#thinking about my babu

[lichtsstar]

Laylia is a very fun character to write. She doesn't know how to cope with a lot of situations, and she's extremely childish and immature. She says things she shouldn't because she doesn't know any better, and despite being 16 and a spirit, her knowledge of a lot things is low due to the circumstances she grew up with.

She can barely trust most of the people around her, but despite that, she latches onto Maiyah because she SAVED her, she reached out to her and help alieve her of the issues she was running away from, so despite her paranoia and distrust, she relies on that princess who reached out to her when she was in need of a helping hand.

Laylia's feelings towards Maiyah are a dangerous mix of Loyalty, dedication and codependence, she doesn't know what to do without her and is relying on her to guide her to some sense of normalcy and safety. Because all she wants is to escape that constant nagging feeling of fear.

That's why she follows her around like a little duckling, and given the state she was in since she was 6 it's not too different from imprinting

[whimsicalwhespir]

Nothing strange here! Just a girl with her best buds :D

[serpentide]

it's kinda funny how lucky i am in this game when compared to onmyoji and dislyte ... funny but also very depressing considering all the money and energies i spent in those other two games 💀 💀 💀

[joonipertree]

Imagine being Mikey's girlfriend and having so many teenagers giving you respect as if you're the leader of the number one biker gang in Tokyo.

Imagine how confused everyone in your school is when a group of bulky, testosterone filled, aggressive high schoolers come and bow at a 90° angle. You're staring with reddened cheeks because ???????????

But they're off to go to class without a word, muttering to themselves. Your classmates and friends are like: "dude what the fuck happened?" and you're like "I don't even know."

Then some fuckers come and offer to hold your bag for you? To get you lunch? Someone gave you their bento? And everyone starts noticing how it's only the delinquents that do it. Mostly the ones wearing the Tokyo Manji uniform.

If there's a Toman member in class, you bet your ass they'd threaten the teacher for you. Like "They got that answer right!!" and you're like "no!!! I didn't!!!"

You're so scared your teachers were gonna give you detention. Or call your parents to let them know their child had a gaggle of delinquents doing their bidding.

God, imagine if they call you a title. Like "princess" or something. I can't even think of a title suited for this. But like something cringey that gets you annoyed and the clueless people around you start having even weirder theories.

Biggest one? You're the Yakuza's daughter.

IMAGINE!!!! IF SOME OF THE TOMAN INNER CIRCLE WERE THERE SJSNSNSJKSKWKA

I'm imagining Baji and chifuyu laughing their ass off in the corner, on the floor, gasping for air. And when you notice them, you run and ask if they had anything to do with this.

Baji wishes and chifuyu was growing purple from lack of oxygen. You kicked at them and wacked them with your book. WHICH MADE THINGS WORSE BECAUSE YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS ARE SEEING U BEAT UP GANG MEMBERS. YOURE A RAGING MONSTER IN THEIR EYES NOW.

If the toman members see this, do you think they'd be afraid of you? They'd be shaking in their boots at someone most likely half their size and that couldn't even win an arm wrestling match.

You'd ask Baji and chifuyu to tell them to stop. They would very loudly call you princess and run away cackling.

I'm pretty sure in highschool, the inner circle go to the same school. I don't remember but Takemitchy, Hakkai and Chifuyu go to the same school right?

If you think Takemitchy would help, chifuyu convinced him not to. Anyone else there is just someone you couldn't get a hold of. And you just ended up ignoring the delinquents and going about your day. Which just made you look like even more of a gang leader, walking down a hallway with a blank stare while people around you bowed.

Some non delinquents call you princess and you're telling them that "no, it's a prank. A sick joke that my boyfriend is playing on me."

People realise very quickly why you were being treated like royalty when the school day ended.

Because lo and behold, The Invincible Mikey was standing at the gate, leaning against his infamous bike as he waited for you. People just stopped and stared, not bothering leaving the vicinity, out of curiosity and maybe fear.

You see Mikey and start stomping towards him, everyone holding their breath because 'the yakuzas daughter was going head to head with the captain of the Tokyo Manji Gang.'

But Mikey was smiling brightly, arms open for a hug as he made grabby hands at you.

You came close and kicked him on the shin.

I honestly can't imagine everyone's reaction. Stunned silence. It's a sense of doom I think. A sense of 'rest in peace'. But also, the utter shock and respect you'd just accumulated from your peers in a second. You had some mad fucking balls to do that shit. Even full grown adults wouldn't do something like that to Sano Manjiro. People were ready to join your followers and praise you.

The kick was weak by the way, Mikey didn't even flinch. He just looked confused and then you ranted to him about your day and suddenly he was fully relying on his Babu to hold him up. Because my god, was he laughing his ass off. He couldn't breathe.

If Ken-chin was with him, let's be honest he would be, the man would also be on his knees dying of laughter. Just...imagine every Toman member that's part of the inner circle.... laughing vehemently at you for this.

With grumbles and glares, you try walking home by yourself but Mikey is quick to pull you back into his arms. His laughter hadn't stopped but he was leaning on you now.

The way one sinewy hand was on your waist while the other was tangled in your hair...made it very clear what you guys were to each other.

It was a collective 'oh.....oh' moment.

Mikey peppered many apologetic kisses on your cheeks and you whined about how embarrassing it was and how people were watching. Unbeknownst to you, Mikey had slyly made eye contact with anyone staring and glared daggers at them.

Ken-chin then decided to stand in front of the two of you and throw daggers at the on lookers for him.

And as much as you wanted to push away, you leant into his kisses and let him give you one on the nose and forehead. He tasted sweet on your lips too and your arms were around his neck, pulling away to stop the boy from going overboard like he always did.

"I'll treat you to lunch to make up for it?" Mikey whisperer gently, eyes soft and lovesick.

"Promise to call a meeting and tell everyone to stop?"

Mikey snorted, "Yes princess."

The punch on his arm was a lot harder. Mikey made an exaggerated pained expression, snickering to himself as he pulled you in close.

"It's not like it's a lie, though. You should be treated like royalty and have everyone do your bidding."

The blush that rose on your cheeks made his heart flutter.

"Only you can....treat me like that."

Oh he's not letting go of you any time soon.

Bonus: Later on, when you meet Baji and Chifuyu...they call you princess and burst out laughing. You promptly throw both of your shoes at them.

I also feel like if the Haitani brothers caught wind of this, it'd just be the worst for you. They are the snarkiest motherfuckers.

[dellalyra]

ᴇɴᴅɢᴀᴍᴇ - Mɪᴋᴇʏ sᴀɴᴏ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴀ/ɴ: 𝖺 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌？ 𝗉𝗈𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒． 𝖺 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝗂𝗏𝖺𝗅 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗈𝗄𝗋𝖾𝗏 𝖻𝗋𝖺𝗂𝗇𝗋𝗈𝗍 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗈𝗇．𝖿𝗂𝗇𝖺𝗅 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖾，𝗂𝗇 𝗆𝗒 𝗁𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗆𝗂𝗄𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗍𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇 𝗈𝖿 𝗌𝗂𝗆𝗂𝗅𝖺𝗋 𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝟤𝟢 𝗈𝗋 𝗌𝗈 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌．

𝖢𝖶： 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘻𝘺， 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘤 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘦，𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘴𝘦𝘹 𝘫𝘰𝘬𝘦， 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦，𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦， 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦

“Who’s that…?” Takemichi asks, baffled at the sight of a very pretty girl - clad in ToMan uniform, standing beside Mitsuya laughing.

“Who?” Draken scans.

“Beside Mitsuya.”

“That, Takemitchi, is Mikey’s surprise.” Draken smirks, clapping the blonde on the back and once again inadvertently winding someone after forgetting not everyone is built like a refrigerator.

After a moment of recovering, coughing and wheezing, Takemichi continues his inquiries into the identity of the mystery girl.

“What do you mean Mikey’s surprise?”

“I forget you’re still a rookie. Just watch.” Draken smirk, crouching to sit on the steps of the shrine.

So, he did. The shrine grounds began to fill up as the other captains and their vices arrived. Takemichi’s eyes kept sliding to glance at the girl, leaning on her bike. The bike was certainly eye catching - matte black, with pink LED underlights and matching detailing. Sitting on the handlebars was a black helmet with LED lined cat ears poking from the top. She blended in well with the other ToMan members, chatting casually and seemingly in deep discussion about something with Mitsuya.

Was she Mitsuya’s girl? No - because why would that be a surprise for Mikey? That - and Mitsuya definitely had said he was single. She was definitely really pretty, a total eye catcher. She seemed roughly Mikey and Draken’s age, by the look of things.

After a while, and well past the expected time, the roar of the final expected motorcycle echoed through the shrine.

The black CB250T skidded to a stop, a rare lack of care for the beloved ‘Babu’. The blonde atop it leaped off the seat and sprinted toward the mystery girl, snatching her up by the waist and spinning her tight in his arms.

“Y/N-chan! You’re home!” Came Mikey’s (slightly muffled by the girls hair) voice, as the rest of ToMan’s inner circle laughed and cheered - seemingly part of a joke that Takemitchi didn’t understand.

A squeal came from the girl, as Mikey spun her faster.

“Manjiro Sano! You’ll give me motion sickness!” The girl, Y/N, laughed.

Still laughing, and with a bright smile and sparkling eyes that Takemitchi hadn’t seen on Mikey’s face before, he let her down with uncharacteristic gentleness.

“When did you get home?” He asks, setting the girl on her feet with the care of handling a porcelain teacup.

“Last night. Ken-chin picked me up from the train station, thought it would be fun to surprise you.” She says, fixing the lapel of Mikey’s jacket.

Mikey’s blonde head whipped around to Draken who lay smirking against his own bike.

“Ken-chin, you fucking traitor! You told me you’d tell me when you were picking her up so I could go too!” Mikey sulks.

A booming laugh comes from beside Takemichi as Draken hears Mikey’s complaint.

“Sorry for picking up my own damn sister!” The vice-commander shrugs.

Takemichi nods, thinking Draken had a point - wait… sister?

“Wait - Draken - you have a sister?!”

“You’re looking at her, kid.” Draken nods at Y/N, who waves and smiles from the vice grip hug-from-behind Mikey has her in.

“Half-sister. We had the same mom. Different dads. Kenny got the height. I’m Y/N, you must be Takemitchi.” She says, in a warm voice and kind eyes shining, stroking absentmindedly the hand Mikey has clutched around her waist.

“You’re never abandoning me again.” Mikey groans.

“I was gone for 2 months to look after my grandma, ‘Jiro.” Y/N laughs.

“2 months is too long! Ken-chin was all I had and he doesn’t smell like cherry blossom! I’m coming with you if you ever leave again.” Mikey stomps.

Takemichi takes note of how Mikey knows how you smell, and actively missed it - as well as the new name he’d heard for Mikey - ‘Jiro - you were the only person he’d heard call Mikey that.

In the background, Baji lifts the seat of the girls bike, and takes out a bag of candy hidden under some stuff.

“Knew it! Oi, Chifuyu, she still keeps the good stuff in the bike!” He said, skipping off toward Chifuyu with the candy in hand. You move to run after him, shouts of ‘Keisuke Baji, you fucking thief! I trusted that information to you!’ However, the struggle was a fruitless endeavour as Mikey refused to let you go from his vice like koala grip but did something that must be reserved solely for you and mid-shout of cursing Baji’s bloodline half a taiyaki was shoved in your mouth and you instantly settled down and smiled - mouth fun with a fish tail hanging out of you mouth and a pat to the arms on your waist.

Draken just laughs and Takemichi is reminded of the fact that the ToMan founders and a few others have been side by side, growing up together since barely in the double digits.

“Y/N’s my baby sister. There’s only a year and a half between us. Her pa was a little better than mine, he actually knew her, since he was a regular client - he’s pretty high up in gang shit in Kyoto. Still a useless prick, but she loves his mom - her grandma, she had a hip replacement 2 months ago so Y/N went to the countryside to take care of her for a while.” Draken explain to Takemichi while popping a fresh piece of gum in his mouth.

“Why didn’t you talk about her?” Takemichi asks.

“You talk about shit you miss?” Draken shrugs, gruff with the truth of missing his sister.

“So she’s ToMan too?” The rookie asks.

“Sure is. First division vice captain.” Draken nods, a hint of pride in his resolute face.

“Wait but - how? She doesn’t look -” Takemichi is interrupted quickly by a laughing Draken.

“Like she can fight an ant?”

“Exactly!”

“Size isn’t everything, look at Mikey. Underestimating that girl has lead many assholes go broken noses and split lips.” Draken smiles.

Takemichi supposes that’s probably accurate.

Baji walks over and plops himself down on Draken’s other side, half empty bag of candy in his hand.

“So how strong is she?” Takemichi asks, nodding to the girl now sat beside Mikey showing him pictures of the garden she helped tend with her grandma.

“Who?” Baji asks with a mouthful of sherbet.

“Your vice-captain.” Draken replies, snagging a candy out of the bag.

“She’s fast, that’s her strong point. Speed and agility. Could probably take Mitsuya.” Draken ponders, a sense of pride in the way he straightens his shoulders.

“Not in the way she’d like to take Mikey.” Baji snorts, before getting a smack on the head from the girls brother.

“It’s cute two sets of siblings are dating.” Takemichi points out.

“Huh?” Baji asks.

“Well, there’s the Sano siblings - Mikey and Emma, and Ryuguji siblings, you and Y/N.” Takemichi doesn’t know why he, the newcomer, had to explain.

“You and Emma are dating.” He says to Draken, who nods with a small smile.

“And Mikey and Y/N are dating.”

“Nope.” Baji pipes up.

“What do you mean?”

“They’re not dating.” Draken shakes his head.

“Wait - really?” This made no sense to Takemitchi. Wasn’t koala hugs, or something like sharing a treasured snack something romantic?

“Really.”

“Even the rookie sees it.” Baji laughs.

“But the way they act!”

“This has been going on for years, Takemitchi. They’re both fucking dumb. Neither of them are able to see how whipped the other is for them. Oblivious idiots.” The new voice made Takemitchi jump, not realising Mitsuya had slid in behind him.

“But they like each other?”

“Y/N admitted it to me, yeah.” Draken nods, which made sense.

“Mikey told me.” Baji says, wiping pink dust off his face.

“Some shit about being worried the other will reject them or more bullshit like that, I don’t fuckin’ know.” Draken grumbles.

All heads turn around to where the subjects of the conversation were sat.

Mikey was now sitting in the ground, on criss crossed legs between your knees as you sat on the step above and chatting animatedly about something while you used your fingers to comb through and retie his hair, the same way your brother did. The smile on your face as you listened to Mikey, and the way there was a visible tenderness to the way your fingers ran through his hair was more proof on your side, and Mikey was equally as obvious. When you finished, he lay his head on your thigh, and traces circles on your knee with a touch one may reserve for something fragile and smiled a real smile, a soft one, as you leaned down to nibble on the taiyaki in his hand.

Moments like this is when Takemichi is reminded that all the bad shit, all the timelines and the pain? It was all worth it - because a constant in every timeline was these two, and making it to the final one made him proud.

Now they’ll have their happy story. Their peaceful one.

Mikey does have his first official bike race next week, after all.

[love-toxin]

guh......climbing out of my hole of uni final papers for a moment.....bc i have to talk abt mike some more.....specifically dad(dy) mike-

(cws: fnaf movie spoilers, breeding, me being nasty right on schedule)

like....i can't get over it. he just strikes me as such dad material. he gives me the vibes of exhausted + mentally worn out + don't need another kid to run after but as soon as he's, like, free from the horrors and/or financially stable? he'd just be like "........so honey when are we having a baby??" right out of the blue. i get the feeling that he'd normally be a big family guy (hence the family photos everywhere and the.....intense childhood nostalgia) and he'd probably be all over starting his own if he wasn't dealing with all the death and murder and kidnapping and dream hopping and blah blah blah.

but anyways. baby. thinkin he wants one soooooooo badly.........and he'd be so stupid protective like a big, husband-shaped guard dog. we saw him in the fountain scene nobody can tell me he wouldn't go apeshit over protecting his little babus and their ultra hot momma--plus, at some point when Abby grows up he'd probably get such awful empty nest syndrome he'd be biting his nails not having someone to provide for and protect. that's his purpose! he's gotta be the strong one that gets shit done, hence knocking up some pretty thing that's got those pretty doe eyes and pretty hair and other pretty features for his kids to inherit.

i don't think it would hit him right away either, he'd think he's fine until he's blowin your back out and it hits him like ".....oh. shit," when he realizes how much he doesn't wanna pull out. not just because it feels good to bust a load so thick you leak all over the pillows, but because you might end up with a baby bump and that would be even cuter. you wouldn't even be able to trap him if you wanted to cause he wouldn't care about the contraception anyways--if you want to risk it, he'll risk it, and you might not expect how deep he goes as he tries to knock you up on the first try. you're not even half as crazy as he is, draining his balls inside you like it's an olympic sport just so he can make you take a test in two weeks. even if he can't afford it he'll take time off work just to keep you in bed for a couple days, give it a real good try so he can say he put everything he has into it. it's a good excuse for him to fall asleep still nestled inside you too, his weight pressing you down so you can't get up with all that cum slowly leaking down your legs. trying for a baby is so much fun and so intoxicating mike probably won't even realize how much work it'll really be until you start showing, but by then it's kinda too late anyways and it's not like he'd wanna go back and change it. seriously, he's so fucking lucky to even talk to you, much less be the father of your children and possibly your future husband.

but then he's got something so sweet and adorable to protect besides you on the horizon, something he can cuddle and kiss and rock to sleep and read bedtime stories to like he's loved doing with abby and always did with garrett, including all the silly voices he's made up to make them giggle and plead for just a few more pages. he can be even better than his parents and he'll finally have the second chance he's been dying for--and this time, nothing is gonna take what he loves away from him. nothing.

[quitealotofsodapop]

I just had a thought- Spicynoodles in the MKEgged AU would probably want to wait for a bit before giving Haoyu a bio sibling, both because of the initial fear that his pregnancy gave them and because Xiaotian's body needs time to heal because Stone Monkeys aren't really built for multiple pregnancies.

But that doesn't mean they can't adopt!

Now I'm imagining my idea ages ago of Spicynoodles kiddos, but a few are adopted. I did conceptualize them before I thought of Stone Eggs

First set of babus were; Xuancao & Yingsu [#1 & #2], Zishan, Shuixian & Chuju [#3, #4 & #5]. Origin Post.

Then came "Iron Fan drawn from memory" Tiemian [#6]. Origin Post.

Then "You sure Tang didn't just mitosis?" Yinghuo [#7]. Origin post.

And then the "Rambutan babies" Muxi & Mudan [#8 & #9]. Origin Post.

+some unspecified future triplets, and the occasional inclusion of bud's @nem0lux3 oc Hua Jiao!

I can now imagine with Haoyu's creation being unusual + his birth not ideal - MK and Red Son would be more open to adoption than creating a fresh Egg.

MK is hanging out with Nezha - tagging along for the Lotus Prince's regular god-duties of blessing newborns and kids on their birthdays; only for them to encounter an abandoned baby.

Haoyu has been asking for a baby sibling so...

(*MK approaches his and Red's shared home in the city, nervously holding the tiny stray baby in a sling. The baby has reddish-auburn hair, and dark skin that reminds him of his spouse - little vitiligo-like stripes mark her skin. MK breathes deep to psyche himself up before entering.*) MK, walking in: "Heyyy Red, don't be mad, buuuut when I was out with Nezha we-" (*MK stops suddenly at the sight in the living room. Red Son looks a mix of flustered, horrified and hopeful, as he rocks a baby demon in a car seat.*) Red Son & MK: "..." MK: "How about you go first?" Red Son: "Thank you. I was visiting my father's parents in Youdu, and when I brought up the possibility of us adopting a child, they mentioned that the Underworld has a pretty large population of unclaimed young souls so..." (*Red Son guestures to the baby in the car seat; it's a little girl with dark brown hair and skin tone similar to MK. Seems to be mixed human-feline demon.*) MK, realising: "Aw! You thought she looked like me and couldn't even wait to ask?" Red Son, adoring: "Yes! I met with Kṣitigarbha, and they brought me to the banks of the River by Naihe Bridge, and this little angel just... floated to the shore." (*Red Son gently kisses the baby's head*) Red Son: "They said that it's how little ones... enter the Underworld before they have the chance to be blessed. Their souls come to shore when they find someone to claim them." MK, leaning down to meet the baby: "Ohhh, a little floater baby. Hi!" Baby #1: (*barely old enough to smile. makes curious burbling sounds at MK and the other baby in his arms. Her hands have tiny claws, betraying her mixed demon heritage.*) Red Son, fixing on MK's baby: "What's the story with your little one?" MK: "Well now my story seems boring by comparison! Nezha has been helping train my astral projection powers, and he asked me to come along with him in spirit while he did his baby blessings. All was okay - I saw a lot of 100 day parties. But then Nezha got this look on his face, and we like swooped down to this riverbank where-" Baby in MK's arms: (*angry kitten-like sound*) MK, soothing her: "Yeah, baby, I'm telling them... She was all alone and... they tied her up in a bag. A bag, Red!" (*becoming distressed*) "Nezha was only able to sense her cus she just turned a month old and didn't have her Man Yue blessing. If we hadn't found her then-" Red Son, calming him: "Do not think about the buts, sunflower. She's with us now." MK, tear of relief: "Heh. Butts." Red Son, small laugh: "Puerile as ever... have you taken her to a doctor?" MK: "Even better! Your other grandma saw us after me and Nezha had her checked out by Chen Jiggu - you know the paediatric goddess? When I mentioned Haoyu wanted a sibling well... you know Xiwangmu." Red Son: "She shriek-roared, burst into tears, and started hugging you and the baby?" MK: "Yup. I could barely get a word out. She's already started calling her sūnnǚ and demands we organise a proper Man Yue party for her." Red Son: "I hope she feels the same for the stray I acquired."

After tending to both babies, the pair notice that they have eerily similar features to one another... as if they were twins or close relatives. They try not to dwell too much on the possible reasons.

Within a few hours, news of babies Xuancao (named for a flower of remembrance; Poppy) & Yingsu (their little Tiger-Lily who's stripes have only just developed) gets out.

Haoyu arrives home after spending the day with Granddadsy and Gonggong Tang to see a pair of baby sisters in his old crib. He's overjoyed and accidentally wakes them in his delighted hooting (much to MK and Red's dismay).

Pigsy and Tang had been there to drop Haoyu off, and they quickly recognise the little cries that followed the hooting. The poor pig man nearly has a heart attack XD

Pigsy, pointing at the baby girls: "Since when!?" MK, holding one twin: "Haha - would you believe less than a few hours ago?" Tang, joking: "Wow. You two worked fast." Red Son, holding the other twin: "They were not made in that manner!" Pigsy & Tang: "Huh?" Haoyu, excitedly: "Oh! I know! Lǎolao says babies float on the Underworld's river, and they get out when they meet their parents!" Tang: "Well, it's not exactly-" Red Son: "He's actually right in this case." Tang: "EH!?" MK, gesturing to the respective twin: "Underworld freebie. Above-world freebie!" Haoyu, smiling smugly: "Told you, Gonggong!!" Pigsy & Tang: (*both thinking hard*) Pigsy, shrugging: "Eh. I literally picked MK off the street. Finding one or two on the river ain't that odd. Now - let me meet my granddaughters." Both Babies: (*excitedly reach out tiny hands to inspect their grandadsy's face*)

MK and Red Son's phones are quickly blowing up with calls and messages asking "WTF!? Since when you two were pregnant?!" Wukong in particular calls worried out of his mind, asking if MK is ok and getting medical attention. Seems that a wire got crossed with Xiwangmu bragging about her new grandcub to who anyone who'd listen. XD

The bull grandparents, all three great-grandparents, and the extended Monkie Kids gang, happily accept the twin girls into their lives once the Spicynoodles couple finally manages to explain what happened.

Macaque: "You ordered one and got two. A great deal, in my opinion." MK, teasingly: "You're just saying that cus you managed to have twins too." Wukong, holding Rumble & Savage: "It's a fantastic deal either way!"

DBK and PIF in particular are overjoyed. They understand that a biological grandcalf is a huge risk to ask of the couple - so they happily accept the baby girls as if they were blood related anyway. PIF can finally spoil her girls with all the little dresses and accessories they could ever want. And DBK has a pair of tiny girls who have him wrapped around their little clawed fingers.

Any future spicynoodles babies likely have similar origin stories. At least one is a biologically-conceived child, though it's hard to tell when're all together and acting like they've always been together.

The whole family will fight whoever claims they aren't "real" children to them.

[newkatzkafe2023]

How would the monkeys be as dads?

I think I answered this before, but let me see🤔

(Lmk Wukong) He's the goofy dad that makes silly mistakes for the entertainment of his cubs. Like seriously they know he's not that bright and for that they think he's funny. They to can see the space between his two eyes but your cubs would love him so much and know they can relie on him😁.

(MKR Wukong) He's the scary dad, he just has that mean mug on him but his cubs don't ever consider him a threat. In fact your cubs could not be safer with him because he wants to love and protect them. Not to mention behaves like a tsudere all the time so now only are you his weak spot but now his kids are too😖.

(HIB Wukong) He's the over-protective dad like seriously he the type to babu proof the house before you both considered children. He's tends to act ridiculous but at the same time, that just shows he loves and cares that his cubs are safe and healthy. Considering he loses everything constantly he might be over protective of you too😣.

(NR Wukong) the dad that tells dad jokes every second of every day like seriously. It's so bad that even Li would faceplam at the stuff he said. The children would either laugh or groan at his jokes or antics, but he never takes it to heart, and it's always all in good fun. Their are also times when he teaches very important life lessons, so the cubs would often go to him for advice before they will always trust what he would suggest🤣.

(Netflix Wukong) HE'S THE FUN DAD ALL THE WAY, THEIR IS NO CHANGING MY MIND🤩. Wukong loves to get in on the action of his children, joining them on their adventures and playing games all the time. He could be bone tired from his long dad but can always muster up the energy to keep up with the cubs🥳.

(BMW Wukong) The father who loves to tell their stories about their prime days. Wukong is full of stories considering his immortality, so every day and night, he has a new story to tell, and the kids are always excited. Now, he tends to repeat certain stories that are his favorite, and interesting enough, his favorite story to tell is about how he met you😍.

(Destined one) Now he's the strict but loving father, he let's his kids have freedom in their lives, but only if they follow the ground rules. He's also not the type to take it easy on their training, but he makes sure that they know that every he does is out of his love for them. I also see him being the ask your mom type of dad, too, especially when he knows you said no already. 😬

Feel Free to Reblog👨

[bemusedlybespectacled]

there might not be enough room in the rest of the season for this and that's okay but like, Stede's improved so much in everything OTHER THAN TAKING HIS OWN ADVICE AND PROCESSING HIS OWN TRAUMA and it is so frustrating.

like, as of right now, 2x05, Ed knows the following things about Stede:

He was married to a woman

He "went back" to his wife

He left him at the dock because he was afraid of how fast they were moving

Ed does NOT know:

About Stede's traumatic childhood experiences vis-à-vis his dad and getting bullied at school, which y'all will remember includes GETTING ROCKS THROWN AT HIM WHILE TIED TO THE OARS OF A BOAT

About Stede's canonical mental health issues, including absolutely trash self-esteem and panic attacks with flashbacks

That Stede didn't want to get married to Mary (or indeed any woman)

That Stede did plan to meet him at the dock and didn't make it because he was KIDNAPPED AT GUNPOINT, then had a bunch of his insecurities brought to the fore immediately before watching the dude die in front of him

like, it's fantastic that he's making progress in expressing his feelings for Ed and actually thinking through their relationship (including pointing out that he was a whim to Ed which was not even something I'd really mentally articulated until just then). we stan an emotionally mature queen.

but even the most honest expression of his insecurities (which is to Ed's WANTED POSTER while he is completely alone) doesn't admit WHY HE HAS THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. and I just want him to have the same love and support that everyone else on the crew is getting.

Like, Stede. my buddy. my man. my sweet babu. everyone else is out here processing their trauma. get on the fucking group therapy train, babydoll.

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Saheb, Bibi Aur Ghulaam

#1

For IPKKND’s 13th anniversary, hosted by the lovelies @arshifiesta

1903, Kolkata

Nandkisore sat by the ghats, watching the sun set on the Ganges. Devotees offered prayers while lovers sat in the ferries, gently bobbing from one end of the river bank to the other.

Not too many summers ago he had arrived, with barely a paisa in his pocket, and only a few local words that he had picked from fellow travellers.

“What were you thinking about sahab?” Mohan, his rickshaw puller, asked. Nandkisore chuckled at being referred as a sahab. It would take him some time to get used to that honorific. Granted, his patent for a new type of printer at the printing press gave him a financial security that his ancestors had never seen, but that couldn’t really make him a sahab.

Nandkisore pointed to the sprawling mansion across the river.

Sheesh Mahal

Owned by the richest zamindar in the city. By a true sahab - Arnav Mullick.

“Oh Maa! Did you know him? Were you both friends? Is that how you learned how to make money?” Mohan asked.

“No, Arnav sahab was my employer,” Nandkisore said. The formidable Arnav Mullick was nobody’s friend but his kindest, sweetest wife was the closest friend Nandkisore ever had.

And the only thing he learned in the godforsaken house was tragedy.

— — —

1897, Kolkata

The white marbles and mirrors of Sheesh Mahal made it stand like a diamond amidst the city. A step into the haveli and one would think another city lived inside it. Water fountains to an army of servant, Nandkisore hoped to find some employment within that army.

As a Punjabi lad he struggled to find meaning between all the Bengali words thrown left and right at him, but he was able to piece together what all the househelp agreed on.

Since he hadn’t seen the haveli in entirety yet, he must see the central courtyard! Chhote sahab, although strict, disposed the idea of servants not being allowed in certain areas or using separate cutlery.

Huh, it was surprising that in a house of two brothers it was the younger one that wielded more power.

But why would anyone be surprised? Given his progressive ideals that made him a favorite amongst the workers and a sore in the eye among other zamindars, London return Chhote sahab brought the financially wrought Mullick household into prosperity.

The househelp clearly favoured him, reciting some of his speeches as well. For those who blamed modernization and London as an influence for his liberalism, he laughed that studying the English and seeing the effects of their Industrial Revolution opened his eyes in ways one could never imagine.

So Nandkisore was eager to meet Chhote Sahab. But before that - a trip to the main courtyard. There were whispers of tapestry belonging from the Mughal eras, intricate woodwork that took countless hours and men to produce, ingenious architecture that illuminated the courtyard at all times of the day.

Except nothing caught Nandkisore’s eyes apart from the lady in red, sitting on a swing.

“That’s Choto boumaa,” one whispered.

Nandkisore reddened, for having admired the wife of Chhote Sahab. But there was a genuine goodness in her that radiated an aura of kindness, of childishness.

Little bells chimed in the air as the youngest bride of the house swung high, her alta stained feet adorned with heavy payals, a Jalebi in her hand.

None could ever look at her with an evil eye. She was a good person. He knew it. He believed in it.

The bahu nearly jumped off the swing when a babu appeared. Given the way he strode to her with two helpers who had a pile of gifts - sarees and jewleries - that must be Chhote Sahab!

Then why did a chill run up Nandkisore’s spine?

“Dada, you have no business gifting things to my vwife.” A man strode into the courtyard, his gait enough to frighten the babu’s two helpers.

Tall, sharp nosed and not a hair out of place. His eyes held an icy wrath that could shake the soul out of any ordinary man. Nandkisore knew that that man had to Chhote Sahab.

Then who was the other man? And why was he gifting Chhoto Boumaa?

A bile rose up in NK’s through as understanding dawned.

“A wife who spends all her time alone? Perhaps you and I aren’t that different Chhote,” The babu scoffed.

“If I find you, again, near my wife, then you can find yourself another home.” The young bride cowered behind her husband - clenching her saree in anxiety.

“ARNAV! HOW DARE YOU!”

“Keep your voice down Shyam Mullick, if it wasn’t for boudi’s plea then…”

Of course, the other babu was Barrister Shyam Mullick. The older son, the heir eclipsed by his younger brother.

Shyam threw the gifts aside and stormed off. Nandkisore breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God Chhote Sahab had arrived in time, if not then Chhoto Boumaa would have had to deal with the sleaze of a brother in law-

“Your greed has no end, does it?” She yelped, her arms in Arnav’s brutal grip.

“Na, na ami-” her soft pleas for mercy had no audience in him.

Nandkisore dropped a metal bowl and ducked, Arnav sprang apart from his wife and walked away, while the fragile woman picked up the fallen Jalebi from the floor to put it away.

Her eyes were full of tears, and Nandkisore rued on the fate she had. Her home had two men who abused her and she had nowhere to run.

He was thankful Chhote sahab didn’t see him drop the bowl.

He was careful to tiptoe away.

“Darao,” he halted at Chhoto Boumaa’s order. She studied his face for a moment.

“Shukriya,” she whispered.

“Oh no no, please Chhoti Malkin-”

“Call me Khushi please,”

— — —

A/N; finally!!! Here’s my little contribution to the festival! Enjoy enjoy and let me know your thoughts 😊

[moutainrusing]

death

773 words, no warnings, @dorlenemicroficprompts

Ice solidified around her, and Dorcas felt her chest constrict. She was fiddling with her quill when she got the news. Her grandfather was dead.

Dorcas was frozen. She didn’t cry. There were no watery eyes. There was just ice.

She twirled the quill between her fingers.

She’d been taken out of class.

Now Madame Pomfrey was looking at her with concern.

Marlene burst in.

“Dorcas? What’s up?” She walked straight towards them.

“McKinnon,” Pomfrey interrupted. “I think it’s best if you—”

“Let’s hear it from Dorcas, then,” Marlene jutted her chin defiantly.

Dorcas said nothing.

She twirled her quill.

Marlene narrowed her eyes. It wasn’t concern. It wasn’t pity. It was just Marlene being her brash, intrusive self. Somehow, Dorcas thought that maybe Marlene was the type of knife she needed to cut the ice.

So she cleared her throat. Her gaze flicked to Pomfrey, who nodded and left them to privacy. “My babu’s dead.”

Marlene nodded, settling down next to Dorcas. “Okay.”

Dorcas glanced at her from the corner of her eye. “Just okay?”

Marlene rolled her eyes. “Not okay okay, just, I’m acknowledging what you said.”

“Okay.”

“Yeah,” Marlene pointed at her as if she were wise. “That type of okay.”

“Are you okay?” Dorcas was kind of concerned about Marlene now.

Marlene smiled softly. “Estoy bien.”

“What?” Dorcas knew Marlene was Spanish, but Dorcas was Swahili, and frankly, did not speak Spanish.

“I said, ‘I’m okay,’ but not really, because in Spanish, we have two ways of saying ‘I am.’ Soy and estoy. Two ways of saying ‘to be.’ Ser and estar.”

“What?” Dorcas repeated.

Marlene shook her head fondly, then held one hand up, palm flat. “Estar is to be, but temporary. I say, ‘estoy bien,’ because I’m not always okay now, am I? Estar describes something which is being, but always changing. Estar is to be, but it was not always that way. It can be, it could be, it will be, it won’t be. You get me?”

“I— Guess I do, yeah,” Dorcas felt her brain envelop the logic quite easily.

Marlene grinned slightly, happy Dorcas was catching on. She held up her other hand. “Ser is to be, but fixed. Constant, like, ‘soy Marlene.’ I am Marlene. Ser is used to describe being, but an identity, or a trait, a way to differentiate. It’s not temporary. It’s not a fleeting feeling, it doesn’t change. It was always that way, and it will remain that way.”

“…Okay? ¿No estoy bien?”

Marlene nodded, snapping her fingers. “Yeah. Temporary. You may not feel okay now, but that doesn’t mean you felt that way a month ago.”

“Yeah,” Dorcas nodded, swinging her feet as she looked down. “I get it, I’ll feel okay again because emotions change and all that.”

Marlene hummed, “Guess if ‘ser’ or ‘estar’ is used to describe death in Spanish.” She held up both palms.

Death was permanent, right? Dorcas nodded towards the ‘ser’ palm. Marlene put it down.

“Estar muerto,” she whispered. “To be dead.”

“What?” Dorcas frowned. “But…”

“Your babu wasn’t always dead, Dorcas. Remember his life before. Remember the time he was alive, and treasure it. Don’t sit around thinking people are gone forever. They’re not. Their memories are in your brain, and you can pass them down, because people weren’t always dead. They’re here,” Marlene pressed her ‘estar’ palm to Dorcas’s temple.

This wasn’t a knife cutting the ice. This was warmth, and Dorcas felt herself thawing slowly, imperceptibly. She had been ice because all was lost. Because she didn’t want to live in the moment without her grandfather. She would rather stay permanently locked inside her mind, outside of time.

Except… if she allowed time to move again, it wasn’t so bad. If she allowed things to change…

Her grandfather was dead. Freezing the moment still meant he was dead. But if she let her thoughts tick through her head by the second, she could remember him. And it was good. He’d made her good. He had lived life. He had been alive. To be alive was to live and breathe and love and laugh and cry and all those memories flickered through Dorcas’s mind, and she let herself smile.

A tear fell from her eye. The ice was thawing. Eventually, she would be okay. After that, she may not be okay. Then she would be okay again. Then not, then yes, not, yes, until she was dead. When she was dead, she would be dead. But estar. Not ser. There would be memories of her, because she had lived; okay, not okay, okay and not okay. She had been.

[casp1an-sea]

I apparently never posted the Labyrinth AU? Maybe? If I did I can’t find it. Oops

I doubt I’ll ever turn this into a fic but there’s a story summary bellow. It was kind of collectively came up with on discord. So this is not only my story anyone is welcome to do whatever they want with it.

Hux Is a theater major and his baby brother Techie is obsessed with fairytales. Hux doesn’t believe in it of course. I mean who would? but he loves his brother so every night he reads him his favorite story. The story about the goblin king. Their father Brendol thinks this is stupid. His sons shouldn’t be engaging in such foolish girly things. And after an argument in which Techie began to cry he asked the goblin king to take him away. He had no idea of course that the goblin king was real and had fallen madly in love with his eldest son Hux. when the king took Techie away Hux was furious, but his father would do nothing, not even believing the goblins were real and not caring that his youngest son was missing. So Hux set off of brave the labyrinth.

Of course Goblin King Kylo had no intention of harming the child. Techie was having fun with the King’s goblin knights. But he wanted to meet Hux and convince him to be his queen.

Hux faced many trials along the way and met many interesting characters, Like Babu Frik a worm who lived in the labyrinth. He hated the goblin king for taking his brother from him but upon meeting him in a dream like ball- he himself adorned in a magical ball gown- he could not deny the feelings he had for the strange man.

In the end he saw how happy Techie was and he decided to stay and become the Goblin queen. They would later rescue many other children from their awful parents and raise them in the goblin realm.

And whatever happened to Hux and Techie’s father? Well you see, he was tossed in the bog of eternal stench. A fate far worse than death.

—————————————————————————

@xen-blank, @thehollowwriter, @keii-starz

@krenenbaker @elenauaurs @the-banana-0verlord @edith-is-a-cat @dove-da-birb

@fizzydreamz @ravenwing0110

@sunshinechildskywalker @silly-little-goober-core

@cyan-magenta-your-mom @messylxve @magics0up

@armiestice

@slamophile

@here-comes-the-moose

@ipomegranatexx

@b1tterbiscuit7

@the-clockwork-fiend

[pandorasfavorite]

My idea is that Reader is at home (she's due any day with their baby girl) while Dominik is at Monday Night Raw. He doesn't like the idea of being away from her while she's so close to having the babu, but she had convinced him to go because he was scheduled to be there, and his sister was with her so she had a ride to the hospital if she needed it.

Luckily she goes into labor just after he's finished doing what he had needed to do, and he's able to get to her an hour before their baby is born. He's emotional, not just from seeing reader in pain, but also from seeing his little girl.

Our forever

AN: contains pregnancy, Dad Dominik, labor (nothing graphic). Also no water break because it’s rare believe it or not. Only a minor change with the request. Love you guys ❤️

Dominik has always been attentive to your needs, no matter the circumstances. His attentive nature only increased throughout pregnancy. He went from showering alone to showering with his wife everyday so he can ensure she doesn’t hurt herself. Dominik goes out of his way to provide a comfortable pregnancy for his wife when he can.

But the WWE is a hard business to be apart of when you have family. For big events like Wrestle Mania or the classic Monday Night Raw, Dominik is away from home much longer than he would prefer. His requests for time off is not easily granted due to having to peruse an continuing story line. You had your doubts about how often Dom would be spending time at work. Dominik Mysterio was not his father, he sat you down 4 months in your pregnancy to reassure you that he would be there for his child’s life.

———————————————————————————

You lift off the bed with a groan holding your firm stomach, you feel ready to pop any day now but that’s nothing Dom needs to be stressing about. You’re confident the baby has at least another week before it’s due. Dominik walks out of the shower connected to the bedroom a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair dripping down his chest.

A smile hits his face when he see’s you start to get up, he rushes to your side hoisting you up. You smile at him appreciatively kissing his cheek while walking into the bathroom. After relieving yourself, you step back into the bedroom seeing Dominik dressed in his all black and people gear looking apprehensive. He turns towards you no longer tussling through his clothes drawer, he steps in front of you holding your stomach in his hands. He rocks on his heels, a obvious nervous tick he has, “I was thinking-“, you immediately cut him off knowing what he is trying to do. “Dominik” you say to him sternly, “You are going. You are scheduled and I don’t want you to get fired”, you remind him every day.

He rocking stills and he tilts his head back momentarily to show that he isn’t happy with that. He sticks his bottom lip out in a pout, he looks down at your stomach rubbing it soothingly. “Okay mi amor, Call me whenever you need to” he requests earnestly, you can tell he means this with every ounce of his being. He kisses your lips softly then he kneels down and kisses your stomach as well.

The front door shuts and you continue the day like you would normally. Make breakfast, 30 minute rest, clean whatever is necessary, lunch, and other small tasks. During this routine you contribute to healthy habits like drinking super large amounts of water and squats to make sure the baby is prepared for labor later in the week. You walk into the kitchen for a snack holding the curve of your stomach much like you’ve been doing for months now. As you turn the corner a pulsing pain hits the bottom of your stomach.

The pain is nothing like you’ve ever felt before and you double over in pain. It’s 10pm and usually Dominik doesn’t get home until roughly 11 after broadcasting and prep. This Monday night is going to be a long one. Five minutes after your first contraction another one hits and you begin to get concerned. The doctor informed you that contractions are normal and not to come to the hospital until they are about 4 minutes apart.

You count and time the minutes earnestly staring at the timer on your phone. When another contraction hits at the 4 minute mark you make the decision to call Dom’s sister like promised.

“Can you come pick me up? I need a ride to the hospital I think I’m in labor”, you half yell into the recover that is connected to Aalyah.

“Omg are you serious?! I’m on my way be ready!”, she says briefly frantic, moving around quickly for her keys. You hang up the phone with no response too preoccupied with more important things like your hospital bag… and calling Dominik. You breath through another contraction before calling him.

After 5 rings the line picks up and Dom’s voice passes smoothly through the receiver. “Hey baby, everything okay?” He asks sweet as ever. You moan in pain much louder than intended, Dominik worry begins in a instant. “Baby are you okay? Baby?” He says quickly, shuffling can be heard on his end of the phone. You being to speak only to hear Dom tell someone that he has to leave. You manage to grit out the hospital you’re planning on attending, you also inform Dom that his sister is here and taking you now.

He nervousness is extremely apparent, “I- I’ll be there soon mi amor, just one second”. I nod to myself, forgetting that he can’t see me, “Okay” i reply through another shot of pain.

———————————————————————————

You lay on the hospital bed, sweating bullets looking at the door waiting for your lover to show up. Aalyah can tell him being unintentionally late is stressing you out beyond belief. Aalyah texts Dominik hastily asking how close he his, communicating that you are 9 centimeters dilated. When she gets her answer she turns to you, “He’s two minutes away, hang in there”. You grit your teeth in pain and aggravation.

Contractions are also two minutes away from eachother. And groan and scream are combined when the most painful contraction hits you, unfortunately Dominik bursts in while you are writhing in pain. His hands are on his head and he paces for a moment before coming back to his senses. He sits in a chair right against the bed holding one of your hands in both of his. “I’m so sorry, I got here as quick as I could baby” he apologizes, the only thing he can think of doing right now. “It’s oka—“ you cut yourself off with a high pitched scream and a doctor walks in preparing to check your dilation again.

You’re pain is chewing at Dominiks heart, his tears burn his eyes and roll down his cheeks at the sight. He folds his lovers hand tighter and he lays his forehead on the conjoined hands. Sniffles from him mama you realize that he is crying, that you’re pain resonates with him. You whimper in pain but you try and subside it to the best of you’re abilities. Another whimper leaves your lips and Dominik winces from the side watching you hurt while he can’t do anything. He kisses your conjoined hands over and over again. He whispers praises into your ear as the doctor tells you to push.

You take deep breathes and yell while you push, your grip stinging at Dom’s hand. Dominik also takes deep breathes trying to control himself for your sake. One final push and a piercing cry rings through the hospital room. Dominiks one composed tears come rushing back the the sight of his daughter being swaddled and laid on the chest of the love of his life. Dominiks sobs can be heard from outside of the room, he holds your hand before moving his other to touch his daughters delicate body.

She is laying on your chest just taking in the world with her beautiful curious eyes. You cry along with Dominik squeezing his hand in comfort and joy at the life you both have created. Dominik looks up into you’re eyes and tells you something unforgettable, “Nothing will compete with this”. You laugh and sob at the same time smile and nodding while agreeing with his sentiment. You both look back down at your newborn holding the beginning of forever

[bananasfosterparent]

Hehehehe tell me more about consort efinity pleaseeeee

OH...OH no.. you--you don't know the size of the shipping container of worms you just busted open with this question lmao 😭😭😭

(Seriously, getting this ask had me kicking my feet and giggling during my mini vacation at a friend's lakehouse!! Thank you for having an interest in my babu 😭😭 it really means a lot to me.)

I have some posts about her general backstory in her tag but I am guessing you mean taking about Efenity as Astarion's Dark Consort specifically? So, I'll focus on that.

Plus it's not something I've delved into fully and on Tumblr yet lol I apologize for the length before I've even typed out this post lmao I wrote a lot under the cut, sorry 🫣

This song sums up nicely how Efenity is with becoming a Consort and how it makes her feel being his:

Catching My Breath (Cutmore Remix) - Kelly Clarkson

Also, I will mention a lot about her relationship with Astarion in general, and not just Efenity herself as his consort.

As Astarion's consort, Efenity can just be herself in full comfort. In truth Consort Efenity is cruel, unforgiving, uncaring, ruthless, and extremely selfish toward those who are not herself, Astarion or (despite their differences) Shadowheart. She is everything she's always been, but cranked up to 12. She's arrogant and puts all of her confidence in herself and her Lord (this only increases with time lol). On the surface (to charm normies), she is generous, considerate, warm, and charismatic. But like the weather she channels, people soon learn they are just in the eye of the storm.

Efenity is a simple woman. Despite how complicated her schemes can be, despite her elaborate manipulations and meticulously detailed plans for heists...really it's all for a simple concept: comfort, security, and security in comfort. Her main goal for most of her adult life has been to score a hit big enough that she can use the money she stole to purchase her own home (preferably in the upper city), fund her own criminal ring, live lavishly and alone. Once strong enough, she planned to usurp Ninefingers and be the new 'queen' in charge of the underbelly society. Without even being detected. She wanted to live large in her big home and throw parties for other nobles too drunk to notice they were getting their pockets emptied in her party rooms. And then fund her lifestyle by the criminal ring she would be secretly running.

So becoming Astarion's consort literally is her greatest dream come true.... plus the grandest dream she never even thought possible, of becoming the bride to a vampire lord.

---

I'm going to skip ahead to their 'comfortable' years, after the palace has been fully rebuilt and refurbished and they have returned from their leisure travels. I headcanon that it takes a very long time for Astarion to be comfortable with turning someone else into a spawn. And even then, he doesn't find actual pleasure in it, but sees it as business. It's on his terms and only those he personally deems worthy of it. While he talks a lot about making spawn at first in-game, he also admits (to Minthara) that the gift of immortality belongs to only him and his Consort. I feel like those are his true feelings.

But I like to think eventually, Efenity reminds him that they cannot run a palace by themselves, and they certainly cannot have living civilians working for them. His ghouls and werewolves--while great for a fight--are no use with pouring tea or cooking feasts, or changing silk bedsheets. They need servants. Vampire servants. Especially to dispose of bodies and clean up blood splatter without question. And just like that, Efenity's life becomes more than just being Astarion's lover and confidant. Now she had more responsibility, managing the lesser spawn.

----

Consort Efenity spends most of her time in two places: the main palace, and her underground study.

In the main palace, her duties as Lady of the Manor are:

Plan/host the parties she and Astarion throw for gathering intel and victims.

Charming targets at their parties to drill information, blackmail fodder, or gossip out of them covertly.

Make alliances or use philanthropic ventures to keep up appearances AND put people in debt to her and Astarion.

Emotionally keep Astarion in check.

Perhaps most importantly: lock the main doors (both physically and with an arcane lock) to keep victims from escaping and crafty heroes from entering.

In her study, her duties are:

Training the lesser spawn on using their vampiric powers (according to DnD lore, they probably have natural abilities automatically when they awaken but I hc they have to train to improve at them).

Combing through Astarion's side of the plans for inflitration or domination of different groups and parties, filling in the details and making the plans actually do-able.

Running the city's criminal guild. There are underground tunnels connecting the palace to her own guild. She ultimately plans to eliminate Ninefingers (and what's left of the current guild loyal to NF).

Overall, she's a cruel mistress who enjoys giving an inch to take a foot. She likes playing cat and mouse games with victims and being such a big woman, can easily drain them dry in moments. She and Astarion make a million plans and rarely do any of them actually work out, but they keep trying and she has fun with that.

---

But she and her Lord are not without their issues between them too.

She has lost a good amount of control over herself to vampirism. Being a woman of rich comforts and hedonism, these traits are amplified in vampirism and she easily falls victim to her own hunger and boodlust. Thankfully, Astarion is there to help her through it, but must keep her in check when she has episodes of feralness. Just as she emotionally helps him check himself, he helps bring her out of her hunger daze. I hc that he cannot actually compel her because she is legitimately his bride, so he has to employ other ways of bringing her back to herself. Effective, but rarely is it pretty.

Both of these things can be quite frustrating for both of them. They desire to maintain their twisted version of love, as--thanks to their Blood Bond--they emotionally and mentally depend on one another's joy and happiness to fully have their own. It's very co-dependent, but they are both happier that way.

As time continues, they become more powerful and Astarion is more and more possessive and protective of his bride. Likewise, Efenity becomes more and more obsessed with him and blinded by the greatness she sees in him. To her, he is like a god, her Lord who can do no wrong. Her Lord who has remade her entirely. No longer do they help put each other in check, but instead indulge in their desires to be feral and power hungry for one another. They see themselves as the most powerful and clever creatures in Faerun, and want to prove it together, against the world. Thus, begins their eventual downfall.

But it takes many, many, many decades and decades for them to get to that extreme.

[joonipertree]

Pro-racer!Jiro x insecure!reader

drabble that started it all

the smut that isn't done yet but will be uploaded at some point

Thank u everyone who asked for a part 2, it motivated me a lot i hope u like this as much as i do!

When you heard the door of your apartment open, your body stiffened. It hadn't been that long since Mikey left, only 5 pm and he said he'd be back by ten so it confused you. But you didn't get up from under your blanket, didn't run out and hug him in greeting. You stayed silent and still, wondering maybe it was your imagination and then morbidly thinking an intruder got in. You wouldn't want an intruder to come in but Mikey just wasn't someone you wanted to see in that moment.

An exasperated sigh left Mikey’s lips but he was stubborn if anything so your body went deeper into the mattress from his body weight. He peppered you with kisses like he always did and your body relaxed under the onslaught of affection. Your head cleared for the first time in the last hour and every second you were in his presence was enough to assure you of his love. But the image of the comments flashed in your head, so easily. People saying that he and the model looked good together, that they would make a pretty couple, that it made sense. And as much as you wanted to deny it, you knew that there was a reason people were saying it. Of course there was, you had eyes. And the question that was begging to get out of you sat on your tongue like a weight. 

And with some difficulty, you unstuck your tongue from the roof of your mouth and spoke with every fiber of your body protesting against it. 

“Why are you dating me?”

The silence that followed was deafening and felt like a burial for your emotions. You didn’t know what you wanted him to say, second guessing your worries and your thoughts. Eating your words would have been easier, shutting up would probably keep the remnants of your relationship together. Of course, your relationship didn’t feel like it was on its last leg but love was blind wasn’t it? People hid secrets easily enough. And the question in your head wasn’t necessarily if he loved you but couldn’t he love someone better?

“Your laugh gets squeaky when you giggle for too long.”

A pause. You still couldn’t look at him. 

“The way you talk about your favourite characters is filled with so much passion and nuance, I know for a fact that that doesn’t just apply to them. You do a cute thing where you break eye contact with me when you stare at me for too long, we’ve been together for four years. You annoy me every day when I don’t pay attention to you and then take your revenge by eating my food.”

Your eyes were blurry from the unshed tears that threatened to break free and all Mikey could do was kiss your cheek as he continued his list. 

“Your hands are very small in mine and you give me extra meat on my plate when you think I’m not looking and you pat babu on his headlights like he’s precious to you. You complain about having to take care of a big baby like me but do it anyway. And you cackle every time you put my hair in pigtails like it's the most evil plan. We spent fifteen minutes the other day doing basic math when tryna bake something and ended up getting flour everywhere. What a silly question for you to ask, honey.” 

You sniffled and let him turn your head so you could see the crinkling of the corner of Mikey’s eyes and the gentle smile he reserved for only you. And as much as you wanted to let it go then and there, your fist still punched his shoulder, albeit with no strength in it. 

“Then why was your face so close to that model, you jackass?” Another fist landed on his chest but he didn’t budge at all, cradling your face that didn’t wanna venture too far away from his hand. “I get that she’s pretty but you can’t just do that to me!! Am I not enough? Do you think it’s fine cuz it's a photoshoot? Cuz no! I don’t like it at all!!! You fucker! You piece of shit!”

Mikey sighed, closing his eyes for a second before saying, “it’s not what it looks like.”

The scripted sounding line made you see red as your foot kicked him almost reflexively in the stomach. He fell back onto the bed, legs and arms spread as he groaned at the impact. You took the chance to get up and begin walking out of the room. 

“I know it looks bad but genuinely! Not what you think it is!” 

The pillow you threw at him shut him up real quick and he was left laying there in a disgruntled ball. The door slammed shut behind you as you stomped your way into the guest bedroom, closing with less intensity as your anger fizzled out as soon as you went inside. You sat down on the bed, the photo burned into your retina and every single comment going through your head like you’re scrolling through your phone at that exact moment. 

After half an hour, the door to the room opened and mentally cursed yourself for forgetting to lock it. This didn’t change the position you were in, a small ball of pity on one corner of the bed. There were two thumps on the side table next to you and after some shuffling, the door opened and closed. You waited five minutes before peeking from your blanket. A glass of water sat on the table along with your phone, precariously placed in your direction. You looked around and saw the room being empty before you chugged the water down. 

Your phone pinged with a notification from Mikey’s instagram. He posted something while the two of you were in an active fight? That bitch-

You picked up your phone, stared at your lockscreen of Mikey and you with your cheeks pressed together and opened his page despite yourself. It was a video with the caption ‘thanks for sending this @luvrboisanzu’. The video played on its own, a few seconds before the camera had captured the photo that had caused this whole ordeal. The model was seen hovering behind him, leaning down with her hand stretching out towards his face. There was no hesitance in Mikey’s hand shooting up and grabbing her wrist, glaring at her before glaring at the director telling him to ‘let her’.

“It’s just for the camera! People will love it!” The old man persisted before Mikey stood up from his seat. 

“I’m taken and I’m bored. We must have enough by now, right?” Mikey’s hands were tucked into the pockets of his dress pants, eyes sharp and steady. 

“Oh come on, a few more won’t hurt right? Think of your fans---” The director pushed on and the air around Mikey changed immediately. It grew more stifling, his eyes narrowing at the man. 

Silence, no one knew what to say before Ken-chin brought over Mikey's jacket. Mikey began leaving, ignoring the stammering staff members that were asking him to stay. 

“Oof,” a sound came from behind the camera and you instantly recognized it as Haruchiyo, “dude bro really shouldn't have pushed it.” 

And the video ended.

You stared at the screen for a second, noticing the little red circle on his profile. You clicked it without thinking, the video that played took a second for you to process. 

Sanzu had posted it on his story and tagged @bikerboi_manjiro, Mikey had shared it on his story. The main focus was Mikey, his hair up in a ponytail while he played patty cake with someone that you instantly realised was you off camera. The memory was clear in your head, from a few months ago when you were on the sidelines watching haru fuck around with Mikey under the guise of a makeover. His nails were painted metallic silver, his nose was grazed with blush and he had graphic liner adorning his eyes. 

The main problem with filming was his lack of attention span and inability to sit still. So he'd often just move around or eat the snacks or bound over to you for your affection. In this instance, the two of you were bored and ended up just stuck in a long game of patty cake. 

Mikey, in the video, watched your hands fumble and grinned brightly before grabbing your hands in his. You remembered how flustered you had gotten from his stare, you two had been together for a long time but his gaze still felt too much to you at times. Mikey broke down laughing seeing you all blushy, eyes squeezing shut and leaning closer towards you. 

The story left your screen and you were left with a swirl of emotions which you could only describe as embarrassed, awed and grateful. As well as just a tiny bit pissed that he thinks that he could post himself being cute and you'd walk out the door back into his arms?? He was right, of course. But it still pissed you off.

So you dragged your ass out of the guest room and instantly noticed his napping form on the living room couch. Mikey's head was against the couch cushion, eyes closed and hair spread out like a halo. 

And without much warning, you plopped yourself on his lap. His eyes instantly shot open, instantly focused on you as you made yourself comfortable on your seat. Mikey's arms went around your waist, soothing your back with his large hand as you laid your head on your shoulder.

“Sorry for kicking you….and punching you….and doubting you.” You whispered.

Mikey snorted, “couldn't have asked for a better kick. And it's fine, I would've kicked myself too if I could. Sorry it came to this.” 

“I shouldn't have thought you would do anything with another person….you never gave me a reason to believe that.” You squeezed him against you as much as you could, letting him soak in your warmth.

“You're always so hard on yourself, you know that? Always think the worst of yourself. Which is very annoying when I look at you and I see the best person I could possibly be with. I really don't think you understand how lucky I am to be dating you.” Mikey whispered, placing soft kisses along your neck and shoulder, letting you melt into him.

“I'm just me.” You whined, too focused on his lips on your skin than your words.

“And you are something that is so rare and precious that it's a miracle I found you. You think I can walk down the street or go into a photo shoot and find someone like you? I could spend lifetimes searching and not get close, yet here you are…in my lap.” Manjiro's kisses had turned into light nibbling , hand curling so that the back of his nails could graze your spine, causing you to shiver.

“You're a very silly little baby aren't you, honey? Having these silly thoughts. You don't need to stress your pretty head about it, no not at all.” Mikey spoke gently, voice soft and buttery. And you just whined into his shoulder, letting his words fog up your brain and close your eyes.

Mikey's long fingers made their way into your hair, scratching your scalp enough for your nerves to come alive and cause shivers run down your back. His nails reached the nape of your neck and a little whimper forced its way out of your throat. 

“Mh-hm.” Mikey hummed, rocking from side to side. Your head was stuck in a dream-like state, body melted against his own with barely any thoughts left. 

“Jiro.” You whined, feeling overwhelmed. Your boyfriend only chuckled, playing with the hem of your shorts, asking for permission. And oh, you wanted him so badly.

[maxwell-grant]

So, which of the alien empires do you like better, the Kree or the Skrulls?

I feel mostly the same way about either, in that I don't particularly care for them in their own right, there is plenty I outright dislike most of them, but they can be useful worldbuilding elements to have around and have led to decent things over the years. I guess if I had to draw a straw here I'd say the Skrulls, but the Skrulls have more asterisks attached. I think the Skrulls have aged poorly overall and seem to be more trouble than they're worth.

It simply was inevitable that the Fantastic Four, at the moment of their inception, would have to deal with little green spacemen bent on world domination, these being shapeshifting Red Scare allegories just being part-and-parcel of what alien invasion stories are generally about at core (well that and antisemitism). Invading armies made of alien races are just kind of grandfathered into superhero settings at this point, like one of those things you have to address or do at some point. I'd say my biggest issue with the Skrulls isn't so much that they exist, and less that they are made to embody ideas I find politically or socially or morally reprehensible (although that is an issue, and Secret Invasion was an abysmally fucking ugly chapter in Marvel history, I'll link these articles by Ritesh Babu and Kelly Kanayama who can better elaborate why), as much as I think they really fall apart as a concept that's meant to exist in a shared universe where everybody's gonna be approaching them with different sensibilities and everybody who does so is gonna do some course-correcting on the previous takes to make their new one stand. They are living breathing allegorical embodiments of The Other who are also meant to pose an actual verifiable threat to the planet, and when you treat that idea seriously, when it’s no longer the 60s and this stuff is no longer given a pass for being charmingly antiquated, what do you do with it?

Are the Skrulls refugees? Are they imperialists? Are they warmongering genocide enthusiasts by nature or are they just regular people abused and groomed into war by their leaders? Are they space capitalists or commies? Are they honorable warriors or filthy backstabbers? Are they evil jihadist extremists hellbent on destroying America? Are we supposed to cheer when the heroes enthusiastically destroy them to save the planet or is this an oh-so-sad why-couldnt-we-get-along thing where the superheroes are very sad they have no choice but to kill them all? Are we meant to distrust the heroes when they attack Skrulls who are clearly not the aggressors or is it just an understandable funny misunderstanding? Are they really just gonna keep ping-ponging between perfect aggressors and perfect victims depending on what is convenient? That just feels irresponsible and too discomforting to me.

And I think that discomfort with their past depictions, with Secret Invasion, with the general fantasy orc problem they carry, is very clear in how modern creators tackle the Skrulls, and so they lean more heavily on making the Skrulls palatable, making them warriors torn between their honor and their loyalty to their dying empire, going hard on the angle of them as refugees displaced by war (which only makes the people at conflict with, the Kree and the superheroes, even less sympathetic in a way that never allows that thread to pan out), making conventionally pretty Skrulls like Hulkling to be "the good ones" in charge, drowning them in white savior bullshit that does little to address that fundamental tension and doesn't even last because eventually the Skrulls will be villains again, eventually it's their turn on the list of old pulp tropes superheroes recycle periodically. Even putting Secret Invasion aside, and you can't, the Skrulls are fundamentally a hostile endless race of alien monsters seeking to infiltrate America's borders by replacing it's people with themselves so they can take over the world. Valuable attempts have been made to flesh them out, but you are just not going to bleed that fascistic validation out of them.

The most I ever liked the Skrulls as a concept is probably in that storyline where Ben Grimm gets captured and sent to a Skrull planet where they are all obsessed with imitating Prohibition-era gangsters and forcing several other captive aliens to battle out, simultaneously allowing The Thing to deal with an upscaled gangster problem and a Star Trek problem and a Flash Gordon problem all in one. Skrulls-as-Space-Gangsters felt like it was onto something, a decent middleground power and threat-wise for them to occupy in the cosmic hierarchy with a niche not occupied by anyone else in the F4 rogues gallery and one that might de-emphasize the inherent xenophobia, open up different nuanced takes without needing to defang their value as an imperial power (and frankly Ben Grimm should be punching gangsters more often, he'd be the first to agree). That might be too limiting, so if there were a step beyond that, I'd suggest doing more on the weird exploration side, go big on the Skrulls as a species of copycats who can be anything and allow for weird alternate scenarios and themes and topics to be touched on, some of that weird anything-goes experimentation that made so much of F4 fun to read.

Skrull utopias, Skrull dystopias, Skrull societies that revolve around cooking competitions (maybe there are Skrulls morphing themselves into meals). Skrull planets doing shonen fighting tournaments, Skrull corporations dissatisfied with the Super-Skrull so they start splicing superpowers from a bunch of others hoping to strike big with the next great warrior, planets that are moving backwards because everytime their Skrulls get dissatisfied with modernity they take a step back on their timeline as literally as possible, Skrulls play-acting their versions of Marvel story arcs that center them as the heroes, a planet that is just the Skrulls doing their version of the DC universe, a city of rocky orange Skrulls who worship Ben as the greatest warrior in the universe, serious debates in Skrull circles over what is the worst form possible to take, roving bands of Skrull hippies trying to find the next cool thing to transform into and mold their identities around, Skrull beauty pageants, etc. I guess most of these are ideas better served outside of the Skrull framework and there's not much getting around the core make-up of these guys, but idk, if the Skrulls are gonna be a thing forever then they should be something that isn't just an Other existing in service of white savior/xenophobic fantasies. Give them their own Monkey Meat-esque anthology series about the things these weirdos endure and do when they aren't getting into spats with superheroes or space fascists or their warring governments.

Oh yeah and there's these guys too, I guess. To be honest I don't think I actually even know what's their deal. I know they are distinct enough from the skrulls due to their superpowers and big hammers and imagery, they come in different colors, they take orders from a big weird mostly-evil supercomputer, they have the Accusers as essentially a police force they've used to murder a bunch of planets with, they created the Inhumans by fucking around with cavemen, and their deal a lot of the time seems to be that they are powerful space fascists, and also that they are responsible for Captain Marvel, which doesn't do a lot to dispel the whole space fascist thing. I do think Ronan is okay though. I liked him allright in his FF debut because, given his introduction, given how he spends every line of dialogue in it flabbergasted at the F4 for daring to oppose his authority and resist his judgement and that of his empire and shocked that they won't simply comply and bow and accept death, it made him maybe thee closest you could get to a evenly-matched Fantastic Four vs The Cops story, which I thought was enough reason to justify him and the Kree as an ongoing element. Hickman also does good stuff with him and the Kree in his Fantastic Four and Avengers runs enough that I am broadly okay with them as a thing, along with the whole reocurring cosmic invader bucket they share with the Skrulls and the Shi'ar and whatever. The best one in that alien invader bucket I'd say is Annihilus, but he is his own degree of freak not really comparable to them.

If I was gonna point to anything between the two that I actually love, not just appreciate but actually really enjoy, it would be the guy in that image speaking the thing on my mind most of the time, Super-Skrull. That is ENTIRELY because he is a very entertaining character in MvC3, not just in terms of his playstyle but his general personality and demeanor, and that was my introduction to him, mostly divorced from the context the Skrulls usually occupy I was very on board with this funny green spaceman with such a cool and busted powerset and such an attitude problem. Charlie Adler does so much for his personality, this hilariously unpleasant egotistical jerk who's spitting and snarling everything he says, jeering and stomping the camera or stomping your opponent after they're down, nobody in the game is quite playing the Heel to the extent Super-Skrull is, and I like that some of his lines and ending emphasize how he's not even really that much of a villain. He is the hero his empire needs, even if he nurtures a rebellious streak, and asks you not to look too much into whenever he breaks character.