#this could've gone on longer and gotten worse

[starmocha]

Love and Deepspace + Tumblr Text Post ↳ Down Bad for Zayne

[astriiformes]

Talked about this with the counselor I've been seeing at school earlier today but my intense, desperate need to leave a mark on the world (not even in a fame way, in like a "I need to leave this place better than I found it in a big, tangible way" one) and the fact that I only value myself when I feel like I'm adding good to it paired with the fact that I've been an insane perfectionist since I was a very young child and tear myself to shreds and lose all my confidence over tiny mistakes is literally going to kill me some day

[777heavengirl]

bags

sirius black x reader (no longer just a one shot :3 ) ! warnings: the good kind of yearning.., friends to roommates to ?lovers?, bittersweetie, no war!au words count: 2,549 masterlist

a/n: might make a series of little blurbs as a continuation... undecided so lmk what u think!!!

Being friends with Sirius Black was the worst idea you could've ever had. It was hell. He was charming, awfully so. Flirty and caring with his friends in a way that made your heart skip a beat and your breath catch in your throat. He was the type of friend with no physical boundaries, his legs often thrown over yours, his arms often over your shoulders, lips whispering jokes into your ear.

It was an even worse idea to agree to move in with him after you graduated. James had gone off with Lily and Remus and Peter decided to split an apartment. Sirius, naturally, found one in the same building and dropped the twin key in your hand on graduation day, a wicked smile on his face. He hadn't even properly asked you. He had assumed, well he hoped, that you'd accept no matter what. He knew you had no other plans, no other place to go. He knew you'd love to because he knew you. Because he was your best friend.

So he didn't ask. The small silver dog keychain attached to the key was enough for you. 

The answer was always going to be yes. 

Living with Sirius meant a lot of things. It meant an abnormal amount of blankets and cushions thrown about, it meant the ever-growing collection of pictures framed on your walls or merely pasted on if Sirius had his way. Ever since Lily gifted him a muggle camera for graduation, he hadn't stopped taking pictures. Of your friends, of you in the kitchen or on your couch, your first night in the apartment he took pictures of your every move. He titled them all, in the back or on the bottom of it.

Darling brushing her teeth, 1st night in #717. You smiled through your toothbrush, shirt askew, with pajama pants that did not match in the slightest.

Doll’s first tea in #717 You couldn't see your face in this one, it was a closer shot of your hands around the teacup Lily bought you fifth year, the delicate flower pattern on the hard porcelain contrasting against the soft of your skin.

He titled them all, with his cursive loops and cloying nicknames. He’d even owl copies of them to your mom— why they even communicated was beyond you— you’d then have to repeatedly remind her, when your parents phoned, that 717 was your apartment number, and no mom I am not dating Sirius, yes I know he’s a wonderful guy, yes I’ll tell him you said hello. His photography habit had gotten so bad he even took pictures of the ladybug that seemed to live in the leaves of the small English Lavander that sat on your windowsill.

 Living with Sirius meant putting up with his tendency to ignore the fact that you needed to get a job, in fact, he'd drag you everywhere with him to avoid you even applying, his hand intertwined with yours, warm palms pressed against one another. He did it all the time, holding your hand, pressing a kiss against your temple when he insisted on getting into the crowded muggle metro more often than not, your bodies pressed together as he held you when the tube moved. Every time you complained, that he was holding you hostage, that at this pace you'd never find a job, he'd ask, with his head cocked to the side "Why do you have to get a job anyway? It's not like we need it"

"Sirius I need to make money," the tube shook the two of you, his arm instinctively wrapping around you to pull you closer as the other one maintained a white-knuckled grip on the bar above. "How am I going to afford anything? It’s been two years my savings are gone-"

"You don't need it though," his words were low on your ear, and carefree as if they didn't hold any importance. "I have more than enough to maintain us— for anything you might want" Your face heated, and you looked down hiding the surprise that you prayed he wouldn't see.

"I can't just bum off of you," your words were a timid mumble, and he barely heard you over the intercom announcing the station, if it wasn't because he had been tilted down close to your face, he might've not heard you at all. 

"You're not bumming off of me love, I want to take care of you, yea?" he pressed a kiss to the side of your hair, and you didn't refute. Not for now. Because in moments like these, when he acted like it was the most obvious answer in the world and didn't seem to give it a second thought, you could feel the words claw at your throat from the inside. A confession poisoning you from the inside out. 

But then he'd look at you.

With his gray eyes, the steel cool of them making your lungs expand wider than you thought possible and your heart beat out of your chest. So you'd decide, every time, that it wasn't the right moment. There was never a right time to tell your best friend and roommate that you were in love with him though. And through his piercing gaze, you thought he could see you using everything within you to hold back. 

You guessed it could be worse.

Being in love with Sirius Black was actually the worst thing to ever happen to you. It got even worse when you moved in together. Waking up to his shirtless self making you coffee the way you liked it, his head disheveled and unruly from bed but somehow just as gorgeous as when he had it fresh and styled, his long dark locks looking nothing short of heavenly in either form. It was the intimacy really— the domesticity of it all— that screwed you. Eating your eggs and toast over the soft tunes of his music, going to the market together, his fingers eventually finding yours as his other hand carried the shopping. His laundry mixed in with yours, falling asleep on the couch together, old muggle movies playing on the TV he bought four months after moving in. You still didn't have a stand for it, it sat on two boxes full of books. Neither of you minded, there was no rush after all. But then you thought of his unpacked bags and the singular box of belongings, it had been a bit more than two years since you moved in. Two years since you started the routine of getting dragged everywhere he went, spending your days lounging around with Sirius like nothing else mattered. But his trunk still housed half his belongings. His walls had a couple of pictures he had sellotaped on, and the large David Bowie poster he had bought the summer after sixth year, yet his clothes would go in and out of his trunk, and his closet sat mostly empty save the lone leather jacket he insisted on hanging. 

The thought of his lack of settling made your tummy twist in discomfort. 

But, again, you guessed it could be worse. Godric forbid you ever confess.

He'd be walking out the door with his bags.

You decided you'd be okay with letting it all rot inside of you. You didn't want to be too forward or rush into things when you, practically, knew he didn't feel the same. So you savored it, with everything you had in you. The stolen touches and even more stolen glances. The kiss he pressed against your cheek when he'd say goodbye, apparating away to go drink the night away with the rest of the marauders, James escaping from his soon-to-be father duties for a few hours. Sirius would press a kiss to your flushed cheeks when you'd go out with Lily as well, a small stay safe love, escaping his lips right before you slipped out the door.

"Tell him how I feel? Is pregnancy melting your brain, Lily?" You almost spit out your sweet cocktail. Lily flicked your forehead. 

"My brain is perfectly fine thank you very much," She huffed, the corners of her lips aching to break into a smile as she rubbed a hand over her pregnant belly.

"You two are practically together, you live together for Godric's sake" Marlene scoffed over her beer,

"Not to mention the shared bank account-" you slapped your forehead as Dorcas let the fact that he'd been basically spoiling you for a year slip, "And I've seen the way he looks at you sweets-" Dorcas's words were slurred by the alcohol in her system, and her head resting against Marlene's shoulder. "You don't look at someone that way unless you're in love with them"

Lily almost spit out her juice as she turned to you with wide eyes. "You got a shared vault now? James and I didn't even do that yet-"

You shook your head, "No no, crap Cas-" you took a shaky breath, as Marlene shook her head in disappointment and groaned out a small You're impossible. "He just keeps paying for things, and he won't let me get a job- honest, I've tried but he keeps planning things and I just never have any time-"

"So is he holding you captive or- I just don't see why you can't get a job" The three girls looked at you, incredulous looks on their faces as you struggled to explain.

"He just keeps saying to not worry-" You hid behind your hands now, embarrassment crawling up your neck. "I don't know- It's complete rubbish, he's insistent on the fact that he wants to take care of me" The girls let out a collective 'aww', all screaming eagerly over each other

"I should've kept it all to myself" you mumbled as you raised your now-empty glass at your waitress, the older woman shooting you a nod as she went to bring you another one. The girls booed at you, 

"Now that'd be no fun would it?" Lily shoved your shoulder playfully, Marlene and Dorcas giggling in agreement. 

Tell him how you feel.

The thought bounced in your head as you trudged up to your apartment. Fumbling with the keys as you tried to steady yourself. But you didn't need to, as Sirius opened the door. His shirt missing and his burgundy red pajama pants sat loosely at his hips, but you knew he hadn't slept yet. Otherwise, you would've been able to tell— his hair would be a mess, as he tended to bury his head between his pillows, blocking the world away while he slept.

"I could hear you fumbling your keys from down the hall doll" you giggled as you entered, your body instinctively falling into his for a hug. He couldn't help but laugh either, your cheek pressed against his chest as you mumbled out a thank you. The couple of drinks you had made you feel more than loose, giggly and you couldn't help but let the words slip from your lips.

"I love you, terribly so" you'd probably regret such a statement in the morning.

"I love you too darling" you groaned out a no as you peeled yourself off, it poured out of you instinctively. You threw yourself on the soft couch James's parents had given the two of you. We're throwing it out anyway lovies you keep it. You were sure, by Euphemia's playful glint, that this wasn't quite the case. But you appreciated it, the plush sofa softening your intentional fall. Sirius laughed as he approached the couch, crouching next to where your face was smushed into the smooth material of the sofa. His fingers moved the hair away from your face, his eyes locking in with yours as his lips split into a lazy smile.

"Knew you'd make fun of me," You mumbled and his lips twisted into an exaggerated pout now, repressing the need to laugh and you buried your face into the cushions with another groan. 

He would've been lying if he said his heart hadn't skipped a beat, a flicker of hope that maybe, you felt as he did. Maybe your heart ran quicker when he held your hand, maybe the goodnight kisses you pressed against his cheek, against his forehead meant more, maybe the smile you had given him when he presented you with the key to your shared apartment, the smile that made him feel as if he was staring straight into the sun, meant something more. 

But for now, that would have to wait.

As he got you up and into the bathroom, wiping your makeup off with a damp cloth, you gave a mumbled slurred summary of your night. He made you close your eyes as he wiped away the mascara, and you listed the vague number of drinks you'd had— plus the drinks you had to make up for Lily’s inability to drink right now, Marlene’s idea of course. His fingers curled around your chin as he moved your face, and at any other moment, you would've been positively frazzled. But as you spoke of the shaky walk home after Marlene dropped you off down the street, you could only revel in his touch as he hummed along and got you ready for bed. The stubborn lipstick made his cheeks flush as he wiped at your lips repeatedly, making them look plump and if he hadn't had the ounce of self-control he still vaguely maintained he would've kissed you right there and then. But it just wasn't the time for it, there's never a right time to tell your best friend and roommate you're in love with them, is there?

Stumbling around the room with you, the pajamas he managed to get over your form as he tried not to look at you in your underwear— not that you cared at the minute— it all made his heart swell. A stolen moment for him to think on later, the small giggles that escaped your face, or the innocent clutch you had on his hand. You ran your fingers down the features of his face as he helped you lay down. He tucked you into your bed with a kiss on your cheek and a giggle erupting from your chest.

His heart ached with longing but he guessed it could be worse. 

You could've said no to living with him. 

You gave him a faux pout, and he mirrored it. 

"What is it lovely?" 

"Missed you tonight-" he could feel the crimson intensify in his cheeks at your words, but he ignored the flush and moved a stray hair away from your face. 

"I missed you too love, next time let's go together yeah?" You hummed in agreement, a small love you slipping past right as your eyes fluttered shut, sleep covering you like a blanket.

"I fear I might be in love with you doll," he sighed, yet you didn't answer to his whispered confession. Your chest rose and fell steadily. Part of him was glad, the thought of your reaction to his feelings chilling him to the core. It could be worse, he thought. 

Yes, he'd rather have this than nothing at all. Godric forbid he ever confesses.

You'd be walking out the door with your bags.

[xoxoamyas]

Alone Without You (But I'm Still Here)

rating : hurt/comfort, petnames used on reader [ love + sunshine ]

wilbur x gn!reader [ use of you/yours, no use of y/n ]

☆ wilbur finally comes home from touring after you have had a long few months day. <3

masterlist [ ☆ ]

note : n/a [ enjoy ! ]

⋆˙⟡

It had been a long day, and you were ready to curl up into your bed. Getting home was hard enough for you because you had to go through the motions you went through every day.

You didn't bother with flicking the lights switch to the living room, just walking about almost automatically till you reached your horribly empty bedroom. Fighting back tears as you flicked only that switch up, standing in the threshold to your bedroom, staring at the messy and unmade bed.

Usually, you'd have someone to share it with, someone to kiss away the bad and ugly terrors of the harsh day. But your love had been gone for nearly two full months now, having been on tour with his band.

You were proud of him, him being Wilbur. You texted him good morning, and I love you. As consistently as possible, anyway. You usually got a response, whether it was right away or delayed. Today had been a no response day, a day he was meant to go out on stage.

You don't know how long you stood there for, but eventually, you managed to move your heavy feet towards Wilbur's dresser. Pulling the top drawer out and picking one of Wilbur's sweaters you had seen him wear before, pushing the drawer closed after and trying not to stumble over to your bed as you tried to take your clothes from the day off. Now sporting the sweater and, eventually, some soft shorts to rest in.

You almost forgot about the light, trying not to cry over how overwhelmed you already were from the events of the day. You didn't want to walk all the way back over to the light switch, the idea of it all making you feel worse than you initially did.

After a long internal debate and disagreement, you found it better to turn the light off, seeing as that would make resting much easier. You were quick to find yourself in the bed on Wilbur's side right after, curling up around one of the two pillows Wilbur usually used to sleep with.

Just a couple more weeks, you tell yourself.

It's difficult, though, especially with how lonely it's gotten. You haven't been the same since he started touring. You tried hard to stay in contact with at least your own friends, and you tried talking to them about stuff you would usually discuss with Wilbur. Yet it all felt wrong. It felt out of place.

Wilbur was your best friend as much as he was your lover. He meant the world to you, and you wanted to stay by his side throughout it all. But you loved him to an unsurprising fault. You wanted him happy, and if that happiness for him was singing his heart out on stage for fans rather than being in bed with you after a long day? Then you supported it.

Sometimes, like right now, as tears silently trail down your face and against the pillows you used, you wonder what would've happened if you told him honestly how you felt about the touring. It was breaking you, tearing you apart at the heart.

You fall asleep, swarmed with the negative thoughts and the feeling of longing for a lover that's not where he could've been. You're asleep long before the front door opens.

Wilbur had been at the airport, seeing the notification for an "I love you" from his favourite person, yet he's distracted before he gets the chance to respond. The gates to his flight had been announced, meaning he had to rush and get to his plane with the rest of his band and crew.

It's long, longer than Wilbur would have liked, but they eventually had finished the process of everything. Boarding the plane and sitting for what felt like forever before it finally touched ground once more.

Tiredly, each individual took their respective rides to their own homes. It was nearly four in the morning by now, and Wilbur was definitely struggling with jet lag, yet that didn't deter his own growing excitement.

He was headed home to his beloved, happy to finally get to hold you in his arms once more. Wilbur was silly, yes, but he knew you'd be long asleep. That's why he remains silent when he finally makes it home, not daring to utter a single word as he clicks the front door shut behind him. Taking a deep breath of the welcoming air before letting out a sigh of relief and thanks.

Wilbur takes his time, knowing that he's likely to stay up until later into the evening. His first stop after abandoning his shoes by the front door is your shared room. He hadn't bothered to knock, not wanting to awaken your slumber as he slipped into the room. His heart melted as his gaze landed on you in the dark room, able to tell that your form rested in his usual spot, clutching a pillow in your grasp.

Momentarily, he had to stop and remind himself it was a pillow. He would not be jealous of a pillow.

Wilbur steps closer after a moment of basking in the atmosphere. He has to strain his eyes, but he can tell from anywhere that you had gone to sleep upset. Gently, he presses his hand to your cheek and can feel the old tears dried on your face. His heart breaks for you as he momentarily notices that you're wearing his sweater.

For the time being, he carefully removes the pillow from your hold. Not bothering to change out of his own clothes, the idea on the back of his mind more than anything. His arms effortlessly slotted around your waist after sliding you both closer towards your side of the bed.

“I'm home,” He hummed out softly, knowing you weren't conscious to hear him but that at least your subconscious and body would pick up on his presence. He hoped he could ease you more than you already were, if you even were.

When you wake up, it's not an alarm that wakes you. Something you had forgotten to set in the midst of getting caught up with your feelings the night before. You wake up to a foreign yet familiar warmth surrounding you, an arm around your waist and a hand combing through your hair gingerly.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize Wilbur was in your bed holding you. However, it does take a minute to realize that your tears have started up again.

“You're alright, love, I'm right here.” Wilbur gently hushes you as he moves his hand in your hair to gently cup the back of your head. Successfully, he pulls you closer so that you're comfortably pressed against him, head against his chest as his chin rests atop your head.

“I thought you weren't coming home anytime soon?” You manage to mutter, the words muffled. It takes a minute for Wilbur to process the words in full, but he softly sighs when he realizes what you've said.

“I know, sunshine, and I'm so sorry. But I'm home now, I'm safe, you're safe.” His reassurances help you even just slightly.

You can't bring yourself to say anything, none of the words you want to say are going beyond your thoughts. The thoughts that circle you like vultures waiting for their snack.

You just sigh, letting your body relax as your arms move to hug and curl around his back. Holding him just as close and tight without hesitation. You've been without him for too long, and you think the hold is enough to start with for the moment.

Though Wilbur can tell there's more that needs to be said, he leaves it be. He knows you'll talk to him when you're ready.

For now, he's holding you as close and tight as he possibly can. Pressing a sweet kiss to the top of your head as he lets himself properly relax with you.

[imthepunchlord]

What's your thoughts about the unifications?

Conceptually, unification works. Honestly, I think it makes sense being able to dual wield Miraculous. Especially working off positive and negative energy/yin-yang.

It works off that theme of balance, having two different energies being able to work together.

But, much like anything in canon, I feel the concept could've gone farther.

Like, I think it'd be neat that unification could lead to animals that don't exist as Miraculous:

Ladybug + any feline creates a Leopard themed hero.

Any bug + any reptile creates a Dragonfly themed hero.

Any reptile + any bird creates a Dragon themed hero.

Any cat + any bird creates a Griffin themed hero.

Horse + Fish could've made a Seahorse themed hero.

Cat + Goat could've made a Chimera themed hero.

Not that they really went that way and just went weird with the naming, combing the names of preexisting heroes instead of letting characters name themselves and working off their own unique personalities. Like, instead of Pegabug, I could've seen Marinette calling herself Appaloosa or if you want to go punny, Appleloosa.

I also think that dual wielding Miraculous shouldn't be that difficult, as pairs are something that always exist, and I can see the body handling matching with two different types of magical energy. Now, wielding more than 2 I can see being set up to take a toll on the body as there's more magical energy to work off of, and the higher you go the more tired you're going to be.

Though I could just be biased as I feel the temporary heroes weren't necessary and Marinette and Adrien could've juts unified with the rest and continue to handle things; I also feel that, post meeting Fu and him able to see that they were trustworthy and dedicated and were able to succeed despite HM having the being an adult edge, they should've gotten a 2nd Miraculous to have full time, not only to help give them a boost, but also allow continued growth.

Ladybug/Tikki did help with Marinette's growth in confidence and being a leader, but there's nothing else TIkki is adding to her growth (which I find it's kinda debatable how much Tikki really added to Marinette's over all growth), but at this time, Ladybug and Tikki just work off this is a responsibility than something for Marinette to grow as a character. And now she's developing an Atlas complex and that anxiety is getting worse with the pressure and expectation of the role and no one there telling Marinette she needs to prioritize and value her own needs and wants. I don't even know if this girl knows how to relax at this point. And that there is the next phase for Marinette's growth. She needs to learn to put down boundaries, to say no, to not involve herself as much, and think about her own needs and wants, cause you can't really help others until you help yourself.

Cat/Plagg was good for Adrien to gain that independence he wants, be more rebellious against his father, and to self-prioritize. But now he prioritizes his wants way too much, doesn't really treat heroing with the seriousness required nor has he stepped up as a leader and equal to Ladybug, and still readily endangers himself, to the point of self-sacrificing. And that's the next phase for his growth, get a Miraculous and kwami that will address those, learn to be more serious in fights, not to say he can no longer be a wisecrack but save the flirting and pranks for night patrols not akuma fights, step up as a leader and truly share that burden, which would've helped his partner rely on him more and trust his capability more, and address that self-sacrificing. Either learn to be more cautious or think a little bit more before acting. Like, great, you saved your partner by sacrificing yourself, but you also left her alone to deal with things, and what if the fight went poorly because she was alone, and she fails, and that sacrifice was pointless. I don't know how many more times he did so, but man it needed to be addressed.

Another factor is that unification could've been extra interesting in that combing Miraculous could've created new powers through the combination of preexisting powers.

Like Shelter + Venom could've created Shell Shock, where hitting the shield would shock and stun a target.

Shelter + Cataclysm or Clout could've made Bombshell, put up a protective dome and it sends out a destructive blast or shock wave around you.

Mirage + Cataclysm could've made Nightmare, where the illusion creates someone's worst fears.

Second Chance + Cataclysm could've made Hissterics, getting a target to live in the worst timeline.

Time travel could've existed as a unification power through combining Horse and Snake/Rabbit, if the latter still has a time power.

Though neat an idea it is, it is something that would work better with fewer Miraculous, as 19 that canon has is a lot of powers to think of possibly combining. That is 361 matches to think about and how they make a new power. And now that I got 35 I won't be doing the concept either, even more so as I'm going with Miraculous having 2 powers to offer.

So unification is a neat concept, but I think it could've gone further if they were more creative. Definitely prefer it to the potions.

[pleasantspark]

Oh Mary, Contrary How Does Your Garden Grow? Vegeta x Hanaki! Reader

You had felt desire and love from Vegeta for years, and stood back to allow Bulma to take him. Unfortunately, this leads to dire consequences in the form of small Dahlia Petals.

Warnings: Major Character Death, Pining, Angst

You were hurting. 

You don't remember how long you've felt this way for him, but it had to be when he first arrived on Earth. You've been tagging along with the Z-Fighters since you were a kid. This led to you being welcomed into the group effortlessly. While you were just a human. And weren't pretty nor rich like Bulma you were very kind and understanding. 

Then, Vegeta arrived. 

His presence made you feel like you were on cloud nine. You could be yourself around him. Bulma however; gauged your attraction very well, and when brought up you'd deny feeling that way. 

You regretted not acting on those feelings. 

This led to Bulma and Vegeta going out and while you tried to be happy for them both you couldn't help but hurt, and your insides felt like they were twisting. Rapidly changing. 

Then, it got worse. 

Bulma announced that she was pregnant with Trunks. You tried to remain happy as you want to be supportive of your friend. But you... You couldn't. You declined the offer to attend the baby shower. 

It was a good thing you didn't attend. 

You were... sick... something was not okay...

While Bulma was suffering from pregnancy related ailments. 

You were suffering from your own ailments. You began to isolate yourself from everyone. You would also gradually distance yourself from Bulma and Vegeta. 

People suspected something was wrong, you reassured them, nothing was wrong. You just needed time. By the time Trunks was born you cut both Vegeta and Bulma out of your life. You couldn't stand this pain any longer. And something told you, this was going to kill you. 

During the Androids attacking. You finally made an appearance, everyone was happy to see you, but for some reason. You didn't look like yourself. Your once vibrant (Skin Color) has turned pale, your shining (Eye Color) eyes became dull and lifeless, and to top it all off, vines with Dahlia's littered your body. There was cause for concern when these vines extended near your eyes. 

You'd tell them your fine. 

They didn't believe you. You couldn't do anything without your body wanting to give out. To give up on you. When Cell attacked, you wanted to throw yourself at him to get rid of the searing pain in your lungs. 

"What a miserable creature." He would sneer, and you'd take it. It was true, you were miserable. You wanted him to put you out of your misery. You coughed up more petals, and blood. Your vision became hazier... more... Distant. 

You could hear Gohan, Goku and... Vegeta? Calling for you. But their voices seemed so far away. 

He was devastated. 

There was nothing left for him to do, once the Cell Games concluded, he demanded to get you help. Instead of the Hospital, he took you to Dr. Briefs who informed Vegeta that you were gone. There was simply nothing he could do to save you. 

Goku reassured him he could revive you with the Dragon Balls, but Vegeta knew, he knew that you were gone and no wish will bring you back.

Bulma was unhappy. 

She knew of your feelings and blamed herself for the death of you for a LONG time. She should've been more pushy. She should've gotten you to confess to Vegeta. This led her to being heartbroken. 

Piccolo was confused. 

For a while, he spent time with you. You'd always felt happy that Bulma and Vegeta were together, but your look betrayed your feelings. It pains him to know he could've asked you further on your feelings. But chose to stay a bystander. 

Goku was conflicted. 

He knew you were struggling. And wanted to help out, he was one of the very few people who stuck around to check on you. The one to try and cheer you up when you were down. But now, now, you are gone. 

And lastly, Vegeta was... He was Disappointed in himself. 

He spent the last few months noticing the changes in you, while you slowly drifted away from him and Bulma. But didn't know why or even notice. Bulma told him everything, from your feelings for him, to how selfless you were. 

This was all his fault. 

He spent his whole life with a woman he liked. 

It undeniably caused the death of someone who he perceived to be average. 

It's all his fault. 

Bulma's Sad. 

Goku's Sad. 

Piccolo's Sad. 

Gohan is even sad. 

What was he going to do? He should move on, but no amount of moving on will ever fix what he's done. 

And he's paying for it.

[apocalypseornaw]

Games

Campfires, Twister and confessions

Drinking games gone right

Warnings: cursing, mention of sexual themes

How the hell had a simple "Let's have a campfire" turn into this? Posted around the fire was damn near everyone you knew. Jody and Donna sat on a log with Bobby, the girls had already gone in. Eileen and Sam were sitting next to each other, you were sharing a blanket on the ground with Max and Alicia while Dean was talking to Ty and Garth. A few more hunters were there that had been inducted into not quite the inner circle but the outer inner circle. Madelyn, Isaiah and Victor being a few of them.

Somewhere between the girls and Garth's kids going to bed alcohol had been brought out. "I got an idea!" Alicia spoke and you turned to look at her "Yes dear?" She grinned brightly "Let's play twister!" You shook your head with a laugh "No way" under the best and most sober circumstances you wouldn't have agreed to that. You hadn't played twister since you were a teenager hanging out at the roadhouse with Jo and Ash, not only that but the crush you were harboring on the eldest Winchester had just gotten worse in the months since you moved into the bunker with him and Sam.

Your eyes drifted towards Dean. He was laughing at something Ty had said. The sound warmed you more than the fire even could. When exactly had you fallen for him? It wasn't a question you could answer because it hadn't been a one moment deal. No he'd snuck his way into your heart with every smile, every touch and every kind word or gesture.

You knew Madelyn also had eyes for Dean, it was obvious to anyone that watched and if you were being honest with yourself she was a better match for him than you. You were grouped as a friend to him. Someone who would have his back in a fight, not someone to love. You sighed slightly looking away from Dean back to Alicia as she said "Oh come on! Garth said he has a mat! Bobby, Jody and Donna are sober enough to be the spinner! It'll be fun!"

Victor met your eyes then cut his eyes at Max "Yeah Y/N it could be fun" you groaned inwardly. Of course Victor would wrangle you into helping with the crush he had on Max. Well if you played with the two of them it wouldn't get too awkward considering. A few other people agreed so you nodded begrudgingly "Why not?"

Dean watched you help Alicia block down the twister mat so it wouldn't slide around too much. You laughed when she slid across the mat to you. He smiled at hearing the sound.

Somewhere along the line of you moving into the bunker his feelings had shifted from thinking you were an amazing woman to wondering if he'd ever have a chance with you. You were everything he could've picked in a match and so much more. You were more than capable in the hunting world, absolutely beautiful and would stand your ground against anyone and anything.

He didn't want to admit how deep the feelings he had for you ran because for the simple fact love didn't work out for people like him. He didn't want to lose you just because he loved you and that seemed like his track record. His love was a curse.

----------

"Ok we have ten people. How do we divide it up?" Alicia asked but before you could suggest Sam shook his head "Eight, me and Eileen aren't playing" you stuck your bottom lip out with a laugh "Ok then eight. So two go rounds of four. Losers have to drink, winners go on to face the other winner?"

Alicia grinned "Let's pick the teams!" It ended up being you, Victor, Max and Ty on one team while Dean, Alicia, Madelyn and Isaiah was on the other. Of course it was your luck that Max lost the game of rock, paper, scissors to Alicia so your team went first.

You laughed when your hand started to slide. Max's longer body was stretched over you and the only rhino that kept you from hitting the dirt was Ty holding one hand onto your waist to allow you a moment to regain your balance. Victor had already bailed because he fell trying to reach under you.

"Right foot green" Bobby called out and you heard Ty groan a moment before he cursed and hit the dirt. You pulled your right foot up hearing a whistle from Alicia at the angle it put you at "Bite me Banes!" You hollered hearing a "Hey!" From Max.

"Then there were two!" Sam laughed. You cut your eyes up at him "Excuse me moose but I don't see you trying this!" "Left foot blue!" Donna called out and when Max seen how he'd have to move he let out a low whistle "Nope. Y/N wins it!"

The moment he moved you were on your feet. "Technically I won but I still need a drink while the next round happens"

You sat down next to Sam taking the drink Eileen offered as the next team got ready. You weren't eager to watch Madelyn and Dean get as close as you and Max had but oh well. He wasn't yours, not in that way.

---------

Dean cut his eyes at you already regretting not dipping out of this. Watching you under Max wasn't that bad, watching Ty steady you with a hand on your waist however? That made that jealous streak flare up in him.

"Worse ways to lose" Madelyn spoke from where she'd fell under Dean. You rolled your eyes taking another shot. Why had you agreed to this?

She got up (with Dean's help of course) and grabbed his arm "Let's get a drink" he rubbed his back "Yeah I think I need one" you spoke up, your inner lips loosened by the alcohol "Wanna just forfeit then Winchester? You know you ain't as young as you used to be, maybe you ain't as flexible either"

---------

Dean stopped in his tracks. You weren't drunk by no means but you'd gotten just enough alcohol in you he could hear the small simmer of anger in your voice that anyone else would've missed. Hold on, were you jealous over Madelyn?

He raised an eyebrow "That sounded like a challenge sweetheart" you grinned "Cause it was" a chorus of "Oohhh" went around the group. Dean nodded, drink long forgotten "Cmon then"

You sat the bottle in your hand down. "Let's do it"

-----------

You were determined to win this damn game. Bobby, Jody and Donna had called it a night so Sam was the spinner.

The position you were currently in was less then ideal though. You were halfway under Dean, both of you working to beat the other and you weren't sure why either of you were being so damn competive.

"Left foot yellow" Sam called and you groaned before muttering "Fuck it" you slid under Dean to move your foot up to the yellow mark that was right next to his left hand. The angle meant your ass was firmly against his crotch. "God dammit" he breathed and you glanced over your shoulder at him "Tapping out?" He grinned "Never sweetheart" he shifted slightly and you bit your lip. Fuck why had you been eager to tease yourself?

---------

If Dean was being honest he was moments from tapping and asking you if you wanted to take a walk with him. The feeling only got worse when you nearly lost your footing and had to readjust your hips which meant your ass rubbing back against him.

It took every ounce of willpower he had to not roll his hips forward. Fuck he wanted you under him without so many eyes or so many clothes in the way. You shifted again and he couldn't stop the light groan that escaped him.

"Right foot blue" he looked down and cursed "Fuck it. I give Y/N wins it" he moved to sit back on his heels and you turned with your back against the mat to look up at him "I made Dean Winchester tap. I feel like I need a t-shirt made or something"

Ty moved to offer you a hand up so you took it while Dean took the drink Sam offered.

After twister a lot of people started heading for tents or the cabin. You were still sitting on a log watching the embers of the fire burn down. Ty sat next to you while Dean sat across from you with Madelyn and Isaiah.

She was flirting her ass off and you weren't sure if it was working or not. Ty had tried flirting but when you shut it down he was a gentleman about it. "I'm going to my tent!" You announced, standing up. Dean's eyes tracked your movements before he said "Can we take a walk first Y/N?" You saw the look that flashed through Madelyns eyes before she said "Well I'm headed into the cabin"

She walked off so you motioned to Dean "Lead the way" Isaiah offered to put out the embers while Ty headed the other way to his own tent. You walked next to Dean. He'd sat up your tent right next to his own. They were tucked between the impala and a wall of the cabin.

---------

You waited until you'd gotten out of earshot of Isaiah to say "Something wrong?" He stopped you with a hand on your arm "Yeah" you turned to face him, worry flushing the jealousy out of your system "What?"

He looked back towards where the fire had been before saying "Is there something between us for you? Because I've been biting my tongue, thinking it would fade or maybe hoping you'd find someone good enough for you but seeing Ty touch you? Feeling you under me, even if it was clothed and mostly innocent. I'm gonna feel like an asshole here if not but sweetheart I've had feelings for you for a while. If you don't feel the same way we'll forget this conversation ever happened and I promise you there will be no awkwardness"

Your heart was in your throat at his confession "And if I feel the same?" He let a smirk slip onto his face "Then I'd ask if I could kiss you" you pulled him down to you. The moment his lips met yours you felt your knees weaken slightly. Fuck the man could kiss. He licked into your mouth, rolling his tongue against yours and relishing in the sounds he was pulling from you.

You pulled away from each other, chests heaving slightly "If I asked you to share my tent?" You asked and he raised an eyebrow "In a you want me sleeping next to you way or" "in a I want to be under you without the clothes or it being innocent way" you cut him off and he groaned leaning his head down against your neck "I'd say I'm the luckiest man alive" you grabbed his hand, pulling him towards your tent "Cmon then Winchester let's see who taps first this time"

[phoenix-downer]

Light of the Force

Chapter 4/7 - Lost Planet

Summary: Anakin speaks with Leia's adoptive parents.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7

Anakin continued on, apologizing to everyone killed in the destruction of Alderaan by the first Death Star. He could've stopped it, could've at least tried, but no. He hadn't. He'd let Tarkin give the order and had stood by mutely as Leia watched in horror. No, worse than that, he’d held her back, preventing her from doing anything at all to save her home planet.

An entire civilization gone in seconds. All that history and culture, all that beauty and achievement, all those beings and their precious lives, snuffed out in an instant. It was a peaceful world and its citizens deserved to continue living. What Tarkan had ordered and Anakin had allowed was nothing short of genocide. Anakin’s heart reeled at the sheer depth of the destruction, and for all he knew he spent thousands of years mourning for what had happened, for those who were lost.

As he did, a curious thing happened. Alderaan no longer existed in the physical world, but it lived on in the memories of the beings who had called it home. And so, before his very spirit, it recreated itself through the Force, its glory and history preserved in the Netherworld.

This was the place where his daughter had been raised, this planet of rolling mountains and snowy peaks and endless evergreen forests. It was a far cry from the dry, dusty desert planet he and Luke had grown up on. For that he was grateful. Alderaan was a much better place to live, and if Leia couldn't grow up on Naboo like her mother, he was glad she was able to grow up here.

Echoes of Leia were everywhere in the memories of the palace she had called home. Playing with baby Wookie dolls in her room, preparing her first speech, laughing with delight at some clever prank that had had all the servants cracking up. Her tears at a skinned knee she'd earned from climbing one of the trees in the forest outside and how her adoptive mother and father had rushed to comfort her after her first heartbreak. Her frustration and anger at injustice, at the Empire, that she’d so brilliantly channeled into action.

She was so much like Padmé it made his heart ache, and yet she was so much like him too. How had he never noticed it before? Maybe the Dark Side had blinded him to what was so obvious now. Leia was clearly the daughter of both of her parents.

Luke had forgiven him, but would she? Anakin had gotten to know his son in life, but all of his meetings with Leia were…not good. He’d been everything she despised. Then again, he’d been everything Luke had despised too, and Luke had still forgiven him. In the end, it would have to be her decision. 

In the meantime, he wanted to speak with Bail Organa and Queen Breha. When he found their spirits, they were calm, at peace. At least they hadn't suffered a long time before death. That was the only good thing he could think of when it came to their untimely passing.

They were in the old throne room of the palace. By the time Queen Breha had been born, Alderaan had been a democracy for decades, but her family still held political sway, and her husband, the prince consort, had been a powerful senator. The throne room was ceremonial, just like their titles, and yet even the Force memories of it held a certain dignity that only royalty could bring. Carefully preserved artifacts and musical instruments and pieces of art from Alderaan’s prehistory through to the present age lined the banner-clad walls, and the queen and prince consort met him like they were meeting diplomatic visitors.

After apologizing for the destruction of their planet and the loss of their lives, he knew there was something else he had to say.

“Thank you for raising Leia,” he told them. “For being the parent I failed to be.” He could sense through all the echoes all around them that her childhood and adolescence had been a happy one. Leia’s adoptive parents clearly loved her very much, and she loved them.

“Leia is our greatest blessing, our greatest treasure,” Queen Breha confirmed, her dark eyes lighting up as she spoke of her adoptive daughter. “It was our honor.”

Bail nodded. “She was the brightest light in our lives. I can't imagine life without our Leia in it.” His expression sobered. “I know she didn't come to us under good circumstances…but so much good came from us adopting her. When you speak to her again, tell her we’re forever grateful to call her our daughter and love her very much.”

There it was, that when and not if. Anakin was getting a little choked up, hearing them speak about Leia with such love and admiration and affection. It made him regret once more that he hadn't gotten to know his daughter better in life. But then again, if he had, would she have become the woman she was now? It was thanks to Bail and Breha that she was the fierce, strong, stubborn, and courageous fighter for justice she’d become. 

He just hoped that someday, she would want him to be a part of her life.

“You're far kinder to me than I deserve,” Anakin said at last. “I will pass along your message.”

Some way, somehow, he'd find a way to do it the right way. He understood why Padmé had placed such faith in Bail in the days when she'd been plotting with other senators how to stop the corruption destroying the Republic. At the time he had taken it as a betrayal, of him and of the Republic, but that had been the Dark Side blinding him to the truth. Bail was a good man, and Queen Breha was a good woman, and together they had raised a wonderful daughter.

He said farewell to the couple because there were still so many things he needed to do, so many people he needed to see. His journeys took him far and wide, and he spent millennia making amends across the galaxy. When he reached Mustafar, he spent more time still apologizing to and making restitution for the souls of the Separatist leadership he’d murdered. Then he had to search for and succor their friends and loved ones. It took time, but it was all a vital part of the healing and restoration process. His journeys had taught him that not a single soul had ever existed without being loved. The dead he was able to speak to directly. And while the living couldn't see or hear him, he sensed they felt something when he apologized.

Was his connection to the physical realm growing more powerful? He was still mulling over this prospect when he found Obi-Wan. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say that Obi-Wan found him.

————————————————————————

A/N: This story is dedicated to my friend @scoobysnack1107 ❤️ Liv really loves Anakin, especially Anakin being a dad, so I wrote this for her birthday last week exploring his character further.

I am indebted to the moving Revenge of the Sith novelization by Matthew Stover as well as the excellent Return of the Jedi novelization by James Kahn to inform character voices, world descriptions, etc.

Also, a big thank you to my sister for reading over this story 🙏 She gave me some good feedback, and it was a lot of fun working with her ❤️

I really enjoyed writing this chapter and exploring Leia's past more and how Anakin might feel about speaking with Bail and Breha. See you next time! And a big thank you to the people who liked and reblogged the story ❤️

See you next time!

[allthingsfangirl101]

ER Visits – Timothy McGee

I've worked at the ER for three years. I've known Timothy McGee for almost six months. We met at the coffee shop. He was sitting, trying to write and I had just gotten off a 12-hour shift. I was tired and accidentally spilled my drink on his notebook. I freaked out and started apologizing. He just laughed and told me not to worry. He reassured me that he hadn't written anything down anyway.

I bought him and me another cup of coffee and we spent the rest of the morning talking. At least until he got a call from his boss and had to rush off to work.

I went to that coffee shop at the same time every morning for the rest of the week. Unfortunately, he didn't show up. I went to that coffee shop the next Monday and was about to leave when Tim walked in. After that, we agreed to meet every morning for a cup of coffee before he went to work.

It took about two weeks of morning coffee dates before he finally told me what he did for a living. This was after I asked why we hadn't gone on a dinner date. He explained that his work schedule was hard to plan around and he didn't want to stand me up. After that, we kept to our morning coffee dates and had dinner dates rarely when they weren't working on a case.

I knew it was dangerous but it took a bomb at the Navy yard and a special patient for me to realize just how dangerous it was being an NCIS agent.

My heart jumped into my throat when I saw him being brought in on a gurney.

"Tim," I said but it got stuck in my throat. I ran over and started jogging with the gurney. "What happened?" I asked, switching back to my doctor's voice.

"There was an explosion at the Navy yard," the EMT said. "He's an NSCI agent or whatever. Some of his coworkers were brought in too."

"He's an NCIS agent," I corrected.

"How do you know?" Asked one of the other EMTs.

"He's my boyfriend."

With that, we rushed him into one of our free rooms. I wasn't sure who else was brought in with Tim, but I was more focused on him. He didn't have any serious injuries or burns. He hit his head so he was slightly unconscious for a little while.

When we got him settled all we had to do was wait for him to wake up. I quickly went to check on his team before going right back to his room. I stayed in his room, nervously pacing, as I waited for him to wake up. I sat up straighter when I heard him let out a small moan.

His eyes fluttered open and it took him a second to realize where he was. I waited for him to notice me. He slowly sat up and ran his fingers through his hair. When I couldn't wait any longer, I spoke up.

"Tim?"

He looked over at me and smiled.

"Hey, you," he said as he started to get up. I walked over and made him lay back down. He tried to stop me by saying my name. I ignored him and had him lay back down.

"I'm fine."

"You were in an explosion," I said with no emotion in my voice.

"None of us were in the room," he tried to rationalize as he sat back up.

"You were hurt," I said as I grabbed his file.

"Just a bonk on the head," he shrugged. "It could've been a lot worse."

"Can you not?" I sighed, slamming his file down on the rollable table.

"Not what?"

"Act like we're not in the ER," I snapped. My eyes filled with tears as I said, "You don't understand, Tim."

"Understand what?" He asked, the tone of his voice completely changing.

"This is my worst nightmare," I said, my voice breaking.

"What is?" He asked as he slid off the bed and walked over to me.

He gently took me in his arms as I explained, "You coming into the ER after a case gone wrong," I whispered, "and me not being able to do anything to help you."

"Y/N," he said gently, "you are the best doctor in town. I wouldn't want anyone else taking care of me."

"But what if. . . There are some people I can't help, Tim," I said, my sob getting stuck in my throat. "And I don't want one of them to be you."

Tim pulled me into his chest and held me tightly. I took a shaky breath as I tightly wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my face in his neck.

"I'm sorry I scared you," he whispered. "But I really am fine."

"To be fair," I mumbled, "you're an NCIS agent. Not a doctor."

I stepped out of his arms, grabbed his chart, and started to leave but he grabbed my hand. I sighed when he pulled me back so I was standing in front of him.

"I'm sorry, baby," he whispered. He reached up and moved some hair out of my face. He leaned in and gently pressed his lips to mine. I let out a small sigh as I kissed him back.

"I know your job is dangerous," I said, breaking the kiss, "but I need you to promise me something."

"Anything," he said instantly.

"Next time you get hurt," I said, my voice shaky, "please don't act like it's not a big deal. Let me check you out so I know for myself that you're okay. I couldn't handle. . ."

Tim kissed me to stop me from spiraling again. He slowly broke the kiss and smiled down at me.

"I love you, Y/N," he whispered. My stomach flipped when he said those words to me for the first time.

"I love you too, Tim."

* * * * *

When Tim finally sat down and let me check him out, I discovered that he had a minor concussion and nothing else.

"Care to take me home, doc?" He asked teasingly as he walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"I got to finalize your paperwork," I explained, "but give me five minutes and I'm good to go."

Tim kissed my cheek before leaving. I filled out what I needed and left. As I walked out of the exam room, Gibbs was hugging Tim.

"I'm okay," Tim chuckled as they broke their hug. "Passed with flying colors, got a clean bill of health."

"I wouldn't say that," I said leaving the room.

"How is he, Doc?" Gibbs asked me.

"Mild concussion," I said. "I might be paranoid because I love him but give him a couple of days to recuperate and he'll be fine. In fact, you should all take a few days to recuperate."

I walked over to the nurse's station and finished filling out Tim's discharge papers but I could hear their conversation.

"Love?" Gibbs asked Tim with a small chuckle.

"Yep," Tim cleared his throat.

"Good for you, Tim," Gibbs patted him on the back. "Good for you."

[kitkatopinions]

Wow, that might've been my least favorite rwby episode ever. Warning for discussions of suicide ahead, as well as spoilers for rwby volume 9 ep... 10, I think?

So let's start out with the elephant in the room... This is a bad and legit harmful way to portray suicidal thoughts. "If you hate being yourself and you don't want to be you anymore, good news, you can choose to drink poison on purpose and then you will no longer be you, you will instead ascend to come back better, doesn't that sound nice? Your loved ones won't even be that upset! They'll respect your choice to end who you are, because technically you won't be completely gone, you'll just be an entirely new different person!" THAT IS SO HARMFUL. No, that isn't how any of this works! If the rwby writers wanted 'drinking the tea' and 'going to the tree' to be representative of just going through natural change, they shouldn't have had Ruby tortured into feeling like shit and hating herself so much she wants who she is to be gone, and they shouldn't have had the Red King be sooo drastically different for the worse and being an entirely different person. If they didn't want to take the themes of suicide seriously, they shouldn't have written them into the damn story. If they wanted it to just be natural change and growth, they shouldn't have left everyone in the dark on what ascension even was and they should have made sure we as an audience and the other characters knew that Ruby was confident going into the change that was entirely her own decision and we all knew wouldn't hurt her, instead of the exact opposite. "Oh but that destroys the tension-" Give us other tension then. We didn't need 'Ruby is suicidal' this season, nobody asked for that, we could've gotten other tension that would be more well done without this hanging over the episode. It's so bad, you guys.

NEXT COMPLAINT: Yang, Weiss, Blake, and even Jaune had such a non-reaction to the situation with Ruby and it isn't even funny! Let's be clear, Ruby just exploded at everyone and basically said that she didn't feel like people cared about her or what she goes through, Jaune then screamed in her face that she's at fault for all the bad stuff that's happened lately, and she ran off on her own in tears. Then they heard the sounds of fighting and ran to see a giant big house and Neo standing over Ruby beaten and bloodied on the floor, with a glass of tea Neo is clearly trying to get her to drink and Little dead nearby. Ruby picks up the cup and looks at them for like fifteen full seconds, and then when she drinks it, she gets sucked into the ground. The cat then starts freaking out angry that's she's ascended - something that they don't know is a good thing and might mean death for Ruby and something they don't know the affect of in humans like them - the cat goes super evil just like Jaune said (remember that them doubting Jaune contributed to them thinking he didn't know what he was talking about in regards to the Tree.) And then when we see WBY, they're completely quiet and look pretty unconcerned while Jaune rants about how he's gone wrong, and then Weiss gives him a smiling peptalk. They then see that the Paper Pleasers are back in a new form and apparently them trying to destroy their bodies was a good thing after all, so then everyone is happy and smiley and hugging. They don't need to have a conversation about what this means for Ruby! They don't need to have a conversation about the moral question of sacrificing someone's memories and personalities in exchange for a better body (Penny, anyone? Anyone remember Penny?) they don't even have to ask themselves if the people of the Ever After being made for a purpose they can't change and having to 'get reborn' in pursuit of that is something they should be worried about or fighting or even a little uncertain of the moral implications there! Without even having to say it, they all now know that in the Ever After, people getting killed is a good thing pretty much so long as it isn't by Jabberwalker, because they'll come back better. I hate all of that so much. But it leads me to my next point.

Yang sees Ruby frozen as a tree as she waits to ascend, and is like upset. Enough to make me go "oh look, Yang's acting only a bit less upset than Bugs Bunny when his house was on fire." Enough to make me go "okay this is a bit more concern than my coworker showed to me when I said my grandma died." So... Points for that, I guess? Yang acts upset at seeing her little sister awaiting ascension. Jaune says that the reason they were able to be brought to the Tree is because of acceptance and Weiss follows it up with "we've done everything we can. Now it's up to Ruby." And it's like babydoll, you guys did almost nothing. Like Weiss at least tried to talk to her seriously, but Blake and Yang kind of just pretended like she wasn't going through things and shut her down and said she was like Ironwood when she expressed frustration, and Jaune got in her face and yelled that she was at fault for everything including Neo hating her and the Paper Pleasers trying to off themselves. So.... That was all you guys could do?

"Whatever happens next," Weiss continues. "We have to welcome that." "But what if she isn't Ruby anymore when she comes back out?" Yang asks, expressing the first bit of real concern over the question of Ruby losing herself. Then Blake pipes up "Maybe... That's not up to us to decide." EXCEPT RUBY WAS LITERALLY TORMENTED INTO MAKING THAT CHOICE! This show is acting like WBY are Ruby's parents and she just said she wants to be an ice skater instead of going to Harvard, like "well we want to accept you for who you decide to be no matter what." Folks, Neo was literally kicking Ruby around having her friends tell her she sucked and should disappear after turmoil in which she was like "I've been made to feel like I suck and I want to disappear" and now it's "nnnnnoooooo guys, it's not a bad thing that Ruby was beat up by someone telling her to off herself and then she did, no this is just the coming-of-age miracle of change like we're watching Inside Out." This doesn't feel like something wanted..... Because she was fricking beat and bullied into it by a villain playing on her worst insecurities. Like guys, this is not that hard! This is such a bad episode.

Some less serious complaints!

I still hate the Neo-Cat thing. It's not good, at all. Neo's body apparently can't go back to Remnant because she has no ties there and no drive to get back and I am once again asking why Neo wants zero revenge on Cinder and Salem. The writers, is the only reason I can think of, they make her not realize Cinder and Salem are at fault because they don't want her to, that's it. Anyway, I was laughing and cringing so hard at the fact that they gave my girl Sonic Unleashed Werehog arms.

I know they were hardcore trying to go horror-Soul-Eater-style route with things like that and the zombie-Ruby's, but to me it just looked cringey.

Ruby recognizing "I just wanted to do the right thing, but every step of the way, it's like there is no right thing" is honestly just frustrating in a show that has seemed to try its darnedest to make everything out like a black-and-white easy right side and a wrong side situation - even in smaller interpersonal conflicts.

Also, Jaune beating 'the cat in Neo's body' makes me upset. I seriously wish I never had to see Jaune ever again. I'm sorry about the fact that they're still focusing more on his trauma than on anyone else's. Yang gets confronted with lurching zombies versions of the little sister she just watched try to kill herself and she's just like -_- But then Jaune gets Penny and Pyrrha used against him and that pain gets treated a bit more important.

Weiss reacts more to accidentally blasting Jaune than any of the girls reacted to Ruby drinking the tea, or running off crying. (Also I hate hate hate the Weiss Jaune content recently tbh if it leads to a romance I'll just

Anyways, no praise today, just complaints. Ranking this episode a 1/10. This is the worst season so far, so let's see if the last episode can make it.... Slightly better.

[missizzy]

Narrative Interlude: Those of Shadows(Baldur's Gate 3)

(Takes place in the universe of my first playthrough, post-Netherbrain fight.)

They found him the second night after it all ended. Astarion hadn't been moving around much. He'd gone out and done a couple of things at night, but mostly he'd just sat around, burrowed into a half-collapsed building, just feeling sorry for himself. Very few people could have even gotten through the surrounding debris to reach him that first night, but they'd cleared a lot of it out the next day. He'd have to find a new hiding place, he'd sulkily thought.

Indeed, when he first heard the footsteps, he tensed, wondering if he'd even have to defend himself from the Flaming Fist. But then he heard Minsc's voice say, "Boo says he can smell him in there, and these rocks look like they've been disturbed. I'll lift this, and stay out here. I fear there are people here who might try to kick his butt, so I'll kick their butts if they come along."

Wow. Astarion honestly couldn't help but feel touched.

As he listened to Jaheira and Shadowheart thank him, he pulled himself up, and tried to make himself look presentable. He'd taken most of his armor off, but his current clothes were a mess, and his hair was even worse after a day and a half of neglect. Finding the water and cloth he couldn't even remember grabbing right now, he tried to dab at his face.

Both women knew him too, well, however, for Astarion to even hope to convince them he was all right.

"We've been missing you," Jaheira called out to him, almost the moment they were in each other's sights, in a rather cross voice. "You gave us a scare, running off like that. We could've tried to throw a blanket or a barrel over you or something."

If they'd done so, Astarion would've had the most humiliating breakdown of his life in front of all of them. He wasn't sorry for avoiding that.

Shadowheart's expression, as the two of them walked over to where he was sitting, was gentler. "It might interest you to know," she said, "that Karlach is going to live after all. Her heart started giving out almost right after you left, but Wyll convinced her to go back to Avernus, with him going with her. We all had to charge back to that shop where that woman Helsik had closed up her portal, and Sara might have held her at knifepoint to force her to open up another one. Not to the House of Hope, unfortunately; she did a cheaper, quicker one, and we're not even sure where she sent them. We just have to hope they'll be all right."

If the sun had taken just a little longer to make its presence known, Astarion might have been the one doing the whole holding at knifepoint, though he was sure Sara had done an excellent job there. He was genuinely deeply glad and relieved to hear Karlach wasn't going to die, but it would've taken more than he had in him at the moment to say so.

Instead he asked, "Are you going to tell the others you found me?"

"Not if you really don't want us to," shrugged Jaheira. "If they don't find your burnt body on the streets, they'll probably ultimately figure you can take care of yourself. That's not even why I came here. I have a proposition for you."

"Really?" He aimed for his normal skeptical tone. He didn't quite hit it.

"It's a very general one right now," she said, "and I don't even quite know how much I-or Minsc-will need you yet. But I'm pretty sure in the coming months of putting this city back together, and him doing who knows what with the Guild against the Zhentarim, there'll be times where we'll be able to use someone with your skillset carrying out violent tasks you'll probably even enjoy doing. Not that he'll admit it, of course, so I'll be the one hiring you to help him. Give me a month or so, and I can pay you pretty well for it. I might even let you feed on me beforehand on occasion, for missions in the city if they're important enough."

It was a very good offer, as she no doubt knew. And it wasn't like he had any better ideas at the moment. He'd thought vaguely of following his siblings into the Underdark, and perhaps at some point in the future he would go to try to find out how they were all doing. But when he knew how unwelcome a sight he'd be to so many of the spawn down there, it might be just as well to wait a while, until he was truly ready to face them.

"All right," he said. "I can't promise I'll always be in the city, but I don't think I'll go that far from it either, so I'll likely be on hand on at least a few such occasions when you want me."

"Good." She leaned down and offered her hand, and he reached up and shook it. "Until then, take care. You've got people who genuinely care about you now. Try not to forget that."

When he didn't have an immediate reply for that, she turned and left. Shadowheart, on the other hand, sat down next to him, apparently not leaving yet. "Are you really sure you don't want us to tell the others we saw you? We can just say we did so briefly, and you looked all right. You know they'd take comfort even from that."

Astarion did know that. Especially given how much Sara and Halsin were both so inclined to care about everybody.

He'd had a lot of anger at the former at certain points in time, the last two days. If it wasn't for her, he'd thought, he wouldn't have had to flee the sun. He'd now be sitting, comfortable and powerful, in that old castle, instead of hiding in a ruined building. But ultimately, he knew, he'd be no happier there, all alone, knowing the only people who'd ever cared about him wanted nothing to do with him anymore-because he knew well they wouldn't have, had he gone down that route. She'd been right that day, when she'd seen through him, seen all the pain and fear that had been driving him, and said simple words that had pierced straight through all of that, made him see what he truly wanted, and gotten him to walk away from that chance.

It was odd, to know he'd chosen his current misery, and to still, in the end, not be sorry he'd chosen it. Rather depressing, of course. But still a little freeing.

But he still didn't want her or Halsin to see him like this. They'd feel so much pain, and then they'd want to help, and there really wasn't much either of them could do. And the idea of Gale seeing him and pitying him was even worse.

"If you do," he said, "try not to tell them where you saw me. I really don't want them to find me right now."

"I see," said Shadowheart. "Are you upset that I'm seeing you like this?"

"Not as much." Especially not when he had quickly grasped the significance of Wyll and Karlach finding their future together, and right after Lae'zel had literally flown away from her like that. "After all, it's the two of us, isn't it? The ones who've been left alone."

"It has," she said, and her voice sounded so small, then, betraying how lost she, too, felt right now. She had plans, he knew, a little more concrete than his, but not the kind to tell her where she was going the next day, or the next week.

"Lae'zel did want to apologize to you for one thing," she said, "though I don't think she knew how to. She really was sorry she treated you so callously that night, after the two of you had sex. She honestly didn't think you'd care, at the time. None of us had any idea."

"So she did tell you about that." He supposed it made sense, even though he was pretty sure neither of them had told anyone else about that night otherwise. "If you ever do visit her, or she visits you, you can tell her I don't blame her for anything. As you said, she couldn't have known." He'd talked to Sara, before then, after that meeting with that drow woman, but he knew well she'd told noone what he'd said, not even Gale.

Astarion still didn't know if that had been the right choice, to say yes that night, when he'd known by then it wouldn't change Lae'zel's behavior towards him any. That had, in fact, been why he'd said yes. He could know he wasn't doing it for his own or anyone else's gain, but for himself, and for his own pleasure. He'd wanted to try that. He hadn't really liked how it had ended, what her pulling away like that had made him think of, but he'd genuinely enjoyed it otherwise, at least.

And in any case, it had been a choice. Just the act of making it had still felt like a start of reclaiming himself, claiming his new freedom.

They could hear Jaheira and Minsc talking; it sounded like they might remain there a little longer yet. The two of them sat together in silence. They didn't even have anything else to talk about, but nor did they need to. It was enough for both of them, for just a few minutes more, to not be alone.

When it sounded like the conversation outside was winding down, Shadowheart said, "You know what? I know you probably haven't drunk anything these past two days, not even any animal blood. If you want to, one for the road?" And she tilted her neck, to bare it.

And not even because she would be expecting to gain anything from it, the way Sara always had when she'd let him do this, and Jaheira would if she ever did. It was purely an act of kindness on her part. Possibly the biggest simple act of kindness anyone had ever bestowed upon him.

He couldn't deny it warmed his heart even more than her blood was about to, and he'd carry this feeling from it even after the nourishment had worn off. "Thank you," he said, and truly, deeply meant it, as he leaned in.

[ofglories]

"so did any of you have a normal childhood or did anything fun growing up," tristram began over breakfast, clearly not asking a question but creating an opening to talk about himself. "well, my father—as i would later learn wasn't my true father, but i'll get into that—gave me the best childhood a boy could dream of, with the lessons and such, but who'd believe that a boy of my stature would do so well in a game of chess that a whole crew on a boat went along with attempting to kidnap me?" as one does, apparently. though he's capable of smiling about it now, it had been a terrifying moment back as a young boy, a fear ramped up when after a seemingly endless storm suddenly subsided for his kidnappers to drop him off on unknown lands with a little food and water.

oh what a blubbering mess he'd been then! traveling a short distance on wobbly knees, trying to find someplace or someone to aid him. "truly, i must've been a sore sight when dinadan found me! could've been worse though." for him anyway, but as all things go, tristram had the lighter sentence. dinadan, however, has not known peace since then.

|| Unprompted asks ; always accepting!

As soon as Tristram began to speak Dinadan smacked his forehead against the table, rattling the dishes and silverware both. Fairly impressive considering said table was made of decidedly solid materials and was hardly prone to shaking. For her part Gareth raised a brow first at Tristram's question and then towards Dinadan's behavior and muffled cry of "just one normal breakfast is all I ask!". A brow that climbed higher as her fellow knight continued on with his tale.

Seated across from her and Dinadan, hands frozen from where he had been peeling an apple that now sat innocently on his plate, Bors stared at Tristram in open horror at his story.

Gawain and Lancelot both fell silent, eyes wide with shock and dismay at the tale of their fellow's kidnapping as a child.

Finally, once the story spoke, the King shifted, clearing his throat delicately as he smiled weakly and spoke. "What a...a terrible ordeal you went through in your youth, Sir Tristram. Thank you for sharing it with us...? So early in the morn as well..." Arthur trailed off, looking somewhat ashen as he poked at the bread on his plate.

"Don't thank him!" Dinadan shouted, head shooting up so fast it made Gareth jump. "I should've left ya t'wander around a while longer! Would've maybe gotten all yer dramatics out o' yer system! Ugh, my appetite's all gone..."

[echantedtoon]

Demon Bride Ch20 Yet Even Curiouser

"Are you both alright?! Tell me you're alright!"

"W-We're both fine."

"Oh. Good...THEN WHAT WERE YOU TWO EVEN THINKING?!"

You both had frozen in front of the giant lumbering form of a VERY angry Kyogai stood in the doorway to greet your arrival back. Only you two hadn't counted on him actually noticing you were gone and to then snatch the both of you in one each. You found yourselves yelping and dangling from his right hand as Eri was held above the floor in his right. In her arms was Rui who looked frightened and confused at finding himself being held in air by a demon who was being held by another taller demon. Turning, he began stepping down the long hallway down hallway back up towards his study and you both saw and felt the many, many servants stopping to stare at the strange sight of Kyogai carrying you by the backs of your kimonos. A pit formed in your stomach at the realization.

You had been caught.

A pit formed in your stomach as the thoughts swirled about you. What was gonna happen? Kyogai was sweet and kind so you didn't worry about the punishment being too bad but he was still very, very, VERY angry judging by the look he was giving everyone.  You didn't know what was going to happen. More so to Eri! You'd gotten her into this troubling situation. What was going to happen to her?! Kyogai grumbled more under his breath the longer he walked and the more you felt regret and guilt build up in yourself from all the watchful eyes. You royally screwed up didn't you? What if Kyogai refused to marry Eri and Komoki as punishment? Or worse keep her here longer working? That'd devastate her. And it'd be your fault! The door to the main study was finally here and opened with a loud sound. 

"I had to stop my work early because of you two runaways!," He finally spoke once he walked into the room and you were placed on your feet a lot more gently than you were expecting. "On a VERY important work night with lots to be done!" The sudden turn he made made you flinch as hard as you winced when the door was slammed. "Do either of you two know how much trouble you caused?!" He snapped back around to the both of you with a deep scowled. "HOW MUCH TROUBLE WE ALL COULD'VE BEEN IN?!"

You couldn't help but look away in shame. Next to you Eri was already assuming the position of a deep bow, head down, and an EXTREMELY guilty look on her face. Rui was still under one of her arms tugging at her to be put down.

"Do you know how worried I was to find my healer and human GONE?! I nearly ordered the mansion to be taken apart wally by wall to find you!! OH!! AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON WHEN I REALIZED I'D BEEN TRICKED INTO SOMETHING!! WHO'S BRILLIANT IDEA WAS THAT?! " HE half asked half roared half demanded throwing his arms up. "Those woods are full of demons who wouldn't be afraid to pounce on unsuspecting weak demons AND humans?! What if you two had been attacked or worse KILLED?! Do you think I could've gotten there in time? NO!" He pointed. "Because two little trouble makers thought it'd be a good idea to leave while I was distracted to somewhere I had no idea Where the hell they'd be!! It's burns knowing a loyal servant of mine and a guest I've let into my home out of the good of my heart did such a thing as trick me!!"

Your throat gained a lump as he muttered to himself pacing in front of the door. 

"For a long time I have done the best I could to provide for you! Have I been perfect? No! Do I know anything about humans? No! Should I have picked up a book on human culture? Probably!!" He paused looking off at nothing. "Wait...Where was I going with this? I had a point."

"Um.." He INSTANTLY snapped to you with a frown making you flinch, swallow the lump in your throat, and force out a sentence. "Sorry. I thank you, Kyogai."

"Well I love you too!!," He said back in that same angry tone from before.

Silence.

...You blinked. Eri looked back up from her bow in surprised shock. Rui still struggled for freedom. And Kyogai still frowned hard.

....You slowly blinked again. "What?"

A sudden look of what you could describe as 'oh shit' flashed across his face before he sputtered. "I m-mean I thank you too!! Or uh-...W-W-What I -I-..." You blinked at him. "I just....RRRRRRAAAAAUUUUGGH!!!" His hands flew to his face before being dragged down, you gasped and moved out of the way just going for the small table with the tall stack of unfinished papers still waited for him to work on. Instead he snatched up a bowl of food and chopsticks from it's surface that you realized someone must've given him. THUD-!! The floor lightly shook under the two of yours feet as Kyogai just plopped his massive body back down on his seat.l before shoving a piece of chicken into his mouth. "Stress eating! Because of you!" He angry mumbled half muffled by the food in his mouth. "This is really good!"

More silence followed.

You stood there in stupified silence and the only sounds being of Kyogai angrily shoving more food into his mouth refusing to look at either of you both. You opened your mouth...before casting a silent glance at Eri's frozen form, all of her eyes were wide and her mouth literally hung open in shock at her master. Guess she was just as dumbfounded at the situation as you were. Rui was certainly no help as he was just pouting there in her arms accepting he couldn't struggle free. They weren't going to be any help. Turning your head back to Kyogai...you gave a deep sigh out.

"Kyogai?" He didn't respond to you. You didn't blame him. "I'm...very sorry we did what we did. You're right. W-We shouldn't have done that."

"Then why DID you?", He mumbled through his food. His voice lost a lot of his initial edge but the soreness was still there.

You gave just the briefest of sideways glances to Eri before taking a deep breath and letting it out. "...Because I wanted to go outside badly." Footsteps sounded as warning before Kyogai paused blinking as you suddenly dropped to your knees directly beside him. "I felt caged in all the time in the garden and inside you mansion." Without hesitation you looked up and stared at him directly in the eyes. "It was all my idea." He..stared silently cheeks puffed out and chopsticks partially in his mouth. If this wasn't so serious you probably would've giggled at how cute he looked in that moment. "I figured since mating season was o-over there wouldn't be anymore dangers. But I knew you'd never allow Eri to let me out there."

...He narrowed his eyes, swallowed, and frowned at you. "Your dam right I wouldn't have! Those woods are dangerous for anyone here!"

"Which is why I tricked you!,'' you insisted grabbing his arm. He paused eyes staring at your soft hand- "I overheard Eri talking about visiting her fiance before and figured that'd be a good excuse to ask you in case you actually were paying attention when I did ask you." He looked back at you. "It was stupid and selfish and very, VERY stupid of me to do that! I know! When Eri found out I ran off she came after me to bring me my stupid arse back!"

"...She did?" He asked glancing over to Eri's still frozen form  who was still in that pose. 

"Yes! That's what you saw her doing earlier." You nodded pulling at his arm as his brow rose. "She brought my stupid self back here so I wouldn't get hurt."

There was a small pause in silence as he stared at Eri, then he slowly turned back to you...then turned back to his food. "...You know I hate being tricked into saying yes to something." ...you didn't like that sudden calm tone of his. "But I also hate being lied to." You froze. "However... Considering you're putting yourself at risk to try and defend Eri, which I find commendable you'd try to take the full blame, I will give you one chance to tell me the truth. Did she agree to this?"

What? Kyogai was-...HE KNEW YOU WERE LYING!? You took a moment to blink before looking at Eri who still remained still. She would obviously be no help at all. Turning back to him, he didn't even look in your direction. Just sitting there continuing to eat his food as if there wasn't three other people in the room with him. What was he doing? Waiting for you to tell the truth? Wouldn't that get Eri in more trouble? You'd rather take all the blame fully and spare Eri any trouble. But...If he knew you were lying l, if you lied again that might make things worse. But what if he didn't really know? What if he was just pretending to know you were lying to see if you changed your story? He might get madder if he discovered you were lying. So should you stick to your story originally...

But...

"I did lie." He stopped...and looked at your face. "You're right. I did lie about Eri's involvement. She did agree with the idea."

"Mmm hmm." He hummed raising a brow. "I thought so-"

"But I wasn't lying when I did say it was my idea in the first place." You frowned at him. "She mentioned that you would say no if we did ask you, so I used the chance when you were distracted. I used to do it to my grandmother all the time when she wouldn't agree to things. She didn't even want to go at first, so if you say she's as guilty-" Your hand was placed on your chest. "By my blood I'm the same and will bare the fate of whatever you planned for her."

Now this made him slowly turn his face to you surprise etched on his features, brows shooting upwards. "...Are you-....You would deliberately take the full blame for her? Despite the fact that you two only knew each other a few weeks??"

"In the few weeks I've known her, she's become the only person I could call my friend." You gave him a pleading look. "I beg you. Don't punish Eri for something that she shouldn't have to be punished for."

There was some more silence as he stared at your genuine face. As if studying for any lies...before facing back forwards with a loud exhale. "...Eri."

Said demon woman jumped behind him before bowing (despite the fact he couldn't see her). "Y-Y-Yes, M-My Lord?"

"You have done something that greatly irked me today. And you didn't tell me about what the human planned, I'm fact you went along with it... That's not what I want in a servant." Your heart immediately dropped further and further with each word he spoke. "However I won't go back on an agreement once I already made it so long ago. From this point until you're contract with me ends next year, you're ordered to work under Mayla's supervision and be given the hardest work."

Eri's eyes bugged out looking almost panicked and yet relieved. "And that's...it?"

"Do you think I should add more to your punishment? "

"NO!!..*Ahem* I m-mean no, Lord Kyogai. I will follow your instructions perfectly."

"Good. If you should do anything else I find bothersome, I'll personally have you tend to Enmu once he comes back." Eri's face immediately deflates to one of almost horror at just the mention of getting near Enmu. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Absolutely! Clearer than glass!"

You sighed in relief. Working hard under someone didn't sound too bad. Kyogai spared her from anything like an extended work contract or forbidding her from seeing Komoki completely. However you froze again when he looked at you with an unsure expression. 

"You however...I am not sure how to deal with. You're still recovering so I can't force any work on you. And you're not a servant of mine so I can't order you to work even if I wanted too. ...I certainly won't be throwing you out either."

"Then...What will you do?"

He looked you over carefully. Like very, very carefully. "... Simple. Until your departure from here, you're hearby banned from the garden." 

That sucked but was understandable.

"And you'll be taken out of Eri's care. From now on Nagi will be the one to assist you with things."

Your eyes widened...But sighed. That was..also understandable. After today you probably deserved it. He gave another glance at your hand holding his arm..before coughing and looking away.

"And during the day, you'll be staying in the same room as me while I work." ....Say what? "That way I can keep an eye on you  and make sure nothing like that happens again!"

You stared at him. You looked to Eri. Eri stared at Kyogai. Eri stared at you. You both stared at each other. You stared back at Kyogai wide eyed.

"Excuse me?"

He coughed again. "You won't be with me all the time. You'll have private time to yourself when you need it, and Nagi will assist you and you'll still sleep in your own room but I won't tolerate anymore shenanigans from you again. You agreed to any punishment I gave, t-this is it."

Well this was...not what you were expecting at all to be quite frank but you did agree to whatever punishment he gave you. So with a defeated sigh you nodded your head. "Very well then. I agree to your terms."

He nodded avoiding eye contact. " Good. Although I do have one last question." He pointed at Eri's arms. "Who in the world is that?"

You looked back to Rui, sighed, then turned back to Kyogai. "It's a long story." 

"Well then explain it to me in detail. Eri! Leave and come back with Mayla and Nagi at once!"

You remained there sitting next to Kyogai defeated as Eri dropped Rui and left immediately. That could've gone worse. You were VERY lucky it wasn't worse than it actually was. However you did have to explain why you had a child with you especially when Rui walked over and tugged on your shoulder.

"I'm still hungry. Feed me more."

After awkwardly explaining him to Kyogai and Eri returning with the two women servants in question, Rui was promptly handed off into Mayla's care until he figured out what to do with him later and both Mayla and Nagi were informed of everything. There was no complaints or objections other than Eri tossing a final look your way as if saying 'Thank you and I'm sorry' before being forced to go along with Mayla who turns out was in charge of most of the servants and extremely hard if need be. Oh. That must be why Eri didn't look so happy before hand. You hoped things wouldn't be as strange as you thought and it was just going to be a bad dream once you woke up the next day...But that hope was dashed when you awoke to an eyeless chestnut haired purple skinned demon woman shaking your shoulder and smiling.

"Rise and shine my lady or you'll be late for breakfast with my Lord."

You groggily blinked at her. ".... Where's Eri?"

"I'm afraid she's busy hand scrubbing the entire bath house today. Mistress Mayla thought it'd be best to start her off with something simple."

That was simple?! If you could you'd be in there helping her but Nagi you learnt was very nice, but also very insistent. You barely had time to grab the book Kyogai lent before you were forced into a plain blue kimono by Nagi and she forced your hair up in some do you insisted she didn't have to. But she insisted on doing so anyways.

"It's my job to care for you. First and foremost is your health and appearance. Come. My Lord awaits."

You were them dragged to Kyogai's study and received a few looks from the other servants. Oh boy. Hopefully that'll die down quickly. Kyogai was as usual working on  more papers, but did glance at you briefly before going back to work. Nagi guideded you to a sitting pillow in the corner and sat down next to you. And...that was it.

Literally.

You just sat in your corner all day silently reading and briefly looking up when Nagi left to bring the both of you food or at Kyogai but he focused on his work. And that was it until he gave her permission to take you back to your room to sleep. And that was literally it. For the next two days that awkward pattern continued until Kyogai finally seemed to want to talk to you again. 

"Y/n?" It was so sudden and unexpected you nearly dropped the book jumping up and blinking at him. He seemed a bit nervous but cleared his throat and nodded at your arms. "How are you liking my-"...He  stopped himself before glancing at Nagi. "I mean the book I found for you?"

"Oh. He must not want anyone to know he writes books. You'd respect his privacy and keep his secret. So you nodded. "Yes. I really like the story about the runaway Queen. I'm on the last few pages actually."

He nodded back. "That's good. I will find you another to read again soon." 

"May I ask something since we're speaking?" He paused a moment but nodded. "Where is Kaigaku? I haven't seen him for a while now."

At this Kyogai smiled confidently. "Hmph. Kaigaku is with Kokushibo for some training. He won't be by here for another three weeks."

Three weeks. 

That could work for you. You only had about two weeks and two days until Enmu's return, which meant you could just leave the necklace in his room and leave before he even got back here. Perfect!

"So...you may stop wearing that necklace of his now."

"Oh. I only wore it to make him happy and so I wouldn't lose it. I'll just keep it with me until then so I don't accidentally misplace it. It's happened to me before." And none of your borrowed kimonos had pockets. You didn't want to risk losing the expensive looking charm so the most logical and safest place to keep it was around your neck.

Kyogai looked annoyed at the necklace but nodded. "I respect that choice but are you sure you really didn't accept it at all?"

"No. I only told him I'd wear it. I never said I accepted his gift really." You huffed rolling your eyes. "Besides I know exactly what he was thinking when he gave it to me."

Kyogai's expression immediately turned to one of shock. "Wait...What?! Did Eri tell you?!"

You nodded. "Oh yes. And no. Eri didn't tell me. She didn't say anything about it but she didn't have to. He made it very clear when he was being oddly nice and insisted I take this so you and Akaza would 'get off his back and mind your own business'. With how he acted, it was like reading a book. But I won't fall for any of his 'charms' not that he has many. He'll just have to take no for an answer."

...Wait. So she knew Kaigaku was proposing with that gesture?! "So...You do know the significance of that gift he gave you?"

"Kyogai, he could try to get on my good side all he wants but there's no way I'm putting up with the nonsense he thinks is going on." There's no way you'd let him think you'd put up with his tricks just to get Akaza to go easy on him. If he thought giving you an expensive gift and being nice would make things go away then he was in for a big surprise later. "Besides I could tell what he was thinking. It was pretty obvious "

Kyogai hummed however reaching a hand up to rub his chin. So Y/n figured it out hu huh? ...Well it WAS pretty obvious what Kaigaku was trying to do with that proposal even if you didn't know all their courting laws. And if you didn't accept...That meant Kaigaku was sadly mistaken. Which made him chuckle and you blinked confused. He still had a good feeling about this, and if you knew about it already-

"Like how obvious you were."

A glass breaking sound with off in his mind. "....Huh?"

You deadpanned rose a brow. "Oh come on now. I know your secret don't I?"

"You do?!" He flung panicked wide eyed. 

"Um...Yes?" Why was this surprising to him? He already knew that you knew he secretly wrote books. Did he forget that he already told you? You held up a hand to his panicked face. "Don't worry. I haven't told anyone how you felt about it, not even Eri knows." As much as Eri enjoys the book, it didn't feel right to share the personal secret with even her. "I respect your feelings concerning it and accept that you wouldn't want anyone else to know about it."

"I ...You.. " SHE KNEW?! LIKE REALLY KNEW HOW HE FELT?! FOR HOW LONG?! WHEN DID SHE REALIZE?! HOW EVEN?! "I....How did you know?!"

BU-BUMP BU-BUMP BU-BUMP-!!!

SHUT UP STUPID HEART!! YOU WEREN'T EVEN SUPPOSED TO BEAT!! SO STOP IT!!

BU-BUMP-

S T O P!!!!

"I mean..You told me?? A few days ago by now. And I noticed how you look sometimes and try to correct yourself sometimes when you say something you didn't mean two. Like just a little while ago."

IMMEDIATELY his hand went to clutch his chest where his bearing heart laid underneath. His face a red as a whirlwind of thoughts blasted through his head. And all he could think was what he said to you just two days ago.

"Well I love you too!"

He felt like ripping his hair from his head! You obviously knew by now and he wasn't sure what to think of it. But she didn't seem...put off by it? "S-So...You accept..." A shaking hand pointed to him as he gulped. "Me?..A-And my feelings towards..." A shaking arm gestured to you. If she said yes then that'd mean that she would be...He would be her...

You nodded. "Yes. And the reasons why you do feel that."

There it was. She accepted. Said yes. That means she was his...fian-

"I need a drink!" He suddenly declared reaching for the large cup of water Nagi brought him earlier. 

You however rose a brow confused. Was he feeling alright? "Um. Alright. But I do have one other question." 

"W-what?" The glass was shakingly brought up to lips.

"...Do you want to tell me why you declared love to me two days ago?"

"PPPFFFT?!" 

The drink he was drinking was promptly spat out all over the small table before there was a dizziness followed by shock...And the large demon only had time to stare at you in shock before falling over and hitting the floor with a loud thud. In a dead faint.

"OH MY GODS KYOGAI!!"

-ELSEWHERE-

The bark of trees felt rough against the palm of grey skin, perfect to blending into shadows and walking along the darkness of the cursed trees that beckoned any unknowing traveler further into their branches. A light step. Another light step. Light enough to not be heard by anyone my dear. A quiet mouse amongst the darkness a contrast to the many others in the surroundings. He moved amongst the shadows which were his best friends. His only allies in this battle of the most deadliest predator to live among them and for once he wasn't at the top of the deadly food chain. 

Dark tree past dark tree. Weaving past darkness and limbs and lungs heavy with air whirled around by the wind. Close. The danger was close. Breath. Sweet air was the need. The fuel for the best outcome. For his eventual clash with the death bringer. The trees couldn't hide that from him. Adrenaline pumping. Viens bunching up as a black tsuka of a katanna was grabbed, burnt to the touch as the rumbling of thunder was fueled by the whirling, taunting, wind in his lungs to make way for an electrical storm that bubbled through his blood vessels and gave the needed power to metal to become the lightning strike that shook the scene before him. All time became irrelevant as with each  mighty push of his body from the allied shadows gave him the momentum for the target gaining closer and closer to his face. Where was it? WHERE WAS IT WHERE WAS IT?! He felt it was close so whe-

SHING!!

A metal against metal sounds. A shine of silver in the dark. A dash of shadow. And a strike of thunder. The thunder struck the moon hard with a might that should be feared certainly. But the moon always shines brighter. A deadly hand struck out and with one blow to his head. The thunder was defeated.

"You have... improved greatly since our last meeting...But you...still rush things too much.."

There was a mumble from the body on the ground followed by a loud groan. Yep. He'd have a headache for the rest of the day now.

"If...you had waited ...ten more seconds... you would have...dealt a great blow to my...shoulder blade... However you seem to be...in better spirits..than before." There was a sound as a moon's blade was put away. "Get up...We shall try again immediately..."

The black cloaked body cursed at himself but pushed himself to his feet as he was ordered. "Yes. Let's try again."

"... Perhaps you..have something on your mind...that distracts you? You seem...oddly calmer...But I doubt...you have learnt patience yet."

"Heh. You could say that I guess." A rare smile that wasn't as smug was smiled.

"The magatama on your wrist...did you perhaps...lose it again?"

"...No. I chose to present it to someone else."

"Explain."

"I'm engaged."

Silence.

"....I see. ...I was not expecting this...Who?"

"It's complicated. I honestly don't believe it myself a few times. ...But it's not important. I'm ready to continue. Let's try again-"

"No...You shall explain...to me..all details at once..it is...a matter that... impacts your... ability to..concentrate. I must know...in order to ..best make it so...you focus..."

****************************************************************************

-ELSEWHERE A FEW DAYS LATER-

Cold. It was Always rather cold this far up the mountain. Especially since it was still only February and summer months hadn't yet reached this far up the mountain. The snow was still very much here to stay for a little while longer, but it wasn't too much of a bother to him. Demons were never really affected all that much by the cold anyways unless they needed special conditions to live. But it also never bothered the powerful demon whom this domain belonged to. 

Douma. Upper Moon Two. The human recruiter. Proclaimed demigod.

Or if you asked him rotten no feeling  pervert who was better off dead!! He hated seeing Douma. He hated doing anything with Douma. He hated even the name Douma!! Nothing good could ever come from him or anyone he had in his grasp. But yet here he was, feet crunching through snow and carrying a little boy who had fallen asleep on the way over. The poor little boy was exhausted from the long trip here, as was his mother and the rest of his brothers and sisters. Behind him the poor widow cradled her second youngest with her head down to avoid the many snowflakes piercing their faces with three other small children clinging to her dress im fear of getting lost among the pale snow. Just his luck a small storm would be blowing their way when they finally arrived at their destination. A rather lavish (and rather large-) human settlement a bit farther up the mountain from the others near the colder parts, Upper Moon Two's domain, and most of where the donations came from. Douma's paradise of blood. That Upper Moon would charm anyone into giving them their blood which was why Douma was in charge of managing most of the yearly blood supply. Most of it. NOT all of it. The other half was up to Kokushibo being the human-demon delegate. But he never thought of that part too much. Or at least he tried too, at least Kokushibo arranged it to where he was never given any blood donated by a woman or child. Some might call him weak for demanding such arrangements but he would stand by those forever. He had morals unlike a lot of his colleagues. The human settlement had certainly grown since he'd last been here probably due to the sudden arrival of five hundred humans last year. The large walls and gate greeted them in the wild wind and swirling snowflakes. All he had to do was raise a large hand and pound on the gate's door, it took all of his restraint to not just kick the door in from his hatred of this place,but there was already some shivering humans were making quick work of immediately running to them and opening the heavy sliding door. My, my. There was many, many humans this time. All shivering, teeth clattering, and rubbing their bodies to generate some desperate form of heat while gesturing for them to come inside. Yes come inside to this hellscape of a pretend heaven. He wouldn't even if the humans were greeting a "messenger spirit of their god delivering other spirits to serve him'. He wouldn't. The only way he'd go in there was if the Master commanded him and ONLY if the Master commanded him. Nothing more nothing less. 

"Where's Douma?," He asked one human who rubbed his arms.

"H-He is inside b-b-but we have been expecting y-y-your arrival f-from the spirit realm to bring more other worldly servants from the gods f-f-for our Master. W-Wont you please come in a-a-a-and join us to ce-celebrate your arrival?"

So Douma was still playing that facade of being a demigod instead of the monster he was. Douma was good pretending to be human and 'being able to communicate with spirits like him and Gods' . He used this ploy to get these poor humans to donate blood for the gods, the yearly Blood Ritual he called it. It made him sick to his stomach.

"No." It was a firm and blunt answer, and he would not wait out here any longer than he needed too. Not if Douma could come out any moment. The small boy was removed from his hold and into the arms of his mother once more. "You and I must part ways here. Your family will be taken cared of inside."

This  would be the last time he ever saw this family again as they were ushered away into the awaiting arms of the shivering humans who gladly herded the widow and children away from him. They weren't his responsibility anymore. His master's task had been completed. And he was now to go back to his original duties and be away from here immediately. He did feel terrible for allowing this family to be taken like this but it wasn't something he could fight against-

He froze. And not out of fear for the family or because of the hundreds of snowflakes being flung into his body by the wind like some icey attack from mother nature. It was because of a sudden looming and empty presence behind him. 

"Why Akaza-dono!" A 'happy' voice chirped before cold hands clapped to show his fake happiness. "My, my. You seem stiff from the cold. Perhaps you should join us?~ My cooks have made a delicious bear stew."

Veins bunched up immediately. A fist tightened. And eyes widened in rage. "Don't. Touch. Me ."

"I haven't done such things. Yu seem to be oh so cranky today."

"I only become that way around you." His head turned. "Douma."

He had an impressive stature. Almost two feet taller than himself. Beautiful platinum blonde hair encrusted with a ring of red gave the impression of sick royalty with that stupid hat on top his head. Eyes like a sickly hallucination of colors glistened dully at him. His whole body was sickly beautiful, but it was the equivalent of a beautiful snake ready to strike with it's venom once he tricked you with his superficial beauty and empty charms. He made him sick and yet there was an admittedly impressive power oozing out of him like syrup dripping. Thick, too thick, and sickly sweet. 

"Oh you remember me!" More of  that stupid annoying clapping and sickening smile. "It makes me so happy!"

"I'm leaving. You have what you need." 

"Oh I know, but when I heard you were coming I knew I couldn't just let my best friend leave without saying hi! It'd be so rude on my person."

"I'm. Not. Staying," he repeated firmly.

"Boo. You never want to." He pouted as if he had anything to worry about. "You're so mean to me,  Akaza!"

"Glad you know that." He had other things to worry about. "You reek of disappointment.''

Other things to worry about like his duties and ...The sudden vision of beautiful purple eyes popped into his mind and the softness of skin clinging to him so bravely-

BU-BUMP-

A hand of his immediately shot up to clutch the place over his heart. The red nails embedding themselves into the skin almost harsh enough to draw blood. He...he had someone to return back too. Someone who he...might actually enjoy seeing. Certainly more this maniac.

A loud gasp escaped the taller man next to him. "Akaza-dono was that your heart I heard just now!? So exciting! It sounds so lovely!"

Of course that idiot would hear it. "Fuck. Off. Douma."

BU-BUMP BU-BUMP BU-BUMP

It was hard to deny the feeling. Yes...He needed to get back to her. That good feeling.

"Hmm. This wouldn't have something to do with that human girl who proposed to you would it?~"

The only sounds that could be heard was the wind and the thousands of small splats the snowflakes made against their skin. 

"...How did you know that?"

He gave a smug smile. "I heard those little girls discussing it as my followers escorted them in. It seems they miss the stories she once read them as well. Hmm. A sweet little lotus.~"

"I'm. DONE. Here."

"Wha-"  A blur ran past him "AKAZA-DONO!!" The blue disappeared in a wake of snowflakes. "...Oh foo. He is no mean to me, my best friend. If he had waited a little longer.." A smile appeared as a golden fan splayed in front of his face. "I would've told him I offered Master a place for her to stay here...And that he was very tempted by my offer.~"

-ELSEWHERE-

Hurried footsteps accompanied by sobs and whimpers scuttled about. Home. He was almost home. Just a little more and he'd be safe. He was getting too old for this. It wasn't his fault. It wasn't his fault!! Closer and closer he went until he  did  get there. A giant wooden door to be in fact which creeked open upon pushing it and the warmth from within welcomed him into it's safety. 

"Father." A squeal sounded from the sudden young child's voice he whirled around too. His son..HIS SON!! Oh how joyous and wonderful it was to see a face concerned for him. "You haven't returned for a few days. I was worried about you. I almost left to start searching."

"Good son. Kind son. *Sniff* All of you have been has been so good to me."

"You're our father. I won't let anyone harm you."

"*Sniffle* Wh-Where are your brothers, Zohakuten?"

"Sekido and Urogi are out looking for you, as Karaku and Aizetsu are looking for a lost child from the  Spider Clan named Rui Master has interest in. I chose to stay behind I'm case you returned. It seems I made the correct call. Shall I tell them you are safely home?"

"*Sniff* Yes. Su-Su-Summon me your dear older brothers. I h-have found a gift for one of them?"

"Father?"

"I-I am an old man. It makes me so sad, so sad my sons will never find someone who feels the same way about me they do. But I have. Kind girl. Understanding girl. S-Summon them quickly."

**************************"*"******************************************************

Days passed since these experiments of his. Usually he'd be honored to watch the Master run blood tests over and over and over again. But after the third day it got a little boring not going to lie.

"Where did you get this sample of blood?"

"As I told you before many times now, Master. The hurt human Kyogai cares for."

"You are certain she was human? You were not such a fool to have accidentally mix up the blood samples?"

"As a person of scientific medical practice I promise you I didn't dare do such a disasterous thing. And she was as human as your own wife is."

"...When are you due to be back?"

"Oh about a week and three days at this point."

"...I have another task for you. You are to go immediately and collect another blood sample to compare to this one. You are to also administer a test. To check for demon in her veins."

"Master?"

"I will find out if Tamayo survived."

[bernkastel11]

𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

→ ⟦TW: Dark, NSFW, verbal abuse, Anthony is technically a warning, it's a very long story and chapter⟧

Before Anthony came, Roise had time to recollect everything that she has gotten suspicious of, she found out there are holes in it and she needed to fill the blanks

ᢰ Had Maryrose and Rosemary already broken the House's brainwashing on their own long before? ᢱ

→ ⟦𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝗈𝗅𝖾 𝖯𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗈𝗆 𝗈𝗋𝖽𝖾𝖺𝗅 𝗆𝗎𝗌𝗍'𝗏𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝗉𝗅𝖺𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇 𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗇𝖾𝗋𝗏𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝗂𝗍 the deeds, 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗌 𝗌𝗂𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝗀𝗂𝗇𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗁𝖾���𝗋𝗍 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝗇𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝖿𝗎𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝖻𝖾𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖧𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖺𝗍 𝖺𝗅𝗅⟧

⟬Roise can faintly feel a hint of despair and resentment from Maryrose in this ordeal, it did feel like she was trying to fatally strike the House till her last stand. They weren't really close so why is she thinking like this?⟭

‘ Maryrose you must have been in so much pain all this time right? ’

‘ I'm sorry I couldn't help you, there wasn't much I could've done. ’

ᢰ Then this leaves another question, was Christopher and Anthony the same case? ᢱ

→ ⟦𝖱𝗈𝗂𝗌𝖾 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝗍𝖺𝗎𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝗈𝗌𝗍 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾, 𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗎𝗌, 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝗍𝗋𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗌 𝖾𝗑𝗂𝗌𝗍. 𝖠𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖠𝗇𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗇𝗒 𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾, 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝗇𝗈 𝖼𝗁𝗈𝗂𝖼𝖾 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗈 𝖺𝖼𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗐.⟧

→ ⟦𝖨𝗍'𝗌 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝗅𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝖺𝗂𝗋, 𝖢𝗁𝗋𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗉𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖠𝗇𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗇𝗒, 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗒 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝖻𝗋𝖺𝗂𝗇𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈𝗀𝖾𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖬𝖺𝗋𝗒𝗋𝗈𝗌𝖾'𝗌 𝗉𝖺𝗂𝗋, 𝖢𝗁𝗋𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗉𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖬𝖺𝗋𝗒𝗋𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖼𝗅𝗈𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗌 𝗂𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗀𝗅𝗎𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈𝗀𝖾𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗋𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝖺𝗋𝗆𝗌.⟧

→ ⟦𝖲𝗈 𝖢𝗁𝗋𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗉𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗆𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍'𝗏𝖾 𝗀𝗈𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝗋𝖺𝗂𝗇𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝖿 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖣𝗈𝗅𝗅 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝗎𝗉, 𝖺𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖻𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖣𝗈𝗅𝗅'𝗌 𝖻𝗋𝖺𝗂𝗇𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝗆𝗈𝗌𝗍 𝖼𝖾𝗋𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗈 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗋𝗂𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖲𝗁𝖺𝖽𝗈𝗐'𝗌 𝖻𝗋𝖺𝗂𝗇𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗌𝗂𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝖣𝗈𝗅𝗅𝗌 𝗂𝗇𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝖲𝗁𝖺𝖽𝗈𝗐𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖲𝗉𝖾𝖼𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝖢𝗈𝖿𝖿𝖾𝖾.⟧

⟬Roise know, Christopher....things had seem to change drastically after you're gone, especially now that your Doll is still here, he can be up to dubious acts or who-knows-what.⟭

‘ Would things change if you're still here, Christopher? ’

‘ Yes, maybe things would be different if you're still here, Christopher. There are still those who do believe you're still here, even though I know you're no longer here. ’

Now that she had enough of thinking on the Past, let's focus on the present. She knew someone would arrive here......

.......And she was right

Right now, in front of her is the missing, suspicious Anthony, the Living Doll of Christopher, who has been missing for a long time

At this moment, he's kneeling before Roise with his head low as if he's the lowly, loyal servant of Roise, a noble mistress

There was hostility from Roise when Anthony arrived but now there's only silence

Roise took a few seconds to take in the sight in front of her. Then her eyelids squeezed together and she let out a small laugh: "Haha!"

What ludicrous yet judicious farce is this?! Anthony acting like a loyal servant? Oh that is worse than Roise sees him normally

Anthony was a bit surprised that Lady Roise laughed, even though she never once laughed near him, she was looking at him like she was about rip him to shreds just moments ago

To be true, he never heard her laugh like this. So it feels special somehow for Anthony, it's a rare thing to him to witness since she barely cracked a smile to him before

"Is there something funny about me, Lady Roise?": Anthony asked, a bit curious

"Yes, you are giving me this loyal servant act, it's outright comical": Roise replied, a small tear even fell down from her eye from how hilarious she found Anthony in this act

After a small fit of laughter, Roise immediately reverted back to her cruel, serious state

"Now then, I'll pull all the answers I can take from you, Rat. You better be prepared, I'm not so soft as to not force anyone when needed, especially you": Roise threatened him, honestly she didn't even like him being near her, much less being in her room

"Gladly I'll answer all of your questions to the fullest of my capability": Anthony complied obediently

"Oh my, how obedient you are. But Roise know you're just a deceiving man full of ulterior motives. Roise can only see not so much honesty from you. You're not Christopher~"

Roise made a cruel, honest comment at Anthony, he didn't mind it. He knows Lady Roise finds him bothersome

To be honest, Anthony had always found Lady Roise to be enticing and enthralling, it's not simply because she can read between the lines and figure things out that others can't

It's because she knows and understands his true self

Anthony wants to explore Roise more, he wants to see her for who she truly is

"......"

Roise uncrossed her legs and lifted her feet under Anthony's bowed head to push his chin up so Roise could see his face

Roise can see more clearly now, Anthony is no longer a boy, he's already a Man, he's still young but she can see the maturity on his face and he has aged after years ever since Roise was a newly unified Adult

"I can see that you're older now, Anthony": A teasing, playful smirk appears on Roise's lips, it draws Anthony's attention

Anthony was a bit shocked though, is the hateful Lady Roise being observant and notice how older he is now compared to their time in the Children's Building before?

Well it's no surprise really, Lady Roise is just that meticulous, she picks up details most can't, she did figure him out after all

It felt as if she was flirting with him though

Anthony gave her a joyous smile as he took her soft feet and pressed it against his cheek: "I'm glad you noticed, Lady Roise"

Roise can't seem to know what's behind that smile, but she can feel its deviousness, she hates that smile

Rose pulled back her feet in immediate disgust. Anthony noticed he had displeased her yet again

"Lady Roise......"

"Just call me Roise, seeing and hearing you address me Lady makes me feel abhorrent"

"Yes, Roise"

‘ She even let me call her name without an honorific, we must be closing our distance ’

"Now then tell me, were you the accomplice of Maryrose in the recent Phantom Incident?": Roise asked seriously

"This feels like you need confirmation to the answers you have, Roise": Anthony said, Roise knew he would say that, it's obvious, this man's wittiness isn't easy, if only he has a better morale

"To answer your question, yes I was the one who helped Maryrose with those endeavors, including putting soot underneath the Hall of Glory" Anthony answered her question just as asked

"I see that explained why Maryrose was able to summon a Phantom for her last attack against the House": Roise said, making sense of what she knew of that incident and filled the blanks

"Of course, I already know that she used soot prepared from under the Hall of Glory, the big question was who was the accomplice after all": Roise said whimsically, almost jokingly as if this is all just a game to her

"Then, what's the reason you invited me here?": Anthony asked, he felt as if she has been spinning him around in circle

"Invited you? What gives you that idea? I never invited you here, that was just to see if you're still alive. I never invited you here but I suppose you saw it as a sign to come to my room after you saw my Soot Rose."

"I had a hunch you would come to my room after seeing the Rose": Roise said, she sounded jokingly but she was very true now in this moment.

"I must compliment you on how smart you are, after all since I wanted to pull you out from whatever small corner you're in" Roise praised him, but it was more like a mockery

She had anticipated everything since the beginning. The fact that Anthony came to her had already confirmed that "everything".

"........"

"Oh my did that upset you, Anthony?": Roise asked, to be fair, she doesn't care if it upsets him or that she's being offensive here, rather if he's upset, she would be delighted

And as expected, Anthony just smiled kindly at her: "How can I be upset at you, Roise? The fact that you wanted to see me is enough, you unlocked the door cause you knew I was coming, that's enough"

Roise just rolled her eyes, that smile is just another one of his masks, she just can't with this man, they understand eachother but can never find a common ground. That's what Roise hates about Anthony, he's so dislikable, he's never clear about anything

Roise started talking again: "There's another thing on my mind, Anthony"

"It's very clear you're no longer brainwashed, ever since we were Children. That is settled for me, but there's one thing I can't understand"

"What happened on the Day of Christopher's Unification? How did you survive and escape from the Chamber of Unification?"

Although Roise can analyze and investigate well, her insightful ability can go so far, so she cannot be sure how he got out of that impenetrable Chamber

Anthony looked down at the floor, he stayed quiet, he stayed quiet like that for a few minutes

Roise eventually just got bored and let out a tired sigh, no closure this time again, even from someone who was directly in that incident

Roise got up and walked to Anthony's place on the floor, now she stood down to his level

"You don't want to tell me that story, fine. Don't say it, I didn't expect you to tell me the truth, out of everyone I'm not the most likely to be told what happened from you"

Roise gently cupped his cheek, only to see his smiling face at her again as he pressed his cheek against her palm: " Thank you for being considerate, Roise. But now it's not the right time to tell the truth of that Day to you"

It's a rather suspicious smile, Anthony

' Hah '

' What did I expect? Of Course, he's holding that from me! This man is full of tricks! '

" Oh Anthony....": Roise started, she began to squeeze Anthony's cheek with more strength

"You're always such a despicable man"

"You know me so well~"

Roise took off her hand from Anthony's cheek and stood up: "Stand up, I don't like you kneeling on the floor like this, it's not good for your legs"

Anthony did as he was told

Looking at this, reminds Roise of something

"Why did you kneel like that, Anthony?"

"I'm in front of the great 3rd Floor Shadow Lady Roise, I'm merely a rankless Veiled Doll, a nobody, a tool in this House. So of course I have to lower my inferior self before you, my superior lady"

Anthony answered, a courteous, compliant answer, it doesn't sound sincere, it sounds rather pretentious and snide to Roise. What fool does he think he's playing with here?

"Stop with the acts, Anthony. I'm tired of such trifling things" Roise complained, she hates such pretense, they're annoying when they're so obvious

"Oh but I was being honest, I didn't say anything wrong according to the Shadows House didn't I?"

" 'Wrong according to the Shadows House' ?!"

" Your existence is what's wrong according to the Shadows House" Roise retaliated, to her out of everyone, he's the one with no right to say what's wrong according to the Shadows House

Now that Anthony was standing in front of her, Roise noticed more clearly how taller he had gotten compared to before, he's slightly taller than her. "You've grown in height" Roise said obviously, no surprise there

"Oh you noticed that too. Well it had been a long time before we met again now" Anthony said, he's quite glad she was attentive to how he looks now compared to before

"Now that I think about it, don't you think it's rather funny how we seem to have changed in status as well?" Roise said amusedly

"After all, before you were the Doll of the Great Christopher, a Star Bearer and Roise was merely a normal shadow with no high rank, I mean I was a senior and I was a Team Leader for a time. But I was, in a way, pale in comparison to you" Roise told him, in a collected, bold and sharp manner

"I know" Anthony simply replied

Roise started to speak bitterly of her long buried frustration:

"You knew, yet you still acted casual to me? You most definitely knew of the liabilities of just talking to me.....an unaccompanied Shadow and you......an unaccompanied Doll.....in a secret obscure place.....You must have thought of the consequences it can bring if it's exposed right?"

"You knew I could've just told Christopher or anyone else. You knew that I could've gotten the worse consequences and risked a disposal. You could've gotten free of any faults because you have a Star Bearer Shadow to back you up while there was literally nothing I can say of my own defense"

"Despite all of that you knew, you still acted the way you did": Roise said, her blood boiled, she was really angry at Anthony, she can feel knives are stabbing her heart as she said these words in bitterness

" 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒕, 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒚"

"As expected of the wise, amazing Roise, you're truly impressive to me, you rarely stand out back then, but I can tell you were a beautiful Rose amidst wildflowers. That's why I was motivated to meet you, I trusted you not to spill my secret, no, our secrets"

"Isn't this meeting right now the same as we did before? Except this time, you took the initiative to seek me out. A secret meeting, between us two": Anthony said, impressed at how she can recount and explain things so clearly that already happened long before

"You never cease to impress me, Roise. This is why you are always my best interest"

‘ Impressive? His best interest? Hah he thinks I'm trying to impress him, am I a pet to entertain you? No, it doesn't matter what you think. As expected of you, Anthony ’

Roise widened her eyes slightly:

‘ Our secret? There's not really an "our" or "we" Anthony, don't put me in the same sentence as you, I don't like it. We're different ’

Anthony, you and I, at the end of the day, we're just Caged Pets for this deceitful House, I can clearly see why you're so full of deceit, we were victims, but we're not that any longer, we've conformed and changed ourselves to this House in order to get what we want and to survive

" We've changed now, but......."

Anthony, you're a Caged Pet that won't sit still and just watch as this House does as it desires, you want to break out and to have this House for your selfish desires. I can't see you did anything like this for any other reasons

Anthony, you're a Caged Pet, fighting to break out of this Cage the Shadows House put you in, a Beast lies in wait in the Shadow

Power is truly the best Seduction, it makes men into Beasts of Evil and it can cause the most righteous ones into doing the most abhorrent of acts

" Perhaps you're changed now, but you're still the selfish Anthony I know "

Deep in Roise's disturbed mind right now, she simply has a thought of this whole ordeal with Anthony:

" How utterly Ridiculous "

Now, Roise started talking again. This time she will be honest to him about another thing in her mind

"I have always had this issue, Anthony"

"What is it, Roise?"

"I tried to see you and Christopher as the same person before, after all you were his Face. But I can't seem to do so, You're Anthony and the Shadow is Christopher"

"You couldn't see us as one and the same?"

"Yes "

“ Somehow it makes me feel euphoric that she sees me as myself and not as the physical face of Christopher ”

Anthony's earlobe turned red for a moment, which didn't go unnoticed by Roise. Roise smiles inside, the body is much more honest than words

"Anthony, I can ask you a similar question too"

"Huh?"

"When I'm using this face.....": Roise held her face with her hand

".....Is it Rosie that you see ?": Roise asked, she's curious

Roise's face and body began to be covered in soot: "When I'm in this form, is it Roise that you see ?"

" Which of the two is Roise to you? "

Anthony didn't even hesitate to answer:

" No matter what form you have, you will always be Roise to me "

So hilarious, ridiculous...............

I hate you...............

Roise should be glad Anthony can tell she's herself no matter what form she takes, but she can't help but feel hatred against him

Roise is just that obstinate, she supposes......

Roise turned into her human face as she began to talk again, she seemed pleased with Anthony's honest, unhesitant answer

"Do you know what Roise want for you to come here, Anthony?" Roise said coyly, as she closed the distance between them, her face is merely inches away from him

"I don't know, Roise....."

Anthony somehow felt nervous? It's not like her to be shy and close like this to him, he can even feel a bit of intimacy in the air. It's also not like him to be nervous

Roise smirked as she slowly untied the robe he was wearing. The robe fell down to the floor, Roise can see the Veiled Doll's uniform he's wearing underneath now

Roise casually put her palm on the Man's chest, she could feel the lightly soft fabric on her skin, it's not actually bad to wear, of course it's not as good as the high quality silk of the Shadows but it's still of a decent feel for working

"I'm always curious as to how the Veiled Dolls' uniforms feel to the touch. I'm only responsible for the majority of the Shadows' clothing anyway, so I'm not required for the comfort of Veiled Dolls"

Roise peeked up at Anthony to see his expression, he looked composed but she could see the light blush on his earlobe

Roise smirked, that isn't enough to show her what he's truly feeling

"Your clothes seem quite disheveled, here let me fix it for you"

"Oh? If you would so kindly, thank you, Roise"

Roise slowly touched the fabric on his chest and helped him straighten out slight wrinkles on the surface, as she did so, her hand picked up a sensation, the feels of a heart beating fast

Anthony, you are still human after all. Even if you see Roise as a useful tool at your disposal and the Shadows House has corrupted you, you're born a human

And Roise knows well, that although she isn't a Human, she had learned to understand their emotions. The most sickening, ridiculous emotion a Human can have, it makes you go crazy, it breeds chaos

It's so vile that it makes even the greatest heroes fall to their knees and if discovered by someone devious, it can fatally kill you

Roise knows it better than anyone else

It is 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Roise took off her hands and moved her palms to hold both sides of Anthony's head as she smiled knowingly and mischievously at Anthony, her eyes devled deep into his, as if she's looking right through his soul

"Back to my previous question. Do you know what I truly want from you, Anthony?"

Anthony is unsure, but it's very tempting to hear her answer: "What is it?"

Roise just smiled

"𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭"

~To be continued~

[dorylinae-supremacy]

💀 Necromancer AU 💀

Wooo I'm home finally time to post my snippet!

Uhhh AU I've posted vaguely about before but its basically Phil being a delulu necromancer who thinks of himself as an artist and ends up accidentally making himself a son (or three) as he decides to explore a new 'era of art.'

Tags: Dark Phil, darker than usual so heads up, explicit gore, i mean its a necromancer au, idk what you expect, dead boar, graphic description of corpses / rot, grubs / insects, ~584 words, you get the vibes as you read.

Phil liked to think of himself as an artist.

Really, if you thought about it, that's what he was. He took what was discarded by others and turned them into wonders of art that few could even begin to imagine.

Sure, sometimes his artworks liked to rebel. Some parts simply rejected their other parts and forced him to find new materials that would actually be able to fit but that's what made it fun. It kept him thinking.

No piece of art was ever truly done, sometimes one might get a bit too reckless and a part might fall off. Luckily as a witch he was able to fix such minor mistakes. He was able to toy with the very material of reality and he could turn it into the most beautiful of pieces.

That's what led him here, he was desperate for a new piece to work on. All others had slowly lost their shine, no longer filling him with satisfaction every time he looked at them. Now he looked at his old works and only saw mistakes, things he could've done better if given the chance. He didn't bother recycling them; the parts felt tainted and useless.

This work would be a brand new start. A clean slate for him to test all his skills on. Luckily there was a market for his discarded pieces, people looking to snatch up whatever shit he decided he didn't want anymore. It'd be pathetic if they weren't giving him such good money for it.

Or maybe that made it even worse? He was never sure. It wasn’t like he cared enough to, after all. They gave him money and he gave them crap. It worked out wonderfully in his favour.

Tonight he was following a path through the woods that led him to his harvesting grounds, a scrapyard that had unwittingly become the source for his most recent materials. The pieces he was able to find always had some knack about them, a quirk that told a story. It made wonderful fuel for his imagination.

He surveyed the ground, sending out little magic tendrils to feel for the telltale spark of opportunity. He always allowed his magic to guide him in his artistic pursuits, the mana that fuelled his veins had amazing taste in scraps.

He shifted the grip on his shovel as he made his way to the first blip, eagerly cracking open the earth below him. A couple minutes of digging and he was soon rewarded for his effort.

In the shallow grave sat a boar, bloated and rotting. Flies and whatever other insects had already gotten to it, maggots working their way out of where they were laid. The stench of death wafted with the disturbed soil but he didn’t let that bother him. 

It felt almost welcoming, something so familiar about it bringing him a warm comfort.

There was no doubt that livor mortis had already set in for this cadaver, the fur wet and sticky against his hands as he hefted it out of its pit. Eagerly, he brushed away the squirming grubs from their feeding grounds in favour of inspecting the corpse a bit more.

Some of the insects were clearly still inside, skin writhing when muscles have long gone still. It would do well for a new piece of art. The little skin that he could see was a deep purple in colour, confirming his suspicions of blood pooling.

That wouldn’t do, though.

It wouldn’t do at all.

[raiiryuu]

It was still hard to believe, even after a few days' time to adjust.

They'd been gone for seven years. For almost a decade, time had gone on without them, people had lived on without knowing what'd happened to their friends, their families.

Some had even made new families, in their absence.

"Mira!" The high, chipper voice belonged to Asuka, daughter of Alzack and Bisca. Though Laxus had been unaware of it at the time, apparently the two had been tentatively getting closer just before the Battle of Fairy Tail. One of them must have acted on it in the time they'd been gone, resulting in a marriage and more. Good for them. He idly watched the little girl climb up onto the bar with help from Mirajane, pushing two empty glasses together to clink them as if in a toast. The guild members closest to her laughed as she called out toasts to each of them, continuing to slide the glasses back and forth as if serving them imaginary drinks alongside.

He let his attention wander, content to stay on the sidelines instead of being in the middle of all the noise. He hadn't forgotten just what he'd caused the girl's parents back then, either. He didn't know specifics, but he had heard she'd fared worse than just turning to stone briefly. He'd have to make it a point to at least apologize, later if she'd even accept it.

It took him a few moments to pick up on the shift in tone nearby, cheerful turning to concerned as a slight hush fell over the group. He caught movement in the corner of his eye and turned, half-expecting someone to have been running interference between the kid and himself, but --

"....?"

He ended up freezing in place, blinking once, as he turned to feel a small hand plant itself across the scar on his face, brown eyes huge with concern as she stared up at him.

"Big scar! Did that hurt??"

You could've heard a pin drop at this point, all eyes on the two of them, and he supposed he understood why. Someone even mentioning his scar years ago would've gotten them fried, much less touching it, and it'd been far longer for them than it had him since he'd acted like that. It didn't stop a slight twinge at the mention of it, but it wasn't like she knew any better yet.

"...yeah. Ain't pretty either, huh?" A brow arched at the question, but his tone and expression were good-natured. He caught a few sighs of relief at the edge of his hearing as he gently lifted a hand, and Asuka let him move hers away from his face without complaint.

"You got pretty eyes, though! It's okay!"

Wait, what.

He was left in stunned silence as Asuka gave one last pat to his shoulder before turning and making her way back over to Mirajane, the rest of the guild seeming to release a collectively held breath in a smattering of chuckles or quiet comments they probably thought he couldn't hear. Bixlow's totems, of course, picked up on this, one or two hovering near him with little echoes of pretty eyes! pretty eyes! as he glared daggers at their keeper.

He wasn't going to live this down anytime soon, was he...?