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not-krys · 7 hours

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I remember your details for things I've never considered, in your fanfics! Oddly its mostly the pregnancy fanfics that stick out to me the most, how Arthur warms up the stethoscope before using it on her, or the one about Abby waiting for vincent to come home. They've always stuck in my mind due to some of the details and how easy it was to visualize them super well, so thats what I remember the most! Good details and great at putting together scenes.

I also remember the zoned out mitsunari fanfic hehehe

Anon or not, tell me what passage, fic, line of narration, or anything you remember about me as a writer (ask was sent to the wrong blog, but I'll answer it here anyway since it is a writing related question!)

About details! I usually try to keep two main things in mind when I come up with them. First one is to keep who I'm describing in mind. With the Arthur x Reader pregnancy fic in particular, I remembered that he was a former doctor and that he has an knack for noticing and remembering small details. In the fic, he says that his partner complained last time he had checked in that the bell was cold, so for this checkup, he warmed it for his partner's sake.

Funnily enough, the stethoscope moment almost didn't happen as when I looking through my original notes, it was up for debate. Screenie below to show how the thought process sort of went (and with the timestamp pictured because I wasn't kidding when I said this fic came to me in the middle of the night, not even fully convinced I was gonna participate in Arthur Week then)

Same can be shown with the Abby waiting for Vincent fic. I'm assuming you're talking about the 'First Kicks' fic where Abby is waiting for Vincent as a storm brews outside as I also a WIP Wednesday where Vincent comes home to find her sleeping, but I'll go with First Kicks for example's sake.

Abby's a nervous person, especially worried when Vincent was caught in the storm. She calms herself when she looks at her reflection and sees her anxious self, realizing that's she's making a mountain out of a mole hill, and talks to her son to settle her nerves.

The other thing I keep in mind is an offshoot of 'show don't tell' in that, to help enrich a scene, evoke the five major senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste). The quiet of the room while Arthur's listens to the baby's heartbeat (so quiet, a pin dropping would sound like a gun going off), the blue satin ribbons on the reader's clothes, how the stethoscope tickles when it makes contact, etc.

Same thing with Abby's story: Abby looks at herself in the window with the rain pouring down, which breaks up her reflection as rain does on windows; hearing the door open and some muttered Dutch lets Abby know that Vincent's back; smelling the rain on him because he was just outside and got soaked in it; feeling those cold hands on her belly and her jumping back because cold (previously wet) hands touching your belly? It'd be a surprise at the very least!

And because I'm feeling cheeky, all the things can also be applied to the zoned-out Mitsunari fic (mind the summary and the tags, this is a smoot fic). Keeping both characters in mind (Houki is a proper lady that wants to try something but is a little embarrassed about it so she sneaks around to get what she wants, while Mitsunari is also a curious critter and wanted to see what Houki was trying to do and isn't judging her for tricking him) and scene-chewing in describing things with the five major senses (salty taste of Mitsunari's finger, feeling the cool air on her [redacted], hearing his whispers against her ear, seeing that Mitsun has two hands (two hands!) and where they decide to travel), things like that.

(No, I'm not screenshotting an example from that fic for propriety's sake, ya filthy animals.)

So, yeah, that's a little bit about me explaining how I do some details and how it all can come together to make a scene in a story. Kinda sorry for the rambling if this was something you knew about already, but I had fun discussing details either way.

Thanks for the ask, Scummy!

#krys talks #ask meme #writing advice #cw: pregnancy #I'll ramble some more on main's reblog tags to keep this one relatively clean in tagging #lol

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not-krys · 1 day

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[Repost] Do Not Disturb - Miri

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

Been wanting to do something like this scene for a while. Did a sketch of it a while ago, but now I'm putting it in writing form!

Raw, unedited writing. Takes inspo from Lesson 30-1 of the OG game. Miri showing signs of illness is meant for foreshadowing for later lessons (her powers are starting to get a little too much for her to handle and this is about where it starts happening)

-----

"And that was how the Great Celestial War ended-!"

The library had grown suspiciously quiet. No quiet scratching of pens or page flipping. No whispered questions from Luke to Simeon, or even of Miri's foot that had been swinging and sliding on the rug previously. Satan lowered his textbook in his hand, only to be greeted by twin soft snores and Simeon's apologetic grin.

Satan sighed.

"Really?"

"It was a lot to take in for the two of them."

"It's all on the exam! How do they expect to-" Satan sighed again, giving up.

"They tried their best to keep up and that's the most important part." Simeon pointed to the pages of notes the other two had kept while listening to Satan's lecture. Luke's was relatively neat and organized, as was expected of the younger angel. And while her handwriting wasn't exactly neat, Satan smiled at spying some little doodles alongside Miri's notes, like a bunch of trees in the section about the Devildom's beginnings, and a three-legged crow in the margins. Simeon chuckled, catching Satan's attention.

"What? Did you think of something funny?"

"Hmm… how do I explain it?" Simeon looked skyward. "As I was listening to your lecture, I couldn't help thinking…"

"About what?"

"Our history is so violent and bloody. Yet now we're able to gather in peace and study it together like this… it really is amazing."

Simeon then looked fondly at Miri and Luke, both with their heads in the arms on the table, happily in their private dream lands.

"Did you ever imagine we would get to this point?"

Satan shook his head with a smile.

"Hmm… can't say I did, no."

He watched Miri more closely, seeing her breathe in and out gently. Her pink curls cascaded over her shoulders and on the table, reminding him of cotton candy. Satan also couldn't help but notice she was paler than usual, almost to a sickly quality. It was the first he'd seen of it. Had the stress of the exams been getting to her and he never noticed?

He did, however, notice that there was something in Miri's hair that wasn't there before and frowned.

"Hey," he said pointedly at Simeon, "what are you doing?"

"What do you mean," Simeon said innocently, "I was just stroking her hair."

"Don't get so touchy-feely with her."

"Why?"

"Just.. don't, okay?"

"Why? Are you jealous?" Simeon smiled.

"It's nothing like that, but don't touch her."

"Ah, you're just being her protective big brother, then?"

"You're still touching her."

"Her hair is quite soft," Simeon teased, "You should try it once you get the chance."

Satan glared, wanting to pull the angel's hand off of Miri, but didn't want to disturb her rest.

"She… hasn't been feeling well lately, has she?" Simeon asked as Satan's eyes widened.

"How did you-?"

"She feels warm, more than normal." Simeon took off one of his gloves and touched two fingers against her forehead, then her cheek, then her throat.

"Is she sick?"

"Not exactly, at least not yet."

"Maybe the stress of the exams are getting to her? Like you said, it's a lot to take on if it's all new to you."

"Possibly."

Satan then remember when they had all went to the Carnival before the exams started. When Beel had been throwing his food temper tantrum and he, Lucifer, and the others had been drawn into the fight. Miri had looked upset (naturally, they were all being idiots at the time), the pact marks on her body started to glow, somehow escaping her notice. Next thing he knew, she was yelling at all of them to stop fighting and he landed on the ground, hard, unable to move a muscle. Painful groans from his brothers told him they suffered the same fate, five more bodies accompanying him on the floor.

He also remembered hearing a soft something hitting the floor, his eyes trailing to see Miri's new zombie iguana plush she had gotten at the carnival fallen from her grasp. Looking up further, he saw the look of horror on her face, both hands covering her mouth. The ghost waiters surrounded her, praising and applauding her happily, but she took no notice of it, only staring as the six of them laid pinned to the ground.

"Maybe… something else is affecting her?"

"Hm?"

"She's been scared to use the pacts ever since that fight at the Ghost Café. It was such a powerful force that none of us could escape from."

"I remember hearing about that. Solomon said the first time he tried commanding multiple demons at once, his body ached for a while afterwards."

"She didn't look like she was hurting after the fact." All of his brothers definitely were, he remembered that part clearly, but not Miri. "She was just really quiet, not really talking to any of us after the fact. Lucifer kept staring at her, too. It was weird."

"Hmm…" Simeon put his glove back on, lost in thought.

#wip wednesday #krys's adventures in fanfiction #obey me #obey me oc #miriam (obey me mc)#satan (obey me)#simeon (obey me)

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not-krys · 2 days

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[Repost] Do Not Disturb - Clara

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

Cute fluff with this one. Nokto is an eepy baby.

Raw, unedited writing, implied nudity and previous 'evening activities' referenced.

-----

Slivers of dawn peeked through the thick red curtains, waking Clara from her deep slumber. Brushing back her loose hair behind her ear and sitting up, she looked around the silent room. Silent save for the soft breathing beside her.

Ah, right, Nokto had just gotten back home after a longer than normal stay abroad. They both understood the necessities of it, trade and good relations and whatnot. It never stopped the longing and loneliness that accompanied the necessity of being apart, for propriety's and safety's sake. Some places were slow on the uptake of Rhodolite having a new king and not entirely pleased with it. Even fewer were happy with Rhodolite's new queen having commoner roots. So, separation at times was necessary, but the heartache never got any easier. All the worries of if he was getting enough rest or if she was working too hard always plagued them until they could be together again.

They had made up for lost time in the entirety of his absence in a few hours' time of his return, the cool air of the room reminded her as it caressed her bare skin. His eyes bags betrayed his fatigue, now much clearer in the daylight hours. She should have held off, in her heart of hearts she knew she should have for his sake, but should haves don't do much for the now's. And her heart had been just as desperate for him as he had been for her. No regrets but at the same time… some regrets, in hindsight.

With a sigh, Clara put her hands in her hair, pulling it back and twisting it neatly, making her low bun as it was second nature to her. She should get dressed, maybe make a special breakfast for Nokto when he wakes up. He did just get back and he needed the rest, she was sure of that. A morning of undisrupted sleep for the king. That sounded ideal.

When Clara put her hands back onto the bed, intent on getting up to start the day, the touch of another warm, familiar hand, stopped her. Looking back, she saw one ruby red eye cracked open, staring at her.

"It's too early," his voice was hoarse, making Clara smile.

"You can sleep in if you want."

His grip tightened.

"…Just got back."

"All the more reason to sleep in."

"Not without you."

He was pleading with her.

"You missed me that much?" She teased.

"Yes."

"A miracle." she giggled. "Fatigue has made an honest man of you."

"You made me an honest man, get your facts straight."

She laughed again.

#wip wednesday #krys's adventure's in fanfiction #ikemen prince #ikepri oc #clara laurent (oc)#nokto klein

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not-krys · 2 days

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[Repost] Do Not Disturb - Houki

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

There's just something entertaining about using Mitsunari's reading trance to trip people up.

Raw, unedited writing, pretty much silly fluff.

-----

The afternoon sun was high in the sky when Mitsuhide decided to visit Hideyoshi's manor. He had no pressing business there save for a small letter he wanted to personally deliver and now was wandering the grounds. It was a pleasantly quiet day with a small breeze brushing through the grass and the trees.

He then spotted a pair of lovers sitting under a tree. Mitsunari was reading a book settled on his lap while his lady companion, Houki, leaded against his shoulder, eyes closed with her glasses threatening to slip down her nose. A very quaint scene indeed.

Mitsuhide then saw Mitsunari's vacant stare, a sure sign of him having entered his reading trance. Tugging his hair and putting things near his mouth proved an entertaining pastime (especially when he could rile up Hideyoshi in the process) and the urge to tease the younger man was strong.

However, he could also tease his lady friend. Her reactions could prove more entertaining as she was only sleeping, unaware of her surroundings in a similar yet different way. Would she act in anger at a disrupted rest or perhaps she'll mewl cutely with a yawn while wiping her eyes? Both seemed delightful in their own ways.

Mitsuhide approached them silently, not even the grass under his feet or the wind giving him away. Slowly, he lowered himself to Houki's level, thinking of how he should disturb her. Perhaps her slipping glasses would be a good starting point? He could take them off her face entirely and hide them? He could slip them to the top of her head? Perhaps he could also put them on Mitsunari's nose?

With a steady hand, he reached for her precarious eye-wear, about to gently lift the pieces from her ears.

Suddenly, another's hand grabbed his, startling Mitsuhide. He looked down to see Mitsunari's sleeved hand holding his, quite firmly at that. When he turned to look at the hand's owner, Mitsunari still held his empty stare, his eyes still glued to the paper and ink in his lap. Even while Mitsuhide stared at him, waiting for a response, Mitsunari stayed silent.

"Are you truly that unaware…" Mitsuhide mumbled.

Then, there was a new problem he had to deal with: Mitsunari hadn't yet released him. His grip was unyielding and starting to hurt.

#wip wednesday #krys's adventures in fanfiction #ikemen sengoku #ikesen oc #mitsuhide akechi #mitsunari ishida #houki of jiyel

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not-krys · 3 days

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[Repost] Do Not Disturb-Abby

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

Debated on a few ways this prompt could go, but I wanted to write a bit more in Abby and Vincent's family au I got going, so here's some more of that

Raw, unedited writing, pregnancy and children are featured here, fluffy family time.

-----

"Vincent? Boys? Uncle Theo is going to be here soon!" Abby called through the house, looking for her little family. They weren't outside, else they would have said something, so they should be inside somewhere.

She shuffled across the floor, waddling with the added weight of the baby in her belly.

Cora was scheduled to be born in another three or so weeks, but moving around much this late was challenging. Still, there was things to do and Theo was coming to visit, so she needed everyone ready in time.

She looked in the kitchen and the family room, but no sign of them. She could try trekking upstairs to find them, but, again, it would be difficult with Cora. She even seemed worried about her missing father and brothers, the way she was kicking. Abby rubbed her belly to calm her.

"We'll find them, don't worry. Maybe they're playing hide and seek? Will loves that game."

She peeked outside one more time, just to be sure. The early summer sun was hitting just right with the crickets chirping in the distance. It was a peaceful day, perfect for afternoon nap.

She then heard soft snores around the corner.

On the porch, sitting in the outdoor chairs were Vincent and their two boys, all napping in the sun with art supplies strung everywhere. Crayons, paint, water cups, and loose papers were all over the place with scribbles of every color imaginable. It was a regular sight in their household and Abby giggled softly.

"Like father, like sons, I suppose."

It seemed a crime to wake them as she couldn't bend down to pick up all of the mess by herself, but Theo was coming and she didn't want her home to be a complete wreck for visitors. But her hopes were dashed when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Here you all are-!"

Abby placed her hands over Theo's mouth, shushing him. Theo looked surprised.

#wip wednesday #krys's adventures in fanfiction #ikemen vampire #ikevamp oc #abigail clarke (oc)#cw: pregnancy

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not-krys · 3 days

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63. Do Not Disturb [Houki, Abby, Clara, Miri]

Hey, made a new banner for WIP Wednesdays!

This post is brought to you by the sleepies as I didn't stray much from that idea in these prompts. All of them have at least one person sleeping in it, lol

Regular warnings apply: Raw, incomplete writing below. In this entry, we have:

-A sneaky Mitsuhide that is foiled by the power of Mitsunari's reading trance -Mentions of pregnancy and children in Abby's entry. Fluffy as always -Fluff with Clara and Nokto. Maybe some implied mentions of nudity and 'adult activities' from the previous evening? -Simeon and Satan talking about studying for the upcoming exams. Miri and Luke had fallen asleep during Satan's lecture but he's not mad. Based on Lesson 30-1 in the OG game. Added in some talk that something might be wrong with Miri (meant to be foreshadowing for later lessons).

-----

Houki

With a steady hand, he reached for her precarious eye-wear, about to gently lift the pieces from her ears.

"Are you truly that unaware…" Mitsuhide mumbled.

Then, there was a new problem he had to deal with: Mitsunari hadn't yet released him. His grip was unyielding and starting to hurt.

----------

Abby

"We'll find them, don't worry. Maybe they're playing hide and seek? Will loves that game."

She peeked outside one more time, just to be sure. The early summer sun was hitting just right with the crickets chirping in the distance. It was a peaceful day, perfect for afternoon nap.

She then heard soft snores around the corner.

"Like father, like sons, I suppose."

"Here you all are-!"

Abby placed her hands over Theo's mouth, shushing him. Theo looked surprised.

------

Clara

"It's too early," his voice was hoarse, making Clara smile.

"You can sleep in if you want."

His grip tightened.

"…Just got back."

"All the more reason to sleep in."

"Not without you."

He was pleading with her.

"You missed me that much?" She teased.

"Yes."

"A miracle." she giggled. "Fatigue has made an honest man of you."

"You made me an honest man, get your facts straight."

She laughed again.

------

Miri

"And that was how the Great Celestial War ended-!"

"Really?"

"It was a lot to take in for the two of them."

"It's all on the exam! How do they expect to-" Satan sighed again, giving up.

"What? Did you think of something funny?"

"Hmm… how do I explain it?" Simeon looked skyward. "As I was listening to your lecture, I couldn't help thinking…"

"About what?"

"Our history is so violent and bloody. Yet now we're able to gather in peace and study it together like this… it really is amazing."

Simeon then looked fondly at Miri and Luke, both with their heads in the arms on the table, happily in their private dream lands.

"Did you ever imagine we would get to this point?"

Satan shook his head with a smile.

"Hmm… can't say I did, no."

He did, however, notice that there was something in Miri's curls that wasn't there before and frowned.

"Hey," he said pointedly at Simeon, "what are you doing?"

"What do you mean," Simeon said innocently, "I was just stroking her hair."

"Don't get so touchy-feely with her."

"Why?"

"Just.. don't, okay?"

"Why? Are you jealous?" Simeon smiled.

"It's nothing like that, but don't touch her."

"Ah, you're just being her protective big brother, then?"

"You're still touching her."

"Her hair is quite soft," Simeon teased, "You should try it once you get the chance."

Satan glared, wanting to pull the angel's hand off of Miri, but didn't want to disturb her rest.

"She… hasn't been feeling well lately, has she?" Simeon asked as Satan's eyes widened.

"How did you-?"

"She feels warm, more than normal." Simeon took off one of his gloves and touched two fingers against her forehead, then her cheek, then her throat.

"Is she sick?"

"Not exactly, at least not yet."

"Maybe the stress of the exams are getting to her? Like you said, it's a lot to take on if it's all new to you."

"Possibly."

"Maybe… something else is affecting her?"

"Hm?"

"She's been scared to use the pacts ever since that fight at the Ghost Café. It was such a powerful force that none of us could escape from."

"I remember hearing about that," said Simeon. "Solomon said the first time he tried commanding multiple demons at once, his body ached for a while afterwards."

"Hmm…" Simeon put his glove back on, lost in thought.

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not-krys · 4 days

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100 Themes Challenge: Filled Prompts Masterlist

-[Character A] x [Character B et al]: Romantic and/or Sexual Relationship

-[Character A] & [Character B et al]: Platonic, Familial, Acquaintanceship

-[Character A, etc], [Character B] x/& [Character C et al]: Observer character(s) to the main character(s) interaction

-Writing Masterlist

-Blank 100 Themes Challenge List

1. Introduction (Aug 2023)

Houki & Nobunaga (WIP Wednesday) | Abby & Vincent (WIP Wednesday) | Clara x Nokto (WIP Wednesday)

2. Love (Feb 2023)

3. Light

4. Dark

5. Seeking Solace

6. Break Away

7. Heaven

8. Innocence

9. Old

10. Breathe Again

11. Memory

12. Insanity

13. Misfortune

14. Smile

15. Silence (Aug 2022)

Houki x Mitsunari (WIP Wednesday) | Abby x Vincent (WIP Wednesday) | Maddie x Harr (WIP Wednesday) | Clara x Nokto (WIP Wednesday) | Miri (WIP Wednesday)

16. Questioning

17. Blood

18. Rainbow

19. Gray (March 2023)

Shakespeare, Vincent x Abby (WIP Wednesday)

20. Fortitude

21. Vacation

22. Mother Nature

23. Cat

24. No Time (April 2023)

Thea x Arthur (WIP Wednesday) | No Time [Clara x Rio]

25. Trouble Lurking

26. Tears

27. Foreign

28. Sorrow

29. Happiness

30. Under the Rain

31. Flowers (July 2023)

Abby & Vlad (WIP Wednesday) | Maddie & Loki (WIP Wednesday) | Clara & Silvio (WIP Wednesday)

32. Night

33. Expectations

34. Stars

35. Hold My Hand (Feb 2024)

Houki x Mitsunari (WIP Wednesday) | Ophelia x Kennyo (WIP Wednesday) | Thea & Isaac (WIP Wednesday) | Abby & Jean (WIP Wednesday) | Miri & Mammon (WIP Wednesday)

36. Precious Treasure

37. Eyes

38. Abandoned (Nov 2023)

Clara x Rio (WIP Wednesday) | Miri & Levi (WIP Wednesday)

39. Dreams

40. Plus

41. Teamwork

42. Standing Still

43. Die

44. Two Roads

45. Illusion

46. Family

47. Creation (March 2024)

Leonardo, Abby x Vincent (WIP Wednesday) | Miri & Luke & Barbatos (WIP Wednesday)

48. Childhood

49. Soft

50. Breaking the Rules

51. Rot

52. Deep in Thought

53. Keeping a Secret

54. Tower

55. Waiting

56. Danger Ahead

57. Sacrifice

58. Father (June 2023)

Houki (WIP Wednesday) | Thea x Theo x Arthur (WIP Wednesday) | Abby x Vincent (WIP Wednesday) | Clara & Mr. Akatsuki (WIP Wednesday) | Miri & Lucifer (WIP Wednesday)

59. No Way Out

60. Rejection

61. Fairy Tale

62. Magic

63. Do Not Disturb (April 2024)

Mitsuhide, Houki x Mitsunari (WIP Wednesday) | Abby & Theo (WIP Wednesday) | Clara x Nokto (WIP Wednesday) | Miri, Satan & Simeon (WIP Wednesday)

64. Multitasking

65. Horror (Oct 2023)

Reaching Out [Vincent van Gogh x Abigail Clarke]

66. Traps

67. Nurture (May 2023)

Houki x Mitsunari (WIP Wednesday) | Ophelia (WIP Wednesday) | Abby x Vincent, Theo & Arthur (WIP Wednesday) | Maddie x Harr (WIP Wednesday)

68. Hero

69. Annoyance

70. Mislead

71. Obsession

72. Mischief

73. I Can't

74. Are You Challenging Me? (Sept 2023)

Houki & Nobunaga (WIP Wednesday) | Abby & Arthur & Isaac (WIP Wednesday) | Miri & Lucifer (WIP Wednesday)

75. Mirror

76. Broken Pieces

77. Test

78. Drink

79. Starvation (Jan 2023)

Houki & Masamune (WIP Wednesday) | Ophelia x Kennyo (WIP Wednesday) | Abby & Leonardo (WIP Wednesday) | Maddie & Loki (WIP Wednesday) | Clara & Rio (WIP Wednesday)

80. Words

81. Today

82. Can You Hear Me?

83. Heal

84. Out Cold

85. Spiral (Jan 2024)

Miri & Simeon (WIP Wednesday)

86. Seeing Red

87. Food

88. Pain

89. Sick

90. Iron

91. Drowning

92. All That I Have

93. Give Up

94. Last Hope

95. Young

96. In the Storm (Dec 2023)

First Kicks (Abby x Vincent)

97. Safety First

98. Puzzle

99. Solitude

100. Relaxation

#masterlist #100 themes challenge #the filled list #thus far anyway #ikemen sengoku #ikemen revolution #ikemen vampire #ikemen prince #obey me #ikesen oc #ikerev oc #ikevamp oc #ikepri oc #obey me oc #too many characters to tag #so I won't

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not-krys · 26 days

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Started doing the themes last year, but only just now realizing that maybe I should also post which theme I plan on doing during the month.

So, that's what this post is about!

April 2024's Theme of the month is:

63. Do Not Disturb

Full list of prompts are listed here!

100 Themes Challenge WIPs will be posted on the last Wednesday of every month. For April, that is the 24th!

Have fun, lovelies!

#krys's adventures in fanfiction #100 themes challenge

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not-krys · 29 days

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[Repost] Creation - Miri

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

This one was just sweet all around! Just baking buddies having fun together with their giant cake!

Raw, unedited writing, no specific time frame for this one, just fluffy cake time.

-----

Miri looked at the timer on her D.D.D and checked the time, Luke standing nearby. Barbatos held onto oven mitts that matched Miri's and Luke's mitts, a gentle smile on his face.

"Is it almost done?" Luke asked.

"It's pretty close, I think." Miri answered, checking the time one last time. "It should be pretty close to that cake we saw on Devilgram the other day."

"What was it called?"

"In the Human Realm, we called it a castella cake."

"And you bake it with steam?"

"Yep, that's what makes it so light and fluffy, along with all the air inside it. That's what makes it move like that."

"It wiggled so much in that Devilgram video, it looked alive!"

"I hope this one wiggles just as much!"

A soft beeping soon echoed in the kitchen, alerting all three to the time.

"Moment of truth, everyone!" Miri said, stepping to one side of the giant oven. Luke scrambled over to her side, oven mitts at the ready.

"Please be cautious as I open the door." said Barbatos, carefully pulling down on the handle.

Hot air soon filled the room, making Miri and Luke wince, but only momentarily as the smell of baked cake soon followed. Barbatos pulled the rack forward, hot water sloshing around in the pan.

"On the count of three," Barbatos said, putting his mitted hands on one side of the baking pan. Miri and Luke took the opposite corners, ready to lift the massive cake from its watery bath, which was both longer and stood taller than all three bakers combined.

On his command, the three lifted the massive cake, moving it to the nearby counter, amazed at how much it did indeed move and wiggle, dancing to their movements.

"Wahh!" Luke exclaimed, "it does move!"

"Told you it would!" Miri laughed.

Barbatos only smiled gently.

"I'm sure that everyone will be pleased with your efforts, both of you. A job well done."

"We all made it together!" Miri said, "and I think there should be enough for everyone! Even Beel!"

"Perhaps you should message them to come to the castle?" Barbatos was already turning away, intent on finding his master, hopefully still working on the paperwork left for him that day.

"Yeah, it's waaay too big for me to carry by myself. We can have a castella party!"

"Yeah!" Luke said, "I'll message Simeon and Solomon! They have to come too!"

#krys's adventures in fanfiction #wip wednesday #obey me #obey me oc #miriam (obey me oc)#luke (obey me)#barbatos (obey me)#I think with the mention of simeon and solomon together #this might be an og timeline event but not sure specifically when #maybe it's a devilgram story or something lol #was also thinking of adding Diavolo at the end but couldn't put the words together to bring him in #he'd love the giant jiggly castella cake

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not-krys · 30 days

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[Repost] Creation - Abby

Part of this set of WIP Wednesday

Wanted to put this batch out once the main post posted in time for Vincent's birthday, so here's this one again!

Raw, unedited writing, Vincent pushing away Leonardo's hand made me feel a certain way during my run of Vincent's route and now I'm writing that 'certain way' feel out, mostly fluff otherwise, Leonardo does say cavolo tho, if that's a warning.

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Leonardo stood in the doorway of Vincent's room, sunlight pouring into the room, but there was something else in the room that could rival the sun in brightness and warmth.

Vincent's back was to him, his apron tied loosely around his torso. His feet were planted firmly on the floor as he sat on his stool. And if that had been the only thing of note, he might have left, to leave a fellow artist to his creation devices.

But the second set of feet, dangling between Vincent's, and a smaller hand holding onto a paintbrush in his, had the older vampire smiling with affection.

He remembered the day he had found Abby struggling to make her lines looser and how he had given her some tips, as an artist, but also to help with her general demeanor. Scrunched up like a nervous kitten wouldn't help her in the long run and he had hoped the message got across when he was teaching her.

Now, it seemed it was Vincent's turn to help her, much closer to her than he had been, sitting in his lap. Both of them were growing bolder, he thought. A natural process for Abby as she was overcoming her timidity, but she wasn't the only one growing bold. Leonardo looked at his hand, remembering when he had attempted to pat her head, something he had done countless times to encourage the little cara before, only for Vincent's hand to stop him, pushing him away from her not unlike a lover would protect his love from unwarranted advances.

He chuckled and pushed away from the door frame, closing the door fully behind him. He also couldn't help but see Vincent's hand tightening on Abby's thigh, a blue eye briefly glancing directly at him for a split second before returning his attention back to the painting session.

Even for all of his long life, Leonardo felt the briefest of chills from that single look and started walking away, lighting his cigarillo as he walked away.

"Cavolo…" he whispered, shaking his shoulders of their tension.

#krys's adventures in fanfiction #wip wednesday #ikemen vampire #leonardo da vinci (ikevamp)#vincent van gogh (ikevamp)#abigail clarke (oc)#repost queue #creation both in the sense that abbygail and vincent are making art together #that leonardo had previously started creating confidence for her #but also the creation of more emotions in Vincent #esp certain ones #if only this had been explored more in route damn it #;;

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not-krys · 1 month

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47. Creation [Abby, Miri]

Happy Last Wednesday of March! It's that time again, another theme to get the writing juices going. This time, we got the theme of creation!

Raw, unedited writing below. We got Leonardo making observations about Abby and Vincent in her section, while Miri's section is cute and sweet with Luke and Barbatos.

Check out my masterlist!

-----

Abby

Leonardo stood in the doorway of Vincent's room, sunlight pouring into the room, but there was something else in the room that could rival the sun in brightness and warmth.

But the second set of feet, dangling between Vincent's, and a smaller hand holding onto a paintbrush in his, had the older vampire smiling with affection.

Even for all of his long life, Leonardo felt the briefest of chills from that single look and started walking away, lighting his cigarillo as he walked away.

"Cavolo…" he whispered, shaking his shoulders of their tension.

----------

Miri

Miri looked at the timer on her D.D.D and checked the time, Luke standing nearby. Barbatos held onto oven mitts that matched Miri's and Luke's mitts, a gentle smile on his face.

"Is it almost done?" Luke asked.

"It's pretty close, I think." Miri answered, checking the time one last time. "It should be pretty close to that cake we saw on Devilgram the other day."

"What was it called?"

"In the Human Realm, we called it a castella cake."

"And you bake it with steam?"

"Yep, that's what makes it so light and fluffy, along with all the air inside it. That's what makes it move like that."

"It wiggled so much in that Devilgram video, it looked alive!"

"I hope this one wiggles just as much!"

A soft beeping soon echoed in the kitchen, alerting all three to the time.

"Moment of truth, everyone!" Miri said, stepping to one side of the giant oven. Luke scrambled over to her side, oven mitts at the ready.

"Please be cautious as I open the door." said Barbatos, carefully pulling down on the handle.

Hot air soon filled the room, making Miri and Luke wince, but only momentarily as the smell of baked cake soon followed. Barbatos pulled the rack forward, hot water sloshing around in the pan.

On his command, the three lifted the massive cake, moving it to the nearby counter, amazed at how much it did indeed move and wiggle, dancing to their movements.

"Wahh!" Luke exclaimed, "it does move!"

"Told you it would!" Miri laughed.

Barbatos only smiled gently.

"I'm sure that everyone will be pleased with your efforts, both of you. A job well done."

"We all made it together!" Miri said, "and I think there should be enough for everyone! Even Beel!"

"Perhaps you should message them to come to the castle?" Barbatos was already turning away, intent on finding his master, hopefully still working on the paperwork left for him that day.

"Yeah, it's waaay too big for me to carry by myself. We can have a castella party!"

"Yeah!" Luke said, "I'll message Simeon and Solomon! They have to come too!"

#krys's adventures in fanfiction #wip wednesday #ikemen vampire #obey me #abigail clarke (oc)#miriam (obey me oc)#that moment where Vincent pushes off Leonardo's hand from MC's head in his route still pops up in my head once in a while #like as a brief lil reminder that Vince isn't always sunshine and rainbows #that experiencing the full spectrum of emotions is important #even the negative ones #I think Aki might be possessing me whenever that happens #on another note #had watched a vid about making a giant castella cake which is what inspired miri's entry #baking with friends is always fun #especially when you make giant jiggly cake #I had wanted to do one with Ophelia and Kennyo after I had played an event in SLBP #in SLBP Shingen's event story they were making prayer beads #and it was cute and I uwu'ed the entire story #(what I could finish of it anyway bc I started late and didn't get to the conclusion)#but I thought it would be a neat idea to transfer the idea over to Ophelia and Kennyo #but alas #ran out of steam and couldn't put it into the words I wanted #so it's in my idea pile for her

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not-krys · 2 months

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[Repost] Hold My Hand - Abby

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

Raw, unedited writing, loosely based on events in Jean's route but they're just friends here. We also go into some depression and inadequacy issues here, so warnings for that.

-----

Abby looked on as Jean made broad, careful marks in his notebook, his writing script not unlike a small child just learning their letters. She was proud of him, learning a valuable skill practically taken for granted in her time. Watching an adult struggle with something so basic and commonplace as reading and writing, it made her think more considerately, as Jean had come from a time where reading and writing had only been taught to a select few. It wouldn't do to tease him that came so naturally to her. Sword fighting didn't come to her naturally like it did for Jean, after all.

After a quiet pause, Jean stopped and put his pen down, comparing his scratches to Abby's much more experienced handwriting.

"You're improving," she said with a small smile. "The shakiness will go away with practice."

Jean nodded, confident in his own way.

"You have been patient with me, mademoiselle."

"Writing and reading are valuable skills." she explained. "It'll help with your business a-and you can keep up with events, like reading the paper like Theo does each morning."

He nodded, looking over the work again. He then closed the book.

"I want to try reading again."

"O-okay!" Abby stood up from her chair, looking over the tomes surrounding the two of them. "What would you like to try tonight? Sebas helped me pick out some easy readers at the book market when it was in town the other day."

"The Ugly Duckling."

"The Ugly Duckling?"

"Hmm." Jean nodded.

They had read it several times, Abby thought, picking it from the nearby shelf.

"Do you like the story?"

"I relate to it the most."

"A-ah, I see." She sat beside him again and opened up to the first page. "What do you find most relatable about it?"

"The duckling being ostracized because of his appearance. My brothers often teased me for having a feminine face. And…" His singular eye looked to the side, looking at the patch over his other eye.

"Yes, the story certainly doesn't shy away from telling the reader that if you don't have a pleasing appearance, you will be teased mercilessly… and bullied."

"Do you find the story relatable too, Mademoiselle?"

"…Yes, I do."

"But you are beautiful."

Abby blushed bright red, her eyes wide.

"T-Thank you."

"Were you bullied, then?"

Abby froze.

"No, you're beautiful, so you couldn't have been." Jean relaxed his grip on his sword, talking to himself. Abby closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath.

"I wasn't good enough, actually." she clenched her hands in her lap.

"Hmm?"

"When you try the best you can and it's not enough." Abby sighed. "That the things you love and care about, aren't worth much in the grand scheme of things."

Jean was silent.

"People can be cruel, sometimes, until you meet some high… high standard that shouldn't be-"

Abby put a hand over her mouth, realizing what she was saying.

"B-but, that's enough about me. We're supposed to be reading? Do you want to read to me this time? I bet you've gotten better with how much you've been practicing."

Jean stared at her, his dark eye staring at her curiously. He then reached for her hand cradling her face, pulling it away and holding it gingerly.

#krys's adventures in fanfiction #wip wednesday #ikemen vampire #ikevamp oc #jean d'arc (ikevamp)#abigail clarke (oc)#repost queue

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not-krys · 2 months

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[Repost] Hold My Hand - Miri

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

I find it funny that Mammon has Miri's second February prompt in a row. He demands it, duh.

Raw, unedited writing, Spoilers for Nightbringer Lesson 37ish, 38ish.

-----

"Oi! Hey!"

Well, the icy wind probably did most of that, but she didn't look physically well either.

His suspicions were confirmed when he felt a small, human hand grabbing onto his unexpectedly, and, while she wasn't a demon like Diavolo where his hand was so hot it made his palms sweat, Miri's hand was too cold for a human.

"Sorry," she apologized, looking down.

"Don't just go grabbing like that, kid!"

Her hand was like the ice they were walking on. Mammon frowned.

"You okay?" he asked, "Did you grab me because you're cold or because you're scared?"

"…Both."

Her shivering was much more obvious now that they were connected.

"Not like you to get scared."

"I still get scared sometimes. A lot of times, actually."

"Worried about Lucifer?"

"Yeah."

Mammon sighed and gripped her hand tighter.

"We'll find him, stupid. And make him pay for putting us through all of this. Only fitting, if you ask me."

Mammon snorted.

"He's gonna owe us big time. I mean, really. Bringing all of to the lowest level of Cocytus, freezing our asses off. Even Simeon, Luke, and Solomon are worried about him. Hells, we even got Mephisto, of all people, helping us get that jerk back. So, don't worry so much."

Miri looked up, seeing Mammon's grin.

#krys's adventures in fanfiction #wip wednesday #obey me #obey me oc #mammon (obey me)#miriam (obey me oc)#I love big bro Mammon #he's so cute #damn it #repost queue

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not-krys · 2 months

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[Repost] Hold My Hand - Thea

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

Raw, unedited writing, Introvert vs Extrovert, Thea does cuss someone out in French (which is machine translation, so if it's wrong, sorry, not my fault)

------

"Thanks for coming out with me today, Isaac." Thea smiled back at her companion, "I really appreciate it."

Isaac looked down at the street, unsuccessfully at hiding the pink on his cheeks.

"Sebas was busy with chores today, so he couldn't come. And Theo's always busy with selling paintings." She chattered away. "So, thanks again. I don't think we've really had a chance to spend time together yet, have we?"

Isaac said nothing. Thea only grinned more.

"Let see. We ordered Leonardo's cigarillos and some more fruit to be delivered later. We got the different brands of blue inks for Mozart and Arthur, since they like using blue ink in their work, but not the same one at Mozart's insistence. It's a little silly, if you think about it, all this fuss over different brands of ink. Not even the same specific brands each time either. One time I got them mixed up and neither of them seemed to notice. It was kind of funny, when I told Sebas about it."

"You…" Isaac mumbled.

"Hm?" Thea stopped and looked back at Isaac, the blush stronger on his face.

"You… talk a lot."

Thea laughed softly.

"Sorry, forgot you're not much for talking." She put her hand on her hip. "If it bothers you, just tell me to shut my pie hole. No hard feelings on my part, I know I talk a lot. My dad Liam complained about my chattering all the time. Only for Papa Beni to swoop in and starting chatting with me too, just to get on Liam's nerves."

"Dad? Papa?"

"They're my fathers. Well, they took in my mom and me when we had nowhere else to go. They're not my dads in the biological sense. just practically raised me from the ground up. They were all friends when they were young, my mom, Liam and Beni. They refused to let their friend be homeless."

"They… they sound nice."

"I wish you could meet them." She smiled, "Well, if they can get over me time-travelling to the past and meeting famous figures of the past that have been turned into vampires first."

Isaac didn't say anything, letting the freckled girl chatter on as much as her heart desired. He didn't like that she prattled on so much, but he knew he wasn't great at starting conversations (or keeping them going, really), so really, the fact that she didn't seem bothered by him being quiet at all was both relieving and a little unnerving. Not that she ever ignored him, she was attentive when he had something to say, but still, he should be contributing to the conversation more, surely?

The crowds were getting denser, Isaac noticed. Thea was tall, but it didn't bode well if he lost her in the crowd. Would Theo come after him if he lost her? Would Arthur? The thought irritated him.

He then heard the sound of screams of horses and fast spinning wheels. Of course, someone was speeding through the street when there was high foot traffic-!

Isaac reached out thoughtlessly, grabbing a hold of Thea's warm hand, just as the careening carriage turned the corner, narrowly missing the girl, thankfully only blowing back her hat. She whipped her head around, looking angry at the fleeing vehicle.

"Hey! Slow down, asshole! Il y a des gens qui marchent ici, connard!"

Isaac flushed pink, embarrassed.

"Honestly," Thea huffed, "the nerve of some people! It's only gonna get worse when cars start getting mass-manufactured. Man…"

Isaac was still too stunned to speak, looking stupefied at their still joined hands.

#krys's adventures in fanfiction #wip wednesday #ikemen vampire #ikevamp oc #isaac newton (ikevamp)#dorothea reid (oc)#repost queue

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not-krys · 2 months

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[Repost] Hold My Hand - Houki

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

Raw, unedited writing below. Content warning for pregnancy, and Mitsun is super sweet as always.

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Dawn's early morning rays peeked through Mitsunari's window, blinding him temporarily before his eyes adjusted. Things seem to be the same as he and Houki had left them last night. Books placed in haphazard places, Kitty sleeping on his discarded sleeping robe near the bed, and his lovely Houki sleeping as well, her hand resting on her swollen belly.

Lord Hideyoshi would be here soon to bring breakfast, he thought. Houki, now in the later stages of her pregnancy, was relieved of her chatelaine duties to allow her to focus on her (and his) soon-to-be born child, so Lord Hideyoshi had taken over meal duties, making sure the two of them had regular scheduled meals now that Houki couldn't in her condition. Lord Hideyoshi didn't mind as he used to do this long before Houki came along. It was a return to form, to speak. But it did mean that Mitsunari was alone in getting ready for the day.

Today, however, would be different.

Set aside were both his clothes and Houki's, in neat piles thanks (again) to Lord Hideyoshi.

He was going to do it. He was going to dress himself and Houki. It was only fair after the number of times she'd help him get dressed and made sure he looked like a proper lord. Plus, it was getting more difficult for her to do basic tasks now so heavy with child. He wanted to help her, now more than ever.

With a nod and a small kiss to her nose, he rose from the bed, determined with his goal. He walked towards his pile, examining each article carefully. They were his own clothes, it shouldn't be difficult to dress oneself, after all. Just one piece at a time.

After several minutes, he did indeed dress himself. All his ties and strings were in place, tied neatly. Only one or two things were still askew but he was comfortable with this. His mission was just to dress himself and his wife, not to make sure they were immaculate for a visiting noble or something.

Next, he examined Houki's garments, similar to his own save for a few key items. Under clothes were pretty much the same, as was the kimono itself. Her blue jacket he could understand. Her obi and sashes, however, were a little confusing to him. He'd seen plenty of women in town and castle maids wearing bows with their sashes, but to make one with his own hands confounded him. Even the book he read over last night also called them a mystery. Mitsunari frowned.

He could ask Lord Hideyoshi about how to make one since he was regularly correcting others about their crooked obis and fixing them as needed, but he did want to try it on his own first. Houki would know how to tie the ribbon in the back, surely. The maids taught her and she learns things so quickly.

Maybe that should be his course of action, ask for her help as he's helping her get dressed. He nodded again, turning when he heard her stirring behind him. Mitsunari smiled brightly.

"Good morning, my love," he said quietly, kneeling by her side, "I still adore waking by your side."

"Good morning, Mitsunari," she said, her voice still heavy with sleep. "But, you're already dressed."

"Lord Hideyoshi is coming by soon, so I wanted to wake up early to help you get dressed."

Houki reached for her glasses, sitting just at the edge of her pillow, but Mitsunari grabbed them, remembering to grab by the frames rather than the glass and handed them to her.

"Are you sure?"

"I am. I want to help you."

She nods, still affected with sleep.

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Mitsunari holds out his hand for her hand, helping her to stand on her feet. Kitty flicked her ear, still sleeping on his robes.

"Is he kicking?"

"Not yet. I guess he wore himself out last night."

"He must have been intrigued by the story we were reading to him."

"It was quite exciting. I even dreamed about the story, with our little boy in it."

"You see him in your dreams?"

"Sometimes. It's how I'm sure he's going to be a boy. The maids have been placing bets ever since I started showing."

"I've heard whispers of Lord Mitsuhide running bets as well."

"I didn't doubt he would. Lord Hideyoshi wasn't pleased with him."

She looked down at her stomach, slightly peeking through her sleeping kimono.

"What do you think?"

"I trust your judgement, but… even if we turn out to be wrong, we'll still love them regardless if they are a boy or girl."

Houki nodded and started taking her off her robe, Mitsunari helping her take it off the rest of the way. He then picked up her inner kimono, slipping it over her arms. He then moved in front of her, adjusting the fabric so it closed over her properly. He then repeated the process with her outer kimono, adjusting as needed.

"One of the older maids gave me the wider obi sashes," Houki said, "She said it help her in her pregnancies, saved her back when the baby started getting heavy. They seem to be starting to be fashionable amongst the nobility."

"I've started to notice them more often whenever noble ladies visit Lord Nobunaga and Lord Hideyoshi. Perhaps it's more comfortable?"

"It's… more supportive, I suppose. My back doesn't hurt as much when I wear them."

"Is he starting to get too heavy?"

"A little bit. I don't mind, as it's a good sign he's growing and healthy."

Mitsunari rubbed her lower back and kissed her temple.

"Let me know if it starts hurting too much. I want you to let me take care of you."

#krys's adventures in fanfiction #wip wednesday #ikemen sengoku #ikesen oc #mitsunari ishida #houki of jiyel #cw: pregnancy #repost queue

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not-krys · 2 months

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[Repost] Hold My Hand - Ophelia

Part of this set of WIP Wednesdays

Raw, unedited writing ahead. Fluffy Kennyo up ahead, back and forth teasing, it's all cute, damn it!

-----

"Thank you for your kindness, Abbess." Two monks bowed to Ophelia, accepting the folded robes from her pale hands.

"Thank you for trusting me with the mending work." She bowed in return, "I know how important keeping up with one's clothes is."

"It looks a little different to the stitching that I'm used to, but it looks stronger than before."

"I grew with quite a number of younger siblings!" She smiled, "The stitching had to be strong to withstand the test of time and rambunctious little ones testing out their hand-me-downs."

"Ah, that makes sense."

"Thank you again, for making such quick repairs."

"You are welcome. I hope that you will come to me again if you need any more mending."

They both bowed once again, leaving Ophelia to stand in the hall entrance, a hand on her hip.

Moments later, a familiar hand found her shoulder, making her smile.

"So that's what you up doing for so many nights."

"Needlework isn't that hard for me. It was a common expected duty of a wife back home."

"Yet, your handiwork was remarkable, even for some simple repairs."

"Like I said, I had a lot of siblings that were always up to something." She shrugged, nonchalant.

"I would also like to point out that eavesdropping is an unbecoming, dear Abbot."

Kennyo chuckled.

"Forgive my curiosity. You refused to tell me what or why you were sewing so long into the night. I was starting to get worried."

Ophelia placed her hand on top of his, resting on her shoulder.

"Or jealous, perhaps? I was sure you'd recognize the robes of your own temple."

"Sewing a man's robe that wasn't my own, jealousy was starting to sew it's seeds into my heart, I'll admit."

Ophelia chuckled.

"But I had no doubts that your intentions were pure."

"Oh? You trust me that much?"

"You did promise me that no other man would make another hole in your heart, once upon a time."

"I suppose I did say that."

"And I wouldn't let you stray that far."

"Oh, would you now?"

"You mean too much to me for me to let you go, now."

"Hmm… I'm inclined to agree. I like you a little too much to leave you now."

"Only like, dearest?"

"Just a little bit."

He moved his hand from her shoulder, only to intertwine their fingers.

"Shame, I was hoping it was a little more than like."

"How much do you want me to like you, then?"

"Enough to make me feel complete with your love."

"A tall order, I hope you understand."

"I'm sure you'll try your best, Abbess." He pressed her hand against his cheek.

#krys's adventures in fanfiction #wip wednesday #ikemen sengoku #ikesen oc #kennyo (ikesen)#ophelia of revaire #I keep making them cute #repost queue

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not-krys · 2 months

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35. Hold My Hand (Houki, Ophelia, Thea, Abby, Miri)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Kind of last minute as I had intended to finish these by the end of the month, but as it's Valentine's day today, I figured I'd post these entries early.

When choosing this prompt, since I had done 'Love' prompt last year, I had wanted another theme that could evoke some kind of romantic feeling, but... that didn't exactly happen with some of these.

And since I had wanted to participate in Julie's Love Booth event, those prompts (plus the theme of the month) seemed to lean more towards a platonic vibe for some of these little ramblings. Nothing wrong with that, it's just where the vibes took me.

Regular warnings apply: Raw, unedited writing, Houki's entry has pregnancy in it's theme, Abby's has a little self-deprecation, some spoilers for Nightbringer Lesson 38 for Miri, the usual stuff.

Check out my Masterlist!

-----

Houki

(Knowledge, "Let Me Take Care of You")

Today, however, would be different.

Set aside were both his clothes and Houki's, in neat piles thanks (again) to Lord Hideyoshi.

Maybe that should be his course of action, ask for her help as he's helping her get dressed. He nodded again, turning when he heard her stirring behind him. Mitsunari smiled brightly.

"Good morning, my love," he said quietly, kneeling by her side, "I still adore waking by your side."

"Good morning, Mitsunari," she said, her voice still heavy with sleep. "But, you're already dressed."

"Lord Hideyoshi is coming by soon, so I wanted to wake up early to help you get dressed."

Houki reached for her glasses, sitting just at the edge of her pillow, but Mitsunari grabbed them, remembering to grab by the frames rather than the glass and handed them to her.

"Are you sure?"

"I am. I want to help you."

She nods, still affected with sleep.

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Mitsunari holds out his hand for her hand, helping her to stand on her feet. Kitty flicked her ear, still sleeping on his robes.

"Is he kicking?"

"Not yet. I guess he wore himself out last night."

"He must have been intrigued by the story we were reading to him."

"It was quite exciting. I even dreamed about the story, with our little boy in it."

"You see him in your dreams?"

"Sometimes. It's how I'm sure he's going to be a boy. The maids have been placing bets ever since I started showing."

"I've heard whispers of Lord Mitsuhide running bets as well."

"I didn't doubt he would. Lord Hideyoshi wasn't pleased with him."

She looked down at her stomach, slightly peeking through her sleeping kimono.

"What do you think?"

"I trust your judgement, but… even if we turn out to be wrong, we'll still love them regardless if they are a boy or girl."

"I've started to notice them more often whenever noble ladies visit Lord Nobunaga and Lord Hideyoshi. Perhaps it's more comfortable?"

"It's… more supportive, I suppose. My back doesn't hurt as much when I wear them."

"Is he starting to get too heavy?"

"A little bit. I don't mind, as it's a good sign he's growing and healthy."

Mitsunari rubbed her lower back and kissed her temple.

"Let me know if it starts hurting too much. I want you to let me take care of you."

-----

Ophelia

(Revenge, "You make me feel complete with your love.")

"Thank you for your kindness, Abbess." Two monks bowed to Ophelia, accepting the folded robes from her pale hands.

"Thank you for trusting me with the mending work." She bowed in return, "I know how important keeping up with one's clothes is."

"It looks a little different to the stitching that I'm used to, but it looks stronger than before."

"I grew with quite a number of younger siblings!" She smiled, "The stitching had to be strong to withstand the test of time and rambunctious little ones testing out their hand-me-downs."

"Ah, that makes sense."

"Thank you again, for making such quick repairs."

"You are welcome. I hope that you will come to me again if you need any more mending."

They both bowed once again, leaving Ophelia to stand in the hall entrance, a hand on her hip.

Moments later, a familiar hand found her shoulder, making her smile.

"So that's what you up doing for so many nights."

"Needlework isn't that hard for me. It was a common expected duty of a wife back home."

"Yet, your handiwork was remarkable, even for some simple repairs."

"Like I said, I had a lot of siblings that were always up to something." She shrugged, nonchalant.

"I would also like to point out that eavesdropping is an unbecoming, dear Abbot."

Kennyo chuckled.

"Forgive my curiosity. You refused to tell me what or why you were sewing so long into the night. I was starting to get worried."

Ophelia placed her hand on top of his, resting on her shoulder.

"Or jealous, perhaps? I was sure you'd recognize the robes of your own temple."

"Sewing a man's robe that wasn't my own, jealousy was starting to sew it's seeds into my heart, I'll admit."

Ophelia chuckled.

"But I had no doubts that your intentions were pure."

"Oh? You trust me that much?"

"You did promise me that no other man would make another hole in your heart, once upon a time."

"I suppose I did say that."

"And I wouldn't let you stray that far."

"Oh, would you now?"

"You mean too much to me for me to let you go, now."

"Hmm… I'm inclined to agree. I like you a little too much to leave you now."

"Only like, dearest?"

"Just a little bit."

He moved his hand from her shoulder, only to intertwine their fingers.

"Shame, I was hoping it was a little more than like."

"How much do you want me to like you, then?"

"Enough to make me feel complete with your love."

"A tall order, I hope you understand."

"I'm sure you'll try your best, Abbess." He pressed her hand against his cheek.

-----

Thea

(Scholar, "I don't understand people at all… yet I found myself quite curious to know everything about you.")

"Thanks for coming out with me today, Isaac." Thea smiled back at her companion, "I really appreciate it."

Isaac looked down at the street, unsuccessfully at hiding the pink on his cheeks.

Isaac said nothing. Thea only grinned more.

"You…" Isaac mumbled.

"Hm?" Thea stopped and looked back at Isaac, the blush stronger on his face.

"You… talk a lot."

Thea laughed softly.

"Dad? Papa?"

"They… they sound nice."

"I wish you could meet them." She smiled, "Well, if they can get over me time-travelling to the past and meeting famous figures of the past that have been turned into vampires first."

The crowds were getting denser, Isaac noticed. Thea was tall, but it didn't bode well if he lost her in the crowd. Would Theo come after him if he lost her? Would Arthur? The thought irritated him.

He then heard the sound of screams of horses and fast spinning wheels. Of course, someone was speeding through the street when there was high foot traffic-!

"Hey! Slow down, asshole! Il y a des gens qui marchent ici, connard!"

Isaac flushed pink, embarrassed.

"Honestly," Thea huffed, "the nerve of some people! It's only gonna get worse when cars start getting mass-manufactured. Man…"

Isaac was still too stunned to speak, looking stupefied at their still joined hands.

------

Abby

(Monster, "I'm Not Worthy of Love")

The library this time of night, usually a quiet place that was often the favored place for the more solitary residents (or even the ones that just wanted a place to nap) but at this time, there was two of the residents there together at the table, the scratching of pens against paper filling the silence. Abby looked on as Jean made broad, careful marks in his notebook, his writing script not unlike a small child just learning their letters. She was proud of him, learning a valuable skill practically taken for granted in her time. Watching an adult struggle with something so basic and commonplace as reading and writing, it made her think more considerately, as Jean had come from a time where reading and writing had only been taught to a select few. It wouldn't do to tease him that came so naturally to her. Sword fighting didn't come to her naturally like it did for Jean, after all.

After a quiet pause, Jean stopped and put his pen down, comparing his scratches to Abby's much more experienced handwriting.

"You're improving," she said with a small smile. "The shakiness will go away with practice."

Jean nodded, confident in his own way.

"You have been patient with me, mademoiselle."

"Writing and reading are valuable skills." she explained. "It'll help with your business a-and you can keep up with events, like reading the paper like Theo does each morning."

He nodded, looking over the work again. He then closed the book.

"I want to try reading again."

"The Ugly Duckling."

"The Ugly Duckling?"

"Hmm." Jean nodded.

They had read it several times, Abby thought, picking it from the nearby shelf.

"Do you like the story?"

"I relate to it the most."

"A-ah, I see." She sat beside him again and opened up to the first page. "What do you find most relatable about it?"

"The duckling being ostracized because of his appearance. My brothers often teased me for having a feminine face. And…" His singular eye looked to the side, looking at the patch over his other eye.

"Yes, the story certainly doesn't shy away from telling the reader that if you don't have a pleasing appearance, you will be teased mercilessly… and bullied."

"Do you find the story relatable too, Mademoiselle?"

"…Yes, I do."

"But you are beautiful."

Abby blushed bright red, her eyes wide.

"T-Thank you."

"Were you bullied, then?"

Abby froze.

"No, you're beautiful, so you couldn't have been." Jean relaxed his grip on his sword, talking to himself. Abby closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath.

"I wasn't good enough, actually." she clenched her hands in her lap.

"Hmm?"

"When you try the best you can and it's not enough." Abby sighed. "That the things you love and care about, aren't worth much in the grand scheme of things."

Jean was silent.

"People can be cruel, sometimes, until you meet some high… high standard that shouldn't be-"

Abby put a hand over her mouth, realizing what she was saying.

"B-but, that's enough about me. We're supposed to be reading? Do you want to read to me this time? I bet you've gotten better with how much you've been practicing."

Jean stared at her, his dark eye staring at her curiously. He then reached for her hand cradling her face, pulling it away and holding it gingerly.

-----

Miri

"Oi! Hey!"

The biting wind cut into his skin, not helped at all by the somber atmosphere with the angels. And watching his younger brothers being dragged under the ice didn't help either. He knew they were all tough, of course, they would join up with them eventually, but right now, he was the only one left to look after Miri and she wasn't looking so hot either. Well, the icy wind probably did most of that, but she didn't look physically well either. His suspicions were confirmed when he felt a small, human hand grabbing onto his unexpectedly, and, while she wasn't a demon like Diavolo where his hand was so hot it made his palms sweat, Miri's hand was too cold for a human.

"Sorry," she apologized, looking down.

"Don't just go grabbing like that, kid!"

Her hand was like the ice they were walking on. Mammon frowned.

"You okay?" he asked, "Did you grab me because you're cold or because you're scared?"

"…Both."

Her shivering was much more obvious now that they were connected.

"Not like you to get scared."

"I still get scared sometimes. A lot of times, actually."

"Worried about Lucifer?"

"Yeah."

Mammon sighed and gripped her hand tighter.

"We'll find him, stupid. And make him pay for putting us through all of this. Only fitting, if you ask me."

Mammon snorted.

Miri looked up, seeing Mammon's grin.

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