#this thing showed no mercy and fought me all the way through :)

[this-world-of-beautiful-monsters]

drives me glass-eating batshit how Claudia and Amadeo were both teenagers rescued (or "rescued") from violently traumatic situations and taken in by paternal gentlemen vampires who taught them about the world and kept them safe and spoiled them rotten and loved them so so so much in profoundly unhealthy and dehumanizing ways. Claudia and Arun both entering the vampiric world as blank slates (like Claudia remembers her pre-turning past but we only get the barest details, it's hardly ever mentioned) and a wash of divinity, angel imagery and merciful gods. then as Claudia and Amadeo grew they started to pick up on the things that were off in their world and display aggressive behavior (Claudia's killing spree and Amadeo's The Shining moment, etc.) only to be physically punished for it. and then they experience the brutalities of life outside their maker's protection (Claudia under the floorboards and Armand under Rome) except she's able to come back home hardened and confront the realities of what's been done to her while Armand never gets that chance, he's stuck with the Children of Darkness, he's stuck deifying Marius, he's stuck clinging to ritual and tradition and all the things Claudia defies like breathing.

and then they finally cross paths and they're inverted mirrors of each other, Claudia the grown woman desperate to escape her teenager's body and Armand the grown man who wants to be loved and precocious and fascinating like he was as a teenager. Claudia being able to effortlessly pull off the veneer of innocence that Armand has to work so hard to maintain and she's not even grateful for it. she's got the youth he wants, she's got Louis's love, she's more free than Armand has ever been, she fought back against her Maker and got away with it, it's not Fair, it isn't right. so Armand punishes her with it, subjects her to the same cycle of objectification and dehumanization and violence that Amadeo went through (because it could be Worse right, he could be Donating her right). and when that's not enough to make up for everything he's missing he fucking kills her in an elaborate show just like she killed Lestat with the elaborate show that was Mardi Gras, only his writings recording the process damn him just like her writings damn her, their need to leave some mark of themselves above all else consuming everything.

and after killing her Armand spends years dragging around with a Louis who hates him just like Louis dragged around with a Claudia who hated him. he's the good nurse for Louis the way Claudia was and he competes with Lestat's ghost the way she did and he watches a fragile life with flowers growing from dead things all come crashing down in ash and dust like she did, all because of what he did to her. and at the end of the day they're both fucked-up kids whose most commonly used last names stem from the fathers who fucked them up and they could have lived each other's lives and in some ways they almost did.

[chris-prank]

Doctor Seraph kidnaps hero reader for good -

Oneshot 

Villain sidekick yandere x GN hero reader

Warning: slight NSFW allusion, kidnapping, creepy behavior and forced proximity

(This is a work of fiction for entertainment purposes only, I do not support yandere behaviors in real life)

You opened your eyes, only to be met with darkness. Your figure was the only thing lit in the room. You could feel the restraint around your wrists and legs. They weren’t hurting you, but they were still tight enough to prevent you from moving. Then in the silence, broken up by your own breathing, a soft voice rose from the pitch black in front of you. 

“I hope your head doesn’t hurt too much…”

The hidden figure partially walked into the light, presenting you with someone that definitely didn’t look like a criminal. He was wearing a white knitted cardigan with gold embroideries on the sleeves and a black t-shirt under it. The reflection of the light in his glasses prevented you from seeing his eyes. It took you a good second to recognize him, but the situation in which you had found yourself gave you no doubt. The sound of his voice paired with his crazy curly hair tied back into a ponytail was all too familiar.

“Doctor… Seraph?” You tentatively asked. 

He smiled sheepishly and fully walked into your view, his feet almost touching yours from how close you two were now. 

“I’m flattered th-that you recognized me so quickly.” 

“What’s up with the civilian clothes? Is this some kind of off day kidnapping?” 

“What? Oh heavens no! I just thought it was best to show you my identity… to make it fairer for you.”

“Fairer?”

It took a moment for your brain to register what he meant, but that’s when you realize the lack of fabric around your eyes. You weren’t wearing your mask. Your stomach dropped. You were already imagining disaster scenarios where your family and friends would now be at the mercy of all the criminals you fought over the years.

“I didn’t even tell you my real name! What an inconsiderate host I am.” He gave himself a face palm, “you can call me Vincent.”

“Why… Why are you telling me all this? What do you gain from this?” You couldn’t hold back the tears anymore, “is this some sick mind game before telling everyone who I am?”

You didn’t care to be hurt, to be kidnapped or tortured as long as your friends and relatives stayed safe. 

“Sharing your secret identity!? Never!” He sounded genuinely surprised, “it wouldn’t be really nice of me to do that to the person I love, don't you think?”

He got closer to wipe away the tears from your cheeks and excused himself for the misunderstanding he had caused. You tried to recoil from his touch all the while giving him a pure look of confusion at this sudden confession. 

“Don’t worry, I k-know that you feel the same way! You always were so gentle and kind to me compared to… the others.” He stuck his tongue out as if he was just reminded of the taste of spoiled milk, “But let’s forget about everyone else, we have each other now.”

He got on his knees as he said the last part and rested his head on your laps. He made a sound scarily similar to a moan while rubbing his cheek against the fabric. He stared up at you through his glasses and gave you a loving smile, but it quickly turned into an awkward one when he realized you couldn’t pet his head.

“Sorry about the restraints… I just can’t have you escape.” 

You didn’t respond. You didn’t know what to do or say. He took your silence as something positive, since he straddled himself onto your lap and nuzzled his head into your neck. His warm breath grazing your skin was overwhelming all of your senses. 

“You’re the first person to make me feel loved in such a long time.” He whispered with deep longing.

You could feel your heartbeat all the way into your throat, making you nauseous. You were attracted to him, no need to deny that, but this was going way too fast. That’s when it clicked in your brain.

“I don’t want to be with a criminal.”

He leaned back to look you in the eyes, shocked by your statement. 

“W-what?”

“I don't want us to be together if you’re still a supervillain.” You repeated confidently. 

“So…if I reform we can be a couple?”

“Yes!”

It was cliche, but you subtly crossed your fingers, hoping that it would be a good enough compromise for him. Vincent frowned, thinking about it for a good minute. 

“B-but they’ll put me in prison… and I-I won't be able to be with you–” He got agitated, as if the simple idea of being apart from you was a punishment in itself.

“Don't worry! You’ve never been as bad as your boss, people will surely accept you with open arms.” You swiftly added, “and if not, I’ll say that you’re under my charge.”

He stared at you with dilated pupils and a heavy breath. 

“You promise…That you will defend me from them?”

As soon as you nodded he went back to nuzzling his head into your neck and pushed his body closer to yours. You could feel something oddly hard poking at your stomach. 

“I knew you r-really cared about me.” He whispered. 

After a few minutes of silence, only being broken by small happy noises he let out during this forced cuddle session, you spoke up. 

“Can you untie me? It would be nicer if I could embrace you back, don’t you think?” You forced yourself to sound casual despite the amount of stress you were under. 

Vincent chuckled in response, causing goosebumps to sprang over your arms. He reacted as if you just asked a silly question. 

“I can’t do that…I know you truly love me, but I-I also know that there’s still a part of you… that wants to escape and stop me.” He shook his head. “You just can’t help it, my little hero.” 

You forced yourself to make an understanding smile. 

This was going to be a long ride. 

[amazingmsme]

Ruthlessness in Other Ways

AN: day 14, the day we’ve all been waiting for!!! I wanna give a huge thanks to 😈 anon for helping with the title, it couldn’t be more perfect! Poseidon really puts Odysseus through the wringer with this one! I let myself get mean with it, lol. Took a lot of inspiration from the manwhore au, so that explains the sexual tension. Slight warnings in the beginning for mild violence & descriptions of drowning. Other than that, there’s nothing you need to look out for. Hope y’all enjoy, this one was super fun & flustering! Sorry this was later than I planned, I’ve been super busy!

Odysseus was thrown into the water from the force of the lightning bolt, and he plunged deep below the surface with splinters and debris from his ship. He sank deeper and deeper until Odysseus regained consciousness. He opened his eyes and gasped for air, gulping in sea water. He  desperately tried to preserve what air remained in his lungs. He frantically swam towards the surface, but felt himself sinking further. He was caught in a rip current, and he was yanked further below the waves.

His lungs ached, his vision was fading, he was starting to panic as he fought to get to the surface. His head was throbbing, ears popping, lungs about to burst, and finally, they filled with water.

The last thing he saw was a dark shadow swimming towards him. It can't end like this...

~~~

Odysseus awoke with a splitting headache, but he had no time to take in his surroundings before he was coughing up sea water. He wretched and gasped for breath, only then realizing he could only lean forward so far. He felt stone pressed against his back, his arms chained to the wall.

"That's it, hack it up," a cold voice spoke from behind, slapping an even colder hand on his back. Odysseus went stiff, eyes shooting wide open.

"No..."

A deep, sly chuckle sounded too close to his ear for comfort.

"Hello again."

Poseidon grabbed a fistful of his hair, yanking his head back to look him in the eye. He smiled at the pained hiss that escaped his victim, relishing in the fear etched on his face.

"Poseidon! I-" he was cut off with a sharp slap across the face.

"I'm not interested in conversation. I'd much rather make you beg for mercy," he growled, grabbing Odysseus by the jaw.

"Really? I thought mercy wasn't exactly your thing," Odysseus tried to remain defiant and cocky, refusing to give the God what he wants. He should've known better.

"I never said I'd show you any," he sneered, allowing himself to get closer. He grazed his claws over his throat as he let go of his jaw, brushing off the shudder and twitch as fear. What else would it be?

"Please, if this is about your son-"

"You think I still care about that?" Poseidon let out a low, snide chuckle. 

"What?"

"I just don't like you, Odysseus. And your suffering is just so fun to watch," he spoke casually, but wore a downright sinister grin. He pressed his trident against his chest, not enough to pierce his skin, but the threat was there. He drug the weapon down his body ever so slowly, slightly digging into the soft flesh.

He jerked back with a gasp, sucking in his stomach as he turned away, closing his eyes for good measure. Poseidon yanked him around by the hair once more.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you," he ordered. Odysseus forced his eyes open, meeting the God's piercing gaze. His eyes were full of fear and uncertainty, yet he had the gall to smile at him.

He gripped his hair tighter, pulling at the roots until he heard him yelp in pain.

"Wanna tell me what's so funny?" he asked in a low, threatening tone. Odysseus shook his head frantically.

"N-nothing!" he stammered, pressing himself against the wall of the cave.

"Then wipe that fucking smirk off your face before I slap it off," he threatened. Before Odysseus had the chance to answer, a swift backhand was delivered to his cheek. He could swear the webbing between his fingers made it sting even more.

"It would be so easy to just split you open," Poseidon mused, drawing a line down the center of his belly with the blunt tips of the trident. He really needed to learn how to sharpen his weapons better, because all Odysseus could focus on was how bad it tickled.

"Just get on with it then," Odysseus sighed, admitting defeat, squirming against the wall. Regardless of how blunt it was, it was still sharp enough to get the job done.

"No. You don't get the peace of a quick death," Poseidon said, pulling the trident back.

"Lucky me," he mumbled to himself. Poseidon sneered and lurched forward, metal clanging on the ground as he tossed the weapon aside. He slammed Odysseus against the wall, one hand gripping the base of his jaw while the other held him back by the shoulder.

"What was that?" he growled in his ear, warm breath ghosting over his skin. Odysseus gasped and tried to twist away, scrunching his neck. Poseidon's thumb rested on the edge of his armpit from where he gripped his shoulder.

Odysseus bit his lip and tried to turn away, but the hand on his jaw didn't allow it. His eyes were squeezed shut, and his breath came out in quick huffs through his nose. His arms were straining at their restraints as he tried to lean away, but... not in the way Poseidon expected.

He studied his expression, ready to scold him once more, until he noticed where his hand was.

Oh. Ooooh.

He looked back at his captive, a sadistic smile stretching across his face. He moved his hand down, raking his claws over his ribs, noticing the way Odysseus struggled to mask his reactions and pass off his smile as a pained grimace.

Things just got a lot more interesting.

Odysseus felt a chill run up his spine when he heard a slow, deep chuckle.

"Oh this is rich," he heard him say, and the hand around his throat forced him to look up. There was a sick, gleeful kind of curiosity shining in the God's eyes that hadn't been there before.

"What do you want from me?" he managed to ask. Poseidon only smirked.

"At first, I thought I wanted to hurt you. I had every intention of killing you slowly and leaving you to drown. But now, I'm second guessing myself," he said, leaning into the captain's personal space. Odysseus tried to lean away as much as he could.

"W-why the change of heart?"

Poseidon laughed, a contorted, garbled sound. "Humiliation is a far better punishment for you. Wouldn't you agree?"

"What?" Odysseus shook his head, brows knit together in confusion. No. There was no way he meant that.

"Tell me, king of Ithica. You wouldn't happen to be ticklish, would you?" he asked, curling his fingers ever so slightly so they dug into his ribs.

Odysseus choked on a gasp, jerking away from the touch as a blush quickly spread across his cheeks.

"And don't lie to a God," Poseidon added. He relished in the mix of fear, confusion and embarrassment on his face as he shook his head.

"Don't, please! Why that?" Odysseus stammered, pressing himself against the wall and staring him up and down. He barked out a quick laugh when both hands grabbed his ribcage before clamping his mouth shut to prevent anymore unwanted sounds from escaping.

"Because someone needs to break that fragile little ego of yours, and I look forward to watching you scream and writhe," he taunted as he began tapping his fingers against his ribs.

His breath hitched in his chest, and he instinctively twitched away. Poseidon smirked and scratched between each bone with sharp claws, and the first muffled giggles started to slip out. Odysseus tried to hold in his laughter as long as he could, but it was a futile effort.

"Trying to tough it out? Go ahead, it just makes it all the more fun when you finally break." Poseidon raked his claws up and down his ribs relentlessly, pausing to trace and scratch the spaces in between. Odysseus yelped, twisting side to side in his bonds. His breath was labored from the effort it took to maintain composure, and he had to bite down on his lip to stop the giggles from spilling out. Poseidon wrapped both hands around his entire ribcage and dug in with vibrating claws. The reaction was instant.

Odysseus finally cracked with a snort, releasing all the laughter that had been trapped in his chest. It was a rich, full sound, rare to those even among his inner circle, but now it took on a more desperate tone. He leaned away as far as the chains would allow, twisting uselessly.

"Really? That's all it took? I was honestly hoping you'd struggle a little longer," he teased in a purring, almost sultry tone. "But you mortals are so fragile, so sensitive," he slowly walked his fingers up his torso like they were climbing stairs. Odysseus shook his head as breathless giggles poured freely. "So easy to break."

Poseidon's hands jumped up to drill in his exposed hollows, kneading the muscles and scratching delicate skin. He threw his head back, cackling loudly as he desperately yanked on his arms.

"NOHOHO! J-just gohoho bahack to hitting mehehe!" Odysseus bargained, trying to appeal to his violent nature. Poseidon hummed in thought.

"I don't think so. Pain is an old friend of yours, isn't she? You've come to expect it around every turn. At some point, pain stops being effective at getting the point across," his voice was cold and emotionless, yet the sadistic glimmer in his eyes was proof that he was enjoying every second of this. He rubbed circles with his thumbs in the center of his underarms, sending Odysseus into wild hysterics. The chains rattled as he thrashed around, tugging on his arms with all the strength he had. His mouth hung open in a wide smile, nose scrunching as he snorted. His laughter was loud and deep, with a beautifully frantic undertone.

"But I doubt you were expecting this," to emphasize his point, he scratched up and down his exposed hollows, lightening his touch ever so slightly, but compensating by speeding up. Odysseus threw his head back with a giggly shriek, arching his back and jerking away.

"Confusion and utter humiliation are rather powerful tools of persuasion, wouldn't you agree?" he purred in his ear, making Odysseus squeal and scrunch his neck. Poseidon chuckled at the sound, reaching a hand up to flutter under his chin.

"N-nohoho!" Odysseus giggled and shook his head, slamming his chin down for protection. Poseidon smirked and cocked his head.

"Oh? You don't agree?" he asked as he began tracing up and down the length of his arms, from his pits all the way to his wrists. He watched the way Odysseus giggled and twitched as he lightly grazed the skin. His arms shook, muscles flexing as gentle fingers passed over. "It's not eating you alive that I'm doing this to you? That you're crumbling at the hands of a God, able to do nothing but laugh and scream? Your thoughts aren't racing, wondering why I'm not ripping you to shreds?" he taunted directly in his ear, lips ghosting over the skin.

Odysseus hated how true his words were. He clenched his jaw and growled through his laughter, "Shut uhup! Just shuhut uhuhup!"

"You think you're in any position to make demands of a God?" Poseidon questioned, and even his breath tickled.

"NO! Nohoho, I wahasn't-" he cut himself off with a scream that morphed into helpless laughter when the hands moved down to knead at his belly and sides. He twisted side to side, trying to hide his face behind a restrained arm. His hair was a mess, wet and matted to his forehead. Rosy cheeks were carved with dimples, and crows feet wrinkled at the corners of his eyes. He almost looked cute, in an endearing, pathetic sort of way.

"Let me make one thing clear: I'm in control," he taunted, gripping Odysseus by the hips roughly. He yelped and instinctively bucked his hips to get away, snorting and doubling over as much as he could when he gave another squeeze.

Poseidon arched a brow and smirked down at him. "What's wrong, did I find a bad spot?" he taunted, squeezing up his sides and drilling his thumbs in the divots of his hips.

"Nohoho plehease!" he shrieked and writhed in his binding, unable to escape the relentless touch.

"What did I say about lying?" Poseidon chuckled sadistically at his own joke.

"Plehehease, just lehehet me gohoho! Ihihi'm sorRYYYY!" His voice jumped an octave when sharp claws pricked and tapped against his hips. Full belly laughs gave way to shrill giggles, and the sounds he was making amused Poseidon to no end.

"Awww, what a sweet sentiment. Almost as sweet as those giggles of yours," he teased with a sly smirk, sharp teeth peaking out from under his lip. Of course he wasn't actually complimenting him, he only said it to get under his skin. "Too bad I don't care."

Odysseus flushed and stared at him in shock. "I-I dohohon't giggle!" he tried to sound defiant, but the giggles pouring from his mouth negated the effect.

"Denial's a good look on you. Next, I bet you'll try and say you're not ticklish," Poseidon snickered, reaching a hand up to tease his neck and ears. Odysseus snorted and scrunched his shoulders.

"Nohoho!" he tried to deny, shrieking when a claw traced the shell of his ear. "Stohohop! Plehehease, juhust stohohop!" he pleaded, shaking his head.

"That's right, keep begging. Not that it'll help," he let out a raspy chuckle, cupping his face with both hands. Odysseus was forced to look up at Poseidon as he squirmed helplessly, giggling himself silly as he scribbled around his ears and neck. No matter which way he twisted, the tickling never stopped.

"You humans are so sensitive; so fun to toy with," the God mused as his hands trailed back down his body. "So easy to break," he squeezed his hips again just to watch him buck and snort. "And yet, you all think you can win."

"Ihihi'm sohohohorry! I-it wohohon't hahappen again, I swehehear!" Odysseus bargained futilely.

"Oh, but it will. That's just the way it works," Poseidon explained, digging his claws into his thighs. Odysseus gasped and jerked beneath the threatening touch. "You'll get yourself into trouble and try to work your way around it, but you'll always lose." He slowly scratched down strong thighs, earning a ticklish scream and a violent twitch.

"Fuck! Noho, you cahahan't! N-not thehehere!" he begged through growing hysterics. His words only made Poseidon more curious as he began squeezing up and down his legs.

Odysseus squealed and jumped away from the touch, pressing against the wall of the cave and kicking out futilely. Poseidon looked him up and down with a hungry, scrutinizing gaze, evil smirk twisting into a sharp, dangerous smile.

"Awww, what's the matter? Too ticklish here?" he asked, raking his claws down the captain's thighs as he knelt before him. That alone drew out a panicked bark of laughter as he twitched away.

"N-no! Ihihi mehean- shihihit, stohohop!" he cut himself off with a snort as sharp claws delicately traced his inner thighs. Breathy giggles became hysterical laughter as the soft scribbling got faster and added more pressure. He threw his head back, practically dancing in place as he tried to escape the unending torture.

"Just look at you, barely able to speak. How pathetic," he taunted, scratching higher up his legs, enjoying the way his voice changed pitched. He pinched back down the muscle, drawing out a few giggly snorts. Poseidon couldn't help but comment on it.

"Those are some pretty funny noises you're making. I think I'll stay right here," he kneaded deep into his thighs, and Odysseus practically screamed.

"NOHOHO PLEHEHEASE! IHIHI'M SOHOHORRYYYY!" he threw his head back, cackling wildly. His legs gave out, but he was still held upright by his chains. His legs kicked and writhed in Poseidon's grip, his sanity slipping away with each passing second.

"Good," he growled, raking his nails down his inner thighs just to make him squeal. "But I'm not stopping any time soon. By all means, whine and beg, but don't expect it to help much." From this position, his bare, squirming stomach was right in front of his face. He grabbed Odysseus from behind, making sure he couldn't move away before biting his hip.

He let out a piercing shriek, followed quickly by frantic hysterics. He writhed and twisted in his hold, tugging on his arms with all his might. His vision went blurry as tears streamed down his cheeks, and he closed his eyes so he didn't have to watch his own torment.

Poseidon grazed his teeth across delicate skin, stretched taught over the bone. He nipped and nibbled at his hips, allowing his tongue to flick and trace the contours of his waist. That really seemed to drive him mad, so he continued nibbling along his hips and belly while his hands returned to his thighs.

Odysseus wailed in ticklish agony, babbling incoherently for mercy. He couldn't form a single coherent thought, legs trembling from the relentless onslaught.

"Ohoho shihihit- NOHOHO! FUCK- NOHOT THAHAHAT!" his arms strained to hold him up, leaning against the wall for support. Poseidon drilled circles where his hips and legs met, scribbling along the backs of his thighs. His back arched and he tried to jerk away, only for his leg to be trapped under a strong arm.

"Why, is this a bad spot?" he cooed, scribbling behind his knee all the way up the back of his thigh. His muscles quivered with every pinch and stroke, and his voice periodically cut out.

Poseidon slowed his touches to give him the chance to breathe. Odysseus gasped for air between helpless giggles, legs writhing in his grip as his claws scribbled against the sensitive skin. He hiccuped and snorted when he'd zero in on a particularly sensitive spot.

"I asked you a question," he growled, going back to clawing mercilessly, just to remind him how much worse it could be. Odysseus screamed and thrashed.

"YEHEHES OHOHOKAHAHAY? STOHOHOP!"

Poseidon smirked as he slowed back down, focusing on his right leg. Odysseus whined and snickered as the feather light touches clouded his brain. It was almost worse than when he just dug in. At least then his voice didn't sound so shrill and broken.

"Plehehe- staha- stohohohop! I-I cahahan't!" he pleaded through breathless giggles.

"You humans are hilariously pathetic. So weak and soft, unable to hold out against even the softest of touches," he taunted. Odysseus was limp and pliable, yet still struggled, providing a map of his most ticklish spots.

He continued the light scribbling, spidering his way to the tops of his knees. Odysseus snorted and kicked, laughter jumping up an octave. Poseidon smirked, meeting his eyes to flash him a smug wink before digging in. He clawed ruthlessly at his knees and the tops of his thighs, relishing in the resulting shriek.

He leaned in to whisper in a deep, threatening tone, "I hope you didn't think we were done. There's so many places I haven't even tried. And I plan on keeping you here as long as I like."

"What? N-nohoho y-you cahahan't just do thahat!" Odysseus insisted, eyes wide with fear as he frantically shook his head.

"Actually, I can. And there's nothing you can do about it." He grabbed his feet, wiggling his fingers dangerously close to the soles. "Nothing but laugh."

Odysseus was once again sent spiraling into hysterics, forced to accept his fate.

[lunarw0rks]

sweet thing | part one

˖⁺‧₊˚ read it on ao3 | masterlist | ask box | next part

price takes a liking to his neighbor. vulnerable, expecting, and in need of his helping hand. it's a good thing he always wanted a family.

john price x pregnant!reader (based on this idea of mine.)

warning(s): MDNI (18+); NOT EDITED, price is touch starved and kinda pathetic, pregnancy, angst/depression, alcoholism, fluff, fem!reader [wc: 1.3k]

Involuntary stress leave, they called it.

But for John, it was just short of decay. Sedentary, bitter—restless. Stuck at home while there's still a fight to be fought, men who need guidance. His men.

Before the stress does him in, he figures boredom will close in on him first, and it would be less merciful than any bullet or blade. Chores are a necessity, and hobbies are nothing more than a temporary soothe to his aches.

Every morning, irony wakes him up cold. Takes its pound of flesh. The world he devoted his adult life to fighting for, has nothing in it for him.

(Stiff fingers, heaving chest, bile in his throat, tremors marring his nervous system.)

It's hours before he can shake the feeling, so he compromises by rising at ungodly hours and fulfilling a rigid routine—still a trained soldier to his core. And by nightfall, he nurses a bottle until he's warm again, ready for the reset at dawn.

As they gaze out the window, his eyes search for purpose. Two fingers parting the blinds. Something, anything, please. But nothing. The sharp sting of cheap booze rushes past his teeth, and he's ready to retreat.

He winces through the taste before he's at attention again. The rumble of an engine cut short right next door. He angles himself to catch a clear view of the person. Instinct yells for him to be vigilant, but the sight in front of him snuffs the bellow.

The flow of a slip dress in the breeze, sticky strands of hair pulled back, glowing skin, a nurturing hand resting on the bump that shows through the fabric.

You look anything but thrilled while you wrangle your bags and fight the wind gusts, and you're well aware of it.

All John sees is bloom. Purpose. Duty.

Before he can gather all his wits, he's closed the front door behind him, his spilled bottle dribbling along the end table. It's not so much your beauty that drives him; he isn't a superficial man and can't afford to be.

A living, breathing person is what quickens his stride. Someone to talk to. Someone to touch and study. As of late, the only people near have been on the other side of the TV screen, fueled by dramatics and in character.

You find yourself stuck in your headspace again, mentally listing all the tasks that await you inside your house. Chores, mostly, some grocery shopping—and loads more of that endless baby planning. Relaxation wasn't an option and you're actively learning to accept that. Although, it's admittedly difficult to feel any other way when you've got another human to consider now.

John clears his throat. "Let me take tha' for you, darling."

He waits until you meet his stare to extend a hand, fingers grazing the flimsy straps of your shopping bags. You freeze, soaking in the sight of him.

"Hm?" Your brows knit together, and it's only then that you catch up with him.

"Your bags."

The man has already taken them before the words finish rolling off his tongue, but he stays in place.

A soft chuckle comes out of you to crack open the sheet of embarrassment. "Sorry, I'm a little out of it today."

Pregnancy brain, you want to blame it on. But deep down you know it's because kindness is a new taste nowadays.

Most are courteous and accommodating, making way for you. Others look at you like dirt on their shoes. Fatigue draining your features doesn't help, and neither does the absence of a wedding band. Early on, you were naive enough to believe society had moved beyond the stigma. Wrong, more wrong, and a fool is all you are nowadays, even if only in your head.

Exhausted, not out of it, he analyses, and his heart aches.

"It's alright." His voice is smooth as nectar, leaving goosebumps on your skin that you'll chalk up to the wind. "Shouldn't be carrying all this by yourself, anyhow."

You fight the urge to scoff and instead lead the way to the front porch.

He's right. You shouldn’t be doing any of this alone.

Turning the key, you step inside and let the words spill. “Yeah, I, uh— I didn’t have anyone to call.”

Price should be more shocked by your words, but he isn’t. He is really, and truly, desensitized to all the misfortune around him. And it’s not any different with you. His eyes—conditioned to spot every minute detail of a person—took milliseconds to notice your left hand.

Feel her out. Find out more.

“That so?” He questions softly but doesn’t give you a chance to respond. You’ve painted the whole picture and more.

His words are full of every sensibility possible. “That’s a shame.” Pity. Empathy. Grief. Outrage. All except condescension; none of this is your fault, he can sense it.

You expect admonition.

Leading a stranger inside is bad enough, and walking the fine line between small talk and oversharing is worse.

But you can’t bring yourself to taste it. Outside of some coworkers and your mother, this is your first taste of organic interaction, and it’s been overwhelmingly amicable so far. Not something you can take lightly; loneliness is prevalent.

You let out a tired sigh, letting the silent gesture speak for itself. What else can you say? He's already got you pegged after spending all but two minutes with you. Makes you wonder how you haven't noticed him sooner, though you remember his driveway is usually vacant and the blinds are always closed.

By now, it's obvious that if he had ill intentions, he would've acted on them by now. The silence isn't thick or stiff—it's refreshing, oddly enough.

When his mouth upturns, the crow's feet around his eyes are made visible. They've witnessed things, awful things, no doubt. But he's also got a world of wisdom in them.

This is the part where you find a farewell, something moderately polite so you don't feel awful for kicking him out. (Not your fault you need to rest your feet. At least you get the sense that he'll understand.)

In search for the words, you place a hand on your stomach, "well, it was kind of you to bring that in, uh—"

"—John." He interjects.

Out of habit, you form a clumsy smile and ache to get the proper words out. "It was very kind of you, John. Thank you."

Without any further direction, he's able to pick up on your hints for him to make his exit. The bar is so low these days, it's almost shocking. Shuffling to follow him to the front door, your hand seizes the knob.

There's a lot left unsaid, despite meeting your handsome neighbor only a short time ago. The voice inside urges you to keep it short. Send him off, get out of his hair. He was just being nice.

"I should thank you again," you blurt, almost abruptly. Price turns on his heels with little surprise, a leer written on his thin lips. "Next time, I'll take another trip to carry the bags."

"No next time, love." A purr and a new nickname.

Too smitten to even notice the ruffle of some paper when he reaches a hand in his pocket. Even stole the pen off your entry table (a.k.a the junk-pile-of-mail-table) and you were none the wiser. Dated, the way he scribbles on the crumbled receipt and hands it to you between his index and middle.

Heat rises up your neck and to your face when you inch closer to retrieve the number, somehow finding it within yourself to not break eye contact. John's gaze stays genuine, despite the puff of his chest and the way he breathes your scent in shamelessly.

Albeit frazzled—you weren't born yesterday; he's attractive and extremely luring and you're single and hormonal. Wouldn't take much for something to happen.

And if not, you know you'll have fond daydreams, at the very least.

"You ever need anything, give me a call. 'M good for more than bag carrying."

[wlntrsldler]

shades of cool | luke castellan

part two to how to disappear

a/n: happy endings don't exist on this page.

i. and when he calls, he calls for me and not for you; he lives for love, he loves his drugs, he loves his baby too.

“hermes is angry.” 

you knew it was your mother before you even saw her. the two, white doves cooing in the middle of downtown berkeley gave her away. although you hadn’t spoken to her in months, too afraid and too upset to put your faith in the hands of the gods since the night at the pier, your mother tried to get your attention every day. the flowers bloomed like clockwork. on your way to class, red and orange bunches sprouted from the corner of your eye. the once welcome reminder of luke turned bitter and painful. it was as if your mother was mocking you for losing him, for losing love. you felt as if you disappointed her, the daughter of the goddess of love, unable to experience it for herself. it was pathetic, really. 

you tucked your hair behind your ears, suddenly feeling self-conscious with aphrodite’s eyes on you. she was your mother, sure, and she’d been a better parent to you than most, but she was still a goddess– the goddess of beauty at that. your arms were crossed over your chest, eyebrows furrowed, “why?” 

she didn’t answer your question just yet, but she studied your face, eyes scrutinizing the marks of imperfections. she reached over to run her thumb across the bags under your eyes. “you’ve aged, my child.” 

you fought the urge to roll your eyes. this was normal with your mother. she made these snide comments about your appearance, but her comments to you were not nearly as bad as what she said to your siblings, and especially not as bad as what other godly parents put their kids through. you could handle a few jabs here and there. you shrugged, “not all of us have the power of eternal youth.” 

she nodded, pulling her thumb away, “we have not talked in a while.” 

“been busy,” you lied, chewing on your bottom lip. you tugged on the scarf around your neck, wanting to keep your hand occupied as you avoided her gaze. you wondered if your mother missed you, if she actually cared about you. in the weird way that gods do, you suppose that she did care, but you wondered if she cared about you the way a mother would; worry about your safety when you went out at night, worry if you were wearing enough layers in the winter, mundane things like that. “college and stuff, you know.” 

“hmm,” she hummed, unconvinced. she motioned for the two doves perched on the tree branch to fly away. they obeyed her, circling around each other in a dance, before flying away in separate directions, away from the both of you. “how many more years do you have left?” 

“another two after this and then i’m done.” it was odd talking to her like this, in her human form, like she was a normal mother who was just curious about college and her daughter’s future. maybe she even sounded a little bit proud of you; a child of aphrodite, making a name for herself outside of the life she was dealt. “hopefully, i’ll make it to graduate school.” 

a heavy tension hung in the air as your words echoed. aphrodite’s eyes narrowed, thinking. she looked up at the sky, before repeating herself. “hermes is angry.”

you stared at her, waiting for her to continue. there was an unreadable expression on her face, somewhere between anger, pain, and desperation, but it wasn’t her own emotions that she carried. she was mirroring someone, as if their pain was so unbearable, aphrodite herself had to shoulder some of it to save them. the gods were selfish. most of the time, they thought of nobody but themselves, but there were some moments when they showed compassion, when they showed mercy to mortals and demigods alike.

“his son resents him,” she continued, eyes closing like she was picturing it in her mind. “he is angry at me because his son prays to me instead of him.” 

“mom, i don’t want to hear this,” you sighed, anger rising in your system. you knew she knew how you felt about the situation. you’d ignored her attempts to talk frequently. “he made his decision. he’s betrayed us all.” 

“i cannot ignore him, don’t you understand?” she looked at you, eyes glossed over in a pleading manner. she looked too human. it was unsettling. “his love is loud. he is desperate. i am the goddess of love and i cannot ignore him while he suffers, even if he makes me his enemy.”

“the other gods listen to his prayers to me because i can no longer carry the burden on my own. it is too much, my child,” she shuddered, “all he talks of is you.” 

you stared at her, internalizing her words. a shiver went down your spine as you looked at her, “i don’t understand why you’re telling me this.” 

“i have tried to tell you, but you’ve been stubborn,” aphrodite frowned, “you do not pray, you do not make your offerings. you have not spoken to your siblings since that night. you have disappeared from this life as if you were not part of it at all.” 

“because i didn’t ask for this!” you screamed. “i don’t want anything to do with this, mom. losing luke… it killed me. you know this. i can’t go back there and i can’t make offerings to you or the gods when you all are the reason why he did what he did!” 

since that night, you began to question your blind faith in the gods. you’d been taught to worship them and you did because you had to. you were luckier than most, being the favorite of your mother, so you never went against the gods. you thought you had no reason to, until luke began talking to you. he planted seeds of distrust for the gods in you, learning about thalia, meeting annabeth and learning her story from luke, what luke had to go through during his quest. how did the gods sit back and leave their children for dead? but you always believed there was a purpose for all of this, and it provided you with some misguided comfort. then, luke left everyone who’d ever loved him because the anger in his soul won against all odds, and you knew there was no reason to trust them anymore. 

if the gods were all-mighty and all-powerful, how could they let him grow so angry and accept this fate? how dare they ignore him and ruin him? he was kind. he was patient. he was luke. he deserved more than what they gave him. all of you do. aphrodite blinked, trying to understand you. a look of panic flashed across her features, her human form slowly peeling away, but you could see her pulling back. 

“i’m not saying i’m joining him,” you sighed, rubbing your face with your hands, “i’m just saying what he said to percy made sense. luke had a point. the gods were horrible to him and to all demigods. hermes has no right to be angry with you, or with luke. he should be angry at himself. all of you should be.” 

“i can’t forgive luke for what he did,” you whispered, voice calming after a rumble of thunder shook the ground. the gods were listening. “beth still wakes up screaming in the middle of the night. she writes to me every month. i haven’t written back because it hurts, mom. i keep thinking of luke. she reminds me so much of him and it kills me that i can’t do anything to help her. where do i even start? i can’t fulfill the hole he left in her life. nobody can.” 

your mother nodded, clearing her throat. “do consider returning to camp this summer. your siblings miss you and your sister is not doing well.” 

“piper?” 

“silena,” she replied. the doves returned to her. “it was lovely to see you, my child.” 

in a blink, she was gone. you wondered if she’d show her face again, but the rain fell from the sky soon after she left, and you realized you probably wouldn’t. 

ii. but you are unfixable, i can't break through your world.

“i’ll catch up with you guys in a second,” you motioned for your roommates to keep walking home without you. the two girls nodded, sending you a small wave of goodbye, before they turned the street corner. you began walking towards the entrance of the science building, towards the silhouette of a boy you could recognize in every life. 

luke’s jaw was clenched as you approached him. he was caught. luke knew that he shouldn't be here. he knew it was too dangerous, but he couldn't help himself; he had to see you. 

berkeley suited you. in college, you were a normal girl, stressed about finals and getting a summer internship. though luke had never seen you outside of camp before, he always imagined that you’d look even more beautiful when you didn’t have the stress of this life on your shoulders. it was weird seeing you out in the world like this. if he hadn’t known you, if he wasn’t already under your spell, he would undoubtedly fall to worship aphrodite’s favorite daughter.

your friends didn’t know who your mother was, but if they saw through the mist, if they knew the truth, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to them. you had an aura about you that was undeniable and for a minute, luke was jealous that these people around you could freely succumb to your pull, to allow themselves into your orbit, while all he could do was watch from afar. they didn’t realize how lucky they were to be around you, they would never fully understand. 

you looked happy in the bay area, free, like you weren’t a demigod, like you weren’t preparing for a war. a war that he knew he caused. 

he looked down at his feet before rising from the steps. he hadn't planned to speak to you. he’d been following you for weeks, from a distance, of course, he wasn’t going to test his luck any more than he already was, but then you approached him and luke knew there was no hiding anymore. 

truth be told, there was never any hiding from you in the first place. you knew him better than he knew himself. sometimes, it scared him, just how vulnerable he was with you. when he first realized how he felt about you, he wanted to squash the feeling between his fingers and make it disappear into thin air. he knew there was nothing good that could come out of it, but he couldn't help but hope. 

how could he not? how could he not hope that maybe, in some twisted way, he would be able to be with you? that one day, he could stop running, stop fighting, and just love you the way he wanted to. hope was a cruel thing, luke realized after the night on the pier. it makes him believe that there is good out there, somewhere in the future, daring him to hold on just a bit longer, only to leave him high and dry, an empty shell of who he once was. 

“what are you doing here?”

luke let the question linger between the both of you for a second. partly because he didn't know what he was doing here. i needed to see you didn't feel like enough. it barely scratched the surface of what he was feeling. luke was never a wizard with words, but he used to be able to at least say something. now, though, as you stood in front of him, his mind went blank. 

“what are you doing here?” you repeated. you had your arms wrapped around yourself to soothe your skin from the wind chills. luke didn't know it got this cold in california. “i’ve seen you a few times, and i thought you’d give it up, but it’s been weeks, luke. so tell me, what are you doing here?”

luke’s mouth was dry. he thought he was being careful, but he should’ve known better. you could always sense when he was around, just like how he knew whenever you were around. there’s something that shifts in the air, as if it gets lighter and it’s easier to breathe. luke wondered if it was still the same for you. 

“he's using me,” luke whispered, “like a stepping stone to gain power.” 

for a second, your face softened into a look that he knew too well. it was the same way you used to look at him when he talked about his nightmares or when he talked about his mom. a flicker of hope passed through luke’s mind, but he knew better now. he extinguished it before it got too comfortable. 

there was a hint of disbelief in your voice when you spoke again, “what did you think was going to happen?”

“i thought i was doing the right thing,” he felt small. “i thought he wanted to make things better for us. the gods, they’re terrible parents. you know this. what they did to thalia, to all of us, i-i just thought that he would make things better.”

you shook your head, “luke, you betrayed all of us. percy, annabeth– did you know that she cries at night over losing you? over losing her brother? she’s lost everyone luke! and you were supposed to stay. you were supposed to be there for her! i saw her last summer when i came back to camp. beth is so much like you.” 

“i know,” luke was crying. he was exhausted, both physically and mentally. kronos was taking over every part of him. he was there in every crevice of him, just waiting for the moment to drain him of everything he used to be. “gods, i know, angel. i just thought i was doing the right thing.” 

“and me luke,” you rubbed your temples with the pads of your fingers. you hadn’t told anyone this before. you were too busy trying to make sure that everyone else around you was okay. as the oldest one now that luke was gone, you had to step up. your mother was right. your siblings were not doing well, nobody in the camp was. “i feel so stupid for ever trusting you. i keep thinking of every small interaction, every word you said, and i just keep wondering if any of it was real.”

“you don’t mean that,” he shook his head, stepping down to get closer to you. under the light of the streetlamp, you saw him better. if you didn’t know him as well as you did, you probably wouldn’t have recognized him. “everything, all of it, i meant it. you know that right?” 

his eyes were sunken in, dark bags outshining the once vibrant sparkle of his eyes. now, the rims of his eyes were red. his hair was matted against his scalp like he let his curls tangle into knots and didn’t bother to fix them. there were newer, smaller cuts that joined the scar on his face. they weren’t as deep, but they were fresh, a sign that whatever he faced was recent.

“i love you, please tell me you at least believe that,” luke rubbed his eyes with the heels of his palm, “your mom doesn’t answer me anymore. i don’t know what else to do.”

when you didn’t say anything, luke felt the ground crumbling from under him. luke could live with a lot of things; being a failure in the eyes of his father, being a traitor, but you thinking that he didn’t love you was something he didn’t think he could live with. it was real to him, all of it. he didn’t know if this was the right time to tell you that those moments with you were the only things keeping him grounded. 

the image of you throwing your head back in laughter as he tickled your sides, the freckles on your cheeks that showed up during the summer that he would spend hours counting while you slept on his chest, the sound of your voice, talking in hushed whispers, in the dark of the hermes cabin; it was you who he held onto as he fell deeper and deeper under kronos’ control. 

luke walked closer to you, holding out a hand to touch you, when you flinched and backed away from him. your fingers unconsciously reached for the dagger you had on your belt loop. he shuddered, taking in a breath. he looked down at his hands, lips trembling as he wiped them on the fabric of his jeans. there was nothing on them, but he wanted to scrub them clean because it felt as if all the blood he spilled was stuck under his flesh, staining them red. 

you thought he would hurt you. 

“i…” luke trailed off, stuffing his hands in his pockets. he cleared his throat, “i didn’t come here to fight. i could never hurt you.” 

“i don’t know anymore, luke,” you bit your lip, heart breaking as you spoke to him. “i never thought that we’d end up like this.” 

“come with me,” he begged. “run away with me.” 

“is this what you came here for?” you asked, “to try to recruit me like you did with percy?” 

“no,” he shook his head vigorously. he was on the verge of getting on his knees to beg you to believe him. “i want out. i messed up, angel.” 

“you did,” you whispered. he looked genuine like he meant it, like he did want to run away from it. a piece of you wanted to say yes, yes, i’ll run away with you. tell me where to go and i’ll follow you, but it was the part of you that still clung to him. the foolish part of you who still wanted to believe that the boy you met when you were younger, stubborn, selfless, sweet, luke castellan was still there. 

you listened to that part of you on the final night in the hermes cabin, when you told him you loved him and he said nothing back. you tried so hard to lock that part of you away since that night, but it was hard to deny it when he was there in front of you.

“tell me what i can do to fix it,” luke felt like he was going crazy. “anything, angel. i’ll do it. just say the word.” 

you closed your eyes, “there’s nothing you can do anymore, luke.” 

“that can’t be true,” he hiccuped. 

“you need to go.” 

over the last few years, luke experienced brutal types of torture. he often spent days without sleeping, too afraid that kronos would visit him while he dreamt. he fought monsters he didn’t realize existed. he walked away from fights barely hanging onto a thread of life, but this– you telling him that there was nothing else left for him, like he no longer had a place in your life, this was a different type of torture that might just send him plummeting to his end. 

“please don’t come back here,” you added, motioning to the buildings behind you. “this was the one place in my life you haven’t tainted.” 

his apology was left stuck in his throat as you walked away, not once looking back at him. 

iii. but i can't help him, can't make him better and i can't do nothing about his strange weather. 

“y/n,” percy said, approaching you from behind. 

it was the summer. you were sitting on the pier, a joint loosely hanging off your lips. you put out the lit end on the wooden pier, stuffing the joint in your pocket. you knew percy knew you smoked, but you still tried to hide it from him as much as possible. he was too young. 

“hey, perce,” you smiled, kindly, scooting over to give him space to sit next to you. “sorry. you caught me. i’m not really being a good role model right now.” 

“it’s okay,” he assured you, sitting beside you. he looked out into the lake, extending his fingers to cause a ripple effect in the water. “i don’t judge.” 

you nudged his shoulder. percy looked his age in the light of the sunset. you wondered if you ever looked that young. “don’t tell mr. d.” 

“he has plenty of other things to worry about,” percy scoffed, “how are you?” 

you knew why he was asking. beth had told you today that they saw luke in the labyrinth. he was now kronos’ host. when she first told you, you were stone cold, no emotion on your face. you knew something like this was possible. it was only a matter of time until you lost luke all over again, completely this time, but it still hurt even though you knew it was coming. you simply nodded and walked off, finding solace at the pier as you always did. 

“i’m okay,” you replied, though your voice said differently. you played with the sleeves of your sweater, luke’s sweater actually. he left it in the hermes cabin along with the rest of his things. nobody dared to touch it so his bed remained the same as it was years ago, collecting dust. “he came to see me in berkeley… before, y’know.” 

“did he?” 

“yeah,” you sighed, leaning back on your elbows. “he said he wanted out. asked me to run away with him.” 

percy looked at you, “what did you say?” 

“i told him it was too late,” you met his gaze. “i don’t know if it actually was.” 

he didn’t know what to say to that. he’d only witnessed your relationship with luke for a few hours when he returned to camp for the first time. it was only a few years ago, but percy felt like it had been lifetimes. he’d heard about you and luke from annabeth and grover. when there were lulls in their conversations, one of them would bring you up and joke about how you and luke should just confess your feelings for one another. percy didn’t understand it until he saw the way luke was with you. 

luke, who’d taken him under his wing, was love struck. percy didn’t know how he didn’t notice it before, but there were traces of you weaved into luke’s life. a picture of the two of you in his wallet, a small cal berkeley flag taped messily on his wall, a box of his things under his bed that were reserved for you, doodles of hearts in black and pink ink on luke’s counselor clipboard when he did cabin checks, you were in every piece of him. 

luke was glued to your side the entire time you were there and nobody batted an eye. it was normal. luke and y/n, two names that seemed to go together, like they were meant to be uttered right after each other. it felt right. 

“i met your mom,” he said, “she was weird.” 

“sorry,” you couldn’t help but chuckle. “what did she say?” 

“she was obsessed with me and annabeth,” there was a blush creeping up on percy’s cheeks. he looked down at his lap to shy away, but you caught it. it was such a teenage boy response of percy to call your mom, the goddess of love, weird because she caught onto the two kids’ feelings for each other. 

“yeah, she does that,” you decided to spare him the details of why. you were sure the boy would explode in embarrassment if you told him that you also knew about his feelings for beth. you sensed it when you returned to camp last summer. there were inklings of it when you first met them, but now their bond was stronger and it was harder to ignore. “she used to obsess over me and luke.” 

percy blinked, “she said your love was her favorite to watch.” 

now it was your turn to go red, “did she?” 

“yeah,” he nodded, “annabeth thinks that you’re aphrodite’s favorite because you and luke had a great love and she was drawn to it, which is a little mean if you ask me.” 

“agreed,” you replied, “i… i miss him, percy.” 

“i know.” 

“i love him,” you cried, smudging the mascara on your eyes. 

“i know.” 

“he wasn’t always like this,” percy watched your eyes unfocus, like you were playing back the memories you had with luke in your head. “when we were younger, before luke was the golden boy, he used to help me sneak out of camp when i’d get home sick. he’d take me to this abandoned cabin a few miles away. an old couple used to live there and they set up a little free library. luke knew i loved to read so he would take me there so i could pick out new books for the summer.” 

“i didn’t know it then, but before i got to camp, he would steal books from stores during trips into the city and put them in there so i would have new selections to choose from when i got back,” you had a fond smile on your face as you continued, “the cabin was sold to new owners and they took the library down a while back. i think they thought nobody really used it anymore.” 

“he was always good at sneaking around,” you hummed, “he’d walk out of a place with something that wasn’t his inside his pocket; a lollipop for a new camper who was missing home a little extra one summer, a can of soda for beth from mr. d’s stash when it got too hot under the sun, a flower from the demeter kids’ secret garden for me. he never got caught, but everyone knew it was him. i don’t think anyone cared, though, because it was luke. he always had good intentions at the end of the day.” 

“do you think he’s still there?” percy asked, voice hushed into a whisper. “do you think he could ever come back to being that way?” 

“probably not,” you turned to face him. you were mourning him, percy realized then. luke wasn’t dead, not physically anyway, but the way you spoke about him felt like he was already gone. “luke, he internalizes everything he does. he beats himself up over the things he does wrong. if he were to survive this, i don’t think he’d ever forgive himself for it.” 

“this life, this prophecy, it feels like too much sometimes,” he mumbled. the sun was gone now, the two of you sat in the dark, listening to the calm sounds of the water. “i still feel like i don’t know what i’m doing most days.” 

“yeah,” you played with the pink lighter in your hand. the heart you drew on the plastic was long gone and there was no more fluid in it, but you kept it anyway. “my prophecy said that i would lose a love to worse than death and i ignored then because it didn’t make any sense to me, but now it does.” 

“i’m sorry.” percy didn’t know if it was the right thing to say. 

you smiled at him differently, like you were tired, a look of resignation across your face. you stood up, motioning for him to follow you back to camp to join the others. as you walked together in silence, you noticed a single dove fly across the horizon. 

iv. high, neglectful lover. you’re crumbling, sadly. you’re sadly, crumbling. 

you’d fought through your wounds, even as your bones ached and your blood stained the clothes over your body. luke appeared then. you didn’t know if the gods took on mercy on you at that moment, or if was the lack of energy to distinguish real life from your dreams, or a mist that covered the truth from you then, but the world seemed to stop and everyone seemed to fade away. 

all you saw was luke, in his camp half-blood shirt, five beads around his neck, the same boyish smile on his face. his eyes were sparkling as he approached you. his lips felt soft to the touch and his voice was kind. 

“my angel,” he said, wrapping his arms around you the same way he always did when you returned to him each summer. 

if you were to choose the way death came for you, you would choose it just like this, you decided– in the arms of the one love you’d ever known.

[lowtaperfeyd]

Feyd x diplomatic reader, think padme but she doesn't want to change feyd. Reader is the go to for diplomatic issues in lower houses/ minor politics and yet for all her words and actions when arranged to marry feyd she doesn't want to change him. " you would fight for me and defend me if needed it is only right I do the same, why try and change you when I respect who you are".

Uxorious Duties

Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen x fem!reader

author's note: slightly submissive feyd, but not sexual? Yes please!

warnings: death, mentions of death, blood, normal dune things, house harkonnen

wc: 1158

Being sent to Geidi Prime was not surprising for (Y/N). She was a go to for the emperor to send to planets and sort out political issues. The part she didn’t expect was being arranged to marry Feyd-Rautha. His actions were the surprising part. The way he fought and his prowess in and out of the arena. He was overconfident, even arrogant. But, since he was going to be the new governor of Arrakis. Why not give him a wife who could take care of business when he is off slaughtering. After all, is that not the duties of a wife? 

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

As (Y/N) was sitting in the mammoth Harkonnen dining room eating breakfast alone, she started to look over the letters she was sent from people who thought her marriage was a death sentence. That it was only good for securing a short alliance with houses that the Harkonnens wanted to import from. Everything went along the lines of, 

Your husband will kill you once you’re not of service. You’re nothing but a pawn for him.

Think twice before asking for mercy. That will make it more amusing when they kill you. 

You should've gotten away from the emperor when you had the chance.  Other places need you more. 

While she knew what she was getting herself into, the acceptance that she would die, at the hands of her husband, disturbed her.

Those feelings washed away when she watched him fight. It was entertaining for everyone watching and for Feyd-Rautha himself. But, for (Y/N), it was a testament of what he would do for his wife. The wedding day vows of him not letting anyone hurt her, touch her, or disrespect her. Because sure, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen was a harmful man who wasn’t afraid to kill, but that meant his wife could say whatever she wanted, no matter how vehemently, and who she said it to, could not disagree, out of fear for their life. It only took one time for this to be instilled, two days after they had gotten married. 

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

“Na-Baroness Harkonnen, while your idea for this trading route is good. Compared to others it’s mediocre at best.” The imperial advisor scoffed, “Who ever said it was your place to make these things?” 

The other people at the sides of the table chuckled along with what he was saying. But (Y/N) knuckles were tensing up at just how hard she was gripping the arm of her chair at the head of the table. White hot anger flashed through her mind and over her eyes.  

The advisor kept on going, mocking her ideas and diminishing her accomplishments on other planets, saying they were mere flukes and shouldn’t have been taken seriously.

“... and your marriage to the Na-Baron,” he snorted out, not realizing that he was walking through the door now to listen in on what his wife had to say, “he chose an alien from a different planet, not a Harkonnen highborn. At least that shows to us you won’t be around for much longer, so we don’t have to look at your atrocious ideas anymore!” He finished, guffawing. 

“Are you done?” replied (Y/N), smirking, as she saw the angry look on her husband’s face, “because I think there is someone behind who would like to speak with you.” 

As the advisor turned around he saw Feyd-Rautha glaring at him. Before could say anything, Feyd grabbed him by the neck and threw him against the wall.

From the outside of the room, you could only hear the screaming of the poor advisor, who had dared to speak badly about the Na-Baron's new wife, as he had his head stomped in by the Na-Baron’s boot. 

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

The letters now seemed irrelevant to her now. She had a good life so far on Geidi Prime. She had respected and she had earned it too. But it did help to have a husband who invoked fear in those around him. Speaking of her husband, the doors opened and in walked Feyd. 

“Why are you here?” She questioned while looking up from her assortment of papers, letters, and documents, “Why aren’t you training?” 

“I finished early,” He uttered as he began to walk closer to the table with his bloodied knife still in his hands.

“While I don't mind you sitting with me,” She said, not surprised at the fact her husband had a knife that was covered in blood, “please clean your weapons off before coming to visit.” 

Feyd reluctantly took a cloth that was on the table and wrapped it around the knife before setting it down. 

“You say you don’t want to change me and yet you make me follow your rules.” Feyd retorted in slight irritation. 

“Rules don’t necessarily imply change, Feyd.” She responded, “I just don’t want blood on the table while eating. Iron is a very important part of one's diet, I don’t prefer it in the form of blood.” (Y/N) joked. 

“Then what do you want me to change!” he shouted angry at his wife for not asking him for anything, including change. Because he knew that’s something she strived for and he just wanted to make his wife happy. 

(Y/N) was not scared by his outburst, she had been witness to many of them, but none of them pointed at her before. 

“I don’t want to change you, Feyd,” She said as she got up from the table to walk to him, “you would fight for me, defend me if I needed it.” She stopped right in front of him and gently grabbed his forearm, “why should I try to change you when I respect who you are?” 

Feyd looked at his wife who treated him like an asset to herself. It surprised Feyd because he had never heard her say something about why she needed him. Only the reasons why she didn’t. But even then it wasn’t words that came from her, voices from other planets. The confession of his wife tugged at a place in his chest, a feeling that he hadn’t felt before. He took his rough hands that were calloused from fights and placed them on the soft skin of his wife’s jaw near her ears. 

“Then use me as your sword if someone needs slashing,” he whispered as he laid his forehead against his wife’s, “and use me when someone disagrees with your ideas and plans.” he continued softly, “If someone chooses not to hear you; I will make them, no matter the cost.” 

“Thank you” (Y/N) said softly, knowing she had that man right where she wanted him to be. She now knew that Arrakis would be hers if asked. And it was in her cards and plans to ask soon to take over spice production when they would leave, under the guise of allowing him to hunt down a well known fighter.        

And why would he say no to her?��                  

[llamaisllama777]

TSAMS THEORY: THEY'RE ALL THE SAME//TIMELOOP THEORY!

Okay, you read the title. This is probably the CRAZIEST theory I've come up with up, but please let me explain.

Okay, so in this episode of The Sun and Moon show

Dark Sun visits Foxy and is trying to help him solve his F.c. problem. This was when F.C. got that red box in his chest that absorbs negative star power, and Foxy had no idea what to do, and "Sun" shows up to offer him some support and help... ya, that's not Sun, as you can probably imagine it's Dark Sun. Dark Sun, if I remember correctly, is basically telling Foxy to get rid of the kid cause he's too dangerous, and off course, Foxy tells him no. Dark Sun make some interesting comments that got me thinking. Dark Sun kept asking hypothetical questions like: If you could go back in time and redo everything the exact same way... would you?

Kept asking time related hypotheticals, and even after 7 months, my mind does wander back to this episode and what Dark Sun said.

Someone in the comments of this video asked "Wait is Dark Sun implying they're all stuck in a timeloop and only he knows?" And that BLEW MY MIND!

It does explain a lot of things about Dark Sun

How he seems to know how everything is gonna play out

How confident he is

How smart he is

It's cause he's been through ALL this before.

He's seen it all before

He's experienced it all before

And he's learned from it all.

There is a VERY popular fan theory that Dark Sun is actually OUR Sun just from the future!

I do think that theory is true... but allow me to add to it.

DARK SUN IS SUN FROM A PREVIOUS TIMELINE

The theory is that every time THIS world ends, it gets reset (Kinda like Undertale), and everything happens all over again, maybe with one or two small differences, so it's not an exact copy but a close enough one. Dark Sun was a Sun who we know snapped and fought back against his Moon, killed him, and stole his intelligence... is what I would say if that was true. It was later revealed that Dark Sun lied about killing his Moon. We see his Moon barely alive in a cell where Ruin then puts him out of his misery. Ruin calls Dark Sun out on his lies, and Dark Sun just kinda brushes it off. He lied! He lied about killing his Moon! So, if he didn't get his intelligence, then where'd he get it? Dark Sun didn't steal it he gained it through experience. Dark Sun somehow found out he and his WHOLE WORLD IS TRAPPED IN A TIMELOOP! He probably freaked out about that for a while till he began to wonder if he could change the future, change his fate. So, he does. He becomes Dark Sun after many attempts and many timeloops and finally breaks free from the loop, but he realizes he's free, but the loop isn't over. It's still going. Just now, he's a watcher. He's on the outside looking in. He watches the loops play out over and over and over again, and it just keeps getting WORSE! Moon is still being an abusive butt to Sun, Sun still barely has anyone to support him, and they are still constantly messed with by people like Eclipse, BloodMoon, The Creator, The Astrals. It NEVER ends! Oh, sure, sometimes the loop is merciful. Maybe it gives Sun a new sibling to care for him or a new friend or heck, maybe even a kid... but it's still the same shtick! Sun even dies in some terrible ways in some of these loops! Or the siblings turn rouge and become evil. Dark Sun decided enough was enough and decided to try and break the loop once and for all, but in order to do so, he needs to intervene. He needs to start making things go his way. Pushing Nexus further to the dark side, putting things into place so Sun will lose his support system, and make it so the next few loops will have the Suns coming up on top. Basically, altering the timeloops so Sun doesn't die in 95% percent of them and instead Moon dies. (What's been happening in the show currently) Dark Sun is trying to make our Sun like him cause he believes he can't break the loop, so if you can't break it... change it. He's trying to turn Sun into another him because Dark Sun thinks becoming like him is the only way to break the loop. He's trying to make all Suns like him cause he believes he can help them.

So, that's Dark Sun's part of this.... how does Emperor Lunar and President Earth come into play?

Well, if the timeloop theory is correct, then you see what I'm saying, right? President Earth and Emperor Lunar ARE our Lunar and Earth! Just from different timelines. They're like Dark Sun sort of. They know about the loops but aren't really doing anything to intervene. Maybe they are, and we just aren't seeing it? Who knows?

Now, you might be saying Llama, Emperor Lunar, President Earth, and Dark Sun are from another dimension... not timeline... well... do we know that for sure? I mean, they say it's other universes.... but... dimensional travel is a tricky thing. Who's to say Moon when he built the portal didn't accidentally poke a hole through? Plus, other dimensions and alternate timelines are a term that's pretty interchangeable. So, what we think is an alternate dimension is actually a alternate timeline, part of a the loop.

Basically, what I'm saying is that Moon's portal is actually going in a giant circle poking through the past timelines and wrapping back around to ours and poking through ours to future ones.

Tl;DR The whole show is stuck in a timeloop, and Dark Sun, Evil Earth, and Evil Lunar are OUR Sun, Lunar, and Earth just from a previous loop and Dark Sun is trying to save all other Suns by messing with the timelines so they'll become like him and break free from the loop.

Does this theory have a lot of holes... yes. But gosh dang! Wouldn't that be something! Plus, I can see something like this happening in the show.

But hey that's just a theory...

A TSAMS THEORY!

Thanks for reading!

[saintsenara]

I’ve curious about something you said… you mention that you believe 💯 that Barty Crouch Jr was a full on DE/Blood purist Before being sent to Azkaban but to me the trial scene made me think otherwise- could you elaborate on why you think he was faking and is a true DE?

thank you very much for the ask, anon!

barty crouch jr. is - obviously - a fascinating character. but this doesn't override the fact that his primary purpose in goblet of fire is to be a narrative device: the plot twist of the century at the denouement of the book, when "professor moody" is revealed as an imposter; and a man everyone assumed to be dead is revealed to be alive; and a man many people [including harry and, it's implied, dumbledore] suspected - on the basis of his performance at his trial - might simply have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, rather than a fanatical death eater, is revealed to be... a fanatical death eater, who has been working for a full year to facilitate voldemort's resurrection.

like in a murder mystery, the narrative purpose of crouch jr.'s unmasking at the end of the book is to reveal that several things the text presents as clues before harry [the reader surrogate] has all the information are actually red herrings once he does.

the first of these is that, like philosopher's stone, goblet of fire goes out of its way to suggest that the faithful death eater at hogwarts is snape - which it does magnificently:

A grim smile twisted his lopsided mouth. “Oh if there’s one thing I hate,” he muttered, more to himself than to Harry, and his magical eye was fixed on the left-hand corner of the map, “it’s a Death Eater who walked free...” Harry stared at him. Could Moody possibly mean what Harry thought he meant?

harry - and, therefore, the reader - is, of course, immediately primed to interpret this as the real moody suggesting that snape is still suspected of being a loyal death eater. what we learn later, of course, is that crouch-as-moody is actually accusing snape of being disloyal:

“I told you, Harry... I told you. If there’s one thing I hate more than any other, it’s a Death Eater who walked free. They turned their backs on my master when he needed them most.”

and the second is that goblet of fire treats barty crouch sr. not as a villain - per se - but as one of the long line of civil servants who appear in the series whose commitment to doing everything by the book - being precise, bureaucratic, inflexible, and so on - only ends up making them extraordinarily cruel. crouch is the precursor to how percy will behave in order of the phoenix, and he also has numerous things in common with how dolores umbridge [an unambiguous villain] and rufus scrimgeour [an antagonist, but not a villain] are written.

the text suggests on multiple occasions prior to its denouement that crouch's rigidity made him incapable of mercy [a virtue the series really values].

but, in addition to this, it suggests that crouch's cardinal sin isn't that he didn't show mercy to the genuinely guilty... but that he didn't show mercy to the innocent.

how do we know this? because he's the man who's responsible for the miscarriage of justice which defines the series:

Sirius’s face darkened. He suddenly looked as menacing as he had the night when Harry first met him, the night when Harry still believed Sirius to be a murderer. “Oh I know Crouch all right,” he said quietly. “He was the one who gave the order for me to be sent to Azkaban - without a trial.”

sirius also tells us that crouch was power-hungry and corrupt:

"Crouch’s principles might’ve been good in the beginning - I wouldn’t know. He rose quickly through the Ministry, and he started ordering very harsh measures against Voldemort’s supporters. The Aurors were given new powers - powers to kill rather than capture, for instance. And I wasn’t the only one who was handed straight to the dementors without trial. Crouch fought violence with violence, and authorized the use of the Unforgivable Curses against suspects. I would say he became as ruthless and cruel as many on the Dark Side."

and he also gives the reader a nibble at the other half of this red herring, when he suggests that barty crouch jr. might have been nothing more than a victim of his father's ruthlessness, just like winky - the innocent house elf whose cruel treatment at crouch sr.'s hands not only infuriates hermione, but is also given by sirius as proof of crouch's near-villainy:

“Was his son a Death Eater?” said Harry.  “No idea,” said Sirius, still stuffing down bread. “I was in Azkaban myself when he was brought in. This is mostly stuff I’ve found out since I got out. The boy was definitely caught in the company of people I’d bet my life were Death Eaters - but he might have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, just like the house-elf.”

when harry ends up in the pensieve a couple of chapters later, then, he and the reader are primed to view barty crouch jr.'s hysterics on the stand as authentic, to be horrified that crouch sr. could send his son to azkaban with such brutal ease, and to highly suspect that his conviction - like sirius' - was illegitimate.

but - of course - the twist at the end of the book is that harry [and sirius] is completely wrong about this.

barty crouch sr.'s decision to send his own son to azkaban was the right one. and the thing that ruined him was not making a ruthless decision, but making a merciful one.

because, as barty crouch jr. tells us, his father breaking him out of azkaban, around a year after sending him there, meant nothing to him... other than the chance to return to voldemort:

“And what did your father do with you, when he had got you home?” said Dumbledore quietly. “Staged my mother’s death. A quiet, private funeral. That grave is empty. The house-elf nursed me back to health. Then I had to be concealed. I had to be controlled. My father had to use a number of spells to subdue me. When I had recovered my strength, I thought only of finding my master... of returning to his service.”

these are not the words of someone who was anything other than a sincere death eater when he and the lestranges attacked frank and alice longbottom.

and they are, therefore, the words of someone whose performance of horrified innocence - just in the wrong place at the wrong time - at his trial is one hundred percent fake.

[scoobydoodean]

i gotta wonder why castiel, in claire's body, seemed to be hesitating to heal jimmy in "the rapture" episode. like he was saying "time to go to your real home in heaven" when jimmy was bleeding to death from a bullet wound. at this point castiel was like. freshly lobotomized so he might've just been being more ruthless in an attempt to manipulate jimmy into allowing castiel back in. but i always am a bit confused and was wondering if you had any thoughts

I think this very much has to do with "heaven's persuasion" as Cas calls it at the time. 4.20 "The Rapture" starts with Cas having learned that heaven will intentionally start the apocalypse and kill millions of humans in the process. He is so horrified by this that he decides to rebel. He enters Dean's dreams, but says even Dean's dreams aren't a safe enough place for him to reveal the secrets he's harboring, so he sends Dean to meet him at another location, and when Sam and Dean arrive there, the whole place is torn to bits. Cas fought multiple angels tooth and nail to avoid capture so he could tell Dean the truth—that the angels were going to start the apocalypse and let them all die. However, he was captured before he could pass on his knowledge and then he was brainwashed back into compliance with heaven's orders.

One of the things I think it's clear the higher ups told Castiel as part of the brainwashing process is that humans dying just means they go to heaven and live forever in peace where they are better off than on earth, so why even fight the apocalypse? Silly Castiel! There's no reason to fret! Humans dying is a good thing! It's a mercy killing! So when Cas returns at the end of 4.20, he is operating under this new worldview and the results are chilling.

CASTIEL Of course we keep our promises. Of course you have our gratitude. You served us well. Your work is done. It's time to go home now. Your real home. You'll rest forever in the fields of the Lord. Rest now, Jimmy. JIMMY No. Claire? CASTIEL She's with me now. She's chosen. It's in her blood, as it was in yours. JIMMY Please, Castiel. Me, just take me. Take me, please. CASTIEL I wanna make sure you understand. You won't die or age. If this last year was painful for you, picture a hundred, a thousand more like it. JIMMY It doesn't matter. You take me. Just take me. CASTIEL As you wish.

Cas acknowledges the suffering he's put Jimmy through and in his own way, is trying to show compassion in this moment, but his thought process is absolutely alien. He sees the compassionate choice toward his vessel as 1) letting him die instead of healing him (drink the Kool-Aid type shit) 2) possessing his little girl to "spare" him the suffering of possession. He doesn't really seem to understand why Jimmy would beg to be possessed again instead Claire. He's completely lost perspective on human connection to the point he can't grasp a parent putting their own child's well-being above their own no matter the personal cost. This is another function of heavenly brainwashing/the cult mentality. The angels have a hierarchy in which everything is (allegedly) for their father and they sacrifice for him, not the other way around. They, in turn, intend to slaughter humans in droves for their own peace because they see humans as beneath them in the hierarchy. Cas has been re-programmed to believe this is how things should be, so he absolutely cannot understand in that moment why possessing Claire instead of Jimmy is an absolutely horrifying proposition to her father and not a form of mercy in Jimmy's eyes at all. It doesn't compute with brainwashed!Cas's understanding of hierarchy.

We see Cas's brainwashing in regards to death and ascension into heaven as the ultimate mercy again—two episodes later in 4.22:

DEAN You know what's real? People, families -- that's real. And you're gonna watch them all burn? CASTIEL What is so worth saving? I see nothing but pain here. I see inside you. I see your guilt, your anger, confusion. In paradise, all is forgiven. You'll be at peace. Even with Sam.

Note that Cas clearly didn't feel this way before he got "sent back to Bible camp". He fought violently to reach Dean and tell him the truth before he was captured.

[alotofrandomfangirling]

Promises (liveaction!Roronoa Zoro x female!reader)

Summary: Zoro and you are protective of each other 💚

Warnings: cursing, violence, mentions of blood, bullying

A/N: well, this started as a request but turned out to be more of a collab?lol @smolbeandrabbles sent me the idea and the inspiration song, and helped me through it so this came out hahaha i hope you like it! This is inspired by the song "New Fears" by Lights 🥰 also, there's a small time skip in the middle and the two scenes in italic are flashbacks!

'"Cause I have these new fears that carry me through

Every bullet I'm taking for you

So just hold on tight

I'll be coming, I'm coming for you, oh oh

And every night

I'll be burning, burning for you, oh oh

And I will back you up, I will show you love

I will give you all I got 'til I cannot

Hold on tight

I'm breathing, breathing for you, oh oh

It hadn't been long since you and Roronoa Zoro had started dating. That meant you were still trying to figure out this whole 'relationship' thing.

Not that it was hard, not at all. You both really liked each other, so you were willing to do anything for one another. It was just that... both being inexperienced, belonging to someone was a new adventure you were going to face together.

And it wasn't like a big effort either. Even before you were an official couple, both of you were already inseparable, ever since you joined the straw hats.

You got along like no one, you were always by each other's side and there was no one who could understand each other better. It was like you were long lost soulmates.

But... you just didn't say it?lol

Maybe you were both afraid the other one would see you only as friend? Or maybe you were just stubborn af lmao

It didn't stop you from stealing a little time with each other every now and then though 😏

You specially loved your late night talks. You had lost count of how many times you went to his room (or him to yours 👀) late at night just to chat.

Zoro liked asking you about your life before joining the straw hats. He loved hearing your sweet voice giggling while telling funny stories about that time.

You, on the other hand, loved when he talked about his childhood and the promise he made to his friend. The glint in his eye when he talked about that dream of his, it was one of the most beautiful things you had ever seen. That's when you knew Roronoa Zoro was the strongest and most determined man you had ever met and you couldn't help but admire that on him.

You also had a lot of fun teasing each other lol you usually joked about his fighting when you were training together ajskajskaj you knew he was the most skillful fighter you had ever met, but you also knew deep down he was a softie, so you loved seeing the shy smile he gave you whenever you teased him.

- you sure you need all those swords to beat me? - you asked teasing and emphasizing the 'all'. You held your dagger on your right hand, the only weapon you ever used and that fit you so well it felt almost like a part of your body.

That made him chuckle.

- of course i'm not using all of them, i gotta take it easy not to completely kick your ass - he said smiling.

- aww you're not getting soft on me, are you, Roronoa? - you said raising one eyebrow.

Was that a small blush on his cheeks?! Oh gosh, he couldn't get any more adorable. You had to look away or else you'd be falling even harder for that man.

- ha, you wish - he replied grabbing his sword and getting ready to start.

The whole crew (except poor baby Luffy 😅😂) had already noticed something was going on. And they would tease you like hell for that.

But still you wouldn't say anything.

I mean, not until that day.

The day Zoro fought Dracule Mihawk. That day could easily be top 3 of "worst days of your life".

Of course you believed in him and supported him no matter what, but you knew what he was doing was dangerous.

The way Mihawk showed no mercy, Zoro's painful grunts, the gash oh his chest... everything felt like a horror scenario and you just panicked because there was nothing you could do.

Fortunately your friends brought Zoro to the ship again, where he was taken care of.

Zeff said you all needed to stay with him and keep talking to keep him alive, but you were so shocked you couldn't even think of something to say.

After some time and with the support of your crew, you finally gathered your courage and decided to speak to him, from your heart. You couldn't let your best friend die like that.

You approached him and started talking softly, not really sure what to say, but hoping the words would come out eventually.

- hey, umm... i guess... um... we miss you..?

You took a deep breath.

- who am i kidding? I miss you, Zoro. I don't know why i never said this before and, oh my, do i regret it right now, but I... - were he even listening? You weren't sure, you just had to get it off your chest - I really like you. You're one of the best people i have ever met and i love spending time with you, and the thought of never being able to do that anymore is freaking me out. I know I could never stand in the way of your dream, because i believe in you, Zoro, i really do. But i also know I should have done more... more to protect you - you paused a bit before letting out the next words - joining the straw hats and sailing on the Merry, it made me feel so brave... and i thought i got rid of all my stupid fears. But now i realize i have a new one. And it's losing you, Zoro. Please, don't leave me...

Your voice broke at those last words and you started crying uncontrollably, hiding your face in your hands. The thought of losing him really made your heart ache.

Until...

- stop crying, i'm not going anywhere.

You lifted your head so fast it almost hurt. You couldn't believe it.

- Zoro?! Oh my gosh, Zoro, you're alive - your voice almost a whisper as you hugged him, careful not to hurt him even more.

He chuckled, eyes still closed and wincing a bit from the pain.

- oh my gosh, i was so scared i had lost y-

A realization immediatly hit you and your face went as white as a sheet. Was he listening? Did he... did he hear what you just said?!

Oh no.

- umm... how much... did you hear? - you asked slowly, a bit scared of his answer.

- enough to say i feel the same - he said with a small smile.

Yeah, so that happened. Was it cute? Totally. But it didn't stop you from shivering whenever you remembered that fight.

Confessions aside, the sight of Zoro lying on the ground with a pool of blood spreading around still haunted you and you couldn't seem to get it out of your mind.

That day you made a silent promise to always protect that man. Of course you knew he was the Roronoa Zoro, infamous pirate hunter and master of the three sword style, but you swore to yourself you would do anything on your reach to keep him safe.

--------*------------*-----------*----------

You were at a bar at Logue Town. It was the evening and Zoro invited you to go there for his usual booze (lol). Chilling with your boyfriend sounded really nice after spending a whole day cleaning the Going Merry, so, sure, you agreed.

You were drinking and talking at the bar counter and everything seemed okay until you heard two familiar (and very annoying) voices.

- wow, check out the loser we found here!

- no way he still has the guts to show up in public after that.

You turned around and confirmed your suspicions: yep, Shinjiro and Aki, the bounty hunter brothers that were a pain in Zoro's ass.

You (unfortunately) had already met them a few months ago at another small island. They both had pitch black hair, were very lean and tall and looked so ugly they could scare babies with just a smile.

At that time, you weren't even girlfriend and boyfriend yet, but Zoro already told you how much of jerks they were. He explained they had been competing and picking on him for years and, when they found out he had joined a pirate crew, it only got worse, so you knew what you were getting into.

On your first encounter with them, you were able to leave before things got heated, but it seemed like this time it wasn't going to be that easy.

You were already opening your mouth to throw all the bad names you knew at the brothers, but Zoro softly put his hand on yours and mouthed "they’re not worth it". You trusted him, so you immediatly went quiet and followed his strategy.

Sadly, Shinjiro and Aki weren't that smart.

They sat by the counter too, not facing the both of you, but speaking loud enough for you to hear it.

- hey, Aki, did you hear what happened with a certain 'pirate' with moss hair? He challenged fucking Dracule Mihawk to a duel! - Shinjiro said ironically.

"Don't say that name. Don't you dare say that name", you thought.

- no way! He could probably be the winner of the "biggest idiot in the whole East Blue" award - Aki replied with a nasty laugh.

Your blood was starting to boil. Zoro alone was twice the man both of them could ever be: braver, stronger and better in so many ways. Who did they think they were to talk about your man like that?

- yeah, either 'biggest idiot' or 'worst swordsman'. I heard Mihawk could take him down with only a small knife, right into his heart - Shinjiro gestured like he was puncturing his own chest.

'Right into his heart'.

Those words echoed in your head.

No.

They were bringing it all up again.

Mihawk's eyes. Zoro's painful voice. Your desperate crying. All flashes going back to your mind.

It was like you were reliving that horror again. Zoro even tried to talk to you and distract you from it, but it didn't seem to work.

- what a joke. And how did he not die? - Aki asked, acting clueless.

- he was so pathetic Mihawk had to leave before turning him into pieces. Not before slashing him right on the chest. Legend says if you go to the Baratie right now, you're probably still gonna find his blood on the ground - Shinjiro said and laughed loudly.

That was the last straw. You got out of your trance and decided to do something.

- okay, that's enough - you said sternly and got up of your seat.

You walked up to Shinjiro and looked him in the eye, your rage nearly melting him.

- oh, yeah? What you gonna do about it, little girl? - he said mocking you.

- here's what - you said and punched him right in the nose.

He was so taken aback by your sudden attack he couldn't even form a reaction. Guess he really underestimated that little girl's strength, right?

When he was still trying to understand what happened, you kicked him in the crotch. Yeah, such a nice move that serves right to a dick that was badmouthing your boyfriend.

As he bent down in pain, you quickly grabbed your dagger (you had learned with Zoro to never leave without a weapon 😅) and hit the back of his neck with the hilt, making him fall to the ground, unconscious.

Wow... did you really knock out the guy?! I mean, of course you were a very skillful fighter, but you were surprised by your willpower and quick thinking over there lol

You took a quick glance back at Zoro with a smug smile and he was there watching the whole thing just like that 'white guy blinking' meme. His girlfriend was kicking ass? For him?! Could she become any more amazing??

When you turned around, Aki was fuming.

- what did you do to him?! - he screamed/asked.

- oh, don't worry. He'll only stay like that for a few hours. You should actually thank me for not having to listen to his stupidity for a wh-

You hadn't even finished your snarky retort when you saw him coming to attack you.

You were usually fast in your fighting. You weren't the biggest or the strongest, but you were very fast, and you were proud of that because it always led you to winning.

But (you weren't sure if the attack caught you off guard of if the sight of Zoro looking at you so impressed had distracted you more than normal) apparently that time it wasn't enough.

When you realized it, Aki had pushed you to the ground and you fell with a loud thud. And as if it weren't enough, you noticed he had a knife in his left hand. You could only notice a long gash starting to bleed on your right arm.

You looked at Zoro as if asking for help and he was looking at you, but he didn't seem like himself. You had never seen that anger in his eyes, it was like he was possessed.

As quick as you fell, Zoro unsheathed his sword and knocked Aki out until he was laid on the ground, the point of the blade only a few milimeters away from his heart. Zoro knew how much you hated unnecessary killing, but this guy had crossed a line there (he had hurt his girlfriend?!) and needed to be taught a lesson.

- you lay a finger on her again - Zoro said through gritted teeth, his voice low and menacing - and i won't be this merciful. Was i clear?

Aki nodded frantically and you could see it in his eyes he was regretting everything and praying to get out alive.

Zoro sheated the sword again and stepped away, still murdering Aki with his eyes.

"That was freaking hot". No shame, but these were your exact thoughts as you watched the whole thing, still sitting on the ground and looking up at him. That was until you came back to reality from your little daydream about your extra hot boyfriend and noticed your wound was still bleeding.

Zoro hadn't forgotten about that either and immediatly kneeled down to check on you.

- (Y/N), are you okay? - he asked very worried about you and checking your arm. The way he looked at you and his soft touch gave you butterflies.

- yeah, i just need to... bandage this up - you replied weakly.

- come on, let's get back to the ship - he helped you get up and you walked back to the Going Merry, him checking on you every 10 seconds.

When you got back to the Merry, Zoro led you to the room you shared (yep, now you were on the 'sharing a room' basis *wink wink*) and helped you bandage your wound. You realized it wasn't that bad and hopefully it would heal in a couple weeks (which was a relief, cause if it was worse Zoro would probably go back to the bar and finish Aki right away 😅😂).

When you were done, you started rambling:

- hey, um... thank you for standing up for me back there. I know taking those guys was stupid, but they were badmouthing you and bringing all that back, i just couldn't stand it anym-

- hey, don't mention it. I couldn't let that jerk hurt my girl and get away with it - the way he said "my girl" made you all fuzzy inside - also, you did it for me first, so you could say we're even - he said with a small smile.

You chuckled. How could he put a smile on your face even in moments like these? That man was really a blessing in your life.

- yeah, i guess that's what makes us such a great duo - you replied winking.

He let out a small laugh and kissed your forehead. With that, you both started preparing your stuff to go to bed. I mean, after everything, both of you needed some good rest.

Soon you both laid down and went to sleep, holding tight to each other, like none of you wanted to let the other go (and you really didn't).

In Zoro's arms, you started thinking about everything that had just happened. Neither of you hesitated in protecting each other in face of danger. That was the moment you realized how far Zoro and you would go for each other.

You didn't lie, you were really a perfect duo.

That thought made you feel even more thankful for having found each other and for being in each other's life like that.

It also made you think back to that fateful Mihawk fight and what you told yourself that day. You had made a promise and you were going to keep it.

But what you didn't know is that Zoro had made one himself too.

Of course he had already promised to become the world's greatest swordsman and to find the One Piece with his captain. But he could fit one more, right? And perhaps the most important yet: to be by your side until the end of your lives.

"I'll take two times the misery

And half the glory

If it meant you'd be the champion

Of the story

And I'll take two times the agony

And half the wonder

If it meant you'd get twice

Twice the thunder"

[quitealotofsodapop]

Gods, in that au where Macaque struck true, imagine his GUILT when he learns about the first egg. That, in his rage at Wukong and desire to harm the pilgrims, he destroyed what very might as well be his and Wukong's chance at a family.

Because I very much doubt Wukong will allow him to be around this second egg.

Prev. Me and @soniclozdplove do a lot of talking in the Notes.

Macaque learns of the First Egg when enters Diyu. Kṣitigarbha, the Bodhisattva of the dead and unborn, looks at him with a mixture of disappointment and sorrow. Macaque doesn't understand until he sees the egg-shaped mass of soul energy in the god's arms. Silent tears roll down his face as the little soul briefly forms the silhouette of a baby monkey.

He collapses as the realisation hits him like a mountain - Wukong was with child, and Macaque had caused him to miscarry. Macaque weeps and pleads for the Ten Kings to take his soul and spare the unborn in his place, only to receive the curt assurance from the bodhisattva that the little one will be kept safe for until they can reunite with their parent.

Macaque is in such despair at the tragedy he's caused that he fails to notice the chains of a greater force engulf and drag him into the deepest pits of the Underworld - Kṣitigarbha and the Ten Kings themselves left puzzled by what primordial force has taken the spiritual monkey.

Macaque spends half an eternity in pitch darkness, only able to listen to the sounds of the Underworld's waters and the odd gossip of it's inhabitants

Then he hears something truly amazing; the very soul of the child he stole from his mate is to be guided through Naihe Bridge - it is time for them to be reborn! He struggles against his confinement for the first time in over a thousand years - determined to protect the child and reunite with his mate.

Thats when the White Bone Spirit makes her strike. Even though Macaque knows nothing good will come of accepting her offer, he takes the risk - hoping beyond all hope that Wukong may come to forgive him for what he did to their first child.

Macaque does not receive a welcome party when he reaches Flower Fruit Mountain. Fear flashes in Wukong's eyes when he gazes upon his former mate once more - the red sash draped over his swollen belly resembling Macaque's missing scarf. Macaque drops to the ground, kowtowing to his mate about how he had genuinely not known of the First Egg when he had engaged him in battle and how *their* child is soon to reborn as the Second.

Tieshan starts strangling her former-sworn brother before Wukong can respond to Macaque's frenzied sobbing. The rest of Wukong's new found troop are there to witness this sight - the reincarnated Pilgrims horrified when Nezha reveals to them the details of what happened with Wukong's *First* stone egg. The only reason Macaque doesn't reenter Diyu immediately is the appearance of a certain Bodhisattva of Mercy. Guanyin shows their own brand of contempt, but tells them to let the shadow monkey live, sensing that he had returned for not-entirely selfish reasons.

Macaque decides that he must find a way to prove that he's remorseful and wishes to be there for Wukong and the Second/Rainbow Egg. It's pretty difficult to even get close to Wukong to grovel at his feet, his whole adoptive troop ready to tear Macaque apart for his sin.

Ultimately, the only thing Macaque can think of that could bring Wukong or his troop to even consider his apology is something Macaque himself had fought to free him from.

Macaque kneels before Guanyin and begs her to bind him.

Wukong can only blink away tears as he sees the familiar gold Circlet encircle Macaque's brow. Insurance that his former mate can never harm him or his child ever again, at the cost of his divine freedom. Subjecting himself to the same chains he fought to free his King from if it proved just a little bit that he was repentant.

It's a start.

[yanderes-galore]

Fandom: JJBA

Character: Jotaro Kujo

Pairing: romantic

Type: alphabet

Honestly part 3 Jotaro being yandere over crusader darling is making me go crazy🗣️ darling could be related/a close friend of polnareff, avdol, or kakyoin to up the stakes of jotaro lol

And darling's gender is up to you I'm fine with whatever :D

- 🥝 anon

I usually do a general take for Alphabets so I hope you enjoy :D Rusty with writing Jotaro, feedback is appreciated! Not fully proofread, may have mistakes.

Yandere Alphabet - Jotaro Kujo

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Using stand for affection, Stalking, Possessive/Protective behavior, Violence, Blood, Manipulation, Jealousy, Death, Murder briefly mentioned, Threats, Controlling behavior, Kidnapping, Isolation, Restraints mention, Forced relationship.

Affection: How do they show their love and affection? How intense would it get?

Jotaro isn't a character that expresses emotions very well. He's mostly stoic and even seems disinterested all the time. However, he isn't disinterested towards you in the slightest.

He's quiet around you but tries not to make it seem like he hates you. He mostly shows he cares through curt praises or maybe something physical like a pat on the back. Although, you no doubt feel ghostly touches of affection due to Star Platinum being capable of showing Jotaro's hidden emotions.

He's slow to do anything intense, but Jotaro could probably be one of the most intense yanderes. He may start subtle or hard to read... but as his obsession grows he tries to be more affectionate. He struggles with it at times though.

Blood: How messy are they willing to get when it comes to their darling?

I imagine if someone drove him to snap, he doesn't mind using Star Platinum to take them out... or maybe his own hands if it's personal. Jotaro has no mercy for enemy Stand Users targeting you. When it's rivals... that's more complicated.

He'd have trouble harming the other Crusaders because they're close to you. In that case he may rely on threats or just dragging you off.

Cruelty: How would they treat their darling once abducted? Would they mock them?

Jotaro may seem like a cruel yandere, in fact that's an interesting way to go about it in some plots, but in reality he'd most likely be very caring. He has trouble expressing emotions... not like he doesn't have them. (I've been guilty of this in the past)

He wouldn't mock you, in fact if it ever came to kidnapping he would make sure he takes care of you. He hates others around you at times... but he never really likes to hurt you. If he's taken you in like this, he's going to make sure you're cared for.

Even if he's the only one you can see now.

Darling: Aside from abduction, would they do anything against their darling’s will?

Yes, but he tries not to do it often. He respects you, even if he locks you away.

Exposed: How much of their heart do they bare to their darling? How vulnerable are they when it comes to their darling?

Jotaro doesn't seem like a very vulnerable yandere. He's mostly stoic but does show some anxiety or bursts of emotions when things catch him off guard. So most of the time, you can't read him. Other times... suddenly he has you in a tight hug, catching you off guard.

He makes no noise during said sudden affection... but by his grip you can tell he's conveying some sort of emotion towards you (Anxiety, Stress, Adoration, Etc.)

Fight: How would they feel if their darling fought back?

Irritated and impatient. He shows some annoyance towards you if you did fight him. He'll say his usual "Yare Yare Daze" before scolding you and holding you off. He won't hurt you... just tire you out.

Game: Is this a game to them? How much would they enjoy watching their darling try to escape?

No and he hates it.

Hell: What would be their darling’s worst experience with them?

Ideals: What kind of future do they have in mind for/with their darling?

Seeing him snap. When Jotaro snaps a lot can happen. He may get violent with the person who set him off (not you). By the end of their altercation his hands are covered in red stains.

Afterwards he picks you up, either by himself or his Stand, and carried you off. He doesn't care if you struggle or not. He can't deal with you being so close to others anymore...

Which leads to you being locked away.

Honestly, he doesn't think about it now... but as an adult he probably thinks of marriage (Part 4). Maybe even a kid (Part 6). Part 3 Jotaro mostly just thinks of dating you after Dio is defeated.

Jealousy: Do they get jealous? Do they lash out or find a way to cope?

Kisses: How do they act around or with their darling?

Yes and Jotaro could really go either way. He may lash out and threaten the person who caused the issue. Maybe even use Star Platinum if they really did something wrong (Showing physical affection while Jotaro is around is an example).

Other times he may try to hide how much he truly feels about it. Although said emotions end up being vented by Star Platinum, said Stand never taking his eyes off of you. Star Platinum may even show affection towards you while Jotaro tries to distract himself.

Protective, Clingy, Observing, Manipulative/Controlling, Possessive, Subtle, Hard to read, Caring, Loyal.

Jotaro's yandere type is like a dormant volcano it seems. He seems harmless towards you... but who knows what might set him off.

Love letters: How would they go about courting or approaching their darling?

Going based off what you gave me, you're a fellow Stand User and Crusader. That's how you meet Jotaro. At first Jotaro seems disinterested in you. But you couldn't be further from the truth.

As you proceed through your quest to take down Dio, Jotaro grows interested in you. You could be a friend of one of the others... or even a sibling of one of them. Jotaro doesn't really care about that... he just cares about watching you.

He'd stalk you by using Star Platinum and would appear extremely protective of you. Jotaro is skilled in fighting and can be volatile in fights. Especially if it's to protect you.

By the end of this trip... safe to say Jotaro isn't planning to leave your side or lose you to anyone.

Mask: Are their true colors drastically different from the way they act around everyone else?

Not really, no.

Naughty: How would they punish their darling?

Oppression: How many rights would they take away from their darling?

Jotaro doesn't like the idea but he may try restraints or isolation to make you rely on him. He seems like he'd be physical about it, but he isn't really. He does scold you... but at the same time he doesn't like blaming you for the mistakes of others.

He doesn't want to take a lot, but if he feels you've wronged him then he will take most of your freedoms.

Patience: How patient are they with their darling?

Quit: If their darling dies, leaves, or successfully escapes, would they ever be able to move on?

He can be patient. He has limits, but he is surprisingly very patient.

Regret: Would they ever feel guilty about abducting their darling? Would they ever let their darling go?

The effect it has on him may not show, but it does affect him. He gets snappy with others and much more moody. But over time it becomes a dull ache within him that he never forgets.

If someone took you from him... he may just kill them....

Sometimes and maybe (most likely no).

Stigma: What brought about this side of them (childhood, curiosity, etc)?

Childhood and trauma.

Tears: How do they feel about seeing their darling scream, cry, and/or isolate themselves?

Jotaro usually just gives you your space. He keeps his distance until you calm down. Occasionally he may use Star Platinum to check on you before approaching to hold you.

Unique: Would they do anything different from the classic yandere?

SKIPPED

Vice: What weakness can their darling exploit in order to escape?

Not many I can think of except trying not to make him snap.

Wit’s end: Would they ever hurt their darling?

He tries not to, he hates the idea... but it may just happen.

Xoanon: How much would they revere or worship their darling? To what length would they go to win their darling over?

Not a worship yandere but would sacrifice everything to see you alive, happy, and safe.

Yearn: How long do they pine after their darling before they snap?

I imagine he can pine awhile. He probably won't snap until after Part 3 (hopefully)... meaning any abduction might be a Part 4 era Jotaro thing.

Zenith: Would they ever break their darling?

Not intentionally.

[moonselune]

Ah! I've been so excited to put in a request! I adore the way you write Minthara, can I request her with a trans woman Tav but she hasn't told Minthara yet? Maybe as a former assassin it's not often that she gets nervous, but she knows the way drow perceive men in the Underdark and that her transition probably wouldn't be accepted in Menzobarrenzen. She meant to tell Minthara but ⭐️the stars haven't aligned yet.⭐️ Maybe if things were heading in a s p i c y direction and then she just stops, and Minthara notices she looks terrified, despite barely getting scared at all. Showing emotion is hard and asking for comfort is impossible lol but she is very prepared for Minthara to hate her.

Sorry if it's a super long ask, I've just been really excited to put in a request! It's based on my embrace Durge Tav and despite the bad things she does i love her very much! She's a tiefling named Anika!

Ahhh thank you so much !!! And no worries it was a super fun concept to work with !

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Minthara Baenre x Transfem!reader | Who you are

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The fire crackles in the stillness, casting long shadows around you and Minthara, and normally, this kind of setting would relax you. But tonight, it only sharpens your nerves, your heart pounding at the edge of your throat. She’s close, closer than she has been in a while, and for once, you can’t find the words to meet her with.

You, a trained assassin—someone who never shied from the edge of a blade or the threat of death—were struggling to voice a simple truth. A truth that felt as if it could shift her entire perception of you, leaving you open, vulnerable, at her mercy.

Minthara doesn’t move, her eyes focused and piercing, but not unkind.

“You’re distracted,” she notes, her words laced with observation rather than reprimand. She cocks her head, reading every flicker of your expression with a precision that has you feeling even more laid bare. “I know this is unusual for you,” she adds, raising a brow, “and it must be serious if it renders you so silent.”

Her voice holds a gentleness rarely heard from her—strong but urging you forward. She reaches out, her hand finding yours, and she clasps it, warm and grounding. It’s the smallest touch, yet it manages to unravel the threads of composure you’ve fought to hold on to.

“Speak your truth,” she says again, softly, her voice dipping low as if the words are meant only for you. Her fingers curl around yours with a kind of certainty, a firm reminder that you are here, now, in her presence, and whatever you fear sharing will not be cast aside so lightly.

Your mouth goes dry, heart stammering, but under her watchful gaze, you find the courage to begin.

“Minthara, there’s… something I’ve meant to tell you,” you say, swallowing thickly. Each word feels pulled from a deep place inside you, your pulse loud in your ears as the truth finally begins to surface. “It’s something I should have told you long ago.”

You pause, struggling for air, her eyes steady, patient. There’s no room for fear or silence now; you know you have to say it, let her see you, raw and unfiltered.

“I wasn’t… always seen as I am now,” you manage, voice barely above a whisper. You clench her hand in yours, finding some strength in the way she holds on, unyielding. “I was born a man,” you continue, the words spilling out in a rush. “I… transitioned years ago, outside Menzoberranzen’s reach. I feared that… that if you knew, you’d see me as…” The weight of the words nearly chokes you. “Less.”

A fragile, tense silence falls between you both as you brace for her reaction. It’s the vulnerability of the confession—the fear that she could so easily wound you—that has you ready for the worst, prepared for the sneer or cutting remark that would slice through what little trust you had placed in her.

But Minthara does not flinch. Her expression remains unchanged, but there’s a warmth in her eyes, a spark that tells you she’s not simply humoring you. Instead, she studies you, her thumb tracing a gentle line over the back of your hand. When she finally speaks, her words are as steady as her gaze.

“You assume I’m bound by the hollow beliefs of the Underdark,” she murmurs, her tone rich with conviction and tinged with something softer, almost fond. “But I left that place for reasons beyond my loyalty to Lolth. I came here to be free, free of their small-minded chains.” She leans closer, her gaze never wavering. “You are a woman because you are meant to be. You stand here because you have claimed your identity, no matter what hardship it brought.”

The tightness in your chest loosens slightly, a flicker of hope taking root as she continues.

“Your strength,” she says, her voice soft yet unyielding, “is not simply in your resilience. It is in this—your honesty, even when it frightens you.” Her fingers trace the line of your jaw, and she tilts your chin up so you have no choice but to meet her eyes. “And do you think, for even a moment, that I would view you as anything less? Knowing what you have overcome?”

Her words settle over you like a warm cloak, comforting in a way you hadn’t dared to imagine. You feel the weight of years of secrecy and fear slowly dissipating under her fierce gaze. She squeezes your hand, a silent reassurance, and you realize that her acceptance is not conditional or reluctant. It’s absolute.

Slowly, as though pulling yourself from a trance, you give her a faint nod. The fear that had choked you loosens, and you feel your shoulders drop, a sigh escaping your lips as you lean into her touch.

Minthara’s lips quirk into the smallest, genuine smile, a rare expression on her usually severe face.

“Good. Now stop looking at me as if I’m about to strike you down,” she says, a teasing edge to her voice, her fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from your face. Her expression shifts, a hint of pride glimmering in her eyes. “You have survived far too much to doubt yourself here, with me.”

With a rare, tender touch, she brings her forehead to rest against yours. Her breathing is steady, a quiet rhythm that soothes your frayed nerves.

“Let us take this moment as it is,” she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper, but it holds a kind of power that echoes deep within you. “Free of judgment, free of fear. Let us find the strength to meet each other fully.”

For a moment, you simply exist together in silence, her forehead resting against yours, her steady presence grounding you. Her acceptance, her quiet, unwavering support, becomes a balm you hadn’t realized you so desperately needed. And slowly, you allow yourself to breathe, to let go of the years of fear, the doubt that had weighed so heavily on your heart.

“I can do that,” you whisper, a small smile finally breaking through.

Minthara hums approvingly, her hand coming to rest on your cheek with a softness you rarely saw from her. "Then you and I shall find a path to freedom together,” she says, a promise threading through her words.

And in that moment, for the first time in so long, you feel truly seen and accepted—whole and unbroken.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Hope you guys enjoyed this! - Seluney xox

If you want to support me in other ways | Help keep this moonmaiden caffeinated x

[000marie198]

Beats till the song disappears

......

Classic era, Sonic 2's bad ending timeline but I made it better. Or worse. Leaving for you to decide. Enjoy :)

...........

He trudged through the dark zone, silent and windless akin to a closed, lifeless chamber.

The place was littered with systematically arranged crystal blocks that would've looked aesthetically pleasing if it were daytime. For now, they just made the place more eerie as he waited for Robotnik to show up.

After what felt like an eternity of worried pacing to the speedy hedgehog but in reality was barely a couple of minutes, two of the structures nearby split apart, revealing a camouflaged panel sliding in the ground.

Sonic stopped, facing the opening to see the Eggmobile rise from the underground, hovering a meter or so above the inclined floor leading into the depth.

The doctor looked composed, unworried, his spectacles glinting with a previously absent touch of confidence, of victory.

"Did you bring them?" He asked, addressing the frustrated hedgehog.

Sonic revealed four emeralds without a word, pulling them away as the other tried to grab for them.

"Tails?"

"Hand them over first."

Sonic was about to retaliate but paused at seeing the other hover a finger over the mobile's control panel, staring straight at him with the unspoken threat clear in his body language. He could kill the kit if Sonic wasn't careful.

His thoughts conflicting with one another and the concern for his little brother chiming in, he finally relented, holding out the gems for the mobile's claws to grab.

"Now tell me where he is."

"Careful, hedgehog, you don't get to make demands here. I believe we had an agreement that he'll be spared only if you brought all five Chaos Emeralds, hmm?"

Silence fell over the terrain, the hero shooting a venomous glare at Robotnik. It would be too much of a gamble to attack him when he had a link open to wherever he was keeping Tails. His lack of acknowledgement to the earlier question was answer enough. He hadn't been able to collect the required number of emeralds on time.

"I see," the scientist murmured.

Sonic gritted his teeth, high strung, on edge. He was aware he had failed but he needed to know...

"Just tell me if my brother is alright."

"He is," the other sighed in an exaggerated display of disappointment, "I would've gotten rid of him by now provided your ineptitude-"

"You know I can't locate them all this fast!" Sonic snarled, looking seconds away from jumping at his throat.

"But I am feeling rather... merciful today," the man continued on without even reacting to the interruption, his demeanor betraying he held all the cards. "I propose another deal, hedgehog. If you agree, I promise that no harm will come to Tails."

Sonic shouldn't trust him. Didn't trust him. But if it meant Tails would be safe...

He nodded, signalling to Robotnik that he was listening. Said scientist smirked under his mustache.

"Become part of my legion. Surrender yourself to me, and your little friend will go unharmed."

His legion. The hero had fought against him enough times, had seen enough horrors and rescued enough critters being used as test subjects to read between the lines, to know what Robotnik meant. The mere mention of that thing still makes him sick. Robotnik wasn't asking him to just give up his freedom. He was demanding for Sonic to give up his mind and body, his free will, in the worst way possible.

Sonic's life or Tails' safety?

It took him less than a second to choose.

"Well?" Robotnik's voice prompted, already knowing his nemesis' decision.

"If you hurt Tails-"

"Oh don't be so leery. I gave you my word. Your fox friend will not be harmed. Now, do we have a deal or do I signal my bots to neutralize that menace?"

Sonic squeezed his eyes shut, shaking with a plethora of emotions he couldn't bring himself to grasp and process as they came and went in waves. He gasped in a breath and stilled, before coiled tension leaked away from his body and he sighed. Surrendered.

"Deal."

"Excellent!" He could hear the victorious grin in Robotnik's voice but he didn't react, unable to bring himself to look up, gaze fixed on his red and white sneakers as he willingly sealed his fate. His iconic shoes held his focus, shoes that allowed him his freedom to run as fast as his heart desired. The same freedom which he was now volunterily giving up for his brother.

It felt like just yesterday when he had met the little guy, his shoes very smilar to Sonic's own, a matching color scheme. Something he had never paid attention to before but was now a glaring memory. He hadn't even told Tails how much he cared for him, how much proud he was, had he?

If he were to be given a chance to speak with Tails, he'd never remain silent again.

His feet moved without his consent, following the rotound man into the underground base until he blinked out of his thoughts and found himelf in a lab, facing a tall glass cylinder strung up in the center of the circular space.

It stood empty, it's front open, waiting to be occupied. Sonic stared on, unable to look away.

"Now don't be shy, step into the capsule. Chop chop!"

A hair's breath pause and he stepped forward, inside the glass confinement and upon the platform inside, fully resigning himself to what he had agreed on. His breath shuddered with anguish and dread as Robotnik moved around it to the front and pressed a switch.

The glass sealed behind him with a decisive click.

Adrenaline shot through his veins as the machine hummed to life, lights glowing awake below the platform he stood on and the welded hatch above him.

His heartbeat began to thunder in his ears, quills pricking up but he held still, letting the titanium clamps reaching for him seal around his ankles and wrists.

He saw Robotnik clicking away at a nearby screen and then he felt a subtle jerk, the machine's hum increasing in volume and intensity, the platform under him rising up.

With one final click at the keyboard, sleek contraptions that looked suspiciously like a sci-fi mixture of scanner and blaster surrounded him and pulsing rays shot out from their openings.

Sonic grunted as he felt the energy strike him, the clamps keeping him still.

2%

It started from below, at the legs. Of course it fucking did. Sonic wanted to scream, wanted to yell and kick and bang his fists against the glass, feeling cold numbness slowly spreading up his most powerful weapons, his legs, his speed, stripped from him painstakingly slowly as flesh turned to metal.

All he did was clench his fists and grit his teeth in anguish, his whole being screaming at him to move but he held still. He couldn't move, not if it placed his first friend, his best friend, at risk.

28%

The titanium bands securing his ankles and wrists seemed to tighten, restricting the little bit of movement he had as the rays slowly climbed up to his torso, inches below his heart.

He didn't let the tears show.

For Tails for Tails for Tails for Tails

His thoughts chanted like a mantra, placing all his being into not moving, letting himself be turned into a machine, until his ears swivelled at the swoosh of a panelled door sliding open, urging him to look up.

His breath caught in his throat, each cell freezing up in a mixture of shock, rage and despair.

No. No no no no no no no no NO!

"TAILS!" The anguished wail left his chest just as his heart stopped beating, an engine's hum replacing its frantic rhythm.

He payed it no mind. It didn't matter when it was ripped to shreds anyway the moment his blurry gaze met his brother's.

Glowing red optics stared back.

He tried to move, tried to break free but it made no difference, half his body frozen on the spot, under the control of the Chaos forsaken monster who did this.

65%

The bands on his wrists burned, something warm and damp flowed down his palms and dripped from his fingers. Sonic was numb to it, struggling and shaking in the glass confine, his own screams becoming muffled to his ears.

"You promised! YOU FUCKING PROMISED YOU WOULDN'T HURT HIM!"

A screen beeped, the vitals' charts on it going haywire as the progress bar reached 78%.

The mustached scientist just stood there grinning, unconcerned and victorious.

"And I kept my promise. He is unharmed, well and alive." The words seemed to echo in his head, reverberating as if imprinting on the walls of his mind, the machine's buzz and hum drowned out by them. "Just as you asked, rodent."

He couldn't take his pained eyes off of the small yellow robot and his captor noticed that, turning to address Tails with a deceptively encouraging smile.

"Isn't that right, Metal Tails?"

The little robot finally moved, startled beeps escaping it as it's mechanical gaze shifted away from hyperfocusing on Sonic and towards what it's systems told it to be it's creator.

The familiar innocence in that small gesture, even though seeing it on a roboticized mecha, broke something in Sonic.

He tried to call out to his brother but realized he couldn't speak. He couldn't feel his muzzle or mouth anymore. Oh...

The screen read 96%.

As the metal climbed up his quills and ears and the world began to fade into static, Sonic drowned out Eggman's smug grin and droning of the roboticizer's rays, putting all that was left of his mind and strenght into focusing on Tails.

He wanted his last memory to be of his brother, even if no longer flesh and blood but mere metal and wires, he was still Tails. His Tails. That much was clear from its demeanor alone, the innocence, the curiosity, the intelligence, it was all there. Sonic would be able to tell his kid apart from a thousand other Tailses if he had to.

The tears he'd been holding back finally slipped down, the last piece of his humanity used into conveying to Tails that he was sorry, that he loved him.

99%

His eyes closed, the metal covered up the last of the organic cells and Sonic finally went still.

............

Metal Tails gazed upon the powering down capsule, his processors showing the progress bar having reached 100%.

He couldn't take his focus off of the inactive hedgehog; organic, mechanical, irrelevant, Metal Tails was drawn to him even before the roboticization was completed.

Something suspiciously illogical was recorded in his archives during the process. He had sensed what organics refer to as emotions being conveyed to him earlier by the same being. It seemed to be a combination of concern, remorse and affection.

How could he do that without any working signal and communication link to Metal Tails?

The roboticized hedgehog suddenly beeped awake, internal fans whirring as his systems rapid-fire processed the new programming and commands. He jerked within the bonds and stilled again, hanging limp for a long beat.

Metal Sonic lifted his head up, optical processors switching on to reveal glowing red optics staring straight into Metal Tails' own.

It appeared the other robot was finally awake.

Metal Tails couldn't calculate why the organic hedgehog had seemed to know about him but he had felt drawn to the blue being just the same.

Perhaps it was a satisfactory calculation on his creator's part as Metal Tails' tended to get lonely and this arrangement made him most pleased.

Another robot companion made for the perfect promised gift.

.................

No characters were killed in the making of this story, just as I promised :]

[rougepancake]

Prompt 89 with power, denji, and aki

OH MY GOD SAY LESS

Prompt 89 - “YOU SENT ME PICTURES OF YOU NAKED WHILE I WAS IN A WORK MEETING”

Ft. Aki Hayakawa, Denji, and Power

Warnings: Slightly suggestive (but not really). Other than that it’s pretty chill

AKI HAYAKAWA

You moped around lazily on your couch, your eyes focused on the television before you as you scrolled through the seemingly endless amount of channels.

All in all, today was pretty uneventful. You hadn’t even been called out to patrol the streets!

But Aki had.

You figured since Aki wasn’t home to make you suffer the consequences of your actions that you could do stupid things and live in the moment. And while that was true, Aki was expected to be home any minute now.

And boy were you in for it.

Finally! You found a channel that was playing some weird European horror movie and pulled out your phone.

135 NEW MESSAGES FROM AKI

Oh you were so done for.

You were getting ready to open the messages, but the sound of the door practically being kicked down caused you to jump and drop your phone.

“Y/n!” Aki shouted and stormed into your shared living room. He spotted you on the floor and pulled you up by your arm, hoisting you onto your feet effortlessly so he could yell at you. “What in the hell was that for?! You knew damn well I was out patrolling with Himeno today!”

“What was what for?” You feigned innocence, but you were only digging your grave deeper. Aki grabbed ahold of your shirt and shook you just enough to make you dizzy. You laughed and looked into his eyes.

“I’m going to give you shaken baby syndrome.”

“You can’t give that to a twenty one year old, dipshit.” You chuckled and patted his cheek gently, only to be picked up and thrown onto the couch. You let out a high pitched squeal and giggled.

Aki didn’t find this overly funny.

“I can find a way.” He huffed and glared down at you. “You’re lucky Himeno didn’t see those.” He mumbled and crossed his arms stubbornly.

“Didn’t see what?” You tilted your head and looked up at him, your eyes shining mischievously. “What are you talking about, Aki?” You said his name so sweetly and it only upset him further.

“YOU SENT ME NUDES WHILE I WAS WORKING!!!” Aki raised his voice and you were sure the neighbors had heard him. You smirked and rolled over onto your side, giving him a playful wink.

“So did you like them or not?”

DENJI

You didn’t even give him some warning. Instead- you broke down the door to the apartment that he shared with Aki and Power and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, picking him up and dragging him off to god knows where.

He fought and complained the whole time, pouting as you ignored his whining. Knowing Denji, he probably didn’t remember sending you those. Shit- he probably sent them to you accidentally, but that was no excuse.

Once you had gotten far enough away from Aki’s apartment, you released him and glared at him.

“What’s all this abo-“ He started and you shut him up with a sharp jab at his side. Denji grabbed his side and whined like a little kid, hoping you’d show some mercy.

“Denji. I would kill your devil ass right now if it wouldn’t come back on me later.” You grumbled and crossed your arms stubbornly.

“Eh?! What did I even do?!? You’re so mean to me!!” He complained further and you wanted nothing more than to grab him by his shoulders and shake him until his brain was scrambled.

But you couldn’t.

Because 1- you had some morals. And 2- scrambling his brain seemed too nice of a punishment this time.

“Do you not remember..?” You leaned in and whispered darkly. While the both of you knew that you weren’t really upset, you still came off that way. “What have I told you about teasing me while I’m busy? That type of shit isn’t cool.” You huffed.

“Wait what.” Denji stood there, looking at you with that dumb expression on his face. He was at a total loss.

“Do you want me to refresh your memory?” You asked sweetly, batting your eyelashes in a manner that you knew would mislead the poor guy.

“Oh! Uhhh… yes please!” He began to nod enthusiastically, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

“YOU DIPSHIT! YOU SENT ME PICTURES OF YOU NAKED WHILE I WAS IN A MEETING!!” You watched his face fall and had to hold back a laugh. Slowly- he pieced it together and had no shame in telling you that he did.

“Well yeah. Isn’t that the sort of thing I’m supposed to do?” He mumbled and you grabbed him by his shirt again.

“NOT. WHEN. I’M. AT. WORK!”

POWER

“Don’t be cruel to me! For I am thine-“ She was cut off by you quite literally kicking her in the back. You weren’t supposed to return for a good hour or two, so your sudden appearance while she was out on a mission had her baffled.

“What was that for, peasant?!” She huffed and glared at you, rubbing her back with an annoyed sigh.

“Well I wonder.” You said sarcastically. “Let’s sit down and think about what you did today.” You put a hand on your hip and pursed your lips, waiting for her to say something. Anything.

But she just stood there. Looking at you like you had just insulted everything she stood for.

Which wasn’t a lot- but still.

“I have done no such thing to deserve this form of treatment!” She said stubbornly, and you had to physically restrain yourself from lunging at her.

“Power.” You pulled out your phone and showed her the messages she had sent you. “What does this look like to you?”

She took your phone and looked at it before handing it back to you and denying it further.

“‘Tis the rat that made me.”

“I DID NOT!” Denji shouted and chucked a rock at her.

“Power. We both know Denji had nothing to do with this.” You put your phone away and stared into her eyes.

“Nothing to do with what?”

You swear she has the attention span of a newborn baby.

Slowly, you took a deep breath to refrain from shouting at her. “You sent me pictures of you naked. While I was at work. And in a meeting, no less.”

“The devil phone sent those itself!”

“POWER MY BOSS COULD HAVE SEEN THOSE!!!”

[theemissuniverse]

You are literally the goat if you make a fic about Shujinko and you make me like him

“DECEPTION ROOTED IN THE SOUL” SHUJINKO X ANTI-HERO FEM!READER

SUMMARY : Shujinko is on his quest to find all the kamidogus when he meets you, a cambion (a half human half demon) in the Netherrealm. You will decide if he is worthy for you to help (Shujinko is 18)

A/N : Okay, for context, I bet all my followers that I could write a fic about Shujinko and they would still eat it up bc I’m just THAT good so that’s why this exists

A/N : for y’all that will not understand, this plot is based on Mortal Kombat Deception

WARNINGS : none I think?? Besides descriptive making out

MASTERLIST

Time was of the essence. It was far greater than anything. He had believed that the Elder Gods trusted in him. He had to complete his task.

Hearing that his soul was tainted, Shujinko questioned some of his methods in order for him to complete his konquest because now the man was able to enter the Netherrealm.

The Netherrealm was filled with evil souls and evil people. It was a place not for the weak. Shujinko wasn’t necessarily scared just uneasy.

It was weird to say the least. The way people spoke and acted was much different than the people that resided in Earthrealm, his home.

Sometimes he could understand what people were saying but then there were others who would speak a language he was not familiar with. So, it made it hard for him to communicate.

Shujinko had already prepared himself for the worse but he was not ready for this.

As he walked through out the poor excuse of a “city” he had spotted a woman, you, arguing with a monster.

He was confused because you didn’t look like a monster. In fact, you looked very human besides some dark face paint on your face.

Actually…you were beautiful.

“I have told you for the last time, Baraka, I will not aid in Shao Kahn’s army. He offers me nothing.”

“Then you are the enemy!”

The warrior pushed you down to the ground. You hissed a little at the impact. You were about to stand up so you could fight him but somebody was already beating you to it.

Shujinko made his appearance known. Baraka, the warrior, turned to look at him. “Who are you? Speak now! Or be slaughtered!”

“I am Shujinko. The Elder God’s champion.” He stated very simply. “I think it is best that you leave now.”

Baraka laughed as if what Shujinko had said was the funniest thing in the world. “Me? Leave? Are you challenging me?”

“If you see it as a challenge then so be it but it is a warning.”

“Ha! I will feast on your bones for your insolence!”

When Shujinko saw Baraka was getting into his fighting stance, Shujinko got into his and prepared himself.

You watched as the fight happened. As he fought, Shujinko picked up on all of Baraka’s moves and started to use them against him.

It was actually very interesting.

How could someone have that much knowledge and wisdom that they were able to pick up on something so quickly?

You didn’t know if Shujinko was just that good of a fighter or Baraka was a terrible warrior but Shujinko was winning. Very easily may you add.

You should’ve took this as your opportunity to escape but you couldn’t help yourself. You were intrigued.

Even more intrigued because of the fact that Shujinko did not look like a powerful demon. And if he claimed to be the Elder God’s champion then he definitely wasn’t.

Baraka was down on the ground in pain. You were waiting for Shujinko to finish Baraka. He did not.

When Baraka recognized that Shujinko showed him mercy, Baraka took it as his chance to escape.

You watched as Baraka ran away. You turned your attention towards Shujinko. “I could’ve handled him.”

“I’m sure you could’ve.” Shujinko agreed with you. You were surprised that there was no hint of sarcasm in his voice. He held out his hand to help you off the ground.

You stared at his hand, contemplating on taking it. He did help you. (Even if you didn’t ask for it.) You took his hand and allowed him to help you up.

Curiosity took the best of you. “How did you do that? I saw you copy his fighting style and use it against him. And Baraka is the best Tarkatan warrior. He would not fall to someone as easy looking as you.”

“Easy looking?” Shujinko questioned a little amused. “I have been granted the gift to pick up on people’s fighting styles fairly quickly.”

You nodded a little at his short explanation. It made sense. “You don’t look like you belong here. You’re…very human looking.”

“I am a human. I am from Earthrealm.”

Your eyes widen at his statement. How was he able to coexist in the Netherrealm then? “Earthrealm? How is that possible? You must be filled with evil.”

Not being able to help yourself, you touched Shujinko’s shoulder slightly. He allowed you to do this. You closed your eyes and looked into Shujinko’s soul.

When you opened your eyes, they were white. Shujinko did not seem frightened by this and observed what you were doing.

You continued to try and look into his soul but you found barely anything. You closed your eyes again and your eye color went back to normal.

You removed your hand from his shoulder. “There is very light corruption. Nothing outlandish.”

Shujinko was a little happy to hear that he was not completely corrupted. “I have been informed that while doing my quest, I may have gotten my soul tainted a little.” He looked you up and down and it was his curiosity that got the better of him. “You also do not look like a demon.”

You chuckled a little at the realization. “That is because I am a Cambion. I am half human and half demon. I can either take on my human form or my demon form.”

“You are in the Netherrealm. Why would you want to look human?”

“To separate myself from these fools.” You placed your hands behind your back as you spoke. “I am a powerful sorcerer. My father is Quan Chi.”

Shujinko was stunned by your confession. “Quan Chi? He is-“

“The devil? I know. As you can see, I am not aligned with him.” You told him. “I’m (Y/N).”

“Shujinko.”

You chuckled a little at the name. “Interesting. Your name means protagonist. How fitting.” Shujinko smiled slightly. You changed the subject. “What brings you to the Netherrealm exactly? It is not the ideal place for you.”

Shujinko did not want to give you too much information but you seemed friendly enough. I mean, you haven’t tried to kill him despite everyone else in the Netherrealm trying to. “I am here on a quest from the Elder Gods. What I need resides in this realm unfortunately.”

You nodded at his vague explanation. You suppose he was in his right to not completely tell you. You were a demon of the Netherrealm. “Well, I hope you are good on your quest, Shujinko.” You started to walk away from him. “May we meet again.”

Shujinko watched as you walked away from him. He had to admit, he was slightly disappointed seeing as that you were the only one in the Netherrealm that did not give him hell.

Hopefully you would meet him again.

Later on in his quest in the Netherrealm, Shujinko had encountered you. Again, you were fighting with someone but this time you were winning.

He decided to watch you as you held the warrior in your hands. Then you began to suck the soul out of them. The warrior’s body started to desiccate,

When the warriors body turned into old brittle bones, you flung them to the ground.

Shujinko decided to walk over to you. “What did he do to you?”

You turned to Shujinko, a little startled that you had seen him again. “Exist.” You stated simply. “You know…” You began to say as you walked closer to him. “You are not as good as I figured to be. You watch me kill a man?”

Shujinko raised his hands in his defense. “I have no authority of what you do. You also seem…alright. He must’ve done something to you.”

You chuckled at the nativity that was Shujinko. “Do not be so easily fooled of who I am because I show you kindness.” You walked over to him. You grabbed him by the chin and forced him to look at you directly in the eyes. “Remember, I grant you kindness because you have earned my respect.”

Tilting your head, you examined his features. He was a very handsome man. He had long hair to the back of his neck and big brown doe eyes. His lips were actually a little plump and he had soft masculine features on his face.

“And because you are very handsome.”

Shujinko allowed you to touch his face as he was not threatened by you. If you had wanted to kill him, you would’ve by now.

He was a little taken back by your compliment, wondering where it had came from. “A demon calls me handsome?”

“Oh, dear. If I hadn’t grown to like you I would’ve fed on your soul by now.” You let go of his face and laughed slightly at his expression. He showed no reaction to what you had said. “You’re very calm for someone that could kill you in an instant.”

Shujinko watched as you began to circle around him. He kept his eyes on you the entire time. “I am not so convinced you would hurt me.”

“Oh?” You stopped behind his back. Your lips go to his ear and you began to whisper. “Maybe I showed you too much of my kindness.”

“Perhaps you have. But you are not as evil as you make yourself seem.”

You take a step back from him. In reality, it was true. I mean, it was the reason why you were not helping Shao Kahn. It was the reason why you abandoned your father.

You did not partake in their kind of evilness.

You would never admit it though. Especially to the Earthrealmer that stood before you. You decided to change the subject. “How does your quest come along?”

Shujinko noticed your change in topic but decided to play along. “It is…far more difficult than I anticipated.”

“Difficulty? For the Elder God’s champion? I figured it be not.” You teased slightly before stopping in front of him.

Shujinko recognized your teasing. “Oh? Does the great cambion sorcerer have anything to teach me?” He teased back.

“Oh, I might have a couple tricks.” You ran your hands up and down his chest. “You’re very interesting Shujinko. Let’s hope you don’t disappoint me.” You removed your hands from him and started to walk away from him.

Shujinko, again, watched you walk disappointed. “May we meet again?”

You turned around and smiled at him. “You know it.”

Throughout his journey, he was stumbled again when he was greeted by another woman that looked basically human.

Maybe she was also like you, a cambion. But that was quickly disproved because she explained herself to be a demon but she had purged her soul of evil.

Her name was Ashrah and she offered to teach him the ways of her kombat. He agreed.

Once he picked up on all her fighting styles, she congratulated him on a job well done.

Ashrah had just defeated a Tarkatan warrior in front of Shujinko to show him her abilities. “The Tarkatan was not a pure demon but a mutated hybrid of demon and mortal races.” She said.

It made Shujinko ponder to you because technically, you were a hybrid yourself but you appeared very much human like. Maybe it was because you were also a sorcerer.

Ashrah continued to speak. “There was not much to gain from his death. We’re I to defeat the powerful demon (Y/N), however, I would surely ascend from this place much sooner.”

The mention of you caught him off guard. Her? Defeat you?

Not only did he not like the idea as he had grown to like you, but he thought it was foolish. Sure, Ashrah was a powerful demon herself but he had watched you fight that warrior. Not to mention you also claimed to be a powerful sorcerer.

How could she possibly defeat you?

“(Y/N)? The Cambion sorcerer?” He questioned her.

Ashrah went wide eyed when he had known who she was talking about. “You know of her? Where is she?”

“I do not know but I don’t think it is wise to test her.”

“You underestimate me, Earthrealmer. If you shall encounter her again, lead her to me. It is here that I am most powerful.”

Shujinko did not like this but he did not want to argue with Ashrah. “If I see her, I will do as you ask.”

But if he were to do that, he would warn you of Ashrah’s true intentions.

It took Shujinko some time but he had finally found you. He located you by doing small quests for people in order to gain information about your whereabouts.

He walked to the house and knocked on the door. He waited a few moments and the door opened. When he did, he saw your true form.

You were in your demon form. Your whole body was red and and your eyes glowed white. There was something about you that was enticing to him.

Even though you were a demon you still had your feminine beauty.

When you had realized that it was Shujinko, you sighed. “By the gods..” With a snap of your fingers, a gust of green mist appeared and you were in your human form.

Shujinko blinked a little. It stunned him by the sudden transformation. He didn’t see why you would though. Did you think he would treat you differently if he saw the real you?

“How in Netherrealm’s name did you find me?”

“I did small quests in exchange for information.” Shujinko replied simply.

You grabbed Shujinko’s shirt and pulled him inside. You shut the door behind you. “Whomever they are, they will feel my wrath. Why are you standing before me?”

“The demon known as ‘Ashrah’ wants to purge her soul by slaying you.”

When Shujinko had revealed this information to you, you rolled your eyes at the name. “I cannot stand her. She’s always so…infuriating. Does she have a death wish?”

“I should’ve asked…”

“Well where is she? I will deal with her and skin her alive.”

When you went to walk out of the house, Shujinko grabbed onto your arm to stop you. “I do not think that’s a good idea.”

You gave him a look and snatched your arm from him. “You do not think I can do it?”

“Quite the opposite. I do not want you to kill her.”

When he had said that, the statement made you angry. You walked towards him in a fit of rage but Shujinko did not back away. He stood his ground. “You dare protect her?”

“It is not more so protection as it is goal oriented. Killing her as of right now invades my quest.”

Saying that, it clicked for you. You chuckled some and backed away from him. “Wow. I was really wrong about you. You are selfish.”

Shujinko was not pleased to be called such a word. Not at all. “I do what is best to complete my task.”

“Mmhm. So you say.” You told him. “I can give you something that can help you on your…quest.”

Shujinko was ready to hear anything that could help him on his journey. “Anything would help, (Y/N).”

“I can grant you some of my power. It will help you fight off the demons that try to challenge you in the Netherrealm.”

“You would do that? For me?”

“You came to warn me about Ashrah’s doing. I have never met anyone so loyal to me. I will reward you.”

Shujinko was just happy that he was being granted something to help him complete his quest. “What do I have to do to receive this power?”

That’s when you smirked. You stepped closer to him. So close you closed a lot of the distance between the two of you. You stared right into his eyes. “Kiss me.”

Shujinko stood there. He was shocked. He was not expecting that in the slightest. Though he had to admit, he didn’t really mind. “I have a feeling there is actually an other way but you are choosing this one.”

You chuckled. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him down towards you. “Don’t act like you don’t love it.”

Shujinko’s lips meant yours. He was a little taken back at how sweet your lips tasted. I mean, you were a demon.

He cupped the back of your neck with his left hand and continued to kiss you. You started off slow.

The kiss quickly turned heated. When Shujinko realized you weren’t going to pull away anytime soon, he placed his right hand on your waist and pulled you even closer to him.

You deepened the kiss. The kiss started to turn sloppy with your lips entangling with each others. You licked all over his bottom lip and sucked on it.

Shujinko let out a moan into the kiss. He felt your hands tangle in his hair and lightly pull at it, making him let out another moan.

You two kissed for a few more moments before you pulled away. The two of you stared in each others eyes, admiring one’s beauty.

Removing your arms from him, you held out your hand and then made Shujinko hold out his. You concentrated and soon enough, a green glowing light appeared in his hand.

Shujinko smiled a little. “It worked.”

“You doubted me?”

“I was just not convinced a kiss would give me such power.”

You closed his hand up. “You have the minimum of sorcery in you.”

“How long does this last?”

“If I die, which will never happen, the magic will go away.”

You walked away some from him. Shujinko watched as you did so. “You are so keen that you will not fall.”

“I am far too powerful to have any doubts.” You stated. You were walking close to a room but did not go into it. You turned around and smirked at him. “You know, you should stay awhile. I get bored.”

Shujinko knew what you were implying but played along into your innuendos. “And how would I be able to entertain you?”

“Oh I think you know how.” You held out your hand for him to take.

Shujinko was thinking. Even though you showed him an immense amount of kindness given your nature, he knew that deep down, you were still evil.

He did trust you to a certain extent. You giving your power to him only proved that. And he was grateful for it.

He tried to think of what could go wrong if he gave in. What were the consequences that were to come?

Off the top of his head, he couldn’t think of any. And he had to admit, you looked more than enticing as of now.

So, he walked over to you and took your hand.

You kept your smirk and brought him into the room before shutting the door.

A/N : Alr now, I ain’t gonna give y’all a heart attack so I won’t include smut in this. I lowkey wanna make a part 2. Now I’m invested