#trust me this would have been better fully animated

[allegg]

Hey uh Minecraft???

Umm

What the fuck is this????

[arolesbianism]

Every now and then I remember that oni in fact will eventually have more lore added and I get so excited and scared for a moment and then I remember that it could take months until we see any of that and I proceed to forget abt it again and the cycle repeats

[syngularitysyn]

The theory that Caitlyn would accept the role of commander while knowing Ambessa is manipulating the situation really didn't ring true for me, and I'm glad Amanda confirmed Caitlyn wouldn't have.

Added this in a reblog but might as well put it in the main post: Yes it's super obvious and basically a waste of a question, I'd never even considered it could be misinterpreted until I saw other people's wild theories about this scene, both on tumblr and on other apps.

The scene edit is clear in showing us a close up of Ambessa in the present day to tell us this relates to her and not Caitlyn. The attack was the catalyst for Caitlyn's strike team and use of the grey. It's also a major motivation for Caitlyn to accept Ambessa's nomination, and it hinges on her not knowing that Ambessa was behind the attack. She's not afraid to speak out as we see in later episodes, so if she had proof or even the slightest inkling she would have spoken up and confronted Ambessa/the Noxians for being the 'animals' behind the attack instead of accepting the nomination. She didn't fully trust Ambessa, but she didn't know the full extent of Ambessa's manipulation and desperation to escalate the Piltover and Zaun conflict.

What I want to add is that I initially wanted Caitlyn to figure out that Ambessa was behind the memorial attack after becoming commander. Simply because I like when Caitlyn puts on her detective hat and we see her being very hot analyzing a crime scene. Ambessa didn't leave any loose ends alive so there was no way for Caitlyn to figure it out without being told, which I was a little sad about.

But I changed my mind because what we got is so much better.

Caitlyn did the right thing and turned on Ambessa without knowing the full extent of Ambessa's manipulation. This is important because it solidifies Caitlyn as a good person who has done bad things, who looks at those decisions as the mistakes they are and then chooses to do better. She learns and grows. That would not have been the case if Caitlyn had come to learn Ambessa was behind the attack and that had been her sole reason for breaking the alliance.

[rebelliousstories]

Their S/O Walking in on Them Changing…

Fandom: X-Men

Request: Yes by Anon

Warnings: Suggestive themes, Brief Strong Language, Fluff

Word Count: 1,222

Main Masterlist: Here

X-Men Masterlist: Here

Leave a TIP: Here and Here

Logan Howlett/ The Wolverine

* Logan has been around a long time, and has long let go of any shame of someone catching him in that vulnerable position. That being said…

* He never likes anyone coming into his space unannounced. Clothed, or not. So, someone coming into his room, without knocking, while he’s sliding pants on, dressed only in boxers; he’s pausing and sniffing the air to determine if the claws are necessary. When he doesn’t smell an immediate threat, he’s still hunched over and stationary when he sees you walk in.

* “Hey,” he’ll grumble, “you okay, bub?”

* He’s not afraid of you seeing him like this, but the pausing is a little concerning for him. Logan gets his pants on, does his belt, and then comes over to you.

* Logan always smells like smoke and whiskey, coupled with what can only be described as an animal-type musk to him. But it’s not terribly overpowering. And his chest is so very warm when he crowds you in after catching you staring. Logan’s hands on your waist just fill you with warmth. He is a walking furnace, and definitely uses it to his advantage.

* “Everything alright in that head of yours?” He would just love to tease you when he caught you openly gawking at him. It makes him feel better about himself, and your relationship. Every version of Logan has enough trauma to fill several books, so reassurance is something he definitely needs every now and again.

* Safe to say that walking in on Logan is a wonderful chance for him to get the praise he wants, and maybe a pair of wandering hands across his chest.

Wade Wilson/ Deadpool

* Oh boy, walking in Wade is both a blessing and a curse. This man is well aware of his physique. He holds no illusions that his cancer ridden skin is not the most attractive thing in the world, but he made do with what he had. So catching him is near impossible. Before the mutation had wrecked his look, he would have gladly let you catch him in the middle of changing. Now, well, he didn’t want to make you lose your lunch.

* So, all that to say, catching him changing is very difficult. However, it has happened. It was just a regular day. Well, as regular as it could get into the household. Wade had just returned from an afternoon of Deadpool-ing around the city, and was trying to get changed before you came home. He knew that he was cutting it close as it is, but he still held out hope that he would be done. That wasn’t the case. The sound of a door coming open made Wade try and get out of his suit fast, but that only succeeded in getting him stuck in the suit.

* “Well, this is an interesting sight.” He flopped on the bed, and looked to the door. There you stood, with a shopping bag from your day out, and watching your boyfriend struggle with his suit.

* “I know. It’s like a golf ball covered in skin that went into a red leather condom. Can you just yank on that leg please?” It’s a much less funny event than you would expect. And when you don’t leave after getting him out of his suit? He’s utterly confused. Standing there in his boxers, Wade was patiently waiting for you to go. But you never did. Your eyes stayed glued to him, and he couldn’t help but make a comment.

* “You can’t honestly like this, you little freak?”

* “You bet your sweet ass I do.”

* He doesn’t believe you, but after a few rounds, he might come around to the idea.

Remy LeBeau/ Gambit

* My sweet southern gentleman. Let me tell you one thing that I said in the last headcanons; This man is so respectful. Remy LeBeau, walking in on you, is embarrassed about betraying your trust like that. However, Remy LeBeau that you walk in on, is a tease, sly, smug S.O.B.

* I can fully see where he would be changing too. He’d be a gentleman and allow you the first shower so you can have all the hot water and a longer experience. But Remy is burning up. It’s summer in New Orleans, the bug screen is up on the windows, but the breeze can’t cool him down enough. He figures that he could at least take off his shirt while he’s waiting. But his pants soon join the shirt on the ground as well because he still can’t cool down. He’s about to flop down onto the bed when he hears the bathroom door open and out you walk in just a towel.

* “See somethin’ ya like, cher?”

* “Go take a shower, you stinky swamp rat.”

* He might be a little cocky when he catches you staring at his figure that he usually keeps hidden under many layers, but when your face heats up n a fierce blood red blush, Remy is quick to get her his clothing and move in to go take his own shower. Once he’s out though, prepare for a menace to be on your hands.

* He’s constantly asking if you like his body, and will gently tease you for the rest of the night about you not being able to wait to catch him in such a state of undress. If you play along, he’ll keep going till the moment calls for it. But if you aren’t here for the banter, he’s genuinely asking if he made you uncomfortable. Your comfort is paramount with our swamp rat.

* But Gambit will tease you about it occasionally, especially in public, when it can almost guarantee a rise out of you.

Poly! Deadpool and Wolverine

* Much like the DP headcanons above, I feel like this is going to happen after a mission they go on. The two of the stumble home to the apartment, and already have their masks off, when they fumble and slam their way into the bedroom. They try to be quiet because they know that you’re asleep in the bed in the middle of the room, but it’s hard when the grunts of sore muscles and moving leather fill the room.

* “Stop making so much damn noise, mouth. You’re gonna wake up the beast, and I don’t feel like dealing with that right now.” Logan would grumble.

* “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that my quiet unzipping of my suit meticulously was overpowering your grunts and groans like you just got out of a cage match.”

* “Will the two of you shut the hell up and strip so I can have something to dream about?” Your voice startled the two men, who had assumed that you were sleeping peacefully.

* Let me remind you, these are fully grown men and they decided to spend the next fifteen minutes taking off their suit while putting the blame on the other for you waking up. Like a couple of children, but you sucked it up because it was worth the eye candy to help drift you off into dreamland once more.

* By the time they get into bed and quit their bickering, you have already fallen asleep to the dreams filled with Logan’s perfect sculpted body, and Wade’s side comments. But you wouldn’t have it any other way.

[scarlethexelove]

Shapeshifting

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Word Count: 1844

Warnings: Reader is overstimulated, Reader can shapeshift into animals, Comfort, Small talk of Hydra and experiments, Fluff, Comfort, Mutual pining, Making out, Naked Reader, Just all around cute

A/n: I had seen a photo yesterday that inspired me to write this and I just had it. On days that Reader feels overwhelmed they shift into a cat as a form of coping. Reader looks for comfort from Wanda, turns into confessing feelings.

NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO STEAL, COPY, OR REBLOG MY WORK AS THEIR OWN

Today is just one of those days. You wake up already feeling overwhelmed, the world is too loud, your clothes feel itchy. It’s all too much for you to handle today. So you do what you always do on these days. You strip down before you transform, your clothes not exactly being able to shrink down with you. Though Tony has made you a suit that forms to whatever form you take it isn’t ideal for you to wear at home and if you're already feeling overstimulated it won’t make it any better. But your body slowly morphed into one of your favorite forms, the one that gives you the most comfort, a small black cat. 

You wouldn’t normally thank Hydra for all that they put you through but on days like today it’s nice to have a form of escape. Being a cat is both a comfort to you and the rest of the team. The team quickly learned that this was your escape, you can still mildly communicate with them but you don’t have to actually fully communicate if you don’t want to. Tony has made it to where even FRIDAY knows certain cues from you that will automatically open and close doors for you. You’re always thankful for the understanding and support you get from the team. 

 You scratch lightly at your door signaling for FRIDAY to open it for you. As the door swings open you scurry out your tail lightly flicking back and forth. You make your way down the hall searching for the one person who gives you the most comfort. Searching all over the compound for Wanda but you can’t find her anywhere. You even went as far as looking in the meeting room. With your head slightly lowered in defeat you head back towards the common area hoping that maybe she just went to the store or something and will be right back. 

Clicking on a keyboard alerts you to the fact that someone is already in the common area. Sitting on the couch you can make out the form of your best friend. Natasha sits there slightly hunched as she types fiercely on her keyboard, more than likely working on reports. She’s another person that you feel comfortable with. Having been the one to save you from Hydra’s clutches years before. Finding something that once was broken and helped put you back together. In the process becoming a trusted friend and sister. 

“Hey Y/n/n.” Nat chuckles as you headbut her leg. “Feeling out of it today?” She questions you. You meow at her as you jump up on the couch next to her, nudging and rubbing your head against her hand. She opens her hand and you nudge the top of your head against her palm. She smiles as she begins to lightly scratch your head with her nails. It brings you comfort and a sort of peace at the form of affection. You curl up next to Nat in a little ball as she continues to scratch your head and pet you, content on working with her other hand. 

Time passes as you drift in and out of sleep. You stretch your legs out as you wake from your little nap, before moving your head and placing it on Nat’s leg looking up at her computer. On the screen you spot Wanda’s name. Maybe Nat knows where she is and why you couldn’t find her. You would have expected to wake up if she had come home. You quickly spring up to Nat’s surprise and swat at her hand to keep her from clicking off the screen. “Hey!” You ignore her as you climb on her lap and get closer to the screen, making sure that you don’t make contact with any of the keys. “Y/n/n what are you doing?” She questions you curiously. You get close enough to where your nose almost touches the screen. You use your nose as a way to point out Wanda’s name on the page. She tries to push you away but you just swat at her again. 

Nat doesn’t get what you are doing at first as you continue to nudge lightly at Wanda’s name. But as she realizes that you are trying to point something out to her she peers around your body and reads the spot on the screen. “Wanda?” She questions to make sure she knows what you want. You do a chirp as a confirmation, turning around and sitting staring at her. “Wanda got a last minute mission this morning.” Nat tells you. Disappointment fills you as your ears and tail fall. 

It hurts Nat to see how disappointed you are with the fact that Wanda wasn’t around. Everyone knew that you two liked each other, well other you two. Both of you blind to the others' stolen looks and longing expressions. So to see you craving Wanda’s affection on a hard day and her not being there breaks her heart. You so quickly deflate at the realization. 

You jump off Nat’s lap and slowly make your way back towards your room. Nat doesn’t call after you, she doesn’t quite know what to tell you. She just hopes that Wanda returns soon. The disappointment weighs you down as you reach your door, scratching at it lightly. FRIDAY opens the door, once inside closing the door behind you. Jumping up on the bed settling in on the decision to take a nap. Curling into a ball on the end of the bed settling in before drifting off to sleep. 

A light knock on the door pulls you from your sleep. Your head raises as you listen patiently for who might be at the door. You hear a click as the door creaks open. Wanda’s head pops through her eyes searching for you before spotting you on the bed. She fully opens the door and makes her way in. You jump off the bed letting out an excited chirp. You stretch out before getting to Wanda rubbing up against her legs back and forth. “Hi sweetheart.” She bends down scratching at your head causing you to nuzzle into her hand. She smiles at the gesture. “I heard you were having a rough day and wanted to check on you.” Wanda gives you a soft smile. You meow as you bump your head against her hand. 

You stand on your hind legs stretching out and lightly pawing at Wanda’s knees, requesting for her to pick you up. She smiles at you reaching out and lifting you into her arms. She makes her way over to the bed with you as you nuzzle more into her hold. She knows exactly what you need as she lays down on your bed having you beside her. You stretch out next to her as she scratches your head keeping you close to her chest. 

Everything starts to melt away. You finally have what you have been searching for today. Wanda can feel as you relax more, the tension melting away. You begin to purr, a soft sound that few get to hear. Wanda is your comfort. The two of you have grown close after she joined the Avengers, bonding over the fact that both of you were experiments for Hydra. She knows your torcher and your terrible past and you know hers. Helping her as she joined the team after the loss of her home and brother. You became the person she seeks out in a time of need and comfort. Neither of you realize that you both want more, but too scared to ruin what you already have. Love and understanding of the other. 

As you relax you don’t notice how your body shifts back. Now eye to eye with Wanda. The soft and gentle moment leading you to do something you never expected. Leaning in and joining your lips with hers. Wanda wastes no time returning the action, turning the kiss slow and sentinel. Basking in the feeling of now. Wanda’s hand on your hip as you snake yours up and cup her cheek. It’s all you could have ever hoped for and more. 

The need for air becomes apparent as your lungs begin to burn. You pull back just enough, leaning your forehead against Wanda’s. Both of you lightly panting as your breaths mingle in the air between you. “That was…” Wanda pauses. “Wow.” You finish. Neither of you have ever felt a connection like this with another person. “I love you Wanda and not just as a friend, something more.” You mumble terrified of your own feelings but feeling like there is no other time than now to confess. Wanda blushes at your words. “I love you too Y/n/n. I’ve loved you from the moment I met you.” The surreal feeling of mutual love makes your heart swell. 

Wanda’s thumb gently rubs against your waist as you calm down a bit. But slowly the realization washes over you. Something neither of you had focused on until now. “Oh fuck! I’m sorry.” Your naked body pressed against her clothed one. You quickly jump out of bed trying your best to cover yourself. Wanda stifles a laugh as you run into your closet. You're exiting the closet in no time now with clothes on. Wanda speaks up when she sees you exiting. “You know you have a really cute butt detka.” Wanda smirks, heat rising to your face and you look down in embarrassment. 

“Come here detka.” You look back up and see Wanda reaching out for you. You make your way back over to the bed and before you know it Wanda is pulling you into her body. She wraps her arms tightly around you. You nuzzle your face in her chest, her hands gently scratching up and down your back. The calmness returns to the room as your embarrassment washes away. The room is filled with silence as you listen to Wanda’s heart beating. 

“Feeling better?” Wanda asks, breaking the silence in the room. “Mhmm.” You hum. After a beat of silence you pull back a little looking up at Wanda. “What does this mean now?” Your voice is small. Though you both confessed you don’t know where it goes from here. Wanda gives you a reassuring smile. “We can take this however slow you want to. I love you and just want you to be happy.” A blush dusts your cheeks. “I-I want you to be my girlfriend.” You lightly stutter. Wanda smiles and kisses all over your face causing you to giggle. “I would love nothing more.” 

You settle back in and nuzzle back into Wanda’s chest. Her nails are still gently scratching at your back. Who would have thought that a day that starts off so overwhelming would finally lead you to confessing your love for Wanda. Becoming one of the happiest days of your life. You’re now with the love of your life and will forever be able to find comfort and support in her arms. 

[loganhowlettshousewife]

animal

chapter 5.5

friendly reminder that i am not a writer, i'm just a girl who loves logan howlett and wanted to write something exploring his animalistic side since i so rarely see it done. my first language is also not english, so please do not be rude when giving me any feedback.

warnings: swearing, mentions of blood, introspection

series masterlist │my masterlist

“did you mean it? when you said you would want me even if i was more like,” a pause, “like an animal?”

you hum, cuddling further into his side, chasing the warmth of shared body heat. “of course. i kind of miss it, actually. there’s something weirdly attractive about you acting on just pure instinct, you know?”

he doesn’t know, actually. his entire life he’s been told to behave in a certain way - there were those who wanted him to be an animal, a violent killer with no human morals or thoughts to interfere with his orders, and those who told him he needed to reign in the feral aspects of his mutation, who called him a monster for the way he was born.

even amongst mutants he wasn’t always treated well. they had interesting abilities, beautiful things that belonged in movies or books or fairytale stories. they could control the elements and create things from practically nothing, while he only knew how to destroy. he brought chaos and bloodshed everywhere he went.

he was the kind of mutant that made people uncomfortable, the kind of mutant people saw as a freak of nature, a mistake. people like him were the reason mutants would never be accepted within society. he was too violent, too dangerous, too much of a threat.

they would fight for mutant rights, but turn right around and tell him to hide who he was, to be gentle or kind or better, whatever they decided that meant. because his nature made everyone uncomfortable.

and he understood that. because logan hated himself as much, if not more, than they all seemed to hate him. he’s always hated his instincts, hated how it made him feel, hated the way he felt that he couldn’t always control himself, hated what they made him.

so he’s always hidden parts of himself, never fully revealing who he is to anyone. in return, he finds people who love him, or at least who claim that they do, and the need for acceptance that presses down on his heart lessens into a bearable weight.

it was why he’d been so ashamed when he’d started to regain his memories, flashes of his past showing up in his dreams. for months he’d acted on his natural instincts with you, every lesson he’s ever been taught temporarily erased from his mind. he’d allowed himself to be wild, feral, a disgusting beast that doesn’t qualify as human. a monster.

and yet here you are, telling him that you find it attractive, smiling at him as if he hasn’t spent his entire life running from himself, being hunted down for his mutation for one reason or another, either to kill or to use. he’s a weapon to some, an uncontrollable animal to others, a mutant to be trained for a new purpose every time someone new finds him.

but to you, he’s just logan.

you don’t run or hide from what he is, you accept him with open arms. and that’s terrifying, the trust that you’ve placed in him, because all he’s ever done is hurt people, and you have absolutely no defences, nothing to protect you when he inevitably fucks up again.

he doesn’t think he’ll be able to let go of everything he’s taught himself just like that, let go of the control he’s spent centuries honing and perfecting to allow his instincts to crawl to the forefront of his mind. not after so long. but it physically hurts him to hold back at times, and the thought that maybe he’s finally found a place where he doesn’t need to deal with that pain, a place where he doesn’t need to hide - it makes the constant ache in his chest lessen just the slightest bit.

he’s still traumatised and plagued with horrible memories, anger still runs in his veins like blood, but all of that feels easier to cope with when he kisses and bites at your neck, scenting you, claiming you. and you let him, giggling with your hands in his hair.

your scent is happy, bright and warm like a sunny afternoon. he’s making you happy like this, the animal in him is making you happy like this.

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[buckys-arm-and-rios-dagger]

Thinking about giving Bucky a bath for the first time after he gets away from HYDRA.

You and him escaped after the Potomac fight, he'd come back only to free you from HYDRA. He knew that you had never wanted to be in their clutches. You were the only one in that had showed him any kindness in his decades of imprisonment, he couldn't just leave you behind. Now the two of you sat in what was once HYDRA safehouse, trying to figure out your next move. He sat on the opposite side of the couch from you, his knees pulled against his chest. You watched him, unsure what to do. In all the time you two had been imprisoned together you'd never seen him like this. He looked scared, confused...vulnerable.

You debated reaching out to touch his hand, but decided against it. He was like a wounded animal in this state, and the last thing you wanted to do was something that would spook him and break the fragile trust he'd placed in you for all these years. So, you simply moved closer to his side, just trying to remind him that he wasnt going through this alone. You looked him over from your spot. He was still wearing his tac suit, covered in a layer of grime and blood and dirt and smelling of river water, mixing with smoke and sweat. You saw your in. This was a former HYDRA safehouse, set up for agents to stay here for who knew how many days. Surely there had to be some clothes in the bedroom, and some soap in the bathroom?

His body went tense for a moment, but he shook his head. He didn't know how to explain to you that the idea of standing under a spray of water reminded him too much of being stripped and hosed off after missions. He could almost hear the icy water slamming into his naked body.

"Soldat," you gently called him by the only thing close to a name that you had for him. The man startled, but his eyes met yours, "why don't you go grab a shower? I can't imagine sitting around in that wet leather suit is very comfortable."

"N-no," he stammered, "I... I don't want to do that."

He thought for a moment. A bath sounded... Nice. Safe.

"Okay," you spoke to him gently, as though trying to comfort a scared injured dog, "what about a bath? Would that be better?"

"Yes. Okay."

You nodded and stood, motioning for him to follow.

"Bucky."

"Come on Soldat."

You cocked your head.

"Uh, the...the man on the bridge," he explained, "he said my name was Bucky."

"Sorry?"

The man, Bucky, grunted in response and followed behind you like a lost puppy. You lead him into the bathroom. You checked the shower/tub combination, and were relieved to find a bar of soap and a hotel sized bottle of shampoo sitting on a small shell. You closed the toilet lid, motioning for him to sit, and he complied. Bucky said nothing as the tub filled up, just simply sat and watched the water rise through vacant eyes. Once it was full, you got up and turned to leave.

"Well, it's nice to finally have a name for you other than 'Soldat'," You gave him a gentle smile, "its nice to meet you, Bucky."

"Alright, Bucky," you gave him a reassuring smile, "you get undressed and clean up. While you're doing that I'll go find some clothes-"

You were taken aback. This man, Bucky, who had endured so much pain and abuse, was now entrusting you to see him in such a sensitive state. To wash him, to take care of him. You nodded shyly.

"Wait." He looked up at you with pleading eyes, "will...will you help me?"

You turned around to give Bucky some privacy while he undressed, and when he said he was ready you turned to see him sat in the bath, looking up at you with nervous eyes. You'd managed to find a wash cloth, and knelt by his side.

"Of course."

He leaned forward, allowing you full access. You began to carefully scrub the grime from his body, asking for consent before moving onto another body part. Bucky leaned into your touch, closing his eyes as you cleaned him, a small display of trust that made your chest ache. Once he was fully lathered, you went to grab the shower head and his eyes shot back open, his metal hand grabbing your wrist. Not harshly, not to cause you pain, just enough to grab your attention.

"Can I start washing your body?" Bucky hesitated, but eventually nodded, "okay. I'm going to start with your back."

"I..." You thought for a moment, "okay. Hang on, Bucky. Let me see what I can find."

"N-no," Bucky murmured, "please. Not that."

You managed to find a cup in the kitchen, and held it up as you returned.

Once his body was free from bubbles, you grab the small shampoo bottle and smile.

"is this okay?" You asked. He nodded. You resumed your spot on the side of the tub and began to dunk the cup in the water and pour it into his skin, removing the bubbles. Bucky was shocked at your behavior. You didn't push his boundaries, you didn't yell at him for expressing he didn't want something. You simply found a new way that made him feel comfortable, even when it would take longer. Comfort and safety were things he had been denied for so long that he didn't believe they were even things he was capable of feeling, or receiving. And yet, here you were, being so careful and looking at him with eyes full of an emotion he had trouble placing. It was like he was something precious, something worthy of loving, and it filled him with so much longing it was almost painful.

He did as instructed, and you began dousing his brunette locks with cupfulls of water. Bucky hummed at the feeling of water slowly tracing its way down his locks and onto his back, and you repeated the step over and over until it was sufficiently wet. You grabbed the small bottle and squeezed a small glob into your hand, reminding him of your intentions before reaching up to start shampooing him. Bucky closed his eyes and hummed involuntarily as you worked. You took your time massaging soap into his roots, reveling in the fact you could make him feel so good. After rinsing the suds from his hair you repeated the steps over and over until it was free from grime. You smiled a bit at the little whimper he let out as your hands pulled away from his head.

"I'm going to wash your hair now, is that alright?" He nodded and you grabbed the cup, "alright Bucky. Keep your head back, I'm gonna wet your hair."

"Why don't you go lay down in the bedroom?" You ask when he's finished, "you must be exhausted after the day you've had."

"You stay here and relax, I'm going to grab some clothes for you." Bucky nodded, and you went into the small bedroom. You didn't have many options, but you managed to find a dark red t shirt and black sweatpants that look like they'll fit, and bring them into him alongside a towel. When you returned, you left them on the counter and turned around to give him time to dry off and dress.

Bucky's eyes found the ground as he fiddled with the hem of his shirt.

You cocked your head.

"Would, uh... Would you...," his cheeks were turning a light shade of pink, "will you, uh... Will you stay with me?"

You hesitated a moment, but nodded.

"I just," he finally forced himself to look you in the eyes, "I don't want to be alone."

"Let me shower and I will," you gave him a soft smile. He nodded, and left you to it. You rushed through the shower as quickly as you could and dressed in the too-big T-shirt and sweats you had grabbed for yourself before joining Bucky in the room. He was sitting on the bed, once again with his knees to his chest, his back leaning against the headboard. You pulled the sheets back and helped him lay down. Bucky sighed as you pulled the covers over his shoulders and sat by his side.

"Of course I am," you couldn't stop yourself from reaching out and gently tucking a strand of hair behind his ear, "I'll sit here with you for as long as you want."

"You're going to stay, right?" He asked. You nodded.

Bucky chewed his lip for a moment.

"Do you want to lay down?" He asked, lifting the covers. He had no idea when the last time he'd invited someone to sleep in his bed with him, but it had to have been a while. It scared him, but the warm look on your face gave him confidence.

"I'd like that," you told him, and settled down by his side. The two of you laid on your backs in silence for a long moment.

You smiled and nodded. Bucky wrapped his arms around you from behind and pulled you close to his chest. He buried his face in your neck, and you reached up to stroke his hair.

"Can I," you turn to look at him, "can I hold onto you?"

"You should rest," you whispered.

"You'll be here when I wake up?" He asked.

"Of course."

Bucky slowly drifted off with you in his embrace, soothed by the feeling of your hand in his hair. Tomorrow, the two of you will figure out your next move, where you plan to go now that you're fugitives. But for tonight, you were content to lay here, tangled up in his arms as he slept peacefully for what was probably the first time in decades.

Anyways, I love this sweet baby boy 💕💕

[piracytheorist]

Twilight Eyes Project: "The Prestigious School's Interview" (part 2)

First part here

Previous episodes analyses

The anime starts this part by immediately establishing that Twilight has planted a listening device in the interview room and is listening in, and shows him with Twilight eyes.

As he admits, this is the first time he feels so nervous during a mission that he's having trouble breathing. So his instinct to stay fully alert is pushed up to eleven.

His mission is to be serious and collected for the interview. Yet there is a subtle sign of distress on his face. The slumped shoulders add to that effect.

The time for the interview is finally here! Loid Forger thanks the teachers for having them, with "Twilight eyes" still on.

Walter Evans asks first, and Twilight studies him, his eyes stay on.

Until Evans addresses him directly about his relationship with Yor. The manga has a small panel of Loid having a speech bubble with a "!" in it, the anime stays on the shot and softens up his eyes.

However, they're still "Twilight eyes" as he answers. The anime adds a shot of him looking away as he talks about his first meeting with Yor.

The image he presents about said meeting is not representative of reality.

He wasn't blushing, nor was he looking at her with such eyes, when they first happened upon each other.

The manga lampshades this exaggeration by showing a new picture of him with Loid eyes and adding the comment "mental picture".

Fans can hope this will be real one day.

He continues on to praise Yor's dedication to their family. Though he has Loid eyes on, they're not the exaggerated, zesty wide eyes we've been used to.

He's more calculated here, more modest and down-to-earth. He's adapting to the strict environment of a school interview; he can't look like a carefree, happy-go-lucky dad here.

In the manga, he turns back to Twilight eyes as Yor is asked about him, and he watches her carefully.

Murdoch Swan enters the chat! Focused Twilight eyes show our guy's suspicions of him.

Evans asks why they chose Eden, and Loid answers like any dutiful Ostanian citizen would: because Patriotism™ and shit.

How to Kiss Ass in a delicate, elegant manner.

I am quite intrigued by the fact that he mentions patriotism among the things "Loid" wants his daughter to learn in Eden, especially when he says it with such a passionate face. This may be "Twilight eyes" but I doubt any of what he says reflects his real views.

However, this is a super crucial moment for the mission. The smallest slip-up and everything goes up in flames. He needs to keep his face perfectly controlled at all times; every single expression he makes is deliberate. And this expression is the face of a man who loves Ostania too much to be working for a foreign government! Right?!

Evans asks him about Anya, and softer Loid eyes are on.

That's a proud dad who believes his child is Eden academy material. Confidence is powerful in an interview like that, and he needs to sell it as better and as more convincing as he can.

A polite, light-hearted smile as he jokes about how sometimes it feels like she's reading his mind. That's how intuitive she is, trust me, I've definitely known her for longer than a week!

Evans asks Yor about her cooking, she hesitates, and Loid chimes in helpfully, with a humble smile on.

Swan continues being an asshole, grating on Twilight's nerves. Twilight eyes are back on as he tries to explain the absolute horror of a *gasp!* husband cooking at home.

He's full-on, seriously defending Yor here. The average Manly Man™ would be on Swan's side, willing to badmouth his own wife in order to appeal to the teachers' conservative sides, or would at least admit that his wife's lack of cooking skills is something they're working on. Instead, Twilight praises Yor's cleaning skills and caretaking of Anya, saying that's more than enough to warrant him cooking the meals.

Swan is having none of that, and Twilight is ready to double down, until Yor interrupts him, agreeing with Swan's criticisms. I'd wager a guess this is our first glimpse of his anger through real eyes, an anger that will explode a little later.

My guess that his eyes here are expressing his real irritation and aren't just "Twilight eyes" comes from the fact that he has nothing to gain from doubling down - quite the opposite, in fact. He even chastises himself for getting so worked up, as he gains his composure.

Once again, eyes hidden in the anime.

It's Anya's time to answer questions, and Twilight prepares himself. Anya manages to hold her ground, though mixing up her words a bit. Eyes are slightly narrowed, and though he smiles, this is another moment where everything can go downhill very easily, so he's still tense.

He explains her fumbling away with well-timed excuses and awkward smiles that I won't show because I've hit the pictures limit.

Anya declares she loves her parents and wants to stay with them forever... and her honesty touches Twilight. Real eyes. He has nothing to decipher and no-one to manipulate, so he's just left speechless.

But he has no time to ponder on why he reacted like that, cause Swan decides to strike again. Twilight eyes are back on, as he senses he can't afford opposing him again, and tries to respectfully divert the discussion away from such an inappropriate, sensitive question.

Anya starts crying, and we immediately switch to Loid and Yor's reactions. And let me tell you, that small line under his left eye does it all. To Twilight, she's ruining the interview and thus any chances of Operation Strix moving forward. But he's not upset at her - he's upset for her.

Struggling to salvage the situation, he keeps his face tight and controlled as Yor runs to console Anya and even exclaims what a cruel treatment this is.

The anime adds a shot of Twilight looking at Swan's direction as the latter starts dissing them, and losing some control on his expression in the process.

Despite that, he makes one last effort to hold himself together, telling himself it's alright if Swan smears them. They're not a real family, after all...

But then, he's had enough. Cue nightmare eyes.

A mess has officially been made. All he can do now is try to salvage his dignity and walk out with his head held high, though secretly having lost all hope things will work out.

We get Twilight eyes, but I'm leaning towards the theory that it was because he was trying to pull himself together. For Anya and Yor's sake, who were harassed by Swan's vile words, he needed to be the one to end things there and take them out of this upsetting environment.

But not without a last word. He allows his judgment and genuine anger and disappointment in Swan's behaviour to show through his "Twilight eyes".

Again, things went downhill, there's nothing to investigate, he can't manipulate his way into the school any more, but he feels the need to make a point about how he feels about not respecting the feelings of children. If he's to walk out, he's going to do it with his head held high because this asshole Swan hurt the feelings of two innocent people, and telling him off is the least he can do.

And he keeps that face on as they leave.

And that dignity is enough to inspire Henderson to act in his stead.

(continued in part 3)

(no manga spoilers please)

[akystaracer22]

Distrust Fall:

A leap of faith gone wrong, an eternal promise kept eternally. No matter how long it has been some things never truly change.

Notes

How to fail a trust fall: Step one

Vaggie's relationship with Adam is very complicated, but at the moment there is a lot of animosity and it shows.

Adam is of the opinion that Sorry doesn’t mean jack shit if you make the mistake again, so he just doesn’t apologise because he thinks he’ll just fuck up again so there’s no point.

The hotel needs a licensed therapist at this point dear lord.

Alastor still isn’t over the whole “Radio is fucking dead” thing.

If there is one thing that Adam knows off by heart, it’s the names of animals scientific or otherwise. That was the guys job once upon a time and assuming he doesn’t know that stuff is the true quickest way to piss him off. He’s also really good with animals which pisses off Anthony because Fat Nuggets *likes* Adam and it drives the sinner up a wall.

Alastor and Lucifer are on the ground. Angel, Husk, Charlie, Vaggie, and Adam are on the roof.

Alastor was going to let him get a cm from the ground before catching him dw.

Lucifer used to be friends with Adam in the garden because I live for that sweet sweet friends to enemies tragedy.

Adam really does not like people staring at his face, it’s a mild form of scopophobia caused by his time in heaven with people always giving him shit for how he looked, particularly his facial features (Yes I drew on everyone calling him ugly and average on twitter and shit). He used the mask to get around it, that way people couldn’t actually see what he looked like.

This was originally 1260 but then I got an idea that blew this out by 500 words lol.

The graveyard with be elaborated on in a future connected one shot.

This is officially a fully fledged AU

Regarding Adam's claws, they're gold to combat the greyness of his palette, but also as a nod to Midas, the arrogant king who's touched turned everything to gold. Angelic blood is also gold so if you want you can interpret it as having blood on his hands.

Fingerless gloves because I thing they're neat.

I based Lucifer's wings off of duck wings!

Also Lucifer's angelic appearance was based on space. I heard Sera call Charlie "Daughter of the Morning Star" and I went feral.

He has a full shifting night sky in his wings, clothes, and hat.

Angels have white pupils now I don't make the rules.

References saved my life.

Word count: 1725

(Comic and fic under the cut! Click for better quality)

@irregular-child

Adam leaned away from the edge as the wind drifted through his wings, keenly aware of the fact that his wings wouldn’t break his fall and he did not in fact trust jack shit in hell to break it except the ground.

“Are we sure this is a good idea?”

“I’m with princess perfect this is a fucking death sentence,” Adam agreed, a little reluctantly because it was still the princess of hell, “You’re trying to fucking kill me.”

Vaggie smirked, because of course she did because she was trying to kill him, he wasn’t that dense, and just shrugged, “I mean, worked for me didn’t it?”

“That wasn’t even a fucking trust fall that was to get you to fucking fly and you know it! Fucking bitch,” The first man scowled and tried to step away from the edge, the crack whore of an arachnid immediately shoving him back up, “Would you fuck off?!”

“Would you stop being a dick?”

“Would you stop sucking them?”

The white jumping spider stared at him for a long moment and Vaggie stepped away from him for once, great! Cool! One person was leaving him alone and soon a second one will!

Great! About fucking time they got the message-

-------]

Lucifer paced nervously around Dazzle’s statue; this was a terrible idea. Having Adam go through a trust fall this early was going to end in disaster one way or another.

The main issue being nobody liked Adam and wouldn’t care if he fell. Hell, Charlies girlfriend has already tried to kill Adam off for good multiple times since he got here!

This was going to be a mess; Alastor was supposed to be catching Adam but he was just standing there looking completely unprepared and-

“Are you going to get ready or not.” Lucifer snapped at the radio demon, wings flicking out behind him in agitation.

“Oh, I have no intention of catching him.”

Lucifer froze, his tail stilling before lashing behind him as he turned on the deer-eared sinner, “What.”

“You heard me.”

“Oh, I heard you alright, and I think you should try that again.”

“And why are you getting so worked up, hm?” The sinner hummed, sneering down at the king, “Last I checked, the first man was your enemy after he tried to kill your own daughter.”

“I-” Lucifer paused, then scowled because Alastor was right. Why was he getting so worked up over this. This was Adam they were talking about. Adam who was crass and rude and cold to everyone. Adam, who would rather sit in his room all day than even look at any of them. Adam who was…

“…Luci, do they all hate me?”

…

“I can see why they left me for you.”

…

“It is good to see you again my friend! Come, much has changed since your last visit!”

… Adam who was so much more than who he was now. Who was probably the only person left in hell that remembered Eden.

Damnit.

“That’s none of your business you son of a bitch,” The fallen angel snapped at the cannibal, eliciting nothing more than a growing grin from the bastard.

Not a day went by in hell where Lucifer wished that this wasn’t his circus and that the sinners weren’t his monkeys.

Someone screamed above him.

The seraphim whipped his head up, eyes widening as he registered Adam twisting the air as he was shoved off the roof by Angel Dust.

Fear struck his heart like an exorcists blade when the first man tried to use his wings to glide, only for a single wing beat to send him into a spiral hurtling towards the ground.

He caught Adams eye for a single moment before it was obscured by his good wing, the man was terrified. He didn’t know sinners reformed after death and despite it all. Lucifer would never wish someone to experience falling from their death after quite literally falling from heaven.

Not even on Adam.

Something in his heart spurred the king into action, kicking off the ground as his wings snapped open to catch the air. A single beat of his wings and he was already well off the ground.

Lucifer reached a hand up for Adam as the fallen angel reached out to him in kind, panic written across both their faces at the idea of a horrible accident.

Lucifer’s wings moved the air one more time and-

“And… you will catch me?”

Lucifer laughed softly, a gentle chiming sound from where he stood behind Gods first man. He was trying to show him a game Lucifer and his kin would play from time to time amongst the spires of heaven.

The game was simple, one angel was to stand up high with their wings folded and fall. Then the other angel was to catch them. It was supposed to build trust, not to mention it was a delight in and of itself.

Standing amongst the grasses of Eden, Lucifer saw no reason not to share this game with Adam. He’s already grown fond of the way that Gods creation would go out of his way to show the angel what he’d been up to since his last visit.

“Be not afraid my friend!” Lucifer’s wings spread quietly to punctuate his point, divine magic threading his words, The Voice ensuring that the first man would hear and believe him.

“No matter how far you fall, I shall always be there to catch you.”

Lucifer wrapped his arms securely around the fallen angel as his wings curled around wing and man alike, bracing himself as the added weight as they both fell together.

It’s funny, it reminded him of when Adam first fell, a fiery ball that could have almost been mistaken as a shooting star had Lucifer not known better.

They hid the ground with a slam and the fallen seraphim had to bite back a shriek as his wings took the brunt of the force. They’d be left aching for a while.

Lucifer grunted as he pushed Adam off of him, sitting up and folding his wings in, allowing them to slip out of existence while they healed, he definitely didn’t want to do that again.

He slowly got to his feet while the first man got his bearings, dusting himself off and rubbing his shoulders to try and alleviate the pain.

“Why the fuck did you save me?”

Lucifer jerked and looked down at Adam from where he was glaring up at him, a note of confusion held carefully in his gaze before it dropped.

“I-”

“Well, isn’t this quite a surprise!”

Lucifer’s expression shot into a scowl as he rounded on the radio demon very blatantly interrupting the moment. The bastard just grinned and stared down at the both of them.

From the corner of his eyes Lucifer noted Adam’s good wing hitching up instinctively to cover his face from the demons gaze before dropping.

Lucifer turned his attention back to the radio demon with a glare that could melt steel, “You were going to let him fall,”

“I was going to do no such thing,”

“You just said-!”

“I said nothing you just assumed I was going to do nothing at all!”

“Listen here you!” Lucifer was just off again by the main doors opening and the other’s all barrelling out at the commotion.

Lost in the sudden onslaught of attention and having to field Alastor’s snarky comments, Anthony’s suggestive remarks, and Charlie’s concern, he didn’t see Adam flee the scene.

It wasn’t until much later that he was able to recognize the first man’s absence, searching the hotel to see if Adam was okay.

He found him at the graveyard, sitting among the many tombstones for the exorcists slain in the battle that caused Adam to fall.

Lucifer paused at the entrance to the burial ground, watching Adam sit there facing away from him for what felt like an eternity.

Despite the dead being gone, the king of hell still felt like the exorcists weapons were pointed at him, a warning that if he made one wrong move they would rise from their graves to protect their leader, to avenge him, to strike Lucifer down in an instant.

The once-angel of the morning star carefully stepped away from the cemetery, making sure he didn’t break the silence. Even if Adam wanted to be disturbed, he wasn’t the right person to do it, not in this place.

Besides, he still had his own thoughts to sort through, like why in the name of the divine he saved Adam when he would have survived regardless. He would have been fine even if he did hit the ground unimpeded so why-

Lucifer grimaced as the answer stuck to him like a parasite, he knew damn well why he saved him. It was the same stupid reason he preened Adams wings for him, the same reason he treats the first man’s wing rot and the exact same reason he made that deal with Adam after he fell.

He was attached.

Stupids horribly foolishly, Lucifer still cared for Adam even after everything.

By the stars he beat Adam within an inch of his life! Adam tried to kill his daughter!

But emotions were hardly logical. They weren’t logical when he fell for Lilith in the garden and taught her and Adam both The Voice, they weren’t logical when he freed Eve, and they weren’t logical now.

Lucifer cared for Adam, even if by all logic he should hate the man.

“Dad?”

Lucifer looked up to meet his daughters eyes, a small smile letting her know he was okay, “Hey there Duckie.”

Charlie’s expression softened at the nickname even if he still looked concerned, “Dad… are you sure you’re okay?”

“If I’m not now, I will be, so stop worrying about little old me Char-char,” Lucifer chuckled, “However… Adams in the graveyard if you want to talk to him, he seems like he needs some company right now.”

He made his exit quickly after that, he knew what Charlie would do, it was in her nature to help people, it was what made her so special.

But Lucifer, he helped people once, and now… he had a new person he could help again.

And he might just know where to start.

[honeyjars-sims]

Part 2 Prologue #1: Growth Mindset

Author's Note: I made some changes to my plans so the next few posts will be the prologue to Part 2 of Safe Harbor. They will fill in some gaps from the last chapter and set things up for the next chapter!

I’m preparing for my therapy appointment but this time instead of making the drive to Evergreen Harbor, I’m logging into our meeting on my PC. 

“So how are things going in San Sequoia?” Khadija asks me once we’re both settled in.

“It’s going great,” I tell her. It’s a little weird seeing her on the screen instead of in person, but before long our conversation feels as comfortable as ever.

“I’m glad to hear it! Is everything going okay with your roommate? I know you were a little apprehensive moving in with someone you don’t know that well.”

“Yeah, Paul’s pretty cool. I figured he would be, being Lucy’s brother and all. And everyone in the community has been welcoming.”

“So no secret cult activity?”

“Nope,” I laugh. “If anyone’s performing any rituals, they’re doing a good job of keeping it under wraps.” My impression of my neighbors so far has been that they’re mostly wannabe bohemians–they like the idea of a homesteading lifestyle but don’t want to fully commit to a life without modern luxuries. Pretentious, maybe, but not harmful.

“It sounds like you like it there.”

“I do. It’s different, but it’s fun. I’ve been helping out with the animals; you know, cleaning the chicken coop and milking the goat, stuff like that. I even helped hatch a chick!”

Khadija laughs. “I have to say, I never expected you to be out in the field doing labor.”

“I didn’t expect it either, but it’s not that bad. I guess I’ve been doing a lot of new stuff lately. Paul convinced me to join a yoga class and I think it’s helped me relax. And would you believe I’ve been doing cross-stitch?”

“Cross-stitch? I wouldn’t have pictured that either, but it sounds nice.”

“Yeah, it takes a lot of patience because I messed up a lot at first, but it's kind of relaxing in a way.”

“Relaxation seems to be a big focus for you right now.”

“I guess so. I’ve been trying to find new ways to regulate my emotions like you suggested. Honestly, I’m feeling really good right now.”

“I can tell. I’m really proud of your progress, Johnny. I can see you’re really putting in the work.”

“Yep, even when it comes to the hard stuff, like having to talk to Lacey, I’ve been able to work through my feelings and do what I need to.”

“Oh yeah, how did that go by the way?”

“It was okay. I just told her what I said to you, that I think she’s a really great person and I value her friendship, but I just don’t have romantic feelings for her. And I apologized for leading her on.”

“How did she take it?”

“Pretty well, I guess. I could tell she was disappointed, maybe even hurt, but she was cool about it. Work was a little awkward for a bit but I think we’ve worked past the worst of it.”

I'm glad that Lacey and I are still friends, but I do feel bad still about how everything went down with her. She's everything that I thought I wanted, but for some reason, it just wasn't clicking for me. The whole thing makes me more empathetic to what Lexie went through when she broke up with me; it really doesn't feel much better to be on the other side of things.

“Well, I’m proud of you for doing the right thing, even if it was difficult. I think it says a lot that you’re trusting your own feelings and not getting hung up on what you think you should do. I’d like to see you do that more often. How does that sound to you?”

“Good, but a little scary,” I answer. 

“A little fear is understandable as long as it’s not keeping you from growing. I think you can work through it, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I think so.” I wasn't sure I'd ever get to this place, but for once in my life, I actually feel like I can handle whatever's coming my way. And I can't wait to take it on.

Previous | Beginning of story | Beginning of chapter | Next

[deviousdeliciousness]

Take Care

Summary: Carl has an emergency, and he doesn't have anyone else he can ask to look after his tiny friend Sean except for his Aunt Lisa. Surely everything will be fine, right? Surely she wouldn't think to leave the tiny's well-being in the hands of another.

~~~~~~

"Aunt Lisa, I really don't want to have to do this, but it's an emergency," Carl pleaded, his hands slowly lowering from where they'd been cupped to his chest.

Hunched over in his palm and looking a mixture of sheepish and exasperated, was a tiny. The boy looked to be around the same age as Carl, with dark hair and pale skin, and he was wearing a navy colored hoodie and a matching pair of jeans.

The only show of Aunt Lisa's surprise was a slight raising of her eyebrows.

"...And you can't leave him alone because..." she trailed off questioningly, tone not accusing and only faintly curious.

Carl sighed, shifting on his feet. "I've got a rat problem at my place still - it wouldn't be safe to leave him there without me. And I can't bring him back to his town 'cause that's an easy thirty minute drive that'll be in the opposite direction to where I gotta be. So..." he looked at her pleadingly, carefully extending his cupped hands.

Aunt Lisa eyed him and the tiny for a couple more seconds before relenting with a sigh, plucking the tiny up and setting him on her other palm.

Sean flinched at the abrupt series of actions, going fully tense as he landed in her palm and snapping his head over to Carl to stare at his friend with wide eyes.

Carl winced back at him, shrugging helplessly. He really did have to go, and there was no time for a second option for who to leave Sean with. Plus, even if Aunt Lisa was a little... lacking in courtesy right there, she hadn't hurt Sean or anything - she just wasn't around tinies that much to readily know better, was all. Plus, since she had two kids at home, Carl trusted she'd know how to supervise the new person put in her care.

Giving the two of them a wave, Carl farewelled with, "I'll be back by tonight - ten at the latest, alright?"

Aunt Lisa nodded, and Sean clutched her thumb to keep himself from shaking with the motion, feeling a little sick at being held up on only a single, smaller palm.

Without another word, Carl was gone.

"Alright, then," Lisa said briskly, and Sean flinched at her change in tone, twisting around to try and meet her gaze.

She stared back down at him, eyes half-lidded and almost... bored. Callous.

Her next words confirmed it. "I can't sit around watching you all day," she huffed, spinning on her heel and starting up a brisk walk. Sean yelped and held onto her thumb for dear life, trying to answer back (what, he had no idea. That she didn't have to constantly watch him - he just had to be somewhere in her sight so she knew some animal or something didn't get to him, maybe), but she talked right over him. "My girl Sarah's still at school, but Gabe can take care of you," she informed him dismissively.

She had kids? Carl forgot to tell him about that. Still, maybe being around this Gabe would be better than Lisa, who was very quickly showing her lack of regard for Sean - or maybe just tinies in general. How old would Gabe be, though? Sean and Carl were in college, which explained the odd hours, but would Gabe be too? That was the only thing that made sense to Sean, since the hours meant high school was still currently in session and Lisa looked too young to have had a kid much older than that.

Having lost himself so much in his reverie, Sean didn't come back to himself until Lisa had opened a door and - in a gratingly high-pitched voice that border-lined a coo - said, "Hi there little Gabie, how's my big boy doing?"

What the hell? Who talked to anyone like-

Sean twisted around, and he could swear his heart stopped.

That wasn't an adult. That wasn't a kid, even. That was a toddler.

A two, maybe three, year old sitting on the floor in what was quite apparently a play room, staring up at his mother with his bright blue eyes and pudgy cheeks, a line of drool following the toy block he'd just been gnawing at in his mouth. "Mama!" the boy exclaimed, raising his free arm to make a grabby hand at her

"Mrs. Lisa," Sean called loudly, his voice high-pitched and reedy.

He flinched as the toddler's gaze zeroed in on him, doubly so the way they seemed to light up. Behind him, Lisa responded with a short, annoyed sounding, "Yes?"

"I - you - you can't leave me here with him," he choked out, hating how his voice was already on the verge of pleading.

Gabe responded before she could, carelessly dropping his block to raise his other arm and make even more desperate grabby hands, breaking out into a milky-toothed smile. "Gimme mama, gimme!" he cried happily, scooching forwards and not taking his eyes off Sean for a second.

The tiny shrank back on Lisa's palm, only to yelp in shock as his entire station was lowered - as Lisa crouched down.

She ignored what Sean had said entirely to instead respond to her son, voice once more all gooey and sweet. "Now, Gabie, you have to be gentle with this one, alright?" she told him kindly, and Sean flinched as a rough finger stroked down his spine as if in demonstration.

This was not fucking happening. Abruptly, Sean's voice raised to a shout, "I am NOT GOING TO-"

He cut off with a yelp as fingers pinched around his waist, squeezing the breath out of him in what he doubted could be anything but a reprimand, and Lisa once again talked like he said nothing.

"It's very delicate, okay Gabie?" she cooed, extending her hand out towards the toddler's.

Sean writhed, limbs flailing as he finally let out a panicked scream, his mind filled with a litany of terror-filled nonononononoono's this couldn't be happening, why was this happpening - It only made the toddler reaching for him giggle, and suddenly a much smaller fist was wrapping around the tiny's torso, squeezing him tighter and tighter until it felt like his ribs were about to crack. He cried out.

"Gently, Gabie, remember?" Lisa fondly reprimanded, and the toddler eased his grip the barest fraction - just enough for Sean to suck in a half-breath.

"N-no-" he wheezed out, but he doubted either of them even heard this time. Not that they would care either way.

From behind him, he heard the sounds of Lisa rising back to a stand, and she gave her son a sweet goodbye of, "I'll be back later, lovie. Make sure to take good care of your knew playmate for mommy, kay?"

The toddler's head nodded up and down, the force jerking Sean in his pudgy fist that gave a little squeeze with the motion and expelled all the air from his lungs. "'kay mommy," Gabe promised with all the seriousness he could seem to muster. Then, his eyes were back on a panting Sean, excitement making them shine. The tiny let out a terrified whimper, frozen except for the shivers that'd started wracking his body. He was too afraid that a single move would end up with him finally being crushed, his bones snapping easily in a toddler's tight fist.

And as the door closed behind Lisa, Sean couldn't help but parallel it to the sealing of his fate as he stared up at the giant toddler's face in front of him with an overwhelmingly crippling sense of dread.

[kaeyachi]

So...I finished the Arlecchino story quest...

Spoilers below!

TW: Mentions of Suicide, Child Experimentation, Child Abuse, and Murder/Death

This is, by far, the best story quest I have ever done!

First of all, CHILDE?! CHILDE ESCAPING HIS PERSONAL AMBULANCE TO SNEZHNAYA JUST TO COME BACK TO FONTAINE TO ASK SKIRK A QUESTION? Bro is so funny, please-

please save him.

Wait, actually, yeah please do save him. Pulcinella and Pantalone are both plotting in the background, and they got Childe involved...

I also loved the children! Look at how terrifying they are! They're my absolute faves!!

Lyney cementing the reason as to why Arlecchino chose him as the next King is wonderful to see as well. For some time, I thought Freminet and Lynette had a shot, even with reading their lore. What I have failed to realize is that Lyney really is the inspiration for all of the people in the House of the Hearth. His frustrated and disappointed spiel about Freminet not trusting him with Clervie struck me to the heart. This is an older brother at work here people!

Also if I had a nickel every time a cryo younger brother hid a dangerous secret from his pyro older brother which got them into an argument once the truth came out, I'd have 2 nickels ✌️ (somehow gave me war flashbacks to a scene that doesn't even exist lmao)

LYNETTE IS THE FUNNIEST SIBLING BTW. SHE'S MY QUEEN FOR THIS.

Clervie! Our dearest! I'm not fully sure what part in her design did it, but she barely looks like an NPC somehow. Like, yes, this is still an NPC base model, but... is it perhaps the hair? And the extra lashes??

Also, her calling Arlecchino "Perrie" made me sob. I wasn't ready to hear nicknames!!

The mention of Snezhnayan auroras also made me sob again as well. You know what? This entire thing made me sob.

Clervie's dread and horror at the thought of her own mother, her unrelenting spirit that kept her going in her fight for her fellow peers freedom despite the abuse that she will receive, and her unfulfilled dreams repeatedly being mentioned throughout this quest was heartbreaking.

I do have to say- the animations they released for Arlecchino helped a lot with the emotions we are supposed to feel for this quest. Not only was that good Advertising and promotion for the Arlecchino banner, it also set up the plot that would have not been well presented ingame had they chose to do that instead.

Crucabena and Clervie part of this quest were not the only ones mentioned in this quest, but also that damn dude that she killed with her heels! I personally like the way they released all those animations because the quest feels more emotional and alive now, and we could follow with the story better than before (and it effectively increased the hype)

Speaking of more alive, the facial expressions have definitely improved! This quest had them utilizing various expressions well, specifically for the playable characters, so, again, this really helped with the feel of the quest.

Additionally, adding a picture to scenes also set the tone really well. It's not that pictures have never been included in quests before, but the way these were framed(?) made it look way better than the ones before.

By the way...is it just me? Or did Paimon's voice somewhat mellow out for this quest? I had recently played some other story and world quests, and Paimon's EN voice is admittedly high-pitched and painful to hear in those, but for this quest, it's as if her voice was toned down (like Mondstadt Paimon, but with current Paimon energy). I'm hoping this was them taking the criticism from past and adjusting their instructions to Paimon's VA accordingly, because I loved Paimon's voice in this quest (that or I'm delulu)

Quick lore tidbits before I go back to gushing about this quest:

1. Arlecchino confirmed not from Fontaine (like I legit thought she may be Khaenri'ahn due to the blood moon thing she has going for her, but it's nice to confirm her non-Fontainian status)

2. Crucabena was the one who had a deal with Dottore on sending members of the HotH to him for experimentation. Anyone who was physically impaired or left alive after a duel to death are automatically sent to him. Clervie has described this as a fate worse than death... Peruere rejected Dottore's partnership offer once she became the next knave. Also, Crucabena used Clervie as an "example" for those who wish to escape, meaning Clervie received the most abuse (which apparently worsened as the years went by). Clervie lost hope sometime along the way and was basically suicidal as well by the time she and Arlecchino had their duel... Her mindset by that time is that the only hope for freedom to her is death. The popular theory of Clervie letting Arlecchino kill her is proven in a horrifying way with this discovery... (yes, she wanted Arlecchino to be the king, but at the same time, she took this situation as a chance to hit 2 birds with 1 stone)

3. Project Stuzha is apparently something highly dangerous, and Pulcinella and Pantalone are trying to get Childe and Arlecchino involved (Childe was told to aide the project by Pulcinella, while Arlecchino says she doesnt want the HotH to be involved in it)

4. Here is me reannouncing that I am in fact taking the L on the Freminet and Crucabena situation. Basically, the timeline is that at age 16, Clervie dies, and we are left with a 1 year time period for a 6 year old Freminet to enter under Crucabena (I'm guessing this is either a retcon or a means to hide the Arlecchino plot by not having them directly say mother in Freminet's character story 4). After that said 1 year, Peruere kills Crucabena and has spent several months in Snezhnaya before reviving the House of the Hearth and adopting Lyney and Lynette (perhaps the children of Crucabena's HotH simply stuck together during that time)

Basically, yes, Arlecchino is in her mid-20s. Not my personal cup of tea, but hey, genshin ages are confusing most days (Ayato is older than her, and Ayaka may actually be older than her as well... ugh I need a moment please... I MAY BE THE SAME AGE AS HER. NO-)

5. Freminet used to also call Lyney "brother". What changed that, I'm not sure (and if I had a nickel...), but the thought of baby Freminet following around big bro Lyney and big sis Lynette makes my heart melt. Freminet actually cried after Lyney basically told him how important Fremi is to him, so whoever made Freminet think otherwise... 😡 they better square up because we ride at dawn

ok back to me gushing

THE BOSS FIGHT? IT WAS SO COOL! It was beautifully animated, and the fact that they added this at the end?

The fear on the traveler's eyes upon realization of what true power Arlecchino held was amazing imo. We canonically cannot defeat Arlecchino in her boss fight! She will be a weekly boss that we can defeat, but in actuality, we really cannot beat the number 4 of the Fatui Harbringers.

We now have actual proof that harbringers 1-4 are not within our capabilities to challenge, and to add to that horror, this is us fighting Arlecchino with Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet. This is also actual proof that we, the traveler, cannot defeat a ton of other characters as well! (were cooked if we never get a power boost and plot armor✌️)

Also let me sneak in this picture:

Cunty as fck. Powerpuff girls energy. They're the Heathers, and we, the traveler, are Veronica.

And finally, the last part of my commentary that cemented this quest as my top 1:

Everything Arlecchino has done for the House of the Hearth, it was all thanks to Clervie and her dreams.

Arlecchino has shaped the HotH into a more honest relationship between her as the father and them as her children. Everything Clervie hated about the old HotH is now nonexistent in this version.

The children could be set free.

Duels are not to death.

They will not be sent to their doom if they lose.

This is everything that Clervie dreamed of, and this is everything Clervie tragically never got to see and experience because she lost all hope.

Clervie's story ended in tragedy, but Peruere lived and breathed Clervie's dreams for her anyway. Seeing the aurora was the start of Peruere finding the goal of living Clervie's dream, and now, Arlecchino strives to do her best to see those dreams come to fruition.

And the qualities that Peruere admired in Clervie are the same qualities that made her want Lyney to become the next king. Hopeful, caring, protective, passionate, and full of conviction. Lyney will take the mantle and live and breathe for Clervie's and Peruere's dreams someday.

Honestly, I have more to say, but I think this is a good place to stop for now. The dynamics of all these characters have made this experience worthwhile, and I hope that genshin continues with this sort of style in the future. Here's to more amazing stories from genshin!

Bonus screenshot while we are still here:

[oshiawaseni]

While the second opening was disingenuous to the heart of Izuku's solo arc, the actual content of the anime itself has remained quite faithful. Even going so far as to add or change some details to better represent the characters and their feelings. It's almost as if these changes were an amendment to the manga, just in case the manga didn't answer certain questions well enough.

Like the true reason Izuku decided to leave U.A. The manga presents Izuku's loved ones as a group, with Katsuki there as the last person your eyes should look at. But will readers make that connection? With the removal of just one word in the anime, the group part of the sentence, it shows viewers a more solid, concrete reason: It was explicitly because of Katsuki nearly dying.

Another example is how the various translations of Katsuki's line ("waatteru") created fandom friction, and they would flitter between "I know" and "We know," depending on who was translating it.

I always thought it had a very personal "I know" vibe to it because as Katsuki stated, and this is something reminded to us only 3 chapters earlier: He is the person who "knows" Izuku best. The anime removes ambiguity of the I know/We know debate by having Izuku apologise only once he'd made it into Katsuki's arms, making their exchange of words appear even more intimate and direct to one another. Katsuki knows.

Then after he stumbles his way into Katsuki's arms, there is that bonus clip of him being awake to hear Katsuki's gentle forgiveness of him. To express that the last of his resolve has crumbled because of Katsuki’s apology and being held in those arms he feels safe. He feels loved. So Izuku gives himself fully to Katsuki's care, murmuring out his beloved’s name with a "Ka…” right before finally succumbing to sleep. I think this extra moment makes the feel of their apology seem even more romantic… because it's supposed to.

And now Ochaco's handhold! It being featured in the opening gave some of us grief every week simply because this arc was never about IzuOcha, it was about Katsuki and Izuku.

Katsuki realising his need for Izuku to be by his side and losing SLEEP over not knowing if he's okay. Katsuki's proud statement of knowing Izuku best and that he couldn't be left alone because of his disregard for himself. Katsuki instigating the search and rescue of Izuku. Katsuki humbling himself before Endeavor and Nezu, setting aside his pride in exchange for the safety of his most important person and best friend, PLEADING Endeavor for his help because he's SO AFRAID of Izuku being out of his sight and losing him forever.

Katsuki saving Izuku's life again. Katsuki humbling himself a second time, apologising to Izuku and telling him to put some trust into him and their hero friends; that they can be relied on to help him. Katsuki telling him his ideals of saving people weren't wrong, and they can only win by saving everyone: Izuku, the people at U.A and the people in the city.

The beautiful poetry in Izuku’s reason for leaving, to protect his most precious person, being overtaken by his reason to stay: Izuku’s unconditional, everlasting love for that person and his overwhelming need to be by their side. And here Katsuki was, finally telling him it was okay to; he wants him there.

Even Daiki-kun said the last of Izuku's resolve left him because of Kacchan’s heartfelt apology… Yes. The opening’s handhold was really out of place.

And after Izuku is brought back to U.A, we get to the real IzuOcha handhold... But rather than grabbing his hand like she does in the manga, they have her grab the more impersonal wrist area instead. It's so hard to believe we are in a timeline where Bones are making an opening Ocha-centric, when it shouldn't be, and yet NERFING her handhold in the ACTUAL anime content…??????

All of this has got me thinking that maybe Hori himself has been directing Bones to make these changes - to make BkDk's growing love for each other a more prominent fixture in the story that’s almost impossible to miss, while dampening the IzuOcha teasing into little more than kindness between two good friends. And in doing so, the anime has now become spiritually connected to the manga because this is the exact same direction the manga has been going in lately.

Why else were all of these changes and enhancements made in the anime? Maybe it’s because Horikoshi is preparing people for the bkdk romance that's about to go into full bloom.

[unnervinglyferal]

Totally relate to what you say about being sexually desirable just feeling like someone wants to hurt you. Makes sense if that was your first exposure to being wanted sexually, and/or what sex has been like for a lot of your life. It was only when I met my boyfriend that I realised other people equate being desired sexually with caring and love and a kind of benevolent worship, and not being hurt and degraded. Therapy can help for sure, but what helped me the most was him explaining to me in really, really obvious terms that the way *I* felt about *him* was mutual. My desire for him was always rooted in wanting him to feel good and loved and wanted and special and safe with me, and over time I was able to shift my thinking enough to see that same attitude in him. The thing that really helped with *that* was him letting me dominate him (in a healthy, loving way) and seeing how comfortable he was being vulnerable with me like that, and it helped me trust him more that he wouldn't hurt me (because if he did, he'd already opened himself enough to me that I could hurt him back, like mutually-assured destruction I guess).

Weird thing was after he died, my feelings about sexuality totally reverted. Like, I trusted him because he proved he was trustworthy, but now I'm alone again it's just reinforced how fucking shit most everyone else is, and how rare people like him actually are. Most people are animals who'd rip your throat out without a thought if it was socially acceptable, that's just the world we live in. The one positive thing about it is that once you know that, you can at least protect yourself and others.

So yeah, just, wanted you to know you're not alone I guess, and it can get better with time. Lost my virginity at 14 and it took me until 30 to understand how sex can be genuinely loving and pleasurable and an act of worship for someone you deeply care for, so you have plenty of time to figure shit out.

Fuck that's rough. Sorry for your loss. But I get what you mean with the "the way you feel about me is the way I feel about you", though to me that came kind of the other way around. Once I was weight restored and the physical functions I'd actually never properly developed slammed on in full force, we had agreed on a platonic relationship. We had explicitly made it a deal that there would be no sex, no wanting sex or expecting sex, neither of us is going to pressure either one for anything, and that's why it felt safe to sleep in the same bed and just cuddle.

There was a clear first moment I realized that I want her. I just wanted to be closer to her, closer than I was, pressing against her as closely as I could without hurting her, and she thought I was having a nightmare or a panic attack, before she realized that I'm awake and feeling fine. Not normal but not bad. And when she asked me what's going on and I understood what's going on, I felt like utter shit. I had broken the contract, betrayed her, done something we explicitly agreed would not happen.

I fully expected that she would get up and leave, go back to her own bed, but she didn't. That's what we had agreed to, that was the contract, but I guess knowing that she was allowed to go made her not want to go. She was fully free to say "no" and that's the only situation where you're fully free to say "yes". I wasn't pressuring her to let me hurt her, she picked between my bed and her own bed like you could pick between whether you'd like coffee or tea.

I'm sorry for your loss and I hope that you can feel that kind of trust again one day. The whole world looks dark when you're used to dark places, I didn't think life would ever actually be worth living. I'm not going to say that I hope you'll find someone like that again, because even if the world isn't as bad all the time as it's been to you, you can't just replace someone like that. But I hope you can feel that way again, in some different situation.

[displacedentities]

Took a lil break from the comic to take care of some serious business with my work, and get back on my bean bullshit /pos

100% the fault of the animated series on youtube by @rodamrix, recently rediscovered it after several years and my god!! It's come so far, and I love it so much!!! And it made me miss the space beans in a way I haven't in a long time ;u; So I remade my Among Us character, using features directly from my preferred in-game outfit!

Say hi to Cyan-tist (Cyan)!

I'll info-dump on my bean below the cut xD It's really long, you've been warned!

Backstory

Cyan worked in the specimen laboratory at MIRA HQ, occasionally taking trips off-planet for fieldwork and sample collecting. Cyan was very attached to her many pets, and would get engrossed in her work studying her specimens.

Unfortunately, she was caught alone in the specimen lab one day, and the impostor- Orange- who snuck into MIRA via transport vessel, sought to gain a new ally. Orange cornered and converted Cyan into an impostor by infecting her with the parasite, and once she turned, Cyan went into a feral hunger rampage, mindlessly killing and eating all of her pets and specimens in the lab. The grief of losing her beloved companions and all her work snapped her back into control of herself, only for Orange to praise her for the carnage. Outraged, Cyan turned on Orange, killing and eating him, too.

Not wanting to die for killing a seemingly innocent crew mate, Cyan outed herself immediately to her crew, handing over Orange's remains as well as their weapons during the meeting. Because Cyan never killed any actual crew mates, her crew decided to let her stay, on the condition that she be observed at all times via her Glitch Console (the Twitch pet lmao). She uses Glitch to stream her continued work in the lab, and keep in near constant contact with the rest of her team - it's also MIRA's way of keeping tabs on her, since she's on thin ice as a known impostor.

Cyan has a vitriolic hatred of other impostors, and can hardly conceive of another 'friendly' impostor like her existing. Whenever a hostile impostor shows up, all of her team have an alarm button on their tablets to call her, and 'deploy' Cyan to 'fix' the problem. This has regained some trust with her closest friends in her crew, though Cyan prefers to stay isolated in her laboratory with her new pets. She would love to find a cure for her condition, but is resigned to existing as she is, and it can't bring back the pets she lost. Cyan is soft on animals, robots, her fellow crew, and children, and has misused science lab equipment to make treats for young visitors. Don't mess with her work or she'll bite you.

Abilities

Cyan-tist is a Shapeshifter variant Impostor. She cannot turn into everybody she sees- however, she can transform into anything living she has ever eaten. The higher percentage of the creature she consumes, the better the disguise. She can shapeshift clothing from her own body matter. The 'cat hat' she once wore has become a physical part of her, the ears functional for hearing and movement, and the eyespots capable of sight, producing tears, and emoting.

Due to her initial feral rampage in the lab, Cyan can transform into a wide variety of crewmate pets and lab specimens- her favorites being the three forms of her former companions: a Doggy, a Headslug, and a Squig. She often uses these to spy on new arrivals undetected, attempting to sus out foreign impostors from the cohort. Cyan can adapt features to her existing body at any level she wants- for example, she can gain the fur coat of the Doggy, the wings of the Pouka or the Goose, or the tentacles of the Squig without needing to fully shapeshift. The Doggy form in particular has a heightened sense of smell, allowing her to detect if the scent of a foreign impostor is present, though it may not be sufficient to identify the specific individual from a crowd.

Cyan-tist's adaptive shapeshifting is powerful enough that she can gain the unique attributes of other impostors she has eaten. This includes her advanced chromatophores for changing color, which she acquired from Orange, the first impostor she killed and consumed. Very few impostors since Orange have had anything noteworthy to add to her repertoire of skills. Cyan swore to never eat a crew mate.

Completely self-indulgent Rodamrix Animated Series thoughts

Okay I couldn't help it, I wondered about what would happen if Cyan were to be present in the series. !!!SPOILER WARNING IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT, DO NOT READ THIS PART!!!

Original series- If she didn't adapt to the sudden climate shift of the impostor takeover, or stood with the crew in any capacity when they began to spread out of control, Cyan-tist is most likely dead. She would not have gotten along with many- if any- of the impostors within MIRA HQ, and actively would have stood against or tried to kill them, making her an enemy. I can't imagine Big Purple let her live if she tried anything. If by some miracle she DID survive, Cyan is most likely operating as a plant within the impostor hideout, smuggling supplies or otherwise tipping off the survivors as to the movements of the horde so crewmates can escape or avoid being discovered.

Alternate series- Cyan-tist is completely unaware of the plot that Crimson and the MIRA HQ heads have for selling off impostors/parasites and dissenters as test subjects. As such, she continues to operate in her specimen lab, on constant watch for new impostors to show up and threaten her crew and friends. The future arrival of Red, Purple, and Pink would set off HUGE alarm bells for her, and she would be on high alert the moment she detects they're impostors. Cyan would HATE Purple as a known killer impostor, be sus of Pink's no-thoughts-head-empty behavior- though she'd discover quickly he could be distracted with snacks- and not trust Red until his own crew vouches for him. Once the Skeld survivors confirm Red is innocent and a fellow 'good' impostor who saved their lives, Cyan would back off, but keep her eye on all of them.

[lou-struck]

Golden Touch

Mammon x reader

~A cursed piece of Grimm gives Mammon what he has always wanted, but there is a price.

WC: 2.2k

Warnings: Mention of Mammon potentially being dangerous to the reader, a bit of crying but it's sweet I promise.

a/n: Another Prompt that I was placed into a folder and forgotten about!

It has been a long yet rewarding day of volunteering at the animal shelter with Satan. In preparation for an upcoming adoption event, the two of you got to pet and socialize with dozens of cats who are looking to find a new fur-ever home. 

You feel like you are covered head to toe in enchanted car hair, but it doesn’t bother you in the slightest. The day was long but definitely rewarding.

“Oh my, there it is,” Satan says, walking over to a side table by the front door and holding up his leather-bound wallet. The lucky cat keychain you bought for him swings happily from the bottom of it. Earlier today, he was so excited to join you on your day out that he forgot to bring it with him. “That’s odd; all my Grimm is still here,” he murmurs. 

“What is so strange about that?” you ask, peeking over his shoulder. “That’s a good thing, right?”

He raises his brows and counts through his Grimm again with a Frown. “Normally, it would be a good thing, but Mammon has been home with my unattended wallet for hours, and there is nothing missing.” He states as if it were obvious. “He must be up to something.”

“But he didn’t take anything; maybe he is trying to be better.”

Your optimism brings a soft smile to the Avatar of Wrath’s face, “Sometimes, Mc, you are too trusting for your own good. It’s going to get you in trouble one of these days.”

Before you can respond to Satan, your DDD chimes from your pocket. “Who is it?” he asks, watching as you pull out the device. 

“It’s from Mammon,” you say, reading the message. “He says he wants me to come to his room as soon as I can.

With your time being stolen away from him so quickly, Satan’s brow twitches in annoyance, but he doesn’t object. “He is probably up to something shady,” he warns. “Don’t let him drag you into one of his stupid schemes.”

“No worries,” you say brightly, tucking your DDD into your waistband, “He probably is just bored.” Giving the blond demon one last smile, you head off down the hallway toward Mammon’s room. 

As you walk, you ignore the sense of unease in your gut.

One that tells you that this already long day is going to only get longer. 

~

You arrive outside Mammon’s door, knowing how embarrassed the Avatar of Greed got the last time you poked your head into his room without announcing your presence, making sure to knock loudly.

“Come get in here, you silly human,” you hear Mammon’s muffled voice call from inside. “And shut the door behind you.” You shake your head with an amused sigh; of course, Mammon seems to be up to something. You place your hand on the golden doorknob and twist it until the door clicks open. 

Wait, golden?

Since when has Mammon had a golden Doorknob?

But as you step fullying into Mammon’s room, the little doorknob is soon pushed from your mind when you glance around at the once-familiar bedroom. His stereo system, his sports car, and even each ball on his pool table are made of solid gold. Everything is golden and glowing. The rich glare is so intense you have to squint your eyes just to make your way across the floor. 

“Do ya like what I have done to the place?” Mammon calls, lounging on his solid gold mattress. 

“Mammon, what is all this?” you ask curiously. “What did you do to your room?”

“I just made some improvements.” he grins, flashing you a pearly white smile, “Check this out, Mc.”

His hand goes toward a still normal-looking snowglobe that rests on his bedside table; before you can object, he grabs it, and the whole thing instantly turns to solid gold. “Pretty cool, huh?”

“Mammon, how did this happen?” you ask in disbelief. Mammon’s initial enthusiasm for what can only be a curse is concerning. He really looks like he has the Midas Touch. 

He just smiles and takes a piece of Grimm off of his nightstand. “I was walking home, and I found this Grimm on the road. I picked it up, and once I got back to my room, everything I touched with my bare hands turned to gold.” He flips the coin into the air playfully before placing it into his stiff golden jacket pocket. “Do you know what this means?”

“That you’re cursed?” you answer plainly. 

“No, It means we are going to be rich.” he grins, an excited blush appearing on his cheeks. “We can have all the gold we want with this power; I can take ya out and spoil ya anytime you want; the only thing is I need to find something to cover my hands with when I’m eating.”

“Has that been an issue?” you ask, wondering why he seems so unbothered by this curse. 

“Yea, I accidentally turned my cup of ramen into gold earlier.” he sniffs, looking over at the golden container on his coffee table. “At first, it was pretty annoying, but then I realized I could buy as much ramen as I wanted now. Honestly, I can buy anything I want.” His eyes shine with eagerness, and you can only imagine what kind of lavish plans are going through his head.

It’s hard to reason with him when he is this excited. You know you’re going to be the one who asks Lucifer to break this curse for him before he accidentally hurts someone. “How did you even message me?” you ask, looking down at his still-normal DDD. 

“I used the voice typing thing Levi uses when he is playing those games,” he smirks, sliding his now useless sunglasses off of his head where they rest upon his white hair like a crown. Their golden lenses are impossible to see out of. “You gotta admit, this is a power worthy of the Great Mammon.”

“As far as curses go, I do admit this is very you.” you giggle, “But do you really want to stay this way forever?”

“Why not?” he asks, “I’ll never have to worry about being short on Grimm ever again.” his blue eyes sparkle dreamily at the statement. He is so caught up in his fantasies you know that you’ll have a hard time bringing him back to reality by yourself. 

“That’s true,” you agree, the wheels in your head cranking up a plan to get Mammon to want to break the curse. “But could we go to Lucifer and just make sure that this curse doesn’t have any weird catch…” 

Your words cause a momentary flicker of fear to flash across his face. “What do ya mean by catch?”

“Just like a side effect,” you shrug nonchalantly, “You know, like every time you turn something into gold, you lose a bit of your hair or something like that.”

His eyes immediately dart to his reflection in the mirror as he looks for any signs of magical balding, finding none. He breathes a deep sigh of relief. “Yer pretty smart for a human, I knew there was a reason I kept ya around.”

“The only reason?” you tease, stepping out into the hallway, “I really thought I meant something to you.”

“N-not the only reason.” He stammers, cheeks flushing a deep red as he stumbles after you, His hands brushing along the wall as he walks, leaving a trail of gold in his wake. 

~

Lucifer sits at his desk, a blank expression on his face as Mammon tells him everything about his little Midas Touch problem, but he truly doesn’t have much to explain after accidentally turning Lucifer’s Record player to gold. For your own safety, Lucifer has you standing on the opposite side of the room from his brother. At least he sees the danger in this current situation. 

“That is all very interesting, Mammon, but I’ll need to inspect that Grimm you found to truly understand the effects of the curse.” He says, his voice is steady, but there is a look of tired annoyance in his eyes. 

“My Grimm?” Mammon repeats defensively. “Yer gonna give it back r~” he is cut off by a menacing glare from the Avatar of Pride that has him pulling the coin out of his pocket and dropping it on the desk.

With gloved hands, Lucifer analyzes the Grimm; there is a strange flow of magic radiating off the coin as he works. Mammon shifts nervously in his standing position as he watches the dark-haired demon mutter incantations under his breath. 

“There, now, was that so difficult?” Lucifer smirks, tossing the coin back to Mammon teasingly. “from what I can tell, your curse is to simply turn whatever you touch with your bare hands into gold. And it is breakable. If you wish for it to be broken, then it will fade away on its own.”

Mammon laughs boldly in his brother’s face, “Why would I ever want to give this up?”

Lucifer’s crimson gaze lands on you so briefly that, at first, you thought you were just imagining it before giving Mammon his full attention. A devilish lift to his lips. “Because, so long as you continue to feed this curse, you are forbidden to have any sort of contact with Mc.”

Mammon’s jaw drops comically fast as he registers Lucifer’s declaration. “Wh-what do ya mean I can’t be around MC?” he asks. “It’s not like m’ gonna turn’ em to gold.”

“You very well could, Mammon,” Lucifer frowns. “And we both care about them too much to put them at risk.”

Mammon looks distressed as he looks quickly between you and his brother. His eyes turn glassier by the second “B-but I could wear gloves or somethin. Please, Mc, ya trust the Great Mammon, right?”

“Mammon, gloves can rip.” you say solemnly, “I understand that if you are going to be happy with your new power, I can no longer be a part of your life.” with Mammon’s full attention on you, Lucifer sends you a knowing look. You are playing your part well, albeit a bit dramatic.

He’s quiet for a moment as he looks down at his hands, his brow furrowed as he weighs his decisions, a life full of endless riches and a few golden inconveniences, or you, the kind human who has stolen his heart. 

There is only one real option for the Avatar of Greed.

“Ahhhh damn it, don’t look at me like that, Mc,” he cries, “Just break the curse, Lucifer.”

Pleased at Mammon’s decision, Lucifer struggles to hide his affection for his brother. Having placed the cursed coin in the Avatar of Greeds path earlier to teach him a lesson. A soft silver light radiates from Mammon’s tanned hands, dispelling the curse’s magic trend into nothingness. Any objects that he had turned into gold return to their normal forms as the magic is wiped away. 

There goes Mammon’s plan of selling whatever he had turned earlier.

When the light fades, Mammon carefully touches the arm of one of Lucifer’s office chairs; instead of turning gold, it remains in its perfectly polished state. “It’s gone?”

“Obviously,” Lucifer replies. Although he doesn’t show it, he is happy that Mammon made the right choice. In fact, he is proud of his brother. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have much work to do, and you are only a hindrance to my progress.”

“Fine, we were leaving anyways,” Mammon huffs, striding across the room, taking your hand with his, and leading you out the office door. As the Avatar of Greed guides you away, you glance back at Lucifer and shoot him a knowing smile that he slyly reciprocates.

Now back in Mammon’s less golden bedroom, he has yet to let go of your hand. His eyes are fixated on how comfortably your fingers are intertwined. “Are we just going to stand here?” you tease, slowly pulling your hand away from his. 

Greedy as ever, he is reluctant to let go of your warm skin, “Hey, I gave up a lot to hold yer hand.” he pouts, his cheeks turning a deep red as he looks at you. He closes whatever space that was between the two of you and pulls you in for a tight hug. “B-but I had to do it; I knew how much you would miss getting to hug the Great Mammon.” 

You know he’s projecting; you saw it on his face back in the office. All that vibrato about how he wanted to keep the power was just an act. As much as he hates to admit it, Mammon is clingy; he needs touch and reassurance to make him feel loved. 

Not just from you but from all his brothers, 

When he is not dragging you across the Devildom, he looks the most content when Asmodeus is touching up the polish on his fingernails, Supporting a sleeping Belphie with his shoulder on the sofa, or Bumping shoulder with Levi trying to break his concentration during a game of Devil-Kart. 

“I was going to miss you,” you murmur into his shoulder. “I’m glad you chose to break the curse.”

His breath hitches as he squeezes you tighter. He trembles softly as a few teardrops land on your head. 

“Me too.”

Tagging: @enchantedforest-network