#why does he have a face. why anyone would need a face. just to make me suffer trying to paint it as perfectly as possible

[songwithnosoul]

#i always imagines his shoes to be cowboy boots underneath it all. the lightning mcqueen of character designs

#its that all of them are equaly wild and it balances out

#and he wears the sunglasses at night too

#trying to explain to non-artists how absolutely fucked up it is trying to draw this man#like the line from this man’s cheek fo jawline is so weird for me?? shit just sticks out somehow#Mans always in contrapposto#the ‘huh??’ face#also. i am obsessed with sissel having a New York accent so consider- those aren’t vans they’re timbs#it takes a certain kind of deranged to go around in ghost white timbs

#I read his shoes as uhh the word escapes me. but patent leather dress shoes. like gangsters wear in movies.

#it’s the dead guy rizz

#i should dress like this to prom

#that. that design#it calls to me#tumblr approved man

#who is this man? not even he knows#sissel: i don't know why i made these fashion choices but i'm stuck with em now#he looks so stupid and so rad at the same time

#he looks so so stupid i love him#the fucking hair

#AND he’s got amnesia so he can’t even remember why he made those fashion choices in the first place lmaoooooo

#on anyone else it would look bad. but he has the Swag.

#the sunglasses and the way his sprites are drawn help#like both art style and posing#god the character design is so good in this game#he’s so lively for a character with static sprites#like the art style in general makes most everything look good#except the curry prisoner guy

#it's been forever since i played ghost trick but nonsense that makes perfect sense was jus part of the game which yknow good for them

#he has banana hair a red suit with white loafers and is wearing sunglasses constantly#he looks like a giant douchebag but it’s still the best thing ever#ghost trick

#who is this man#yeah sissel wishes he knew that too

#the character design and art direction in this game is just off the charts awesome#and Sissel is like on the milder end of the scale too

#genuinely when i first saw the hair i thought#what the fuck is this game that i’m playing

#truly he goes from what the fuck kinda design in your eyes to best character design so fast

i can't believe im saying a banana dressed like a ketchup bottle looks hard as fuck but he does. he fucks. what STYLE what GRACE i want his GENDER

#wanna hit him w my car#affectionate. ur cool sissel

#Uhm actually those are the dirk strider glasses *I am shot and killed immediately *

#he's so cool and so awful to look at

#the nature of following people in different is that every so often#you run into cherry flavored present mic with not a clue as to why or who that is#and it's just a normal occurrence

#the whole reason I ever even considered playing Ghost Trick#this weird man's incredible design#what the heck#it's a work of art

#Truly one of the designs ever

#also the banana hair is supposed to emulate the tail of a spirit/soul#trust me if you saw the other ideas for his hair

#fr hes got a perfect colour palette

#play ghost trick for more successful fashion failures

#love him or hate him he exudes an energy of mystery from his first appearance

#the sheer audacity and smugness is what ties it all together#nobody would be caught dead in that fit but this man rocks it#ALSO WHITE FUCKING SHOES

#i need to steal his clothes#Just missing the white tie and white shoes

#its cool when u dont think about how his everyday life must be#how much hair gel does he use??#him with his hair down is cursed and Not Him#the banana hair is important#just dont think about it too hard

#Honestly when i was watching the playthru a million years ago i would totaly forget that his hair has an end#u know cuz the icon screen cuts it off#bezerk sword hair in my heart

#it's called confidence baby and it comes from fucking cluelessness as all confidence should

#he doesn’t realize how insane he looks due to REDACTED and amnesia

#i wrestle with this conundrum ever damn time i look at him

#Looks like a sci-if Ronald McDonald

#imagine waking up dead looking like this and not knowing a thing about why you look like this

#it's even funnier when you learn his occupation#like oh. you do that? and you go to work dressed like that?#ok dude

#especially how the expressions work on it too....#like with his Completely Dumbfounded and :0 expressions you feel like it shouldn't work but it does!!!!

#simultaneously silly and actually kinda cool. very distinct.#and you have to take it seriously during the emotional scenes anyway#i like the sunglasses at night though thats the finishing touch

#idk who this man is but with any wacky outfit you need confidence to carry it off. and he’s got panache in *spades*

#yeah#design that in any other context would make me go oh dirk? but they shot straight past it into a whole new loser#and it rules

#a fucking muppet that's what he is

#‘who is this man’ this character design for this game? gets you asking the right kind of questions#literally perfect no further notes necessary

#hey guys if you're on mobile open the sissel image and make the guy zoom around your screen :)

#if vash and wolfwood had a baby this is what he would look like

#absolutely nothing about the designs in ghost trick feels like they should work#they're all categorically insane#and yet they work SO well

#its about confidence. the swagger of a man who has lost everything

#he looks like an exclamation point

#also notably ghost trick was on the ds originally and this man is SHAPED. you can see him no matter how low poly he is

#He should’ve been a tumblr sexyman I’m so serious

sissel's character design elements are so deranged individually yet somehow they all end up working together to make the most baller design youve ever seen. i really dont know how to describe it ive never seen anything quite like it.

[ryebread0605]

Can I request the test third years and the kind of fantasy/wet dreams they would have about the reader

Or maybe if that's too specific how they act walking up from one of those dreams and have to face being near them that same day

I can do ya one better and do both! Hope you enjoy anon!!

Cater:

soft sex style dream 

Hear me out, he would act like he’s into the hardcore stuff but actually just wants to be gently fucked 

Having you use a strap on him, arching his back as you whisper in his ear how good he’s being for you, shivering as you plant soft kisses on his bare back and neck

He’s really down when he wakes up and realizes it was just a dream

Until he remembers that he’s your boyfriend and can just ask you to do that

After classes that day, you get to see him more vulnerable than anyone has ever seen him before as you gently fuck him as he melts in your arms 

Trey: 

breeding kink style dream 

Has always wanted a larger family 

Plus the idea of getting to be in you without a condom? Getting to watch his cum leak out of you before fucking more into you?

It’s no wonder that suddenly he is waking up early to deal with his… growing problem

Another one that is far too nervous to actually bring it up, thinking it’s disrespectful 

Until you straight up tell him you had a wet dream about him and now he feels as if you are intentionally inviting him 

(With your consent) the next night neither of you sleep as moans reverberate off the walls of his dorm room

Leona:

predator prey style wet dream 

He’s the prey for once though

The idea of you chasing him down, pinning him to a tree, tearing off his clothes and-

Ruggie just had to go and wake him up right at the good part

He’s a grump, moreso than usual, all day 

He’s embarrassed to think the idea of himself being a prey to you got him more horny than anything he’s ever previously thought of

And yet, somehow, he still will be able to keep up the facade 

That is, until you walk into the greenhouse just as he’s about to fall asleep

Well, no one else is around, right? Might as well let him get a head start and finish what your dream counterpart started

Vil:

latex fetish style dream 

The idea of you or him (or both of you) in latex, the shiny fabric clinging to your skin, hugging your curves in all the right places, it absolutely makes him crazy 

Perhaps even a whip to make you behave when you decide to act all bratty under the influence of Ace and Deuce

His eyes roam over your skin, the latex catsuit constricting you in a pleasurable way as he searches for even the slightest hint of disobedience

When he wakes up, it takes him a few seconds to realize it was all a dream

Isn’t one to masturbate but also can’t go to class with a hard on, sevens knows what damage that would do to his reputation 

He won’t directly say why, but don’t be surprised to find latex skirts, pants, and dresses suddenly showing up on your doorstep 

Conveniently seems to almost always suddenly ‘need the restroom’ whenever you wear one of the pieces to class 

Rook:

body worship style dream

He imagines what your body looks like under your baggy uniform, how stunning you must look in your birthday suit 

Running his hands along your body, feeling every dip and curve, a squeeze there, a brush there, sevens he could cum just from this

And he does

Wakes up with a stain on his pants but just shrugs it off and gets dressed, finding his dream to be a magnificent feat of his mind showing him his wants

He is Unbothered and will go right over to you, not even the smallest hint of a blush on his face

Not afraid to just straight up tell you what he dreamt of

Will ask you if he can see if reality and his dream line up (aka he wants to see you nakey but says it in a far more poetic way)

Idia:

Toy usage style dream

Having you restrained on his bed as multiple toys he himself made invade your body and overwhelm your senses 

He watches as your body shakes, back arched and loud moans pouring from your lips 

5, 6, 7 times you orgasm, and he still doesn’t turn the toys off

He laughs sadistically at the site of your overstimulated expressions, grabbing his phone to snap a pic-

He shoots awake rock hard 

Yeah no, he refuses to leave his room that day

Although he does watch you through the security cams

He wants so badly to relieve the ache in his pants but feels so dirty doing it 

Maybe next time, you could be the one to help him

Lilia:

a dream of… ‘interrogating’ you

Taking place back when he was general

You wandered into his campsite? A lowly human?

And yet… you don’t seem dangerous

His sword pressed against your throat, dick deep in your hole, watching you blabber incoherent nonsense-

His alarm makes him awaken with a bit of a jolt before he laughs it off

Unbothered part 2, but worse 

He will straight up describe IN DETAIL what happened in his dream, even if the others are around to hear 

Poor silver. He really wished that day that Sebek would’ve deafened him with all his yelling by now

Lilia knows he can’t truly make his dream a reality, but why not do some role playing and see what happens?

Malleus: 

sensory deprivation style dream 

The silkiest of ropes around his wrists, blindfolds tied tight around his eyes, large noise canceling headphones over his ears

Every caress from you sets his body on fire

All his body can focus on is the sensation of your hands running along his bare form

His body stands at attention for you, his two dicks hard as you caress them, pushing him closer and closer to the edge-

Sebeks voice breaks him from the sweet embrace of his dream, reminding him to head to class

He is… confused. He’s never experienced this kind of dream and of course goes to Lilia for help who lays out everything for him 

He’s absolutely terrified to make you uncomfortable and will seem more distant 

If you confront him, though, he will fold under the pressure and spill everything 

Won’t you reward him for telling you? Make the poor dragon fae’s dream a reality?

[omegaseverywhere]

Omega!Ghost who did not put down your file the moment Laswell said you would be joining Taskforce 141. Who took one look at your face, your rank, your skillset and felt his clit throb. Who, when he caught a whiff of your scent, had a panic attack in the bathroom because he couldn't stop slicking. Omega!Ghost who stalks behind you silently, staring. Sometimes, he's in the corner of the room. Sometimes, hes right behind you. Multiple times a day, you will turn around and he will be there, just looking at you. Locked in. Pupils dilated. He can't help it. He likes looking at you. (Gaz had to take you aside and tell you that no, Ghost isn't hunting you. He really isn't. I know...I know it feels like it but I promise-)

Omega!Ghost who says nothing to you for weeks after you meet. Not a damn thing. Not even when you both are with the other members of the taskforce. And because he doesn't say anything for a while, when he does - a little awkward compliment that reminds you of Shang from Mulan - you nearly shit yourself. Omega!Ghost who casually threatens anyone he hears may have a thing for you. Other Omegas. Betas. Alphas. Anyone can catch his hands. "You'll never find the body isn't a great threat. A better one would be "They'll be finding your body parts for months...and you'll be alive for at least one of them." (Price had to stop him because recruits were dropping like flies) Omega!Ghost who had a DNR tattoo and offical medical DNR papers to match but no longer does because of you. He believed no one would ever miss him. You proved him wrong, therefore he will now fight Death itself in your name if it comes to it. Omega!Ghost who has no idea how to court or show someone he's interested. Who also knows he's a giant tank of a man who can probably rip a person in half with his bare hands. Who decides that 'Alpha's like a strong mate right? S what Google says.' Who starts lifting random heavy objects when you are around for no reason.

Omega!Ghost who found out you took lunch in your car on Fridays when not on a mission and decided to join you once and then promptly exited the vehicle when you asked him why he decided to deadlift the fridge that morning. He was not prepared for that and he made a split second decision to leave immediately. (Soap is still laughing about it)

Omega!Ghost who is relieved when you start making moves. Who sinks into you so quickly, falling into his barely used Omega instincts to chirp and purr and submit. Who beams behind his mask when you order him food and drinks, when you leave him a scent-fused hoodie, when you train with him and push him to go harder...you aren't together but you will be and it makes him so happy.

Omega!Ghost who only agrees to go through a heat to purge his body if you are around to guard him. He isn't going to ask you to join him - because he isn't sure if either of you are ready for that - but he wants you to guard him. He trusts you to guard him. Keep him safe.

Omega!Ghost who, when asked if he was going to guard you during your rut, wondered why it was even a question. He was going to do that regardless. No one is getting to you. He'll rip people apart with his teeth if they think they have the balls to approach your rutting room.

Omega!Ghost who gets an incredibly thorough examination done just to see if he has any damage that would prevent him from having pups. He never thought about pups before but now that he's met an Alpha that he wouldn't mind having pups with, he needs to know. He frames the report that tells him that he's perfectly fertile.

Omega!Ghost whose purr is the loudest thing about him. Its very much giving motorcycle revving. He always hated it but it seemed to be the only thing that kept you stable when you were being evacuated, unconscious, and bleeding out from three separate bullet wounds so he doesn't think its so bad anymore.

Omega!Ghost who gets gooey when you scent the inside of his masks when he has to go on his own missions. Its grounding, having your scent nearby. Keeps him focused. Keeps him determined to not fuck anything up. Keeps him coming home.

Omega!Ghost who makes a horrifically embarrassing noise the moment you knot him for the first time and feeling grateful that you are too preoccupied with burying your fangs in his neck to claim him to notice. He does, however, notice the noise you make when he bites you back and teases you for it for the rest of your lives.

[shizu-nagita]

I held you close, but at what cost?

AN: First fanfiction on his hellsite- anyways um. I don’t know Sage of Truth/ Fount of Knowledge has me in some of the biggest headlocks . And I don’t know how to do 2nd PoV so… this is a test run to see what kinda writing style I like-

He’s been watching, for quite a long time now actually.

You’re dedicated to your cause, always running across the academy halls with scrolls and books in your hands, as you narrowly step to the side when people turn the corner.

[ It makes something warm bubble up inside of him.]

In most of Shadow Milk Cookie’s lifetime, he has rarely ever seen someone like you, honest and true and willing to see the harsh truths of reality and most important of all, accept them.

It’s admirable really.

And so when he gets the chance to lecture you, to foster your curiosity and enthusiasm for the truth, he is beyond elated .

[ For once in centuries, someone understands-]

But you’re a mere mortal, you don’t live as long as he does, and inevitably, he will watch you fade away throughout the course of time, as the world forgets you.

[ Those words don’t sit right in his mind.]

And so he clings, he holds onto each and everyone of your words, and cherishes them even if you don’t know it, his mind memorizing the way your hair glows in the sunset, how your eyes brighten when you explain your favorite subjects.

He walks beside you, he gently walks you through the things you don’t understand, he’s practically attached to your side.

And what amuses him the most,

[ what makes him feel noticed-]

Is the fact you don’t mind, in fact you chatter along with him, indulging him when he goes into a debate about whether or not a tomato is a fruit or vegetable .

[ Most of the time, people just listen to his words, not the true meaning behind them.]

You were a precious jewel within the confines of coal, meant to be cherished and protected.

And so he did, he kept you away from the dark straying wisps of deceit, and attempted to give you the life most wouldn’t achieve within decades.

He gave you all of him, and you gave your soul on return, always coming back to him when you two parted ways, always smiling and laughing .

[ He doesn’t want to see you go.]

[ He doesn’t want to be alone again.]

Even as you grew older, his face staying the same , even as you stopped remembering things, he stayed there with you.

“Shadow Milk Cookie… Are you sure you aren’t tired of me yet?”

He immediately turns his head, confusion in his eyes as he leans down head tilting as his robes billow out.

“What… Why did that question even come to you? Have I done something? Did anyone degrade you?”

[ Please stay-]

You shake your head, a gentle laugh escaping your lips as you raise a hand, attempting to wave away his worries as Shadow Milk Cookie’s mind goes into overdrive.

“No no!! Not at all! Just… curious.”

You never knew that he wanted you to stay.

that he needed you to be by him.

And as the years went by, the hollow aching feeling in his heart , where his soul jam was, begun to grow, to writhe and twist as you grew weaker and weaker with age.

[ Keep them alive, you have to-]

The sage of truth was beginning to falter.

[ you can not leave me you have to stay, you can not leave]

After eons of being alone, after watching people he once knew, once admired grow weary and weak with time, submitting to the whims of life and death, after he got a taste of warmth.

He didn’t want to let go of you.

[ He was tired of being alone .]

[ He was tired of having no one that listened-]

And so, the whispers of deceit slowly trickled into his mind, weaving fates of where both of you were happy, where you would remain in an eternal paradise, where you both would forever be happy .

Shadow milk cookie tried to resist, tried to step away from the temptation of eternity, he continued to guide and lead others to the truth.

But then came the day you died

The letter in his hands fell, dropping to the ground with a soft thunk as his vision blurred, the words he never wished to see now before him, as if mocking him.

[ My condolences, Sage of Truth, but your beloved is dead.]

….

That was the day he abandoned his reality.

[The day he resolved to find you.]

He retreated from the light because it was too scorching, illuminating the harsh truths of reality, illuminating the fact that you had left him.

He took cover in the shadows, because that was the only place where nothing could ever come to light, when you could only see the bare minimum and create the rest of the story .

But eventually, the shadows turn to light.

[ Tell me, just what was I supposed to do without you?]

[Was I just supposed to let you turn to dust? Fade into a mere memory? I couldn’t do that.]

And so, he poured over texts, using his position to manipulate others with deceitful lies, and the blinding truth as he tried to bring you back.

[ He just wanted someone who understood.]

And yet…

You could never get what you wanted, for the world was never fair, the world could’ve give you everything for a mere second, and take it all away and leave you with nothing for eons.

Left alone, in the dark, deceived and deceiver.

He waits, up until the day you come back to him and he can hold you back in his arms.

[ He doesn’t know how much longer he can.]

[uravitypng]

yandere zenitsu behaviour you didn't realise was dangerous before it was too late. he's your best friend and you love him! he's always just been a little bit... too needy... too clingy... too close... that was fine though! he was your best friend after all! but... then you told him about a boy, it wasn't anything serious, you met him a couple weeks ago from the village over and he invited you to dinner but to zenitsu it was a completely different story.

you're leaving him?! but he needs you!

any food that boy would give you would be awful, he just knows it, he wouldn't care about what you'd like. you deserve the finest of foods, made with the finest ingredients something that only zenitsu can give you.

the night your dinner rolls around you cancel, zenitsu became ill and he needed someone to look after him, holding onto your sleeve with tears starting to trickle down his face.

you feel that zenitsu is getting clingier? he's always been touchy, resting his head on your lap, while you run your hands through his yellow hair, or leaning on your shoulder, his breathing always relaxed and level when he does it, as you constantly bring him comfort. now he's consistently holding your hand firmly wherever you go and is pulling you closer to him by your soft middle anytime he considers the distance between the two of you is too great.

people have started distancing themselves from you, you're unsure why? the townsfolk make excuses to leave conversations that they find themselves in with you. zenitsu doesn't think he even did anything bad so he's confused why they're all looking at him so scared. he just wants you all to himself, is that really so wrong? and the people in the village took up too much of your time, time much better spent with him.

"why do you keep talking to my girlfriend? don't you think she's got better things to do?" they've never seen that expression on his face before... on anyone's face. one particular woman with a nervous disposition often has nightmares about it. recently a new family moved into the village from another country, along with them they brought along two goats. one of the goats went missing they hope nothing happened to it but they can't accuse 'someone' when they have no proof, they haven't even been living in japan a year yet and 'someone' must have left the door to the church open- everyone knew who.

there was a terrible storm at night, thunder and lightning keeping everyone up and when the morning came the priest went to open up the church only to find out that it was never closed the night before, the whole place was flooded, pews soaked beyond use, no one will be sitting down for service for awhile... if not carefully treated the whole building could be damaged beyond repair.

you often spoke negatively about the priest and the church and their teachings, 'i don't know zenitsu doesn't that guy gives you the creeps too?' you mummer shuffling closer to him after the preacher's beady eyes were on your skirt.

you often spoke about how you were jealous of mrs dockerty's goat. "you'll have to keep this a secret okay? it's an early birthday present. it was a fair bit of-" your eyebrows furrow- "well let's just say it was certainly some money and did you hear about the dockerty's? if everyone finds out you've got a goat they'll accuse you and try to swindle you out of keeping all the goats milk for yourself." zenitsu's got the biggest grin on his face seeing that you like it and you have a matching one, already thinking of names.

your best friend is a bit delusion... you're soulmates! you're meant to be! it's destiny!

any time you're apart he whinges and whines when he finds out, the idea of going over a day without seeing you?! horrifying.

"those steam trains are really scary zen'! it doesn't matter how many times i go on them, it's just too fast. we have legs for a reason! i don't like walking but still... and i still have a long walk until i even reach the train then i can focus on getting into edo. i'll bring you something back, okay. i'll try and find some of that high quality japanese eel that you like that we never get to find around these parts."

his cries are louder than normal, your collar and neck becoming wet with his tears, his grip around your plush waist is unrelenting and you promise you'll give him extra attention when you see him in two days time if he stops crying, people are starting to stare at the display. he'll hold you to that promise.

"this- this has got to be a joke right zen'! i mean we're friends i can't- friends don't do that."

"you promised though."

your eyes widen, "b-but, this is- you can't actually be serious."

zenitsu's eyebrows furrow, a pout forming on his face, "i'm not asking for much, just stroke it."

you still think he's joking... or you're trying to convince yourself that he's joking but he doesn't seem like he is. he seems serious but that's what you don't understand, you know you promised to make it up to your best friend because you were apart for a couple of days but it wasn't anything serious and now he's barged into your house telling you to rub his cock.

zenitsu moves closer to you, closing the gap and takes your hand in his, bringing it to his crotch and moving his hips up towards your touch. you feel how hard he is. "come on sweetheart, you'll make me feel better right? you did promise." his voice becomes a bit more confident when he watches you look away from him and he catches an almost shy, bashful, look on your face.

"i-i," you stutter. this is your best friend.

he starts spewing out words, his hips still moving and gyrating against your hand, "i know you don't believe in the church but if you still want to be traditional i'll ask to marry you if you're still being so stubborn with that hand of yours. i was planning on asking some time this year anyway."

"marry?!"

"we've been dating for a long time now and i'm getting more and more pent up with each passing day that i see you looking so beautiful."

"dating?!" you try and move away from him unsuccessfully. "zen' we're best friends! we've been best friends for years."

"best friends, dating - same thing." zenitsu's other hand goes to your wide hip and squeezes the flesh between his fingers, a small moan comes out of his mouth and his body shudder's at the feeling, moving his hips quicker. "being apart from you for even a second is torture."

your mouth open and closes in shock. how didn't you know that your best friend thought like this?

[msfantasy-anime]

Did you hear the Rear Admiral is Married to Straw Hat Luffy?

Monkey D. Luffy x Marine!Reader

Summary: Marine Headquarters issues a summons to Marine!Reader, regarding rumours of marriage to Straw Hat Luffy

Part III of My Marine Wife Series

You are hereby summoned to appear before Marine Headquarters and report to Fleet Admiral, Sakazuki at 2100 tomorrow under the authority of the World Government, pertaining to pending allegations of marital status with wanted criminal, Monkey D. Luffy.

Your crooked smile tugged at your lips once more, that familiar glint of mischief flickering in your eyes as you stared down at the Marine-issued summons. Your heart thrummed with anticipation as you place the summons back into your pocket, to look out at the brilliant red sunset painting the sky.

Your expectant hands floating outwards, as the familiar saucer and tea cup is placed onto your palm by your trusted officers without tearing your eyes off of your favourite view at the bow of the ship and without the need to order. The crew moved in perfect symbiosis, their rhythm seamless and unbroken like a choreography from years of being on the sea together.

“Red at night, sailors delight.” You mutter quietly, more to yourself than to anyone else, as you take a sip of your liquid gold tea, but you did not dare miss the antagonistic snort behind you. You didn’t even need to turn around to know it’s Helmeppo. “Lieutenant Commander…Marine Captain… you’re still here.” You say, turning around to see Helmeppo and Koby, straight back like the boring strait laces they are. “Why?” You ask, more so rhetorically than out of interest.

You thought for certain that the two would hide under their bedsheets in humiliation after the verbal beat down you gave, and yet here they are, scurrying around your ship like the rats they are.

“How did you expect us to depart your ship when we haven’t even docked?” Helmeppo spits back with little tact making your tsk in quiet triumph. Successfully winding up your biggest antagonist.

Koby just looks onward, not biting your bait. “We were requested by transponder snail to attend your summons to report any findings of your transgression.” Koby answers hollowly. Your brilliant wide smile, crushing Koby even more; knowing you have a hold over him. Until an unexpected look of defiance beems from his eyes. “A little warning Vice Admiral,” his chin tilts up to you, an unfamiliar glint of resistance. “I thought long and hard — cowering to your demands only makes us weak as members of the Marines. If we bow to blackmail, we betray everything we stand for. Your records will no longer keep me from fulfilling my duty.”

Your mischievous smile does not falter, only deepening their confusion as they search your face for panic and find nothing but poise.

“My, my. You two might actually make decent Marines after all…” You say, almost too close to Koby when the ship rocks harshly at an unexpected wave, and with a blinding flash, Koby was sent flat on his back with a loud “oft!”with you tumbling on top of him.

“Are you okay Vice Admiral?” Your second in command says, offering a hand to help you up, and off of Koby’s chest. The mischievous smile impossibly wider than it ever could be.

“I’m okay.” You say, taking his hand as he helps you regain your balance. “We’re done here. Let’s go get some food.” You say, now moving towards the entry, all whilst Helmeppo throws a fit.

“You should reprimand your Watch Officer for failing to report a huge wave!” He shrieks, pulling Koby off the deck floor. But you merely shrug, barely putting in effort to look over your shoulder.

“My Watch Officer knows exactly what she’s doing— mind yourself.” You whip back, now turning your keen interest back towards your path to the kitchen.

Your arrival really couldn’t have come sooner at Marine Headquarters.

With the speed of your arrival, one would almost forget your summoned due to an investigation pending criminal charge.

But you rush in, as if oblivious to this fact.

“Akainu!” You call out fondly, as the Marine remains seat in his chair, grunting in acknowledgment. “Vice Admiral, I’ve heard some rather disturbing rumours about your marital status with wanted criminal, Monkey D. Luffy.” He says, cold eyes boring into you. “If that wasn’t enough, these two have jointly submitted a rather disturbing report about your crews transgressions.” He says, dropping his pen, his elbow resting on the table, his head resting against his fists as he stares at you with those calculating eyes you loathe. “What do you have to say about those accusations?” He questions, both Koby and Helmeppo turning to look at you, waiting with baited breaths to see you talk your way out of this one.

But your head remains tilted to the ceiling with that booming laughter of yours. Not a care in the world about your possible demise.

Your confidence to escape your fate was almost admirable…. Almost.

“I must admit, when I first got your summons, I was in absolute stitches— rather preposterous considering there isn’t even any records of my supposed marriage.” You say, that velvet voice of yours wrapping around your words again.

Akainu just grumbling in agreement. “I checked the registry myself, after hearing rumours on my Vice Admiral being married to a filthy pirate. No marriage certificate.”

Your confident eyes twinkling with triumph, all before Helmeppo’s outburst.

“Sir— what about our investigation?!” A lethal look is tossed their way as Akainu stared them down.

“You’ll speak when spoken to Lieutenant Commander.” Helmeppo’s proudly earnt titled deminished at the tone of Fleet Admiral Akainu. His voice commanding Helmeppo to know his place. “And what of their findings?” He queries, eyes boring into you once again.

But you merely shrug, indifferent.

“Sir— you know I run a tight ship and have one of the largest criminal call ins out of any fleet. Their investigation may have been prompted by protocol, but their findings is nothing more than petty revenge for rejecting Koby’s affections.” You say innocently.

“Excuse me? Sir this is nothing more than blatant lies—“ but before Koby could finish his sentence, you toss down photos onto Akainus desk.

The photo captured you tangled in Koby’s arms after the wave knocked the ship just hours earlier. From this angle, it looked almost… intimate. His hands awkwardly around your waist, face in his chest. A blush high on his cheeks.

Koby’s eyes went wide. “Th-that was an accident!” Akainu raised a brow at your statement, the only visible crack in his otherwise stony expression.

“I’ve rejected him,” you said smoothly, ignoring the protests. “But he’s persistent. And I believe his current actions are motivated by hurt feelings, not misconduct. So go easy on the poor boy.” You pouted, throwing the two boys a devious pout as their mouths hang open at your blatant lie.

The Fleet Admiral studied the photo. “And you’re saying this picture is… what? His attempt at revenge?”

“I’m saying he’s spiraled,” you said, with a sigh that could win an award. “He’s dramatised statements, and I believe his judgment is compromised. I’ve kept silent to protect his dignity, but I can’t let baseless accusations tarnish my name or my crew’s integrity.”

Koby looked between you and the Admiral, panic blooming across his face. “Sir, I swear—it’s not like that—!”

“Helmeppo?” the Admiral asked, not looking up.

“I—I—” Helmeppo wilted under your poisonous smile. Because how could you look so victorious already? “She’s lying!” He accuses, his panicked accusation immediately falling flat on Akainu’s ears.

“Enough.” The Admiral slid the photo into a drawer, eyes now cold as ice. “This matter is closed. Vice Admiral, you’re dismissed.”

You turned with a crisp nod. “Thank you, sir.”

As you passed Koby, you leaned in just enough for him to hear the whisper.

“You should’ve watched the wave.”

Stepping out of the office, and into the hall way where Garp stands.

“Grandpa!” You greet with a quick hug.

“How’d you weasel your way out of this one kid?” He asks, picking his ear.

“The usual,” you say, “Believable lies and manipulations.” Garp grumbles.

“You know Luffy hates those tactics.” He says, making you go stiff. Your bold and egotistical facade crumbling.

“Y-your not gonna tell him are you?” You beg, a honest pout pulling at your lips.

“Nope, but you really should stop lying and manipulating your way through life— your husband might be stupid, but he has good values.”

“… I miss him…” You say, looking back up at Garp. “Sometimes I wonder why I even chose this job… I thought I was going to make a real difference here— taking out criminals which society deserves to be protected from, and leaving ‘criminals’ that are like my dad, who are just adventuring or like Ace, who was just criminalised at birth because of his father.” You say, turning your back. “I’m growing tired of this. Being a marine is not everything you said it would be.” And just like that, you walk off, back to your waiting crew.

[yoamogussus]

alright, so this inspired me to write a little fanfic. It is now 1 am. It is about etho and grian hugging because they cant talk about emotions. thank you "J (tw: very much sappiness)

Etho wasn't feeling very well.

He wasn't sure what it was. Maybe it was the weather - cold and wet and gray. He'd always been sensitive to it. Everyone always knew exactly when spring hit, because they saw Etho's stuffed nose and pricking eyes, (obvious even with his mask.)

Or maybe it was his builds. He hadn't been working as hard on them as before. Etho sometimes feels bad about that - not making enough progress.

Or maybe it was nothing. It just happened, sometimes - he would stop in his tracks and stare into space for hours. A few times he's stared over into the water or void, as far away from anyone seeing him as he could, and cried. For no reason. Nothing.

It's pointless thinking about why, really. So Etho stops. He just... goes about his business, not feeling very good.

It's in the middle of his shopping trip (spree), in the wart shop, that he sees Grian. It's funny, because Etho can instantly tell Grian isn't feeling good either. His smile feels tight-lipped, and his empty eyes droopier than usual.

" 'ello Etho," Grian says tiredly. "You're the first one to buy any wart this season."

"Really?" Etho says, genuinely surprised. "I - well, I don't know *why* I'm buying it, but it has to be useful somehow, right?"

Grian hums consideringly. "I do use it sometimes. For accents."

"See! People should be buying it out by now!" He tries to sound as enthusiastic as he usually does, but it doesn't come out right. It's too... strange right now for him to manage. Too much effort.

Grian sighs. "I'm glad it's not doing well. It means me and Mumbo don't have to restock it."

It occurs to Etho how strange it is, Grian not caring about his shops. In season 7, he was always so excited - making so many quests for the Barge, constantly restocking it, building it bigger and bigger. Etho's sure he can't completely comprehend the amount of work that must've been. But Grian had been happy about it. And now its season 10. So much time has passed. Now he...

When Etho really tries looking at him, Grian looks...

Sad. Worn out. Cold.

Maybe he needs a hug.

"Do you want a hug?" Etho asked, before he could stop himself.

Grian froze. His eyes were two confused black blobs. Slowly, he nodded.

And so Etho stepped closer, and wrapped his arms around him in one big motion. It was awkward, until Etho realised he was too stiff, consciously forcing his shoulders to relax. And then it was nice.

He had to bend down a little to reach Grians height, but it was fine because Grian had his head buried right into Etho's shoulder. Hair should *not* be this soft, or this nice to rub his face against. And Grians chest was broad, covering Etho's more spindly form like an extra heavy blanket. It was warmer though, so warm and safe, somehow.

He doesn't know how long they hugged. The only reason they stopped was because their legs had gotten way too sore, standing unevenly in the same position. Etho was surprised to find his eyes were watering. Grian smiled and thanked him, choosing not to mention it.

Etho's arms burned where they had held him. He realised he didn't even remember the last time he had hugged - or really touched another person before this. Probably at the start of the season.

"Wait!" Etho found himself saying, as Grian was about to leave. Grian couldn't just leave. It would be one of those moments that just happened one time, but weren't mentioned again. Never repeated.

Etho... didn't want that. "Wait! Can. Can we - um. Do that again? Maybe next time we see each other?"

Grian nodded, which was the most enthusiastic answer Etho had hoped for. He nodded back.

He felt warm at the thought of being hugged again.

And even though the weather was still bad, even though his builds still weren't finished, and even though technically nothing major had happened, Etho felt better.

You know, Joel has a problem when his strong emotions uncontrollably flows out of him and Tango has a problem when he suppresses his emotions until the pressure blows up the kettle. And I think both of them can benefit so much from just talking to each other. They can scream at each other with no fear, because person on the other side gets it. Tango gets Joel to tone it down a bit and think about what he is saying (although Joel still can't really control his responses to strong changing emotions). And Joel on the other hand gets Tango riled up and talking about his frustrations outwardly (even though his internal shame of his anger and fear of hurting others don't go away).

Also together their bad luck with traps will cancel out and they will get back at people who annoyed them. I believe.

[rei-is-still-here]

Finding Delilah (Part 5)

<Part 4

Summary: Comfort, memories, and choices collide.

A/n: A lot of things happen in this chapter, so I hope it doesn’t seem too messy…

Word count: 3.3k

Content includes: Abuse, Casual anti-romani racism, mentions of death and murder

1917

“How many times did I say not to talk with those dirty gypsies!” Malcolm’s father roared as he whipped the boy with his leather belt, hitting against the tough skin of his freckled back. Malcolm looked behind at his father and said behind gritted teeth and a clenched jaw.

“She’s not dirty, Papa! She’s a good girl…She don’t mean any harm!”.

His father lowered his belt and took one good look at the angry red welt on Malcolm’s back. “Sit down boy,” he instructed. His father placed a hand on Malcolm’s back making him hiss at the painful sting. Maybe it was guilt that crept across the old man’s face—or something like it. He couldn’t seem to meet his son’s gaze. Malcolm relented and sat stiffly next to his father as he was told, looking down at the floor, fiddling with the seam of his trousers waiting for what his father would say next.

“Now, you know why Papa gets really angry when you talk and play with people you don’t know….” His father’s voice faltered, trailing into the thick, suffocating air.

Malcolm bit down on the inside of his cheek, “But Papa…she’s not people…I know her”

Delilah wasn’t just anyone. She was his light. His sanctuary. The only soul whose laughter stitched something broken inside him back together. Malcolm would never allow anyone to speak ill about Delilah. She was his escape. And the only girl who’s energy made him smile. Her happiness made him happy. And that was all he needed.

“Her family are a bunch of gypsies for goodness sakes boy!” He bellowed, his face grimacing, causing the wrinkles on his forehead to deepen.

The insult hit harder than any belt. Malcolm shot to his feet, fists clenched at his sides.

“Why does that matter Papa? You go to the same church as her Aunt and help those same gypsies that you spit on! Mama was a gypsy, so what do you have to say about that?!”

“Well look where that fuckin got her!”

Malcolm stared in disbelief at his father’s words, at his audacity. His mama had passed away from a sickness two years ago. He hadn’t known exactly what sickness had hollowed her out, but he remembered her pale skin, the blue veins mapping across it like rivers, the way Nolan had sat by her bedside everyday—changing her dressings, feeding her broth—while their father disappeared to do God knows what.

His mother had the palest skin like snow. Eyes sunken like a beautiful worn sculpture.

“What does that mean?” Malcolm choked out.

“Your mom was cursed, boy. Magic. Cursed by her own fucking community”

“How do you know Papa? Why would they curse her?” he demanded to know.

“Some of them heard about what I did, and I guess they didn’t like that” His father shrugged nonchalantly, as if he wasn’t the cause of the problem. The whole situation that caused them to move to Small Heath in the very first place.

Malcolm sat back down and raked his fingers through his hair. His mother was a whore, Nolan was a known thief. Malcolm always knew that his family wasn’t really favoured by others back in his hometown. Never knew that the hate was so strong enough to kill someone.

His father was a criminal, constantly on the run from the law. Not sure what crime it was that led to his father threatening everyone in the village that he would kill them if they opened their mouths. But all Malcolm knew that it must’ve been horrible. The only people in the family who seemed to know about his father’s crime were his mother, Mary, and Nolan. And Nolan…he always looked like he'd seen it all.

“What did you do Papa…what did you do that made them so mad? Why’d they take it out on Mama?” Malcolm questioned with his head in his hands, fingers pressing deeply into his temples. Whatever the answer was, Malcolm knew he would still keep his mouth shut, and go on with whatever his father told him to do. He was always a Papa’s boy. He was always praised for it.

“What I did is none of your business. We came all the way here to make a name for ourselves. In here, we are no longer criminals”

Malcolm figured it was useless to try and ask and pry any further. It was clear that his father was never going to tell him and that he was probably going to die never knowing. He was just confused and wondered why it was his mother that was dragged into all this. Why his mother got the other end of the stick. Nolan once told him before he went to fight in France, “You can always reject your father, but you’ll always have your mother’s blood”. Malcolm never understood what that meant. Even now after Nolan had passed. People are always quick to blame your mother for how you turned out. So maybe whatever his father did, the village couldn’t take out their anger at him, out of fear of what he would or could do, then his mother would be the next choice.

“One more question Papa…”

“What now?”

“How long do I have to keep calling myself Malcolm?”

Delilah’s home, 1934

The lights were dim and the air was quiet back at Delilah’s humble abode. She lived in a small two story terrace building on the edge of Small Heath. It was much quieter here, slightly fewer gangs walking around, but still a walking distance from Saint Judes Church and Watery Lane. Her family had strongly advised her to move away from Small Heath when she mentioned that she wanted to continue living there. Everything happened there. Her whole life began there. It felt like she was letting go of everything she ever held on if she moved elsewhere. And Delilah didn’t like to let things go.

“You can’t stay here Dilly,” Polly urged.

“But Polly…I can’t seem to let go of Small Heath”, Delilah whispered.

“You need to move somewhere better, my love, your heart needs peace and Small Heath gonna give you that”

She knew that Polly meant well and was trying to help with her anxiety. Delilah was always weary and paranoid of something happening to her or anyone else in her family. It got to the point where her paranoia had caused her to be awake at the latest hour of the night, walking slowly to her siblings room, opening their doors hauntingly slowly, worrying that something might happen to them.

Ada would lift her blanket and invite her in and hold her tight, letting her know that she’s okay. “Come here Dilly, lay with me, see I’m right here…I’m okay”.

It always scared Arthur the most when she would peek at his door, but he always reassured her as well. “Bloody hell Delilah…You scared me. I’m alright, love”.

John never questioned it and would sit outside on the dining table, distracting her with meaningless conversations.

Oddly enough, Thomas never flinched. Maybe it was because he never slept and was just as paranoid as her. He shared the same fear, always hearing the sound of a pickaxe picking on the back of his wall. Delilah would always invite herself onto his bed, hugging him tightly and he would do the same. He had quickly learned that squeezing her tightly was effective in making her racing heart beat at a gentle pace.

Her home was warm. Not much furniture that filled the space. She liked it that way, not much clutter, especially since her mind was already very much cluttered with thoughts all over the place. Her bed was placed perfectly where the sun would shine through the window but wouldn’t glare directly into her eyes, but instead, bath her in its golden rays. Delilah didn’t do much at home. Her routine consisted of waking up, sometimes she would have breakfast, call Ada and Tommy, and sit on her couch until she would get tired and fall asleep.

She lived alone and didn’t, if not, never had anyone over at her home. But this was going to change because Ada had called a day ago while Delilah was preparing to go to sleep.

“Evening Dilly, are you free tomorrow?—of course you are, you’ve got nothing to do anyway”

Delilah scoffed at her sister’s snarky comment, “Well if taking care of Izzy counts then yes, I am very busy”.

“No, feeding and sleeping with that ginger cat of yours does not count”

Delilah laughed, her siblings never did like her ginger cat, Izzy. Arthur called it a dangerous thing because she bit him once and he now has a grudge. When John was still alive he would call her lazy girl, which wasn’t necessarily wrong. Tommy didn’t even want to be near it.

“If that’s the the case the no, I am not busy tomorrow”

“Good, I’ll be coming over tomorrow. No reason, just figured I wanted to see my cute little sister, mourn, and drink wine while we talk about our wonderful family”

Ada strutted through the busy streets with her large fur coat. Her makeup was elegantly done as always, red rogue perfectly making her lips stand out. She clutched her handbag and walked past the crowd. Ada had an aura and energy around her that made others turn their heads at her when she walked by.

Knock knock knock. She waited patiently for her little sister’s arrival. Soon later, Delilah slowly opened the door and immediately brought a smile to Ada’s face.

“Ada!” Delilah squealed as she yanked her sister inside by her arm.

Ada gasped but quickly balanced herself back on her feet and crossed her arms around her chest, looking at Delilah with that same look she always had. That “I missed you like crazy” look.

“Morning Delilah, I’ve missed my little sister,” Ada said with a playful raised brow as she wrapped her arms around Delilah’s frame.

Delilah assisted Ada to sit on the armchair and went to the kitchen. Ada removed her fur coat placing it on the coat rack, before sitting down comfortably.

“Wine or Whiskey?”

Ada scoffed at the question.

“Whiskey is for heartbreak. Wine, now that’s for grief”

Delilah was amused by that statement. It reminded her of a time where one of Tommy’s friends, or something like that, told her that Gin was for the melancholy and Rum was for violence. But she didn’t have any of those, so it was either Wine or Whiskey. Though wine was usually used for toast and celebrations while whiskey was more for numbing the pain, there was no use in numbing a pain that would never go away. So instead we commemorate it. And Polly was a person to celebrate.

Delilah poured the drink into their cups and they both raised a toast, “To Polly, one hell of a woman she was” said Ada. Delilah nodded and took a sip of her wine.

“That she was”

As they drank, Ada wrapped an arm around Delilah’s shoulder and layed on it. Ada took a deep breath and released a deep sigh. One that dissolved all the weight in her chest. Delilah let her eyes close shut gently. Just having Ada—her only sister, here with her was enough to anchor her back to the ground beneath her very feet. Delilah didn’t know that all she needed to remind her that she’s still real was for another human being to hold her hand and say, “I see you”.

“You know I’ll always be here with you right Delilah?” Ada blurted, her fingers lovingly brushing down Delilah’s brown curls.

Delilah melted into her sister's arms and grunted.

“I’ll remind you that you’re my little sister, and a very special woman in my life, if you go missing, be it physically or spiritually, I’ll never stop finding you”

Silent tears fell from Delilah’s eyes, Ada’s warm hands brushing circles on the small of her back. Ada's eyes flickered upward to the photo of Polly and John in his uniform framed very nicely near the fireplace. Delilah took the pictures from their rooms after they passed away.

“That's a nice picture of them you have there”

Delilah wiped her hot tears away, “Mhm…I don’t want to forget what they look like. I’ve already forgotten what Mom and Dad look like. And Malcolm…”

The mention of Malcolm’s name made Ada sit up straight. “Malcolm? wasn’t that your boyfriend as a kid?”. Delilah swatted Ada’s arm and Ada giggled playfully.

“No he wasn’t my boyfriend. He was just a really good friend of mine back when I was 9. I don't know why, but I have really bad memory. I seem to have forgotten what he looks like already…”

Ada shrugged, “Well it was 17 years ago, that is a long time, Dily”.

Delilah nodded and sighed. She realised that she was starting to forget faces when she couldn’t even get an image of her mother in her head when asked what she looked like. All she could remember was that she had beautiful blue eyes and a voice soft like a feather. And John, she almost forgot if he had brown or blond hair, or if he had freckles on his skin.

So for Polly, she promised she would never forget what she looks like. Polly had beautiful brown curls that she never failed to style so beautifully, every tie and every hairpin fit so perfectly. She had eyes that commanded and hands that could make a man crumble. Those same hands that soothed all her siblings to sleep

“I miss Pol, Ada”

“I miss her too love, let’s just sit here together and talk about her okay? I have all day”

Lucas Woods was wandering around Saint Jude’s Church. Everyone in Small Heath always joked about how Father Woods never leaves the Church. How his soul is stuck there. If you needed someone, you could bet your last penny that Lucas Woods would be there, sitting gracefully on a pew, staring off into the distance.

When the Church was empty—which was always the case, he walked out and found himself at the back of the Church. An overgrown grass patch with wildflowers, and an oak tree in front of him. The oak tree was calling for him to lay underneath it. For once, he felt his chest tightening and his heart telling him to just lay down and let the grass settle on him. Lucas made his way to the tree and hesitantly lowered his body down onto the grass. The tree leaves and long branches sheltering him from the blazing sun. He felt the tight strings stitched into his heart loosening slightly as he rested.

He must’ve fallen deeply asleep because he didn’t realise that there was another person who had been watching him as he rested.

“Delilah?”

Delilah’s eyes widened and she shook her head, “Oh, Oh! Lucas I’m so sorry! I was just walking around here and saw you laying down and thought something had happened to you…” she sputtered.

Her genuine concern was something that Lucas loved about that girl. He could not help but smile at her trying to explain herself. He blinked awake, sunlight shining in his eyes.

“That’s alright Delilah, I was just sleeping. Sorry to worry you my dear”

Delilah’s cheeks flushed a light shade of red. Lucas scooted a little to the side and patted on the empty space next to him. As soon as she sat next to Lucas she could feel the tension in her shoulders relax. Lucas was looking off into the distance as he always did and Delilah was staring at him once again. He just looked so unexplainably at peace but so tired at the same time. The way his eyes had heavy bags but the way his skin was reflecting off the sun so breathtakingly. She always thought everyone she saw was beautiful. And Lucas was beautiful. So painfully beautiful.

Lucas turned to face Delilah and gave her a warm smile, catching her off guard. “Is there something on my face?” he teased. Delilah laughed, “No Lucas, it’s just that…” she reached her hands out as she spoke, and her fingers rested ever so lightly on his textured skin. Lucas watched—feeling his heartbeat quicken and his face warming up slowly but he found himself never wanting her hands to leave.

“Just what, Delilah?”

“Just that you look so beautiful”

His eyes locked onto hers, a mix of surprise and vulnerability reflected in his gaze. As she touched his face, a gentle warmth spread through his body. He remained silent, unsure how to respond to the sincerity in her voice. The word "beautiful" hung in the air, unfamiliar yet deeply touching. For a moment, time seemed to pause, with only the sound of their quiet breathing filling the space between them. His silence wasn't indifference; it was the quiet reverence of someone hearing something beautiful for the first time.

“I’ve never heard that one before,” he mused.

Delilah didn’t respond. Instead, she just let her hands rest on his skin. She didn’t need him to believe her words. But she always felt that she needed to let others know just how beautiful they looked. She couldn't help but be captivated by the unique features of everyone she met. Each person's face told a story, and she found herself drawn to the distinct qualities that made them who they were. With an infectious enthusiasm, she'd often blurt out compliments, her words spilling from a genuine place of admiration. "You're so beautiful," she'd say, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. The way someone's smile lit up their entire face, the quirky shape of their eyebrows, or the radiant glow of their skin—each trait was a masterpiece in her eyes.

“You’re beautiful yourself, Delilah”

Delilah smiled sheepishly at his compliment. Hiding her face in her hands. “Goodness… Lucas, I'm so sorry” she chuckled.

“You just look like someone I once knew,” She muttered.

HMP Birmingham, 1934

The guard didn’t even look him in the eye when he unlocked the cell door.

“You’ve got a visitor,” he muttered.

Michael Shelby stood from the narrow bed, smoothing the wrinkles from his worn shirt. His expression sharpened with suspicion—he wasn’t expecting anyone. Not yet, anyway. His boots scraped against the cold floor as he followed the guard through the dim corridors, passing faces he no longer bothered to remember.

In the visiting room, a single man sat at the far end, hands folded neatly in front of him. He was young, but the way he carried himself made him seem older—like something gnawed away at him from the inside out. His clothes were modest and neat. The kind you wouldn’t glance twice at on the street. Michael slid into the chair opposite him, the wood groaning faintly under his weight. The stranger lifted his head, pale eyes meeting Michael’s without much urgency.

“You’re the visitor?” Michael asked, one brow lifting.

The man simply nodded. No name. No pleasantries.

There was a long pause, just the steady ticking of the clock on the wall. Michael drummed his fingers against the table, impatient. “Well?”

The man spoke, his voice low, almost bored. “Your wife made arrangements. She’s paid well.”

Michael leaned forward slightly. “Arrangements for what?”

“To take care of Thomas Shelby.”

The words hung heavy between them. Michael’s jaw tightened.

“No”

The visitor tilted his head, studying him the way one might study a flickering candle, wondering how long it would last.

Michael’s voice was steady. “I kill Thomas Shelby myself. But Arthur goes first.”

The man said nothing, only tapping a finger lightly against the edge of the table. As if he had heard the same thing a hundred times before. Michael went on, voice hardening, “Arthur’s a rabid dog. If I don’t put him down first, he’ll come straight for me. It has to be him first. Then Tommy.”

At last, the man gave a small nod. “As you wish, Mr Gray” he said easily, like the outcome was none of his concern. He stood, smoothing the front of his coat, preparing to leave. But just before he turned away, he glanced back over his shoulder.

“I hope you don’t regret your choices,” he said softly. Then he was gone, slipping from the room with the same soundless efficiency he had arrived with, leaving Michael sitting alone beneath the flickering overhead light, feeling—for the first time in a long time—very, very cold.

[wishchip106]

i’m looking at those certain tiktok xmen fans

[cultkinkcoven]

@zaizai-11037 Decided to make a whole post about this because I realized I actually have A LOT to say about this. Hope that’s okay lol

Ok, the first thing is that Lord Lucifer is not a human. You don’t feel jealous when you see the sun shining on someone else’s face because you too can go out and stand in the sunlight. You don’t get jealous that someone across the planet is seeing the moon, because you know you will see her in a few hours. Lucifer is not a man, he is a spirit that can be embodied. He is in the artist’s pen and the poet’s tongue, he is the raven caw and the howling wind. I try not to anthropomorphize him *too much*, because he is not a human. He’s not an invisible man. He is everywhere at once, and I know that he’s still with me even when I can’t see him. He’s still with me when he’s with everyone else.

The other thing is knowing that he’s still speaking to me through his interactions with others. That’s why I love reading other people’s experiences so much, I learn more about him through them. And sometimes those posts inspire me to approach him with new questions. I feel a kinship with others who know him like this, I’m excited and relieved to know I’m not the only one. My immediate response is usually awe rather than jealousy.

And lastly, my Lucifer is mine. Every relationship every person has with him is unique. Lucifer may have many lovers but none of them are the same. I don’t yearn to experience what others are experiencing, I’m busy having my own experiences. It’s nice to witness them experiencing something similar to me, we can relate to each other. But no one else is ever going to be what I am to him, and the same applies to everyone he has ever had a relationship with. My Lucifer talks to me and manifests to me differently than he does to anyone else, even if he uses a few of the same tricks.

I was going to end this post here, but I think that would be a bit dishonest. To be completely real, I DO get a little bit jealous sometimes lol. It’s one of those things that is illogical and unavoidable sometimes, feeling that way isn’t wrong, especially when it is uncontrollable. Such is the way of the human heart. I saw a post from an amazing artist who painted a beautiful piece for him and their caption said something like “I want to be his personal painter” and I was like !!IM! His personal painter!!!

It’s silly lol, and it’s fun to laugh about it. Having jealousy isn’t really the issue, the actions one takes afterwards however may be.

The thing that has always made it easier for me has been Lucifer’s reaction himself. I know he’s just happy to have two painters. He seems to find it endearing when I find myself in these little ruts. My eagerness to please him, to compensate for my slight jealousy, only means I’ll be more vigorous in my devotion. And in some weird way, his teasing makes everything feel less serious.

“Oh, are you working hard for me, my boy?”

“That seemed to strike a nerve, are you going to make me a painting too now?“

He has a sense of pride knowing that I do get jealous, that I do want to be favoured. And I gain fulfillment from my increased efforts.

and i don’t even know if I should say this, but the realest answer of them all is sometimes I do get jealous and I just act like a brat. That’s it. He’s extremely in tune with my mood and he notices the slightest hint of attitude- and then he’s immediately present.

“what’s your problem?”

“who are you looking at like that?”

sometimes the only good answer is to just ask for attention, and Lucifer luckily is usually very willing to give it. He has never turned away from me when I needed him, even when all I needed was validation. He is never too far away and he will always come when I call. He’s very good at easing my obsessive mind.

So the tldr is: asides from the whole not a human being thing, Lord Lucifer is really good at keeping his hoes in check

So happy that Lord Lucifer has other followers … cause on the days I don’t have the time or energy to be at my altar or offer him something, I’m so so relieved to see posts from other Luciferians talking about what they did with him that day. It’s like, oh, thank Gods, there are others leaving him sweet treats and writing him poems and showering him in praises today. He still has the support of his cult behind him even when I’m away, he’s not alone. And seeing other people’s experiences just makes me even more excited to reunite with him. I love seeing his little quirks appear in other people’s conversations with him.

something something spiritual polyamory? ?Rejoicing in the shared love of a God is so magical …

[lightgamble]

DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN | 1.04

How 'bout that friend of yours? You save his life? You lost him, didn't you, Red?

[shblackwoodart]

have some arthur wips. as a treat.

[mii-ruby]

first of all, since you are very focused on me making my choices and getting personal using the words 'rich coming from', and by doing that making weak claims in your argument, this is ridiculous.

Is it shocking that I would point out your obvious bias after you accused me of sugarcoating things because of mine? It is suddenly a "weak argument" when directed at you, but perfectly acceptable when you apply it to others? Fascinating logic. In any case, if being called out feels unfair, perhaps it would be wise to not start with personal accusations in the first place.

IF you have points of argument, bring it to the table instead of being attacking personally. I talked about your narrative rather than talking about you and question your choices.

I have already answered most of your points in my other reblog, but you decided to ignore it for some reason.

Anyone can like any character. Did I ask why you like yona?

I didn't question why you loved Soowon either, I merely pointed it out

‎Yes it is. That's not how making an argument works. You need to chose a side in your debate.

I said that Yona was temporarily retreating because she wants to take the dragons to safety and because she got overwhelmed by the situation. What sides are there to take her?

What bothers me here is, after making use of Soowon's character's intellect to get all bordering countries as a Vassal nation, yona will get a ready made store bought state of kingdom to rule. That is if she rules. I would have absolutely loved it  if she had been shown to be involved in these political games in another light. BUt that's my opinion.

So you're basically dissatisfied with the way the dynamic of governance works? Let me tell you something: A ruler that is wise and capable should strive to leave the country stronger for their successor. A competent king does not envy the ease he affords his heir, but does his best so that the next reign can focus on prosperity rather than survival. I don't think you would've minded it if Soowon's heir happened to be his son, your issue is that it's Yona who's inheriting the "fruit of Soowon's work". Even though in reality many of Soowon's achievements would not have been possible without Yona’s own actions. It's ironic that you bring up Xing kingdom as an example. It was certainly not Soowon's "intellect" that secured Kouka such a vital ally, but Yona’s compassion and tireless efforts to bridge the gap between Kouren and Soowon. The same can be said of this final war against Kai, where Soowon himself admits he was saved by the very people he discarded. Only his fans refuse to see this reality.

‎I don't know what is making you happy at your own statement. But let me brief this point in case for you a bit. what yona in her travel did, was no doubt an act of kindness. But it didnt even scratch the real cause of situations at the surface. sei and water tribe arc was best IMO. Im saying state level taken by government to resolve an issue even IRL is way massive and different than an activist/ NGO doing it by so many ways. We were just not shown the effects of Soowon's actions taken for the country because the story us being told from yona's narrative. It will accentuate and highlight her action and their reactions.

Once again you're making it into a competition between Yona and Soowon. I merely stated that it was normal for people to be grateful to Yona for her direct help. Even irl activists tend to be more popular with the people than actual governors, precisely because they are seen personally engaging with communities and addressing their needs face to face. Their actions are immediate and visible, whereas the work of a ruler (implementing reforms and setting long term policies) often takes time to bear fruit and is not always perceptible at the individual level. It is only natural that people more readily recognize and respond to what they can directly witness.

‎I literally *rolled my eyes* here at the childishness. You added that emoji like you made a really good point or did a prank and is happy about it all on your own.Sure i guess whatever makes you happy.

After reading your different replies and seeing how you "blah" me and call my posts April fool jokes, I thought I'd step to your level and see. Are you dissatisfied?

Yona did nothing wrong (chapter 267)

Given that we're getting the next chapter soon, I wanted to comment on this matter a last time. Akatsuki no Yona is not a fatalistic story. It showed us that things could be changed to the better through hard work. That's why, this story will never promote the idea that one should surrender to their abusers and accept their fate for the greater good. Because yes, the dragon gods are abusers: they're akin to the toxic controlling partner (or parent) who gaslights you and claims to know what's better for you, who claims their unreasonable behaviour is justified in the name of love, that it is your fault for not appreciating it, and that everything bad that happens, will be because you didn't listen to them.

Neither Yona nor Hiryuu are selfish, foolish or evil for seeking to escape a toxic environment. It is never the victim's fault for rejecting their abuser. And whatever natural disasters befall the innocent people in Kouka will be because the gods chose to unlish destruction with their own hands, not because Yona refused to yield to their suffocating love and oppression.

In fact, Yona's defiance isn't only morally justified, but also logically sound for several reasons:

1- the gods have proven themselves to be untrustworthy, by attempting to kill the very people they promised to turn human and send back to earth, leading to their current descent to madness from repetitive contract breaking. If Yona had trusted them and they later went back on their word, she'd be called dumb and naïve instead.

2- The contracts they're imposing are one sided and self serving. A contract should allow both parties to put their own terms and conditions, yet Yona is denied this right. They're desperate to regain their strength, and once that happens nothing will stop them from breaking a contract or two. Ooryuu confirms that they'll keep imposing increasingly absurd conditions, but Yona is expected to comply with these absurdities?

3- The gods had already started withdrawing their "devine protection" the moment Yona entered the chalice. They were already planning to abandon humanity all together. Their protection of humans so far was only linked to Yona's well-being, that's why, if anything, Yona returning to earth would actually coerce them into maintaining their devine protection out of fear for her safety.

4- by returning to earth, Yona isn't severing all ties with the gods. She can go back to heaven and negotiate a contract whenever she wants thanks to the chalice and a drop of her own blood. Far from "abandoning" her people to certain death, she's giving herself the opportunity to assess the situation firsthand. Is this "devine protection" really necessary? Would its absence really affect the country in an irreversible way? Can't the people actually work through this crisis hand in hand and overcome it? After all, nothing guarantees the images shown by the gods are real, or much absolute. Yona has already defied fate: saving Hak from Zeno's attack, and seeking out the dragon worriers to prevent his death, proving that nothing is set in stone, and that you can change the future through analysing the current situation to decide on the best course of action

5- Kouka isn't facing "immediate" destruction. The sun didn't disappear, it merely got veiled by clouds, much like in winter. People are able to walk down the streets without using torches or candles. While Photosynthesis may decrease, crops will not wither overnight. Kouka also ought to have its own food reserves for similar crises. It also now posses several vassal states that could help providing food and housing for the most affected areas.  This leaves enough time to evaluate the situation and decide on the best conduct to adopt

6- The fundamental problem remains that the gods are apathetic to humans. They're unable to relate to them, and often minimise their suffering. Yona's return to heavens won't be more than a fleeting remedy to a lasting problem. As the protagonist of the story and Hiryuu's reincarnation, Yona ought to treat the problem at its root and find a way to bridge the gap between gods and humans, eventually making a contract that cannot be broken. Can this be achieved through surrendering yourself to vicious fickle beings? What was Akatsuki no Yona about all along? Was it a story praising self sacrifice and martyrdom as the absolute form of strength, selflessness and generosity? Or was it a story about struggling through the mud, relying on your actions, efforts and choices to shape your outcome? About challenging injustice, resisting fate and finding alternative paths? Which of these best describe Yona's actions in this chapter? Think about it, and find your answer.

[prosypepper]

“satoru,” you yawn, “come back to bed please.”

you’re staring at him in the entryway of the living area, taking in his lanky form in his chair with tired eyes. satoru’s blindfold is discarded on the coffee table, eyes glowing enough for you to see the bags sitting heavily under his eyelids.

“i’m not tired,” he states simply, eyes flittering up to you for only a second. it’s written all over satoru’s face that he is in fact tired—no, exhausted, but for some reason, he just won’t sleep.

you sigh, deeply. your body aches with tiredness of your own, screaming at you to go back to sleep because you have to be up in a few hours. instead, you just walk over to him, slippers dragging along the floor with you. it doesn’t take you long to climb into his lap, laying horizontally over him and curling up into a ball right there, his arms coming to hold you closer to him.

before you can even hope of helping him fall asleep, you’re knocked out in his arms, chest rising and falling so calmly even satoru feels jealous. but he does not blame you. satoru simply looks at you, then back up, then back down, over and over.

no, he’d never tell you why he was like this. watching over your sleeping form just makes him all the more protective, makes him feel like he needs to be awake to watch his surroundings. just in case anyone tried anything.

he knows they wouldn’t dare, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

everyone else in the world felt differently, but to satoru, you were the only thing that mattered. the only thing he had left in this cruel, mean world. you were the only reason satoru breathed.

so, yes, he would endure as many sleepless nights as it took to keep you safe. his own health did not come first, you did. all you needed to know was he had his reasons for spreading himself so thin.

you were simply his world. his love.

and satoru would be damned if anyone was going to take that away.

[monstersholygrail]

Yandere!Work Colleague

Male Yandere x Fem!Reader ||

Your colleague forms a new crush on you once you tell him you like his special coffee and now he won’t stop giving you more. He’ll give you everything

Yandere!Work Colleague tries to act normal but is way too shy to ask out his office crush. He’s seen them around the office, always looking so confident. But he can never get up the nerve to talk to them, ask them out. Even when working on a project with them, the most he’ll say is, “Here’s y-your tea— your coffee, I mean!” And hand it to them before scurrying off. Of course making sure to put his ‘special cream’ into the drink beforehand.

But only now as he heads back to the tray of drinks, his brows furrow, not seeing your drink in the tray. He swore he had just moved it a second ago. His face drops as he realizes there must’ve been a mix-up. He whirls around only to watch in horror as you drink the coffee with his personal ingredient in it.

He swears he’s not breathing as you take a few long gulps. He hopes to every God there is that you won’t notice anything off about it. Sweat dots at his brow as you place the coffee down and lick your lips in a way that curiously has his cock twitching.

“Hmm. This is better than usual, thanks,” you comment, so casually, as if you hadn’t just turned his entire world upside down.

Everything was different now, he saw everything in a new and shiny bright light. And all those lights always came back to you. His whole world now revolving around you. The way you talked to him so effortlessly, smiled at him, acknowledged him. He’d never experienced anything like it before. Not from his old office crush or anyone. You were… special.

Since that day he’s been chasing after you like a dog with a bone. Always offering to carry your stacks of paperwork from meetings to your desk. He makes sure to linger so that everyone in the office will gossip and wonder if you two are together. If he’s asked he’ll say yes, if only to live in the possibility that one day you will be.

He does everything he can for you during group assignments. Getting done work you might’ve not gotten too. You were tired and you needed your sleep. And he just so happened to glance at your computer as you were signing in one day. So signing in himself to get some work done for you was simply just a kind thing to do from one colleague to another. Of course he’d never do it for anyone else besides you. No matter how much his coworkers complained about all he does for you around the office.

Most of all though, he still always makes sure to bring you your morning coffee every day. The way your face lights up at the sight of him with the cup, your smiles and happiness just for him. No one else would dare, they know by now you’re basically his. Besides… no one else can make it like him. You’ve said so yourself.

He makes sure every morning to prepare his special ingredient with extra care. Images of you flashing across his mind as he slowly pumps his cock. Imagining how you’d look all pretty and split open on his length. How you’d call out his name and ask why he didn’t do this sooner. Squeezing his cock and pretending it’s you milking him for all your worth.

When he finally cums straight into your coffee he fantasizes it’s his thick ropes of cum shooting straight into your womb. A low raspy groan rips from his throat, his hips jerking as he just keeps coming to the thought of you. The coffee is nearly overflowing by the time he’s done.

He knows you’ll be grateful for the extra bit of drink, your lips pulled into a bright smile. He wonders how bright it would look wrapped around his length and he shudders as he hands it to you.

If he didn’t have to get to his desk, he’d watch you drink every last drop of it. Relishing in the fact that for now, at least, he’s inside of you in one way. Knowing soon he’ll be inside you in every way humanly possible.

But for now he’s content to simply bring you your coffee every morning and anything else you need handled. He’ll gladly take care of you in any way possible. Someday he’ll take care of you in every way. And nobody will be able to stop him.