#which works very well with a color where you can pull out similar greens

[lunarskips-fr]

hi i saw other reblogs on this with scries, so i wanted to throw in some that I did myself, since i felt inspired with him

the first one is probably my favorite, but I really like the other two as well :D

On the day before my birthday I happened to gather an egg in Light, and he ended up hatching as a double! Only problem is…he’s an XYX…and his colors are Crocodile/Ice/Crocodile…

i took this into the scrying workshop to see if i could get anything looking okay but i literally couldn't. this is terrible.

[blueorchid-95]

a phoenix among thieves

Both heralded EOD member Agent Phoenix and nationally known superthief Carmen Sandiego have found themselves in a tight spot. Luckily, neither of them are alone.

The story is under the cut! I hope you enjoy :)

Agent Phoenix’s current predicament is… deeply embarrassing.

He supposes that if your palms are already slick with blood, your grip on your weapon has to slip eventually. It’s happened to his handler, it’s happened to Juniper, it’s happened to Zor, even. Everybody in their field mucks up sometimes.

Regardless, irritation still festers in his chest. Just three soldiers! Heavily armed and well trained soldiers, sure, but only three! He’s fought off more with nothing but a single grenade and a set of stage controls! Look, he’s never exactly been one for pride, but this situation still stings.

They have him securely restrained to a cold metal chair, hands cuffed on the armrests. The lighting is poor, but there’s a startling amount of green visible, which… doesn’t make sense. Zoraxis’ company colors were red and gold, and Phoenix has gone on enough infiltration missions to know that the opposition doesn’t skimp on the branding. The deviation is enough to set his skin crawling, despite how indignant he’s trying to be.

Reginald’s probably looking for me, he thinks. It is not nearly as reassuring as he’d like it to be.

The echo of distant footsteps reaches him, and he grits his teeth. There’s a good chance they’re not even approaching his cell, but he wants to be ready anyways.

His captor draws closer and closer, their paces harsh and heavy. The sound is unfamiliar enough that Phoenix struggles to identify it. It’s similar to Caliente, but there’s not enough swagger, and the rest of Zoraxis Co.’s administrative board don’t walk like this. Considering the Violinist’s defection, it’s very possible that Dr. Zor promoted someone, but the Agency’s spies would’ve leaked that knowledge ages ago.

A previously unseen door swings open, and fluorescent light spills into the room. Wincing, he squeezes his eyes shut, turning his head away from the sudden brightness.

As his eyes adjust, he feels the cuffs around his wrists suddenly click free. Rough hands pull him out of his seat, and he barely manages not to stumble over himself as he catches his balance. Blowing out a breath, Phoenix stands up as straight as he can. If he’s going to escape—and he will—he needs to get himself together.

Two grim-faced old men stand on either side of him, each clutching one of his elbows. They don’t look like much, but Phoenix is not a fool—their grip is light, and yet still tight enough to hurt. Anyone who’s this strong in their later years is someone he doesn’t want to mess with, and besides, he doesn’t even know where he is. Trying to run now would most certainly end badly.

One of the old men tugs at his arm, and he inches forward a bit. Frankly, he’d rather do anything than comply with Zor’s henchmen, but he can’t really see another out in this situation. He’s a captive, and he’s got to act like it.

He’s marched down a long series of hallways, twisting left and right like there’s no tomorrow. Phoenix doesn’t understand it—Zoraxis agents have to live here too, right? How can they stop escapes or invasions if they have to navigate these endless halls? There’s no practical sense to it.

They’re either avoiding something important, or ensuring that he’ll struggle to find his way out later. Either way, it’s working, and he doesn’t like it.

Eventually, they stop by a rather unimpressive door. One of the old men leans forward and swipes a keycard through the reader, and they progress forward, into what is indisputably a prison block—except that every single enclosure is empty.

He’s unceremoniously shoved into a cell, and the door is locked behind him. By the time he’s turned around, the keycard-activated door is hissing shut. So much for that.

Then—

“Hello?”

Two strangers occupy the cell across the hall. They’re evidently siblings, sharing the same ginger hair and the same facial structure, and they’re both staring at him with the biggest, most surprised eyes he’s ever seen. They look like modern, everyday teenagers—but if they’ve been imprisoned here, they must be anything but.

Oh, right. Conversation.

“Hi,” Phoenix answers, coming up to the cell bars. This isn’t his first spin as a prisoner, but this is the first time he’s had others to talk to. It’s a bit awkward, really. “What’s… going on?”

The girl frowns. “What’d you do to get on VILE’s bad side?”

“Vile?” he answers. “Is that what they’re called here?”

“You don’t know?” Her eyebrows shoot up. “You’re in their jail, and you don’t know?”

Her brother speaks up. “Well, they are a secret organization…”

“He’s in their jail!” the girl repeats, scowling at her brother.

“Excuse me,” he interrupts, “but… who exactly are you?”

She turns back towards him, eyes narrowing. “You really don’t know?”

As an agent of the EOD, he‘s not really one for admitting such weakness, but the situation calls for it. “I know nothing.”

“You must be one unlucky guy, then,” the boy says.

Phoenix snorts a bit. “You have no idea.”

“You got a name?” the girl asks, crossing her arms.

“Agent Phoenix, at your service,” he answers, putting on his friendliest grin.

“Agent?” the boy repeats. “Your first name is agent?”

“That’s the part you’re having trouble with?” his sister deadpans. “Not that his last name is Phoenix?”

“C’mon, Ivyyyyyyy,” the boy groans.

Phoenix chuckles a bit. “You can just call me Phoenix, if you’d like. I really don’t mind.”

Ivy sighs. “Got it. Well, you know me now. He—“ she points at her brother— “is Zack.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” he nods, allowing his gaze to drift. There has to be something he can use here—some method of escape. He just needs to find it. “So—mind explaining what’s going on?”

———

Carmen’s an hour and a half out from her flight to Monte-Carlo when a man slides into the seat across from her, a newspaper in his left hand.

She raises her head instinctively, opens her mouth to speak, because that seat’s taken, sir, my friends will be back in a minute. But Zack and Ivy aren’t here, and she’d managed to somehow convince Player to take a nap before the next caper, and she’s—

she’s alone.

Determinedly ignoring the ragged sensation in her chest, Carmen lowers her gaze. He doesn’t know what’s going on, she reminds herself bitterly. He doesn’t know you’re waiting for someone who isn’t here.

Something ever so slightly slides into her peripherals, and she glances its way without moving her head. It’s a business card—elegant, yet simplistic—with a strange logo stamped in the center. Beneath the logo, the name Reginald Crane is printed, and right next to that is a hastily-written scribble: Flip me.

Carmen looks up at the man sitting next to her, narrowing her eyes. He doesn’t look like much, between his graying hair and lined face, but looks can be deceiving.

Silently, she picks up the business card and flips it over.

Miss Sandiego, it reads, in the same messy handwriting, I would like to talk.

She clenches one hand into a fist under the table. The man can’t be an ACME agent—he’s not wearing the proper uniform, and the business card doesn’t line up—but some irrational part of brain insists that she should run. “Well?”

“Miss Sandiego.” The man raises his head and sets his newspaper down on the table between them. His tone is too stiff to be natural, and it sends a chill down her spine. “It’s a pleasure.”

“You wanted to talk?” She holds up the card, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes.” He clears his throat. “I believe that you and I have a common goal.”

The man—Reginald?—reaches into his suit jacket and pulls out a full-to-bursting file folder. He carefully searches through the file’s contents, pulling out a single photograph with a muted flourish and putting it on the table next to him.

Carmen’s breath seizes.

A young man in a grey trench coat is surrounded by three uncomfortably familiar faces. Tigress, Paper Star, Le Chevre—all ganging up on a stranger in a dark alley. Considering this interaction, Carmen doubts the photographed victim is an everyday civilian, but her breath comes as short as it did that day in Morocco anyways.

“As a representative of the Agency,” Reginald continues, “I have come to offer you an alliance.”

She takes a moment to center herself. “The Agency?”

Everyone in the world knows about the Agency at this point—considering the events of the Peace Summit, she’d be surprised if someone didn’t. Still, the revelation comes out of left field. Why would an organization dedicated to controlling illegal syndicates want to deal with criminals?

Necessity, she thinks, eyeing the photo between them. “… You want me to help save your agent.”

“That’s part of it,” he hums, although the underlying tension ruins his noncommittal air. “We’d also like to offer you an extended alliance. Our tech crew has noted that you—“ he taps at the photo— “often are in opposition to these costumed strangers whenever they appear, and by estimate, they are also likely linked to Zoraxis. Undermining both organizations would prove beneficial to all involved.”

“You’re real good at this sort of thing,” Carmen observes.

He shrugs, smirking a bit. “I’m just stating fact.”

She leans back in her seat, frowning slightly as she thinks it over. The Agency isn’t government-owned, but that’s all she really knows about them. Even after the events at Zoraxis brought them into the limelight, information about them had been practically impossible to gather. Almost everything Player had found online was highly contested or hearsay, and they had barely any online presence to track—just a small hiring site for HR, and it wasn’t even connected to the organization’s servers.

Carmen may as well be putting her trust in the hands of a ghost.

“I’d need time to figure out anything solid,” she says loftily,  leaning back. “But I suppose I’m willing to work with you on this one. Just…. give me some time.”

“Of course.” Reginald grabs the photo and stands up, not bothering to hide the relief in his voice. “Thank you, Miss Sandiego.”

Despite her situation, she can’t hold back a smirk.

“Call me Carmen.”

[inconspicious-random-thoughts]

In regard to Roo, I have a theory about a connection between her and Eve. With Roo shaping up to be some sort of personification of evil itself, maybe she doesn't have a true physical form of her own and needs a vessel to do her dark deeds. Maybe eating the fruit of knowledge made Eve vulnerable to her possession. And as a result, Eve has had many moments throughout her life and afterlife where she's in control of her body for one period of time before Roo takes over for another to cause all manner of chaos she wants. Sort of a Norman Osborn and Green Goblin scenario.

I think this would make for a very shocking way for our wayward souls to be introduced to the Root of Evil. They meet Eve at some point in their endeavors and she (thinking she's managed to contain Roo for good) offers to help Charlie and Lucifer redeem sinners to make up for her role in allowing sin to manifest on Earth, only for her personality to take a sudden turn around as she breaks down laughing madly and then suddenly Charlie finds her new friend replaced with the ultimate evil.

What do you think.

Hello again my friend.

Oh they are certainly linked in my opinion. Its spelt all out in the few moments of the Amazon show.

I already pointed out that Roo that I believe she is Alastor contractor. Using her smile as the damning evidence.

The smile its is overly stretched similar to Alastor, plus the red eyes. I think Alastor smile is force. Not because we saw stitches that would force him to smile when his more demonic magic shows...which is suspicious. But I think its Roo signature that no one realizes. I think he would try to keep a smile as a personal policy regardless because it special to him between him and his mother in his living life. But it would definitely fell a few times if he actually was able to do so.

But how is the red eyes and smile connected to Eve you may ask.

BAM

Tho backstory lore of Heaven and Hell in the first few mins of the show, was shown in black and white. The only colors were used were gold to show Heaven/angels and red for evil and Hell. The very first red was shown as with the words angles shielded all from evil. Cue the first picture. The unnamed dark character (but we know its Roo)

The next show of red was the tree of knowledge. The tree that bare the fruit of mankind first sin. It....even shown the roots in red. The color the show picked for evil...the roots are evil...root of evil...Roo.

Eve bit into this forbidden fruit. She ingested evil and committed the first sin.

I find it very interesting that they show her smile turning red-after she accepted the apple. I think the red (as well all the red eyes) and smiles is Roo symbolism.

I been toying with the idea that Roo doesn't have a physical body myself. Surprisingly I forgotten about Eve when I been wondering this and focusing on Alastor.

My thoughts on it so far, but been too distracted to conform it in rewatches. When Alastor shadow takes life on its own, I think that's Roo manifesting in his shadow. To watch how things are playing out or to aid him. I remember in Alastor lore about the overlords, it was pictured his shadow was doing all the work. So it makes sense if actually Roo that brought them down with such ease by storeaway in Alastor shadow. Roo being his animated shadow is also a nice representation that he can't he separated by the darkness that he bonded to.

Ugh edit in bold. I just realized I was thinking too small. Roo may already be intermittently possessing Alastor. His song bit in the last song could been Roo the the whole time. And the animated shadow is the "evidence" he being possessed. (Along with all the red eyes out in the background) Roo may have more tangeablity being in control of Alastor, but is still severely stunted in terms of powers that they use to possess. So that can be her hunger for freedom to "unclip her wings" And wishing to pull the strings for grand scheme of things and revenge. She needs a more powerful body....a fallen sephium or a princess of Hell perhaps? I don't think it happen but not implausible.

I lowkey thought she was staging a set to possess Alastor. Forcing him to get things ready to and prepare him as a vessel and his own unwilling demise of his soul. Which Alastor is kept out of the loop on but already heavily suspects it regardless. Which is why he so frantic to trying to find a way out of contract before gets to that final step. But now hes weaken and does not have the aid of his staff so he has to tread more carefully but he doesn't have the time for that.

But Eve...no, that makes more sense. As I mention its insanely suspicious Eve hasn't been a player to the game yet. I mean, granted her soul is thousand upon thousands of years old, which meant she had to survive almost just as many exterminations. But I doubt a key character would be killed off well before the show took place.

The angle you threw in with Eve is a perfect plot set up. Imagine....the first sinner...redeemed. The motivation there as you pointed out. To make amends for creating Sins, bring evil to Earth and the creation of Hell. The publicity it would bring to the hotel. The amount of guest who would check in if the first sinner gets redeem. Its appears to be a win-win for everyone!

It's such a perfect setup for Roo to stowaway in Eve to finally bring their evil to Heaven doorsteps. I'm pretty sure, bring Heaven to its downfall is Roo final objective. Having the first sinner bring evil to Heaven is beauty poetry in Roo objective. I really like that idea.

I don't think Roo would have ill will to Lucifer, Lilith or Eve...since they unintentionally help her further her reach to Earth. Unless there might been additional lore when Lucifer fell into Hell and discover Roo they might been some conflict and he managed to contain the evil. By somehow taking away her corporeal body so she became more of a looming presence then a threat. unable to interact with the world properly. But Roo ancient, she'll find a way to to return.

[saph-writes]

A Crumpled Red String Laced Around Our Throats - Chapter 5

ao3 link:

Words: 3801

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Chigiri froze. Panic started to set in but before he could do anything drastic or act in the moment, he realized that a few feet in front of them was a boy stepping into the forest. The boy could not have been more than 7 years old. 

The guard passed right by them and began reprimanding the child.

“No one is allowed in the forest.”

“B-but my ball got-”

SLAP

Chigiri sucked in a breath. Shock kept him frozen. He had never seen guards hit a townsperson before, even at the castle where the kids often misbehaved. But this guard did so with such confidence it was like he was used to it. He’s done this routine before. 

Chigiri’s hands trembled and tightened into a fist. 

The guard yelled in the kid’s face. “Do not talk back to me! You are a disgrace to your family. You may be too young to experience the consequences of your actions, but your parents will bear it for you. Come here.” The guard took the child’s hand and started dragging him out of the forest. The boy cried and tried to pull away from his heavy grip. 

Chigiri could hardly focus with the anger overflowing him. But just as he stepped forward to punch the guard’s face, his arm was pulled back. 

It was Kunigami. He shook his head. His expression was solemn, but in his eyes, there was a glimpse of fear. Chigiri bit his tongue and pulled his arm back.

The guard and the boy were already gone. And Chigiri couldn’t do a thing. 

They continue walking around the edge of the town. This town was very different compared to the one that was near the castle. The houses were less well-put together and there were a lot more guards around. The streets were crowded but unlike the festivity of the previous town, these people were hurriedly moving along to their destination, avoiding each other’s glances.

This is where Kunigami lived…, Chigiri thought. 

BANG

Screams erupted in the distance. Chigiri and Kunigami stopped as the ground beneath them trembled slightly. In the sky, dark black smoke rose into the blue color. 

Without a second thought, Chigiri bolted towards the noise. Since he had let go of Kunigami’s hand, he couldn’t see him but he heard his footsteps following closely behind him. When they finally arrived at the source of the commotion, guards already surrounded the area. The townspeople were panicking and running away, all screaming and yelling. In the center, the broken frame of a house laid half-destroyed. 

However, there was something else in the house. 

Something big and towering several feet above everyone else. 

It looked like a bear, but instead of fur it had disgusting green slime covered in dirt, leaves, and red liquid. Its eyes were small and entirely black. Its mouth wasn’t even a mouth, but a hole in its face where nothing could be seen inside it. It was rimmed with a dark liquid. 

It was a monster.

Fear immediately engulfed Chigiri’s mind. He quickly turned off the invisibility spell so that he could see Kunigami but when he did, he saw a similar look of terror on his face. He was frozen, staring directly at the beast. 

“Get back, everyone! Run to district 10!”

“Aim for the head!”

“Do whatever you can, just kill it!”

As the guards yelled at one another amidst the screams, Chigiri spied a young boy trying to run towards the house. A guard was holding him back, but he screamed and pushed him away.

“Mom! My mom is still in the house! Save her!” 

“Get back kid!” 

As he thrashed around, the guard hit the boy squarely in his neck. The boy collapsed into unconsciousness. 

His words were in vain because no one was looking inside the house. Only the monster, which stood silently in the middle of the rubble while spells were thrown right and left towards it. 

However, when Chigiri looked at the ground of the once-stable home, his heart stopped. There were splashes of red. 

To his horror, he sees a woman’s head rolling over. She didn’t even have a neck and her eyes were bulging out. It had been ripped off completely from her body.

Chigiri felt like he was going to be sick. 

He glanced over at the guards, who were struggling in the battle. Even though the monster was not attacking back, its large size made it far more difficult for the guards to handle. It was hardly budging. 

He could hardly think with the amount of thoughts rushing through his head. But no matter what, the idea of standing by without doing a thing made him even more restless. Even as fear caused his arms and legs to shake. 

Kunigami was still frozen in fear. Or rather, he is looking at the monster with his eyes wide and his arms close to his stomach. Chigiri quickly ran over and shook him back and forth.

“Kunigami!” 

Kunigami blinked and looked at Chigiri. 

“We need to help the guards!” Chigiri yelled. 

Kunigami was still in a daze, but he stepped back. His breaths were heavy but short.

“You can help but… what can I do..?” Kunigami placed his hands on his head. “I’m no help. I can’t be useful. How can I-?” 

Chigiri slammed his hands on Kunigami’s shoulders, causing him to jump. He pointed to the house. 

When he had seen the woman, he had also seen another body, this one still intact and moving. 

“There’s a girl in there trying to get away. I’ll take care of the monster and help the guards kill it. I’ll place an invisibility spell on you while you go help her. Hurry!” 

None of the guards had noticed the girl. When Kunigami spotted her, his expression of fear softened ever so slightly. He sucked in a breath and nodded. 

With another invisibility spell placed on him, Chigiri saw Kunigami disappear and heard his footsteps as he ran off. He then directed his focus to the guards and the monster before them. 

Instead of launching attacks, which may draw unwanted attention towards him, he hid behind a tree and whispered under his breath: power amplification. It was a complex spell, especially for applying to 10 guards, and one he had never performed before, even during his lessons. But he closed his eyes and simply prayed it would work. 

Luckily, the guards’ yells gave him an answer. 

“The monster is going down!”

“It’s getting hurt!”

“Don’t stop now! Bombard it until there is nothing left!”

The sounds of wind slashing the air and explosions hitting the monster’s body continued until a sudden BANG made it all stop. When Chigiri peered from behind the tree, he saw the monster collapsed on the floor. Its body heaved weakly. 

It had been successfully defeated.

Sounds of cheers and celebrations erupted from the guards, slapping one another. Chigiri looked to the side of the house. The girl was gone. Kunigami must have taken her away in time. 

Their focus was no longer on the monster, so Chigiri hid himself and walked up to it. He was invisible, but he was in an area hidden from their vision just in case. On the ground before him, the monster’s eyes were barely open. 

It looked almost peaceful, as if it hadn’t caused terror and destruction for the people of this town. 

“You can hear me right?”

From all that he has heard, monsters were sentient. They could act just like humans. But that was no reassurance. It only made it all worse. 

The monster blinked and its head rose slowly up towards Chigiri. 

Chigiri crouched down and spat in its face.

“You know, I hate this world too. All they care about is soulmarks and excuse their hate for anyone different as fear. But you…I hate your kind the most. You’re the reason the world is like this. Because if you didn’t exist, we wouldn’t have a reason to be scared.”

Chigiri raised a hand up. As he thought about the spell to use to finish it off, the monster closed its eyes and its head started to turn white. It was dissolving and disappearing into the air. A few short minutes later, the monster disappeared completely, like it was never there at all. 

Coward.

Chigiri ran back to the forest before any of the guards could see him. He snapped his fingers to undo all the spells he did and looked around for Kunigami. 

Damn it, why didn’t we agree on a meeting spot before? 

Eventually, he found them right behind the destroyed house, a few yards into the forest. The little girl was crying on the floor and Kunigami was crouched down with her, talking in a low gentle voice. 

“You’re not hurt, are you? Don’t worry, it will all be okay.” 

Chigiri had never seen Kunigami act like that before. 

“Kunigami!” Chigiri ran up to them. “What happened? Is she injured?”

He shook his head. “No. Just some scrapes.” 

Chigiri crouched down to look at the girl at eye-level. “Are you okay? What happened? How did your house get attacked?”

“Chigiri-!”

The girl looked down at the floor, tears still in her eyes. When she spoke, her voice still shook violently like the child she was. “Daddy came back…he was gone for a long time and he came back…yesterday.”

She sniffled.

“We were happy…Mommy and me but…when I woke up… I heard bad noises. Then…” She blubbered and began to wail again. 

Kunigami and Chigiri looked at each other. They shared a look of shock and disbelief. 

The image of the head of the woman he saw rolling on the ground flashed in Chigiri’s mind.  

He picked her up and held her in his arms while she sobbed on his shoulder. She was surprisingly light. “Shh…don’t cry.” He rubbed her back. “Do you know any adults? Any family that can take care of you?”

“...Auntie. They always…were so nice to me…”

Chigiri nodded. “Alright. Take us to Auntie then. Do you know where she lives?”

The girl nodded.

“Let’s go,” he mumbled. But when he started to walk, he stopped. He turned around to see Kunigami staring at the floor with a dazed look. 

“Kunigami?”

“Huh?”

“Come on.”

“Oh. Okay…” 

As they walked away from the forest, Chigiri looked over to the guards still celebrating. They did not glance over once at the destroyed house, nor at the body of the woman. 

In response, he squeezed the girl in his arms a little tighter. 

The household of the girl’s relative was a good distance away, as they walked away from the deserted neighborhood of the attack to the lively area of houses where kids ran in every direction. In this street, there were vendors and food markets set up. Guards still guarded the area, but there was significantly less. Likely because of the monster attack that drew them all away. 

The girl had calmed down enough to be able to look around her surroundings. All of a sudden, she gasped and shook around excitedly.

Chigiri struggled. “Hey, you’re going to fall-!”

“There’s auntie!”

Kunigami, who was walking right beside him, stopped in his tracks. 

Chigiri looked up at where the girl was pointing at. Just a few feet away was a woman standing in front of a house, watering plants outside. She had short hair and a taller frame. Her hair was also orange, just like…

Chigiri glanced at Kunigami. Kunigami’s eyes were wide and his mouth was wide open. 

“Auntie!”

Damn it.

In a split moment’s decision, he put a hand over the girl’s mouth and pulled her and Kunigami into the forest, between two other houses. He ran until he could no longer see the town clearly between the trees. He snapped his fingers, undoing the invisibility spell. 

“Listen.” Chigiri placed the girl on the floor and put his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t tell them about us. Tell them that your house got attacked and you came running for them.”

Chigiri was not good at talking to children, admittedly. It’s not like his voice could go gentle and soft like Kunigami or that he had the tact of Hiumi. But regardless, he remembered the servant kids of the castle and how Hiumi spoke to them to make them understand. He had to try anyway. 

“We might get in very big trouble with the big bad guards if you tell them, okay?”

To his relief, the girl nodded. The light had returned to her eyes and she ran off back into the town. 

Chigiri sighed. 

He looked behind him. Kunigami was crouched down, with his head in his knees. Chigiri bit his lip and walked up to him. 

“You’re going to stay balled up forever?”

Kunigami didn’t respond. Chigiri sighed and crouched down next to him. He laid his head on his shoulder. “If you want, we can leave.”

Kunigami didn’t say anything once again. 

“She’s pretty. Who is she?”

“...My mom.” 

“Your mom, huh. Great genes you have.” 

“...”

“Do you want to leave?”

Kunigami tightens his fist. They sat in silence.

“She was smiling.”

“What?”

“Over there. She was watering the vegetables outside. She was humming and smiling to herself.”

Kunigami shook his head in his arms. 

“How can she still be smiling…?” His voice broke and trailed off. 

Chigiri’s heart tightened in his chest. What can he say? What can he possibly say to someone forced to see everything they had lost? They are only here because of Chigiri’s own demand after all. 

But even so, the words, I’m sorry, stopped halfway up his throat. It didn’t feel right either. 

“I’m sure she misses you.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Maybe. But I’d never forgive them if they didn’t.” 

Because he still wanted to see Kunigami smile without hurt. Maybe that was his own selfish wish, but one he refused to give up. 

Kunigami's head rose up slightly and Chigiri could now see his eyes. They were red and puffy, but his eyebrows were wrinkled together. 

“I’m scared. But… I want to see them. No matter what happens, I want to see them.” 

Chigiri smiled. “That’s the spirit.” 

The two went over to Kunigami's old house. They had an invisibility spell cloaking them from sight and peered in one of the windows. The house is extremely small, much smaller than anything Chigiri had ever seen. In it, the little girl from before was being consolidated by the woman Kunigami said to be his mom. Two other girls were in the household, one that looked older than Kunigami and another that appeared younger. The younger girl was playing by herself while the older one was cooking. 

“Those are..?”

“My sisters.” 

They couldn’t hear anything, but the younger sister ran up to the girl and the mother. She showed her toys to the girl, which made her laugh. The mother let her go and the two ran off to play together.

“She’s always been like that. Excited and energetic,” Kunigami said. His voice sounded fond and full of nostalgia. 

Kunigami’s mom smiled at the two of them and walked out of the home. Chigiri took Kunigami’s hand and ran over to see her, even though Kunigami had to be partially dragged along. 

She finished watering the vegetables and headed for the side of the house. 

The two of them panicked and ran into the bushes, away from the path she was walking towards where they were standing.

“I think she’s going behind the house…” Chigiri whispered. He felt the sweat on Kunigami’s hand and squeezed it, and the two of them nodded at each other.

They followed after her to where she was headed. To their surprise, her destination was located in the forest. 

She did not go very far in. Just a few steps in and she stopped in front of a tree stump, where there was a pile of dirt and some flowers. In her hands, Chigiri realized, was a stick that she lit and set on the dirt. The smoke poured up into the sky. 

She got on her knees and placed her hands together. For a long time, she sat exactly like that.

“She’s praying… maybe for the girl?” Chigiri wondered out loud. Kunigami did not say anything. 

The mom finally looked up and took out the stick. However, she stopped and plucked out the flower as well. 

“It’s been five years already, hasn’t it?”

They stopped. Unlike Kunigami’s view, Chigiri could see part of her face, including her smile and the tear dripping down. 

“I’m sorry. I hope you’ll forgive me. May the Gods grant you the happiness I could never give you.”

A crow cawed in the distance. 

“I love you, Rensuke.” 

~

On the way back to the castle, Kunigami remained silent. He stayed behind where Chigiri walked, holding his hand but looking down at the ground. 

Kunigami’s mind was in a frenzy. He could hardly think. So he stared at the grass beneath them, counting flowers they came across in the lonely forest. Occasionally, tears dripped to the ground. But they came and went, like the ocean’s tides on the shore. 

He finally said something halfway through the journey on the second day, when the sun was high in the sky. 

“When I got killed in the forest by the soldiers, I overheard something they said.” 

Kunigami took long pauses between his sentences as he readied himself. Thankfully, Chigiri was patient enough to stay quiet for his sake. 

“They said that I wasn’t a person anymore. Not a son, not a boy. Because of that, I should be killed. It was my parents’ request.

“I didn’t want to believe it. Because my mom said she loved me. But as I was dying, I heard her voice. She said that if I died, they would be happier. That I was being punished. She said I deserved it.”

Kunigami sucked a breath in. The two had stopped walking. 

“For five years, all I’ve wondered was if that really was her voice. And if it was true that she wanted me dead because of that. I thought that by staying alive, I was hurting her and my family. But all of that was in my head. I believed this voice in my head I thought was her and it became my reason for all this guilt. I felt guilty for being alive. I thought I should never experience happiness, only hurt and despair. That I only live to be punished.”

Kunigami felt like he should be crying, but he wasn’t. Instead of gasping for air, he felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, allowing him to breathe again. 

“But that was never true. She never wanted me to be punished. She only wanted me to be happy. All this time, she just wanted me to be happy.”

So instead he smiled. He allowed himself to smile. 

“I never would have known if you hadn’t brought me there to see my family. Thank you, Chigiri. For making me realize something so important.”

“...”

“Chigiri…?”

To Kunigami’s surprise, he felt himself pulled into an embrace. Chigiri’s arms wrapped around him, along with a warmth that pressed itself into Kunigami's chest. He didn’t know how to respond. His arms were left raised in the air while his heart threatened to burst out of his chest.

“Chigiri?! Hey-!”

“You’re going to let yourself be happy now, right? That also means letting people care about you.” His voice got quieter and he pulled him closer. “So I don’t ever want to hear you putting yourself down again, okay?” 

Oh…that’s right. Chigiri also gets worried, Kunigami thought. All this time, he thought about his family and how they would feel about him being happy, but he had rarely considered Chigiri’s feelings. I’m such a terrible-

Kunigami stopped himself. He looked down at where Chigiri was hugging him and bit his tongue. 

Chigiri does not think of him as a terrible person. So he shouldn’t either. His feelings of guilt and inferiority are hard to suddenly make go away, but they do not have to define him. They are not reality.

Reality is here, where Chigiri never makes him feel alone and his family still remembers him as their son, not a monster. Where happiness is not a reward but a right. These thoughts in his head hold no power here. As long as he holds this belief, he can let go of the control they have over him. 

Kunigami hesitated but slowly, he hugged Chigiri back. Not as a leap to a new direction, but a step. A small step, but a step nonetheless. 

~

When they returned, it was the night of the second day back. Sirens blared in the distance. Kunigami, concerned, looked back at Chigiri, who was already preparing another spell.

“Are you sure you won’t be in trouble?”

“No. Since the sirens just now started sounding, they probably only recently realized I’ve been gone. In other words, they did not realize I had been missing for four days. Idiots. It’ll just be like any other time.” 

Chigiri smirked and winked at Kunigami. “I’ll be fine. Just be careful going back, the guards might go in a bit further this time.” 

Kunigami nodded. “Okay.”

“See you later!” Chigiri waved while running away, already disappearing from the spell. Kunigami waved back weakly. 

However, despite his warning, Kunigami did not leave their clearing. Instead, he sat on the floor, behind on the tree stump. He leaned his head back and stared up at the night sky.

Tonight, there was no moon. Just stars endlessly dotting the dark night. 

His breaths were slow and heavy. He had not realized how exhausted he was from days of walking. It was probably amplified by the fact that he did not transform once after that time in the lake. Now, he was reaping the consequences. 

His body ached horribly. Dirt and mud covered his legs and torso. His clothes were torn and ragged. 

But he didn’t care. His mind was still stuck back at his old hometown, where they witnessed a monster attack firsthand. 

The townspeople running and screaming to get away and the splatters of blood on the beast. The wailing of a young girl who lost her home to it. 

He moved so that he was on his knees. Then, he brought his hands together in front of him and leaned his head forward until it almost touched the ground. 

The position was unfamiliar, but somehow comfortable at the same time. 

“Please. Don’t let me hurt him.”

The warmth of Chigiri’s hug lingered on his body. 

“Please, kill me before I ever get the chance to hurt him.” 

[helluva-world-innit]

Late to the party but finally making an entrance is Envy Ring!

I'm sure you can see similarities between it and Greed which Levi is less than pleased about. Mammon swears he's just trying to give Hell's denizens a lively, entertaining place to spend their Souls/jewels and exploit their Sinners, not copying Envy's bright and alluring aesthetic. To be fair to him, Envy's light is largely bioluminescence whereas Greed must rely on the soul energy that flows into and around Hell from Sloth Ring (we'll get to that house of horrors when we get there). As such, Envy and Wrath Rings are the only ones to have natural light (biolum and lava). Go figure. Green is the main color here though it's not allowing me to photograph it properly. The windows in the palace are actually light green, not white. My gel pens did not want to cooperate and I think I gave up at that point too. Anyhoo, coral reefs were defs an inspiration for this place. As well as the deep sea and fish just being fish.

As is the case in the open Earth ocean...everything in Envy can and will fucking kill you (yes, that is a giant crab). From the flora to the fauna to the fucking ROCKS to the crushing pressure and scathing shade thrown by the Ringmaster or their Overseers, Delta and Ray, everything is designed to leave you bleeding for the sharks here. Even the few landmasses that dot the massive Ring aren't safe. Above the waves live horse-sized creatures that look like pelicans under an x-ray machine. The bone skimmers, as they are known, are notorious for attacking and eating any demons that come too far up to the surface. The rare tourist spot or transport station above the water have to have hounds patrolling around the clock to keep the hellish birds at bay. Naturally, everything is more expensive in Envy proper, where only those who can breathe the sulfuric water of Hell may dwell for any length of time. It is a place of privilege, beauty, and attitude. All of which has been cultivated by its Ringmaster, Leviathan (that big ol' tentacled thing by the palace? that's him playing peekaboo; like an iceberg, we just see the tip).

There is a natural current of soul energy that courses through Envy (crevice, bottom left-ish). Here is where many of the higher echelon of Envy live and work since it's a well-spring of power and very bright here. Named the Ring of Influence, it runs around the entire Ring like a smaller separate ring of Hell itself. The Ars Goetia who live here may as well be gods the lower hellborn are always vying for the attention of and Sinners know no peace if they happen to become entangled in the tendrils of this privileged and isolated kingdom. They form an entirely unique enslaved underclass here and Envy is the biggest generator of Broken Sinners in Hell as a result (we'll get to the Broken later too). The housing and such you can see in the background up there are where the middle-class worker bees live mostly. Also the occasional poor Hellborn or Sinner that would rather die (again?) than fall into the Ring of Influence where life could very well be worse for them depending who gobbles them up. It's like whalefall, I guess.

Now, the tubes. So Hell's got these elevators, right? Hell-evators, if you will. Well, most Rings hide or blend them in to the environment. Not Envy Ring. Demons can see exactly what part of Envy Ring they're traveling to or through thanks to the reinforced glass of the Hell-evators here. Naughty demons even break them sometimes as illustrated above. They have the tech to build a new one and do so, no problem. The general mindset here is 'yeah, we know you want what we have but you could never pull it off like us so die mad' even if every Envy citizen is a literal fish out of water in any other Ring they might travel to. Sure, they're someone that matters there, but would anyone in Gluttony give a shit? Or Pride? Hard to say.

Leviathan is cold, calculating and about the only being stronger than Lucifer in Hell. What stops these two from coming to blows like how Satan and Luci did all those millennia ago to decide who would rule Hell is Levi likes being behind the scenes. Anything that keeps God's attention off them and the prophecy to kill them and serve them up like sashimi to humanity is *chef's kiss*. While they question the decisions their king makes, they still have a frightful amount of respect and love for Lucifer and Satan...just not really anyone else. Including Charlie. Especially not Asmodeus, who is the youngest of the Sins by far.

Notable characters from this Ring are Nifty, Chaz and his family, Verosika, Alessio/the majority of Crimson's gang still, and Baxter. The Overseers of this Ring are the aforementioned eel twins, Delta and Ray. Also planning on doing a map view of this Ring later so I can paint a better picture of where everything is in relation to each other.

Up Next (though who knows when): Sloth Ring!

[diezmil10000]

Hi hi, hope you're doing well!! Wanted to ask if you could explain how you pick colours! They're always so appealing to look at... (If you could also explain how you pick blush colours it'd be great! I never manage to pick good ones, no matter how hard I try :'))

hi anon, i'm doing fine!! it's summer right now where i live and that's healing all my problems (⁠◡⁠ ⁠ω⁠ ⁠◡⁠)

i have recorded the process of some of my drawings and everything is posted in my youtube channel (in twitter too), so i'll drop the link here and try my best to explain the coloring part to you. the short answer is that none of the colors you see in my drawings are similar to those i initially picked.

i try to keep my lineart loose but i pay attention to the outlines so i can quickly select the outer parts, invert the selection and fill it with the bucket tool. my base colors are all 100% opaque and i don't use any fancy brushes here.

as to how i pick colors, i never use the color picker tool, i eyeball everything. that's important for me because i tend to make all of them warmer: the greens are dark yellows, the pinks are light reds, and everything that's close to blue is very desaturated. i do this even for drawings that turn out much different later, unless i have a very specific vibe in mind from the beginning. i also never use pure whites for anything, and if something is black i make it part of the lineart.

then i always color my lineart!! there's no trick to that, the layer is in normal mode and i just paint it with a darker color than what's below it. i usually add the shadows and highlights at this stage of the drawing too. you're going to kill me for this but shade with gray set in color burn or linear burn (never multiply). i just don't want to think about color variety at this stage because it makes things more difficult for later. sometimes i add textures and some basic color correction here (curves, color balance, layers set in overlay, etc.) but i mostly leave that for the next part.

as to how i choose blush colors, i usually pick the base color and move it towards the saturated end of the color wheel, and a bit more pink. sometimes i add a multiply layer and airbrush hot red over the base colors at low opacity. coloring the lineart with hot colors surrounding the blush areas helps a lot too :)

i also almost always duplicate the lineart, blur it and set it in linear burn (i paint this layer in a light gray). this adds a lot of depth to the drawing, especially if later combined with the bloom effect.

the key to why the colors in my art pop so much is that i don't enjoy drawing as much as i enjoy postprocessing pictures 😂🤣😅👌✌️👍 once i'm satisfied with the "base" colors i merge everything except the background, open a new canvas and go crazy with filters and textures. that's why i use ibispaint X even if i do the lineart elsewhere (krita), and even if it works a bit wonky with big canvases.

i do something different for each drawing here, so first i'm going to explain my reasoning so that you understand my process: i used to have a problem of using very strong colors that overshadowed my beloved lineart into which i had put a lot of effort, so my goal nowadays is to make everything look less contrasted without losing the visual impact of saturated colors. that way the lineart remains a strong point and not just a way to separate one color from another.

what i usually do is duplicate the new merged layer, set it to exclusion mode, add a gradient map and play with the opacity. then i duplicate that and do the same thing with another gradient or another blending mode. i tend to add like 3-6 layers of bullshit over my drawings, including textures and other filters like "bloom" or "sharpen". i understand everything that's going on there but i don't think too deeply about it, i just pick whatever looks best.

for the final touches i always pull up the saturation and contrast (since a lot of it gets lost in the process), and i usually have to manually change some colors (ibispaint X has a filter to do that) or tweak the curves. then i add chromatic aberration, noise set to overlay and little polka dots set to linear dodge.

here are some comparisons of the before and after of recent drawings. the 1st one is very subtle, but you can clearly see how much warmth and depth it gains it gets after all the postprocessing. the 2nd one is so different that i understand why you're curious about how i pick colors. i don't think i can replicate that look just from picking nice colors, there's a lot more going on!! the 3rd one personally feels like it had potential lost (i liked the yellow highlights), but the colors were too strong and all over the place, so the finished result looks more intimate and calm and i like it a lot more.

thank you for the interest anon, i'm very happy that you like the way i color things and i hope i have explained myself. good luck with your own journey!!

[joltning]

insane ramblepost Abt Georgia and utah. My blorb i hope they explode.

ok while these are thoughts and shit that happen outside of it, all of my thoughts about them are inherently tied to an au (is it au if its canon plausible) that I’ve been planning for… (checks notes) 8 months. so it will heavily bleed into that (I’ll try to keep spoilers light since it don’t exist yet). I also have another au planned with them as a focus but it’s not important to this

ok! Georgia is a BITCH! love him to bits but he’s the big bully of the moi and everyone thinks he’s annoying and dumb. (it’s cause he is)

I’m a strong believer in georgia xi theory, and have mapped out the timeline multiple times in my head. Xi was not the first, ob, but he was very early on since both love and greed (which I soon found out were also opposites… fun!) are very strong core emotions that could protect alpha + it makes sense timelinewise

however, even though I have a personality or design for Xi, he does Not have a trait. I try to write Xi in a way where logically, he could embody either a twisted version of love or a loving, selfish version of greed. this works well with Georgias character, as the fear of losing someone and staying away out of love can also be a sort of greed that follows alphas line of thinking. fear and selfishness are inherently interconnected feelings and Georgia is a scared, scared man. bullies tend to be aggressive to deflect from their own feelings, and his rude nature tends to that, esp with picking on lower leaderboard members to feel superior.

georgia in s2 of my au was written to parallel both Wash and Carolina. (Though I realize he’s closer to maine than to wash? accidents happen) His gradual loss of self due to his ai, reliance on that information despite it, and change in character from friendly to aggressive back to more docile but really fucking paranoid lends him to wash, while his superiority and icarus complex brings to mind Carolina’s own inferiority and icarus complex. i also intend utah and georgia’s dynamic after their split to be similar to york and Carolina’s, what with how one of them decides to leave instead of making the smarter decision, and later regrets that.

enough about that stupid green guy let’s get into the stupid white guy

utah is a silly guy…..bleehhhhh…. I think he believes in slenderman and will whisk around when you say he’s behind him and also will occasionally shout “URETHRA!” When he thinks of something

ok but for real. he contrasts Georgia’s faux bravery because he really is courageous, seeing the positives in everything (even thought part of that is because he isn’t too bright)

When I draw him in Georgia’s memory, I black out his eyes, draw his brown highlight in a different spot, and change the color of his armor trim. Its symbolic of how he fails to remember him, mostly because of the fact he keeps forcefully pulling his ai, losing bits and pieces he cares about as he goes. Also, I give him a blue visor when drawing him with helmet, to differentiate him from Wyoming

Utah knows Georgia is a huge asshole and tells him to stop, but he can’t really do anything about it. He tries to see the good in everyone, which backfires on him when people try to get a little farther from him whenever geo is around. Dunno how they got close though

his loyalty and trusting nature ironically makes Georgia not trust him as a confidant and stray away from him later on under the context of care.

also, utah has a theme of air. or, lack of it. spoilers whatever

ummm basically opposites attract love wins Bye

[mdhwrites]

You know I noticed a detail that made me think why l/umity lost it's spark, but metaphorically so to speak about their color themes.

Luz is purple, Amity was a dilemma because of her track color but everyone kind of agreed with green, purple and green are opposites which fit their dynamic. However you can notice the pallets of purple and pink forced on Amity later, the groom dress and her grudgby uniform. (Not sure if real but there were some official concepts about her originally having a green tuxedo for groom instead of a pink dress and tbh they should've kept that, you can tell the colors were off-putting with the dress)

Green with pink it's a bit chaotic on it's own and it quite reflects on Amity's drastic changes, but the combination with purple just doesn't work.

Then her theme turned to purple as well and well, purple with purple it's boring. You don't even know what heart emoji colors to use for them anymore when in s1 it used to be like this 💜💚, some people resulted to this 🤎💜 but again not working

.

I guess this is why I was so pissed when they started treating anything green related as Odalia's bad influence (which was stupid). And it's like a slap in the face to the fans who were invested in Amity's green era. So what? Me preferring her green hair makes me a supporter of Odalia's abuse now? What about these stylish fanarts of her pulling the green hair with different outfits and styles?

.

Originally I thought she dyed it to impress or get her mom's attention, when Odalia was thought to be a strict perfectionist parent not the dumbster fire of a character they turned her out to be. The point is that it was on Amity's own acord, not mom's. Thrown outta window I suppose.

But in that case I would've preferred Amity growing her natural hair in time as a reference to her becoming her own person, meanwhile having Luz go through a development of her own to change her color theme so they have another contrasting that works. It's kind of hard to imagine Amity in anything other than purple now from her spell circle to her abomination, not to mention her room (heck everything's purple)

In The Power of Love, I actually made it that when Amity was young, the two figured out her hairstyle and dyed it both as a bonding moment and just because yes, Odalia is a bit obsessive. The style was Amity's choice though and she liked how it made her mom feel. You know, because families don't have to be terrible all the time. As far as the color theory stuff goes, it feels more like Luz's color should have been something besides purple more than Amity needing to stay green. That it either wasn't thought out... Or seen as a positive. Because it is in line with the rest of Amity's character and even the haircut she has right after dying her hair: She is just in line with Luz. Everything about Amity in S2 is about falling into line with Luz. Has daddy issues? So does Luz! Doesn't like the coven system all of a sudden? So does Luz! Have short, slightly messy hair? So does Luz! This actually caused a period of time before Amity got her long hair when black and white fanarts would make me pause to figure out who was Amity and who was Luz because they looked so similar. And GOD FORBID they both be in their school uniforms because then you were just screwed back then. It is all part of the girlfriend-ification of Amity where her priorities and very identity are focused entirely on Luz. It's probably also why people don't seem to do NEARLY as much with her now because, much like losing the contrast in color theory, she lost all flavor and the like. Lost what made her unique. Her methods, morals, priorities, etc. just became the same as everyone else's: Whatever Luz needs. It is EXTREMELY boring from a narrative standpoint and part of why the arcs in TOH frustrate me so much. You start with an interesting character and then replace them with a bland, template character that fills a role around Luz. Her surrogate mom in Eda, her girlfriend in Amity, her... Lancer? Kind of? In Hunter, her big strong girl with Willow and her smart guy in Gus. Except to even define them this much is awkward because the show doesn't really care about what jokes or the like they're doing with certain characters when outside of shipping moments. This is where you get high society Amity being the biggest clutz on the planet in S3 Ep. 1. It's all frustrating and it's even more infuriating that you're right: Looking Glass Ruins is when this started in full force with Amity changing her hair to not only match Luz in style but also match closer to Luz's normal colors. And it would only honestly go downhill from there with the very slight exception of Eclipse Lake. And even then... That's the last time we'd see Amity actually have that sort of drive... And it's only because of Luz. And that kind of sucks when she used to be so much more a distinct person with her own goals and desires. Instead... She's a lesbian defined mostly by her interest in another girl. I thought that was normally something that annoyed people. Edit: Just to add: I still like Amity's S1 haircut the most. It's the most distinct visually, is actually a unique design besides 'long hair' or 'short hair with a dye job that went unfinished apparently' and it's just a very cute look in my opinion.

[draconic-artisan]

✂ - a vivid memory

“He felt in his heart cruelty and cowardice, the things which made him brave and kind.” -TH White, "The Once and Future King"

"You hate this." The words are so quiet yet he jumps, nearly dropping his drink as he spins around. The man who spoke is from one of Unova's old money families--able to trace itself back to House Veritas itself--but Hassel can't remember much about the man himself. He's older than himself, and a fellow Dragon trainer, but no name comes to mind. Just piercing yellow eyes under a cap.

"I, ahah, what--whaaaat are you talking about!" He puffs his chest out; his father can't be too far away, he needs to save face here! "This is--it's an incredibly joyous occasion for me! Engaged to a lovely young lady, of a wealthy family and of great-"

"Do ya love her?"

"... what?"

"Ya heard me. What's she like to eat? What books does she read more 'n once?" The taller is the two takes a step with each question. Hassel can practically see the pale blonde stubble on his lip as the man asks, "Do ya even remember her name?"

His mouth is frozen shut, yellow eyes closing with a sigh. "Can't even lie bout it... look, I ain't very fond of my spot in this either-"

"You're not-" Hassel's mouth finally works again, but it feels gummy as he talks. Falsehoods aren't his forte, even as he wants to the words that could help him escape don't come. The best he can do is redirect it--somewhere, anywhere. "Your brother is--you have options."

"Tch." The paler blonde scoffs with a shrug. "Wilbert an' I are extras; if something happens to the old man's Golden Boy, I'm gonna be expected to step in and replace him. But you don't have that. Do you?"

Hassel is hoping someone sees them, comes by and somehow interrupts--staff, either of their families, he doesn't care who--but no. It's like they're in their own little bubble, hardly hearing anything around them.

"... there's no choice." He sounds so... small, as he admits that. The other man sighs, stroking at his mustache as he takes a step back. "Where can I even go?"

"Only way ya can go, mate." The other turns to look at the table next to them. A champagne flute is taken in one hand as another picks up a napkin; the flute is empty almost immediately, and the way it tilts before staying upright as it's put down almost makes Hassel think it was dropped. "And that's out."

"I-I--ha. You're funny, you know that?" The smile is forced, and definitely doesn't spread to his companion. "Where would I--where would I go? How would I go, you?"

"I mean, I am plannin' on it, yeah." It's said so casually, with such a free shrug, that it stuns Hassel silent. "Like ya said, I got options. I'm exercisin' em as much as I can before they narrow. If they do, Reshiram knows I don't want anythin' happening to Drayden."

Hassel's gaze drops to the floor. A way out. He's given up on it, just holding on to Lancelot when things get rough and hoping it would somehow, miraculously get better, and yet... so easily, it's just... like that?

"Hey. Hey Sunshine." He has to blink the tears away, fingers snapping pulling him back to the person in front of him. "I'm puttin' it out there, but end of the day it's your choice." The poke to his chest is strong, making Hassel take a step back and bring a hand up as the other man steps back. "You wanna stay in the cozy place planned out for ya, go ahead. You wanna take a risk and see what you can actually do... well. Entirely your call, ya hear? But I can only wait for so long."

He walks away before Hassel can say anything back, heading towards... well the similar platinum color makes him think it's his brother, and some person with pale green hair. Leaving Hassel standing there, tugging out the napkin partially tucked into his vest, a hasty scrawl visible.

Part of him tells him to throw it away, before Father sees it. Throw away any distraction, any ghost of whimsy.

Instead, the napkin is tucked into an inner pocket. Let the ghost haunt him, see where it may take him.

[lucysweatslove]

My parents sent me some money to spend on new clothing- the idea was my mom would help out buy directly ordering me some “business” clothing, and then I could spend the money sent on whatever would make me feel a little better going into school.

After thinking about it, I realized I am most comfortable in dresses, and the dresses I wore most while at the derm clinic (on Fridays where we would wear whatever we want) actually would work for business casual purposes too. Which makes sense- I got vast majority via Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack (most were Eliza J or Vince Camuto) The problem is: most are 4-5+ years old at this point, and while they still are holding up great, my body has shifted significantly and they are too small now. While I can zip them up because of stretch material, they flare and bulge and awkward points, and it’s just… an obvious “doesn’t quite fit well” look which to me never looks as professional as just wearing a larger, more appropriate size.

I feel very much “like me” when I wear dresses in general, and I figured I could “feed two birds with one seed” by using the money to buy new dresses that I could get away with wearing in clinic.

Buying new dresses via Nordstrom specific is kind of $$ even for the money my parents gave me, so I decided to look on Nordstrom Rack. Of course options are limited in general because it’s the Rack + because of my current size, plus I’m a little picky about overall silhouettes (cap / short sleeve dolman/ 3/4 sleeve preferred but wide strap tank okay, knee length- a little higher on a model is okay because I’m a shrimp and almost petite height, fit and flare or trapeze or shift but no sheath). But I found some I think will work pretty well!

The basic black one looks decent for well… basic outfits. Then I have three that are some iteration of navy and white or cream (I usually prefer black on me over navy, but a lot of the black ones were out in my size). The two that are kind of cut off (you can see them if you click the pic) are florals- the top does look a little short, but it should be fine on me, and the bottom one is supposedly an A-line cut, idk how well it’ll flow over me, but the pattern brings me joy so 🤷🏻‍♀️. And I’m really excited for the fun colorful dot pattern dress- I think the colors will work really well.

I also checked the Kohl’s website, thinking I had some Kohl’s Cash from when we went in person. The dress selection was abysmal but I saw this cute red dress and got pretty excited since it looked like a cool enough red I could pull it off. I then ALSO thought about how much I liked the two shirts I got in person and wished there were additional colors in my size (I got a black and a white)… and how I grabbed that pair of blank pants I couldn’t wear bc they were too small despite the blue one, which fit me very well, being the same size. So I figured that since I’m spending money anyways, and my old “nicer” shirts pull at the bust now too, getting a few shirts that I can dress up to business casual or down makes sense. And having a pair of black “work pants” opens up more options for me too. I know my mom is getting me some pants too but I’m pretty sure they will be long bootcut which… I guess I just prefer how I feel and look in cropped pants. I feel pretty swamped and frumpy in longer pants as I’m riding that sweet spot between petite and non-petite.

The pink shirt and the black and white floral are the shirt I know I like (cut and fabric). The link may be a little harsh on my skin tone (I consider myself more of a dark winter than a true winter) but paired appropriately it can look really nicer The white one is the same brand and I figured I can’t really go wrong having another white shirt with a slightly different cut- I could probably use it untucked which I prefer / feel more comfortable in anyway. The green shirt was just because I love rich deep emerald greens. It’s a different brand from the others, but it’s cut very similar to the shirt I know I like, looks like it’ll be a similar fabric.

Overall a successful online shopping trip, but we will see when the clothes come if they fit.

I may still look on sites like ThredUp or similar too. I’ve definitely spent the money my parents transferred to me, but if I can find more of the dresses I like in more fun patterns or colors, for like $20-30, it might be worth the investment.

My mom is right that a new wardrobe can help set the feel - which means for me, having more clothes that FEEL like me but also still feel elevated can do me a lot of good.

[popblank]

Eurovision Semifinal 2 viewing notes: 

Haha, the pre-show screen is displaying “GOOD TO GO!” I am both amused and annoyed that the new guy’s catchphrase might be growing on me.

Denmark, Reiley, “Breaking My Heart” – For a song where so much of it is in his upper register, his voice is not particularly strong there.  

Oh look it’s Daði Freyr in the green room.

Armenia, Brunette, “Future Lover” – Very cool staging, really good use of lights and projections. Sounded good as well.

Romania, Theodor Andrei, “D.G.T (Off and On)” – Theodor Andrei looks like quite the theater kid. Glad they went in a different direction than the national final performance though I am not sure if it presents the song to its best advantage.

Estonia, Alika, “Bridges” – Very good singing. Another uncomplicated staging that relies heavily on the performer and she is carrying it well.

Belgium, Gustaph, “Because of You” – I like that the backing singers are prominently featured onstage and in the performance. Very solid though I can’t remember the song when it’s done.

Scooch! I have much warmer feelings toward them than I do for Dustin the Turkey.

Cyprus, Andrew Lambrou, “Broken Heart” – I see we’re steadily moving along on the spectrum of masculine presentation in this semifinal. Seems like vocals are much stronger overall tonight so far, though I do hear a noticeable backing singer in parts.

Iceland, Diljá, “Power” – Hmm, started well, but she started at 99% and kept turning things up. It’s a very physical performance which feels just a little bit out of control.

Greece, Victor Vernicos, “What They Say” – Greece feels rather similar to Iceland in terms of performance, except with a little more anxiety.  The outfit makes him look his age.

Poland, Blanka, “Solo” – It was better than expected, I guess.

Slovenia, Joker Out, “Carpe Diem” – I had a lingering headache before this show and the wobbly side-to-side camera work here is not helping. Singing was good, but it was hard to watch.

Georgia, Iru, “Echo” – Her costuming and styling looks good. It was very dramatic (as expected) but the song has a odd lack of momentum. The chorus gets old quickly.

San Marino, Piqued Jacks, “Like An Animal” – The performance seems to be leaning a bit into the sleaziness which is probably not a bad approach, especially since the lead singer sings well and manages to pull off "sleazy” without straying into “creepy.”

Austria, Teya & Salena, “Who the Hell is Edgar?” – I like the color scheme.  They sound very good singing together and I usually like it when the LED displays are used to create the effect of having lots of backing dancers.

Albania, Albina & Familja Kelmendi, “Duje” – As songs performed by vocal groups at Eurovision go, this is pretty decent, is refreshingly straightforward in its concept, and seems extremely Albanian.

Lithuania, Monika Linkyté, “Stay” – The chorus has a nice swing, and I just like the sound of a group of women singing (see also: Portugal 2022). Improves upon the official video performance.

Australia, Voyager, “Promise” – The songs may or may not be better tonight, but the average vocal performance in this semi with only a few exceptions seems to be far and away better than in the first semifinal (and Australia is one of the better ones).  Not sure about the car but it does seem to fit with the cheesy neon ‘80s vibe.

Interval act: I think this may be the first time in years of watching Eurovision when I would have liked a commentator to provide background details.  It was enjoyable but I would like to put some names to the historical faces.

Hannah Waddingham seems to be having a great time as a host.

That was a fun performance, yet I can’t help but be reminded that fearful and narrow-minded people in many US states would like to make that illegal.

I can hardly believe they even thought about doing the finalist announcements on stage, and am very glad they reconsidered. I do not want to see the cameras wringing pathos from images of disappointed non-qualifiers, and I absolutely do want to see the joy of a contestant being engulfed in hugs and flags by their delegation.

[dumpster-of-the-lost-souls]

Gardenia Gang

@drops-of-moonlights​     @emsartwork​ I hope you two don’t mind me mentioning you again, If you guys want me to stop just let me know.

So I drew pictures of 4/5ths of the Gardenia Gang and while they are’nt my best works I hope they are acceptable, also fair warning my phone’s camera is garbage.

First up is Levina Brand, Fairy of Lightning. She’s the youngest of the group being 17 when the main plot of the Legendarium going missing kicks off. She’s shown jumping over an obstacle instead of flying in her Basix Form (Basic-> Basix) since due to being short a limb her balance is off so she is not that great at flying.

This is a better look at her Basix form

And a close up of her face.

Next is Sagan Morozov

His Fairy form is more pastel and is supposed to reference the main two colors associated with snow white and blue with the pink accents referencing the phenomenon where blooming green algae called Chlamydomonas Nivalis when they bloom they turn red which when the algae is in snow turns it pink. He is 28 when the Legandarium Plot kicks off.

Entishal Ayad is next

Entishal’s fairy form derives heavily from what I conceived in the original post but I enjoy it. The Orange lets her stand out very easily functioning similarly to high visibility jackets emergency responders wear. The red crescent on her armband and red diamonds on her sash are alternate symbols for the Red Cross which is often used to signify medical equipment. The red Crescent is used in Islamic countries specifically. Her sash is removable so the fabric can be used to fashion slings to brace injuries or to be used as bandages in a emergency. Her wings are supposed to invoke the Caduceus which is a very similar symbol to the Rod of Asclepius which is used as a symbol for medicine. She is also 28

The last images are of Selina. I was getting tired at this point so they are the simplest.

Selina’s Basix form is the most Winx like and I pulled a little color inspiration from W.I.T.C.H. But I think it turned out okay. Selina is 23 same as Bloom.

I used colored pencils for the non transformation images, and glitter gel pens for the Basix forms to make them pop a little more my phone camera isnt the best so the glitter dosen’t show up that well, sorry about that.

[nataliedanovelist]

GF - Timestuck AU: The Power of Mabel ch.1

While fighting over a time machine so one twin can win a pig or the other can win the heart of a girl, Mabel is left stranded in a snowy forest with no time machine and no brother. Oops.

ch.2

Beautiful artwork was created by @starstruck-loner​! THANK YOU SO MUCH SWEETIE I LOVE IT!!!

~~~~~~~~~~

Snow freckled the chilly January day lightly, like powdered sugar over a freshly baked pastry, sticking to each layer effortlessly and creating a blanket that completely covered the woods and the cabin nested between the trees. The atmosphere was still and stiff, like frozen icicles that were not going to start dripping any time soon. The air was bitter and unwelcoming, which was probably why no living thing was outside today. Today was the perfect day to burrow and sleep and keep warm with your own body heat.

A crack through space-time cut through the air. The crushing of tiny ice particles followed as two twelve-year-olds ran, one chasing the other, as the time-tape was heating up and buzzing. “This thing is getting hotter! Hot! Hot, hot, hot!” Mabel attempted to save her palms from burns by bouncing the tiny machine between her hands.

“What are you doing?!” Dipper demanded as Mabel bounced the tape-measure too hard and her twin reached a hand to catch it. He managed to catch it perfectly, like an athlete catching a baseball, and then was gone in a flash of baby-blue lightning.

Mabel’s eyes widened in sheer panic and she held her arms as a gust of wind blew and nearly froze her to her core. It felt like her skin was being pricked by mean sewing needles. She looked around wildly for her brother, for him to come back to this time and place immediately, because surely he would use the time machine to come back, but seconds ticked by and she was still alone.

Puffs of smoke decorated the wintry scene as she held her shivering body and looked at the shack. It wasn’t as colorful and welcoming and loud as the shack Mabel remembered, but she made herself consider that it was because there was no big sign or tourist-y things, and it was winter. Then a light turned on, the hall if Mabel remembered her summer home correctly, and the door opened.

The hope that Mabel had in her chest of seeing her great-uncle was gone, and replaced with fear and confusion. This man looked very much like Stan, though much younger, quite chubby and youthful, wearing a black t-shirt and blue plaid pajama-pants. He had the same face as a young-Stan, but with a more pink than orange nose, a cleft chin, fluffier hair that reminded Mabel of her’s when it was short, and different glasses. 

Mabel didn’t know what to do or how to react or how to feel. People change a lot when they age, sure, but this much? It was possible this person wasn’t Stan, but who else would look so similar to him and live in this house? Maybe this is the guy who lived here before Stan, and they just happen to look very similar. This is Gravity Falls, and though she and Dipper were still new to the town, it was a weird place where something like this could happen.

It also came to Mabel how odd the situation was for the man: a little girl was standing in a sweater and skirt outside his house in the winter. Would he try to send her home? She had no home to go to. She didn’t know what year this was, but if it was a time Stan didn’t live here, it must have been way before she was born, maybe even before her parents met. She was stranded.

But the man looked at her sympathetically and he seemed kind and worried. He grabbed a trenchcoat and called gently, “Hello. Are you okay?”

Mabel bit her lip. His voice was definitely not Grunkle Stan’s. A gust of wind made her shiver and her teeth chatter, and the man stepped into some slippers and walked up to her, draping the trenchcoat over her shoulders. “There there, that’s a very nice sweater, but it doesn’t seem to be keeping you warm, is it?”

“N-No.” Mabel shivered. “I… I used breathable yarn for…” She stopped. She was going to say how she used breathable yarn for the warm California weather, but she decided not to.

“You used?” The man repeated, rubbing her shoulders to try to make the trenchcoat work faster. “You made this?”

Mabel saw his excited grin and she smiled nervously. “Y-Yeah. I knit sweaters.”

The man bent his knees in front of her and studied her sweater. She held out an arm so he could see and his brown eyes sparkled. “That’s very impressive! I love sweaters!”

Mabel gasped happily. “C-C-Can I m-make you one?!”

The man looked taken back, but chuckled and stood. “Of course, but first let’s get you warm. How does hot chocolate sound?”

“Y-Yes, p-p-please.” Mabel shivered, and allowed the man to walk her into the house.

It was scaringly like the Mystery Shack, but so much was different. It was the same layout, the same house, but there was so much that was different. A coat rack stood by the door, holding a white lab coat with black rubber gloves in the pocket, some safety goggles like the ones in Mabel’s science classes, and Stan’s fez. Mabel stared at it. Well, okay it probably wasn’t Stan’s fez, but it was a maroon fez with a golden fish and a black tassle. 

There was a wood-burning stove alive in the living room, with a small box full of wood by it and a tiny stool. Instead of Grunkle Stan’s armchair, there was a red-velvet couch, a large writing desk, and the room was decorated with books, desks, papers, and jars and experiments. It was all strange, but warm and cozy with the fire going.

Mabel smiled as the man pulled out the tiny stool and gestured for her to sit by the stove. She obeyed and the coat was removed from her shoulders, but quickly replaced with a dark-green blanket.

“There, do you mind warming up here while I make your hot chocolate?” He asked, draping his trenchcoat over his arm.

Mabel shook her head and held her cold hands in front of the stove. “Thank you.”

The man smiled. “You’re welcome.” And he turned and left for where Mabel knew the kitchen was.

Sitting alone and feeling better as her body was getting warm, Mabel thought it all over. This man was clearly not her Grunkle Stan, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t nice or couldn’t help her. Any minute Dipper was going to come back for her, but until then she had to stay where she was. That’s what grown-ups told her to do if she was ever lost. Stay where you are until you’re found.

By the time Mabel was very comfortable, the man returned with two mugs of steaming hot chocolate with extra marshmallows, and handed one to the girl. “Here you are, my dear.”

“Thank you, sir.” Mabel sipped and hummed in delight as the man sat on the floor next to her.

“You’re very welcome.” He sipped his drink and added, “Now then, I have to ask, what were you doing out there? Did you get lost?”

Mabel’s face dropped and she nodded. “Uh, huh.”

“Hm, very well. That can easily happen when playing on a snow day.” The man said with a smile. “Why don’t I call our parents and we can arrange to have you back home safe?”

Mabel swallowed nervously. She bit her lip, looking down at her mug. She didn’t know what to say to that.

The man looked at her and noticed how scared she was. “Is something wrong?”

Mabel looked up at him, was met with a kind face, and whimpered, “I can’t call them.”

The man smiled sympathetically. “I’m sure you won’t get into too much trouble. Maybe a little, but it’s for the best to call them so we can get you home soon.”

Mabel shook her head and squeezed her stinging eyes shut. “They’re… not around.”

The man’s face dropped as Mabel scrubbed at her eyes. “Oh. I’m so sorry.”

Mabel only replied with a sniff and she sipped her hot chocolate.

“Is there someone I can call for you?” The man asked. “I’m sure there’s someone out there worried about you.”

Mabel bit her lip. “M-My brother… He’s still out there…”

“Is he lost, too?”

Mabel shrugged.

“Well,” The man held his cleft chin in thought. “I’m sure he’s out there looking for you. Perhaps then you should wait here until he comes here, and then we can send you to your guardian.”

“It’s just us.” Mabel muttered. “Just us.”

The man smiled. Mabel hoped he believed her brother was much older than her, or at least old enough to take care of her. That way she wasn’t really lying, just letting this man believe what he wanted to believe. Nothing wrong with that. “Okay. Still, you may stay here until he finds you.”

Mabel sniffed and wiped her nose with her sweater sleeve. “Thank you, sir.”

“Please, call me Ford.” He said and held out a hand to her.

Mabel smiled and shook his hand. “I’m Mabel.”

“Mabel, huh? That’s a beautiful name.”

“Thanks.” She looked down at their hands and her eyes widened. One, two, three, four, five, s-...

Ford pulled his hand free, his cheeks reddening as he sipped his hot chocolate, but Mabel was grinning at him happily and she gasped with joy, “You have six fingers?!”

Ford blinked at her, reminding Mabel of a startled owl, and he cleared his throat. “Um, y-yes. It’s a birth defect.”

“Nuh, huh! It’s cool! Can I see, please?” Mabel sat her mug on the floor by her feet.

The researcher didn’t like people staring at his hands, but this young girl wanted to look, it appears, in admiration, so Ford hesitantly gave her his hands and she held them lovingly, her eyes sparkling like stars.

“Wow! That’s neat! No wonder your hand shake was so friendly! It’s a whole finger friendlier than normal!” Mabel was then reminded that Dipper’s journal had a six-fingered hand on it.

The girl’s eyes widened as she wondered if she was meeting Dipper’s idol. It was possible. The journal Dipper had dated it in the 80s, and Dipper said that the author mysteriously disappeared. As exciting as it was to meet the Author of the Journals, all it did was put Mabel more at ease. If anyone can help her, he can.

Ford laughed and gave her hands a soft squeeze. “I like you! You’re weird.”

Mabel grinned, distracted from her thoughts and grateful for it. “I like you, too, Ford!”

[donutloverxo]

Yes captain

Note - this is part three of corrupting a good boy but it's mostly porn so can be read as a standalone as well. Sorry about all the jealousy stuff its just what the muse calls for sometimes. Comments/reblogs are really really appreciated🙏🙏 Dividers by @whimsicalrogers.

Summary - You ask Steve to keep it on while doing it 👀👀

Warnings - 18+ only explicit sexual content, uniform kink, captain kink, daddy kink, roleplaying, jealousy, insecure reader.

Pairing - CEO!Steve x reader

Word count - 4.5k

“Ooo,” you yelped, trying to run away from his firm grip across your hips.

It only made him hold onto you tighter, his nails digging into the flesh of your hips. “There’s no where to run, babygirl,” he chuckled at your misery, delivering another harsh slap to your naked bottom.

You shrieked in pain as your flesh burned in agonising, but delicious pleasure. As if you’d ever want to actually run. “I’m sorry, daddy.” Since you were allowed to call him daddy now, which seemed to always make him forgive you, but you added your princess voice just to be safe and not make it any harder on yourself.

“You should’ve thought of that before you decided to make fun of my team, but you had to be a dumb baby and run your mouth,” he scolded you, slapping you twice before slipping a hand between your legs, the squelching noises of him gathering your slick on his fingers made your ears burn.

You had gotten too bored of him watching the game and not paying attention to you so you might’ve said some mean things about his team, but the jokes on him since your diabolical plan seemed to have worked.

You had gotten too lost in slight tinge of pain in the roots of your hair, that he was pulling, and his fingers teasing your core, you yelped forward when he slapped your pussy, gasping as you throbbed for more of it.

“Honey,” Steve shook your arm causing you to jolt awake.

You had a habit of talking or mumbling nonsense in your sleep and since he was a light sleeper it usually woke him up. He found your incoherent rambles and the little faces you made in your sleep cute, they were particularly intense tonight for some reason, and while he loved you with all his heart he was not about to let you talk nonsense about the Yankees.

“What? Where?” you sat up, rubbing the soft sheen of sweat on your forehead with the back of your hand.

“You were talking in your sleep, sweetheart,” Steve said, rubbing his hand up and down your back, “Come here.” He circled a hand around your waist, pulling you down and back against his chest, kissing the back of your head, “What were you dreaming about, hm?”

“Um...” you blinked, “How much of it did you hear?”

“You think your so clever, don’t you,” he teased, pinching the side of your hip as you giggled.

“Yes, I’m very smart.”

You shut your eyes, ready to go back to dreamland and to your daddy, who was just a version of Steve who liked being called daddy. Which was something Steve would never be into. Not that you’d ever admit to having such a shameful kink.

But you felt Steve grind his excitement against your ass, “You wanna go back to sleep, or...?” he asked, biting the shell of your ear before snaking a hand up your cami to grope your breast.

“You woke me up with such debauch intention?!” you gasped in fake incredulity. Deciding to indulge him and that any time spent with normal real Steve was much better than being with dream daddy Steve.

***

You fixed his tie, tightening it just a bit around his neck. His golden hair was smoothed back, your eyes caught a glimpse of his rosy pink lips. So pouty and perfect. You could spend hours just looking at them, his smile was what truly made you fall for him. But you pulled away when he tried to steal a kiss from you.

“Gloss,” you argued, puckering your lips. Instantly feeling guilty as his pink ones pouted, giving you his sweet puppy eyes.

“Come on, doll, just one kiss? Don’t you wanna wish me luck?” He bent to capture your lips but you moved your head away at the last second, making him groan as his nose bumped against your cheek.

“I spent over two hours getting ready for this!” you huffed, smoothening a hand over your puffy tulle dress, finally having a chance to wear it out in public.

“Did you just smudge my blush?” Gasping, as you looked into the mirror, picking up your rouge and patting it on again.

You loved the dress Steve had gotten you for Christmas, it was so pretty and princess and you felt like Cinderella wearing it.

But it was too... girl-ish, Steve had insisted that you wear it. So he could show off his beautiful new wife.

Tonight though, you had to look like a woman.

A strong woman.

Who is not to be fucked around with. And not someone who is vulnerable and weak.

Because you knew she was going to be there.

“You always look gorgeous,” he mumbled, looking in the mirror and patting his hair to make sure it was in place.

You had convinced him to grow it out. Having more courage to express yourself since the Christmas gift mishap a couple of months ago.

Tucking a loose golden strange behind his ear, you wondered how someone as breathtakingly as beautiful as him could be yours.

But as beautiful as Steve was, he could also be naive. He wanted to see the best in people, which often didn’t let him see what was right in front of him.

How his ex Peggy had been trying to cause problems between you two from day one.

At first she had welcomed you with open arms, with a treacherous smile her red lips had told you that she wanted to be best friends with you. Taking you to the MET museum, of which she was a board member, asking your help in organising a couple of galas and the fundraisers. Shopping with you to make you more presentable to be a CEO’s wife

You were prepared to be wary of her. The fact that Steve was still good friends with his ex, who he had dated for more than five years, didn’t exactly sit well with you, you knew you’d face some troubles there, but then you met her and spent time with her you knew that you did had nothing to worry about.

That was until she, and Steve’s mother, had tried to get you to sign a pre-nup before you both got married.

While Sarah was always nice, you could always sense a tinge of hostility, your intuition told you how she preferred Peggy over you and would much rather have her as Steve’s wife.

With a heavy heart you had told Steve you couldn’t do it. That there was no point in getting married if you would end up divorced eventually. You were ready to cut your losses then, to pack your bags and go home, preparing for the worst. But he understood and said that he wouldn’t be marrying you if he didn’t trust you.

You were glad to have worked out everything, but decided to play nice with ‘Judas', whom you learned had infamously betrayed Jesus from a mass you attended with Steve and Sarah, and pretend that you didn’t know anything about her betrayal.

You shook your head, there was no point in letting her ruin your night, or dictate what you wore. The dress was what you liked and who you were, there was no reason for you to pretend to be like her. Steve liked you because you were nothing like her,

....probably.

You looked over to Steve, tugging his pants up and securing them, you had never once thought you’d be someone who’d have a thing for men in uniforms, they were simply doing their jobs, what the fuck was sexy about uniforms anyway, but that was until you saw your Steve in his...

He really could pull off any color, even something as boring as army green, his chest and built looked almost too broad. Numerous medals adorning his chest. He certainly looked the part of a soldier.

He kissed your temple when he caught you staring at him and you only hoped he couldn’t decipher what was going on in that horny brain of yours.

Steve rarely ever talked about his days in the army. If he did it was about the friends he made and the good times he shared with them. And how army whipped him in shape, made him the man he was.

He had been honorably discharged a couple of years ago, all his army friends only ever spoke highly of him--which wasn’t really surprising.

***

“Hello, darling,” she smiled to you in her classy British accent, kissing your cheek before hugging you, “How have you been? Haven’t seen you since new years!”

“I’m good and you look amazing.”

Which wasn’t a complete lie, she did look elegant in her uniform, a lot similar to Steve’s but her coat had flares at the end which gave it a more feminine feel than that of Steve’s.

“So do you,” she beamed, “Oh, you have a little something,” she gestured to the corner of your mouth before wiping some white frosting from your cupcake off with her thumb as you tried to keep your face from cringing.

So far the strong woman act wasn’t coming along so well...

“So...how is married life?”

Wouldn’t you like to know. “It’s very good. You know Steve, he’s just amazing. I’m lucky to have him.”

“Oh, I did heard about your little goof with your erotica from Natalie, and the gift slip up!” she laughed, hooking her arm around yours, she walked with you towards your husband. “And here I was thinking you are a good girl,” she winked.

“I... guess I’m not...”

“I must say though, unfortunately for you I don’t think Steve would like any of that. He’s always been so traditional,” she rolled her eyes, “He has an old soul.”

Yes, you knew that. You knew that he was traditional and an old soul. Of course You did, he was your husband. Why she felt the need to point out the obvious was beyond you. “Well, you know people can be unpredictable,” you countered.

“Yes, well you’re free to explore of course, I just didn’t want you to get your feelings hurt,” she put a hand over yours.

“Peggy,” Steve greeted her.

“Oh don’t mind us. We’re just gossiping about you,” she smirked.

“Really?” he looked over at you with a quizzical face, “All good things I hope.”

“I don’t have anything bad to say about you,” you said giving Peggy a side eye, “Can we dance? Please?”

It didn’t take a lot of convincing because he loved dancing. After a couple of dances it was time for him to give his speech.

Seeing your husband up on the stage, hearing everyone talk about his accomplishments made your heart swell in pride. You really couldn’t believe you were married to someone like him.

You suppose that you understood where Sarah was coming from. It would make sense for someone like Steve to fall for and marry a classy worldly lady like Peggy. There really wasn’t much you could offer him.

***

“Steve,” you huffed, trying to yank on the zipper for like the tenth time, while you loved the dress you needed to get out of it and breathe for a while.

“Yes, doll?” he called for you, entering your closet, smiling at your struggling form. “How can I help?”

“You can get me out of this thing!” you said, turning your back to him.

You were really feeling yourself tonight, you had gotten a facial and a manipedi, a blowout, spending hours on getting ready for battle. You thought you looked good and fierce. But then you took off your makeup and your extensions and were reminded of how Peggy was much more effortlessly beautiful than you. She had often been dubbed as a ‘natural beauty’.

“Y/N?”

“Hm?”

“Is something bothering you?” he asked as he unzipped you.

“No. Will you let me change now?” you turned around, to politely ask him to leave.

“You’ve changed in front of me before.”

“Yes, well I can’t right now.”

“Why not?” he frowned.

“Because...” You couldn’t stop your eyes from turning misty, “I’m ugly...”

“What? Who told you that?” His face instantly flushed with anger as he held onto your forearms, and when you didn’t push him away he pulled you in closer to his chest.

“No one needs to. I know it because I’m not blind,” you confessed, the cool metal of his medal digging into your cheek.

“Then maybe we need to get your eye sight checked. Because you’re the prettiest girl in this whole world. I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise.” He stroked your hair, placing a soft kiss on the top of your head.

“You’ll have to fight the whole world then.”

“If it comes to that then I will.”

You couldn’t help but smile at how protective he was. Propping your chin up on his chest you blinked at him. “Why didn’t you marry Peggy? She’s so much more beautiful.” Your heart was heavy with so many emotions, usually you wouldn’t give in and ask something so dangerous--a question you weren’t sure you wanted the answer to.

Judging by the frown on his face, you were afraid that you had upset him, but then it softened as his pale baby blues twinkled at you, “Why would you say that, doll? Peggy is beautiful, but I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you. I could never even dream of marrying anyone else.”

“I’m sorry,” you sighed. “I know I shouldn’t be comparing myself to others.”

“You really shouldn’t. They don’t measure up to you anyway,” he teased.

“It’s just...” you gulped, not being able to hold his gaze you played with the olive green buttons on his coat, “I heard at the party from Tony, that she will be working with you from now on. Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“You don’t trust me?” his voice cracked.

You whipped your head up, frantically shaking your head from side to side, “No no of course I do! I’m just saying it’s a risky game. To be around her so much... what if old feelings resurface?”

Your heart almost broke as he let go of you, putting some distance between you both, “You know all I ever ask for is that you trust me... and love me. I don’t think it’s a lot.”

You scoffed, “Yeah well, I don’t think me asking you not to work with your ex is a lot. No woman would be okay with her husband spending that much time with her ex.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, “Why can’t I get through to you?”

“Maybe try speaking at a fourth grade level. Then I’ll understand. Since I don’t have a masters in literature from Sorbonne,” you rolled your eyes. Maybe he was intimidated by how smart Peggy is and decided to go for someone younger and dumber.

“I’ve never... been in love with Peggy or anyone but you really,” he told you, his broad shoulders hunching as he let out a sigh, “Not the way I’m in love with you. We were always more like friends than... lovers.”

“Is that better or worse?” you wondered out loud. Isn’t it important for husband and wife to be friends as well? Was that supposed to be a compliment?

“It’s much better. We would go months without seeing each other, and I didn’t miss her. Like I miss you when I’m at work. I can’t wait to get away and come home to you. Peggy is amazing, and I’ll always have a special place for her in my heart, but I would never even think about cheating on you.

But... I understand where you’re coming from. Maybe I would react the same way if you were to work with an ex. So I can just tell her that she’ll have to work with Nat, or someone else.”

“No,” you blurted.

Absolutely not.

Because A - You really did trust Steve not to stray. He wasn’t that type of man. And B - That would be admitting defeat. Admitting to her that you are afraid of her.

“I do trust you, Steve. I think... I just need to work on myself. If we don’t have trust then we don’t have anything right?”

“I trust you too, honey,” he kissed your forehead. “Just talk to me about this stuff okay? You can’t keep it bottled up.” You nodded as he worked on loosening his tie.

“Um... is that uncomfortable?” you asked, watching him pop open the first button of his shirt.

“The uniform? A little. It’s been a while since I put it on.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t wear it at our wedding.” You smiled. Maybe it was a good thing that he didn’t. While he looked so handsome in the black tux he had worn, the uniform would’ve made him irresistible. You would’ve spent the whole evening swooning over him.

“It didn’t feel right, I just wanted to be myself. Uh... doll,” he quirked a brow as he caught you staring at his crotch, “Hey,” he snapped his fingers, “My eyes are up here.”

“Yes, um, of course,” you whipped your head up as soon as you heard him, since you were too busy trying to make out the outline of his johnson, “And what beautiful eyes you have!”

“Tell me something. What is your obsession with this uniform?”

“I don’t know what you mean.” You decided to feign ignorance.

“Really? You’ve been staring at me all night. Do you not like it? Do you like it? Sometimes I think I don’t understand women at all.”

You probably would’ve appreciated his suit even more so if you hadn’t spent so much time festering in your jealousy. “I think... it’s... kinda hot,” you sighed dreamily as he blushed a crimson red. “You’re like this big strong Captain, and I’m like this small woman, like a damsel in distress type of thing.”

“Oh.” Was the only thing that he said. He never believed you would be into something like that, not from all the feminist rants you tend to go on.

“Oh god. You think I’m a weirdo, don’t you?” You put your hands over your face to hide it from him.

“No no, hey, don’t be like that,” he cooed, pulling your hands away so he could look at your pretty face, “I can be your... big, strong Captain. And you can be my damsel in distress.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah. So... how would it work? Do I save you from a burning building or something?”

“No, sweetie. You’re thinking of a fireman.”

“Oh, right,” he blushed, scratching the back of his neck, “We can do the fireman thing if you like. I can... be a fireman.”

“Steve, we don’t have to do anything.”

“I know. But I want to. Come on! Give me something to work with.”

“Okay,” you cleared your throat. “How about... you keep the suit on?”

“On for how long?” he tilted his head like a cute confused puppy, looking down at his suit, “Oh! You mean on while we’re...”

“Yes. And I could, I don’t know, thank you for serving my country.”

“Yeah. I mean medals and all are nice, but I want a special kind of thanks from you, doll.”

“Ooo,” you felt up his biceps through his coat and shirt, he really was strong. “Do you have anything specific in mind?” you asked, batting your lashes.

“Um... yes.... You get on your knees, miss... I mean ma’am, shit,” he cursed as he awkwardly stumbled over his words. “What do I call you? Are you my wife in this scenario?”

“You can just call me doll, captain. I’ll be whatever you want me to be,” you smiled, cheekily pressing your lips to his in a quick peck but he held onto your waist before you could pull away. Sliping his tongue inside your mouth.

“Alright then, doll. Show me how grateful you are,” he puffed his chest out, so he could appear a bit more dominant.

You only giggled, taking your dress off because there was no way you could kneel in so much tulle.

Standing before him in just a strapless bra and a nude thong, you were vulnerable, but not scared anymore. He was your captain, he’d never ridicule you.

“I’m already feeling appreciated,” he said as he ogled you.

You dropped down to your knees, unbuckling him with some help from him, “It’s so big,” you gasped when you looked at his length, pretending to be seeing it for the first time. Although, you were still always surprised with the sheer monstrosity of it.

“We’ll make it fit, doll. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that,” he smiled, tapping on your mouth, “Open,” he commanded.

You’re a natural, captain. You took a deep breath before opening wide. You’d been having sex regularly for the past three months or so, he had gone down on you more times than you could count, you felt as if he could live between your legs if he could. But he had never once asked you to return the favor, you didn’t have it in you to be the first one to bring it up either.

Licking your lips, you tasted someone of the preejaculate leaking out of his tip before wrapping your mouth around his head, moaning at the salty taste and the essence of him.

“That’s... ugh,” he groaned, “That’s good. Keep going,” he spurred you on, a hand on the back of your head giving you the slightest bit of push.

You took as much of him as you could, stopping halfway through when he hit the back of your throat, you pumped the rest of his length with your palm, holding onto his thick thigh for support, you bobbed your head, increasing your pace when he started moaning loudly.

Rubbing your thighs together to relive some pressure, your throbbing core desperate for some attention and friction, you knew your panties were ruined.

You had read your fair share of cosmos, and the many sex tips they offered, you knew they’d come in handy someday. You swore you remembered reading something about balls... to suck them? Bite them?

You fondled his balls, feeling him tightening in your palm, you were ready to swallow all of you. That was the only proper way of saying thank you.

“Wait,” he growled, pulling you off of him.

You looked up at him, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand, “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, doll,” he heaved, “But I gotta come in your pussy.”

Your jaw dropped, to hear the golden boy using such filthy language. “Whatever you say, captain,” you rasped.

Gasping when he yanked you up, pulling you over his shoulder and carrying you to the bed before throwing you down on the mattress.

Although Steve had always been dominant in bed, it was somewhat lowkey and subtle, he was never rough with you, he treated you as if you were made of glass, right now he was treating you as if you were literally a ragdoll.

“Take off your panties,” he ordered you.

You followed quickly, desperate to have him inside you asap, rolling your thing down your thighs and then getting rid of your bra before he even had to ask. You looked at him through your lashes, waiting patiently for his next command.

He hesitated for a moment before saying, “Now touch yourself.” It had always been a wet dream of his to watch you, instruct you as you got yourself off. Since your intention was to please him... he might as well make most of it.

You blinked at him before nodding, “Yes, captain.”

Fondling your breast you pinched your nipple, pulling on it before hissing exaggeratedly, smirking when you saw his hand twitch to touch you.

“What do I do?” you looked up at him with big doe eyes.

He shook his head, circling a hand around your wrist he shoved two of your fingers inside your mouth, “Suck,” he told you. “You like having your mouth stuffed, don’t you?” he asked as you noisily suckled on his fingers.

You shamelessly nodded, hoping that you’d get more opportunities to suck his cock from now on, he pulled your fingers out, bringing them down between your legs, pushing them into your willing channel. His own thumb rubbing on your clit working you up even moreso.

You threw your head back as you felt your climax approaching. “So close... captain.”

But he pulled your hand away from your pussy, tutting at your disobedience, “I didn’t tell you you could come.” He shook your head, giving you a minute to catch your breath before pushing two of his, much larger fingers inside you, “Gotta get you ready, doll. Since you’re so small.”

“Oh! It’s too much...” you moaned, holding onto the bedding.

“How're you gonna take my dick then, doll,” you watched as he licked your slick off of his fingers, “You taste like heaven, honey.”

“Thank you, captain.”

He unbuttoned his coat, he would be much freer without it and fuck you properly like you deserved.

You rolled your eyes when he folded his coat setting down on the floor, when you were literally lying naked before him with your legs spread wide, waiting as his tie and pants followed, “Really?” you scoffed.

“Can’t have them getting dirty, doll.” He knelt on the bed, now only in his shirt, spreading your legs a bit further so he could make room for himself, nudging your intimate lips apart with his length before slowing sinking into you.

He stayed like that for a bit, inside your heat, it felt as if he would explode then and there but he had to savor the moment. To have such a pretty girl wrapped around him.

Hovering over you he placed his elbows on sides of your head so he wouldn’t put too much of his weight on you, and so he could look at your as he fucked you.

He moved his hips against yours, rocking slow and steady, “You like that, doll?”

“Yes,” you nodded as he pulled on your hair to bare your neck to him. Biting your neck to mark you as his, “Do it harder, please, captain.”

“Harder?” he spoke against your neck, pinning both your hands above your head as he started rigorously pounding into you. “That hard enough?”

You were too fucked out to give a coherent answer, or to do anything but nod pathetically and take whatever he gave you.

“Ima come...” you clenched around him as your orgasm washed over you, rendering you immobile and weightless.

He thrusted into you a couple of times before filling you up to the brim - just as he had promised.

“Thank you, doll. That was really nice,” he smiled, laying beside you and pulling you closer to him, he kissed your forehead.

“Thank you, captain. You sure know how to treat a lady right...”

“Maybe we can do this more often,” he suggested as you nodded in reply.

Tags will be in the reblog! Click the link in the bio to be join the taglist or shoot me an ask/dm.

Shout out to my friend lizzygal (you can find her on ao3) who gave me the idea of Steve folding his uniform. It was too hilarious to leave out! Thanks for reading.

Please note that my work is not to be reposted or published anywhere other than my Tumblr or AO3 account without my permission. Reblogs are most welcome though!

[dorimena]

Hello hello! Your blog is beautifully constructed. I hope there will be more dom reader blogs like yours in the future. If you aren’t busy could I please have g/n reader brat taming Bakugou or Shinsou? I’ll leave it up to you to decide. Remember to drink water!

Hello! Thank you! (´ ω `♡) I chose Bakugou, but I might do something similar for Shinsou later on huhu~ And thanks for the reminder! I hope you’re hydrated as well! ╰(*´︶`*)╯

𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔠𝔱𝔢𝔯; bakugou katsuki

𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔡 𝔠𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔱; 1.5k

𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰; gender neutral reader, impact play (not too hard though), brat taming, crying, mentioned overstimulation, implied edge play, paddle, dom!reader, sub!character

𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔞𝔤𝔰; sex toy (cock ring), lowkey headcanon Bakugou being into impact play, some aftercare before round 2, mentioned safe word (cues like the traffic light colors), aged-up character, Bakugou is 18+

𝔰𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔫𝔬𝔱𝔢; I hope you enjoy it notwhatiseem. I might’ve had to do some investigation, as I was unsure if my plan on how the story was going was a correct, or as correct, portrayal. Maybe in the near future Mr. Paddle will make a comeback-

𝕸𝖗. 𝕻𝖆𝖉𝖉𝖑𝖊

“Baby boy! What has gotten into you today?”

You scold Bakugou as he glares at you from the couch, arms crossed and body relaxed on the cushions as he tries not to show how his anger is making his body tremble.

Unlike you, because you’re quivering in anger, in utter disappointment with the stunt he decided to pull during the Bakusquad’s monthly game night.

It was a fun time, a casual time and place where everyone could leave behind their prohero responsibilities before somehow being dragged away to missions, patrols, paperwork, all the glorious hero work.

But Bakugou decided that this very night, in the very moment Kaminari ‘accidentally’ placed his hand on your thigh, that he’ll be a brat. A jealous brat, which is worse than his usual bratty behavior.

But he isn’t usually a brat? It’s confusing and a whiplash for you, not really expecting to punish him after months of him being so obedient, so nice, so docile with you and everything you wanted or needed.

“Answer me, Bakugou.”

Okay, that made him furrow his eyebrows in worry, wondering if he’s crossing a line, but that already happened the moment he began sassing back at you and insulting you. Not even playful banter, it was just outright rude and degrading.

He went against opening his mouth or talking in general, just huffing as he slouched a bit more into the couch, as if he wants the cushions to swallow him in or maybe he’s trying to keep riling up your mood.

“Sit up correctly.” You snapped, halting your pacing as you standing in front of him, hands on your hips as you take in his sitting position. He’s barely such a slouch; he’s taking this too far.

Or maybe you got too used to him being such a sweet baby boy that you forgot just how impatient you can sometimes get.

This is one of those times.

“You’re not gonna talk?”

He shakes his head. Well, at least he answered, but his posture remains the same.

Sighing, you leave the living room and head to the bedroom, rummaging through your closet to find- aha!

Bakugou, in the meantime, is trying not to let his nerves get to him, not wanting clammy palms and possibly causing more harm with his reactions. All he can hear is stuff being moved around in your shared bedroom and then hearing a small shout of victory.

But for what- wait, why the fuck did you take that out?!

“Alright, baby boy. I hope you remember Mr.Paddle. He will aid me in your punishment.”

No, no! Anything but the paddle! You’ve never used it, at all. Even if there were some close calls, you still never had it anywhere near his skin, or him. It was a gag gift you gave him out of the blue.

“No!” Bakugou yelled, getting on his feet as his arms fell on either side of him, eyes wide in shock and slight fear. How hard could you go with that? How bad will it hurt?

But your amused chuckle seems to make him even more confused. Aren’t you angry at him?

“So you speak when threatened, but not when spoken to nicely? I told you to sit correctly-”

“I will!”

“Baby boy.” Oh he’s done it. He interrupted you just as he was kind of redeeming himself.

Well, shit.

“I’m s-sorry…” He trailed off, slowly sitting down on the couch as he never loses eye contact with you, waiting to see if you’ll finally use the paddle or you’ll continue trying to talk things out.

But you made a good point: why does he only speak up when threatened with punishment instead of avoiding all of this anger?

“Baby boy. Today you’ve gotten bold with your actions and your words. But you’ve been terribly rude with Kaminari! Isn’t he your friend? What did he do wrong?”

You do know, but you wanted to hear it from him.

But Bakugou kept his silence, fidgeting on the seat as he battled his inner, mini Bakugous about the pros and cons of speaking up and answering.

The main pro is that he’ll be given attention.

The main con is that that attention will be given with the paddle.

Well, his pride be damned.

“He was touching you! I hate it when other people do!” He spoke out, voice raising in volume just a bit at the end, but he shyly whispered, “you of all people know how jealous I can get.”

“Oh~ so baby boy was jealous?”

He groaned, covering his face with his hands before taking them away in a flash, grimacing at how sweaty they are and how sweet it smells.

“Don’t make me repeat myself, goddamn it.”

“Language.”

He grumbled, pouting as he looked at you again, slowly averting his gaze to the paddle as it just stared back at him.

Why does he feel like even if he spoke, he’s going to get that touching him?

He was right after some time, his body moving forward with every hit you landed on his ass with the paddle, a cry of the number he’s on leaving his mouth as more drool lands on the bed, more tears wetting the sheets, more precum falling in stringy drips on the sheets.

He can’t even come to care about the rapidly dirty sheets, or even come to think about anything really. Not with how every smack he receives, the hornier he keeps getting. The tighter his hands grip the bed sheets, and if he were at least conscious with his actions, he would’ve heard fabric tearing up and smell a bit of burning.

Is he into this? Has he always been into this? Well, yes. But he didn’t think taking the paddle instead of your hand would be so much better.

God, please-

“H-harder! Please! H-hardeeeeer- ugh fuuuuuuuck.”

You snicker before rearing back into a serious expression.

“Excuse me? You’re not allowed to speak, baby. Keep counting.”

Bakugou groans before it ends in a sob, a weak ‘68’ coming out as you land the last spank on his bruising ass and a small ‘69’ squeaks out of his throat as he falls forward, face resting on a nearby pillow. And if you somehow catch his hips gyrate slowly against the bed and small, hoarse whines leave his body, you decide to ignore and let him come down from the high the way he usually does.

You’re quite surprised at how he hadn’t used his safe word, or any safe cues, within the spankings, and actually asked for you to go harder. But his bruises are enough to make you feel kind of bad, just a bit.

“You know,” you speak, throwing the paddle on the floor before rounding the bed, squatting to look at his tear stricken, blush decorated, sweat sticky face, “I knew you were a slut for impact play, but I didn’t think it’d be this much.”

Bakugou just mewls weakly, voice lost in his trance as he tried recollecting any thoughts of his, especially the coherent ones so he could speak. Even if they’re just curse words.

“Sh-shitty y-y/n…” He blinks a couple of times, trying to unblur his eyes with the tears that seem to stubbornly stay on his lash line.

“Th-think tha-at be ‘nough? Hah… y-yer cute.”

Blinking yourself, you stare as you shake your head. So he wants to act difficult today, huh?

“Oh baby, baby, baby. All you had to do was ask nicely instead of being mean to your friends. You know I would do anything to keep you happy, to please you.”

You reach to pet him, scratching his scalp as soothing as possible, watching as his eyes slowly come back to being sharp, the fuzz lingering leaving as his mouth twitches into a smile, a relaxed, serene smile as his once tense body slowly melts into the bed, the small shudders from the intensity of the situation for his body slowly disappearing as he lets out something close to a purr.

How cute, he thinks he’s off the hook.

“Since baby boy isn’t satisfied with what I gave him, guess I’ll just have to fuck the brattiness and attitude out of you, hm?”

You slowly lift your hand, standing up as you go back to the closet, leaving him with enough time to gather his thoughts back together and come to realize how you’ve tricked him, how you’re not even done yet, how he’s still gonna get punished.

But, he loves overstimulation? How is that punishing?

“Oh! Forgot to mention: you’ll be wearing this until I feel like taking it off, okay?”

And in his line of vision is his cock ring, the horrible toy that vibrates in teasing tempos and makes him pathetically cum, humiliating him. God he hates that fucking thing.

He growls lowly, as if he’d have a threat ready between his teeth, but then you flipped him over gently, the coolness of the sheets soothing his ass as you flick one of his nipples.

He whimpers, puffing his chest out more for you to keep playing with.

“What’s your color right now, Katsuki?”

“Green m-master.”

[ac3id]

The Artist and His Majesty| 18+

𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝓉𝒾𝓈𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝒶𝒿𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓎 0 / 5 | fantasy au. 

chapter i , chapter ii

pairings: yandere! emperor! shigaraki x female! reader.

warnings: [series] dubcon, exhibitionism, size difference, degradation, masturbation, bondage, reader is also kind of delusional, death, violence (not on reader). (there are more but i can’t think right now.]

↪ for chapter 0: none !!

summary: you come to the big city in hopes of starting your career as an artist but things take a shocking turn when you’re recruited as the court painter for the royal palace.

↪ for chapter 0: a strange man approaches you, offering to buy your painting to which you oblige. little do you know that it kicks of a series of unfortunate events ending with you being trapped in shigaraki tomura’s clutches forever.

wordcount. 

a/n: finally !! i started this series. high-key inspired by these two dresses in my wardrobe and @ana-list‘s this  drawing ! seriously it’s literally everything. also thank you once again for proof reading this @the-grimm-writer ! 

taglist: @shigaraki-is-my-master, @deathmemeiverse, @n4dhii, @bat-eclecticwolfbouquet-love, @mstssister, @nereida19, @prince-zukohere [dm to be added/ removed.]

“That’s a beautiful painting,” a rough, scruffy voice calls out, jerking you away from your daydreams. Your grip around the color canvas resting in your arms tightens as you glance behind your shoulder to see a well-built man standing right behind you. He’s tall and a lot older than you, he has short grey hair which falls right before his eyebrows along beautiful, matching grey eyes. A cigar hangs lazily from his lips as he occasionally huffs on it, blowing clouds of smoke out his mouth. He’s dressed in expensive robes, a choice of style only people better off could afford. You can’t help exachaning a covetous glance between his expensive suit and your sloppy, knee-length, light green dress. “Thank you.” you murmur shoving him an appreciative look, hoping he’d leave you alone. When you come to the city to complete your studies in art, you mother, father, family and friends had warned you about men like these. Rich, snobby men who liked to lure in young, naive girls. Whispering praises of how they are the most unique on the planet so they pull their guard down form them to take advantage of the helpless beings. 

“Can I take a better look? It’s the Emperor, is it not? Your painting. ” You hesitate before turning back to him. Not a lot of people had seen the King to be. He lived humbly in his castle, trying his best to not indulge in the affairs of the common people. “ Yes,” you hold up the slightly small canvas (courtesy of you being broke the entire week and not being able to save up to buy a bigger canvas). To even get an idea of Shigaraki Tomura, you had to go through many people. Not a lot of people had seen his face, he had always kept it hidden under a mask. No one knew why he did so but the many conspiracy throes suggested it was something to do with his personal grief.

 You had heard many stories about him. Some made him look like a spoiled brat with a demeaning, ignorant personality who didn’t care for others and as the rumors said: self destructive habits which lead him to tear the skin of his own neck down whenever he got anxious or frustrated. 

Others portrayed him as a strong, confident man and a reliable leader who cared for his comrades. You did not know which one of the two personas brought him your attention but you couldn’t complain. Tomura had caught you under a spell, and despite never meeting him (and knowing full well you never would), you were still ready to sacrifice your life for him. He was your King even before he had taken his crown, to you he looked like a shining bright light ready to enlighten you. To you, he was a god. And as years passed by, he grew from a caterpillar into a cocoon which was ready to burst open as a butterfly into the beautiful, mysterious world. And it was happening today, Prince Tomura Shigaraki’s Coronation ceremony. After the passing of All For One, it was his turn to take the crown and fulfill his duty as the ruler of the nation

 The entire city was busy, bustling with people. Families, friends and everyone in between gathered around the huge castle walls as they waited for the ceremony to begin. They waited patiently, filled with excitement and joy as they waited to catch a glimpse of the new great King. You were among them. You had come down to the centre of the city with your friends, waiting alongside many to catch a glimpse of the new ruler. The painting which nestled in your hand was something you were hoping to sell today, to a shop or anyone who wants to have it. It was a beautiful painting which had taken you several days to complete, and dare you say it, you were quite proud of it. From all the things you had heard about Tomura, you had managed to sketch him decently. Long white, wavy hair reaching till his shoulder, skin white as snow. He sat proudly on his throne wearing a cape with his vermillion eyes peering through your soul. His face was scarcely detailed as you did not have much idea about it but he still looked ethereal. With little scars running both his eyes and a comparatively larger one on his right. Chapped lips with even more scars running over them wildly, he was not conventionally attractive. No one would call him a pretty boy yet there was something more, something alluring which attracted  you to him. His beauty was rare, not in the grasp of many but if it was grasped and held close to the heart, it was hard to let go off. And you found him attractive, very attractive. 

The man took a good look at your painting, examining it carefully and for a second you really thought he had seen the mysterious Prince. “It’s quite similar to him,” he sends you a friendly grin and you notice a tooth from his front missing, leaving an uncomfortable gap. “Have you seen him before?” he asked and you shake your head, no. He gives you an amused expression, “I must say, you are very talented, miss…?” you complete your name with a nervous smile. “And you are?” you ask. 

You realised that you were getting a little too comfortable with the stranger and it could be a really bad decision but you can’t help but give him the benefit of the doubt as he behaves like a gentleman you can find yourself to trust. “Kagero Okuta but I like to go by Giran,” he says with a lop-sided grin. Giran, you’ve heard the name before but cannot recall where and how. It sounds so familiar but you just can’t grasp it, he looked wealthy so you assumed he was a Noble and that made you even more curious as to why he was speaking to you.

 “What are you planning to do with that painting?” he asks, diving a closer look and admiring its features. “I must say, you’ve got it quite accurate but,” you stiffen, your hands growing cold as your heartbeat picks up. You realized your painting must have some complications, drawing a man you had never seen before purely out of your interpretation was a hard and a bold task to do. But to have someone who had actually seen the King for himself pinpoint your mistakes sent a rush of anxiety through your veins.

 “He’s not that bony.” He completes and you gulp nervously, looking down at your painting in disappointment. Your eyes are filled with disappointment,  all of the time and effort you spent making the piece all for it go in vain just because you missed a small detail. Giran notices your remorse and speaks up, “But that’s quite alright. He looked just like that until a while ago,” he hadn’t meant to offend or hurt you. He still believed your painting was the most beautiful thing he had seen all day.

 “What do you mean?” you ponder, giving him a perplexed look. He leans  in closer to you as if to tell a secret, “let’s say the King has been working out behind closed doors.” you blink in confusion. It was a strange thing to say, exactly how well did this man know the Emperor? Who was it that you were talking? 

“Who are you?” you can’t help but question, bewildered by such a character. Giran says nothing. He just stares at you with his lips curled into a snappy smirk, holding his cigar between his lips. He was not going to tell you anything. Without wasting time, he quickly changes the topic. “What are you going to do with that painting?” he repeats, his voice growing impatient.

 “I am planning to sell it,” you feel a bit taken back. The friendly aura which had Giran had now disappeared for a reason you could not conclude. “Sell it? To whom?” the intruding nature of his tone starts to make you uncomfortable, there’s nothing more you want to do other than get far away from him. Yet you still find yourself answering him, “To anyone who wants it.” he hums at your response, his eyes holding a mocking glint. “Wouldn’t you like to give it to the Emperor himself?” you frown, was he mocking you? 

“That’s well...impossible.” you reply, stretching your neck awkwardly. “To you, maybe.” 

You stop yourself from rolling your eyes, this man was really testing your patience. A part of you tells you to ignore him and walk away but as he reaches into his coat and pulls out a bag of coins worth much more than you could ever earn in a month, he has you hooked yet again. 

“Hey, let me buy that painting, would yer’?” 

.

..

..

“What is the problem now?” Giran takes a seat around the round table. It was late after the Coronation ceremony and the Royal palace was already facing problems. Giran was disappointed but definitely not surprised. After all, he was their personal problem solver and broker. “It’s not that big of a deal.” A curt and hard reply cut him off.

 “It actually is, Shigaraki Tomura.” a voice speaks, coming from a man dressed in a black suit with a long, flowy robe covering his entire body. He stands taller than the other two men in the as his head is replaced with a wisp of smoke. He was none other than the trusted and talented magician of the Royal family. With eccentric features and an ability to wield strange magic, nobody knew where he came from. There were many rumors about him; that he was once a normal, handsome man cursed by a witch that turned him into a hideous monster or he simply was a ghost. “What is it, Kurogiri?” Giran rephrases his question, directing it to the other man. “We need a new painter,-” 

“Servant.” Shigaraki corrected. He stood in front of the giant windows glancing over his city as his men talked about hiring a new painter for the castle. He couldn’t care less about such tedious tasks, he had his focus set on greater things like expanding his territory, taking back stolen land. 

“What happened to Mr. Kyo?” Giran asked, Shigaraki rolled his eyes at the mention of the name and clicked his tongue, “His Majesty eliminated him.” Giran stops himself from laughing out loud. He was certain once Shigaraki would take over the throne incidents like so would double the instant. But he was expecting it to happen so soon. “And why was that?” 

“He was breathing too loud, like you are right now.” 

A cold silence broke over the room as Giran counted his breath. Kurogiri looked nervously at Shigaraki who still had his back turned to them. The longer the pause grew, the dreadful the atmosphere became. Shigaraki’s threat strung the air loud and clear and Giran was afraid to speak again. “What we are asking for is that-,” Kurogiri started in a calm, slow tone easing the tension in the room. “-we need a new court painter. Do you have any names?” 

The murderous sent in the air magically disappeared as a grin stretched across Giran’s face. 

“Aren’t you in luck?” He says, running a hand through his hair before taking a puff out of his cigar. “Does that mean you know someone?” Kurogiri questioned. Giran hummed, “You see, I met this beautiful painter today. She’s extremely talented and I know for a fact she will love working for the castle.” 

“What’s the name?” growing impatient, Shigaraki asks. “Oh, it was,” Giran pauses for a moment to recall. 

“Ah yes, Y/N L/N.”