?”

“That is your favorite pastime, huh?” they leaned on the back of the couch, looking at the screen.

“What are you doing in Heartslabyul, anyway?” he asked.

“Ace thought he could get away with not studying if he ‘forgot’ his textbooks at Ramshackle. I’m returning them before Riddle thinks I was in on it.””

“Yeah, that tracks.”

The two of them lapsed into a companionable silence, the Prefect watching as Cater scrolled. However, out of the corner of his eye, he could see their expression gradually get tighter and tighter, like they were trying to control whatever emotion was trying to show through.

“What’s with that face?”

“What face?” they asked defensively. “This is just my face.”

“That’s the face you make when you start having bad thoughts but don’t want anybody to know.”

“Get out of my head, Cater.”

He snorted, turning so he was sitting sideways on the couch and could get a better look at them. “Come on, tell Cay what’s on your mind.”

They hesitated, picking idly at the loose thread on the couch. “...It’s just me being stupid.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

“...The people on Magicam are way more good-looking than I am.” the finally mumbled, looking away. “I keep wondering when you’ll realize that.”

Cater’s green eyes widened before he giggled. “Nope.”

“Nope what?”

“I won’t realize it,” he reached around them to pull their face closer, kissing them affectionately on the cheek. “Because it’s not true. And whenever you start to think like that, you tell me, so I can reassure you.”

Jack: Something felt off.

Nothing in particular had happened, it was just one of those days. But, it was bad enough that they thought about just going back to Ramshackle instead of waiting for Jack like they normally did. Waiting outside of the classroom just made them feel even more antsy.

Just as they were about to shoot him a text to say that they weren’t feeling well - which wasn’t technically a lie - said wolf came out of the classroom, tail wagging involuntarily when he saw them waiting like it wasn’t an everyday occurrence.

Before he could even greet them, however, his nose scrunched up. Furrowing his eyebrows, he leaned down and began sniffing them.

“Jack, what the hell?”

“You’re nervous about something.”

Right. Nothing could beat that canine sense of smell.

“It’s nothing.” Jack opened his mouth to reply, but they cut him off. “No, literally. Nothing actually happened, it’s just a...a weird day, I guess.”

It was clear from the expression on his face that Jack didn’t quite understand, but the guy was nothing if not sympathetic. “Do you need help with anything?”

“Nah, it should eventually work itself out.” They tried to muster up an encouraging grin, but from the look on Jack’s face, they didn’t quite hit the mark. “I’m fine, Jack, promise.”

His tail had dropped, and his ears were pressed against his head. “...When I get worked up, going for a jog usually helps me. Gets all the energy out.”

They raised an eyebrow. “You and I both know that your jogging is my sprinting.”

“Then I’ll walk and you jog,” he grinned. “If you want to, that is.”

They paused before shrugging. “I probably won’t do a good job on the homework if I’m like this, anyway.”

Floyd: Don’t fall asleep. Don’t fall asleep. Crewel will turn you into a rug if he catches you falling asleep.

Their internal monologue was the only thing preventing them from passing out onto their desk. They had had a hard time falling asleep last night, and of course they were working on sleeping draughts in Alchemy today. The vapor wafting from the cauldron was enough to knock them out.

They hadn’t noticed that their eyes had closed until a hard knock on the classroom door startled them open. When Crewel called out for whoever it was to come in, the door opened to reveal Floyd.

“The Headmaster wants to see Shrimpy!” he sang, leaning against the doorframe. Crewel nodded, motioning with his pointed cane for the Prefect to get out.

Physically shaking themself awake, they stood. Next to them, Ace went “Oooooooh~”

“Trappola, just for that, you’re responsible for giving them the notes for the lesson.”

“Aw, come on!”

They didn’t even have the energy to stick their tongue out like they usually would. They just inched past all of the other students until they were at Floyd’s side. The merman casually slung an arm around their shoulder and steered them out of the classroom.

“What does the Headmaster want?” they asked. It could literally be anything, honestly.

“Oh, I lied!” Floyd giggled. “He doesn’t need to see you at all.”

“Huh?”

“You looked exhausted this morning,” Floyd tugged them closer. Not quite a squeeze, but there was something intensely protective in the embrace. “I figured you could use a nap.”

“So you busted me out of class?”

“Yup! This makes me your favorite, right?” he grinned, showing all of his teeth.

“Definitely.”

Epel: They always did have a nervous stomach.

There was a test in Trein’s class that day. No matter how much they studied the night before, they didn’t feel prepared, and their stomach was committing mutiny in response. They hadn’t been able to eat any breakfast, so now they were nauseated and hungry at the same time. They were either going to puke on the test or eat it, they hadn’t decided yet.

“Are you alright?”

They jumped. They had been so caught up in their own head that they hadn’t even heard Epel approach. “Hey. Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit of test anxiety, haha.”

Epel didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure? You look kinda pale.”

“Really, I’m fine. I was just a bit too nervous to eat breakfast.” they insisted.

“Well, that’s not good.” Epel frowned. “You’ll do even worse on the test if you’re hungry.”

Oh, why did he have to phrase it like that? Just the thought made their already roiling stomach turn, and they whined softly as they hugged themself around the middle.

“Ah, wait, I didn’t mean it like that!” he backtracked. “I just meant it won’t do you any good!”

Epel reached into his bag for a moment, mumbling to himself. “I know I have some in here...ah-ha!” he pulled out a bag of dried apple chips. “Here! It’s not exactly a full meal, but it’ll help. And they’re really light, so if you’re sick because of nerves, they won’t upset your stomach.”

“Are you sure?” they asked as Epel handed them the bag.

“Pos’tive.” he grinned. “I’ve got plenty back at the dorm. And Ma’s always sending me stuff from the farm anyway. So go ahead, I don’t want you passing out!”

Sebek: They had no idea what he was talking about.

It was a feat in and of itself to be able to not pay attention to Sebek. The man was a walking lightning bolt. But today was just not a good day, mentally.

A pity, too. They always liked walking around in the woods with Sebek. Something about being in nature and listening to him talk passionately about whatever was on his mind was almost soothing, but it just wasn’t working this time.

“Are you listening?”

They jumped when he said their name. They had gotten so sucked into their own head that they hadn’t noticed him turn his monologue into a conversation. “I’m sorry!”

“What are you sorry for? Is everything alright?” he looked them up and down with sharp amber eyes, scanning for anything that could present any danger. “Are you ill?”

“No, no, it’s not…” they sighed, shoulders slumping. “I didn’t sleep well last night. Nightmares.”

Bad dreams had been a problem before they arrived in Twisted Wonderland, but now they were really plaguing them. It made concentrating difficult, even on simple things such as a walk with their partner.

Sebek stepped in front of them, forcing them to stop in their tracks. His angular features were serious, thrown into deep contrast from the light of the sun setting between the leaves. He clasped both of their hands in his own, holding them tightly as he looked into their eyes.

“You needn’t worry about such things. I will not let anything harm you, even your own mind.” he squeezed their hands. “On my honor as a knight.”

Silver: Watching Silver train with a sword was...something else.

They could watch him all day, going after the training dummy like it was actually an enemy.

Well, usually, they could.

It had been another sleepless night, up worrying about all the various things they needed to do. They only managed to fall asleep around four AM, and they needed to be at their first class by eight, so they hadn’t exactly gotten well-rested. They were impressed that they had managed to stay awake during their lessons, but now it was catching up to them.

The warm sun shining on their face and the rhythmic swishing of Silver’s practice sword was vaguely soothing, and before they really knew it they had slumped against the tree they were sitting under, fast asleep.

When they awoke, they were moving. It took a minute to gather themself, and they blinked sleepily at their surroundings.

“You can go back to sleep.” Silver’s voice rumbled against their side. He was carrying them. “We aren’t that far from Ramshackle.”

“...You could have woken me up.” they mumbled, nuzzled closer to his chest. “I would have walked.”

“You looked so peaceful.” he responded, adjusting his grip. “Unless you want me to put you down?”

“No.” they sighed. “This is nice. Me and Grim are always saying that it takes forever to get to Ramshackle from anywhere in the school, I’ll take the ride.”

Silver chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to their forehead. “Go to sleep.”