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theealluringstoryteller · 1 month

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Agaisnt The World Around Us

Chapter 5: The wedding

Clara snuggled her son relishing in the warmth his body gave as she read the words off the pages of the book she found in their small library in the village. Despite him being 13 she appreciated him still wanting to read to him and cuddle him when he wanted to spend time with her or in need of comfort. Castin silently followed along with his eyes, one almost swollen shut due to the fight he got into with boys much older than him. Clara hated how her sweet boy was treated among people in their village and she tried her best to make up for it by doing everything she could at home. “And then ‘swoosh’ Perseus swooped down on his flying horse towards Andromeda determined to save the chained princess from the sea monster ‘Cetus’ ”

She continued on with the story warmly smiling as Castin cuddled a bit more closer to her, drowned in the story escaping the day that he had.

“After the mighty Demi God slayed the horrid beast he took Princess Andromeda back to her father King Cepheus and asked for her hand in marriage-" “Ughhh!” Castin groaned loudly turning his head up the shift in the story. “Awe come on Cassie! All heroes deserve love-” “But he’s in his prime! He’s gonna throw it all away for some…chick!” Castin huffs crossing his arms over his chest suddenly uninterested in the tale. The young Castin grumbled to himself about how weak Perseus was. “What man would rather settle down instead of living a life full of honor!” Frowning Clara closed the book unhappy with her son’s thought process. “Who said it wasn’t honorable to be in love?” She questioned wanting to get down to the source of his disdain! “Only girls fall in love! It’s stupid and silly!” Castin went on. “It’s not manly at all!”

Appalled Clara scoffed “who told you all of this…horse shit?” She demanded snatching his chin and turning his face towards her. His eyes now softening he shrugs his shoulders feeling bad about getting his mother upset. “They say so! It’s not the Intacian way!”

Clara sighed mentally cursing those who put such an idea into her son’s head. “Cassie,honey, don’t believe to their bullshit! They are nothing but a bunch of miserable pathetic old men who are unhappy with their lives because they couldn’t manage to get a woman even of low standards to fall in love with their miserable asses!” Clara begins motioning Castin into her arms. Scooting back into his mother’s embrace Castin remained silent knowing that now it wasn’t the best time to cut in with his warped opinions. “Let me tell you my little love, you’re going to find a woman when you grow into a man and you’re gonna be so in love with her and her you because you deserve that! You’re by far better than those low life roaches who told you that it wasn’t manly to be in love-your father loved me very much!” She tells him hugging him closely. “And this woman you’re gonna find-she’s gonna be everything you’ve ever dreamed of-”

“Maaa! I don’t dream of girls!” Castin whined at the thought. “Oh please don’t lie to your mother! I wash your clothes!”

“Ma!” Castin groaned again, his cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

“Oh hush!” Clara chuckled softly pinching Castin’s side.

“My boy! You’re home!” Clara cheered rushing up to her son who now towered over her. A bright smile on his face he embraced her closing his eyes in relief now that he’s home and away from the camp that had too many funky bodies and none of his mother’s delicious cooking.

“I missed ya too, ma!”

“You better! The amount of time I stay up thinking and worrying about you!” She exclaimed letting go so she could do a look over of her son.

She tsked at his lanky figure “Are they not feeding you? What you have to be an official soldier to get a decent meal plan?!” Clara continued to fuss causing Castin to smile and laugh to himself at his mother’s behavior.

“Gisela! Isn’t that the boy you’re brother-”

“Shush!”

Castin developing keen ear picked up not to far from his home. His eyes catching sight of two girls around his age walking by huddled together as they peered over at him while whispering horribly.

“He’s cute! Maybe you should ask him out?”

“What?! What if he says no?”

Smirking Castin lifted a hand “Sup Ladies!” He greeted jerking his chin up in a nod. The two girls gasped then awkwardly laughed stopping their stroll now that there was an air of opportunity.

Frowning Clara glanced between the girls and her son. She studied the two before her eyes went from slits to calm within seconds.

“I’m sorry girls but my son here desperately needs a bath! Camp has lice!” Clara huffs looking at Castin’s hair full of disgust. “Yeah! Unfortunately that’s what happens with some soldiers in training!” She tells them shrugging her shoulders, ignoring the look her son was shooting her way. The woman shooed away the girls who held a displeased look on their faces.

“Maaa!” Castin cried dramatically raising his arms asking ‘why?’

“Trust me Cassie I’ve seen those girls buzzing like a hover fly in other warriors in training faces and I’ll be damned if you came home with something far worse than lice.”

Ushering her son into their house Clara began what Castin would refer to as rambling “I did you a favor! You need a girl who doesn’t get so excited over male attention! Someone who shares something you also love-like reading! Oh and she has to be sweet! You need a nice girl! To keep that heart of yours safe and full of love.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah Ma!” Castin rolls his eyes happy to be home. “I’ll be sure to marry her when I find her”

Castin stood tall at the alter his Commander suit felt like bricks anchoring him in place as his eyes were glued to the approaching figure in all white. He couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked making her way towards him, towards their future together, a one sided love. Ethereal is what came to mind as he saved this memory in his mind. Many years ago his mother told him and now it’s happening! He was in love! Goddess how he loved her. It plagued him! Turned every other woman into faceless humanoid creatures who could no longer sway him with their attention and empty affection.

His eyes only saw her, he only wanted her. Somehow she casted a spell and poof! He was her’s and she had no clue. That was the bittersweet part of this wedding. He was marrying the woman he loved while she was marrying the man she loathed.

Omorose barely spared him a glance as she stood emotionless at the alter beside him. Rhett shook his head throwing Castin a short look of disappointment at failing to win over the Baroness, before be started the ceremony.

“Today is one that will be marked in our new found history. Where two enemy nations set their hatred, division and differences aside to unite and become stronger together as one through the union of Intacian warrior commander Castin Hammer and Imperial Baroness of the coastal Empire Omorose Fentress. Bear witness as they commit themselves to each other and as their commitment serves as a bond between the Coastal empire and Intacia!”

A mixture of low groans and whispers creeped up once King Rhett finished the opening speech of the wedding ceremony.

In the coastal empire Weddings were a show. The richer you were, the higher or title the more elaborate your wedding is expected to be. Ballads were song, Dances were performed and the tales of both families histories were told high lighting where the union was a grand one. It was quite the cultura shock when Rhett went straight into asking

“Baroness, before the Goddess and everyone here do you take Castin to be your husband? Do you accept him as your partner and your equal for the rest of your life?”

“I do.” Her voice voided and empty as she sealed her fate, intertwining her life seconds before he did the same.

“And Castin, before the goddess and everyone here do you take the Baroness to be your wife? Do you accept her as your partner and your equal for the rest of your life?”

“Yeah…I do.” He said softly stealing a glance at her from the corner of his eyes. The empty look in her pretty honey eyes pained him to see. A consequence for him being a total ass.

“Then I king Rhett of Intacia and of the Coastal Empire bind you two together forever. Castin you may kiss your wife.” Rhett announced motioning him to step forward.

“Gladly!” Castin smirked.

Omorose mentally frowned as she was pulled into the kiss. She didn’t bother putting much effort into its Castin lead it.

While it brought Castin butterflies it brought Omorose nothing but disgust especially when he moaned into the kiss. And the sound of cheering and clapping only made her sour more.

Pushing him away she noticed the look of disappointment on her now Husband’s face.

“Hey you know you didn’t have to push me away like that towards the end.”

“You were getting carried away for something that doesn’t mean anything on a personal level.” She snipped maneuvering her dress around prepared to get far away from him as possible.

“Yeah you’re right…my bad. Kinda got carried away there.” Castin admits hoping she would be a little more kinder to him like she was with her close friends and Nina.

Rolling her eyes Omorose searched through the crowd for a familiar face she could socialize with instead of the husband she wanted to avoid.

Moving closer he asked “Look…could we at least dance?”

Throwing him a look Omorose scoffed her heeled feet carrying her and her long gown away as a frustrated Castin followed.

“Hey! Come on…look you’ve been doing this for months. I am your husband! Okay? You just can’t keep avoiding me.” He pleads wishing to reason with her.

Not bothering to entertain the thought Omorose kept walking.

Castin signed in frustration watching her go “Are you serious?!”

With her head held high Omorose was completely unaware of the power she held over Castin who suddenly felt like the rejected boy of his village once again. The feeling causing him to crave alcohol to wash away the ill feeling.

He might as well make the most of his wedding night! Nothing else was going to come if it but partying and drinking himself stupid.

As a heavy weight he took the nearest bottle offered to him and chugged as much as possible desperate for rejected feeling to disappear. Perhaps if he got drunk enough one of the Bar maids would start mirroring Omorose’s looks and his feelings for her even if he no longer thirsted for meaningless conquests.

At the kings table Omorose listened to Rhett go on about giving the scoundrel friend of his another chance. She didn’t see how it would matter now that she tied herself to the hound.

“Dun da da dun da da!” A drunk voice sung loudly as a guitar’s strings were abusely played.

“Of course.” She hissed seeing Castin standing on a

Table top dancing with one of the barmaids that were on the clock. He looked absolutely stupid in her eyes. An embarrassment.

Rhett cursed excusing himself to retrieve his friend before he made a bigger fool of himself.

“No!” Omorose told herself standing from her seat and swiftly leaving the party to her room. She couldn’t allow herself to stay and be humiliated by a man who seemed to lack any control or self respect.

Once in her room she kicked off her heels and made her way to her vanity. Staring at her reflection ‘Stupid! Stupid! stupid girl with a sympathizing heart for her country’s enemy! Look where that weak caring heart got you. Pathetic!’ She thought.

‘Married to a man who is known to fuck anything as long as it has a warm hole! A damn dog! Now you have to lay it a flea covered bed because you want to fix your family’s mistakes like the fool they tried beating out of you!’ Her mind continued to berate her. Her nails sunk into the flesh of her palms as she willed the horrid thoughts away. Tears gathering in her eyes as negative feels swept over her.

“You always knew you were damned to a loveless Marriage don’t act surprised now. It was practically a birthright. But you’re not going to allow that or him to define the woman you are. You’re stronger than that!” She tells herself sinking her nails further into her palms to stop herself from shedding a tear.

A shaky breath forced its way passed her lips as the feeling finally left her. Forcefully she smiled at herself in the mirror before pulling out her journal and pen.

Passing the time writing in it waiting for the party to end up staying dress in case Aurelia or Nina came looking for her.

Nina sighed from afar watching the whole interaction go down. In the pit of her stomach she felt a sense of regret for not pushing hard enough to get Omorose not to go through with the marriage. To her it was clear it was going to end in shambles quickly.

“Let me go see about that child of mine.” She says to a random intacian man that brought her over a drink.

“Yeah! Tell her I said ‘good luck’ cause it is needed.” He laughed taking the cup she handed back

She couldn’t get through the threshold of the banquet hall before she was stopped by the King.

“Nina wait! Let Castin go to her! He needs to.”

“You don’t think he burned that bridge and pissed on its ashes enough!” She questioned raising a brow.

Defeated Rhett knew she was right and couldn’t argue. Bowing his head tiredly he said “Let him try one more time. Maybe now that she’s his wife he would finally pull his head out of his ass.”

“Goddess willing…”

To entranced in her thoughts the sound of her bedroom door opening without her permission startled her. Within seconds her dagger she stashed on the underside of her vanity was in her hands ready for use.

Castin looked at the weapon then at her scoffing a little amused.

“Come on babe really a knife? If you were going to kill me you should’ve done it before our wedding! It’s a little too late now.”

Sneering at the man Omorose sat the weapon on the vanity and picked up her pen.

“Stop with that.”

“What? You’re my wife I can’t call you sweetheart?” He asked. His buzzed mind enjoying the attention.

“It was arranged! It’s nothing on a personal level so there’s no need for pet names.” She spat pressing her pen harder into the paper.

“Who care if it was arranged? You and I walked down the aisle that makes you my…” he trailed seeing her get upset. “Come on say it with me now” he laughs hoping to get more of a reaction out of her.

“We are one flesh serving one Queen sweetheart, get use to it.”

Closing her eyes Omorose lifted her fingers to her temples and proceeded to give herself a message.

“So are you planning on coming back down? I mean come on leaving your own wedding reception kinda early is tacky don’t you think?”

“Tacky?!” She couldn’t help but scoffed. “Yet you were embarrassing me!”

Taken back Castin screwed up his face “what?! How was I embarrassing you?”

“You’re excessive drinking.”

“Ugh it’s a wedding babygirl. People drink. It’s not that weird.”

“Encouraging drunk people to drink!”

“Ok sure people got a little drunk but once again it’s a wedding. When else,”

“And you’re rhythmless ‘dancing’ with the rhythmless Barmaids?”

“Hmm? What about the barmaids?” He asked not sure if he heard her right. She turned giving him the ‘you heard me’ look.

“Uh come on? No! No! You know that’s not what that was.”

“A tasteless rhythmless eyesore everyone was forced to watch! Not even a single drop in that bottle could spare you a half an ounce of grace for such a badly preformed sensual dance.” Omorose went on grimacing at the thought. “Or for the poor girl who tried so hard to catch the beat but couldn’t! Disgraceful!”

‘If you’re going to disrespect me and this marriage so soon you could’ve at least looked decent while doing so.’ She thought.

“Okay! So I’m social! Not everyone is as introverted as you.”

“So go be social!” She waved towards the door.

“Nah I’m staying here with you.”

“Besides the Queen bounced after you left and that was the only thing keeping the party going soo… I think we’re done.” He says loosening his collar.

“The Queen asked about you. Ya know.” He went on helping himself to a bottle of wine gifted to her by an imperial nobleman wishing her luck and voicing his disdain for not being the Groom.

“She did?” Omorose inquired curious as to why.

“Of course! You’re the Bride and you just dipped out of nowhere.”

“So did you tell her why I left?”

“Well I told her you and I decided to call it a night early because you were so eager to have your husband on your wedding night.”

The color in Omorose’s face drained at his words and audacity. Picking up her cup of old wine she chucked it at him with so much hate behind it.

“How dare you!” She hissed.

“Oh I’m sorry? Was that not what you wanted me to tell her?” He asked raving in her anger. It was the first time she spent more than a second on him he was lapping it up.

“Oh dag my bad. I mean if you would’ve just stayed you could’ve told her yourself.”

“Asshole.” Omorose grumbled her eyes like daggers as she glared his way.

She returned to her journal her handwriting turning sloppy as she jotted down what was needed to be recorded in it.

The squeaks of the facet and water running nearly made her blood boil.

“What are you doing?” She demanded not in the mood to continue with his fuckery.

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m drawing a bath.” Castin stated obviously now growing tired of his wife’s attitude.

“Why?” She bluntly pressed him.

“Because I’m covered in sweat and wine and general party juices.”

“Not here.” She states wanting him out of her space

“Uh what makes you think I can’t?”

“Because I said so.”

“So you have a messed up attitude…that means I can’t be clean.”

“I don’t give a damn what you do as long as it’s not in my room?” Omorose replied

“Correction this is our room.” He corrected picking up a bottle of Omorose’s expensive oil infused bubble bath “and if I want to take a bath in our room I can do that.”

“Our room?” She asked in disgust. The night just kept getting worse.

“I mean you’re welcome to watch.” He smirks.

“I’d rather choke on the food I didn’t get to eat tonight.”

Annoyed at the whole ordeal Omorose thought of a way to piss him off like he pissed her off even if it was childish.

Shifting her dressed she sat herself more comfortably in her vanity chair picking up the book she was reading the night prior subconsciously scheming.

‘The window’ her subconscious pointed out. Curious if it would work she looked over to not only see through window but Castin.

Despite her feelings towards him she can admit that he was physically flawless when it came to his built and the scars marking up his body only added to his appeal.

Castin felt a boost of confidence seeing her look this way. He teased earning an eye roll. Turning back into her book Omorose pushed down the slightly embarrassment that crept over her.

Relaxed in the water Castin informed his wife of the Queen wanting them to ‘promenade through the garden’ so people could see them in the next upcoming weeks. Boldly he tried to suggest spending time outside of that request but was shot down with a dry “No”

“It doesn’t matter what you were going to say. The answer would’ve still been, no.”

Curious and a little bitter Castin grilled her on why.

“I have far better plans with far better company, that won’t cause me an exhausting headache.”

“Okaaay. The personal attack was kind of unnecessary. Who do you have plans with?”

“Lord Reyes.”

“Lord Reyes? Really? The dude from the Library?” Castin huffs remembering walking in on the two smiling and giggling to each other closely over something he couldn’t understand.

In sudden jealously Castin demanded “W-what do you have to do with him?”

Tiredly Omorose mouth turned smart “And you need to know because?”

“Seriously?” He gave her a pointed look. Shaking his head at her answer he decided to ask another question “oh so what is this Lord Reyes like?”

“What do you mean?” She countered dumbly.

“‘ What do you mean’ what do I mean? What do you think of him? Do you think he’s handsome?”

“As a matter of fact I do! Not that it matters since this is a fake marriage!”

Pissed off by her last sentence Castin corrects her in a low tone “This is not a fake marriage. It’s an arranged marriage.”

Seeing the displeased look and hearing him let out a breath, Omorose believed that their conversation session for the night ended.

Standing she looked over at him with her arms crossed over her chest.

“What?” He asked dejectedly.

“Can you hurry up.” She demands wanting to wash this lack luster day off.

“Relax there’s plenty of hot water. I’ll be out soon. You’ll get your turn.”

“Well make it real soon.”

“How about this the more you tell me to hurry up the longer I stay in here.”

Not happy with that she looked back at the window and made her way over to it. “What are you doing?”

Unlatching the widow she slid it open inviting the cold night air to creep in like fog.

“Are you serious?!” He raised his voice not believing she could be so childish.

“It’s freezing! Can you close that please?”

“No I’m getting a sudden flash of heat! Must be the dress…”

“So petty.” He grumbles “Fine!” Castin stood up from the water without warning.

With a cringe Omorose adverted her eyes hearing the water splash and puddle on the floor.

Sensing she still wasn’t happy Castin once again asked “what? You got what you wanted. I’m out! It’s all yours.” He motioned to the tub.

“Good now leave!”

“No I’m not leaving.” He retorts drying himself off

“You didn’t leave me I got in!” He pointed out.

“It’s different!”

“How’s it different?”

Rolling her eyes annoyed at that fact she couldn’t think of a solid answer.

“Go ahead do your thing.”

“Not around you!”

“Don’t worry sweetheart. I’m going to bed I’m not looking at you.”

Omorose stayed glued to her spot watching as he got into her bed much to her disliking. His face turned away from her and stayed that way. Taking in a gulp of air she unzipped the seamless zipper and allowed her gown to pool around her revealing the white lacey thong she wore underneath.

Worried he would turn to sneak a peak she quickly got in the tub thankful that it was a heated and filtrated model but the cold air still bit at her. Splashing at the water she wordlessly got Castin’s attention who was tired of her and her shit.

“What! What do you want now? What do you want me to bring you?”

Pointing over to her vanity Castin glanced over to see her book lying opened on the page she left off.

“Your book? Naw you shouldn’t have left it there.”

“Why not?” She pouted sinking into the water.

“Because I’m already comfortable. Besides! Didn’t you say you didn’t want me to see you?”

Grimacing at him quoting her she lets out an irritated groan.

“Just bring me the book please?”

Puffing out air Castin got up from bed “Fine. If you say so.” He shrugs crossing the room to get to her vanity. He picks up the book telling himself to not be disrespectful enough to sneak a peak.

“Can you close the window?” She requested since he was up now.

Agreeing since he too was cold Castin made the extra journey to close the window before he noticed that the fire was low in the fireplace.

“Hey that fire is getting kinda low don’t you think?” He pondered out loud. “Where do you keep the wood?”

Raising her arm she pointed towards the corner closest to the fireplace her eyes not leaving her book once it was handed to her.

Castin hurriedly tended to the fire wanting to get back to bed since his alcoholic buzz left his system completely now. He turns but the way that the moon light casted itself over his wife caught his attention and he couldn’t but to see her in all of her glory.

“My Goddess…” he gawked his mind already capturing and saving the image to his memory like a camera. “Now that’s a view worth getting outta bed for.”

Out of anger and loss of dignity Omorose kicked her leg up at a certain angle getting water all over Castin landing her into a predicament that from sour to sweet.

For the past few months, she's been working so hard to keep the wall she built up between her and Castin.

A wall she knowingly built brick by brick after each distasteful encounter she had with the army commander to protect her, her feelings, and her time. A wall that was crumbling slightly as she watched him, her newly married husband, and his hard exterior fall in front of her as he asked her

"Please just tell me why do you hate me?"

Her heart softened just a bit at his cracked exterior but she hid it behind her voice as she spoke "So the embarrassing me with the lingerie gift you gave me the time you ever met me slips your mind-"

Castin opened his mouth to speak but the fierce glare made the words he wanted to say faltered into sounds "I- sorry no! Go on." He apologized

"I've tried to get to know you Castin but each attempt showed me what type of man you are. A dipso, egotistical rake who hangs around degenerates who think and acts the same way! The way you automatically viewed me as an object you could have the pleasure of fucking! Why wouldn't I hate you?" Omorose wailed tearing her watery eyes away from Castin's crestfallen face.

The young wife hid her face back in her book shakily admitting

"Too many people-Men and women view me the same way...it's degrading to know that instead of acknowledging everything I've done, all that I have accomplished they-" Omorose bit her lip, pushing back the sob that almost slipped.

"I'm very well aware of the fact that people want me in their beds. It's hard not to notice Castin! I promised myself at the age of 15 that I would wait and fall in love with someone who wanted me entirely and not just for my body but I failed! I failed myself when I agreed to marry you for the sake of the new kingdom. And now I'm stuck being the trophy wife to a man that saw me as a glorified sex doll the first time he ever saw me! That's why I hate you."

Her words and the sound of her voice cracking broke Castin's heart. The last thing he wanted was to hurt the woman he was in love with and moving forward he would be damned if he knowingly did so.

Castin took a deep breath. Every word his wife whimpered out processing in his mind. "I-I'm really sorry." He apologized the words he wanted to say, the things he wanted to confessed jumbled in him.

"Can I just um... can I ju-just think for a second? Thanks." He asked catching a glimpse of Omorose's pretty honey-colored eyes gloss over with vulnerable tears that gathered at her water line.

He finally got his answer and it left him speechless, seeing her push back her tears over it left him aching.

He was among a group of people that Omorose loathed but had to silently deal with instead of the people she felt at peace with and that tore him apart inside.

"Look. That's not me! Okay. Ev-everything you said…that isn't me." He started

Omorose scoffed pulling her knees closer to her chest "That is not you? The man you've been since I met you isn't you?!" She rolled her eyes causing a single stream to fall down her face.

"No, no I-I know I-I know I have a reputation! Okay?

Th-th-the brawling, the drinking, and just…generally being a rake but, that's not me! Okay?" He stressed hoping she was listening to him and was actually taking his honest confession to heart. "That's not the man I want to be" he paused searching for a reaction but received none. "Look I-I know I may not be explaining this well but," Castin's trailed off staring at the book cover held in Omorose's delicate hands. The ring on her finger shone under the dimmed light, the same one he placed there only a few hours ago catching his eye.

'Rhett is right.seems like he's always right. Castin thought, thinking back to the advice Rhett gave him before ordering him up to his new room in the palace.

"Drop the manly Intacian act. Be yourself Castin!

That is exactly what won me the Queen's heart, and it can be the same for you."

Taking another deep breath Castin prepared to drop the one thing he felt protected behind, the wall that shielded him these past years, all in hopes that Omorose his wife saw him in a different light.

"You know I really did read that book. When I was a kid...I wasn't just-trying to have something to say…okay? I-I really like that stuff." He awkwardly stated.

Omorose peaked over her book after listening to Castin struggle with his words and it made his heart skip a beat.

"Look I don't know how to explain it alright. I just feel like there's me everyone else sees and then there's the me that's really.me and the me that everyone else sees I hate it okay? I'm not that guy!" He admits feeling a wave of mixed emotions wash over him.

"Then why do you act like that? Why pretend to be someone you hate?" Omorose questions putting the book down entirely. Wanting to understand why someone would torture themselves like that.

"Because I-... I-I don't know. I was different when I was I-I was like you and then being a warrior in Intacia i-it's it's just different. You have to be strong and respected. You have to fit in." He explained feeling slightly smaller under her stare.

"Look! It's all really confusing to me... but every time I look at you it's clear. The man that I want to be is the exact type of man you would fall in love with. You remind me of everything I really care about of-of who I was back then- n-no no of the man I know I still am.

I-I just need your help."

Omorose felt her eyes soften at the stuttered admission, the honesty in his voice and the look in his eyes shined a new light over him. She cast her gaze to the ceiling contemplating whether she could forgive him and let go of her grudge she had against or not.

"I-Look, I know I screwed up. I'm used to charming people to get my way and I tried to do it with you with all the gestures and all the flirting and I'm sorry.

That's not who I want to be anymore." Castin said following her gaze

"Hey look at me. I want to change." He says looking into her eyes once she looked back at him.

"For you. I just need you to show me how. Just please give me a chance." Castin begged, moving closer to Omorose who's heart speed up as her husband leaned in to kiss her.

The Baroness has never been in such an intimate moment before, she guarded herself well before getting married and now without any experience or idea of what to do in that moment besides kissing him, she felt even more vulnerable. And when he whispered that he wanted more against her plump lips she felt a flutter in her tummy. A mixture of excitement and anxiety as her smothered voice asked "sex" between kisses.

"No! No! I don't mean like that. I mean-" he broke into a light-felt chuckle " No I do want you like that. I really do but, I-I don't just want to you physically okay? I-I love you an-and before we do anything I need to know that you're really into trying to make Because if you're not and this is just some heat of the moment thing for you then I-I can't cause it's not just that for me and I don't think it ever will be... so please don't go through with this and then hurt my feelings later."

Omorose could feel it in her heart that she forgave him right then and there in his vulnerable state, asking her not to hurt his feelings and string him along. Something she would ask something she would say.

"Are you for real about this? Am I your husband or just some warrior the Queen forced you to marry-"

Omorose stepped out of her character, reaching up to grab Castin's face to kiss him. It surprised him for a second, feeling her soft lips on his. Though a bold action he could still tell that it was a shy gesture.

"You and me," Castin said pulling away and placing a kiss on Omorose's forehead. "Let's just start over?"

He smiled softly going in for a kiss

"Okay." Omorose softly agreed.

#desmond asmr #castinxbaroness #asmr boyfriend #black!reader #against the world around us #asmr roleplay #black oc #fanfic #desmond asmr castin #baroness desmond asmr #castin hammer #CastinxOmorose #Omorose Fentress

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comics-and-fanworks · 2 years

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ML Career Choice AU

Disclaimer: My problem with ML is with the writers and their decisions, not really any one specific character. Am I salty towards some characters? Yes, but it’s mostly due to how they’re written. Also I am not an Engineer, I don’t know all of the proper terms.

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Marinette is prepared for almost everything, but she was not expecting this. Lila had decided to rub salt into the wound and began lying about her to Gabriel. Adrien (who was frustrated with Marinette’s refusal to take his “high road” advice and upset she’s discovered her backbone) was easily convinced to back up Lila’s claims. He thought that once Marinette learned her lesson, he could convince his father that it was all just a big misunderstanding. What he did not account for was that Gabriel would blacklist Marinette from the fashion industry! Lila of course, bragged to anyone who would listen, but Adrien was going through some mixed emotions. On one hand he was horrified at his father’s over reaction, on the other hand he thought this was surely the thing that would finally convince Marinette to listen to him and go back to being a doormat! He couldn’t understand why Plagg was so upset at him though, everything would work out in the end.

Needless to say Marinette was devastated, and ended up missing a few days of school. Everything she had worked for was gone, and there was nothing she could do to get it back. Her parents tried everything to comfort their daughter, and one day while bringing her something to eat, Tom stepped into one of the traps she’d rigged to protect the Miracle Box. Instead of being angry, Tom and Sabine were amazed. They assumed the trap was meant to keep her classmates out of her room (who had been rejoicing over their daughter’s misery. They saw texts between the kids suggesting they were going to destroy her work), and praised Marinette’s skill and creativity. Tom made a comment as he was being removed from the trap, “You know Mari, you could be an engineer. With your creativity, the sky’s the limit!”

Turns out those were the magic words. Tom and Sabine saw the fire slowly begin to ignite in their daughter’s eyes again, and made a silent promise to do everything they could to make sure at least one of her dreams came true. As time went on they happily bought her books, sent her to talks, and did everything they could to help her learn as much as she could. Coincidentally Ladybug happened to reach out to her about finding ways to akuma-proof structures. Marinette was determined to succeed, and her classmates, Lila, and Adrien would not stop her.

Many years had passed, and Marinette was a highly sought after engineer. She was 25 and had practically redesigned all of Paris by now. She was credited with creating the first akuma-proof buildings, which made dealing with Hawkmoth and his akumas much easier to deal with. Considering Chat Noir would only show up to flirt, and most of the time he didn’t show up at all. Occasionally she still had to deal with Adrien trying to convince her to apologize to Lila for being such a ‘cruel bully.’ He promised that if she did he’d convince his father to either remove her from the blacklist, or secretly hire her. While she still designed for a few loyal clients (like Jagged and Clara) she had no desire to enter fashion. If they’d believe she was the devil based on lies from Adrien, Gabriel, and Lila, then they weren’t worth her time.

One day she gets an angry text from Adrien’s newest number of the week accusing her of exposing Lila. She asks, “What do you mean? I’m in America helping design a new Wayne Enterprises building.” Turns out someone else put two and two together and called out Lila, and everything spiraled from there. What Lila, Adrien, and Gabriel did to her was exposed too, and Gabriel quickly sent Adrien to America to smooth things over with Marinette (he was banking on the fact she used to have a crush on his son). Adrien arrives in Gotham and barges into a café Marinette was spotted at, shouting something along the lines of “Come back Mari I know you love me! Surely you’ll forgive us and come back and help save the company. Engineering isn’t what you’re supposed to do, fashion is!”

What he was not expecting was the confused looks he got from Marinette and the man she was with. While the various Gothamites were recording the drama and announcing to the world that their talented engineer could also design clothes, Marinette just sighed and said,

“Used to love you Adrien. Past tense. I’ve moved onto bigger and better things. I rebuilt most of Paris, I invented akuma-proof materials for building. Gabriel, the man and the company, are the least of my concerns. I won’t forgive you, because I don’t have to, and you’re actions prove to me that I shouldn’t because it shows you haven’t changed.”

The man sitting with her got up to approach Adrien, who proceeded to try and intimidate the dark haired stranger. “Who the hell do you think you are and what have you been telling her?” Adrien yelled at the man. The man with the midnight black hair and blue eyes just smirked at the disgraced model.

“I didn’t tell Little Ms. Magic anything, she’s got a brilliant mind and enough confidence to last two lifetimes, I’m just here to keep her company. Oh by the way, my name’s Jason, Jason Todd Wayne, and I’m her Fiancé.”

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Let me know if there are any problems and feel free use this if you’d like!

#marinette deserves better #marinette dupen chang #minor class salt #lila salt #adrien salt #gabriel salt #tom and sabine sugar #maribat #jasonette

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fixfoxnox · 9 months

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I FINALLY GOT MY GRUBBY LITTLE HANDS ON SOAP'S JOURNAL!!!

Oh boy oh boy oh boy, guys there is so much in this bad boy that NO ONE has mentioned!! The SoapRoach content in here is off the walls!! Why is all I ever see the like 2 moments Soap mentioned Ghost??? There so much Roach and Price and Gaz content here, so here are some random bits from Soap's journal:

MW:

Embarrassed that Price helped him up and caught him from the plane during Crew Expendable mission

Mentions needing to buy Price "a bottle" as a gift afterward

Upset he missed the first shot on the helicopter during Hunted, says it was "inexcusable, especially considering SAM'S shoot themselves"

Put into the infirmary by a dog bite, too embarrassed to tell Gaz or Price (only Nikolai knows)

Call's Price's mustache both a "dick-tickler" and "Price's precious whiskers"

Blames himself for Gaz, Griggs, and Price's deaths (he believes Price died on the high way) and tries to come up with other ways they could have moved through that would have let the men live

Get's stuck/angry over the image of Zhakaev's blood mixing with Gaz's on the bridge

Nik brought women to see him while he was recovering in Russia

Begins mentioning his struggles with pain killers like morphine and alcohol

He becomes almost obsessive with cleaning and caring for Price's pistol as a way to distract himself from becoming addicted

Tries horse racing and betting to cope, but eventually turns to smoking

MW2:

Soap is the one who sought out the formation of TF141, Shepherd merely backed the idea

Describes Roach as "Raw, skilled, loyal to a fault" (implied he and Ghost are absolutes for the team)

On the other end, Ghost gets a simple "what the hell kind of name is Ghost" and no other information akdndjdhjdhd

Roach has the highest score on the rifle test, a whole 18 points over Ghost

Ghost beats Roach on PFT, but only by 3 points

"Have been looking forward to breaking Roach in" during Kazakhstan

"Feel even more comfortable with him than Price must have with me" omg

Roach has a journal that Soap spots him writing in, he wonders what he's writing

Adds to the end wondering if Roach is "wondering what villa claras taste like" which is clearly a reference to Soap's own admiration of Price and wondering if Roach feels the same as that, but boy oh boy Soap was that a gay way to put it ajdjfjdbhd

Makarov weighs 184 pounds and is 5'11 I'm wheezing what a little wet rat of a man I love him

Mentions the death of Meat, so far one of the only deaths he hasn't blamed himself for

Mentions needing to trust Roach and his instinct more, essentially tells himself to cool it with the constant reminders and stuff

Plans to put Roach on circuits and crossfit because he wasn't fast enough lmao

Says he would have crashed the plane before leaving Roach on the rooftops in Brazil 🥺

Blames himself for Roach almost not making the jump to the plane

Says that Ghost "knows something about interrogation"

Mentions that the team didn't bat an eye to him torturing Rojas for information, Soap draws a comparison between himself torturing Rojas to Price torturing Al Asad.

He specifically has Roach handle the C4 after seeing how well he did with it during Kazakhstan

"Ghost hacked at a snails pace" LMAO REAL

"Funny thing watching Roach get taken down by Price" listen sir, give your boyfriend a break please

Very excited and cathartic for him to give Price his pistol back

Says that Price returning and taking over command was the "best demotion imaginable" 🥺

Was just happy following Price and Roach because he "got to listen to the two of them working together like we once did"

Says it was nice to see Price taking Roach under his wing

"For all that coaching, Roach did a shit job with the bodies" listen here sir...thats not a mechanic in the game give the boy a break akdndjjdhd

Knew that Price was up to some bullshit as soon as his comms went off

Kill shepherd: "For Ghost. Roach" 😭 throwing myself from a cliff

"Loyalty doesn't operate on a sliding scale. It's a safety. On or off."

MW3:

Nikolai and Yuri go way back, potentially from Nik's time as an ultranationalist?

Nik rescuing Soap again and Soap saying he owes him a pallet of Imperia for it akdjjdjd

"Knife would healing too slowly for tastes" baby....

Nikolai providing him with antibiotics and pain medication 😬 Soap describes them as "providing inspiration" which does not sound good

Mentions how the ultranationalists have become more violent then they were under Zhakaev

Soap lost friends during the terrorist attack in London

Final thoughts:

Omg my husband

He struggles a lot a lot with guilt from very early on

Put a shit ton of pressure on himself and blames himself for anything that goes wrong. Especially blames himself for the deaths of other characters.

Seems to have had a struggle/struggles with coping with that guilt. It appears to have manifested a bit in struggles with pain killers and alcohol that he manages through almost compulsively taking care of Price's pistol.

Attempts to cope through horse racing (and gambling?) But what ends up working is smoking.

Definitely had a lot of care for his team, particularly Roach seemed to get a lot of his attention.

Much closer to Nikolai then I think people realize. Nik saves his life numerous times and the two work together even with Price not around. Definitely helps to fill in some gaps on why Nik sticks around at the end of mw2

Looks up to Price so very much. Like stars in his eyes this man can do no wrong type of thing.

#gary roach sanderson #simon ghost riley #call of duty #john soap mactavish #captain john price #kyle gaz garrick #taskforce 141 #soap's journal #soap cod #cod mw2

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dreamersbcll · 8 months

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What would it take to get a part 2 / continuation of SOS? Like, the aftermath of it all. I will sell my soul for it. Please, I beg of you.

since you asked so nicely, here you go. part one here.

“SOS”

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Getting Tara comfortable was the hardest part.

Once they were out of Woodsboro, Sam pulled the car over, throwing herself out of the front seat and to the back where Tara lay. Reaching into her trunk, she pulled out her extensive first aid kit (she was homeless briefly) and surveyed her baby sister.

Tara had blood smeared down her face and across her cheek, her nose finally cauterizing itself. Her eyes were screwed up in pain, the brushing around her neck more polarizing in the dim car light. Every part of Sam wanted to scream and sob, but she couldn’t afford to break down, especially when Tara was in this condition.

“Okay, uh, we should go to the hospital? I think Santa Clara Medical is half an hour away. Or we could try urgent care. It is nearly ten o'clock, though, I don’t think that would work. Maybe we could try-”

“Sam, I’m fine,” Tara said, cutting her off effectively.

Tara tried to sit up but could only prop herself up on her elbows due to her pain. It killed Sam to hear how muffled her baby sister’s voice was from the blood, her throat swollen with bruising. Sam just wanted to hold her tight and apologize. She needed to apologize. Yet again, her actions had led to a bleeding person, and this one was her little girl.

It was almost too much.

Swallowing hard, Sam straightened up, trying to sound authoritative. “No, you’re not. Not even close. Now sit down and let me help you,” she said, pushing Tara back down onto her back.

Rolling her eyes, Tara laid back against the car door. “It isn’t even the worst it’s been. I just wasn’t ready this time. I was stupid and not careful. That’s all.”

Pausing from pulling out bandages and gauze, she looked back at Tara's bloody face, her body cold. She knew Christina had beat Tara before, but Sam usually stepped in once it got bad. But hearing that she was a failure yet again nearly tore her in two.

“Worst it’s been?”

“Yeah. There were other times. One time, DCFS was called. You know, Mom. She just gets wasted with no regard for any other human,” Tara said, smiling ashamedly.

Seeing her big sister’s shocked face, Tara groaned. “Don’t. Don’t say whatever you’re planning to say. It won’t make up for anything.”

Looking away, Tara's voice dropped above a whisper, her eyes glassy. “Besides, I don’t think it was malicious. I look like you sometimes. She misses you, you know. Even if she won’t say it,” she said, her words wobbling a bit.

Pursing her lips, Sam tried to snap out of her head. Tara didn’t need her to break down and be a mess, and she needed her strong, big sister.

And that’s what she would give her.

“Why would she miss me? I gave her hell. Ever since that night… I just was, I don’t know—gone. I knew damn well who she was, and I still left. I’m sorry,” she mumbled, wiping blood streaks off Tara's chin.

Her little sister scrunched her nose in displeasure yet still leaned into Sam’s touch. “No. No, you don’t need to do that. It’s okay. I don’t need this from you,”.

Turning around, Sam tried to hide her wounded expression. She knows deep down that Tara had every right to be angry and upset and didn’t need to accept any of her apologies. Sam was the one who left and tore apart their family, subjecting Tara to the wrath of Christina.

Now wasn’t the time to apologize. Sam just had to listen.

“Need what? I’m just responding to you. It’s the least I could do,” she briskly answered, carefully tilting Tara’s chin up so she could staunch the bloody nose.

Tara rolled her eyes but still allowed Sam to touch and care for her. The two sat in silence for a moment, Sam patching her up and Tara just mulling over her thoughts. Each time Tara hissed in pain, Sam’s hands would shake in fear, but her little sister would still nod yes to let her touch her.

After Sam finally stopped the bleeding and wiped the blood off Tara’s face, did her baby sister spoke again.

“You know, I really needed you, Sam. I needed you, and when I looked for you, you weren’t there. I don’t know if I can accept your apologies right now. I’m still reeling from how you left me, you know,” she mumbled, playing with her bruised hands.

Every part of Sam’s body told her to run, flee, get away, but Sam couldn’t move. She knew that hearing the truth would hurt, but fuck, this stung.

Taking a deep breath out, Sam replied shakily. “Okay. That’s fair. I won’t push you. But now I am truly sorry. It doesn’t compensate for the past, but I’m here now.”

“Are you staying?” Tara asked without missing a beat.

If Sam weren’t so in tune with her surroundings, she would’ve missed the hope that flooded Tara’s voice and the flash of light that flickered in her eyes.

Everything led up to this. Every fight, every bedtime story, and every high all led to this moment. Sam’s redemption. The moments she lost all came back to her, piece by piece.

If she were wise, she would take it all and run.

And so she did.

“Yeah. I’m staying.”

Tara suppressed a grin, her glassy eyes shining in the car light. Despite the bruising evident on her body and the way she winced in pain, Tara held her arms out, waiting for Sam to hold her.

And so she did.

She held onto her little girl, pulling her in, kissing the side of her head. She stroked Tara’s tangled hair and whispered sentiments of love into her ear. Tara shook, but it was in tears and not in terror. Sam still held onto her baby sister, even as she fell apart in her arms.

Eventually, Tara pulled back, wiping her eyes. “Where do we go now? What’s next?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

Sam shrugged, wiping away her tears. “I honestly don’t know. But I’m willing to try if you are?” she asked, praying that Tara would accept her offer.

And so she did.

“Yeah, I’m willing to try.”

#scream #sam carpenter #tara carpenter #carpenter sisters #ao3 author #my writing tag #lets go scream let’s go #part two! hooray!#AU: i’ve got blood on my hands

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lost-tardis-room · 3 months

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please tell me all about in the blood (no pressure, i am genuinely interested though!!!!!!)

AHHAHHAHHHHHAAAA YES OKAY THANK YOU ELI

OKAYYYY SO in the blood, doctor who extended universe book, i think it takes place pretty soon after the Silence in the Library arc cos that's mentioned quite a bit, and Donna's husband Lee (who was, i may add, i think going to be canonically trans but they weren't sure how to show that in a split second without it being confusing but he's trans in my heart) from the simulation is on Donna's mind a fair bit so my guess is it's pretty soon after that ANYWAYS, fairly standard doctor who plot, big problem with technology and people on earth and of course it's because Aliens. specifically its that internet trolls are dying and ofc The Internet gets worked up about that, but as more and more people start venting their anger online everyone gets more and more angry and they become hysterical and sometimes die. which obviously is a big problem they have to solve, i won't give away the plot but its fairly average dr who stuff.

BUT. OHH BOY THE CHARACTERSSSSSSSASASSaSSASaSAS i mean i love ten & donna anyways but they are written SO WELL like SOOOO WELL it's SPOT ON and it's so perfect because they do the same things they always do - the doctor is fully prepared to die (well. very painfully regenerate) just as he always does and uhhh actually maybe it's better if i take pictures there was a lot of frantic margin scribbling & underlining hehee

uhm. spoilers below. and very long post

my handwriting is nigh-on-illegible here i know but it says 'she remembers the Arachna-things [one google search later - Racnoss] from the Runaway Bride she knows he has killed people & that people get killed around him but... [long pause here as i thought of what to write. how do you justify that? greater good?] yeah i can imagine it really is easier to not think about it'.

this is just such an interetsing thing that they couldn't have shown in the show right, you can't show 'she didn't even really like to think about it' visually with the same impact. but like.... yeah. she saw him kill all the racnoss & still travels with him. moral grey areas flawed characters but.... the companions must do some serious mental gymnastics NOT TO MENTIOn the Doctor coping mechanisms or lack thereof.

^^but then there's this!! the hope!! he really can't stand people dying even when he is surrounded by it!! he has to hope!!!

^^ platonic doctordonna moment!!!!! i love them so much heheeee but also Lee.... oughhhhh

^^ SUCH A DOCTOR MOMENT he HAS to carry on for the sake of THE WORLD even when it means Donna is at risk

^^handwriting id - 'see THAT is such a Doctor moment - just like ' 'yeah i knew for ages', lied the Doctor' - he doesn't tell people things b/c he doesn't want to upset them & he hopes that if he doesn't mention it it wont happen. if you see your own grave you have to be buried there etc. & it's maddening for everyone but also kinda tragic'

the doctor was hiding that what Donna thought was going to fix the problem wasnt going to work b/c then she's get upset & angry, which spacey stuff blah blah is whats currently killing people - but Ten (teh Doctor in general) does this A Lot, not saying everything he knows because he thinks it's going to upset/panic/hurt people/

^^ THIS!! he needs his best friend!!! without saying anything & over the phone, Donna can tell!! ajsnjansh i just love them so muchhhh

^^ (they were back in london in present day) the Doctor feels guilty about pulling Donna from her normal, safe life, even though like she wanted to he probably couldn't have said no to that if he tried - and putting her in mortal space danger - but also completely removed from her normal life. she doesn't live like Clara, who fits weeks of time travel in time to show up to work, she's missing out on Normal Life. she's not at home. Sylvia knows she wont be staying for dinner.

sorry a lot of this is kinda depressing BUT i promise you there are joyous bits too! the Doctor is canonically a Kate Bush fangirl!!! and donna has to stop him drinking coffee cos he'e hyperactive enough as it is lol. and -

hehe

#yes anyways uhm very cool book #in the blood #doctor who #tenth doctor #donna noble #there are more posts on this coming probably i have Thoughts

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snippychicke · 1 year

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For Sake of a Smile --Ch. 19

Fandom: Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun

Pairing: Balam Shichiro/Reader

Summary: Hell on earth was your motto for your job. Granted, you were pretty sure earth really was hell, considering the shit you had seen. And the fact your coworker was a child. Suzuki Iruma, in fact. A kid who’s life was decidedly worse than yours, but smiled despite everything.

And you’d do a lot for his smile. Including summoning a demon and signing your life away.

But as it turns out, hell (The Netherworld, actually) was a lot better than living on earth. Demons were more humane than a lot of humans you knew.

And Iruma’s smile wasn’t the only one that would change your life.

Masterlist | Ao3| mairimashitai! Simps Discord

"I AM THE WORST MOTHER EVER!" You bawled as you buried your face in Sullivan's shoulder as he held you close. "I can't believe I forgot Iruma's birthday!"

"You've been under a lot of stress, sweetie," Your adoptive father reassured, rubbing circles along your back. "I'm sure Iruma understands, you know how he is."

"That makes it worse," You cried. You knew Iruma would forgive you and shrug it off, but to you that was worse than him being upset. Because it was a stark reminder that until just a few years ago, he never had his birthday celebrated. No one cared for him enough to take the time and celebrate his life - his existence.

It tore at you, because you knew even if he didn't act like it, you were sure your lapse of memory had reminded him of those dark days. Did he think you were as careless as his biological parents? That now that your lives had improved, you didn't want to celebrate such things?

"Then let's make it up to our boy, hmm?" Sullivan offered, breaking through your thoughts as he tilted your chin to look at him and wipe your tears. "For this year, and all the birthdays I missed as well."

You nodded your head eagerly at the idea. Yes. You would make up for lost time; not just the last few weeks, but the ones you hadn't been there before too.

To make sure Iruma knew how cherished he was.

----

As you were quick to learn, Demonic Rites were - well - the devilish version of a grand birthday party. While Opera and Sullivan took the lead coordinating the event, you helped as best you could; choosing some of the dishes to be served and presents from the three of you - since they were busy with organizing the event - but also making sure Iruma was kept preoccupied as not to notice anything was amiss.

While traditionally Demonic Rites were saved for milestone birthdays - with much smaller events for the other years - Sullivan was all too happy to use the excuse that it was the first birthday he was able to celebrate with his grandson. So he was apparently going all out from what you could gather, renting a whole other castle.

Though as it turned out, that was tradition as well; apparently even demons believed in bad luck, and holding a Rite in your own dwelling was a surefire way to invoke misfortune. It was also the reason for the costumes; in case Bad Luck did find the revelers, they couldn't curse you if they couldn't recognize you.

"Life is precious in the Netherworld," Shichiro explained over the phone the evening before the Rite. "Our world is harsh, and once upon a time it was not uncommon for a demon to be killed before reaching adulthood. So we take every precaution to protect it, especially when we celebrate it.

"It's also a time where demons show their gratitude for their peers. After all, demons do not frequently bond the way humans do, and showing appreciation and kinship is usually very rare. The Misfit class are truly misfits in that regard…"

They were; not just for demons, but even on earth they'd be an odd bunch. Yet you couldn't help but love all of them, hearing the debacle that occurred earlier that day as they fought over who was Iruma's friend and who was the boy's 'soulmate'.

You had to agree, Clara and Az seemed to be platonic (assumedly, at least) soulmates. Those three had a bond like no other. If there was such a thing as soulmates, it was those three.

But the entire class was still bonded tighter than any friend group you had seen - let alone experienced. Those thirteen students could achieve anything if they set their mind to it. And somehow, Iruma was more-or-less the ringleader of their troupe.

"You're coming tomorrow, right?" You asked, glancing at the costume that hung from your closet door. Both Sullivan and Opera had assisted with choosing it…

Well - they had done more than assist, to be honest. It was more like they had chosen it and you meekly agreed when you saw the looks on their faces. Not that it was something you hated or even disliked; it was beautiful, and something that had caught your eye right away.

The thing was, it was so… decadent, even for a costume. Beautiful but wispy fabric that flowed with the slightest breeze, the waist framed with a corset-vest that - thankfully - hadn't felt too uncomfortable when you tried it on, and a high neckline that would hide your lack of wings. Then the crown of flowers and faux horns that completed the piece.

You worried it was too fancy for such a thing, but assumed the two demons would know best. Then there was the anxiety of Shichiro's reaction to it, despite the fact he never seemed to judge whatever you wore. Or rather, be it a casual outfit or something more special, his gaze always lingered enough to cause you to feel beautiful.

"Nothing could make me miss it," Shichiro assured. "I'll be there, promise."

---

Sullivan and Opera had left early to finalize the preparations, leaving you to escort Iruma to the surprise party. Thankfully, Opera had hitched the Nightmares to one of the smaller carriages before leaving so you didn't ruin your dress. Especially knowing Deinos, who loved to be as impish as she could be.

The Nightmares knickered softly as you and Iruma exited the mansion, both dressed in your costumes. "To Lord Sullivan," You instructed the demonic-horses simply as you opened the carriage door. They snorted in understanding, making you smile as you patted Lampon's flank before boarding.

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?" Iruma asked as the carriage began to move.

"It's a secret~" You answered in a singsong voice, smiling at his pout. "You'll love it though, I promise."

His pout didn't change, though he watched as you smoothed down your skirt, still unused to such rich material. "Well, you look beautiful, mom."

You blushed, "And you look very handsome, Iruma. Who would have thought we both could clean up so well, hmm?"

He laughed at that, and soon both of you were sharing memories of when you were less than presentable. Such as being covered in fish guts after being tripped - or when he came back from a forging trip, completely covered in mud and leaves. It had taken weeks to get every bit of mud and grime from the tiny shower afterwards, but you refused to spray him with the hose used to clean the floor of the workshop, mainly because the water was ice cold and it was late autumn and winter had been attempting to set in.

Before you knew it, the carriage slowed to a stop. Opera opened the door before you could even think about it, holding a hand out to Iruma and then you once the boy was on the ground.

But before you could take a look around, a blindfold settled over your eyes. "Calm down, my dear," Sullivan reassured, his hands settling on your shoulders, thumbs rubbing calming circles. "We don't want to ruin the surprise."

"This is Iruma's Demonic Rite!" You protested as your adopted father led you presumably to where the Rite was to take place.

"Do you think I would celebrate my grandson's life, and not my daughters?" Sullivan chuckled as a groan of old, heavy doors opening filled the air. A sound you were familiar with, given the Library's own doors perchance to complain every time they were opened.

But surely you weren't there. You heard hushed yet excited whispers, making your heart pound as Sullivan continued to guide you. He gently coaxed you up a couple of steps before turning you around and encouraging you to sit.

A moment later you heard Opera guide Iruma into a seat next to yours. There was a hushed countdown before the blindfold fell from your eyes, revealing the elaborately decorated ballroom with a large bonfire burning brightly in a pit at the center. The Misfits along with a few other Babyls students cheered your name along with Iruma's, making your heart catch in your throat.

"Mom?" Iruma asked softly as Sullivan and Opera joined in with the others as they began to dance-- an ancient dance, full of guttural words that truly made it seem like a demonic ritual.

"A Demonic Ritual is how they celebrate birthdays," You explained. "We -- grandpa, Opera, and I -- planned on it being a secret, and to also make up for missing your actual birthday this year. I didn't think they'd plan on putting me in the spotlight too…"

Iruma's hand found yours. "But we've always celebrated our birthdays together. I was actually just telling Professor Balam that the other day…"

Oh. Oh. You caught sight of the tall broad demon standing apart, watching the revelers dance while also apparently taking a head count.

Those sneaky demons. Your heart grew warm at the realization that while you thought you were in on the surprise for Iruma, the three demons had been building a surprise for you as well.

As if he was aware of your gaze, Shichiro looked towards you, his expression shifting into a smile as he offered a small wave.

"It seems we are missing a guest," Opera said as he appeared on Iruma's other side. You tore your gaze away from Shichiro for a moment, and in a flash of light and smoke, a familiar white puffball appeared, looking disgruntled as always.

"EGGY SENSEI!" The Misfits cheered. Kalego's reluctant presence seemed to be the last thing needed for the celebration to kick into full swing.

Over the last several months, you had slowly gotten used to the positive attention from the students as well as the teachers of Babyls. But that did little to prepare you for sitting in the spotlight as the guests symbolically gave part of their life to you as they poured out the burning water into the central bonfire. Or as each knelt one by one, offering their gifts with the heartfelt words: "Thank you for being born and living amongst us."

"I appreciate the love and kindness you give us, Mrs. Suzuki."

"I'm so happy I get to have two moms! My siblings are so jealous!"

"I know you're not my mother, but it really feels like you are sometimes."

"Your beauty is outstanding, my lady! May you continue to age so gracefully!"

"Thank you for caring so much."

"Thank you for bringing Iruma to us!"

"I appreciate your dedication to Babyls and its students," Kalego grumbled begrudgingly, offering a small delicate flower as a gift. (Where he got one considering his Summoned state, you weren't sure.) "You are one among few others whom I can tolerate."

"That's high praise coming from the professor," Iruma whispered in your ear, as if you weren't already aware. Yet any words died on your lips as Shichiro approached, quickly bowing low as his green feathered wings spread out wide to their full extent.

Yes, the others did the same as a sign of respect - but something seemed different….

Or maybe you were just head over heels for Shichiro that seeing him like that, knowing just how strong and powerful he was yet showing his weakest spot to you…

Your thoughts were interrupted as he looked up, his gaze focused on both you and Iruma as he spoke your names. "Thank you both for living in our world, and for being amongst us."

The sentiment had been expressed before, but by those oblivious to the reality of you and Iruma's true circumstances. But he knew. He knew it all. Your throat grew tight as he presented his gifts, hands briefly grazing yours as you accepted the box as your gazes locked.

The warmth, the sincerity, the love in his eyes meant the world to you. He meant the world to you.

You struggled with the urge to simply slide from your chair to your knees and pull him close for a kiss to reciprocate those tender emotions. Except you were still aware of everyone else watching, so you just caressed his hand deliberately with a smile hopefully conveying your feelings.

His eyes crinkled as he returned your smile, fingers lacing briefly before he pulled away and stood. Your eyes followed him as he stepped away.

Until Sullivan stepped up, his own eyes glittering knowingly. He didn't say a word, but knelt down as he took Iruma's hand as well as yours into his, his black wings opened, but curled around the three of you.

"You both mean so much to me, you are truly my treasure," He spoke softly, squeezing your hand tightly. "I am sincerely thankful you both came into my life."

"Grandpa…"

"Dad…"

This time, you did leave your seat, having the same idea as Iruma as you wrapped your arms around both your father and son, and feeling their arms around you.

You were loved. Just as strongly as you loved them, they loved you.

----

The rest of the party was truly a party. You swore you had been to more festivals and parties in the last few months than before in your prior life.

But instead of standing on the outskirts of the party with Kalego and Balam as you typically ended up doing, you were drawn into the menagerie this time. You danced with several students as well as Opera, Sullivan, and then oddly Fluffego, when he was all but shoved in your arms by an impish Opera. He acted begrudgingly as you twirled him around, his small hands holding onto your fingers. You had your toes stepped on as well as stepped on a few yourself, but it was all brushed off with a laugh and even more dancing.

You hadn't had unbridled fun like this for such a long time. Your face hurt from smiling so widely, ribs aching from laughing.

But your favorite part was when large warm hands wrapped around your waist when you had slipped towards the table laden with food and drinks. "You look beautiful," Shichiro whispered as he held you tight around your midsection, making you smile. You had briefly danced with him, no more than thirty seconds, during one where you were constantly changing partners. Otherwise it seemed like the universe had conspired to keep you separated.

"I'm sure I would've been more lovely if my personal hairdresser had helped," You teased lightly as you glanced over the treats, taking your time to enjoy being held against him. "But I have a nagging suspicion he was in on the surprise."

"Iruma explained how you had always celebrated your birthday with him, and never told him when your actual birthday was," He admitted, chin resting atop your head despite the decorative horns. "We -- Lord Sullivan, Senpai, and myself-- figured it would be best to continue the tradition. Especially considering you would likely refuse to tell us once you knew what it may entail."

You bit your lip out of reflex to hide your smile. "You three really do know me well, don't you?" Because he was right; once learning of Demonic Rites, and knowing Sullivan's own tendencies to spoil you, you would've kept your lips sealed.

Which was related in a way to why you never told Iruma which day you were born. You hadn't wanted the boy to give up more of his hard earned money on your behalf. Sharing his birthday had been a bit of a compromise in a way, so you both were able to celebrate each other while you could make sure he didn't use a lot of his meager funds on you.

"Both you and Iruma are completely selfless," He answered, squeezing you tighter. "To the point I really wish you two would have a bit more of a sense of self-preservation."

"So when exactly is your birthday?" You asked after a moment, making him chuckle at your poor attempt at changing the topic.

He squeezed you tighter, adjusting to nuzzle your neck gently; considering his mask was still in place. "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."

You laughed at that, leaning your head back and finally looking up at him. "I love you, Shichiro, but I know better than that."

A flash of surprise crossed his face and his grip tightened to the point of nearly taking your breath away. "...do you, really?"

You realized your slip. You had admitted to yourself - to others - your feelings, but never to him. And, well - for good reason from what you understood about demon culture.

But… screw it.

"Yes," You answered, twining your hands with his. "I really do love you."

His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, the look in his eye changing slightly. He guided you to turn in his arms so you were face to face, still holding you tight against him. "Demons, especially those who are courting," He continued, his voice threatening to become even huskier, "don't say those words freely, or lightly."

You had gleaned as much from the books you had read. Some said it freely to those they were crushing on, and during little flings. But once a demon entered courtship, the word became much more meaningful to their Intended.

And yes, you two had just started courting - and sometimes the courting period lasted several months to years - but there was no denying how you felt. He had come to mean so much to you, and you could easily imagine him being in every part of your life. Not just the romantic moments, but the mundane parts of life; like doing dishes, or chores (if Opera ever allowed that to happen again).

You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, pulling him down so you could face him eye to eye as you stood on your tiptoes. "I love you, Balam Shichiro. With all my heart. And I can't imagine being with anyone else but you."

Before you could blink, his hands cupped your backside and he lifted you up, your body pressed against his as you fought the urge to wrap your legs around his hips, knowing in your current dress that would be very inappropriate.

Shichiro's eyes were desperate in more than one way as he searched yours, undoubtedly using his bloodline ability to find a hint of a lie. "One more time?"

You couldn't help but smile before you cupped his face in your hands, meeting his dark eyes and holding his intense gaze. "I love you, Shichiro. And I'll say it as many times as you want me to."

If you weren't in a room full of students - as well as your father and Opera, (and you supposed Kalego as well) - you would have happily removed his mask to kiss him properly, but you knew he was self conscious of his scar and refrained. That, and you had a very good idea his self control was on the verge of slipping; as was yours, to be honest. One kiss would lead to more, and you knew you'd wouldn't want to stop.

"I love you too," He finally admitted as your words sunk in. "So, so much." There was a hint of desperation to his voice, which paired with the way his grip on you was more than just supporting you against his frame, but feeling the plush curve of your butt.

There was no denying the thoughts running through your head, or the yearning that filled your body. You bit your lip as your fingers as well as your gaze traveled down his neck, feeling the strong cords of muscle beneath. He wasn't wearing the collar of feathers, but instead a dark, high collared top that felt like velvet beneath your fingers.

It would be so easy to push it away and press your lips to the sensitive skin there and listen to him hold back a whimper and groan as you tortured him. The thought of reducing him to a whimpering mess always tempted you, making you bite your lip as your mind drifted into the gutter.

Shichiro said your name quietly, making it sound like a plea as you continued to rub the velvet cloth trying to feel his muscular shoulders beneath as you thought.

You met his gaze, which felt as hot and heavy as the feeling settling in your lower gut. You knew what you wanted to do - what you thought he wanted to do too - but were uncertain how to proceed. Or rather, hesitant to take that next step. Was it being too bold?

Screw it. Fortune favored the bold, right?

"Why…don't we slip away somewhere more private?" You asked hesitantly, your attempt to be quiet making you sound a bit more sultry than intended.

His grip tightened even more, and you felt a hint of something hard press against your stomach. Yet instead of eagerly agreeing or even just carrying you away, (as you may have thought about more than once in previous daydreams) he protested - but with obvious reluctance. "It's your Rite, and…"

"Is there an unwritten rule that I have to stay here when I'd rather be alone with you?" You asked. Because devi, your mind was fully in the gutter and the thought of trying to pretend you were totally not thinking such things while you tried to mingle with everyone else sounded like torture.

And not the pleasant kind. The kind you hoped waited for you in the near future.

"Well, no," He admitted after a moment, his brow furrowed in confusion. "But would you really rather sneak away with me than stay and celebrate?"

Devi, how could a demon be so pure? "One hundred percent yes," You replied firmly before boldly adding on: "To the point I don't care where we go, as long as it's somewhere private and we won't be disturbed." Because hell or heaven help you if you couldn't at least get him half-undressed so you could explore his body with both your hands and lips. It was taking every bit of your self control as it was, with those thoughts running in your mind while being braced against him, the growing firmness pressing against you left little doubt he was having similar thoughts.

There was a moment of silence as his gaze became distant and unfocused, his cheeks turning bright red."Shichiro…?" You called softly after the moment stretched on. He snapped out of his thoughts, though his cheeks stained red even more.

"I, uh, well, I-I have been wondering if you would like to, um, come to my home? I've been working on my nest…."

Oh. Oh. That was much more than finding a closet or unoccupied room. It was your turn to blush, your heart racing in anticipation as well as more than a little bit of anxiety.

You wanted to - you really wanted to - but you couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. It had been such a long time - what felt like a lifetime to be honest - long before Iruma came into your life, since you had been with someone. And while kissing and petting had been second nature when it came to Shichiro….

Well, your daydreams hadn't quite prepared you for the real possibility.

Yet, again, you wanted to. And he was bound to be a more thoughtful lover than you had experienced before, demon or not.

After what felt like forever, you finally took the metaphorical step and nodded while biting your lip. "I-I would like that."

--- Short---

"They seriously don't think they're being subtle, right?" Soi sighed as he watched the two adults head towards the exit. Well, Balam walking somewhat stiffly with you cradled in his arms, your face red as a tomato but laughing.

Granted, his ability made disappearing easy, and also made it more noticeable when others tried to sneak off… but, still. That was about as obvious as anyone could be without making a loud announcement.

"Soi!" Leid jumped, startled by the demon's sudden presence. "You have got to stop doing that!"

"Are you talking about our two love bird teachers?" Elizabetta asked with a giggle, not as easily startled as their classmate. She also had noticed the pair, but was delighted by the turn of events. After all, their romance was something straight out of her own daydreams, making her hope even more that she would have a fairytale romance as well. "Aren't they adorable?"

"That's one word for it," Soi acknowledged, not as enamored with the situation as she was. "I might want to adjust my bet…"

"You and everyone else," Jazz agreed, summoned by the word 'bet'. He was already pulling out the notebook he was using to keep track of the massive pool going. "Lets see, are you wanting to change when you think their wedding day will be, or when Professor Balam will have mom knocked up?"

"Are you still taking bets?" Opera asked after overhearing the four students discuss their options. All four froze, glancing at the security demon and expecting a reaction much like Kalego's when he had found the betting during one of his lectures. (Granted, shortly after he had placed his own as well. He just didn't appreciate it being discussed during class.)

Instead, there was no anger behind Opera's placid expression, just simple curiosity.

"Er, yeah…." Jazz answered as Soi disappeared and both Elizabetta and Leid stepped away from the feline demon.

"Good. Both Lord Sullivan and myself would like to participate…"

#mairimashita! iruma kun #welcome to demon school iruma kun #suzuki iruma #misfits #balam shichiro x reader #balam/reader #balam shichiro #balam #lord sullivan #opera

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ask-clara · 5 months

Text

eeerrrrrrrrkkk.

…

“...perkins?”

eeeee-rrrrrrrrrrrr…. speech-language…. module.. d-d- .. dam a .. ged…

“oh, perkins,” the girl in red frowned, padding over to the gate where he had dutifully been standing watch. “what happened while i was gone?”

perkins started emitting some suspicious black smoke, perhaps in an attempt to reply, and she shook her head vigorously—“actually, don’t answer that.”

she spent a moment looking at the poor robot—it appeared he hadn’t suffered any visible damage, but clearly something was wrong. clara sighed, patting perkins gently. “well, let’s see what we can do, okay?”

she stood, turning to lead him away, when suddenly—

AAAAEEEEEEEEEEE-EEEERRRRR.

clara whirled around to see perkins barreling down the path (in the opposite direction she needed him to go), careening side to side as if he were seasick.

ERRRRRK. ERRRRRRKK. AAAEEEEEE. AEEEEERRRRR RRRRRR. eeerk… errrkkkkkkk …. ..

the robot’s whines and groans trailed off into the distance, and she was forced to cast aside her confusion, calling after him desperately and following in pursuit before he could get so far that she lost him.

amidst the frantic chase, the girl in red had failed to notice just how many twists and turns perkins had been leading her down. she suddenly remembered to tune into her surroundings, only to come to the conclusion that she could not recognize a single landmark. and that was a very frightening conclusion to arrive at.

the snow felt much colder under her bare feet. it bit and it stung.

clara was alone—no svarog. and no friends. and perkins was hurt.

tears had already been flowing down her flushed cheeks, but she had no clue for how long; she wiped her eyes in one swift movement, pressing forward.

it had been a while since she’d heard the robot whine or creak at all; clara slowed to a stop, heaving and trying not to cry again. but she kept walking, rounding a corner—

and there was perkins in all his smokey glory, finally still and finally quiet, save for a few twitches and moans. he was looking at something.

eerrrrp. the robot seemed to purr inquisitively. if he had a proper head, it would have been tilted to the side as he studied the something clara had yet to put her gaze on. his lights blinked erratically.

“perkins, oh—“ she rushed to him, throwing herself to the ground and placing her hands on him very gently as if to simulate a comforting touch to a human.

zzzzzzzzzzzz, he buzzed. zzzzzz.

cla. ra. clar. ah. .. . k. k. kt. kcht. clara.

perkins inched forward with a crrreeeeaaaaak, finally pulling the girl’s attention to the unfamiliar and very concerning sight before the two.

zzzzzzp, perkins buzzed.

there was something strange here, indescribable. it would be easily missed if you weren’t looking closely—it was as if the space in this spot had been torn unto itself, like it was a sort of fabric poorly stitched back together. the only distinguishable feature was how it distorted everything around it and through it.

clara waved her hand behind the strange pocket, watching it warp the image of her palm with fascination.

ZZZP, perkins said. he sounded upset. it was times like these where the girl would listen to him. she was good at listening.

so why was she not listening?

clara eagerly ooched closer to the image, hearing the gentle, pulsing noise that billowed from it like ripples in the water. she could have sworn she felt the waves of the sounds on her very skin. and the numbness that had frozen her toes and fingers began to melt alarmingly quickly, jolts of warmth spreading through her limbs and up her spine like volts of lightning.

EEEEE-EEEEEEEEE-EEEEEEEEEE. K-LA-RA. K-LA-RA.

K-LA-RA.

…

the last thing she saw was a flash of fragmented purple light before a painful sensation tugged on the rear of her mind like a taut leash—and she was consumed by an inky blackness.

the snow was smooth and undisturbed where the girl in red had sat transfixed, and there was no perkins—there was not a trace of anything having happened at all.

#🌌 into the hoyoverse #me..!! — (❛◡❛✿)

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the-s1lly-corner · 5 months

Note

Itward...

*gasp from the audience*

With reader...

*another dramatic gasp*

Who is scared of Itward leaving them because they're "too old"!

*even more dramatic gasp*

Not in a grandma/grandpa way. In the way "hey you're every childs imaginary friend right? Riiight. Uh. So what happens.. once the child isn't a child anymore?......"

They turned 14 or 16, maybe the latter would be better, and realize that. Holy shit. From a legal standpoint they're half an adult now. Will he leave them? Will they forget about him, given the "every childs imaginary friend" status you can assume grown ups maay have forgotten about him(no you cant. Reader is just too paranoid to think normally)? I think it would also be fun if it escalated from jealousy and worry - Itward started coming to hang out less and less, where os he? Oh, he probably was with another kid.. sure... while dear itward just has important buisness to do because something on his ship broke and to fix it/change out the broken parts after trial and error of finding them is gonna take some time. They're more clingy, more desparate - even if they don't show it, and just appear more emotional.. it worries him, has something happened? Had he missed anything?

OBV PLATONIC DAD ITWARD DHKHKDHKD

Itward w/ a reader who's growing up! (Platonic)!

SPEED RUNNING THIS CUZ I GOTTA START MAKIMF CHICKEN ALREDO SOON BJT I LOVE THIS IDEA SO SO MUCH

I feel like even before you start to few up, itward isnt always there with you every might since he has to juggle around so many kids as well as take care of other things

But with that being said, you notice that hes stopping by less and less; although he does sincerely apologize for any lateness and such

For whatever reason itward came into your life; be it you needing a friend or other reasons, you and itward develop a father/child relationship

He was there when you needed someone to hold you and tell you it was going to be okay. He was there to share your accomplishments and milestones. And he has plans to keep it that way

Personally I think at some point itward fazes himself out of a childs life when they dont need him anymore, like when their situation gets better of theyre safe from outside forces. Typically he does it when they're still young, out of fear that someone talking about their "imaginary friend" will lead to complications

But I'm getting a little side tracked from the requests idea, right now...

You're different, for really any reason, and he decided to stick around. I mean it's not unheard of that hes shown up for older kids (Clara and mia are the main example)

Notices you're a little off, as if you have something on your mind

Gently presses for information, but I don't think he would corner you for a confession

He let's you know that you can talk to him about anything and he wont ever be upset at you if you've done something

Itward has a habit of talking about stuff hes done; be it with his own hobbies or about his other kids

He notices your face kind of fall when he talks about this new kid hes recently started reading bedtime stories too

Asks once again if you're okay but wont push for an answer

Imagine the truth spills when hes late one night to visit you, on a night where he promised to see you.. but let's say, he needed to get some fuel for his ship.. thus the delay and he finds you getting all up in your head :(

Maybe even crying

Oh his poor heart, he gently settles himself down on the bed next to you and rubs your back; he doesnt wanna hug you out of nowhere and risk making you uncomfortable

You just spill out all your thoughts and oh his poor heart (again!)

Of course you wont forget about him, infact I don't think he has the ability to erase peoples memories.. even if he did I dont think he would do it unless the situation is dire

Hes so so apologetic about neglecting you these past few weeks/months, he assures you that hes not going to go anywhere

In fact if you want him gone youre gonna have to tell him yourself; and he might even hover to the side to make sure you're doing fine

Tries to clear room in his schedule to hang out with you more, even offers to take you on overnight adventures with him if it's not too dangerous (assuming you still live in the third reality and with your family)

Hugs, lots of hugs! Itward gives the best hugs, I think... as long as you ignore hes cold and hes a skeleton..! Its the feeling he puts into it that matters!

Very hard to fix given he has to take his other kids into consideration

Obviously we dont know how many kids hes helping at once, but given he said hes "the one many children talk about" and the fact hes canonically labeled as a wanderer (safe to assume hes always. You know. Wandering and exploring), I would assume it would at least be a few but not a lot at any given time; afterall theres only one of him

#itward headcannons #itward imagine #itward x reader #fran bow itward #itward

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taki118 · 1 year

Text

IruClarAzz Master Post Part 8

Just collecting all of the cuteness of the Love Trio and adding my commentary.This is all takes place during the current arc so spoilers abound here. Its not everything everything but close there’s a lot of just little things and trying to focus on the three. (Also warning I may make jabs at the IruAmeri ship here and there just small comparisons showing why I don’t like it as much, no hate but if you don’t like your ship being talked about even slightly negatively probably look away.)

If you didn’t see it Part 1 is here, Part 2 is here, Part 3 here Part 4 here Part 5 here Part 6 here Part 7 here

So its the rookie hunt and they are all excited

Clara has a very Clara way of attracting first years.

Iruma tries to offset her with Azz but

His isn’t much better

I do love that he includes Clara in his plans though.

Clara has a real talent for swaying people to her side.

She even is able to do it to Azz and its just so funny.

All to go back to her original plan with Azz now on board. (I really have missed the trios antics)

Iruma tries to bring back focus on what sort of first years they’d like to join.

Iruma gives a nice little speech about how he’d just like nice people to have good times with.

But he ends up taking Clara’s teasing too seriously, Iruma’s stomach really does have a direct line to his heart. Haha but you gotta love azz and Claras jealousy here at their food not being enough (just a reminder that Azz and Clara are good cooks and Ameri can’t cook for shit)

I love how Azz is so ready to throw down.

Also the team work here love to see it I demand more.

Still the two get distracted pretty easily.

I just love how they are in time out cause of nonsense from their senior.

I love how they are upset for different reasons and Iruma is trying to placate them.

But they get their first newbie and I just love the expressions here.

I love how they have no clue what they do. Cause like they dont really do much in the club.

I love the implication that they just do this routinely.

But Deman points out that has little to do with the club itself. I just love how Azz is in step with Clara here.

When he questions why they are even in this club they all follow after Clara’s display and I adore these dorks.

Like this is not normal they are all resembling each other its so cute.

I just love thats it’s called the Iru-trio camera.

So There’s no real love trio things after but they get new club members, unfortunately it’ll be a bit again. Though I do have something of a bonus post coming soon.

#welcome to demon school iruma kun #welcome to demon school #mairimashita! iruma kun #iruclarazz #iruma suzuki #clara valac #asmodeus alice #long post #spoilers #manga

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pickalilywrites · 3 months

Note

Reincarnation AU. 6 year old Petra writes down her Christmas list that she wants to see Levi again. 20 years later, able to reunite with everyone else, she finally sees him again on Christmas eve

thank you!

the missing piece

rivetra. reincarnation au. 2639 words. read on ao3.

There has not been a Christmas since Petra’s birth that the Ral household is not filled with dread. Her parents had expected Petra’s first three Christmases to be a joyous occasion, but instead of childish laughter their house was filled with anguished cries that they could not satiate no matter how they tried. They spent those first Christmases soothing and coddling her as best as they could, but it was only when the day ended that Petra’s cries would subside. They thought, perhaps, that it was just the fuss of the holiday that upset Petra so much and that she would become used to it as she grew up. It was a relief, then, that on her fourth Christmas that Petra did not cry, but the words she did babble — different from the “Mama” and “Papa” that her parents usually heard — filled them with a different kind of fear.

“Cap’un,” Petra giggled on the first Christmas she could speak. It had confused her mother at first, but her father’s expression was filled with an unmistakable anguish. It became the only word that Petra would speak that day, echoing around the house, and her father would flinch at every mention at his daughter’s “Cap’un.”

Petra’s mother knows enough not to ask about the “Cap’un” after seeing her husband’s reaction, but she also knows enough to be equally horrified when the next Christmas, at age 4, Petra clearly calls for her “Captain” as she toddles down the stairs that very morning. Her mother knows enough to be heartbroken when Petra sees, after glancing at the tree and by the hearth, that her “Captain” is not there. She knows that it’ll continue to grow more and more heartbreaking each year that the Captain Petra is wishing for never shows.

The seventh Christmas, when Petra is aged 6, the only thing she writes on her Christmas list is “Captain” in handwriting as neat as her small, unsteady hand can manage. Her parents look at it with despair in their eyes, but they smile at their daughter and take her by the hand to the ballet, hoping that the show will be enough to distract her from her inevitable disappointment.

To their surprise, she loves it. Petra had fidgeted in her seat before the show started, and her parents were afraid that she would be bored before the ballet even began. As soon as the curtains were drawn, the lights dimmed, and the stage lights brightened, Petra sat at the edge of her seat, amber eyes wide with wonder as she watched little Clara dance across the stage with fairies, angels, and flowers. She sat captivated and hardly even blinked as she took in the whole play. When the ballet finally ended, the little girl stood up immediately in her seat and began clapping before anyone else did.

“Did you like it that much, Petra?” her father asks as he leads her out of the theater, smiling down affectionately at his daughter as she hums her own rendition of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.”

“I liked it!” Petra says happily. She walks on her tiptoes, trying to mimic the ballerinas they had watched earlier. She only makes it a few steps, but she gets back on her tiptoes every time she falls. She keeps her eyes downward, carefully watching her feet as she tries to balance. “I love it.”

“And what did you like about it, Pet?” her mother asks with a smile. She reaches down to fix the scarf around her daughter’s neck.

“The captain,” her daughter replies, and that same expression of dread fills her parent’s faces once more but she’s too busy looking down to notice. “Clara and her captain got to see each other again, so the ending was happy.”

“Captain?” her mother repeats. She forces a smile on her face as she tries to gently correct her daughter. “You mean the Nutcracker Prince, right, Petra?”

Petra doesn’t seem to be listening to her mother anymore. Her mind is completely fixated on the Captain once more as it always is each Christmas. She keeps balancing on her toes, challenging herself even more by trying to step only in the center of the tiles of the theater lobby. “I want to see the Captain.”

Her parents exchange a look. Neither is sure how to broach this topic of the Captain. It’s a conversation they’ve been trying to avoid as long as possible, but their daughter has become more and more insistent on seeing him each year. No matter how much they try to convince her that this Captain that she so wishes to see is merely a character in her dreams, Petra continues to cling onto the hope of seeing him one year.

“Petra, there are some people that you just never end up meeting even though you really want to,” her father says gently. He tries to say it in as soothing a voice he can, but he knows it’s not enough because his daughter stops in her tracks to look at him. Already, her eyes are beginning to blaze with fury at her father’s audacity of suggesting something so horrible.

“He has to come. The Captain has to come back,” Petra tells him. She’s small, but her voice carries across the theater lobby and families are turning their heads to look over at them. Her face flush red with anger, her voice growing as she repeats, “The Captain will come!”

“Darling, he’s not even real,” her mother says before reaching down to rub her daughter’s shoulders in an attempt to calm her child down. She tries to reason with Petra even as the child grows increasingly distressed. “You said you see him sometimes in your dreams? But those are only dreams, Pet. Dreams don’t always come true. That’s just the way it is sometimes.”

“This one will!” Petra yells. Her entire face is red now and tears are streaming down her cheeks. She continues to cry even when her parents try to console her.

It’s yet another Christmas filled with tears.

⋆｡˚☽˚⋆｡ °✩₊

Twenty years later, Petra exits the theater with her friends. Watching the Nutcracker has become an annual ritual for her. For a few years, she had even been on stage dancing with the other ballerinas, but her ballet career was cut short after an inexplicable pain in her back had appeared. She had thought it was from exerting herself too much in practice, but after countless visits to numerous doctors, nobody could find anything wrong with her. Eventually, Petra swallowed her pain and just attributed it to her past life like she did everything else that didn’t quite make sense to her.

“Are you okay, Petra?” Gunther asks, eyes filled with concern as he observes Petra. His hands hover around her shoulders as if to steady her even though she can stand perfectly fine on her own. “Do you want to go home? If you weren’t feeling well, we could have seen this play another night or we could have left early.”

“Or just skip it entirely. We’ve seen this play dozens of time by now. We know all of it by heart,” Eld says. He takes Petra by the elbow and gently guides her towards a vacant bench in the lobby of the theater.

“I’m fine. My back is just killing me,” Petra sighs. It is true that her back is aching, but she’s learned how to ignore it most of the time so it doesn’t bother her as much as it used to. She’d rather blame her back pack for her lack of enthusiasm for her favorite ballet instead of discussing the real reason even though she knows her friends will drag the topic out sooner or later. “It’s fine. It doesn’t take that much energy to watch.”

“Still ...” Gunther says, his voice trailing off. He exchanges a look with Eld and Auruo, the three wearing an expression that seems all too familiar to Petra.

Petra closes her eyes if only not to see the pitying expressions on her friends’ faces. “Let’s not talk about it. We talk about it every year. Let’s do something different this year,” she murmurs even though she knows by alluding to it she’s brought it up and that there’s no escaping it.

“It isn’t healthy to just bottle your emotions in,” Eld says gently. He takes a seat beside Petra on the bench, his hand resting on her shoulder comfortingly even though she feels anything but comforted. “It must be frustrating to go by another year with the Captain.”

“It’s not that frustrating. It’s the same for all of you, isn’t it? You all seem fine,” Petra points out, opening her eyes to look at her friends tiredly. Even though she wants to crumple in front of them, she feigns indifference as best as she can.

“It’s not the same, though,” Auruo says. His voice goes up a pitch higher than it usual is, and his face is pinched in distress. He doesn’t like when Petra withholds her emotions from them, but he isn’t eloquent enough to coax her from behind her walls. “Petra, you two were different. You know that. We all know that. You two were special.”

“If we were really special, then we would have found each other by now,” Petra snaps, and Auruo flinches at her harsh tone. She immediately feels awful for being so brash and sighs, rubbing at her temple. She swallows down her frustration and takes a deep breath. “Look. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to talk about this. I don’t know what else anyone can say that hasn’t been said already.”

Her friends purse their lips and cast their eyes downward. Eld looks almost guilty as he avoids Petra’s gaze. They had all appeared one by one in each other’s lives unexpectedly, but once they did it seems as if a void had been filled in their lives. Everything made a little more sense, the dreams that had haunted them as children began to take shape, and pieces of their past lives fell into place. Eld had even been lucky enough to reunite with his fiancée, which Petra couldn’t help but feel envious over even as she smiled and gave the happy couple her congratulations.

“It’s not like everyone has been reincarnated,” Gunther murmurs. He still avoids looking at Petra, choosing instead to speak to the ground. “All we know for certain is that we were born again along with the rest of our families, but we haven’t seen anyone else except Eld’s fiancée. Hanji, Erwin, Mike ... maybe some people don’t get a second chance at all.”

Auruo reaches out to squeeze Petra reassuringly on the arm. “Sometimes we don’t get to see people even if we really want to,” he says.

Something about his words sounds too familiar. Petra yanks her arm away from Auruo as if she had been burned and stands up abruptly. Everything about this is too suffocating and she suddenly feels the need to run away. Loosening the scarf around her neck, Petra says, “I’m going home,” before bolting out the door, not turning back even when her friends call her name.

She manages to flag down a cab and hops inside, giving the driver her house address and resting her forehead against the cool window. She tries to compose herself as best as she can so that her parents don’t fret when they see her return. They’re always more aware of her during this time of year knowing all too well what perpetually unmet desire this holiday brings for her. Even as she tells herself that she’s grown now, that the thought of never seeing someone she’s never even met in this life shouldn’t be such big deal to her, but thinking about it only angers her. It all just seems so unfair. They had all left him at the same time, and now they’ve all reunited without him. He had to see to the end of it without them. And now he’s alone once more. Petra sits in the back of the cab, biting her lip and blinking back angry tears.

The cab takes her down a route she’s a little less familiar with and the streetlights blur through the tears in her eyes. Soon there are too much and the tears flow down her cheeks despite her best efforts, and she can only sigh and gaze out the window, wondering what her parents will think when she walks through the front door in tears. She’s so busy crying that she almost misses the toy shop she’s never seen before with a beautiful display in the front window that makes her call out to the cab driver to stop and let her off early.

She throws the cab driver her fee for the full drive along with the tip and hurries out of the cab, shutting the door behind her before running towards the shop. As she gets closer, she confirms that the mechanical display that had caught her eye is a beautiful replica of the Nutcracker. The little pieces have gears and gizmos like an old-time clock, beautiful and intricate and painstakingly crafted. The more she looks, the more Petra can see: Clara, the sugar plum fairy, the Mouse King, Mother Ginger, Drosselmeyer. All the characters are there, everyone except for the titular Nutcracker. She gazes, enchanted, studying every little detail of the carefully painted faces and the little figures’ well thought-out poses in the display. Curiously enough, Clara has bright ginger hair rather than the classic brunette that people typically see. Petra thinks for one brazen moment that the Clara in the display has something of a resemblance to her own self even though she knows that should be impossible.

The sign on the door says “CLOSED”, but there’s a light in the back of the shop. Petra takes a chance and walks towards the door, bursting through and sighing with relief when it opens for her. As soon as she enters, Petra sees a woman a few years younger than her with red hair tied into pigtails.

“The shop is closed,” the woman says, but she has a strange look as she takes in Petra’s appearance and her voice trails off as she finishes her sentence. It’s almost as if there’s a spark of recognition in her eyes when she sees Petra even though Petra is certain she’s never met this woman in her life. The woman’s mouth parts in a little gasp and she begins to ask, “Aren’t you-?”

“Isabel, I told you to lock the door earlier. Who are you talking to?” a familiar voice asks, and Petra’s eyes are immediately drawn to the back door, and Petra sees him. He looks exactly as she remembers him, exactly as he looks in her dreams. Same dark hair, short stature, stern gaze that seem to soften when their eyes meet. The sight of her seems to render him speechless because he stops in his tracks, his brows knit in confusion. In his hands is a little mechanical soldier, no Nutcracker, that has the same dark hair and same blue-gray eyes as him, the same face as the Captain that she has longed for all these years.

Petra has no time to be shocked. She’s been waiting for this moment for twenty-six years. There isn’t any reason for her to wait any longer, so she runs to him and throws her arms around his neck. She feels his arms wrap around her waist the way they were always meant to.

“Petra,” he says, and Petra’s heart soars at the sound of her name from her Captain’s lips. “I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you, too, Levi," she says and feels the missing piece fall into place as their lips finally meet.

#snk #reincarnation au #levi ackerman #petra ral #rivetra #asks #answered #anon #anonymous #requests

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