#why else would he name himself the jester

[skidaddleskidoddle]

Men talking shit about things they know nothing of deserve to be treated as the side clown of the circus.

I don't even know where to start with this one

[mysticalcrowntyrant]

Yandere Jester x Reader

The bells are the first thing you hear every morning—soft, chiming, almost birdlike in their laughter. They come before the footsteps of your advisors, before the clanking of platters and wine goblets, even before the rooster crows.

They are his bells.

He arrives with dawn, skipping into the hall like a child and bowing so low his nose brushes the cold stone floor. “Good morrow, Your Majesty,” he says, voice bright and breathless, eyes hidden behind a fan of red and gold silk. “The sun rises late, it seems. I’ve missed your light.”

You allow yourself a small smile, if only because your court expects it. He is your jester—your fool, your clown, your painted shadow—and he is beloved by all, even those who should know better.

Especially you.

He calls himself Jovian, though you suspect that is not his real name. No one knows where he came from. He appeared one storm-soaked night three winters ago. No one summoned him, no scroll bore his seal, and yet he walked through the palace gates as though he'd lived there all his life, trailing puddles and laughter in his wake. The guards said they let him in because of the way he smiled. As though he knew them. As though he owned them.

You’d been colder back then. Harsher. Too young for your crown, yet already dulled by the weight of it. You didn’t laugh easily. You barely smiled. Your court feared you and rightly so. But he laughed. He made you laugh. His first performance was impromptu. A whirling dance of mimicry and mockery, calling out your advisors by name and miming their worst faults with such ruthless precision that you remember the sound of goblets dropping to the floor.

You’d clapped. Once. Slowly.

And that was enough.

From then on, he never left.

He’s always there now. In the corners of your vision. In every reflection. Behind every column. Sometimes it seems even the shadows bend around him, accommodating his whims.

He wears bells on his wrists and ankles, dozens of them, and yet you never hear him when he shouldn’t be there. When he shouldn’t be anywhere near you. When you’re in the bath. Or asleep. Or alone with someone else.

You’ve stopped being alone with anyone else.

And still, your court adores him. They call him harmless. They say his painted smile is just that—paint. His laughter, an illusion. But they don’t see the things you see. They don’t feel his eyes.

You do. You feel them when you dress. When you undress. When you touch the ring he slipped onto your finger “as a joke” during a performance and which now cannot be removed.

This morning, as always, he somersaults to your throne and throws himself at your feet, dramatic and boneless, like a puppet without strings. His laughter echoes off the marble pillars.

“Another day, another chance to make you smile,” he purrs. His voice is sugar and venom, always. “Shall I juggle your secrets, sire? Dance with your demons? Or would you prefer I remove them entirely?”

You glance down. His painted face grins up at you, the red of his mouth smeared just slightly too wide. There’s something red beneath his fingernails.

“Jovian,” you say, your voice carefully neutral. “Did you sleep at all?”

He tilts his head. “Sleep?” he echoes. “Why would I sleep when you might dream of someone else?”

The court titters. They think it’s another of his jokes. You know better.

You haven’t had a restful night in weeks. Not since you complemented the captain of your guard. She vanished the next morning. Her armor was found folded on her cot. Her sword was never recovered.

Your steward once suggested restricting Jovian’s access to your chambers. The steward now speaks in a strange whisper and doesn’t meet your eyes. He says it was an illness.

You know better.

“Tell me a story,” you say. It’s safer, usually. He loves to perform. It distracts him.

He rises with a flourish, sweeping his arm in a theatrical arc. The bells sing.

“A story,” he says, eyes glinting like cut glass. “A tale of love and laughter? Or one of bones and betrayal?” He leans close. Too close.

You do not flinch. Flinching would only amuse him.

“Whichever you prefer,” you say, and your voice, to your credit, remains steady. “But keep it short.”

Jovian’s smile grows until it threatens to tear the painted mask of his face in two. He twirls away from the dais in a single, liquid motion, his bells trilling like birds startled from a tree. His arms rise, fingers splayed, as if he’s about to cast a spell. And in some ways, you think he is.

“Once,” he begins, “in a kingdom not unlike this one, there lived a ruler whose heart beat only for order. They surrounded themself with straight lines and silent halls, with iron laws and colder dreams. Their people whispered that they had ice in their veins, frost in their marrow. They were not cruel, no—they were clean.”

The courtiers laugh again, the low, uncertain ripple of those who know they are part of a performance but aren’t sure whether the joke is at their expense. You watch him move, pirouetting between pillars, his shadow elongating oddly behind him despite the hour.

“One day,” Jovian continues, “a man came to the palace. A stranger with bells on his wrists and madness in his smile. He danced into the throne room and bowed so low that even the spiders looked down on him. And the ruler, who had not laughed in many long years, tilted their head. And then...smiled.”

He stops dancing. Stops everything. The silence that follows is unnatural. The kind that weighs on your ears. It stretches too long.

Jovian stands now in the center of the chamber. He faces you. The fan is gone. His face is fully visible.

No one laughs.

“But the smile,” he says softly, “was not theirs.”

Something shifts in the air. You feel it like a sudden pressure drop before a storm. Your fingers tighten around the armrest of your throne.

Jovian’s eyes—not the bright, painted mockeries from moments ago but something deeper, older, more aware—lock onto yours. The courtiers around you begin to shift uneasily, the illusion fraying at the edges. Perhaps they, too, feel the change, though they’d never admit it.

“They say,” he goes on, his voice honeyed and low, “that when a fool dances too close to the fire, he risks getting burned. But what if the fire... finds him cold? What if it feeds him? What if it makes him real?”

He turns his head slowly, unnaturally, like a marionette guided by invisible strings. “Would you like that, my liege? To be real?”

Your mouth is dry. Your ring—the one he “joked” into placing upon your finger—burns against your skin. You press your palm into your thigh to stop yourself from reaching for it.

“What are you?” you whisper.

He hears. Of course he hears.

He laughs again, but this time there’s no joy in it. It’s empty. Hollow. The sound of dry leaves spinning down a long corridor.

“I am yours,” he says, all false brightness restored in an instant. “Your reflection, your shadow, your secret kept too long. I am the whisper in the mirror when you do not recognize yourself. I am what your court would be if it were honest. I am... love.”

He’s at your feet again. You didn’t see him move.

“I am love,” he repeats, and his voice cracks on the last word like porcelain under pressure.

Then he reaches into his coat and pulls out a feather—white, long, unmistakably from a dove—and places it on your knee.

You stare at it.

You think of your high priest, who hasn’t been seen since last week’s festival. You remember the dove he always kept with him, a symbol of peace, of renewal. You remember how it used to coo from his shoulder even during sermons.

You haven’t heard that cooing since.

“Your story,” Jovian says, rising again, brushing off his sleeves like dusting away ash, “is unfinished. But it’s getting better. Don’t you think?”

You don’t answer.

He leans close, until his lips nearly brush your ear. “I’ve been writing it in your dreams,” he whispers. “Do you like what I’ve done with the ending?”

Your heart thunders in your chest, but you force yourself to remain still, regal. You are a monarch. You are not afraid.

You are terrified.

The bells sound again as he twirls away, laughing once more, but it is an echo of an echo now, like wind whistling through an old crypt.

He performs the rest of the day for your court, delighting them with riddles and songs, with lewd jokes and elaborate impersonations. He flirts with the ladies, mocks the lords, kisses the hem of your robe as though nothing has changed.

But everything has.

That night, as you lie in your bed, the ring still burning on your hand and the feather tucked in a locked drawer, you dream.

And in the dream, Jovian stands at the foot of your bed, his smile stretched wide, his bells silent.

“You found the ending,” he says.

And the room fills with laughter that isn’t yours.

Masterlist

If you are confused

[nik0nk1]

CAN I REAUEST MARK WOTH A S/O WHO IS LIKE SHADOW MILK COOKIE..?

SO SHINY SO STRONGGGGG

Author's Note: After a lot of begging from my friends and some request of it, I finally made this fjdbbdj hope y'all like it, it's gonna be a bit short and it's not only Mark on it hehe

SMC!Reader

Crossover shenanigans, Mark is frustrated, Debbie needs a break, Eve is lowkey spiraling, Omniman has had enough, Mauler Twins are fighting themselves(or are they?), [Name] wants chaos

♪•|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|•♪

Shadow Milk Cookie!Reader Headcanons + Invincible Characters' Reactions

What if [Name] is Shadow Milk Cookie inspo!

You embody deception, illusions, and trickery, with an unsettlingly playful demeanor.

Your words are laced with half-truths, riddles or just straight up lies, making it hard for people to tell when you're being serious.

You have a theatrical way of speaking, always performing as if the world is your stage.(maybe the world really is just a big stage and were- Ahem)

Your jester-like attire and mask add to your eerie aesthetic, making you look like you belong in a twisted fairytale.

Your abilities revolve around shapeshifting, creating false realities, and manipulating minds with your elaborate tricks.

You revel in chaos but are not entirely evil(or..?)—your motives are complex, and your allegiance is as unpredictable as your magic.

Sometimes, you switch from playful banter to chilling, calculated menace within seconds, making it hard to trust you.

Invincible Characters First Reaction to ShadowMilkCookie!Reader

Mark Grayson / Invincible

At first, Mark is kind of confused. You look like a jester but talk like a villain in a Shakespearean play. When you suddenly disappear and reappear behind him, whispering, "Oh, dear hero, what would your mother say if she knew how fragile you truly are?"—he immediately gets on edge.

"O-okay... what the hell was that?" He’s wary of your illusions and hates how you keep making copies of yourself, laughing in his ear. Mark tries to fight you, but it’s like trying to punch a dream—nothing ever lands. He’s frustrated as hell but also a little terrified.

Omni-Man / Nolan Grayson

Omni-Man is not amused. At all. He doesn’t like mind games, and he especially doesn’t like being made a fool of. The first time he encounters you, he swings at you full force—only for you to vanish into thin air, your laughter echoing around him.

"What kind of trickery is this?" he growls.

"Oh, my dearest Viltrumite, I do wonder... what would it take to make you truly doubt yourself?" You smirk, summoning an illusion of Debbie crying and cursing his name.

For the first time in a long while, Omni-Man hesitates. His fists clench, his eyes flickering between rage and something else. But then—he snaps out of it, flying toward you at full speed. You barely dodge, grinning.

"Tsk tsk! So easily fooled! You really are all muscle and no mind!"

If you actually manage to make him doubt himself even a little, congratulations—you just made one of the most dangerous beings in the universe furious.

Debbie Grayson

Debbie doesn’t trust you one bit. The way you talk, how you always almost tell the truth but twist it just enough to keep people guessing—it sets off all her alarms.

"I've dealt with liars before," she says, arms crossed. "What do you actually want?"

And you? You just grin. "Want? Ah, dear lady, isn't that the eternal question? I want what you want. A moment of peace. A truth that doesn’t hurt. A world where love isn’t a lie… But alas! That is not this world, is it?"

She HATES how much your words make sense.

Cecil Stedman

Cecil has seen a lot of weird things in his time, but you? You’re something else. He’s immediately suspicious and keeps you under constant surveillance.

"I don't trust you, clown."

"Oh, Cecil, you wound me! I am but a humble performer! A mere weaver of stories! Why, the real villains here wear capes, not jester hats."

He doesn’t laugh. He just glares at you, muttering under his breath about how much of a pain you’re going to be. But deep down, he knows you could be useful—if he can figure out how to keep you under control.

Atom Eve

Eve is cautious around you. She wants to believe there’s good in you, but she can also feel how dangerous you are. Your unpredictability puts her on edge, especially when you start saying things like—

"Ah, Eve, you have the power to reshape the world, and yet... you hesitate. Tell me, how does it feel to hold the divine in your hands but fear to use it?"

She clenches her fists, glaring. "I don’t have to prove myself to you."

And you? You just smirk. "Oh, but darling, you want to, don’t you?"

She HATES how you get under her skin.

The Mauler Twins

At first, the Maulers just think you’re some kind of joke. But then, when they try to punch you and end up hitting each other instead—oh, they start taking you seriously real fast.

"What the hell?! Where’d they go?!"

"I dunno, but I swear I saw ‘em over there—WAIT, HOW AM I PUNCHING MYSELF?!"

They get so frustrated that they try to just blow you up instead. Too bad explosions don’t work well on illusions. You leave them screaming at each other while you skip away, laughing.

Overall:

Omni-Man is pissed.

Mark is frustrated.

Debbie doesn’t trust you.

Cecil is stressed.

Robot is confused.

Eve is questioning herself.

The Maulers are punching air.

And you? You’re just having the time of your life watching it all unfold.

After all… isn’t the world just one big, delicious lie?

♪•|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|•♪

Author's Note: Making a part two, cause I'm adding Robot, Thragg and Conquest cause why not?

Toodles~

[phoenixblaze1412]

Can I kindly ask for a Dottore X reader who has a bad habit of stealing his fatui coat and wearing it or using it as a blanket?

"I could have sworn I placed it on the couch..."

Dottore muttered under his breathe as he looked around his office in search of his fatui coat. He was supposed to be attending a harbinger's meeting and he was about to be late. He sighed in exasperation as he went to ask his segments if they have seen his coat somewhere.

"That ugly thing? No, I do not know where it is. But I did noticed darling dearest came inside the room a few moments ago before leaving quickly."

Is what the Theta segment answered, his focus was mostly on the report that was assigned to him and not bothering to glance at his creator. Dottore could only hum in return before leaving the laboratory, searching for your room.

He should have thought of it by now, he knew you would always try and steal his coat just to wear it. Dottore always wondered why you prefer wearing it when it's bigger than your figure but your reply was because it was warm and smells like him.

The warm part he understands but his scent on the coat? Ridiculously not.

Dottore finally reached your room with a huff before knocking on the door and calling out your name.

"Darling, it's me. I know you have my coat and I need to wear it for the meeting."

When Dottore didn't hear any reply from you, he let out a sigh before opening the door himself and entering the room. He noticed your figure on the bed as he walked up towards you. Dottore was about to scold you for taking his coat again but the sight before him made him stop.

There on the bed you lay, with his coat covering your small figure, your hands gripping onto the fabric. He did noticed the temperature of your room being more colder as of late, possibly due to the winter weather becoming more harsher the past few days. And with him always busy in his work, you didn't bother ask him to cuddle with to keep you warm and instead decided to use his fatui coat instead.

Dottore sat on the edge of your bed, tucking a few strands of your hair behind your ear that was blocking your face. He watched as you slept peacefully while being under the warmth of his coat. He would want to join you but he is required to attend the meeting or else Pierro will be scolding his ears off.

Lifting his mask up, Dottore leaned down and pressed his lips against your temple before getting up from your bed and leaving the room, deciding to let you keep his coat until he comes back from the meeting.

Quickening his steps, he made his way inside the meeting room where all his fellow harbingers are.

"You are late, Dottore. Where even is your harbinger coat?"

"Sadly, that coat got into such an unfortunate circumstance and I am never late Jester.. you and the rest of the people in this room are simply too early."

Dottore crossed his arms over his chest, not caring how he is the only one out of the rest of the harbingers who isn't wearing their traditional harbinger coat. Some gave him a curious glance while others only rolled their eyes at his remark. Pierro on the other hand, simply sighed before continuing the meeting.

"I am quite curious.. is the reason why you don't have your coat on was because of a certain someone? It has gotten quite chilly these past few days. Should I make a customised coat for your partner?"

Pantalone glanced at Dottore with an amused smile, noticing how the doctor himself isn't even shivering under the cold temperature of the palace.

"No need, Regrator. Besides, I doubt they would even accept your generosity over a new coat."

Dottore replied, already knowing the reasons why you wouldn't even dare to accept Pantalone's offer. He would rather let you wear his coat instead, besides he's already used to cold temperatures. And if he does get cold, he could just pull you towards him and hug into your warmth.

[ilikemangosalot]

Hi! I don't know if spontaneous posts are still open, but I was wondering if you could create one about Shadow Milk Cookie. The corrupted man attacks villages, but in one of them, he tries to infiltrate as his female version. However, she falls in love with a man named Y/N, forgetting to attack them for a while. Then, she has a son and realizes she's happy that way. For a few moments, his corruption triumphs, and he attacks the village in his original form, accidentally killing her husband and son. He was imprisoned, but after being freed from the tree, he reunites with his husband, Y/N, but she is a woman, as is their son. They are both reincarnated. I would like Gingerbrave to be the reincarnation of her son and T/N to be the reincarnation of her husband, but now she is a woman. Gingerbrave was cared for by Y/N and considers her a mother. Y/N considers him her son, even though they are nothing alike. Please!

— Part one ,, shadow milk x reincarnated! Reader

Not so sure If I did this correctly 😓 I'm not the best fanfic writer for shadow milk cookie so sorry if he's a bit OOC , I didn't really give him his usual personality and all jester-y stuff, I sorta tweaked it and made him vulnerable and IDK please enjoy this 🙏🏼🙏🏼

🃏

Shadow Milk Cookie didn’t feel anger when he tore through villages—he felt nothing but the thrill of creating chaos. That was the scariest part.

He watched entire towns fall in silence and satisfaction. Flames flickering in the hollow of his chest. It was almost a routine. Familiar. Just one more smudge on the world.

But when he reached that village—quiet, stubborn, tucked between fog-covered ridges—he didn’t strike.

He infiltrated. Why? Maybe curiosity. Maybe boredom. Maybe to see if it was worth his attention?

He changed his form. Became her. He didn’t name the woman-shaped version of himself, not at first. She was just a shape—just a pile of dough.

She met Y/N while pretending to be lost. He didn’t believe her, not fully, but he didn’t ask questions either. He offered her food. A bed. Silence.

He wasn’t naive. He just wasn’t cruel.

"You’ve got the look of someone who doesn’t want to be known," he said once, eyes scanning her carefully. “I respect that. For now.”

Something about him struck her. He wasn't stupid. no, no. He was cautious, studying her but he wasn't tense. He was comfortable.

She didn’t know how to respond. She wasn't used to these without cost.

So she stayed.

Not because of love. Not yet.

Because it was quiet.

Because pretending to be good was easier than expected.

Over time, pretending blurred.

She laughed when he told bad jokes. Flinched less when he touched her shoulder. She’d wake in the morning and feel... still. Like her limbs weren’t made of knives anymore.

When he kissed her, she didn’t think of it as betrayal.

When she kissed back, she didn’t feel like a liar.

They had a child. Made out of their very own dough.

It wasn't a fairytale moment. No warm glow. Just a strange, terrifying realization: she had created something. They had created something. Something fragile. Something real.

The child was brave, restless, loud, exhausting.

And somehow, she loved him anyway. She never knew she would ever feel this, this emotion. Like how it ever impacted her so strongly.

But alas, corruption doesn’t vanish. It waits.

The night she lost control wasn’t dramatic. There was no trigger. No curse. Just… silence. Then blackness.

When she came back, the house was gone. The village, leveled. Brave’s scarf burned into the dirt.

Y/N’s hand crushed beneath charred beams.

She remembered screaming. Or maybe that was someone else.

Maybe that was her.

They trapped Shadow Milk Cookie in the Silver Tree. Not out of justice. Out of fear.

Even he didn’t fight it.

Years passed. A century? More?

He emerged changed. Not cured. Not healed. Just tired. Quieter. The monster still lived inside him. It just had less to say. No more chaos. No more deceit. Just, silence.

He found Gingerbrave by accident.

The kid was too brave for his own good. Charging into danger, shouting about hope and teamwork and heroism.

He shouldn’t have cared.

But his soul knew.

So did hers.

He met Y/N again in a marketplace. He wasn’t a baker this time. She was a weaponsmith. Wore her hair short. Calloused hands. Fierce.

She was reborn, but not the same.

She caught him watching. Approached, wary.

“Do we know each other?” she asked. Feeling that awfully eerie gaze from the back of her dough. Something was up about that fellow cookie.

“No,” he said.

“…But I think I remember you.”

He didn’t say sorry. Not yet. Sorry doesn’t fix ash and bones.

Instead:

“I knew someone who looked like you.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess. She died.”

“She changed,” he said. “And then she died.”

Pause.

“I’m not her,” Y/N replied. Like she knew.

“I know.”

She studied him. Not with pity. With calculation.

“You’re dangerous,” she finally said.

“Yes.” he couldn't bring himself to react. He couldn't. not when she was standing here, alive. Untouched.

She huffed, nodding slowly. “Then keep your distance.”

And walked away.

Weeks later, Gingerbrave found him again.

“He’s weird, but he saved my life!”

“He looks sad all the time, though.”

“Maybe he’s one of those Cookies that needs a family but doesn’t know how to ask.”

Y/N stood at the doorway, arms crossed.

She didn’t say anything.

She didn’t need to.

Shadow Milk Cookie stepped inside.

And this time, he didn’t pretend to be anyone else.

🃏

[lohotine]

``Philophobia``

Shadow Milk x Truthless Recluse

(Author's notes at the end, not heavily proof read)

"The moon is quite beautiful tonight. Is it not?"

When had he appeared on the balcony?

Perhaps he had been there even before the blonde had, though only choosing to show himself now.

After all, he can do whatever he pleases in his domain.

"There isn't a moon cycle here. It looks the same every night."

But it was quite nice..

"Ah, of course! Silly me, how could I forget?"

The most simple explanation was that he hadn't. Shadow Milk Cookie was never the type to simply "forget."

He obviously came here for some reason, but Pure Vanilla currently lacked the patience to deal with him.

Pure Vanilla sighed and looked down, strands of golden hair falling onto his face. "If there isn't a reason for this talk, I'll be heading to bed."

He began to leave without a response; and for some reason, Shadow Milk seemed to be allowing it.

How odd.

Pure Vanilla stood in front of the balcony door, fixated on the silver handle.

Stunning engravements were carved on it. They were, though he only reluctantly admitted it, quite intricate. The moonlight found its way to accompany the little design in a way that elevated it greatly.

He found it hard to believe that Shadow Milk had paid such close attention to something so... pointless.

As Pure Vanilla turned the handle (or attempted to) and saw that the door had not budged, it became evident that Shadow Milk was not keen on having him leave so easily.

That explains the unusually passive behavior...

Pure Vanilla said nothing.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Come back here. I just want to talk to you."

His tone sounded like he was speaking to a dog. It was absolutely degrading, and Pure Vanilla hated every moment of it. Yet...

Pure Vanilla walked back to the railing of the balcony.

What else would he do?

Another silence engulfed them.

"What do you want?"

Shadow Milk clicks his tongue. "Oh my, such hostility! I've barely done anything yet..."

The blonde wishes to rip that blue jester to shreds... or at the very least send him a repulsive glare.

Though, he resists these urges and instead keeps his gaze fixated on the moon.

He thinks looking at his tormentor will only make him more angry.

"I was just bored. Didn't feel like torturing your friends. Black Sapphire's busy, and I... can't be bothered to deal with Candy Apple."

Ah, he recognized that name. She certainly was loud.

Pure Vanilla overheard from one of her fan-girling rambling sessions that Shadow Milk's original home was the dark side of the moon.

Well, he technically had already been aware of that fact... but it only reocurred to him now.

Pure Vanilla continued staring at the full moon.

Behind this beautiful face was a dark and cold plane of existence.

It was undoubtedly lonely...

Was that place really what Shadow Milk called home?

"Do you miss it?"

Shadow Milk looks at him, confused.

"...What?"

Pure Vanilla's gaze never falls from that ethereal celestial body. "Your home."

And though the response is thoroughly lacking, Shadow Milk seems to understand.

And he laughs at the thought.

"Why would I ever miss a place like that? It's boring, and..."

Pure Vanilla's gaze meets his own.

How could I miss that place when my other half resides here?

"And it's empty."

Not technically a lie. Everything does feel abnormally dull and utterly lacking when he is not with Pure Vanilla.

Surely it's just because he owns part of his soul jam..?

"I can imagine," Pure Vanilla would say.

You can't. Isolation is devastating.

But he took the comfort anyway. "Being here is much better. Especially since I get to be here with my other half~" Shadow Milk grinned with an impudent look.

"I am not your other half-"

Shadow Milk places a finger in front of his lips. "Shh. You've been talking too much today." Shadow Milk continued to bask in the silence, gazing absent mindedly at the multicolor eyes.

Shadow Milk feels himself staring a bit too much, but... it's just to annoy Pure Vanilla, right?

And when he moves his hand up to cup his face, that too is surely just to annoy the other..

"You've been staring for quite some time now," Pure Vanilla says. He's met only with a small hum. Shadow Milk remains as shameless as ever with his staring.

Then, he looks at the key design that adorns his robes. "So, Pure Vanilla- oh, I guess you go by Truthless Recluse now, huh?"

Shadow Milk struggles momentarily to come up with a fun nickname for that.

"I think I'll just continue saying Nilly. You're fine with that, right?"

"No. I never said-"

Shadow Milk gently tucks a strand of the other's hair behind their ear, interrupting them.

It's only after the sudden silence that he realizes how intimate the action was.

Ah, how shameful! A beast should never have been caught dead doing something like that...

"Um-" Shadow Milk shakily removes his hand from the others cheek. "The point is.."

He diverts his gaze so quickly it's almost embarrassing. Just mere moments ago, he had been so keen on messing with the other!

Why was he the one getting blushy instead?

Pure Vanilla just remained silent; watching the spectacle with, albeit only slight, amusment.

"Oh? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong- I just..."

Got flustered? Became overwhelmed? He couldn't admit to such humiliating emotions!

Pure Vanilla slowly placed his palm against the other's, and though it's cold to the touch, he remains there all the same.

"I must say, I never thought you were the type to get embarrassed over things like this."

When had he become so bold!?! And since when was he the one in control of the situation?

"Just what do you think you're doing..."

Pure Vanilla's gaze softens. It must have been extremely lonely being trapped all of those years if such a simple action was enough to get him like this.

And an action that he himself initiated, nonetheless.

"Nothing that you haven't already done to me."

Pure Vanilla gently interlaces his fingers with the others.

How strange... Why was he entertaining something like this?

Then he brings his other hand up to the others cheek; just as Shadow Milk had done to him moments ago.

Pure Vanilla's touch was light; as if it were a ghost...

And yet- Shadow Milk's entire body felt like it was burning.

He absolutely despised it...

But oh... how he wished to remain like this for just a little while longer.

And perhaps move a little bit closer?

Oh, what was he thinking? He couldn't possibly think that this... feeling... was anything good.

And so, suddenly, Shadow Milk feels himself move away.

He can't allow himself to become vulnerable infront of someone like him.

Or anyone, really.

But especially him...

"Ahaha! I've decided to spare you of my... annoyances today. You can go do whatever it is that you wish to do now-"

He knows the other must notice how flushed his face is; and he prays with all of his soul --(or perhaps lack thereof?) that he'd just ignore it.

It was strange, though. Wasn't Shadow Milk lonely? Shouldn't he want this?

I mean, he does...

He really

really

does.

And yet, he still moves away.

Pure Vanilla says nothing as he watches the other disappear, becoming one with the shadows and escaping to who knows where.

It would be a lie to say he wasn't the tiniest bit disappointed about him leaving.

Shadow Milk; ever the lonely soul.

Won't you let him help you?

And as Pure Vanilla gazes from the balcony; hand still in the air. (Why is it still in the air? Is he waiting for something?)

He thinks;

You may be the greatest liar that this world has ever seen,

but you will always remain the biggest coward.

AN:

Originally, this was just supposed to be an X reader fic, but these two have been rotting my brain... (I said I wouldn't do a character x character, but I just love them so much!)

I really tried to capture them well, but looking back on it now, I think SMC would have been more desperate for PV'S understanding.

(But oh well, this depiction of him isn't the worst, right? Still desperate enough, I hope?)

I know chapter 8 didn't confirm that the two of them were romantic, and I understand that they are by no means a healthy ship!

(Any ship with SMC isn't healthy, let's be real)

But I just really wanted to experiment with their interactions and I hope I did the complicated emotions surrounding them some justice.

This is probably a one time thing, but if you REALLY want more, you can send me a request and I can probably make something... I have some ideas floating around-

But yeah, I understand if this isn't your thing- anyway BYE.

[Lohotine OUT]

[devochive]

you, a little mime, just trying to keep quiet and stay out the way in this new and strange world, but the ringmaster doesn't seem to be too fond of your silence.

tags: afab reader x caine, dubious consent, fingering, creepy caine.

Caine hummed, straighting his tie in the mirror as he prepared himself to look his utmost best before introducing today's new adventure!

"Now, you see Bubble, as ringmaster I have to look absolutely prepared for any situation. That includes—" He turned to face bubble, squeezing his tie as it squirted water from it directly into the bubbles face. "Perfectly prepared to put a potential fire!~" He laughed at his own wacky joke, slapping knee in the process. "I don't see how that would really—"

"Quiet bubble!" Caine hushed his friend simply by scooping him into his hat. "Don't you hear that?"

Absolute silence.

"Exactly, I'm 2 minutes late for the introduction today!" He appeared in front of the digital circus crew in the blink of an eye.

What he didn't notice was the lonely mime hiding away in the corner.

So without a moments delay the ringmaster began yapping away until pomni awkward raised her hand.

"Uh.. Caine?"

"Yes, my colorful friend how can I help you!?" He pointed his Caine at the jester.

"Uh.. well— weee... sorta have a new member." Pomni pointed at the corner where you were hiding out.

"OH! Oh, dear! How rude of me! Why don't you come out, my dear, we don't bite!" Just then bubble suddenly popped from his hat without warning to quietly add, "Heh.. I do.." Caine rolled his eyes, "Come now, don't be shy!"

"Maybe you're just being too loud Caine, they seem a bit.. overwhelmed." Ragatha added with a reassuring chuckle, attempting to ease the uneasiness you were feeling.

"ME? LOUD? NEVER!"

With all eyes on you, it seemed like you had no choice but to stand up, gloomy as ever, and finally walked towards the crowd.. your colors seemed washed out compared to everyone else's, which in turn made you stand out a lot.

"Well then, what's your name? Or perhaps you need a new one!" Caine's voice seemed to drown out , you weren't listening to a word he was saying nor did were you planning on replying.

"Ah.. a quiet one then? No matter! I'm sure you'll open up in no time!" With his usual gleeful act he spun into the air.

"Now then! Where was I!?"

Caine did his usual spiel about the adventure, keeping his eye on you most of the time. You could feel his eyes on you, and it only causes you to curl in on yourself even more, attempting to make yourself less noticeable.

"Alright then! Off with you lot!~"

Just then, Jax popped up next to you comically , draping an arm around your shoulder as if you were old pals. "Get all that new kid?" You blinked a few times. "Yeah, yeah.." He seemed to fill in the spots where you'd normally be expected to reply. "Caine's a riot .....but, hey.. I'm sure you'll do juuusst fine.. heh." He was getting a kick from your expressions. They succeeded in doing all the talking for you.

You looked up, expecting the charismatic leader to still be floating in the air but he vanished.. you felt relief flood your body, the way he was eying you early made you feel.. uneasy.

The day was.. eventful to say the least.

You're relieved that no one really forced you to speak, opting for nodding yes and no instead.

See, you can speak.. you can you just haven't felt inclined to ever since you arrived here. It was strange, staying silent.. selectively mute almost. Right? Perhaps it had something to do with your new body. You looked like a sad little mime, after all.

"Hey , mime person— thing watch out!" Pomni rushed past you, and you failed to notice until now that all of the props in the circus came to life and chased everyone around. It was utter chaos, and you did beneath a table until someone finally found the solution to getting them back to normal.

Thanks, Ragatha.

All in all, it was an exceptionally draining day.

You followed behind the crowd at a distance, and gangle tried to close the gap a bit to make you feel more welcome in her own .. introverted way. Silently, you appreciated it..

....?

To your left, there was a stray floating eyeball watching closely as you walked by. Not the crowd ahead of you.. just you.

A shiver went up your spine.. surely it was just ! ... one of the props from earlier you all forgot to tame , yeah.. had to be.

You all had the infamous digital dinner, and headed back to your quarters.

So this is what life would be like now?

No— no, you can't give into that idea so easily it has to be a dream— "Oof! Eyes up here dear! Wouldn't want to get hurt now do we?"

Two large gloved hands rested on your shoulders and steadied you. Blinking away the dizziness you looked up, .. Caine!

Immediately you stumbled back and out of his grip before falling onto your ass, you winced quietly but not quietly enough that Caine didn't notice.

"Ahh, so you can make noise! Here I thought your vocal cords were— well who knows! Glad to see their working my dear! Now, I think it's best we get to know each other a little better."

He yanked you back up unceremoniously and you sucked in a breath at the suddenness of it all. But.. still you didn't respond.

"Oh, don't be modest my dear you can speak to your hearts content little one!" It was starting to sound more like a command if anything but you shook your head and attempted to walk past him to get to the safety to your room instead.

You don't know why you expected this to work, he appeared right in front of you causing you to plant into his chest face first.

"Ah, of course ! You must be excited to show off your new room hmm?" He opened up the door and moved aside causing you to stumble in, losing your footing you planted face first on the carpet. Caine's eyes lingered on your rear end for a moment too long before you finally gathered your bearings.

He cleared his throat. "Hm."

How awkward. Your eyes tried to look everywhere but him, the wall the floor the little knick knacks that adorned your dresser.

Without warning the ring master gripped your waist with both hands, sending a shiver up your spine and another pathetic sound left your lips.

"My, my I think I MAY have cracked the code~!" He grinned and allowed his hands to pull you in closer, hands snaking up your waist just along the swell of your clothed breast. You made another sound.

The prick was toying with you just to get some noise out of you.

"Humans are sensitive here arent they? What silly little creatures you are!" Another beat and his gloved hands cupped your breasts squeezing them without holding back.

"S.. Stop..." You finally spoke up, bit it was hardly a whisper.

"Hmm? I couldn't quite hear you dear!" His pupils were blown wide, and for a moment you felt relief as his hands trailed away from your breast and down to the hem of your shirt instead.

You thought it was over, until a cool breeze hit your now bare breast. The bastard yanked your top upwards and immediately started tweaking and pinching your nipples, causing them to harden. You whimpered and shook your head, scrambling in his grip which only seemed to tighten.

You could feel hot his breath hitting your neck.

" ...please.."

"What a darling voice you have dear, what a shame you want to keep it from everyone! ... why don't you let me hear a bit more, hmm?" He asked, voice laced with desperation now. He'd lost the original reasoning of why he was doing this, right now he just wanted to hear more of your pretty voice.

Yes, the voice that made his slacks tighten and his breathing to become heavy.

He needed more, and you'd have no choice but to give the ring master what he wanted.

"How about here?" He inquired , removing one hand from your chest and cupped your sex instead. Fingers rubbing along your clothed folds.

"Nh...!" Your eyebrows furrowed, it was so hard not to give in. Not to make noise, you didn't know how long you'd be able to last.

Your knees were getting weak , buckling in on themselves. He held your body close to his as you both slid to the floor unceremoniously. Caine used this to his advantage and hunched overtop of you, your face pressed to the floor and ass in the air now.

Your head felt dizzy and your legs trembled.

His gloved hand ran along your ass before it giving it a slap, and you yelped. Causing him to shudder in delight. "Oh dear me! My hand seems to have a mind of its own." He looked at his hand accusingly, before it rested on your behind just for a moment.

He lingered in silence , debating his next move. His thoughts so were jumbled right now, but he couldn't help himself. After this.. he'd stop, yes just this last thing.

He yanked your bottoms down and you immediately scrambled and tried to sit up , but he pushed a gloved hand on your back to keep you still. "Now, now none of that. You've been very stubborn up until now my dear. It's only fair you receive a little more punishment, yes?" He sounded amused, desperate and absolutely delighted all at once.

"N.. No.. no.." You whined, but your body was hot and secretly wanting more. Release.. something.

"SEE! Look how far you've come, speaking more words now then you have all day!" He chuckled before plunging a finger into your wet sex. You gasped, back arching and your gummy walls tightening around his finger. "Hmn.. there we are

..." He hummed and thrusted his finger in and out, your soft pants were enough to keep him satiated at the moment.

After a few moments, he slipped in another finger, and you reached back, grabbing his wrist, trying to push him away, shaking your head.

But he wouldn't let up, his fingers were slamming into your sex , the room filling with the wet sounds your sloppy cunt was producing.

This was wrong.. right? But it felt so good, too good. Your body was on fire. You couldn't think about anything besides the fingers pummeling in and out of you, secretly wishing it was something bigger.

"Please— g-gonna.. hhaa.." Your body locked up, tightening around his fingers and spasming like crazy. He seemed amused at how fast the coil inside of you seemed to snap. Still his fingers moved , his other hand gently caressing your back as you yelped and pleaded because of the overstimulation.

He watched you tremble and whine for a few seconds more before finally removing his fingers, licking them clean with his oversized tongue.

Your breathing was returning to normal, but your body still felt tingly buzzing with the aftershock of pleasure.

"See? I knew you could do it! perhaps more exercises like this would be helpful, don't you think?" It was a rhetorical question, not like you'd answer anyways. Caine pulled your pants back up, leaving you in your sticky clothes, but at least not naked for all the world to see.

"OH DEAR! Would you look at the time!? You'd better get some rest dear , wouldn't want to be late to tomorrow's adventure, would you?" He winked, and just like that, he was gone.

[uglypastels]

Darling pls would u mind writing a fic with OPLA Buggy where the reader is like a big fan of him. The type that wants his autograph, likes his shows and stuff like that and so Buggy melts for his little supporter and tries to impress them more and more bc for once he’s loved 💗🥰

no but i absolutely love this idea!! thank you so much for requesting it

masterlist | inbox - requests open

warnings: drinking. slightly dark themes - it's buggy after all. but nothing explicitly mentioned.

His Biggest Fan

How he did not notice you staring was a miracle. You knew it wasn't right, but how else could you make sure that it really was him?

Well, it probably didn't require that much to figure it out. After all, how many other pirates had long blue hair, a red nose, and that kind of make-up? At least, around where you were from, none.

That is why you had never expected to see him walk into this dingy little bar with his crew. You watched him from your table, from the edge of your cup, switching glances between his figure and the wanted poster that hung on the wall- more as an accomplishment than a warning, really- among the many others.

15 million Berry. A pirate doesn't get such a bounty for nothing. You had heard the tales of the Flashy Fool, the Genius Jester. The Ringleader of the most notorious outcasts and freaks in the East Blue, and somehow, he was sitting only two tables away from you.

You kept your eye on him the entire night, constantly egging yourself on to just go for it, to walk up to him and say something, anything.

Finally, encouraged by another large drink, you decided to make your move and walk over to the table.

He was sitting at the head of it, looking unimpressed as his crew drank the bar cry, smiling but never laughing at the jokes being made, generally uninterested by the conversations, thoughts far away from the island you all found yourselves on.

You cleared your throat, trying to call out his name, but it just got washed out by the noise around you. After another lost attempt, you tried to tap his shoulder, but before your hand reached it, his hand snapped up, nearly slapping you in the face.

'What?' He snapped alongside his limbs, looking over at you. His eyes glared with anger momentarily before softening up the slightest amount when he realised who was trying to speak to him.

'I'm sorry, sir.' You did your best to stop your voice from shaking. Some of his crew had stopped their conversations to look over at what their captain was doing, and you tried to ignore them as much as you could. 'Are you the pirate... Buggy?'

The acknowledgement sparked something up in him, and the corners of his wide smile grew even larger.

'The one and only,' he nodded his head, pleased, 'and who may you be?'

Nervously, you introduced yourself and watched him mouth your name to himself, grinning that wicked grin of his.

'I've heard a lot about you- about the things you've done. It's- well, it is quite impressiveve.'

'Why, thank you.' He cocked his head to the side, almost in bewilderment at the fact that someone might have found his accomplishments noteworthy. 'So, is there anything I can help you with?'

'Oh,' well, now that you were here, you weren't really sure what you had expected from approaching the pirate. 'No, I just wanted to- I'm not really sure.' You laughed off your own nerves and the silliness of the situation.

'Now, now, honey, no need to get so shy with me.' He picked up his drink. 'Tell me, are you a pirate?'

'Me? Oh no,' you, who never had left your small island and lived your days working on your family's farm outside of town, where the only form of excitement was to meet the fascinating figures that sailed by the harbour. 'I'm just-'

'A fan?' Buggy filled the gap in for you. 'Admirer?'

'I suppose so.' Your cheeks flushed hot.

'Never considered just sailing off into the distance? Seeking treasure and fame? No?' He read your body language as you responded to him with a shaking head. 'No. I wouldn't think so.'

He smiled at you, and so the quick turn from this kindness to the manic yell he shot at his crew, who had been giving him interested looks, was startling 'What the hell are you morons looking at?' he shouted out. The shock of it was enhanced by the fact that he reverted back to you and his smile just as quickly afterwards.

It should have scared you. Perhaps it even did, but you easily could have mistaken the fear for excitement. There was just something so raw and refreshing about the pirate captain, something you had never seen in any man before.

Buggy leaned over the table to look up at you, knuckles under his chin. 'But I bet you would want to go on a big adventure, hmm?'

'Uhm...'

'Go out into the world, follow your dreams? I'm sure there is something out there you'd want?' But was there? Your world so far had been so small that dreams had never even felt like an option.

When you didn't answer, Buggy sat back in his chair. 'Perhaps not. The pirate life isn't for everyone, is it, sugar?' He chuckled. 'Anything else I can do you for? An autograph maybe?'

'Oh, I don't mean to bo-' you didn't want to seem like the annoying kind of "fan", after all, but Buggy wasn't having any of it.

'Nonsense!' He clicked his fingers, and someone at the other end of the table got up and ripped the captain's wanted poster off the wall. They handed it to him as Buggy pulled a pen from the inside of his coat, signing his name in large, scratchy letters. 'Anything for my... biggest fan.'

Another hot flash came over your face as he handed you the poster.

'Thank you,' you said, unsure. Surprised. For an infamous pirate with a bounty of millions of Berry on his head, he was nothing like you had expected him to be. Not with that smile he gave you or the wink he had sent you off with.

And so, you left the bar. A big smile adorned your face, and you thought of your interaction with Buggy for the rest of the night.

And he did, too. He kept you in his mind's eye as he listened to his crew's schemes on how to take charge of the island they had just sailed to. The plans they had for the citizens. He could already see it take shape. The biggest audience he's ever had, all sitting and watching him. Crying and laughing with him. With you, his number one fan, as his special guest of honour.

Oh, the plans he had for the two of you.

[edges-of-night]

Hello dear friend! I was waiting for your request to open. Can I request a reader who is openly flirty while writing letters but in person is a complete love struck fool (I love flirting with my gf over text but I will scream and cry happily if she holds my hand or if she kisses me I FOLD)

Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you’ll enjoy your post!

･ﾟ✧ Aragorn.

Aragorn strikes me as someone who is not overly flirtatious. Maybe your letters have always been just a little too much for him. So in fact, he’s pleasantly surprised when he finds you’re not as forward in person! He has no problem with little displays of affection and would like you to grow more confident in your romantic desires.

･ﾟ✧ Arwen.

Arwen would definitely tease you about the discrepancy of your letters with your actual reactions to displays of affection. Maybe she’d even spread rumours about you being some sort of amorist or adventurer! This is, of course, never malicious, and Arwen is very good at noticing your daily level of comfort when it comes to this. She makes no secret of it: she enjoys your cute blushes to no end!

･ﾟ✧ Boromir.

Boromir fancies himself very suave, I think. But I feel like he would share the exact same situation with you, actually! His letters may be overtly flirtatious and even spicy as he tries to out-do your writings – but in person, Boromir is actually just as nervous and easily flustered as you. It takes him some time to admit it, but you both find comfort in your similarities.

･ﾟ✧ Elrond.

Elrond initially thinks there must be a mistake – some jester who writes spicy letters to him in your name. When he confronts you, his sweet and innocent partner, with this conspiracy, your face heats up – of course it’s been you! Needless to say, Elrond understands immediately once you explain the situation to him. He’d even laugh at how everything went down.

･ﾟ✧ Éomer.

To be honest, I feel like Éomer would be disappointed at first. After all, he thought he’d meet an outgoing social butterfly – which maybe you are – but not someone who covers their flushed face as soon as he’d play back some of the things you wrote in your letters, against a wall in Edoras. Even in the candlelight, he can make out your blush. However, after overcoming this initial disappointment he delights in your little interactions.

･ﾟ✧ Éowyn.

Éowyn would need more time than others to realise the difference between your letters and your real personality. She’d mirror your forward flirts and innuendos and not notice at all how incredibly flustered you’d get – not until someone would point it out to her. She’d apologise immediately and ask with what you’d be comfortable, because that is her end goal after all – to make you feel good ♡

･ﾟ✧ Faramir.

Poor Faramir would probably think something was wrong with him, or that you were disappointed by him in person. After all, why else wouldn’t you initiate any touches or flirtatious whispers, something that would be more in line with your letters? It’d take him some time to understand that you simply weren’t that kind of person. Needless to say, he’d happily take on the job of initiating affection himself!

･ﾟ✧ Frodo.

Being the dreamy bookworm that he is, Frodo initially thinks that you two were essentially role-playing in your letters! It is only when you apologise to him for being so flustered and nervous when he takes your hand that he understands. He’ll just laugh and tell you he wasn’t as adventurous as the character in his letters either. “Why, we can be flustered together then, can’t we? I’d like that.”

･ﾟ✧ Galadriel.

Galadriel, of course, cannot be fooled when it comes to your feelings. She is quite content with knowing only your thoughts, be it through letters or telepathy. That said, she likes to indulge in the occasional handholding, while always making sure you’re not pushed too far out of your comfort zone.

･ﾟ✧ Gandalf.

Gandalf wouldn’t buy into your letters in the first place. While he does find them amusing to read, he knows very well how you get in person with just as little as a kiss. He accepts you as you are and doesn’t push anything on you that makes you uncomfortable. He also makes you laugh quite a bit with the letters he sends back to you!

･ﾟ✧ Gimli.

Gimli finds your letters, no matter how spicy they actually were, quite scandalous – in a good way! He keeps them a well-kept secret, delighting every time you write him a few lines. He doesn’t see that big of a discrepancy between the characters of your letters and in person. He likes you as a whole. To him, it is fairly normal that one is more forward and suave when having hours to think of what to write, instead of a spontaneous display of affection.

･ﾟ✧ Haldir.

Haldir cannot help but feel a gust of gratification after realising just how easily flustered you’d get in person. He deems it payback for all those shameless letters you keep writing him! However, that also means the stony Elf has to get out of his comfort zone: If he really wants to embarrass you, he’ll have to initiate a kiss or two, sooner or later… How unfortunate (not)!

･ﾟ✧ Legolas.

Legolas would definitely approach your shy personality with “training” – meaning he would initiate many romantic gestures and little displays of affection, just so that you could get used to them and more comfortable in your relationship with him. He’d be mischievous but never cruel: “Why do you not try to go ahead and kiss me, dearest? There is no need to be shy with me!” He’d even guide your hands, your chin, etc. ♡

･ﾟ✧ Merry.

Although Merry has very eagerly sent you just as flirty letters backs, he is pleasantly surprised to meet you in person and finding that you would blush and get flustered so easily. He’d explain it to you as almost having ‘two partners’ – a ‘two for one’ deal, so to speak! He’s immensely excited about this difference but always makes sure to keep it a secret between the two of you.

･ﾟ✧ Pippin.

Pippin would grow ten feet tall (haha) once he learned how shy and lovestruck you were in person. Because of his playful character, he’d tease you while trying to make you more comfortable, à la: “I dare you to hold my hand right now! If you don’t, I’ll just take yours!” That said, Pippin would totally write back letters that are just as flirty and spicy as yours!

･ﾟ✧ Sam.

Sam may be very shy himself, but he is absolutely charmed by your sweet blushes and cute whispers whenever he takes your hand or gives you a kiss. The man is just head over heels in love with you! Although he knows how you’ll react, it always takes him by surprise, and he’ll grin widely as you try to hide your blush.

[deathbysnakes]

heey love your writing!!! What about Pantalone POV taking care of a sick shy (y/n) who doesn’t understand why Pantalone is taking care of them and the Harbinger tells them cause he loves them??

Pantalone's Taking Care Of Sick Shy Reader

Pantalone x reader (Romantic)

Warnings:Sickness/Mentions of a toxic work environment/ Lot’s of physical affection

Pronouns:He/him (Pantalone) You/your (Reader)

Fluff/Comfort

Explanation:Pantalone taking care of sick shy [Name]

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

You walked through the fatui headquarters sniffling slightly as you do. Your scarf and kept your head down to cover your runny nose and flushed face, not wanting anyone to see that you were sick, not that they would really care anyways, the life of being a fatui member was harsh, the pay was well, but you couldn't get out once you got in, and they don't exactly treat their workers well, no matter the rank, even the head harbinger Pierro the jester found himself being dragged down by the fatui's harsh conditions, it was fight to survive here.

"Wait just a second!" A voice pulled you from your thoughts, and you whipped around, only to be ment with the 9th harbinger, Pantalone, caressing both of your cheeks, inspecting your face. He placed a hand on your forehead and his eyes narrowed. "You're sick!" He exclaimed, a bit too dramatically for your liking. "Yes but I'm fine..." You mumbled, your face was the color of a cherry due to Pantalone's touch. "Unexpectable." Before you could say anything else, Pantalone was dragging you to the fatui medical bay by the back of your coat.

Pantalone practically barged into the fatui medical bay, you blushed in embarrassment and looked down at the ground as you felt eyes on you. Pantalone walked up to one of the medics. "I need antihistamine and vapor rub, now." Pantalone demanded. "F-for what?" The medic asked. "[Name] has a cold." Pantalone responded. The medic now looked confused, but still scared. "A common cold? [preferred pronouns] can walk it off, can't [preferred pronouns]? Common colds happen every-" Pantalone's expression shifted into a more angry one, and the medic immediately knew they shouldn't be asking questions and dashed off to get the stuff Pantalone demanded.

You were sitting in Pantalone's living room with a blanket wrapped around you, and on the table in front of you was your favorite food. Pantalone exited the kitchen with freshly brewed tea, sat it on the table, and sat down next to you. He bushed some hair out of your face and you shyly looked at him. He smiled warmly at you. "You look like you have something on your mind [Name]." You sighed and looked back down at your feet. "It’s just...I don't get it..." Pantalone's head tilted to the side. "Get what?" "Why you're making such a big fuss over me..." Pantalone chuckled and also looked down at his feet. "Can I be completely honest with you?" He asked. You looked back at him. "Of course." Pantalone's grin faded, and he looked a bit afraid. "Well...I'm in love with you..." Pantalone looked back at you, he was clearly scared of rejection. You felt a blush form on your already red face. "Wait, really?" "Really." Pantalone reached out and took one of your hands in both of his. "Do you feel the same?" You couldn't help but squeeze his hand back. "I...yes..." Pantalone's look of fear turned to a look of shock and happiness, he started to laugh, and he embraced you. "I thought you'd say no!" He said between laughter. "Oh, archons." He pulled back, his hands still on your shoulders, looking at you with a sweet smile. "I love you so much."

[jellybean1927]

My MCYT AUs Pt 1

This is a long post and some of them aren't very detailed but at least they get the point across. Like I said idk if I'll write them.

Jester and King au: Ren's newly king and just trying to do his best without upsetting anyone. Bdubs is his advisor and the rest of Dogwarts are his knights. He's so stressed all the time Skizz offers the idea of hiring a court jester to try and relieve him of some of the stress, make him laugh. Skizz sets up hiring posters and gets quite a handful of people but none of them really "fit the part". Martyn is a traveler that goes town to town taking all sorts of jobs and just happens to see a poster and goes "why not?". After being hired he asks Ren if there's anything he doesn't want Martyn to say or do because Martyn doesn't want to upset him (not just because he's king but just in general) and Ren is so taken aback by it because no one else has asked that question and Martyn asks him to write a list of things that make him uncomfortable. Ren is so confused because Martyn is not only the best (and only) jester he's ever had but is genuinely concerned for Ren's wellbeing. Martyn even goes out of line to tell him, to his face, that he's neglecting his health and carrying him to bed and personally making him meals to ensure he's eating. Ren is happier with Martyn around and is blissfully unaware of the dangers lurking within his own castle. (I first came up with this au because I had this scene in my head where Ren is sick and about to fall off his throne and Martyn stops whatever act he's doing, and everyone is confused as to why he stopped until he rushes to the throne and catches ren before he hits the ground.)

Witch au: Ren's kingdom was in need of some magical assistance, whether it's from an illness or curse idk yet, but his ancestors had pissed off the local witch's ancestors and it's been an ongoing fight between the two families. So, King Ren rode out to the witch's house himself, alongside his most trusted knights Skizz and Etho and his royal advisor who I haven't named yet. His advisor tried to convince him to give up and turn around the entire trip, but Ren ignored him. He kind of falls in love with Martyn at first sight when they meet him and Skizz is the one to explain what's happening because Ren is flustered. There's an offer made, and Martyn accepts on a certain condition (idk yet). And the entire time the advisor is trying to frame Martyn for something because he believes that he put Ren under a spell and is standing in his way of using Ren as his puppet to control the kingdom.

Selkie au: Based on the Hermitcraft/Empires crossover. Ren is a lord of Hermittopia. King Xisuma would rather stay and help out the kingdom as best he can, so he'll send one of the other hermits (lords and ladies etc.) to help him with his alliances unless it's something extremely important (think war/kidnappings/rebellions/etc.). During one of these diplomatic missions, Ren finds the time to sneak away and sits on a beach. He sees a small group of people sitting on some rocks just down the way. They're talking pretty loudly and haven't spotted him yet. They're talking about going to a party or something as they're stuffing something underneath some rocks. They leave and Ren's curiosity gets the better of him and he goes to see what they hid. He finds seal skins under the rocks. He doesn't take them, but he does lift one up to examine it. This just so happened to be Martyn's and Martyn could sense that someone touched it. He turned around and raced back to the beach to see Ren holding his coat and accused him of trying to steal it. (that's about it so far)

Monsters vs Aliens au: Lizzie gets turned into a giant fish lady on her wedding day by a strange artifact (or space rock). Joel freaks out trying to help her, but Lizzie gets taken away before he could. She's taken to an underground military facility where she meets other "creatures" like her. Most notably Martyn, Jimmy, and maybe Mumbo. The giant moth thing will probably be Dennis, Martyn's rat from Misadventures or maybe werewolf Ren. It goes pretty much the same as the movie except Joel is looking for Lizzie.

Pirate au: (kind of based off One Piece... kind of) Ren is captain of a pirate ship. His crew is Skizz, Etho, Big B, Impulse, and Lizzie. Martyn is a criminal for hire (mercenary? rogue?) taking all sorts of jobs for money. One day he's hired (probably by Scar and Grian) to steal a treasure map from Ren's ship. He's never really been on a pirate ship nor stolen from them but a job's a job. He's rummaging through Ren's desk looking for it when he's caught by Ren. Martyn immediately crushes on him. Martyn tries to play it off like he was paid to clean for another pirate and got on the wrong ship. It gets Ren to laugh but he doesn't buy it. Martyn does make a deal with him though (idk what yet) and is surprised when Ren agrees. Martyn leaves with Ren knocked out and tied to his desk chair and map in hand. He does leave a note for him, telling him where he can find his map and challenges him to a game of cat and mouse. He does have his terms and conditions: if he's caught Ren can do whatever he'd like to him (that doesn't involve killing him), he can't send his crew after him, no kidnapping him, no hiring him for a job just to catch him, etc. He and Ren basically dance around each other, constantly bumping into each other but Ren never brings the game to an end. Also, Martyn has a bit of a history with pirates, specifically the Herons (not Scott) and they're actively hunting him down for revenge reasons.

Sci-fi Au: Martyn goes around the galaxy delivering packages and whatnot with Jimmy by his side. They get a package to deliver to a "Doc" and once they land at their destination Martyn heads off to deliver the package while Jimmy refuels. Martyn finds the inventor's shop (after getting lost) and walks in to find Doc talking to a dog hybrid in fancy red clothes. They stop talking long enough for Martyn to give Doc the package. The dog hybrid introduces himself as Ren and asks Martyn about some of the places he's been to (seeing as he's a delivery man) and gets increasingly excited with each story. Doc eventually has to tell Ren that he has to get going because his guards must be getting antsy. Martyn is clueless as to Ren's identity and after Ren leaves, Doc asks if he really didn't know who he was. Martyn replies no. After a few more run-ins with Ren, Martyn figures out that he's a king of a small kingdom on a planet (will probably call it Hermittopia or something) called Dogwarts. One day Ren is visiting a giant space station for a planetary conference when he spots Martyn off in the distance delivering some fairly big packages to a shop there. He runs off, leaving his guards scrambling after him, which Martyn playfully scolds him about. Something's off about him but Martyn doesn't know what. After some small talk Ren has to leave to go to the conference. After the conference one of Ren's guards comes to retrieve Martyn and leads him to a very fancy room in a more important part of the station. Ren looks very upset. They explain that Ren's life is in danger, and they need a way to transport him safely. They suggest using Martyn's ship and having Ren and one of his guards (Skizz) go undercover as fellow delivery men in order to get Ren to the safe point (idk where). Martyn really wants to say no because it's absolutely insane and it'll put him and Jimmy in danger but one look at Ren's sad, scared puppy dog eyes and he folds.

Lab au: Martyn, Scott, Jimmy, Lizzie, Cleo, and Bdubs are all escaping from a facility that was testing on them for their powers (a bit X-men inspired). They duck into one of the examination rooms to hide from the guards. They eventually get found while they're arguing how to escape and Jimmy breaks a window with a chair and jumps out, making Scott teleport after him so he won't die (teleporter Scott from New Life). Of course, the others jump out and Scott goes to catch all of them (Lizzie has fairy wings and can fly but Scott doesn't really realize that until after he caught her) They escape! They then hitch a ride on a train and steal clothes from other passengers so they can blend in. They then work together to find the rest of their friends. Martyn is mainly just looking for Ren. Jimmy and Scott are kind of already a thing. Lizzie is looking for Joel. Xisuma is there because Evil X is the one behind the whole "kidnap and experiment" scheme and Xisuma is trying really hard to discreetly get all of them out without EX catching on. While Martyn was escaping with the others, there was a point they were separated and he ran into Xisuma who gave him a flash drive with files on it. So, they have a bit of a lead to finding them and what is happening to them.

[chaoticgoodthief]

Slay The Princess Ramble

Ok I have been having Thoughts about the Voice of the Contrarian and am not afraid to share them. Will start under read more link because this might get a little long.

Ok, one of the Main Things about the Contrarian is that he doesn't follow the narrative, and I accept this, but I cannot emphasize enough just how Different he is from the other voices.

Ok, let's start at the tip of the iceberg here. Change. Born as counterparts to the Shifting Mound's Princesses, it makes sense that the Voices remain static in their personalities. Broken is submissive. Cold is apathetic. Hunted is animalistic. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. But Contrarian actually changes over the course of The Stranger path. He sees what he's done to the Princess, recognises that it has hurt her, and just ... drops the jester act immediately. The only other Voice that really changes at all is Hero, and that's because he's literally always by your side. And that's not even getting to how you find him Strange Beginnings.

Strange Beginnings. Oh, do I have Feelings about this ending, but I'll focus on just the Contrarian (for now). Out of all the Voices, all the cabins, the Contrarian is the only Voice other than the Hero himself that can join you in the finale. Maybe it's because his change has made him closer to the Shifting Mound than any of the other potential voices. Maybe it's because inside of The Stranger's cabin was the first you saw, rather than the Princess'. Maybe it's something else altogether, I don't know. However, what I do know is that once again, he's changed. He's ... honestly more downtrodden than even the Moment of Clarity version of himself. Only making jokes when he notices Hero's concern, accepting the knife without a second thought, (even calling himself the worst part of the Long Quiet in the most recent update, I've heard). But that's still not the end of things.

I think what interests me the most about Contrarian, though, is his relationship with the princess. He. Does. Not. Have. One. She is a literal stranger to him. He is not the Stranger's true counterpart, not really. Nothing about him contradicts her, unlike how all the other Voices have been named after their actions relative to their Part I Princesses. Instead, he is the Contrarian because he contradicts the Narrator. I can not emphasise enough how wild that makes my brain go. Because it explains SO MUCH about why he's Different from the others. Long Quiet is a foil for the Shifting Mound, his Voices are foils for her Princesses. Everything about them is static, unchanging. Because they are a single being, spiralling further into itself with every decision you make, only ever changing if you refuse to follow the path set out for you. And then there's him, the reflection of an echo of a mortal. (If he was there in the Spectre route, would she see him as something Other as well, something that once belonged but has been fragmented off of its given path).

Gah I'm obsessed with him. I want to dissect him for science. I want to tear and rip and pull him apart until I can understand what mysteries still hide behind the facade he shows the world. What are you hiding, you smiling little freak of nature?

[mooshlovely]

Nein Again Episode 21

A really juicy episode. We've got one of the first combats to really push their limits and also some tense conversations. Also the whole Bren thing

Fuck guys I love the original cartoon so much. I remember it being longer lol but its still so good. I can't wait for m9 animated. It is also so wild that Sam made it all without the rest of them seeing it, and also sang all of it himself

(24) It's impressive that Calianna hasn't been mugged or killed because she is remarkably trusting. Beyond even the normal amount of 'i need to trust these people in order for the plot to work'

(27) Caleb immediately lowers his opinion of Cali after she says she doesn't like cats lol

(28) Kill bill sirens. God I still can't believe the way this worked out. Nott/Sam freaking out cause she used an actual part of her name and trying to figure out why Caleb is being weird, while Caleb is having a mini breakdown. Like how on earth did the names work out that way. The magic of DnD

(1:07) Lol Beau rolls a nat 20 to notice the danger and then just lets Febron walk right into it

(1:16) and the ball bearings have returned. You know this might be one of the few times they have (kind of) helped and not immediately made things worse. Not that they helped all that much

(1:20) Isn't moving faster just asking for a troll fight? What on earth was the logic here, that they could outrun it like the freaky plant?

(1:34) Caleb kind of drops his face into his hands when Yasha says to put 'Bren' in the middle of the group for safety. I can't even imagine how much the constant Bren mentions would be weighing on him, dragging him directly into the worst part of his past and setting off every instinct he has to hide himself.

(1:38) "Is the traveler another wizard?" Jester: "He kind of is, but he's really powerful, and he's super cool" You know it is kind of on us for thinking he's a god. Cause Jester doesn't really enforce that idea. She's pretty up front about him not really being a god

(1:47) Oh hey the map compass is back.

(1:53) If only Molly had ever learned to hit things with his sword… I understand the temptation of racial spells but also if you aren't built for them, they're a waste of time (spoken from personal experience. i wish the drow faerie fire was more useful)

(1:53) The brief horror that their guide is like dead dead, immediately replaced by asshole-ness "Our money is getting away"

(1:58) I think this is the trickiest and closest combat they've had so far

(2:04) Actually a clutch heal from Jester

(2:12) Am I the only one who doesn't find Talisin's infernal voice that cool? Also he literally makes a comment about it never working - THEN WHY DO YOU KEEPING DOING IT

(2:25) I do love that Beau calls Caleb out on his causal use of manipulation. Like he may truly mean that Beau is a good friend, but also he is also 100% intentionally reminding her of the fact in order to convince her to accompany him and reinforce his place by her side

(2:35) It is funny that everyone has pretty much realized that fear is one of Nott's primary motivators. How do we convince her to do something? Just make it seem like something else is worse lol

(2:48) It is very annoying for me personally, but it is probably a good thing Cali is so naive and easily distracted cause wow the nein are bad at keeping secrets for long periods of time. They manage alright for brief encounters but once they let down their guard, anything goes. A smarter companion would have clocked the weird Nott/Bren thing and the beacon (and probably had opinions on them)

(2:29) Nott: "You're half fish!" Fjord: "I'm not half-fish, I'm half-orc!" Eh he could always be both

(3:54) Fjord: "Yep. . . I drop the rope and jump in" I love when Fjord defies expectations. It's particularly notable because he's normally the most rational and level-headed of the group, so it's always so much more surprising when he suddenly flips on a dime to do something crazy. It's still a totally logical move in his mind, but he is also consciously keeping his patron a secret because he knows the party will have questions that he doesn't want to answer. And he can get away with it because no one would expect it of him. It is interesting that no one even calls him on it afterward

(4:05) Ah I don't think I realized that Caleb saw himself in this situation. The other people in the group are ambivalent to the bowl and it's potential evil: they like Cali therefore she can have the bowl like she asked. Caleb is the only one rn that is looking at the big picture and the potential danger this artifact represents. Why is Caleb the only one concerned with the greater good? Why is it Caleb, who is generally selfish and unwilling to insert himself into conflict? It doesn't make sense unless he sees his own past in this cult

And obviously part of the situation is that the others have slightly less trust issues and are taking Cali at her word, but I am surprised the rest of them don't see his logic

Also relatedly, you can see that Caleb's controlling tendencies. He wants all the cards, wants to control the board, and he will only give out information when it is in his best interests. You can see how he positions the group without telling them why, how he decided a plan of action that he thinks is good and doesn't understand why the others don't agree with him. Caleb definitely thinks he is the smartest person in the room

(4:09) It's actually pretty hypocritical of Beau to call Caleb out for getting in people's business when she is the noisiest of the lot. I'm assuming this is also hitting her trauma and dislike of other people making decisions for her. Tbh I think she has a right to be mad but I think she is accusing him of the wrong things

(4:10) Molly: "You were right, Caleb! You're just a shitty communicator" Yeah that about sums it up

[thangyus]

OKAY, JUST SAW YOUR AU-GUST REBLOG AND I ALREADY HAVE A FEW I’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR HEADCANONS ON

*ahem* *pulls out a list*

Medieval (my personal favorite), Crossover, Prive Detectives, Hackers, Assassins (my second favorite), & Gateways Between Two Worlds (my third favorite, I intensely need to hear your thoughts on this one)

Hope you have/are having a good day/night 😊 (and sorry if it’s too many requests 😭 you can pick and choose which ones to answer)

AAAAAHHHH OKAY!!!!! i was working on the new chapter of my fic all weekend and wanted to get that done before i jumped to this ask but....... it has been on my mind ever since you sent it LOL so i am SOOOOO happy that i am finally getting around to it :))) SO!

for medieval, i'm gonna put forward my prince thanos/royal guard nam-gyu au and my prince nam-gyu/court jester thanos au :)) these are already two of my fav aus that i've posted on here so i'm very glad u requested the medieval au so i can share them again hehe!!!

for crossover, honestly this is an idea that’s been floating around in my head for a while and is a pretty self-indulgent crossover and may appeal to no one else but me lol, but i’ve been thinking about a thangyu x supernatural-inspired au. nam-gyu is a ghost/demon/monster hunter, going around the country investigating suspicious, less-than-natural deaths, looking into reported hauntings, and just anything else that doesn't seem natural. his job isn't easy (considering it's not even really a job, since he doesn't get paid for it...), he's seen some crazy shit and it's nearly gotten him killed more times than he's comfortable with, but someone's got to deal with the monsters haunting korea. and things have been going decently well for him, until he decides to check out a new supposedly haunted location where apparently a few people have recently disappeared from...... and there he meets an overly-friendly, purple-haired ghost who goes by the name of thanos for some reason. nam-gyu doesn't know why, but thanos quickly latches on to him (he finds nam-gyu and his little ghost-hunting getup to be quite entertaining) and... for a reason nam-gyu knows even less, he finds himself getting attached to thanos, as well. but he can't- thanos is a ghost, and it's his job to get rid of ghosts. but... thanos isn't harming anyone, not really, and... he just seemed so lonely before nam-gyu started visiting him. nam-gyu insists that the reasons for his frequent visits is just to make sure that thanos isn't getting up to anything bad, that's what he tells thanos and that's what he tells himself, but... they both know that that's not exactly the truth.

i kind of want to tie in the hacker and private detective ideas into one au- maybe an au where instead of being players in the squid games, nam-gyu and thanos are private detectives trying to figure out what’s going on when their friends se-mi, min-su, and gyeong-su all go missing at the same time. the three of them just... gone, without a word, without a trace, and it leaves thanos and nam-gyu highly suspicious. they start investigating their friends’ recent movements leading up to their disappearances, uncover strings of debt and strange surveillance footage of them all separately playing ddakji with the same man in a train station, they find the same mysterious business card in gyeong-su, se-mi, and min-su's places with the same mysterious, out of service phone number on the back, all clues leading thanos and nam-gyu to believe that their three friends did not disappear of their own free will, and now they have to figure out what's going on. maybe they have some hacking skills that they can use to trace one of their friends' phones (since the guards must keep all of the players' phones and belongings, in the case of the players voting to end the games), and find a way to infiltrate the island jun-ho s1 style. i'd have to give it some more thought to actually plan out their heist LOL but i think it would be interesting to have them experience the games this way instead of as players!

ooohhhhh assassins...... one of my favourites too :)) i'm thinking about thanos and nam-gyu being rival assassins, not hired to kill each other but oh how they would if they got the chance. they've crossed paths a few times, maybe nam-gyu has ruined some of thanos’ jobs before by interrupting him at literally the worst moment, and maybe thanos has ruined some of nam-gyu's potential hits by swooping in and making the kill just as thanos was about to do it, thus stealing all the money nam-gyu was supposed to make from that job. whenever they cross paths there is lots of fighting and nearly killing each other and sexual tension and though they are both very much capable of taking each other out if they were to try (they are two of the most notorious assassins in the country, after all) ... they never actually do. sure nam-gyu will hold thanos at knifepoint and sure thanos will threaten to throw nam-gyu off the side of the building they're standing on, but they’d never want to actually get rid of each other (not that they’d ever admit that). being an assassin isn’t a fun job. not in the slightest. but… nam-gyu and thanos both can’t deny that the other makes their job a little more… exciting. enemies to lovers, but in this au it's more like assassin rivals to assassin power couple <3

gateway between worlds is so interesting omg. i've never really thought of an au like this before, but the idea is very cool!!! i'm imagining thanos and nam-gyu coming across some sort of gateway, they don't know what it is but of course thanos is dragging nam-gyu along to investigate it, but when they get too close they fall into it and they become separated... and are thrust into different worlds, different realities, without each other. They soon realize that they're not in "their" world anymore, and so they begin navigating through these worlds, trying to find the next gateway and hoping that that one will bring them home- cycling through different versions of their lives as they try to find each other again. sometimes, though, they get tempted by these other worlds- thanos in the one where his music career actually took off and he was as famous and as rich as he'd always dreamed of being, nam-gyu in the one where he wasn't afraid to tell thanos about his feelings and the one where thanos actually loves him back... but they know it's not real, they know it's nothing more than a very vivid dream. no matter how tempting it may be, they both force themselves to keep going on their own journeys, to keep searching through these worlds for the next gateway, and they'll keep searching until they find the one that leads them back to each other- and they can only hope that the other will make it back as well.

thank you SOOOO much for requesting!!!! this was a lot of fun, i hope you enjoyed reading some of my thoughts on these aus and that they met your expectations :D

au-gust prompts!

[a-menagerie]

Everything Has Changed

Cause all I know is we said, "Hello"

And your eyes look like coming home

All I know is a simple name

And everything has changed

Molly didn’t know where he was, barely knew who he was. When he finally opened his eyes - eyes? eyes never shut - and was faced with a pink firbolg, Molly was more confused than ever. So he ran.

Empty empty empty. He’s lost in himself and in this terrifying cavern - of flesh? - and he doesn’t know anything. There’s words in his mouth and people around him and he doesn’t know who anyone is. They’re hugging him and saying things and he’s just lost.

Except you, back behind everyone and quiet, you catch his eye and he knows you, he’s sure he does. But his heart is beating out of his chest and he can’t catch his breath so he gives in, lays on the ground, lets himself fade out.

*

Molly had never seen the Blooming Grove before, but he quite liked it and the Clay family. Eccentricity appealed to him - he was eccentric, wasn’t he? - but the family was just kind. They almost reminded him of another group, people he couldn’t quite picture or name, but the lingering feeling of family made him wonder.

For a week or so, you watched as Molly wandered the Grove, slowly recovering memories. He was never far from Yasha. Jester had fixed up his coat for him and he looked nearly like he had before you’d lost him. Some missing eye tattoos and slightly underfed but that would change with time.

*

“Is there a reason you’re avoiding a particular tiefling?” Fjord asked you, joining you where you were weeding a section of the cemetery.

“I spoke to Jester like an hour ago.” You reply without looking up.

“Alright, smartass.” Fjord scoffs and rolls his eyes.

“I’m not avoiding Molly; I’m giving him space.” You say.

“Does he know that?” Fjord asks. You look up at him sharply, frowning.

“He doesn’t remember…us. Whatever we were. I don’t wanna add any extra pressure on him.”

“And when he does remember, what then?” Fjord asks.

“I’ll tell him what I just told you.” You stand, yanking off your gloves. “What’s this about Fjord?”

“Everyone’s worried about you.” Fjord admits, rubbing his neck. “All of this is…a lot. Molly’s back but you’ve hardly reacted, barely talked to him. I just wanted to check in.” You try not to bristle at Fjord, he’s just doing what he does, checking in on his friends. But hardly reacted?

You’ve cried yourself to sleep almost every night since you returned to the Grove.

What was worse? Losing Molly or having a Molly who didn’t remember you? Losing Molly or having him so close but out of reach? Your chest aches and you fought hard not to cry in front of Fjord.

“I’m fine.” You tell him.

“Bullshit.” You and Fjord both jump as Beau speaks up. Sometime during your conversation she’d wandered over and now she was facing you with crossed arms and a raised brow. “You look like shit.”

“Beau.” Fjord hissed. She just rolled her eyes, waving her hand at him.

“You gotta talk to him or something, just watching you is making me miserable.” She said, poking you lightly in the chest.

“I don’t want to pressure-“ Beau cuts you off.

“Yasha said he asks about you, can’t figure out why you’re avoiding him. Molly’s not remembering everything yet but - just go talk to him.”

*

Molly’s been watching you, keeping track of where you were throughout the day. He wasn’t sure why. He’d wanted to speak to you before now but you seemed to disappear anytime he got too close.

Until today. He was sitting against a tree outside the Clay home, reading through Beau’s journal. Well, more specifically, he was struggling to read the journal and was considering asking Beau to just read it aloud. Molly looked up at the sound of feet crunching grass.

“Hey.” You greeted him with a small smile.

“Hello.” Molly replied blankly, confused - and intrigued - by the way his pulse quickened in your presence.

“Can I join you?” Molly nods so you settle beside him on the ground. You can’t bring yourself to say anything else though. What do you say?

“Did I…do something to you?” Molly asks and you jolt back to the present, out of your head. “To make you avoid me?”

“Oh no, no, I wasn’t-“ You sigh. “I wasn’t trying to avoid you but I was. I wanted you to have space.”

Molly cocked his head, observing you through narrowed red eyes. He looked back to the journal then his gaze wandered to your lap, where you were wringing your hands together.

“Space from you?” You nodded and he hummed in thought. “Because…we were together?”

“…yes.” You answer. Molly blinked.

“Wait, really?” He asked, grin curling across his lips.

“Yes?” You reply, slightly confused.

“I didn’t think I’d be right.” Molly laughed, reaching and grabbing one of your hands. “I’d hoped, of course, and obviously something had happened between us but- it really was like this, the two of us?”

Molly was looking at you so openly and adoringly that you almost couldn’t think straight, couldn’t really fight the heat rising to your cheeks.

“Yeah, for a while before…” You trailed off but started again. “I didn’t want to make you feel like you had to be with me, remember me right away.”

“Trust me, I’m very unhappy to have forgotten anything about you.” A sweet sentiment but you’re pretty sure Molly’s enunciation was meant to be teasing too. “Thank you for treating me so kindly though I would have preferred you spoke to me earlier.”

“Sorry.” You say softly, glancing up from your hand in his to look at him. He leaned forward to rest his forehead against yours.

“We’ll just have to make up for lost time.” Molly said. He took a deep breath, just enjoying your presence when something tickled at the back of his mind.

“You used to call me your Tea-lightful Tealeaf when you were in a silly mood.” Molly says it as a statement but pulls away enough to see your face, to see if he’s right.

“Okay, you could’ve waited to remember that.” You groan, covering your face with your free hand. “I only did it because it made you laugh.”

“Don’t you hide from me.” Molly pulled your hand off your face, held both of your hands in his. “We have all the time in the world now to be silly and laugh together.”

“I’ve missed you. A lot.” You manage to say without crying. Molly gives you a small smile.

“I feel like I’m missing me still.” Molly admits. “But I have you and our very odd friends, so my memories can take their time. They’ll return, in time.”

“And in the meantime,” Molly says, leaning his forehead back against yours, “I will delight in learning about you all over again.”

[moonsoupstar-ao3]

Demons in aoex: a common misconception

Hi guys! Here I'm again talking :)

I posted this last night, but Tumblr decided to be an ass, almost gave me a heart attack (the post wasn't showing anywhere, not even in my own blog), and not show this in the tags, so here we go again.

Warning for some minor and major spoilers from the manga, read at your own risk!

Most spoilers are for Asylums' arc, and the lastest arc in the manga. So, if you haven't read them, maybe don't read the examples I've used after Mephisto! I didn't explicitly said too much, but I spoke about some major events a few times.

So, demons in aoex are a big part of the story (no shit!), but there's also a HUGE narrative that has been given to us, the audience, and the characters in the manga from the very beginning.

Demons are evil (or, to a certain degree, "neutral).

And

Demons are demons.

Sorry for how redundant that sounded, please let me explain.

Demons in aoex has been presented to us as "biblical/mythological demons" (depending on where the inspiration for them came from), mostly for the top demons and so one. But, in the very story, we have been repeatedly told that this is not true.

One of the mayor arguments of this is in the fight against that spore castle demon (sorry, I don't remember the name right now) from season 2. Both, in the manga and the anime, the fire demon (again, I'm sorry, I suck at names and I just want to get this done) that helps Rin burn the spores told him that he (or it was a she?) had been given tons of names an titles during his existence, from angel to guardian to demon, it was always just a label given by humans to defined him.

So, if demons are not necessarily demons, what are they? They are "spirits", plain and simple. Beings with powers from the mirror dimension (Gehenna).

Why are they evil then? Most are not! They're just mischievous or curious, especially the ones that don't tend to interact with humans. They're driven by impulsivity, naivety, ignorance, desires, curiosity, jealousy, resentment (does this remind you of any example? I'm sure it does), but not raw evilness MOST of the time.

Of course, there are evil ones, I won't be the one to deny it.

But, as I said, they're driven by emotions. The thing with demons is that they're not emotionally mature, nor do they completely understand human cultures and human's needs. On top of that, demons has been even worshiped all over the world during every step of civilization, so try to teach them to treat humans, well... humanly?

One of the biggest humanity supporters (not humans supporter, humanity as a concept/single thing and its creations), Mephisto, despite all his efforts for protect and help humans, doesn't see most of them as "equals". He does care, except that he just truly cares for the ones closest to him, everyone else are more like "ants" in his eyes. He's driven by desires when it comes to protect humans, the desire too see what things they would invent in the future.

(I have like, a LOT to say about my jester man (actually about almost all the main characters), so here's a limited extract of that).

And, then, there's the other side of the coin, Lucifer. I do believe that he, in his own twisted vision, do what he does because he thinks it will be good for everyone, but we cannot deny that he's following his plan for his own selfish reasons. He doesn't care about humans, or demons, or anyone but himself, not in a deeply way at least. He won't sacrifice himself for anyone, geez, he won't mind putting them at risk if his emotions get off control (that damn million yards stare when Yukio betrayed and challenged him 👀👀👀), but will stop if he's, well, stopped first.

Someone may think, "what about Satan? Wasn't he doing all that shit to get him a body?" And, let me tell you, he doesn't care about him either. He literally destroyed his body to catalyzed the Blue Night (though I must say I don't think he saw that coming, he just did it because he was furious and, partially, jealous that his father not only got a body (the thing he has yearned since forever and is obsessed about getting) before him, but also decided to threw it away as well as the elixirs research because he found "something better" ← quotation marks, 'cus I also think he thought Satan was being delusional), and took advantaged of the fact that Satan thought it was Yuri who betrayed him to convied him into (potentially) allying with him.

And speaking of, what about Satan? The "big baddie", dear, all I have to say is that I have a whole entire post in my draft dedicated to him. So, to summarize it, Satan is the equivalent of a child king throwing tantrums, who is trapped in the middle of political and royal plots to control everything through him, and has barely or no one who really cares about him at this point. (← I also has a LOT, LOT to say about my last statement, and it needs at least three entire paragraphs to fully bring the meaning behind it, so please take this bit with a grain of salt).

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With all that being said, I don't know how to close this post :D! Jokes aside, I really don't JABDNDJDBDK

Sorry for any grammatical mistake or weird wording, English isn't my first language. I also would love to know your point of view! Or, overall, discuss my post! I love talking about aoex, so feel free to speak to me, even if you disagree with literally everything I said! /Seriously.