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grimreaperems15 · 2 years

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Summary of The Crow Part 1 aka the backstory to Melody and Headmaster Crowley’s Connection to each other.

It’s been some time since I gave an update on The Crow. Since then, I’ve been busy with trying to apply for a job and other stuff going on in real life. Given this, I have decided to just make a summary post of what happened in the past between Headmaster Crowley and Melody’s ancestor, Miriam. If I have the time and motivation as well as requests to do so, I might still try and post a fic split into multiple parts. Just know that it might be a long time before it’s finished.

Link to my Twisted Wonderland OC’s profile!

⚠️TW⚠️: Contains Chapter 6 spoilers, mentions of war, starvation, major character(s) death, angst

Music:

Two Birds by Regina Spektor

“Two birds of a feather say that they’re always gonna stay together, but one’s never going to let go of that wire.”

The Past:

The earth was mostly scorched with fire and destruction as a result of the fierce fighting between the Great Seven and the Titans. Many living beings had already died out or were in the process of dying due to the lack of food and water. For those that were still alive, it was a competition for survival. A brutal competition in which those who won slayed their opponents and ate them.

One of these beings in the process of dying was a crow with an injured right wing. A starving child had thrown a rock at him, desperate for something to eat, causing the wing to be damaged. While the crow was able to get away, it eventually collapsed in an area that had been turned into a desert, having exhausted its remaining energy.

A young girl dressed in armor found the injured crow and used her magic to heal the wing. She introduced herself as Miriam and told the crow to take care of himself before leaving. The crow, wanting to show gratitude to Miriam, followed after her, only to discover that she had a traveling companion, a giant chimera named Grim. A cat-like beast with wings and fangs.

Seeing the crow, Grim was about to attack when Miriam stopped him. Given that the crow had followed after her, she decided to let him tag along as another traveling companion. Before the trio set off, Miriam decided to give the crow a name. She named him Crowley which he has kept ever since.

Miriam, Grim, and Crowley traveled the land, witnessing the destruction of life. Withered plants and dead animals were scattered all around. The trio always stopped to help out anyone or anything needing assistance.

However, the small group of them could only do so much. As the war between the Great Seven and the Titans progressed, it became harder for even the three of them to continue traveling. Much of the world was now uninhabitable, making it difficult to survive.

It was at this point that Miriam realized she knew what she needed to do. It was time for her to fulfill her purpose. Miriam was not from this world, yet she had been brought here by an unknown force. Her purpose; to stop the fighting between the two warring parties.

With Grim by her side, Miriam went off to end the war once and for all. However, Crowley stayed behind. Given that Crowley did not have the ability to use magic at the time, Miriam feared he would die in an instant. To prevent that from happening, she told Crowley to go a long distance away from them and seek shelter.

Kissing the top of the head of the crow, she whispered something in his ear before climbing on Grim, drawing her sword she always kept on her person. Wanting to honor Miriam’s request, Crowley watched as the pair flew away, towards a giant column of ominous dust and lightning that had been growing bigger and bigger. The crow then took off himself to seek shelter, tears streaming from his eyes. As much as he wanted to accompany Miriam and Grim, he knew he was not strong enough to fight.

Taking shelter in one of the last remaining forests, Crowley watched as the vortex in the distance grew smaller and smaller with each passing day. Finally, on the fifth day, a bright light burst from the storm, reaching up to the heavens. Within an instant, the vortex was gone.

The landscape began to turn green as various plants sprouted throughout the land. Life was beginning to come back. No longer did living beings have to fight for natural resources. For this, the crow was thankful. It could now happily munch on apples, its favorite food and not worry about there not being enough apple trees.

However, not everything came back.

Despite the life that flourished, neither Miriam nor Grim came back. It was then that Crowley realized the truth.

Miriam and Grim had given their life to save this world. A world from which they did not belong to.

The crow also realized that both of them knew that they were very likely to die. There were times when Miriam looked as if she were on the verge of tears, seeking the comfort of Grim and Crowley as they piled together to stay warm during the cold nights. Miriam was likely scared of her inevitable fate.

Right before she and Grim had left, Miriam had put on a brave face as she told Crowley to go seek refuge in a safe place. However, Crowley noticed that she was shaking in her boots. Grim, who had acted pretty nonchalantly throughout their journey also seemed to be on edge, his fur standing up on its end.

Being the only survivor of the trio, Crowley looked once more towards the rising moon and thought of his friends.

So this is my very condensed summary of the story between Headmaster Crowley and Miriam, Melody’s descendant. I will post another summary sometime soon of the present day when Headmaster Crowley and Melody meet for the first time at Night Raven College. Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed this summary! If you have any in-depth questions about the story, feel free to put them in my ask box!

This is what Miriam is supposed to look like except she has blue eyes instead of brown ones (I don’t know how to put blue eyes in I’m not that skilled at editing).I found this on pinterest a long time ago and have had it saved in my camera roll. All credits go to the person who originally made this. If someone can find the original art, please link it and I will update this post with the proper source credit!

UPDATE: Someone was kind enough to give me the link to the original art! Thank you so much! Please check out the original artist’s content here!

Instead of the cute, cuddly Grim we all know, I chose this beast instead to represent Grim. It is the one you fight at the very beginning of the game as part of the tutorial.

#twisted wonderland #night raven college #twst oc #summary #angst #headmaster crowley

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houseofdabs · 3 years

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It's Raining Cats and Dogs Out There

This isn't nothing serious, just wanted to write sumn, might not be too good, I haven't written nothing in years.

warnings: none

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Bo had slept in, something that wasn't particularly rare, but something he wasn't too keen on. Maybe it was from the lack of sun in his face, or the comfortable cool that made it so easy to curl into the blankets on his bed, but it was more than likely from the exhaustion he accumulated from so many nights full of work and less of sleeping. Deep down he knew he needed the extra sleep but as quick as the thought came it was just as quickly replaced with the self-degradation that pushed him to work hours on end with little care for himself-- the fuel that worked him near death in order to prove himself. The wind outside began to pick up and Bo peaked out the window to watch the dead leaves that danced within it, the thought that the only movement in the desolate town being dead itself made him frown a little. Gray clouds above covered the usual harsh rays of the Louisiana sun, what was once a vibrant sky was now dull. The blanketed sky looked heavy and with every movement threatened to burst and unleash the gallons of water it held.

Bo weighed his options in his head: he could either hurry up and make his way to the station to work before the rain started or he could stay and spend his day inside. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rainfall outside the window, mother earth decided for him-- he was spending the day inside.

He made his way downstairs to the kitchen, the weather had him hankering for something warm to combat the chill that the elements brought with it, coffee sounded real good. Bo didn't realize how hungry he was until his stomach announced it's vacant state, he supposed some breakfast wouldn't hurt either, and it wasn't often he had the time or care in mind to make himself an early meal. He just hoped the eggs and bacon hadn't spoiled.

The storm outside had picked up significantly and he didn't hear the small taps from Jonesy coming in from the doggy door in the back, the dog nearly made him drop the egg he was about to crack as she shook the water from her coat, some hitting Bo.

"God damnit, Jonesy, you 'bout scared the mess outta me!" Bo hollered as he watched the dog dry off, "ah, quit that, yer gettin' water everywhere." He grabbed a stray washcloth and wiped her down a bit before he threw it on the ground, an attempt to pick up some of the puddle that accumulated at the pups feet. "What am I gonna do with you?"

After he dealt with Jonesy, Bo turned his attention back to the stove, more focused on his egg sunny side up than the dog at his feet. In the middle of moving the egg around there was a clap of thunder outside that caused him to jolt, the spatula breaking the yolk from Bo's harsh movement. A quick 'fuck' escaped his lips as he watched the runny liquid start to cook in the hot pan, he really wanted them sunny side up. He noticed Jonesy move and watch in interest as he plated the now 'ruined' egg.

"Quit yer beggin', got food in yer bowl, leave me alone." He grumbled as he cracked another egg in the pan before he made his way to start the coffee. Jonesy just sat and watched him before she headed over to lay under the kitchen table and out of Bo's way. Not long after the coffee machine was done rumbling, Bo had him a cup of the steaming liquid with the proper fixings, his plate at his space at the table, and a begging dog at his feet once again. As he brought a bite of egg to his mouth, he watched as Jonesy's interested peaked, she went from laying under the table to sitting upright beside him, her eyes followed the movement of his fork.

"Tsk," Bo sucked his teeth and narrowed his eyes, "now go on somewhere." In no mood to deal with the dog, he dropped his hand to swat her away but Jonesy stood her ground. Her head lolled to the side as she peered up at him with her big puppy dog eyes, a soft whimper leaving her muzzle.

"Nu uh, I'm fixin' to put you out if you don' hush up, don' give me none of that shit, what? Vincent don' feed you none?" He tried his best to ignore her eyes but he couldn't ignore the way she made a noise as he continued to eat. Bo sighed and his eyes fell to the egg that he had messed up earlier. He let out a huff as he fished the food off his plate and looked back at the pup.

"Alright, you wan' it? You gotta work fer it." He lifted the food to show her but as she went to lunge he held his hand up, halting her movements. "What I say? Now," he pointed his pointer and middle finger in the shape of a gun at Jonesy, "BANG!" She stared up at him, tilting her head again and Bo felt a little embarrassed that she didn't respond correctly.

"Damnit, girl," he attempted once more, "BANG! Jonesy play dead gosh-dangit!" Bo's lips curled up a bit as the dog did as told, although not with as much enthusiasm as she would with his other siblings, but he supposed it was enough. Bo plopped the egg down on the ground for her and Jonesy scrambled to eat it the second she heard it hit the ground.

"Actin' like we'on feed you, shameful." He shook his head and sucked his teeth before he finished his plate. He sipped from his mug and peered down at Jonesy from the rim as she stamped her front paws a little, her head jolted as she softly barked at him.

"I'on got nothin' for you, now g'on, get." Bo nudged her out of the way as he got up, piling his dishes in the sink before making his way to the living room, Jonesy followed at his heels.

Bo stood in the middle of room and scanned the contents it held, trying to decide if he wanted to read or watch a movie but he changed his mind the second his eyes fell on his parents old cassette player. His fingers skimmed the cassette holder and stopped on Marty Robbins' "Return of the Gunfighter", nothing too sad and he loved storytelling. The peaceful guitar contrasted the harsh snap of thunder outside; it calmed him.

The tape played as he settled into the couch, his fingers drummed along to 'San Angelo' as it played in the background. While he preferred the twangy sound of Johnny Cash telling the big guys to shove it, he couldn't help but feel something for the expressive guitar, the Tex-Mex style bewitched him. He enjoyed the songs of a lone cowboy who had no time for love, but his favorites were the ones in which an outlaw managed to find a companion despite their wrongs. Love was always described so sickly sweet, and while he was usually put off by it, he couldn't deny he yearned for it, the idea that someone could love a criminal like the outlaws that were sung about, maybe someone like himself.

The once warm cup in his hands was now cold, the liquid inside had cooled while he sat in thought but Bo couldn't bring himself to care. Jonesy stretched as she laid beside him, her head found its way in the man's lap as she nestled in the couch. He bought his hand down to scratch her side, chuckling a bit as her leg kicked before giving her a couple smacks on her side. Her tail drummed wildly against the sofa and she wiggled further into his lap, licking at his hands.

"Alright, now settle down, girl." He smiled and brought his hand up to rub her head, his cup now abandoned on the table beside him. He readjusted himself, careful not to disturb the animal in his lap as he got more comfortable. Bo allowed himself to further sink into the cushions, sighing contently as he laid his head back. He finally relaxed, his eyes closed as he listened to the rainfall's percussive taps as it landed on the earth around him, lulling him to sleep.

Vincent made his way to the house through the tunnels, having finally finished the wax sculpture that kept him up all night. As he made his way from his late father's office, he took notice of how quiet the house was aside from the quiet melody of Marty Robbins that played in the living room. He stopped walking when his gaze fell on his twin and his dog cuddled on the couch, Bo's chest rising in falling as he slept. Vincent watched for a while before he retreated back to the hall closet and retrieved a blanket for them. Carefully as not to wake them, the twin laid it over the two. He grabbed the coffee cup Bo ditched on the table and took it in the kitchen, noticing his brother managed to cook breakfast. Vincent picked up a covered plate that sat on the stove, smiling behind the mask when he realized that his brother fixed him some as well. He retreated to his room with the food, taking one last glance at Bo and Jonesy before ascending the stairs.

#bo sinclair #vincent sinclair #jonesy sinclair #house of wax #house of wax 2005 #bo sinclair house of wax #vincent sinclair house of wax #slasher writing #slasher fandom #slasher community #slashers #bo sinclair fluff #vincent sinclair fluff #fluff #houseofdabs writing

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btswishes · 3 years

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Love me for who I am now

Bucky x Reader ( Chapter 4)

Previous / Next (5)

Summary: You apply for the Stark internship and end up getting it, so now you have 5 months to make a good impression to continue working with the Avengers.

A/N: Ok. I think I need to calm down with the descriptions a bit. They might be a bitt too much for everything. Good thing this is an experiment and a challenge for my damn bratty authors block. Sorry for any mistakes made, hope you enjoy it even a tiny bit.

Tag list: @vicmc624

Word count: 3,305

Warmings: fights, harsh language, not part of the original MCU

Y/N- Your name

Y/L/N- Your Last Name

40s Vocabulary:

killer diller - the best, amazing

grandstand - show off in a boastful manner

snap your cap - get angry

flip your wig - lose your temper, lose control

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The compound was overthrown by silence, such a sweet melody combined with the sound of the nightly creatures, passing by at such heights. One would be surprised at what could even survive up here, at least the city was just a distant presence. The clock hit 12 as you closed the door of the lab behind yourself. After tiding up you decided to brush over some stuff, ending up just doing 3 more hours of work. Steve wouldn’t be happy to find out you did exactly what he expected.

Your feet tiptoeing snuck around the halls, making sure no one noticed or got woken up by you. No sound came out, not even by your breath. You were expecting to see the glimmer of light from at least 2 rooms, but apparently no one was up. Palm against the metal of the door, it slid open ever so silently as its owner.

“Ah~…” you let out a deep breath, letting your body sink onto the bed- work books and empty laptop bag on the covers under your right hand. Replenishing the oxygen, you took in the smell of the sheets. A mix of fresh, crisp mountains with a hint of floral tones.

Knock knock

Your head came up first, allowing the guest access to your room, before pushing half your body up with hands firmly pressed into the bedding. The hissing sound of the door revealed a head pocking from the side, illuminated slightly by the dim lighting coming from inside.

“Am I bothering?” the female voice asked

“Um no, actually I just came from the lab.” You explained, beginning to identify the owner of the rich voice slowly

“Come over to my room then.” blunt and direct, a woman that never beat around the bush. Something you wanted to be able to do as well sometimes

“Nat!” another sweet note flew into your room, rapidly cutting off the residual command “You are supposed to ask her if she wants to come, not demand. She could be tired.”

“Oh come on.” Natasha looked back at the second companion, reading her a lecture in the corridor “She can say no.” with the corner of her eye she was indirectly actuating you in her favor. Agent habits die…well - never.

“ I am a night owl so if you don’t mind I would love to join you.” Still whispering in case someone woke up, you were pulled out from your room by the two women. It felt like a blink of an eye when you found yourself cross-legged on the soft mattress. The situation was not expected and very much tense for you. Soft tapping sounds of rain filled the room, creating a cozy ambiance. Natasha was leaning onto her elbow - body sideways, while Wanda was completely laying onto her stomach- both looking at you.

“Relax.” Natasha tapped your shoulder. It felt almost like magic when your body did exactly that, well maybe it was since Wanda’s hand flashed a bit. I don’t think anyone would complain about the sudden stress relieve. Compared to your pretty empty living quarters this place showed the years spend. The color of the wall was a warm light tone of dark amber. Combined with the wooden style furniture and small knickknacks, it had a warm cabin like feeling - welcoming. You did not regret coming here at all, now that you were situated. And the rain, the light drops just added so much to this, almost like you were on vacation in the woods and star-gazing with your closest friends.

“So, how did it go with Mr. Always Grumpy?” Wanda uttered below you, attention spilling out of her very existence

“Bucky?” you asked strings pulling a nod from both of them “Thought so.” sighing, your elbows dug into the soft cover supporting your upper body “ He just threw a tantrum that ended up with him almost choking me out on the spot and not in the good way. Fixed his arm though. ”you added proud of the last sentence

“Wait, wait.” Natasha swung her hands side to side in front of her face in disbelieve “He let you fix his shoulder? No, no let me rephrase that. James Buchanan Barnes let you touch him? Someone he doesn’t know?”

“How?” Wanda sat up in a split second, making the bed shift a bit from the kinetic energy applied to it

“Simple.” Your pointer finger flung up positioned between your eyebrows, before pointing at the two women “Treat him like a moody antisocial child.” A wide evil smirk tugged from side to side onto your lips “ I just told him that if he doesn’t get it fixed he will be a burden on the next mission. For someone trying to erase his past by doing good deeds and being useful, this was like a jab to his ego.”

“That…” Wanda’s fingers wrapped around her chin, letting her sink in thought “…that makes a lot of sense honestly. I would have never come up with that.”

“Enough about fossil number 2.” Natasha clapped her hands “Since we will be neighbors from now on, let’s go around and do a short introduction happy campers.”

“I will go first.” Wanda rose her hand beginning “Wanda Maximoff here, your teammate living right in front of you.”

“You can just call me Nat, no need for formalities, Captain’s orders.” She joked

“I mean for me just Wanda is ok.”

“I guess the introduction is directed more towards me.” A giggle rung out “ Y/N Y/L/N, studying in Stark University with a very weird past, that I can’t explain to myself either. Your new neighbor and teammate from what I can gather. Pleasure to make -“ too formal you thought to yourself, it was time to let go a bit “Nice to meet yall.”

You found yourself getting along with the girls much faster than with anyone else in the compound. Maybe it was because you didn’t have an awkward first confrontation with any of them or a choking one.

“By the way.” You lured them back with your voice “Tony said something about me using the gym. What’s all that about? ”

The two turned to each other questioning for a moment, before deciding that it wouldn’t hurt to know what Tony was mixing in his little pot of mischief – had to get used to it sooner or later.

“He is testing an Avengers new generation program on you.” Nat concluded from their numerous conversations about you prior to your arrival or, as a matter of fact, even your application acceptance “The gym is for well, to make sure you don’t die on missions.”

“Ok, hol’ up hol’ up.” Your eyes squeezed shut when your hands waved air side to side “Not only am I a ‘build an avenger’ type of deal, but I will be going on missions?!”

Their non verbal agreement pulling a deep and already exhausted sigh out of you. It hadn’t even began and your muscles were in pain. You got yourself in this mess, you kind of wanted it so no backing down now. Your pride wouldn’t let you.

The rest of the night was filled with jokes, snarky comments about the men in the compound. Natasha had dirt on almost all of them with the occasional help of Wanda. The three troublesome birdies soon fell asleep each in her own corner of the bed, till later in the night when you huddled up. The window in Natasha’s room was the main culprit causing you to ball one next to the other.

Light slowly creeping into the common room and welcoming the men stumbling early for a cup of coffee - drowsy and very much looking like bird nests. Tony dressed in his fancy pjs was quick in his preparations, while Sam and Steve were still waiting next to the bubbling machine, on each side of it. Arms crossed, pressed against firm muscles and fighting the sleep.

“Morning early birds.” Tony teased Sam when Bucky’s heavy steps passed behind the playboy. He looked the most awake and ready for a mission out of everyone. Steve pulled out a couple of mugs and poor the hot dark liquid, passing 2 out to his buddies.

Peace covered them like a comfort veil, sips frequently reminding that time was indeed still flowing and not paused. Boredom began crawling up their spines, when Bruce’s emerging presents lit them up. The need for some vibrancy was soaking into the air.

“What is up with the serious atmosphere?” he asked grabbing one of the cups resting on the bar.

“Something is missing here.” Sam pushed his lips to the side speaking of things everyone noticed “It’s...too quiet.”

“F.R.I.D.A.Y.?” Tony released his grip on the mug, resting it on the table

Yes Sir?

“Where are the rest of us?”

If you are speaking of Miss Maximoff, Miss Romanoff and Miss Y/L/N they are still in bed.

“I know I buy the best beds, but this is a bit too much.” Tony got up and walked over to Wanda’s room, knocking on the door. He waited for an answer, but none was given. His head pocked in just for his eyes to be met with emptiness.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y. where are they?” Tony stomped over to your room, which was in the same condition maybe a bit emptier since you were a new arrival

In Miss Romanoff’s room Sir.

“All of them?” Steve pushed his hips off the counter, tall figure stalking after Tony.

Yes Sir.

The door slid open and Steve almost choked out a loud laugh at the sight. The three of you were cuddled up like stray cats trying to keep warm during the cold winter days, waiting for an owner to come and pick you up. Hands pushing his lips closed, Steve snuck in closing the open window. As simple as the action was it released a calming moan from one of you, the space already getting warmer.

“I don’t have the heart to wake them up.” Bruce announced with a cheerful whisper

“Yeah, keep them like that.” Sam pulled out his phone and started taking pictures

“What are you doing?” Bucky’s body leaning onto the doorframe, the newest member to this room-visit

“What does it look like tin can arm?” clicking sounds bouncing off the wall “Getting some dirt on Nat. The amount of blackmail material she has on me is too much.”

“Ok, you had your fun bird brain.” Bucky grabbed Sam’s hand and pulled the phone way from your resting figures, specifically you.

“Calm down you two.” Steve tried to pull them away and out of the small space

“What got your panties twisted?” Sam’s body stood up confidant, clenching the muscles being wrapped by the cold vibranium plates “The Winter Soldier look is showing on that smug face of yours.” The dark glistening skin pushed closer to Bucky as he was almost picking a fight “ Shit, if I didn’t know better I would say someone was whispering them trigger words of yours.”

Sam finally had something to use for revenge, but this whole righteous behavior of Bucky was spoiling his fun. The rest of the guys felt the pressure accumulating around the menacing men “Zhelaniye and Semnadtsat something like that right? Oh wait that is right~...Wakanda whipped your ass clean.” The awful Russian accent awoke Natasha, but feeling the heavy air she decided to wait her time to get those pictures back. Sly one.

The words were loud enough for everyone to wait for Bucky’s reaction.

“Rzhaviy or some shit li-“ the word crept inside your ear together with the sentence beforehand. Your left hand decided that the position it was in wasn’t comfortable anymore, swinging your left foot in the opposite direction. Hands pushing off the bed with a rough creek, let your left knee hook onto Sam’s neck – body hanging like a chain in front of him. Your fingers didn’t waste time to snake around his own calves pulling them up.

“Wha-!” Sam gasped when the heels of your feet pushed his shoulders back – head hitting the soft carpet with a loud thud and grunt. There was no time to take a breath for the poor man before your arms locked the air in his throat.

Natasha grabbed the phone quickly and deleted whatever she could find about herself, while everyone else sat stunned.

“I give- I give- up!” Sam tried squeezing the words out of his mind as he began tapping the floor and your elbow.

“I got the pics Y/N.”Nat waved the phone at you, but your hands began to tighten around his neck. Sam was starting to turn colors his skin wasn’t supposed to have.

“Y/N!” Bucky growled out loud and commanding, shacking up the whole room. It felt like a bubble popped from in front of you, body jolting at the voice.

“Ha?” your lips fell open as your body relaxed, letting Sam finally suck in so much ai,r the covers on Natsha’s bed almost went inside his mouth. Your jaw closed just so your throat could swallow a bit of spit seeing as it was feeling dry, before it opened back up. Sam’s body heat pulled your gaze down to him when you started to register the situation.

“Oh God!” you pulled away from him, apologies spilling out of you, too many in a second “I was sleepwalking again!”

Dumbfound, that was exactly the expression on everyone’s face hearing you say that. You were used to your nightly habits, even your family found it natural at this point.

“Usually when I have nightmares I either mumble or sleepwalk.” Trying to explain yourself didn’t change what everyone was feeling.

“OW!” Steve screeched out upon feeling Tony’s fingers pinch his arm

“I am not dreaming am I? You all saw that too.” He felt Cap swat his hand away sending a warm wave of pain through his limb

“Test it on yourself next time!” he hissed

“I call that sleep fighting not walking.” Bruce pitched in feeling left out “You are trying to tell us you are…used to this?” your head nodded, roughed up hair flying back and forth

“My mom calls them night terrors. Tried to get help for it, but I guess the only one who could help me was my uncle. One of the reasons why I spend so much time with him.” You grinned trying to get out of this mess as fast as possible with less casualties

“I am stopping this now.”Tony threw his hands in the air “I am not awake enough to deal with all this...and that tiny assassin.” You followed him hastily to the kitchen whipping yourself a cup of tea and flying over to one of the seats. The rest of the Avengers followed your stumbling figure out of the room – slow steps, a mix of amazement and confusion, pain for some. Sam sat on the couch pretty far from you, keeping quiet. Your eyes scanned the room waiting for someone to say something or to cut the thick atmosphere with a butter knife.

“Can I take Y/N over from Nat?” Steve was the hero in this moment . Tony waved his hand, swallowing his almost cold coffee

“Do what you want, I am not capable of decisions right now.” The screeching floor yelped under the chair’s feet. Sam followed Bucky out the room, after Tony announced his departure.

“Come with me kid.” Steve’s heavy yet warm hand fond your tense shoulder muscles. Your body jumped and followed the man like a small chick behind its mother. You ran to your room taking a quick shower, a dash of deodorant and putting on workout clothes. Washing yourself before sweating made no sense, but the warmth tended to relax you. Taking into consideration the amount of stress you were feeling for awhile now – it felt good.

The gym was maybe 3 levels before the floor you lived on, information revealed to you in the not so comfortable awkward ride with the elevator. The doors slid open unveiling a whole new world. Stylish…there is nothing you could say at this point but Tony owned it, it talked for itself. Steve told you to leave the duffle bag onto a bench and come to the equipment.

“Have you used any of these?” he pointed at the machines and you shook your head. You knew about them from youtube videos and maybe 1 or 2 gym visits, but saying up right being able to use them properly was questionable. “Ok, let’s start with a quick evaluation of your body’s capabilities.”

With the corner of your eyes you could see Bucky lifting an absurd amount of weights – super soldier let’s not forget that again. You started first with the bar without anything on it, before Steve began adding. You were struggling, which made him know when to stop piling stuff and changing the muscle groups. What felt like 2 hours later he gave you a small break, walking over to his friend to spot him.

A dust cloud swirled around the metal arm before the weights floated in the air. Once more finding yourself eyeing him head to toe – his arms were glistening from the sweat droplets forming onto them. The t-shirt was tightly clinging on his muscles like glue was applied to them previously. His hair fixed to patches of his lovable face. That untamed beard and ice blue eyes made his existence mirror that of a Greek God statue. Fingers tingling around your water bottle unknowingly wishing to touch him, before noticing Steve walking up to you – not before Bucky’s eyes met yours for a split second for who knows what time.

“He is a killer diller aint he.” The blonde snickered at your flushed face, being caught staring. Taking a quick drink from your bottle ,you stood up and threw it to Steve

“Grandstand.” you coughed out at the man leaving him stunned in place from what just erupted from your mouth “You coming?” you coaxed him successfully.

Aside from the small playful teasing Cap tried to play on you,F on his best friend’s back - training was though. He wasn’t going easy on you, ass hitting the floor one too many times for your liking. You could already feel the bruises coloring your skin a midnight blue with a hint of a bloody red.

“Time out!” puffing out the words with the last liter of air left inside your lungs “I-I can’t Steve.” The dull thudding sound your legs made hitting the mat echoed in the big gym. It was loud enough to wake up the dead.

“That is enough for today. You did surprisingly well. Don’t you think Mr. Grandstrand?” a towel flung on top of your head turning off the lights in your mind. With a trembling hand you pulled it off to look at the one and only Sergeant, looming over you. Steve’s words summoned a low groan from Bucky filled with annoyance.

“Hey now, don’t snap your cap.” A type of teasing only possible between friends gone through decades and countless near death situations. The towel was soft enveloped in a calming and nostalgic smell. Having gained some of your strength back, your palms pushed off the floor with a fling. For a moment your demeanor mirrored that of Steve, calmly tapping Bucky’s back and throwing him a playful look, that of years long pals.

“Come on cap, don’t tease him that much. He gonn’ flip his wig soon.” The sentence dripping with a heavy old school Brooklyn accent. No war could prepare them both for this one sided conversation they just witnessed.

“Did she just?” Bucky pointed at you, finger hovering in the direction of your disappearing body silhouette.

“I don’t know man.”

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nad-zeta · 4 years

Text

Match up ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪

Hi hi, love!☺❤🌈 Here is ya matchup lol. Hope I didn’t make you wait tooo long lol! I hope you enjoy this dear and I hope you have a super good day! Sending ya lots o hugs!☺❤🥰 @yunohawkeye

So I match you with................... Arthur

Oh, the second Arthur spotted a new little skirt coming into the mansion, all his attention was solely on you. It’s no secret, Arthot loves to charm a woman, so he definitely made a beeline straight to you to introduce himself.

You were chatting with Vincent, and from where Arthur was standing, he couldn’t tell which one of the two of you were more pure and innocent, you or Vincent. You were wearing a shy smile as you chatted with the blond and simply radiated an innocent energy. What Arthur didn’t expect was the personality beneath

The next day after helping Sebastian with all the chores, Arthot spotted you sitting in the library all alone reading. He honestly wanted to get to know you better, so he decided to kill two birds with one stone. He invited you out to the pub with him and Theo. That is how you landed yourself sandwiched between the two men, drinking away.

Naturally, Arthur was on the hunt for his night time companion after you had shot him down for the 3rd time in a row. The two of you were now scanning the bar for potential prey. You were determined to act as Arthur's wing-man, considering Theo wanted nothing to do with Arthur's escapades. You found that after the first drink, your bubbly quirky personality started to shine through. Arthur absolutely loved this new side of you! He found it refreshing that he could be himself with you, treating you like one of the guys, and not having to put up his classical playboy front.

You couldn’t help but bust out into laughter at Arthur and Theo’s shocked expressions when you let a dirty joke slip, sometime throughout the evening. “Looks like you aren’t as innocent as you look Luv,” he said howling in laughter.

After seeing how red Theo’s face went after you made the joke you and Arthur teamed up and started teasing the younger van Gogh brother. Although the victim to merciless teasing, that night Theo noted that, that had been the first night, since knowing Arthur, where he hadn’t nibbled on a single little skirt. Instead, all his attention was solely on you and your hilarious jokes. He hadn’t tried to charm you or get into your pants, instead the two of you chatted and joked around like old friends.

Visiting the bar with the two boys had actually become somewhat of a regular occurrence after the first night. Although neither of you ever realised it, Theo couldn’t help but chuckle at how genuinely smitten Arthur was with you. You would always tag along to act as Arthur's wingman to find him the perfect girl for the night. But between the dirty jokes and flirty banter, he would never leave your side, instead, shooting down every option in the bar and opting to spend the evening drinking with you.

Since you had arrived in Arthur's life he, in fact, hadn’t looked at any other woman other than you. Not that either of you noticed this revelation.

Arthur loved how you were just so different from other women. He loved your tomboyish style and teasing nature. He loved that the two of you could talk about any topic, especially NSWF topics. He loved that the two of you have equally dirty minds. And whenever someone says something seemingly innocent, both you and Arthur would lock eyes and burst out laughing. The two of you will definitely irritate the mansion’s residents with your shenanigans and inside joke, and no one is safe when the pair of you were in the same room.

For example, one day as Sabastian placed a huge big fluffy pancake in front of Vincent. The blonds eyes lit up as he innocently said, “Thank you so much Sabastian, but this is simply too big for me” cue you and Arthur snickering and in sync saying, “that’s what she said”, followed by a prompt high five. And after you had explained to Arthur what a sex tape was, the two of you started doing “name of your sex tape” jokes. Arthur were like your best friend, and whenever the two of you hung out, you just had the best time. It honestly took no time at all for you to fall in love with the secretly sensitive man.

Honestly, how could Arthur not fall head over heels for you. The two of you could go from serious conversations, to joking in 2.5 seconds flat. He loved how quirky and weird you are at times and honestly loves that he too can be his complete self with you.

Your fun-loving, caring nature has actually helped him to show you his more vulnerable side. He half thought you would run for the hill after finding out about his past. But instead, you to opened yourself up and let yourself be just as vulnerable, telling him about all the struggles you have had to deal with in your life. The two of you have had a few hearts to heart moments with each other in the past, which has allowed both of you to grow and heal. The funny thing is that often after chatting about a heavy topics seconds later, the two of you are back to joking around and talking about the most random of things.

One day Arthur came by your room to invite you to the pub as he does, and noticed your notebook open on the table. Curiosity killed the cat as Arthur gently picked it up and read the first few sentences. To say the mystery author went as red as a beet would be an understatement, especially when he was reading the naughty scene of your latest smut. You walked into your room to find Arthur reading through your book wearing a sly smile. “well well well I always knew were a little minx, looks like I should be taking some notes from you,” he said with a wink, as you lightly hit him on the chest and dragged him to your usual seat at the bar. Wondering what he would say if he found out about your NSFW games. No doubt he would probably enjoy playing them just as much as you.

The day Arthur confessed his love was when the two of you were out at the bar together. A woman approaches the two of you, with the intent to steal Arthur away for the night- if you catch my drift. Arthur having eyes for no one but you, politely decline the ladies offer at company for the night. But this woman was rather insistent. That’s when Arthur reached over to gently cup your cheeks and looked deeply into your light grey-blue eyes. He examined your face, and once he found his answer, he leaned in and kissed you. He then turned to the woman and proclaimed loud enough so that the whole bar could hear, “This adorable woman right here is my dearest Luv, whom has captured this poor old chaps heart, so I’m afraid I am off the market indefinitely as of tonight.” He then sat down and looked at you, with that vulnerable boyish look in his eyes, before leaning in to steal another kiss

Your relationship is very much built on mutual trust, communication, respect and understanding. Because your relationship had been built on the strong pillars of friendship, you and Arthur know each other reasonably well at this point. Arthur knows that whenever the two of you have a little spat, that the only way to solve the problem is to talk it out. Whenever either of you is mad at the other, each of you will follow the unspoken rule of, talking out the problem to find a suitable solution or compromise. Neither of you think it is productive to yell and throw toys out the cot to get your way. Arthur honestly loves and adores the fact that he has found a companion with the same relationship values as him.

You and Arthur have a lot of fun together. The two of you just seem to bring out the best in each other, and Arthur can’t help but fall even more in love with you every day, as he gets to know you better. Like when he discovered you could play the French horn and piano, he was in complete awe. And he very much insisted you play for him. This man will randomly dance along with the melody and tune as you play for him, and you can’t help but laugh at his goofy dance moves mid-way through your performance. Arthur will legit give you the cutest pout as you laugh at his clumsy dance moves, and before you know it he is taking your hands in his so the two of you can randomly dance together.

Its is most definitely not uncommon for the two of you to randomly break out into dances, especially if you are cooking together.

Arthot knows you often get insecure about your skills and appearance, just as he knows that you are the absolute worst at accepting compliments. So he will shower you with love and affection the only other way he knows how, through action. He will find any and every excuse he can just to kiss you. If you are feeling insecure, he will wrap you up in his strong arms and whisper to you the sweetest words of encouragement and reassurance. And if you don’t accept his sweet little words, he will start to tickle you until you admit out loud just how absolutely perfect you are, cause that what you are in his eyes, flawless.

He knows you don’t like shopping trips or large crowds so this sneaky little playboy will bring Vic along and disguise shopping trips as dog walks. He will always be sure to pick the time of the day and route that is most quiet. And if there are still too many people, Vic will back you up and growl at the people in front of you so they can clear the path for the three of you.

Cause online shopping does not exist yet, you are low key forced to go shopping, but with Arthur by your side taking you to all your favourite stores with Vic, it actually makes shopping trips fun and more bearable.

Often the two of you cuties can be found nestled in each other’s arms as you read Arthur your newest smut piece. Hope you are ready to be teased mercilessly after, cause this man loves to tease. Often when you are done reading, he will smile that boyish smile up at you and pull you down for a kiss while seductively whispering against your lips that he would like to try that weird position or kink that you had mentioned in your fic.

Arthur thanks his lucky stars every night as he sweetly kisses your sleeping face, for sending you to him. You are honestly his best friend, and he couldn’t imagine life with anyone else by his side. You have helped him to heal from his past, and every day spent with you is the happiest day of his life, even though the hard times and fights.

Other potential matches…………… Theo

I hope you enjoyed this, dear! And I hope you have a wonderful day.🥰❤☺

#ikevamp #ikevamp matchup #ikevamp match up #ikemen vampire arthur #ikevamp arthur #ikevam arthur #ikemen arthur conan doyle #arthot #arthur matchup #arthur conan doyle

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fanfoolishness · 5 years

Text

Full Disclosure (Steven Universe)

(As Steven runs out of other people’s problems to solve, he’ll finally have to face his own. Set after the events of the Steven Universe movie. Angst, PTSD, high-functioning depression, dealing with old traumas and fearing potential new ones, Connverse, love, and a little bit of hope. 4660 words, also on AO3.

A companion piece, ice cream sundaes, is from Greg’s perspective, and examines some of the aftermath. See Growing Things for the sequel to both stories. )

***

The day is light and bright and breezy, the scent of flowers on the air. Far below Steven hears birdsong, faint and lovely in the distance. Amethyst and Garnet behind him avidly watch the fight.

He’s babbling, desperate for attention, and Pearl tries to be patient with him. He can see in her face so clearly now the annoyance, the irritation. Light flashes, sun on steel.

He knows what’s going to happen, but he keeps chattering to her, stupid questions and childish wants streaming out of his mouth. Why can’t he warn her, why can’t he stop, why can’t he just be quiet --

The sword drives through Pearl’s chest, glittering in the sunlight, and it’s only then that he gasps himself awake.

***

“Steven!” Pearl said brightly as the temple door opened. “You’re up so early.”

Steven managed a shrug, watching the coffee brew. He wished he could swing by the Big Donut for something to have with it, but it was still two hours before the shop opened. “Uh, you know what they say. The early bird gets the worm.”

“Drinking coffee and eating worms?” Pearl asked in confusion. “Garnet said you would be going through some changes at this age, but she didn’t say anything about worms.”

“No, no, I’m not really eating worms,” he reassured her. He poured the coffee into his old Cookie Cat thermos and added several heaping teaspoons of sugar. “I’m just… trying to get an early start for training. I’ll see you later, Pearl.”

“I’m proud of you, Steven, making sure to stay on top of your training. After all, Spinel took us all by surprise. We can’t have that again! Would you like some company?” she asked. She smiled warmly at him, and he saw the blade, glinting as her gem fell to the ground.

“No, I -- I was going to work on some basics alone. But thanks,” he said hurriedly.

Her lilting “I love you, Steven!” followed him through the warp stream to the Sky Arena. He stumped up the steps and sat at the far end of the arena, barely shivering in the predawn chill. He drank his coffee and blinked back sleep, watching the sun spill gold and orange and pink in fiery glory, and he told himself, It was a long time ago.

So why did it still bother him?

***

Amethyst’s voice is a backwards gurgle, her eyes mismatched and fearful. Steven bends over her, trying not to look at her limbs all stretched and wrong, trying to feel the tears he knows are there just beneath the surface. He cries all the time -- he’s such a little kid still -- and yet he can’t seem to do it now when it matters.

Rose Quartz looms above him in grayish stone and browning thorns. He wonders what this place looked like when she was here: beautiful and safe, pink and green, filled with the scent of roses. They miss her so much. Steven gazes up at her, at her smile held in a peaceful rictus, and he knows in the pit of his stomach that he will never be able to make it up to them.

“I’m sorry, Amethyst,” he croaks, and the crack in her gem spreads, split, fractures --

***

He woke up with a start, breathing hard. He sat up straight and scrubbed his hand across his face, trying to slow his breathing back down. It’s fine. She’s fine. I could heal her now. He turned on his lamp and rolled out of bed, turning on his television and game system.

“Steven?” asked Amethyst some time later, fluttering up from the dark staircase as an owl and landing beside him on the bed. “Hey dude, I know we’re supposed to give you more privacy now, but I thought I heard you playing Lonely Blade VII. That’s totally the best one, so I get it, but aren’t you usually asleep now?” She switched back to her normal form, looking suspicious.

“Hey, Amethyst,” said Steven, fighting a yawn. “I’ve been meaning to go back and replay this. I, uh, saw a guide that said there were all sorts of Easter eggs I missed. So I’m going back through and trying to find them all. It’s a completionist run.”

“I don’t see any eggs,” said Amethyst, peering at the screen. Lonely Blade executed a flawless triple backflip scorpion kick, sending his evil twin flying into a stack of barrels for an extra skill point.

“Not that kind of Easter egg,” Steven chuckled. “They mean in-jokes. References to other stuff. But come on. I can switch to multiplayer if you’re up for a challenge.”

“Oh, I will destroy you,” she said, settling in beside him. “But I heard growing young adults were supposed to sleep a lot, and you look pretty tired. I could come back and kick your butt later if you need to get some rest.” She shrugged. “Besides, I thought you loved sleeping. How long have you been playing this?”

“Just a little bit,” Steven said. It wasn’t really a lie: on the level of Gem existence, four hours wasn’t long at all. “Anyway, maybe I don’t love sleep as much as I used to. I’m evolving, Amethyst.” He said it in such a lofty voice that she snorted.

“See if you can evolve past my lightning fists!” She grabbed a controller. They played on into the morning, until the sun flared in the east and filled his room with golden light. They played match after match, Steven getting tired and fumbling on the buttons, but he knew there’d be no more rest for him today. Amethyst laughed at her victories, and Steven watched the screen until it blurred.

It’s fine. She’s fine.

I’m fine.

***

Jasper towers over him, roaring, a destabilizer crackling in her hand. Garnet’s face is determined, her fists raised, her back straight and strong. She always protects him, she always takes care of him, she --

Yellow lines spark across her body, creeping, inching, writhing. And she falls, her face showing only a sudden surprise as she vanishes, Ruby and Sapphire’s gems looking so small in the sand. Steven scrabbles in it, his hands tearing into the grains, trying to back away. He tries to make another shield, but he’s drained, paralyzed, weak. His mind is blank, his only sensation sheer buzzing panic, and Jasper turns to him with a triumphant grin --

***

“It looks like there’s room for one more,” said Garnet kindly. Steven shook his head, blinking rapidly, and realized he’d fallen asleep at one of the tables outside the Big Donut. Garnet rested a hand on his shoulder, Sapphire’s silver band glittering on her ring finger, and he remembered that Jasper’s attack was more than three years ago.

“Always,” he said, unsettled. “Sorry I fell asleep.” He remembered his coffee and donuts on the table next to him, and drained the cup of coffee in one gulp. It had gone cold.

“I knew you would,” said Garnet, smiling and taking a seat beside him. Her visor hid her eyes, but he knew by her tone that she was winking.

She doesn’t know, he told himself. It’s future vision, not psychic vision. “I guess I can’t fool you,” he said, trying to make his face look something like happy.

“Don’t work too hard,” she said gently. “We need you, Steven.”

He swallowed, his mouth dry, and nodded mechanically. “I know.” The smile he finally managed felt stretched and thin, but she seemed to believe it. He busied himself eating his donuts. They tasted like sawdust.

***

Don’t fall asleep --

Dad panicking in his van with the wreckage of Jasper’s ship all around them, hit with the weight that he could have lost his only family, and Steven horrified, wondering why he’s never realized before how serious this all is.

Bismuth’s face with Rose’s sword piercing through her, Steven’s hands shaking on the blade, the guilt boiling through him more painful than the burns on his feet. He staggers as Bismuth sags against him, as she poofs and her gem clatters to the ground. The lava surges beneath his feet, and the sweat and tears he sheds evaporate before they hit the floor.

Wake up --

He throws Eyeball into the void of space, but he can’t watch as she vanishes. He gasps, trying to calm himself after their sudden battle. His heart pounds. His bubble shrinks around him smaller than it has ever been before, his breath growing thin and scanty, and all around him is nothing but the cold certainty that he will never, ever be found.

Stevonnie is falling, falling, knowing that they’ll die unless Steven can get out of his own head, but how can he? Rose’s crimes become his own, bleeding into his hands and his choices. He’s done so many terrible things even when he tries to do his best, and they crowd into his mind, the guilt overwhelming --

Please wake up --

Greg’s taken and stolen for the zoo, scared and alone because Steven had to see, Steven had to fight with the Gems, Steven had to know for himself; Connie and Jamie and Lars and Sadie and Onion, all of them captured and frightened, and all of it Steven’s fault, not Rose’s, it’s his --

Then there’s Lars, hitting the stone column with a horrible dull sound, hitting the ground with a softer one. No, please, not this, Steven thinks, but he can’t escape the way Lars lies there, limp and somehow small. Steven does what no one else can do, what maybe no one should do, his tears on Lars’ face; and in his ears, the slow, slow, slow drum of Lars’ heart.

Please --

***

Steven’s fingers slid up and down the guitar neck, and he leaned into the buzzing of his fingertips, the growl of the guitar in his ears. It was hard to think while he focused on playing along with Greg’s lead. He’d always liked losing himself in music, but now it seemed more important than ever. He played with his dad, his mind finally quiet for a little while, the ocean breeze cool on his face.

Then his hand slipped. A tangle of sour notes. He scowled at the clash between his dad’s melody and his own accompaniment.

Normally, he’d just keep playing through it. That had always been Greg’s advice -- keep the rhythm, and the audience was unlikely to notice an off note. He knew that, but his hands fell to his sides anyway, unable to play through the error.

Greg continued on for two bars before his playing trailed off, too. “Schtu-ball? Need to take a break?”

Steven gave his dad a wan half-grin. “Yeah, maybe. Fingers getting tongue-tied.” Reluctantly he turned down the volume, unplugged his guitar, and set it back carefully into the van.

“Happens to all of us,” Greg said, putting his own guitar away. “Something bothering you, kiddo? You seem a little far away.”

Steven opened his mouth, searching for the words. He didn’t even know where he would start.

Dad, I’ve been having nightmares about stuff that happened years ago. Gem stuff I never told you about -- But he imagined Greg’s face, falling as he realized Steven hadn’t trusted him enough to tell him, and Steven closed his mouth again. He knew he couldn’t handle seeing the hurt in Greg’s eyes. He searched for something else to say.

“Do you ever think about the future, Dad?”

“Sure, Steven,” said Greg, looking curious and a little concerned. “Do you?”

Steven stared at his hands. They were soft, young, smooth, no scars or lines to mar their surface. They showed no sign of ever having held a sword or thrown a punch. Then again, would they ever?

He glanced at Greg’s hands, noting wrinkles, a few freckles, tan lines, an old scar over one thumb. “Garnet can see possibilities. But she doesn’t know which one is going to happen… only the possibility that makes the most sense with the information she has.” His fingers twisted, folding into each other in his lap. “No one knows what’s going to happen to me, do they? You said it yourself. There’s never been anyone like me.”

Greg put a hand over Steven’s. It was calloused and strong. “That’s not a bad thing.” He gave Steven a smile. “I didn’t know what would happen when I met your mom, but look at how things turned out. The Gems are finally free. You know how to use your mom’s powers, but you’re also an incredible human being. I hope you know how proud I am, kiddo.” He reached out and tousled Steven’s hair.

Steven sighed. “What would I do without you, Dad?” He smiled back at his dad, but suddenly Greg wasn’t Greg. He was pink. Dark eyes stared out of pink skin, pale pink hair falling around him like a shroud.

Steven shook his head frantically, trying to clear the vision. Greg looked at him, puzzled, normal as ever with his ruddy tan and his graying hair.

What would I do without you, Dad?

Maybe I wouldn’t let you go.

“Thanks,” he said quickly, giving his dad a hug. “I just remembered -- I said I’d meet up with Connie. See you tomorrow?”

“Oh!” said Greg, clearly surprised. “Of course. But Steven -- if you need to talk, you know your old man’s always here for you.”

Are you supposed to be? Is that allowed? Would you -- would you even want that?

Steven hurried down the sidewalk back to the beach, hands jammed in his pockets, trying to remember the quiet space he’d been in while playing music. He hummed the melody Greg had been playing, but stumbled over it.

He reached for a different song. Take a moment to think of just --

But instead he thought of Lion. How long were lions supposed to live? How old was Lion, really? How old could he become? What if there was no limit?

He thought of Lars, and he heard that slow, deep heartbeat again. He thought of two trees in rolling pink fur beneath a sunless sky. He thought of more trees rising, a tree for Greg, for Connie, for the Maheswarens, for Sadie, enough trees to cover Beach City, and he wasn’t sure which would be worse.

Two trees lonely in a pink void, or a pink forest stretching infinite.

****

Connie’s face is cold, her body stiff as she turns away on Lion’s back. She rides into the early moonlight, the sinking sun behind her, until she vanishes through Lion’s roar.

Come back! I’m sorry! he wants to scream, but instead he sees her face upturned as she treads water, hears her shouting for him to jump down, to not leave her, to let her help him.

Her sword clangs against Pearl’s spear, then flies from her hands to spin across the white floor. Pearl holds her tightly in an embrace she can’t escape --

She bends before him, a knight offering her service, lower and less than --

She holds him as they fall together, as he sobs, and her arms around him feel like they’re the only thing keeping him from going crazy --

The dream shifts. He stands on the sand, watching the waves lap against his bare toes. The ocean is drenched in pink and gold.

“I didn’t want this,” says Connie, and she stands beside him. But the pink in her hair and skin doesn’t come from the setting sun. “You should have let me --” She reaches out, touching his cheek, then lets her pink hand fall. The sinking sun reflects in her dark eyes, twin fires falling into a black sea, and the tears streak her face.

“I couldn’t let you go,” Steven says, fighting a growing panic, a sickening knowledge. “I had to save you.”

“But what am I?” she asks, laying his hand on her chest. Beneath his palm he feels her heartbeat.

One. A long, agonizing silence. Two. “Steven, what did you do to me?”

***

The mornings began to look alike, bleeding and blurring into one another, the routine becoming second nature. Wake up too early. Drink too much coffee. Shower and shave. Stomachache (from too much coffee). Get dressed. Stay awake.

Stay awake.

The mornings were the same, but the days were different. There was always something more to do, ways to help, problems to fix. Things he could distract himself with, at least during the day. He lived for that.

He walked through Little Homeworld, stopping to speak to the uncorrupted Gems, visiting Nephrite and her crew the most. He spoke with the Diamonds regularly, giving updates, checking in to make sure they weren’t getting into trouble. Spinel was always eager to see him when he called. He trained with Pearl and Garnet and Amethyst, Peridot and Lapis and Bismuth. They were always so happy to see him, so proud of all he’d done.

He walked the streets of Beach City, visiting his dad, seeing Lars and Sadie and the rest of his friends. He chatted with Bill Dewey and Mayor Nanefua. He ate the bits.

He worked on Beach City soil, trying to regrow the life Spinel’s injector had snuffed. It was coming along nicely. He thought there’d be another few weeks at most for life to come back and for the patchiness of the returning plants to fill in. There’d always be more work to do, but this was work that had an endpoint. He could deal with that.

Of course, he spent time with Connie. Sometimes they trained, separately and as Stevonnie. He made sure during those times to lock up the dreams and push them back; he worked hard to think of flexibility, love and trust, instead of... other things. It worked, and Stevonnie trained hard, growing stronger all the time.

Sometimes Steven and Connie relaxed. They’d put on silly shows or laugh at how bad the Dogcopter movies were in retrospect (though they still had a soft spot for them). They played board games with the Gems and listened to music with Greg. Sometimes, they just spent time being, and when Connie would announce she was hitting her curfew, he was always surprised at how fast the time went.

He and Connie talked late into the days as spring began to shift and summer hinted at its return. They hugged more than they used to, held hands when they didn’t need to, and sometimes Connie rested her head on his shoulder in a way that made him dizzy. He didn’t know what to call it, yet, but he knew he loved her more than ever, and he knew she felt the same.

“Are you all right, Steven?” Connie asked one night beneath the stars; she’d been working on her homework, stretched out on the floor, and he’d been idly working on a song. She finished packing up her backpack, but she didn’t put it on.

“Of course,” he said reflexively, but his fingers paused on his guitar. “Uh, why are you asking?”

She left her backpack behind and scooted over to where he was sitting. “I don’t know,” she said honestly. She rested one hand on his guitar, nudging against his until their fingers laced together. “Something just feels off.”

“With me?” he asked, his heart pounding. He hoped she couldn’t hear it.

“Maybe.” She gazed at him, her free hand pushing her hair behind her ear, smoothing it again and again. She bit her lip. “You just seem so tired, Steven. And I can’t figure out why.”

He chuckled nervously. “I’ve just been doing a lot. Training, and repairing the damage from the injector, and talking to the Diamonds, and helping at Little Homeworld -- I’ve been busy! I guess it’s catching up to me. That’s all.”

Connie nodded to herself, looking sad. She leaned against him, warm, solid, familiar. Her voice was gentle. “Look, I know something’s up. I was hoping you wanted to tell me about it, but maybe you’re not ready. It’s okay if you need to think stuff over… but it’s also okay to ask for help.” She wiped at her eyes. “When you are ready, please talk to me. Jam buds, remember?”

Steven squeezed her hand. He took a deep breath, one, then another. “Jam buds. Forever.”

The silence between them pulsed, a beat all its own.

He didn’t trust himself to speak past the lump in his throat. Instead he put aside his guitar, wrapped his arms around her, and held her as tight as he could.

***

He’s back on Homeworld. All around him is pink and pink and pink, his hands in Pink Diamond’s gloves, the walls of her tower miles high above him. He’s the lost, the lonely, the little again, helpless and hapless.

Stevonnie is joyful, sudden, sublime, and yet they’re thrown to the ground like so much trash, trapped in a tower with no food or water, and when they separate, there’s fear, fear, fear --

A flash of white at the edge of his vision, Yellow and Blue screaming silently as White takes them over, Pearl and Garnet and Amethyst paling, stripped of their color, their beauty, their flaws, and all of them smiling that knowing smile --

He’s weightless in White’s hand, pulled up so fast through the air he almost vomits. He can’t move. Can’t speak. His bubble shivers and shatters before it can even form.

Her nails shine in her own light, glinting blackest black and blinding white. They click against his gem, sharp on its edges, and the sensation is chalkboard scratches felt in his bones, his gut, his soul.

She pulls — she twists — this isn’t happening --

She plucks his gem from the core of him, and soundlessly he screams. And screams.

It hurts and it doesn’t. It’s a wound and a lack and a missing that empties him of everything he’s ever been. So small an action for her -- and yet she’s pithed him of everything Steven. There is nothing left.

“Please,” he whispers, slumped on the ground. His heart stutters in his chest, forgetting itself. He reels, sick with the loss, and he begs her, begs anyone who will listen. “I -- I need it --” He’s so small without this -- so, so weak.

This is what dying feels like --

***

He didn’t understand that he was awake at first; he was gasping, panting under the covers of his bed. His hand clawed at his gem. Please, please, please be there. He gripped it hard, and it was warm and sure, secure, part of him the way it always had been. Except for —

Steven was still for a moment, his fingers resting against his gem. Then he started sobbing.

He sobbed so hard his chest hurt, raw cries that his hands barely muffled. He didn’t know how long he cried. All he knew was that when he finally quieted, his eyes were swollen and his throat was sore. He shook all over.

Why can’t I stop this? he thought miserably, his head pounding. Dreams used to help me!

Once, his dreams had been useful. They’d shown him Pink’s memories, Malachite’s battles, the Cluster’s mind. They’d helped him aid Kiki and Lars. They’d given him what he needed to call for help on Homeworld. They’d shown him problems he hadn’t named, shown him what he needed to solve them. And when they’d done so, then they’d change once more to silly Steven dreams, simple things that made him smile instead of weep. He missed those dreams. Missed sleep. Missed rest.

He bowed over himself, his breathing still ragged, head spinning. Why did he keep dreaming these unbearable things --

He froze, an awful chill running through him.

I’m the problem.

There was a warm whuff of air against his ear. Blearily Steven looked up, and in the shadows and the moonlight he made out Lion’s face.

Lion nudged Steven’s shoulder. Steven leaned his head against Lion’s, reaching out and stroking his mane. The fur was soft on his fingertips.

“Lion,” he whispered. The words didn’t want to come. “Lion, I’m scared.” The words faded into the quiet room, falling away. Lion’s purr was a low rumble, a familiar comfort.

Steven reached for his phone with a shaky hand. He leaned hard against Lion as it rang.

Two, three, four rings. Then a click, and Connie’s voice, tired but sharpened by fear. “Steven? Steven, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

A beat. “No,” he confessed, his voice cracking. “I’m not okay, Connie.”

“What happened? Are you hurt? What’s going on?”

“Nothing… happened… it’s just, it’s me, Connie, something’s wrong with me.” The words hurt, but he couldn’t stop them now. They came out in a frantic rush. “It’s like I’m sick or something. I can’t sleep. I just keep seeing all of it again, everything horrible that’s ever happened to me, everything horrible I’ve ever done. It’s so real and I can’t get away from it. And I worry about you and Dad and everyone… but I don’t want any of you to ever worry about me, because I’m supposed to protect you, that’s what I’m for. I can’t let anyone down. That’s why I didn’t want to tell you.”

He gripped Lion’s mane hard enough that his hand ached from the effort. “I know you said once it was okay to think about the bad things, but I can’t, Connie, it’s too much.” He was crying again. “I’m sorry.”

Silence. He knew it. He’d messed up again. He should never have scared her like this --

“Steven Quartz Universe,” she said, and though her voice trembled, there was steel beneath it. “Send Lion to me right now. I’ll be there as soon as I can. And we’re gonna get through this, okay? Because I love you, and your dad loves you, and the Gems love you. We’ll take care of you, Steven, all of us. Because that’s what we’re for.”

“Okay,” he whispered. Lion glanced at him, and Steven nodded. With a roar Lion vanished into the dark.

Dully Steven ended the call, set aside his phone, and turned on his lamp. He squinted at the sudden brightness and brushed the water out of his eyes. It was all he had time to do before there came another roar.

Lion knelt so Connie could dismount. She was still in her pajamas, her hair in a messy ponytail, her face flushed. Tears shone on her face in the lamplight. “Oh, Steven.”

“Connie…”

And then she was beside him on the edge of the bed, holding him tight, her arms strong but soft around him as they both cried. That was how the Gems found them the next morning; it was how Greg saw them after Pearl called and told him to come; it was how they remained through tears, and time, and talking. Steven wasn’t sure how long they spoke, but the sun was high when he finally stopped.

They sat in silence, deep in thought. Steven’s head rested on Connie’s shoulder, her arms still around him. Greg sat beside him, rubbing Steven’s back with one hand the way he used to when Steven was little. Lion was curled on the bed, purring but awake. Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl sat on the rug in front of them, all of them fighting back tears.

Steven let out a long breath, managing a faint smile. “I love you guys, you know,” he said hoarsely.

“We know,” said Garnet, all three eyes sad but gentle.

“Of course we do, Steven,” Pearl said. She rubbed at her face, wiping away tears.

Amethyst sniffed. “We love you, dude.”

“This’ll take time, kiddo,” said Greg. His face was blotchy, his eyes red and swollen. “But we’re all here to help. I’m just glad you told us.”

Connie kissed his forehead. “It’s gonna be okay, Steven. Maybe not today or tomorrow. But it will be.”

Steven didn’t reply. He had fallen asleep, his head safe on Connie’s shoulder; and his sleep was sweet, and dark, and dreamless.

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typewriterghcst · 3 years

Text

Title: The Willow Bud Processional

Fandom: The Cat Returns

Characters: The Cat King, Natori, brief mentions of others

Summary: The Cat King discovers that in all his time in court, Natori has never learned to dance, and heroically takes up the position of dance instructor for himself. It’s about damn time he got to feel like the smart one.

Notes: hi i’m here to regale you all with a tale of two old dumb cats interacting with each other like they think the other one will spontaneously combust at some point even tho they know each other so gd well they could probably quote each other word by word :v

i will say this one is Unfinished, but the missing parts are explained orz i’ve honestly just run out of steam on this one. me writing this was like ‘oh two characters dancing together in a casual setting? excellent my favorite’ and then the slow, sad realization that i’d have to actually write The Dancing and slowly losing that motivation until i was a dehydrated husk lying on the floor

i also listened to this song like. Way Too Much while writing this

[ insert a beginning Narration detailing that this is some nice party probably celebrating lune and yuki’s wedding or something SHHH the king is feeling weirdly down, lacks the emotional intelligence to put a word to What He’s Feeling, so wanders out onto a balcony to sulk, and is eventually followed by natori jfjfkd; ]

It doesn’t take long at all for him to be followed, of course. He hears Natori’s arrival not as a patter of careful footsteps, but as a slight, brief increase in the music volume through an opened door, one that is just as quickly diminished. And he knows his visitor must be Natori— no one else will so consistently come looking for him.

“Did you find yourself needing some fresh air, sire?”

“Yeh,” the king decides to agree, turning to look at his new companion. Natori almost always appears quite polished, those moments he’s comically caught off-guard aside, but there’s something implicitly different about him when he’s clad not in his usual dark linen, but what looks to be plum-colored silk. Were he feeling slightly more charitable, he’d most likely mention to his advisor that the color was appealing on him.

Instead, the indistinct melody he catches from indoors hogs all his attention.

“...eh? Is that the Willow Bud Procession they’re starting up again? They already did that one tonight.”

Natori, surreptitiously glancing back through the glass doors to the dancing pairs inside, responds, “Yes, but I’m led to believe a striking number of the courtiers are quite proud of their costumes tonight. I assume they all wished for another opportunity to show them off.”

“Oh, yeah? If that’s the case, I’m surprised you’re not out there with them— that shiny stuff you’re wearing had to set you back a pretty penny.” It comes out perhaps more sullen than he’d intended, and he can’t quite place why.

Regardless, he makes no move to amend his tone.

Natori turns a studying look to him, one paw still on the frame of the door. The king shares his gaze for only a few seconds before he hastily looks away, back out into the sun-drenched hills of the Cat Kingdom, where his attention falls on Little Sister Lake. There’s birds there now, cranes— tall, white. Formless. Hm, he thinks then, perhaps they’re not birds, after all. They’re occasional visitors, but no cat in the kingdom has yet been stealthy enough to see them up close.

Natori has remained silent for so long, he’d almost forgotten his advisor had joined him. Nevertheless, he eventually says, “...I might say the same for you, sire. You seemed quite enthused about your crown’s replacement earlier tonight.”

The reminder brightens the king’s mood a little.

“Yeh— Natoru did a top-notch job on it, didn’t she? I’d give her a promotion if I could remember what her position actually was. An’... you know, if I wasn’t retired.” And there, remembering what the original topic was, he follows that up with a more subdued, “Eh, but everyone’s already seen it. Also, I never liked that stuffy procession, to tell you the truth. ‘Willow Bud Processional’ is a pretty whimsical name for what amounts to shuffling rhythmically around the dance floor. Drove me up a wall having to practice it all the time as a kitten.”

Were he facing Natori, he’d see the other cat visibly relax. Alas, he only turns to face his advisor after the revelation Natori sees fit to offhandedly drop on him.

“I’ve never actually learned the steps to it, myself.”

He turns back to survey Natori with some measure of disbelief. “You don’t know how to do the Willow Bud Procession? How have you survived all the parties without knowing?”

Natori hesitates here, and the king reads a definite embarrassment in it, as if the other cat is uncertain what he should admit to. It seems he does settle on honesty, however, as he soon after offers the king a rueful smile and an apologetic tilt of his head.

“I’m afraid I don’t often do much dancing during them, ha.” Too focused on keeping you out of trouble, he doesn’t say, but they both know.

The Cat King thinks on this for a long moment or two, gaze drawn back out to the distant white birds bathing in the kingdom’s cherished lake, the Not-Cranes. In silence, casually, Natori joins him there at the balustrade, and the air is distinctly companionable until the king speaks up again, distracted.

“It’s not hard. You’d probably pick it up in no time, babe.”

“Perhaps you might teach me, then, sire? It sounds as if you’re quite the expert.”

The king pauses, trying to ignore the bloom of smug delight that comes with being referred to as an expert of anything, but, of course, not very diligently. It’s not like he’ll correct anyone who wishes to feed his ego, least of all Natori.

He looks to Natori and finds that his advisor is regarding him with an expression he can’t quite define. Concerned? Affable? Sly? It’s somehow all of them. Not for the first time, he finds himself wondering if Natori has some obtuse plan he’s orchestrating in subtle ways the king himself can’t quite catch. He’s been proven wrong in this line of thinking so many times before and yet still can’t shake its occasional return in those times when his advisor seems particularly unreachable.

“Hmm. Yeah, babe, I can do that.” The idea of teaching his ostensibly better-read advisor anything is perhaps unsurprisingly enticing. He gives the empty balcony behind them a cursory inspection. “We can have a lesson here. There’s space.”

[ insert the cat king teaching the steps to the ‘willow bud processional.’ if you’re really curious what this might look like, pls feel free to look up ‘pavane’ on youtube. at some point, the king still feels Ignored (or, more accurately, like he’s not Truly Connecting and Socializing with someone), so like a sullen two-year-old he gets natori’s attention by tossing a wrench into his plan ]

“I want to hear a story,” the king says airily.

Natori, who had been gazing down at his feet with a faraway stare, looks back up to him with a raised eyebrow, and somewhere inside, the king whoops at his tiny victory. “Now..?”

“Yeh. Now.” The Cat King takes Natori’s apparent break in concentration as an opportunity to spin the two of them across the balcony, as if they were hapless passengers on a carnival ride as opposed to two old friends trying to have an impromptu dance lesson. Natori stumbles but doesn’t fall, righting himself with a deceptively practiced air, even if his grip is noticeably tighter than before. “Tell me a story, Natty.”

Natori, feeling the situation so characteristically slip from his grasp, glances down to his feet again to gather his thoughts.

“Well…” He eventually starts. “What kind of a story, sire?”

“Hmm. I dunno.” Another too-fast spin. He’s fairly certain he’d seen both Natori’s feet leave the ground for a fleeting second. The other cat definitely looks a touch aggravated now, though he’s trying bravely to hide it. “Tell me one you might have told to your sisters once upon a time.”

It isn’t often the topic of Natori’s family arises between them. The boundary between his advisor’s working family and his personal one often feels like an insurmountable wall at times, one which he doesn’t always possess the interest or fortitude to scale. The oddness of it seems to add only more tinder to Natori’s uncertainty, but in his usual way, he manages to sidle past it. In the meantime, also, the king slows their pace, this time only holding their joined paws in the air and waiting (Natori seems to twirl under their ‘canopy’ without thinking, still too engrossed in choosing a suitable story.)

After a long couple of moments waiting, the king finally speaks up again. “There were that many?”

Natori laughs, genuinely (the king can tell by the way it —). “It’s been a long time since I was the storyteller, sire. Lune always did prefer Natoru’s stories to mine.”

“Hers always involved more explosions and punching. You were outgunned.”

The king watches Natori’s eyelids flutter slightly from long-cold exasperation. “...Indeed.”

“So tell me one of your favorites. One you never did get to tell Lune.”

Natori doesn’t say that he has the less-than-flattering suspicion the king’s attention span and his appreciation for fairy tales are about on par with his son’s as a restless, curious child, but he’s certainly thinking it quite loudly. If the Cat King has even an inkling of the same thought, he’s for once discreet enough not to mention it.

Natori blows out a breath and an uncomfortable laugh with it, and starts. “...I suppose my favorite was always the one that explained why the sun lived in the sky.”

The faint strings of the Willow Bud Processional from the open door leading onto the balcony begin to fade, and instead revive themselves as another familiar dance, a much slower, more intimate one (one Natori recognizes as the charmingly-named Lilycat Waltz). The king wonders if perhaps the bride and groom had requested a quiet moment. He and Natori move away from each other, standing across from the other in apparent uncertainty over what to do next.

“...You know how to do a waltz?” The king finally asks Natori, though he’s already guessed what the answer will be.

“You’ll have to show me, sire.” As expected. Yet with a bit of good humor mixed in. The king thinks to himself that the two of them are sharing an inside joke neither has yet spoken aloud, and it’s a familiar and comfortable nook they’ve settled into.

“Alright, babe, alright. So stand here— give me your paw—”

Natori complies with both directions with little hesitation, and he raises no protests when he’s pulled close or when he’s otherwise (perhaps less-than-gently at some points) guided into the right stance and position.

And when they’ve gotten situated into another habitual nook, this time closer together in the easy, thoughtless way only the oldest of friends can manage, the king speaks up again.

“You took right to it, babe. Said you’d be a fast study— didn’t I tell you so?”

“You did tell me so, sire,” Natori replies indulgently. Seemingly as a consolatory afterthought, he then adds, “Are my feet in the right position? It feels off.”

“That’s ‘cause you’re new to it.”

Their words, now, feel like a recital, a carefully-rehearsed script. The king thinks it’s about time they broke away from it.

“I have a question for you, Natori.”

“Oh? If it’s important, there’s no need to keep it to yourself, then, Your Majesty.”

“Why does the sun live in the sky?”

Natori laughs. Surprised, perhaps, self-effacing, because he’d been waiting for the question on both their minds, not a request for the continuation of a story he’d assumed had been forgotten.

“His Majesty has a long memory.”

“But you already knew that about me, babe.”

"So I did." Yet Natori continues where he left off readily enough. “The story goes that once, long before the world as we know it was formed, the sun and the water were close friends. Inseparable, one might say— and both lived on the earth, of course. The sun would make frequent visits to his friend, but the water never once returned the favor.”

“Hmph.” The king sounds somewhat discomfited by this beginning, and the intense contemplation Natori spies in his expression tugs at an unexplained apprehension within him. He doesn’t otherwise respond, however. Natori continues, perhaps more gingerly than before.

“Well, of course the sun would find himself curious, if… ah, perhaps suspicious, over this odd discrepancy. He finally saw fit to go to the water themselves for an explanation.”

“That was an awkward conversation.”

“Ha— I always thought so, too, as a child. When my—” Here Natori stumbles just slightly, and the king has little reason to wonder why. “--my mother used to tell the story to me, I always thought of it as the worst part. I always thought… well, if I ever did end up in the same situation, then nothing in all of the kingdom could get me to approach this friend of mine.”

“Were you expecting to make friends with the lake, or…”

“I was five, sire,” Natori deadpans in response to the king’s jest seamlessly.

“Oh, so you definitely were.”

Natori doesn’t answer— he’s too distracted by the faint increase in pressure where the king’s paw is holding his waist, and how the cat suddenly spins them around and then leans the both of them forward, to the degree that Natori’s balance is compromised. In the heat of the moment, he can’t decide whether crashing to the floor or clinging to his self-proclaimed teacher will prove to be the most embarrassing option, and in the end is relegated only to grasping his partner by the arms, stiffly holding one leg outwards in a weak attempt at a counterbalance. (He does not have the core strength to keep this up for long, he can tell that already.)

He’s been exceedingly patient before now, Natori thinks, in dealing with the king’s antics, but this finally proves too much.

When he speaks, it’s softly, but there’s an undercurrent of resigned exasperation, and his expression, he knows, must fail to belie his chagrin. “...sire, I’m not certain how being tossed across the, er, balcony like a bag of rice is going to teach me any of these dances.”

The king snorts in apparent amusement as he pulls the two of them back upright, much to Natori’s relief. “What’s the matter? You don’t trust me to hold you up..?”

You don’t have the most promising track record runs through Natori’s mind, but it’s gone so quickly it might as well have stayed obscured, he thinks in light resentment.

“Sorry, Your Majesty,” is what he says, but his grip hasn’t yet slackened.

The king doesn’t respond for a concerningly long time, staring at Natori for so long, and in such a sour manner that speaks of stewing rumination, that the other cat finds himself feeling distantly nervous. Yet, ultimately, he seems to decide against speaking entirely, gently prying Natori’s paws away and back into the air beside them (the other resting quite naturally along the king’s arm).

Without another word on the matter, he compels the two of them to start the dance all over again. And Natori lets him. After a lengthy minute of this loaded silence, the king’s gaze distant from morose thought and Natori’s eyes averted elsewhere, Claudius finally speaks up again.

“So, the sun went to bug the water about the situation. What was the water’s excuse?”

Natori appears surprised, but duly grateful, to be given this escape from the awkward energy that now smolders between them. Given time and distraction, it will die back down again, as it always does. He clears his throat.

“The water’s excuse— y-yes. The water... expressed their sincerest apologies, but explained also that the sun’s house was not big enough for them and all their people to visit, and to do so without heeding that fact would be to drive the sun from his own home. ‘If you do so truly wish for me to visit, then you must build a house large enough to hold me,’ in the water’s own words. But, they warned also, it must be quite substantial, as the water was immense and their people were many.”

“Sounds like too much work if you ask me. Might as well just keep the same old setup.” Seems the king is still feeling a touch cross.

“To travel a great distance, and to always be the one to make that trip, might prove tiring after so many times, as well, sire. Don’t you think?”

The Cat King frowns, more pensive deliberation, but this time he speaks up. “...I don’t think it would.” Then, in a lighter, more promising manner, “He’s gonna do it, though, isn’t he? The sun?”

Natori nods once with a permissive blink.

“Indeed. The sun agreed to the challenge and waved off his friend’s warnings.”

“Think I see where this is going, babe,” the king says lowly as they spin lazy circles across the balcony.

Natori laughs again. “It’s not quite a mystery epic, is it?”

“Alright, so how does the sun mess this up?”

“Well. The sun built himself an enormously vast house. There’s no telling how long it took him. But when it stood finally finished, he invited the water to tea and waited. And when the water arrived, one of their people called up to the sun— ‘We are here! Is there room for us all?’ Of course, the sun, being the passionate host he was, again told his friend not to worry and invited them in.”

The king snorts. “Here we go.”

Natori smiles. His eyes are still closed. The king thinks he looks oddly content like that. He scarcely remembers the frustrated betrayal he’d been afflicted with just moments earlier, and the abrupt, brisk spin he’d been on the verge of executing also fades before it’d even legitimately formulated.

“The water began to flow in, of course, and with them, all the creatures of the seas and the rivers and the lakes. It didn’t take long, now, for the water to fill the sun’s great house to a depth that would easily surge far over a cat’s head.”

“And the sun just let it keep happening without a word, I’m guessing.”

“He didn’t know any better,” Natori attempts to clarify, eyes opening now to fix his companion with a rueful look, one side of his muzzle quirked so that he looks vaguely hapless. “His assumptions were woefully imprecise because of it. It’s a misfortune.”

“Hmm. Up for another spin, babe? They’re my favorite part.”

Natori’s startled confusion is evident, but the sudden change in subject registers soon enough. Something else lingers, though, echoes of a rapt surprise.

“I don’t mind, sire.”

“Good, ‘cause I was gonna do it no matter what, heh.”

“Hm. I appreciate the considerate word of warning, then.” Spoken dryly, but it lacks the exasperation the Cat King had been expecting.

Natori is clearly preparing for the breakneck whirlwinds he’d endured earlier in their ‘lesson’, but it’s not what he receives— the king is sure of that this time. The music which had begun as an overtly intimate, if not downright romantic, waltz now boasts a noticeable bounce and pep in its tempo, and to himself Natori gives some silent thanks for the shift. This soft, slow dance would be quite hard to justify were he still hearing those faint notes of sweetness from the barely-open door.

He’s struggling already to justify the warmth of his companion’s paw, again settled loosely at his waist, and the perfect fit of the king’s other paw which folds mildly, tenderly, over his own— all have been present for some time now, since they began their so-called waltz, yet Natori is only just now noticing them.

Staring up at the sun-streaked sky of their kingdom, swaying idly side to side under the king’s lead, he continues then, unprompted. “...To the water’s credit, they did ask for reassurance that the situation was still acceptable time and time again. But even by the time the house was crowded with so much of the water and their people that he was forced to sit on the roof of his own home, the sun refused to withdraw his invitation.”

“Why would he do that?” The king sounds baffled.

“I don’t know,” Natori admits. Then, gently, thoughtfully, “...I suppose if one truly wants something, and has their heart set on it, they might be quite amenable to bearing more hardship for it than others might feel is strictly necessary or appropriate…”

The king doesn’t respond to that, and Natori feels perhaps rather oddly like he’s crossed too far over an invisible line, and nervously, resolutely, says no more. What had been a companionable air now lies stretched too thin over the pair, teeming with uneasiness. Eventually, the king does speak up again, and his voice is too low for Natori to discern his mood with any measure of accuracy.

“Gonna take a stab at guessing the ending to this one, babe.”

“...please do, sire.” It’s a near whisper.

“The sun never told his friend ‘no, that’s enough’, so the water never stopped, and the house flooded so much the sun had nowhere left to sit. So he went up into the sky and never came back down. And I guess never did speak up, either.”

Natori smiles, weakly. “You guessed it.”

“The water, too, never put two and two together, huh..? I’m not the most sensitive of the bunch, but I think even I’d know something was up by the time a friend of mine had to hang around in the sky because I was taking up too much space.” The king snorts.

“Do you?” Natori’s voice remains faint, timid, even; he feels still like he stands at the edge of a great crevice, and he’s not yet sure what lies at the bottom. The king seems also surprisingly fazed or rattled by the further, simple question.

Gently, so much so Natori almost doesn’t notice, he rests his chin on his companion’s shoulder.

“...well. Maybe not,” he eventually says, nonplussed.

They lapse into another silence, then, one that doesn’t quite recapture their earlier easy comfort, but neither does it feel intrinsically charged, either. Natori finally turns his gaze from the unchanging sky to their other surroundings. They’ve been out here together, away from the other guests, for some time now. He’s surprised no one else has come searching for the two of them yet.

He’s just about to echo the king’s movement and lay his head down when the other cat suddenly speaks up again.

“I’ll tell you one thing I do notice, babe.”

“Mm? What’s that?”

“When someone who obviously knows how to dance says they can’t.”

[ and here we see that i ran out of steam before writing the ending rip natori admits he already knew the steps to the dances, the cat king has long since come to the conclusion that natori lied in order to have this long dance together (also briefly joking that natori clearly just wanted a romantic moment, which natori will vehemently deny) and that it speaks to a kind of comforting Idea that natori knows him Very Well, being aware that the easiest way to cheer him up would have been to Make Him Feel Smart ]

#the cat returns #this honestly feels like it's All Over The Place but i'm so out of steam i'm sorry lies down

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cloudshapedpatch · 4 years

Text

Misguided Royalty

Chapter Two: Birds Can’t Keep Secrets

An Ancient China AU created by @mikoriin

First / Next

💚 💚 💚 💚 💚 💚 💚 💚

Many days had passed since the dark assassin had shown himself on the palace balcony. Despite her eminent fear that she would be killed any moment, the princess kept the endeavor to herself. There was no need to go about explaining it if she hadn't decided how she felt about it herself.

Deep down, Marinette's feelings were all mixed up like a bowl of rice and lentils. On one hand, she was infuriated that the people wanted her so badly to be killed. She hadn't even done anything!

But on the other hand, she was very intrigued as to why the most fearsome bounty hunter in the country had decided to spare her life. She certainly had never met him before, and as far as she was aware, her family was not in debt to him (Yu-Huang help them if this was true).

Although she decided to keep it to herself, she was absolutely itching to tell someone. The problem was finding out who could keep such a secret. Her mother and the Emperor were out of the question. They would try and have Chat Noir killed, and the young princess had not decided if this was what she wanted.

She could tell her maids or the guards, but if anyone asked them about it, they would have to confess.

She could tell Alya, but she already had a hard enough time controlling her tongue.

It seemed as though her only companion would be her trusted messenger bird, Tikki. If asked, Tikki would fly across the known world to deliver a message, though most of the time the only traveling she did was down to the village for Alya.

Tikki resided in the garden, in her own cage among the cherry trees. Though Marinette knew she should not be outside, she was quite fond of her companion and missed her terribly.

So late that night, she threw on her shawl and stepped out into the warm May night to find her beloved hummingbird. Tikki chirped happily when she recognized the princess. Marinette spoke soothingly as she scooped up the bird, which stood happily on her hands.

"Hello, old friend." The princess whispered, to which the small bird replied with a tweet. "It's been a while. If only I could keep you in my room with me. Perhaps we'd be less lonely."

Tikki only cocked her head to the side.

"Ah, yes. Hold on." Marinette placed Tikki on her shoulder to grab some pieces of bread she had snuck from the table that night. The bird ate it happily, for even though she was tended to every day by maids, nothing could beat fresh bread from her best friend.

"Now," the princess started, "I have some news. I'd tell the bees, but quite frankly, I'm afraid of them."

The bird said nothing. I'm starting to wonder for the princess' sanity.

"I don't know if you're aware of the cloaked man that has been handling bounties. Chat Noir, his name. Three nights ago, after Alya had left, he was on my balcony. Imagine! I almost died."

A slow, nearly melancholy tune emerged from her shoulder. Tikki was rewarded with another piece of bread.

"I was certain he was there to kill me." The terror of that night came back to her again. Through much subdued now, she started to stroll around the garden as she spoke. "I thought I was never going to be empress. I thought I'd somehow let the kingdom down before I'd even have a chance to fix it."

Tikki flew off her shoulder, making circles around the princess' head. The small blur of red flitted about happily. She started walking faster.

"But he didn't. I don't know why he changed his mind, but I am glad he did not go through with his initial intention. But now I want to know why I have a bounty over my head! I knew the citizens weren't fond of me, but I'd never known they hated me so much.

"Perhaps that is why I am not allowed to leave the palace grounds. If only I could explore just a little! Like you. Tell me, Tikki, what's the village yonder like?"

Finally Tikki settled on a grape vine. Marinette hadn't realized that she had started to run alongside her trusted bird until she was doubled over and out of breath. After a few moments, Marinette chided herself for slouching and held out her hands for her small hummingbird to land on.

Much to her surprise, a single green grape was in her beak, and then was dropped onto her hand.

"I'll never know how you find ripe fruit so early in the season, Tikki." She laughed a little and bit off half of the small grape, giving the rest back to her bird. Tikki happily sucked at the bittersweet juice while Marinette walked (leisurely this time) to put Tikki back in her cage.

"If only I was strong enough to bring your cage upstairs. Not that I don't trust you not to fly away, but you'd need a place to sleep. But you would miss the cherry trees, wouldn't you?"

Tikki perched on a small step made of a twig in her cage, chirping sadly as Marinette closed the cage door.

"Thank you, Tikki. Goodnight."

The bird flitted about her cage as Marinette made her way back into the castle quietly, and back to her quiet room.

* * * *

She awoke early the next morning to chirping from her balcony. She groaned and tried to go back to sleep.

Typical. You would think the successor of China would be a morning person.

The chirping resumed, and then a small song started. Marinette recognized it immediately as Tikki's melody. She only sang that song when she had a message.

Marinette scrambled up out of bed. She hadn't been expecting a letter. She wondered who it could be from. In her haste to pull on her stockings, she fell fell flat on her face.

Wouldn't be the first time. What a sweet, clumsy summer child.

But when she opened the door to her balcony, she froze. In the corner of her stone balcony laid the large bird's cage. A young, potted cherry tree with a few blossoms stood beside it. And in the small pouch in Tikki's black harness was a note.

I think I was more surprised than Marinette.

With shaking hands, she reached in to grab the note. Tikki stood still and proud and stopped tweeting. In messy handwriting, the note looked as if it had been written in a haste.

'birds can't keep secrets' was all it said. The events of last night came back to her. She had spoken aloud and wished that Tikki could be with her. Had someone been watching her? Listening to her every word? Her heart melted a little at the tree. They had even brought a cherry tree because Tikki loved them.

But who would have done such a thing? They must have been strong. For how else would they have gotten the cage all the way up to her third story room.

Wait. How would they get it up? She had been in her room all night, and she was a fairly light sleeper. Marinette would have heard them. The only way they would have gotten it there without going through her room would be if they brought it directly from the garden. But there was no way. The outer wall was flat and smooth. There were no stairs, and certainly no way to climb it, especially with a large cage and tree.

The only person she's ever seen who was able to get there was—

No. He couldn't have, right? Why would he?

Marinette looked at the note again. The paper was plain and the messy scrawls were scattered with small bubbles where the ink failed to adhere to the paper. It was cheap, she concluded. There was no such ink anywhere in the palace; it couldn't have been a guard or anyone else within the palace gates.

She ran to the edge of the low stone wall, hoping to catch a glimpse of him— or whoever did it— but to no avail. They had come in the dead of night.

Marinette had her suspicions. All signs so far were pointing to the black cat of the night. The only question was: why?

At this point, Marinette was convinced she had to tell someone. And apparently the garden was no longer a safe haven. She would tell Alya. Yes.

A piece of royal paper sat on her desk among her lipsticks, so she quickly scribbled 'Ignorant Nobles Create Wild Predicaments' before placing it on Tikki with a kiss and a goodbye.

The princess dressed for the day and wandered around the halls, looking for distractions (and unfortunately, finding none).

* * * *

The room was damp and dark. It looked like it hadn't been properly lived in for years. A pungent smell of rotting meat came from the shadows.

By the light of the sun peeking through a hole in the roof, a masked man came into view.

Chat Noir, the infamous bounty hunter, emerged from a back hall and into the main room. He was clothed in his cat ensemble, and appeared to be waiting for someone.

He stood around the room and waited for quite a while. He occasionally murmured to himself, only to grunt in annoyance a few moments later.

Finally, a graying man appeared from the same hall Chat had come from. He was tall, lean, and ghastly.

"Is it done?" Said the strange man, wearing an absurd amount of purple. Didn't he know only the royalty wore such expensive colors?

"Not quite," Chat Noir replied, "I have gathered some information, but she still breathes."

An icy stare penetrated through Chat's guard as he unsuccessfully tried to hide a shudder.

"I gave you a task. Shall I find someone new to collect the bounty? Or can you handle the job?"

Chat Noir had done quite a lot of thinking, truth be told. He knew exactly what he had to do, and how to fix his mistake.

"I can handle it. Consider it done. But I need a bit more time. I need to know how best to execute the plan... and her."

"Very well. You are dismissed."

"Thank you, Papillon. You won't be disappointed."

* * * *

Meanwhile, at the castle, Alya had settled down with Marinette with a bowl of dragon's beard candy in between them. The former was currently stuffing the sweet treat into her mouth at alarming rates, while the latter was working up the courage to speak.

"So you know how the people hate me?" The princess started.

Alya looked up from the bowl, cheeks puffed out. "Yep, but what about it?"

"Well, I sort of... possibly... almost... got assassinated?"

At this, the human messenger stopped chewing for a moment before being forced to continue before the large wad of chewy mess made her gag.

"What do you mean, almost got assassinated? Did you fall down the stairs again?"

"No! I mean yes, but! After you left the last time you were here..." The princess stopped, unsure if she wanted to continue. Alya's imploring gaze forced the words from her mouth before she could second-guess herself any longer. "Chat Noir was on my balcony. He had been watching me and planned to kill me for a bounty but he changed his mind."

The astonishment was clear on Alya's features. "Huh?"

"I don't know why, but he was holding his dagger and I fell and he helped me to my feet and then put away his dagger and said that he wasn't going to kill me anymore and then I went inside and he just left except I was thinking he—"

"Woah, take a breath. Easy!" Alya said, then took a deep breath. "This is grounds for an emergency message, not an 'Important News, Come When Possible' message."

"I didn't want to worry you!"

"I was here five days ago, Marinette. You should have send word as soon as it happened!"

"I'm sorry, dearest friend! Please forgive me!" Marinette half-jokingly sobbed into her friend's shoulder.

"Of course, Your Highness. I mean, as long as he doesn't come back."

"Well..."

"What do you mean, 'well'? Did he return?"

"I'm not sure, but two evenings ago I went to have a chat with Tikki in the garden. I had said aloud that I wished she could stay in my room so we'd both have company, and I added that I wouldn't because she loves the cherry blossoms too much. I awoke the next morning and her cage and a young cherry tree were on my balcony."

"And you think Chat Noir did it?"

"I'm not sure, but how else did it get up here? The only person who I've ever seen able to get up there was him. I still don't know how, but it must have been him."

"I see. Have you told the Emperor yet?"

"Goodness no, Alya. You'd think I'd have a little more self respect."

"You were almost killed! If you'd have died, all of China would be at the hands of barbarians! This is serious stuff."

"I still refuse to include him. I don't like him."

"Neither do I, but do I still pay my taxes and do my duty as a messenger?"

"I guess you do..."

"See? You should at least think about it."

"But perhaps I don't want Chat Noir dead!" The princess wailed, jumping off the large bed.

"Why not? Do you know how many crimes he has committed? How many people he has murdered? He's probably biding his time to come back and finish the job!" Alya walked over to her friend, giving her a hug from behind. "I think you should stay true to your heritage and to China's. I say we get a guillotine and behead him."

The princess could only sigh. "I... I don't know. I just feel like I shouldn't. And that's why my mother can never find out, and certainly never the Emperor."

"Why don't you refer to him by name? I mean, you can. He is your father." Alya chuckled, wishing to change the subject. If anyone heard the princess wish to spare Chat Noir's life, then she certainly would be assassinated.

Marinette glared at her. "Step-father. And I refuse to say his name. If the people call him Emperor, then it works for me too."

Alya could only laugh at her stubbornness. "Hey, are you really going to let me eat all this by myself? I'll put on weight!"

"As if the princess could gain weight either!"

"You're a twig! That is it, Your Highness, open your mouth."

Marinette ran away laughing as Alya chased after her with a handful of dragon's beard candy. They ran and ate and laughed for a long while more until Alya crashed hard on the princess's bed.

She could only look fondly on her best friend's face, brushing away some of her fiery red hair. The cool night breeze called to her, so she grabbed her shawl (which was resting on a chair by the door) and stepped out onto her balcony.

"Hello, Tikki." Marinette smiled warmly at the red hummingbird. Said bird chirped happily. "It's a lovely night. Do you like your new home?"

Tikki was silent.

"I wish I did."

"What's not to love, princess?"

Marinette spun on her heel and to her horror, there was Chat Noir. Again.

I hate him.

"You! You're back!" She sputtered.

"Why yes, I came to collect my thanks for my good deed."

"Your good deed?"

"Yes. How else do you think your bird's cage got up here?"

She was silent for a moment, studying him. He sat relaxed, reclining lazily on the low stone wall. His dagger was not in it's holster, and he wore the stupidest grin Marinette had ever seen.

"I had my suspicions. Have you been spying on me?"

"Perhaps, Your Highness. Is there a problem with that?"

"Yes, in case you didn't know, there is." Marinette huffed with her arms crossed, but the gesture only seemed to amuse him.

"What kind of problem? Do you not enjoy my company? I thought you wanted to spare me."

A small flame of anger rose in her eyes, heating them with the threat of tears. "You should leave. I don't know why you decided against killing me, or why you felt the need to bring my bird up here—"

"And a tree." He jumped down from the wall and sauntered over to her, stopping just a few steps away.

Warily, she continued, "...and a tree. But you should not be here. If anyone were to find you, they'd kill you on the spot."

"And you just couldn't bear the thought of losing me, princess."

"You know what?" Determination bubbled in her chest. "I'll just go tell my mother and she'll tell the Emperor."

Her hand had just closed around the door handle when his hand grabbed hers. "No! Please don't do that!"

A jolt of electricity shot through her, starting at her hand and spreading the warmth all over. Their eyes locked dangerously, and though the princess knew she should pull away, she could not bring herself to. The pure fear in his eyes stopped the blush that threatened her cheeks, and a stark realization hit her: he was just a boy, not much older than her.

The words caught in her throat, her tongue felt too weak to form words. After a few moments of agonizing silence, she nodded lamely.

As if he too had gotten shocked, his hand flew away from hers.

"I'll go. Sorry to have bothered you."

Pity swelled in her heart despite her best efforts to feel proud.

"Um, Chat Noir?"

He was perched on the wall, ready to leap away. He stopped and turned to face her.

"Thank you. For the bird cage and tree."

A curt nod and a two finger salute later, he had disappeared into the night.

And oddly enough, she felt a little less alone.

#oh wow i love this #it’s been a hot minute though #sorry everyone #it’s gonna be long #miraculous fic #lots of pining #original content #miraculous ladybug #miraculous #chat noir #secret lovers au #ancient china #princess and a bounty hunter #forbidden love #PINING

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luninosity · 4 years

Text

feettootie said: WHIP IT OUT WHIP IT OUT WHIP IT OUT

...you want me to what, now.... :D

Also, did I say 6k of Demon bonus story? I meant like 12k now.

The aging bones of the balcony gave way. The theater broke. Supports cascaded, imploded, burst.

Bodies fell. People. Screaming.

Justin ran another step forward and flung out both hands.

Six or seven people—Kris couldn’t think fast enough to count—winked into demon teleportation magic and back out: safely on the ground, at a good distance from the shrieks of the crumpling building. Brimstone briefly scented the air.

“Justin—”

“I need to focus—” Justin caught a few more. Yanked them out of disaster and over to solid landings. “Ow—oh, damn—I’m going to have the world’s worst headache—”

“How can I help?” Hand on Justin’s arm. Security’d run out from the wings. Trying to get the band, the stars of the show, to safety.

The collapse hadn’t hit the stage. Only that side balcony. And Justin wasn’t going anywhere, which meant Kris wasn’t either—

Justin saved people. Justin was beautiful, a demon with crackling power at fingertips and incandescent eyes and streaming hair. Kris spared a single second to be entranced by him. Shouts of alarm rose up around them; sound equipment and speakers clattered; bodies in the pit and at the floor level swelled with apprehension, forming mobs, trying to exit or find companions or give assistance.

Hadn’t any building inspections happened? Any precautions? How’d a whole theater come apart so instantly? Needing one demon to catch so many people, dozens of people—it’d been an intimate venue, so not hundreds, but Justin had once needed a snack after rescuing a girl’s lost chubby cat—Justin was pretty damn far from inexhaustible—

He tightened his grip on Justin’s shoulder, on stage. They stood out in front as another section of balcony, pulled by its neighbor, groaned and wrenched itself downward. “Tell me what to do!”

“I’ve got most of them—” Strain laced Justin’s voice, eyes, pale face. Crimson and ochre rippled through his hair, his gaze; his teeth and horns and cheekbones sharpened. Less human, more demon, more himself: semblances peeled away by power and stress. “I can do more—just keep everyone calm—”

The first sweep of people groaned, sat up, checked themselves over: intact and awed. Justin’s summoning gifts whipped falling debris away, flung theater fragments into thin air and subsequent reappearance safely on the ground, and reached out to cradle trapped concert-goers and pull them out of crushing spaces.

Kris stretched out empathy. Fought to broadcast calm, reassurance, a lack of panic. Projection hummed at his fingertips, at the core of his existence, in familiar woven strands of green and brown and melody and London and New York and guitar-strings and fire like shooting stars. He’d always been good at throwing his passions out into the universe; right now the universe—and his demon—needed him to believe that everything would be okay.

So he did. He believed it hard. And he let the soothing fall like a weighted blanket over distressed shouting crowds.

Sirens sounded. Emergency relief. Assistance. Kris, holding the fear of thousands of shaken fans in one empathic hand, turned to his husband.

Who breathed, “This is the last—there’s no one else trapped—” as two more bodies materialized away from the rubble. “They can check to be sure but—I think—that’s it—it won’t collapse any more, I moved everything that felt dangerous—”

“You’re incredible,” Kris told him, stepping closer, reaching a hand out to touch him. A few people, grouped in a knot of rescue at the base of the stage, began applauding. They’d all seen what Justin had done. “You’re brilliant, love—I thought you had limits, I didn’t know you could do that much—”

“Yes…well…” Justin’s face was white, Kris realized abruptly. Fire-hair had grown duller. Eyes more brown than glittery cinnamon. “I can’t, actually…”

“You what?”

“I do have limits,” Justin admitted, a ghost of usual teasing; and then put a hand up to touch his face, and looked surprised, swaying.

Red, Kris thought, though the thought did not take shape for a horrified blank second; but the red was blood and not fire, because Justin’s nose was bleeding, and Justin’s eyes were closing, and Justin’s whole body gave way all at once, collapsing into Kris’s arms—

No. No. Kris felt the scream like a whip-crack across the night, searing its way out of his soul.

He heard gasps, and a few cries and moans; he grabbed the empathic projection and held on tightly, metaphorical magical hands shaking. Justin would tell him to get it under control; Justin saved people; Justin wouldn’t want anyone else hurt…

Justin was hurt. Limp and white and unresponsive in Kris’s arms. Justin’s head fell against Kris’s shoulder; his eyes did not open. One hand dropped to the stage, and lay there.

The stage where he’d just been standing—alive and upright, on both feet—in that rock-band t-shirt and skinny black jeans, the same ones he still had on, laughing and waiting for Kris to pull him into an encore, a song, full of anticipation—

Dark ruby stained the pale blue of that shirt. Justin’s hair and cheekbones and even fingertips were simply human: magic emptied out, leaving ordinary nails without lightly pointed claws, and the regular ginger sort of human hair, pale red and wavy and lifeless. He’d dyed it all sorts of colors, once, when not letting the fire peek out; Kris had loved the discovery, when they’d first tumbled naked into bed, that Justin was in fact more or less a redhead.

Right now Justin was more human than Kris had ever seen him: burned out, drained, younger and fragile. He lay in Kris’s arms without moving or opening his eyes; he was breathing, chest going up and down, but he did not react when Kris clung to him, pleaded with him, called his name.

A burst of materialization and brimstone scorched the air. Three slim pillars of flame crackled into existence and resolved themselves into three of Justin’s aunts, all sparks and teeth and claws and hissing. A paramedic who’d started toward the stage froze in place; the rest of the band had been hustled away by security, leaving instruments, being taken care of.

Kris and Justin, in a tangle of stunned limbs and bodies, had landed on the stage; Kris cradled Justin, shook him, tripped over love and anguish and words. “Justin—Justin, love, wake up—open your eyes, love, please—please, stay with me, look at me, Justin, please—”

All three demons threw themselves down beside their nephew on the scuffed stage; Aunt Raissa’s glamorous blue evening gown tore in a rip of silk. Aunt Mara, who tended to be the spokesperson, commanded, “We’ll handle this—” and spun to face Kris. On both knees, in jeans and a sparkly green shirt, wearing fire in eyes and voice and claws, she grabbed Justin’s unmoving hand and defied the apocalypse with pint-sized familial ferocity. “What happened?”

“He—”

“He saved them,” Mara said over him, “didn’t he? Oh, stupid, stupid ridiculous human heart—oh, Justin. Come on, come on, pet, wake up. Wake up for us.”

“We felt it,” said the third of Justin’s favorite aunts—he had around fifty, though only three or four had taken an active interest in raising the half-human child of the sister who’d died in the human world—and looked up, uncertain. Kris had only met Ylse perhaps three times; he knew she liked human soap operas and romance novels and lacy sundresses. Right now her eyes were bright and scared. “We felt him, clearer than ever, like he’d reached over and touched our world, like a portal—and then we couldn’t feel him—Mara, he won’t wake up and I think he’s feeling worse…”

“He saved everyone.” Kris could barely talk. Clutching Justin. While demons knelt and touched bare colorless skin and made little fire-flares crackle in the air. “He…I know he’s…he’s only half…not as strong…”

Justin had saved people before. That cat. A baby. Five residents of a burning apartment building, once. He’d admitted to Kris that that’d been hard; he didn’t have boundless resources, he was part human, and his human body wasn’t built to channel that much otherworldly power. He’d fainted in an alleyway, he’d admitted, after rescuing the people; he’d awakened with a splitting headache.

But Justin wasn’t human, and could—

“He can heal.” Kris looked from aunt to aunt, demon to demon: all of them clustered over Justin, here in a dust-filled theater full of despair and voices and aftermath. “Can’t he?”

They exchanged glances.

“What?”

“He might be able to,” Mara said slowly, “but I think Ylse’s right and it’s hurting him…using any of it, right now…”

“What does that mean?”

“It means,” said Justin very weakly, “that everything hurts. Oh, gods…oh, Kris…” His eyes opened, beautiful as ever, but his voice trembled; Kris held onto him, held him, wanted to weep with relief and terror, and couldn’t. Justin had already started to cry, not from fear but as if hurting too badly to hold it all in; that realization spun Kris’s emotions into dazed white-hot blankness.

He got out, “You’re alive, love, you’re alive and I’m here, you’ll be all right, I swear, I’m here and I’ll take care of you, I love you,” and stroked a wisp of hair—light red, tired, whisper-soft—out of Justin’s face, and tried to demand answers from some demons with his expression.

“Justin?” Mara, sitting beside Kris, touched her nephew’s wrist. “Come on, pet, look at me. I know it’s hurting, I know, just look up for a second…” Her voice murmured like velvet, like roses, like coaxing: worried and soothing with the edge of centuries-long practice at temptation and seduction.

Justin caught breath, shivered, held on to Kris, but looked at his aunt. They gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment: more human than usual, meeting the more otherworldly.

And then Justin flinched, and tucked his face into Kris’s shirt. Kris pressed a kiss to the top of his head, held him more proprietarily, and demanded, “What was that?”

“Not good,” Mara said.

“I’m all right,” Justin said into Kris’s collarbone, shaky.

“Love,” Kris said, “you’re not. Don’t worry about reassuring us or what the fuck ever, don’t worry about anyone else, understand? Just take care of you.”

“That’s part of the problem.” Justin swallowed, struggled more upright, took a breath. He remained terrifyingly weak, weight wholly resting against Kris’s bulwark; he hadn’t tried to sit up on his own. Drying blood streaked his face and the world with awful hues. “I can’t heal. I can’t even shift aspects…if I try, everything hurts so much…I did try, just now, and it was…I couldn’t…” He shivered more. Shook his head, silenced by pain; he leaned against Kris more after, exhausted.

“So you’re not all right.” Kris tried to keep his voice even. He was dying, screaming, falling apart—but he couldn’t, he couldn’t, because Justin was leaning on him and he needed to stay strong and even-keeled and secure, a rock-solid old empath who couldn’t even protect the man he loved…

“I’m…” Justin paused to breathe some more. “I’m not getting worse. I think. I’m still here. But I feel…everything burns…it’s like fire, inside, and even more if I even think about…” When he held up a wobbly hand, he looked at it as if expecting burn-marks, trails of scorched black, seared lines along veins and bones. “It’s too much…”

The aunts shared a moment, then looked at Justin. Aunt Raissa said, with the presence of mind of someone in a long-term relationship with a United States Senator and consequent awareness of the media, “We should get you out of here before anyone tries to study you and the effects.”

“I can’t teleport,” Justin said. “I can’t…”

“Not you, pet.” Mara patted his shoulder. “You can’t do anything right now. None of your human doctors can. No offense, Kris.”

“If you can help,” Kris said, and stopped, as tears skewered his throat.

“We’ll take you home,” Mara said. “Both of you—” And as she said so the world blurred, became watercolor and fire, a swirling pool of cinnamon and garnet and primrose streaks.

The streaks eddied, ebbed, stabilized. Magic jerked at Kris’s body, at Justin in his arms.

They landed in his and Justin’s penthouse apartment: in the living room, in fact, right next to the sofa, with an unnerving degree of precision. Aunt Raissa, sitting on a couch-arm, said, “Oh, Mara—poor pet, look—”

Justin had gone quiet again, lax in Kris’s arms; Kris, released from demon-magic, moved to set him on the sofa, saw Justin’s shut eyes and the loll of that head—

“No. No, Justin, come on—please, love, I love you—”

“Still here,” Justin breathed, without opening his eyes. “That hurt…even feeling it hurts…scratching…so sharp…”

“I’m sorry, pet.” Mara perched on their coffee-table, scrutinizing her nephew’s face. “I thought you’d rather get home as fast as possible. Away from any human poking and prying. Did it hurt too badly?”

“No…it’s just everything…” Justin’s expression crumpled into pain. “I’m so tired.”

“You can rest now.” She touched his cheek; her expression held another emotion for a moment. Kris, watching, remembered that Justin’s aunts had lost a sister as well, when Justin’s mother had died. “Rest. That’ll help most.”

Justin nodded a fraction, lying prone on the sofa, head eased into Kris’s lap; Kris loved him and wanted to make this never have happened and wanted to tear the world apart if it’d ease one second of Justin’s pain.

He stroked Justin’s hair some more. He made his own breathing steady. No pressure. No pushing against raw sensations. Only projecting good emotions: comfort, warmth, affirmation. Tenderness. Love.

Aunt Ylse handed him a blanket. It was the one from their bed, a colorful knitted enormity that Justin’s middle siblings had made during the year they’d decided to learn to knit. Kris did not bother to ask how she’d pulled it out of sheer nothing in their living room; full-blooded demons did not have many limits.

Justin had limits. And was lying very still, head pillowed on Kris’s thigh, breathing ragged but evening out somewhat. He might’ve been sleeping, though he wasn’t, quite; Kris knew how Justin felt when cuddling sleepily in the mornings. This was more frightening.

He didn’t have his mobile phone. It’d been in the dressing room backstage. Justin’s, in a pocket of those skinny jeans, kept making buzzing sounds. Kris tugged it out, tossed it at the table, knew the news stories that’d be erupting, and ignored them.

Too big to think about. Too enormous.

Justin hadn’t moved, maybe soothed into some form of drowsing by Kris’s petting and wholehearted love. Kris could rub his temples forever. Anything. Everything. If it’d make even the smallest difference.

He said, keeping his voice low, “Is there anything I can do? Anything you can do?”

“Us? I don’t know.” Mara ran a hand through her hair, rumpling fire; Kris hadn’t seen her look so weary ever before. “It’s essentially a form of magical burnout. You know how that works, yes?”

He did. Even human magicians got that: too much power, overuse, brilliance poured into channels unready to contain it…sometimes the backlash took the form of a simple headache, but it could also mean permanent damage, a burning-out of those channels, ongoing agony or even insanity or death…

She must have seen his face. “It’s not that bad. Or I don’t think so. But what he did…he shouldn’t’ve been able to do that.”

“He can do more than—”

“You don’t understand. He’s half human. He shouldn’t have been able to do that. To catch that many people, to keep pieces from crushing them…everything we know about the children says he shouldn’t be that strong.”

Kris, who’d seen Justin conjure up pizza and carry an inhuman amount of books with one hand, did not have an answer. He did not know enough about demon physiology; no one did. Especially not rare, once-in-a-century hybrid types. Like Justin.

Mara drew a breath, let it out. “He can’t heal magically because everything hurts. Overloaded. Especially our sort of magic.”

“Demon power,” Ylse said. “And it’s dreadful, because…”

“…because we could heal him,” Raissa finished. She’d kicked off her high heels, and swung a leg; she looked anxious too, barefoot and tense under blue evening wear. “We could do all sorts of things…feed him power, if it was just straightforward energy depletion, or bring him properly home…”

That meant the otherworld, the demon planes, out of the human realm; Kris couldn’t even argue about their taking Justin someplace his human lungs couldn’t follow. “Would that help?”

“I’d say yes—he’d be less human, less vulnerable, more himself—but not with this.” Mara frowned. “Everything in there feels too torn up…too broken…completely surrounding him with our power might hurt worse…”

“Then no.” Kris left a hand resting in Justin’s hair, and let the world shake at the edge of an empath’s anger. “Not unless you’re sure it’ll do something.”

“I think it won’t. Not yet. He needs to heal enough that those channels can hold at least a little power, again. I think right now he’d start screaming in pain if we tried.” She bit a lip; her teeth were more pointed than Justin’s, though they did not draw blood. “He’s not going to die. He will recover, I think…this doesn’t feel permanent to me…but it won’t be instant.” Her eyes, older for a moment, rested on Kris, who loved her only nephew. “He’ll be human for some time. I don’t know how long. He’ll be in pain for…some time, too.”

The universe cracked and quivered. Their sofa and coffee-table and rug yearned closer in anguish. Kris’s heart clenched around itself—around an absence of Justin—unhappily.

“Keep him warm,” Ylse said softly, and rested a hand on Justin’s ankle, over blanket-folds. “Keep him quiet, and calm, and protected.”

“I can do that,” Kris vowed. “I can do that.”

#feettootie #replies #a demon for midwinter #bonus scenes #fic in progress #a demon and his rock star

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chazz-anova · 5 years

Text

So i finally started writing out this fanfic i had in mind for an AU where soulmates share a specific and identical mark, here's chapter one! Please let me know what you think ❤

It was another hectic day in Hope County, but Veronica Rook was getting pretty used to chaos being the norm. From the moment she stepped out of that helicopter to arrest Joseph Seed, her life had been trapped in a downwards spiral. After Dutch Roosevelt had saved her from falling into the hands of the nefarious Eden's Gate cult, she'd been constantly on the run helping build up the resistance and planning on how to deal with the Seed family (none of whom she was too keen on murdering). Before she'd come here on the warrant for The Father, she had never even discharged her weapon in the line of duty, and now her kill count was in the dozens and rising. She wondered sometimes if she was a monster, or broken somehow. She was especially questioning herself right now as she sat in a hunting blind just a few miles from the Henbane River, watching the broadcast that John Seed (the youngest of the Seed brothers) had aired only a few days ago. "Don't worry… we'll come for you." His final chilling words wrapping up the monologue about the 'power of yes'. Veronica paused the video, gazing into the cold blue eyes on the screen. 'How can someone so pretty be so crazy?' She wondered. This was not the first time she had rewatched this video, and revisited that particular thought. The first time Veronica saw John; she had been just as mesmerized by him- which was part of the reason she was questioning her sanity and avoiding Holland Valley like the plague. "Whatcha doin' Ronnie?" The sudden voice made the deputy jump, hitting her head on the top of the blind with a solid thud. "Do you always have to try to scare the shit out of me Sharky?" She asked, standing and rubbing her temple with a frown. He just shrugged- offering a playful smile "Do you always have to make it so easy?" Veronica replied by punching him lightly in the shoulder and shaking her head, "Whatever, loser."

"You won't be calling me a loser once we smoke some of this hydroponic shit!"

Sharky pulled a ziplock bag from his pocket and shook it in front of Veronica's face, which she promptly snatched from him to examine. "That'll do pig, that'll do!" She grinned after smelling the contents, her problematic feelings for John cast away for the moment.

An hour later, after making quick work of a couple joints, the duo sat on the plaid couch in Sharky's trailer, watching a recorded rerun of America's Funniest Home Videos. "Man, a year ago if someone had told me I'd be smoking weed with a pyromaniac to take the edge off the intense civil war I was a figurehead in, I'd probably smack 'em." Veronica muttered and watched a cat half jump half fall through a baby gate on the small TV. Sharky nodded, digging his hand in a bag of chips while nonchalantly replying "You're definitely not what I expected for being a lawman!" Next to him, she let out an exasperated sigh "That's my point! Before this shit, I rarely smoked or drank, and definitely didn't have a fucking license to kill! I was just a normal person, trying and actually succeeding in making the best life I could for myself!" Her companion sat up a little straighter, discarding his snack and giving her his full attention "Dep, life is crazy. One minute you're a normie, and the next you're a cultist slaughtering machine with the fate of Hope County on your shoulders! I can't fix your problem or untangle your feelings about all this shit, but I can go get you a beer, roll you a blunt, and sit here with you while you try to make sense of it all." He gave her a sympathetic smile, and she nodded "Well I won't turn an offer like that down. You know, sometimes you make this shit seem as normal as can be. I'm not sure if it's helping the problem or not but at least I know you mean well, and you'll let me ramble about it until the cows come home." Standing, he patted her on the shoulder and commented "Someone's gotta keep your head straight, V!"

Though Veronica was still feeling bleak about her situation, she was thankful for him being by her side as she mused on it and they whittled the day away with jokes and meaningless conversation between the important bits- giving her some reprieve from her thoughts. After Sharky had gone to bed, and she was settling down into the somewhat scratchy couch in his living room- she heard her radio humming. With a sigh and some dramatic flourish; the tired deputy pulled out the device and extended the antenna, expecting to hear someone from the resistance on the other end since it was set to her private channel. Instead, she hears the voice of someone at the center of her shifting morals- John Seed. "Deputy… I hope you're listening, my men took a great deal of pain finding out which frequency could be used to contact you privately." She immediately sat at attention, her heart pulsing through her body and making her voice shaky "What do you want?"

"I'm offended deputy! I make a video just for you and then you run off to ignore me for Faith. Do you not care for your friend Deputy Hudson?" He mused, his voice almost melodious. 'Well it's not like I can tell him I don't want a part of this, or that I'm having second thoughts…' She thought while debating on what to say. The radio crackled to life once more- "Nothing to say? I suppose Hudson and I aren't interesting to you… maybe I have something better for catching your attention then." In the background she heard what sounded like a raspy squeak, then the noise grew louder and an enraged roar that she would recognize anywhere blasted through the speaker. "Peaches??" She spoke to the cougar hurriedly, her breath catching and icy fear gripping her heart. A menacing chuckle answered her "Yes, that's what I've been told the beast's name is. She's quite unruly! I suppose that's why you're so close." Silence settled upon the trailer as Veronica took a few breaths to steady herself, she felt warm anger seeping into her, and deadly intentions blooming in her mind as she gathered herself. "John, I'd recommend from this moment on, you start watching your back. Be afraid of any noises you hear in the dark of night, because I'm coming for you. For every hair that's out of place on her, you will pay with broken bones." A steely resolve came over her as she turned off the radio before he had a chance to reply. Veronica hopped off the couch, slinging on her various holsters and the arsenal that went with them. A moment later, she was shaking a snoring Sharky from his dead slumber. Once his eyes opened and he saw her- he startled and asked "Who shat in your cereal, V?" She spoke low and carefully, not trusting herself not to start shouting "John has Peaches, and we're going to get her back." Sharky's eyes widened and he nodded "Give me a second, and we'll hit the road!" She released a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding, "Thank you.. I knew you would understand."

"Oh I understand, I understand that John doesn't know who he's fucking with."

Only ten minutes later, the pair was burning rubber speeding towards Holland Valley to save their feline companion, and they both knew they wouldn't be coming back without blood on their hands.

#veronica rook #john seed #fc5 #far cry 5 #fanfiction #my writing #sharky boshaw #peaches #obligatory weed smoking scene

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gucciwins · 5 years

Text

Confessions

Y/N likes cuddles and Harry gets jealous

It had been a long day at work and a warm chamomile tea was calling your name one you got home. Sarah just happened to be outside your house when you got out of your car.

“Sarah!” You ran up to the girl and hugged her tight. “How was New York? I miss it very much. I’ll be glad to join you on your next trip.”

“It was great, cold but enjoyable. We definitely have to plan a trip there together.” Sarah answered.

You nod to acknowledge her words but realize she’s alone which is surprising. “Where’s Mitch?”

“He’s getting ready for later.” Sarah says as she walks you to your door.

“Oh that’s fun, where are you going.” You open your door and see your sleeping cat on the chair by the door waiting for your return.

“We” She emphasizes “are going out for some drinks.”

“I’m a bad mom if I leave my son home alone. Also, it was a long day. I just want to watch Parks and Rec. and sleep.”

Sarah walked into the house and to your room like she owned the place. You let her do her thing and Ginger followed you to the kitchen to give him some dinner. Once you saw he was all settled you walked into your room.

“I picked out jeans and a nice top. Your job is to pair it with a nice jacket. I already know your going with your brown boots.” Sarah pointed to the items on your bed.

“Sarah, I love you. Mitch is lucky to have you because otherwise I would have snatched you up.” You place a kiss on her cheek to show your gratitude.

She leaves letting you know she would be back in thirty because they would be giving you a ride. She is too smart knowing that if you were to drive yourself you would not make it.

Two drinks in and you are questioning why you didn’t want to go out in the first place. Conversation with Mitch and Sarah flows easy. Sarah not drinking because she was the designated driver for the night. As Sarah was telling you about a bakery in New York, Mitch interrupted with a yell of his favorite person.

Harry walked over to your table with nothing but grace. He was a walking angel. But it’s not like you would ever tell him that. You scoot over so he could slide right in. Harry’s beautiful voice greets us and the warmth he is radiating off has got you sleepy.

Harry did not know that you would be joining them. Mitch had failed to share that part of information but he doesn’t mind. He enjoys your company because you seem to be the only person who laughs at his jokes. Harry just doesn’t know how to make a move on you.

He’s not in the mood for drinking and just decides to sip on his lemonade. As he talks to Mitch about a new melody that has been stuck in his head he feels pressure on his right side. It’s Y/N leaning on him. Harry is surprised she’s doing this and finds it a little odd. He can’t say he doesn’t like it but he’s unsure of what to do.

Harry looks at this beautiful girl sitting next to him and decides to lift his arm and put it around her. Immediately after he does that she scoots closer to her and if he’s being honest it’s like she’s meant to be right next to him.

“She’s cuddly when she’s tired.” Sarah answers what Harry had not yet asked. “We can switch spots if you want.” Harry lets her know it’s fine.

“Y/N does this with everyone. She told us when we first became friends that once she gets comfortable and warm she becomes a big cuddler and most likely will fall asleep.” Mitch decides to fill Harry in with more information.

Harry sits there and remembers the first time he met her.

Mitch had invited him to a small gathering at his house that Sarah planned. Once he arrived he hung out with just about everyone because that’s just the type of person he is. The party started winding down when he spotted Mitch with a girl sat next to him. The thing was she was leaning on Mitch a little too close for a person. He’s not sure Sarah would like it.

“Hey mate, don’t think Sarah would like to see you cuddling someone else.” He told Mitch.

“Don’t worry” a voice answers behind him. He turns and sees Sarah taking a picture of the two people sitting on the couch.“This is Y/N. The friend we have been wanting you to meet. She was tired and Mitch fell victim to being her companion.”

Harry nods wanting to see the hue of the girls eyes because she looked like a true angel sleeping.

Harry continues his conversation with Mitch and he’s not sure how much time has passed when you begin to stir.

You blink and make eye contact with Sarah from across the table silently communicating if you really fell asleep in Harry’s arms. She smirks and nods her head. Hoping for this to be the move them both needed to admit their feelings.

You look up at Harry and find that you are extremely comfortable but also even more tired. As you began to get up Harry looked down at you offering you a smile.

“Sorry for sleeping on you. I hope I wasn’t much of a bother.” You tell him quietly.

He shakes his head at you. “It was no bother, love. You kept me very warm.”

“I could say the same to you.” You both sit there looking at each other till you decide to break it. “You mind going home already? I’m tired.” You told Sarah.

She nods but before she has a chance to speak Harry cuts her off. “I can take you home, love.”

“You sure, she is probably-” Harry cuts Mitch off with one look.

“I would love that. Thank you, Harry.”

After bidding the lovely couple goodbye, you and Harry share a nice ride home with Elton John playing quietly in the car. This was weird because Harry had never given you rides before but you hoped that would change.

It’s been two months since the first time you slept on Harry in the bar. Your relationship has blossomed. You and Harry hangout and text a lot more. It’s something you like but you are too nervous to make the first move on him. Sarah has tried to convince you to ask him because no matter where you seem to go, you seem to gravitate towards Harry. Sarah had let you know that she misses your cuddles. She said you saved them all for Harry. You knew she was right. That is why you invited him to dinner with your brother that was in town for the weekend as well as Sarah and Mitch. Your brother had to meet the people that were caring for you.

You had a hard day at work, and it had left you exhausted. You didn’t want to cancel on your brother so you decided to suck it up and get ready. You were all meeting up there. Harry was sorry he couldn’t give you a ride because he had a meeting with Jeff. You told him it was fine but to make it even if he was late because it was important. He had promised he would.

The restaurant was an italian place that your brother had picked out. You wanted your brother to meet the important people in your life to reassure him that you were well taken cared of. As all four of you were seated in a secluded area thanks to Harry. Conversation flowed easily, but so did the time.

By the time you finished your entree you were stuffed and it got you sleepy. You were bummed Harry still wasn’t here because you wanted to snuggle into his shoulder. You had told him it was a surprise on why they were all having a fancy dinner. You didn’t want him to know it was your brother he was meeting incase he didn’t want to.

“I know you’re sleepy. Rest on my shoulder and I’ll wake you if” He corrects himself “when he arrives.”

“Thanks Thomas. You’re going to love Harry.” You snuggle closer to your brother giving a silent prayer that Harry would make it.

It was eight o’clock and just shot a text to Mitch that he was in the parking and would be in soon. He was excited to see Y/N and the surprise she would not tell him because even the famous puppy dogs eye did not work.

Following the hostess to his table he was excited but nothing could prepare him for what was in front of him. The girl he had grown feelings for was cuddled in another man's arms and it broke his heart. The surprise was a boyfriend, she had strung him along and like the fool he was he fell. The guy holding Y/N made eye contact away and slowly whispered in your ear something to wake you up. In seconds, your eyes connected and you smiled.

“Harry, I’m glad you made it.” You exclaimed.

Harry’s jaw was clenched shut and Mitch quickly noticed this. He hoped Harry wouldn’t blow.

You got up from your seat and walked to to him and grabbing his arm but he quickly pulled away making your frown. You didn’t want to question him and walked to stand by your brother.

“Harry this is my b-” You started before Harry’s loud voice interrupted you.

“Was I a game to you?” Harry started. “Falling asleep on me, cuddling me, staying up late talking, huh.” Harry was fuming. He could only see red. “I opened up to you like a fool. Only for you to get another man.”

Tears began to build in your eyes and you could not hide your shock.

“Harry, please stop.” You said tears falling down your face now.

“No, you used me for what attention, money or connections. It’s so typical. I was falling in love with you.” Harry stopped to take a deep breath. “You’re just like the rest of them. Worse.”

You couldn’t take his mean words. Didn’t want to even try to prove him wrong. You grabbed your bag and got close to him for what felt like the last time. You looked at his gorgeous green eyes and only saw anger in them no more resemblance to the stars.

You took a deep breath and locked eyes with Harry. “Harry, meet my brother Thomas. He is the most important person in my life and I wanted him to meet the man I was falling in love with.”

With those final words you rushed out of the restaurant and ran to your car. You turned it on and sped away as fast as you could. Leaving your brother behind with no care, but he would understand.

Harry’s tears fell as soon as he locked eyes with your brother. He was ashamed and heartbroken for hurting you. Without a second thought he rushed out to try to stop you but he got out to see your car driving away from him.

He fell to his knees and cried not carrying who saw. You left and it was his fault.

Away you went taking his heart.

This took a turn that I definitely was not expecting. Feedback is appreciated.

Part 2 ?

#harry styles #harry styles imagine #harry styles one shot #harry styles blurb #harry styles angst #harry x reader #angst #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles writing #harry styles x you #first angst

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i-heart-danchou · 5 years

Text

Felidae

This is for @indigonightminds, who requested: a sad but sweet fic featuring Erwin convincing Levi to dance, after his arm’s been chomped and Levi’s all worried. "and Levi's all hisssss but then ok this feels so. Nice” XD

Erwin had loved cats for as long as he could remember. He admired their independence, he liked how they were standoffish yet needy and cuddly at the same time, and he liked how clean and neat they kept themselves. He’d never been able to keep one as a child, (his father was allergic), but he often made friends with strays and would share a bit of his lunch if he could. As he’d aged and progressed through the SC, he’d still never really had the opportunity to take in a cat of his own. He wasn’t home often enough to keep a plant alive, frankly, and allowing a sweet little cat to die of neglect felt a bit out of character. Perhaps that was what had attracted him to Levi in the first place; he was sleek, quick, independent, irritable, didn’t much care to be touched, light on his feet, agile… Erwin found him exceptional, adorable, and delightfully prickly. As a child he’d always felt somewhat honored when a cat graced him with its presence, and with Levi he felt very much the same way. Little by little, the ornery ex convict allowed Erwin to get close to him, and little by little they earned each other’s trust. Levi at first seemed to resent little touches. His hackles would go up, the hair on the back of his neck would raise, the whites of his eyes would be visible… Erwin could almost see him hissing whenever he allowed their hands to touch, or as he rested his palm on the small of Levi’s back. In time Levi warmed up to the contact, and even pressed into Erwin’s firm hand.

They grew closer, more intimate, although Levi would always try to keep a touch of emotional distance between them. Erwin had known a cat like that once, who nuzzled him, ate out of his hand, and then scratched him to ribbons when she’d had enough.

Levi was like that, in some ways. He’d come prowling in the night, nip and scratch Erwin til they were both nude, fuck him like an alleycat, and then hiss and protest whenever Erwin tried to snuggle up to him after.

“Erwin!” He’d spit. “Fuck off with this gay cuddly bullshit! Let me go to!”

And Erwin would laugh because he’d literally just finished a rather gay encounter indeed, and hook an arm around his waist. “Please stay? You’re so warm.”

And Levi would watch him with careful eyes, consider his options, and give in. “Fine. Only cause if your dumb ass freezes to death it’s gonna be hell to reorganize the expedition next week.”

Erwin never wondered if Levi cared, though. There were little things he did, sweet little gestures that proved that his recalcitrance ran only skin deep. He’d make Erwin tea (although only if he was making himself tea, obviously he wasn’t gonna go out of his way to make fucking Erwin tea), he helped keep Erwin’s office tidy (cause Erwin was a fucking slob and it was disgusting to work in an office with fucking dust everywhere), and he always made sure the Commander was getting enough to eat (cause if he starved to death some even bigger dumbass was gonna take over and then humanity was screwed).

Erwin caught Levi watching him while he slept sometimes, his expression careful and neutral but unguarded and trusting. He doubted Levi ever let anyone else see that face. Hell, he doubted Levi let anyone sleep in the same room as him.

It was difficult for Levi after he injured his ankle. He wasn’t used to being left behind on missions, he didn’t like to sit around doing nothing. Erwin wondered if Levi only saw his own worth in his utility. If he couldn’t move, if he couldn’t fight, perhaps Levi felt Erwin didn’t need him anymore.

Erwin could see Levi pushing himself to be useful, even if he wasn’t able to join them on the charge to get Eren back from the jaws of peril once again.

“I’ll be back soon.” Erwin promised, and Levi glared at him.

“Don’t do anything fucking stupid.” He said with narrowed eyes, his arms crossed over his chest.

Erwin smiled and nodded. He wasn’t about to make any promises.

Levi had been there the moment Erwin had woken up, actually, and his wide eyed expression of disbelief would be one that Erwin would always keep close to his heart. Levi had grabbed his hand, kissed it, called him an idiot, pushed Erwin’s hair out of his eyes, and told him he looked like shit. It was one of the sweetest things he could ever remember Levi doing.

In a rare moment of alone time, Erwin was browsing through the visitor records that the hospital had kept during his recovery. It didn’t surprise him to see that Levi had visited him more than anyone else while he’d been unconscious, at least once a day, for at least an hour, and rarely when anyone else was in attendance. He glanced at the blood soaked gauze at the end of his stump and sighed. Well, it must have been a very difficult time for Levi. Apparently it had been a bit touch and go, the doctors weren’t certain that Erwin was going to survive losing that much blood.

Levi came in without knocking and policed the relief off of his face. “You’re supposed to be resting.” He snapped, snatching the visitor record out of Erwin’s hand.  “I don’t think either of us are very good at resting.” Erwin pointed out. “If I lay about too much longer my muscles are going to atrophy.” He wasn’t connected to any drips now, the hospital primarily wanted to monitor him for signs of infection or complications of anemia. “I want to stretch my legs. Come with me?”

Levi rolled his eyes. “Must be nice, being so doped up on pain meds you think we’ve got time for a stroll.”

Erwin ignored that. He needed to get back on his feet, he needed to lead. Of course they didn’t have time for frivolity but… step one was standing on his own two feet. He sat up, and attempted very valiantly to get himself out of bed. Still, he was weak, and he stumbled forward a bit as he tried to get up.

“Erwin for fuck’s sake!” Levi was there in an instant, providing a shoulder to lean on. “Shit, fine! I’ll go with you for a walk! Stop fucking pushing yourself!”

He leaned on Levi then, annoyed at the dizziness and pain that accompanied such a small amount of movement. His whole balance was thrown off by his missing arm, and he realized then that his 3DMG days were probably behind him. Levi said nothing, and kept his attention focused ahead of them as he walked them to a secluded balcony that presumably people used for smoking.

The fresh air was lovely, and Erwin stared out into the distance. His mind was storming away— the government was part of the problem, they’d never succeed unless the current regime was ousted and there was still the basement…

A beautiful voice carried in the wind, a young woman was singing from one of the hospital rooms. Another patient, maybe? A guest? She was singing an old song in a lost tongue, and Erwin found himself enchanted by her melody.

He shook himself out of his thoughts and turned to Levi, offering his hand. “Care to dance?”

Levi looked offended. “Are you insane? Why?”

Erwin shrugged, and the movement sent a bolt of pain down his spine which he was largely able to hide from his companion. “Because..” He tried to catch his breath. “Because we don’t often get moments like this. Windows of peace between my miserable gambles. Because her voice is so lovely. Because I want to dance with you, Levi.”

Levi cringed and crossed his arms. Erwin could almost see his back arching, a hiss at the back of his throat threatening to emerge if the Commander dared to touch him.

“Please?”

“I hate you so much.” Levi hissed, snatching Erwin’s good arm with one hand and gingerly touching his side with the other. His eyes darted to the stump of his arm, concern and something like love etched between his eyebrows.

“That’s it.” Erwin complimented, tucking in his face so he could nuzzle the top of Levi’s head. “This is nice.” He murmured, enjoying the warmth as they swayed together. Erwin could feel the tension easing out of Levi’s form, his hair settling down, his twitchy reluctance settling down.

“You’re a dork.” Levi growled, nuzzling into Erwin’s chest.

“I love you too.” He said back, kissing the top of Levi’s head.

Erwin put the horrors of mutiny, coups, titans, and war out of his mind for a moment. He was able to put aside the pain in his limb, the terror of coping with a new disability, the uncertain cruel future they both faced. In this moment he allowed himself the luxury of enjoying himself, of feeling warm and secure with someone he adored.

Levi grumbled something then, but Erwin could just about convince himself it was a purr.

#my stuff #levi ackerman #erwin smith #eruri #fic #eruri fic #dorkwin #purrwin #prompts

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dr-vardan-thorn · 5 years

Photo

Dr. Siebren de Kuiper had been contained in a transportation pod in order to descend back to Earth's surface; which seemed both too big yet too small to the Physicist's fluctuating mind. His only companion was a lone physician wearing a similar uniform to his own. Dr. Thorn watched the outside as it shifted and altitude started to drop. He glanced across to watch his comrade warily and with a heart heavy with pity and determination. He had appointed himself as Dr. de Kuiper's doctor until the facility stated otherwise, Dr. Thorn certainly had the documents to back himself up and certainly the clearance.

"I know things may seem, scrambled, Siebren," Dr. Thorn offered gently, "I'll see to it you'll be taken care of. Personally."

He was a lean man, Dr. Thorn. Dark hair with a some silver streaks peaking through his jaw length hair. He had a feline face with a neatly trimmed goatee around his mouth, with the sharpest green eyes; only they were gentle in the traumatized astrophysicist's direction.

“How could you know so much, Doctor? You haven’t seen what I’ve seen. You haven’t seen the universe, you know nothing. Yet- I’m sorry. I-“

Siebren fell silent, his hands shaking as he clenched then close, “It’s all an illusion, can’t you see?” the man slowly looked up at Dr. Thorn, his eyes showed just how broken he’d become.

Dr. Thorn took a moment to select his word carefully, he wouldn't want his friend to go into a fit. "I think illusions are a matter of perspective really," he grinned gently enough before it faded. "But you are right, I can't know what you have seen. I doubt I could even begin to fathom it. But you -are- real, Siebren. You are not Schrödenger's cat, I promise you," Dr. Thorn touched Siebren's shoulder lightly, "You are real, my friend. I promise you that."

“Are you sure? For all you know, you’re lying to yourself. You’re free, yet I’m trapped, why must it be like this? Why did this have to happen?”

He looked down at his hands, “What other universe, are we switched places? I presume that we are, we can do it easily since this is all not at all real.” Dr. Thorn slowly shifted his hand from Siebren's shoulder down to his wrist, a surgeon's touch really. "In my reality, right now, you are here and you are solid to me. Do you feel my hand, Doctor? Do you feel the pressure I'm giving your wrist? Because I can feel your pulse."

This was oddly close for Dr. Thorn. Usually, he kept things professional with clinical questions and gentle prods for information. Seeing his colleague so, confused and fractured, Dr. Thorn just knew that he had to be that grounding rope to keep Siebren figuratively tethered in reality and from being catatonic; he only wanted to offer what comfort he could. "If you can feel me, then surely I am real, right? Let's try to focus on that, okay?"

“What if a feeling is also an illusion. What if I’m the one that’s not real, what if I’m just a memory? Perhaps I existed at one point in time, now? Maybe not.”

The astrophysicist looked down, “Maybe the real me is trapped in a labyrinth. Maybe I’m still me, trapped in what we call reality. Reality can be perceived as many things. A never-ending maze. A maze with a prize. Or..” he turned back to his old colleague. “We could all just be trapped forever without knowing it. In our own minds. Whatever you’d like it to be, I’m fine with it.”

The Dutchman turned away once more, his hands now resting on his lap.

That almost broke Thorn's heart as he tried to interpret what Siebren was saying to him. "Perhaps we're all in a figurative maze in some form or another," he seemed to agree with a slow nod. "Our minds are constantly thinking, planning, spinning around and around; we are all machines in away." Thorn pressed his lips together as he thought of what else to say, "If I can help guide you to become whole again, I would do it in a heartbeat. However, I can't stitch you back together, I think you would have to do that on your own but..." he trailed off for a moment as he studied the broken man's face again, "I want to help you however I can, Siebren. You were a marvel and an inspiration to me back in the station. The way you would make your marker fly across your board, it was like you were a conductor. You were finding harmony in a din of chaos. It will be hard, but I'm sure we can get through this maze together." Thorn's thumb rubbed over the back of Dr. de Kuiper's hand. "I think that prize in that maze is yourself, Siebren, does that seem fair?"

Sieben looked back at his old friend, and smiled softly, “I don’t believe you're correct, but even then and still now, I care for you at a degree. I will agree to try to find whoever... Whatever I was before I found everything out. Maybe it’s true that it’s better to not know than to knit the truth.”

He hummed, “But I can't stop with my science, not yet. That melody.. the universe... Everything is calling for me to show you all the truth. And I will. I know you all will not like it.”

There was a pause of concern, but the doctor spoke up none the less. "It's good enough for me, my friend," Thorn answered, perhaps with a flicker of hope. "I am willing to listen to any lesson you're willing to teach."

They were to reach planetside soon. Dr. Thorn felt the heaviness within the pod as the outside of it started to glow somewhat. "Heh, so many advances in technology and the pods still catch fire upon reentry. It'll be strange to be weighed down by Earth's pull again after three years, eh?" he looked back at Siebren. "I already feel fifty pounds heavier," which was an exaggeration surely and a feeble attempt at humor. Vardan Thorn often had trouble with making jokes. "We should be there within the hour."

#siebren de kuiper #science husband #vardan thorn #oc+cannon #overwatch #sigma #fan fiction

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muthaz-rapapa · 5 years

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Idol Precure Series: A Gratuitous Costume Parade

Because that is literally what this is. An excuse to dress everyone up in cute clothes.

Not complaining, though. The girls look fabulous~

Anyways, y’all aware they were grouped together because of what their civilian identities have in common, right?

Well, that’s how I see it so I typed this up so I can use it for reference later.

Initially, it was just a companion (?) piece to this StarPre prediction post (therefore, the StarPre girls haven’t been included yet so go check out that post until they are) but now I’ll come back to edit/update it again when more new stuff is released or I find better quality pictures.

I also have some ideas for possible new groups if they ever add or mix-and-switch the current ones but that’ll be on another post altogether to avoid confusing myself, ahaha~

Anata no kokoro o mitoshi-tai (Team “I see through your heart”)

Members: Yukishiro Honoka, Hanasaki Tsubomi, Tsukikage Yuri, Shirabe Ako, Yakushiji Saaya

At a glance, it seems like they put all the smart ones together but it’s really because these girls all wear glasses.

Yep, the meganekko group.

I mean, they are smart but the key point here is clearly the glasses. Which is a tad bit of a shame because I feel like that (moe aspect) takes away from recognizing them for their intelligence first.

On another note, interestingly enough, I believe there’s a play on words with their unit name. If you say it out loud without knowing the context, it really sounds like “I want to look into your heart”. Can someone confirm this? My amateur Japanese isn’t enough to explain it eloquently.

Others who can fit into this group: Hishikawa Rikka

Bunbu Ranbu (”Martial Dance”)

Members: Myoudouin Itsuki, Aoki Reika, Yotsuba Alice, Hikawa Iona

Martial arts practitioners.

Also, I’m pretty sure Reika knows some kendo along with kyūdō since we’ve seen her wielding a giant ice sword as Cure Beauty multiple times throughout the franchise. We just didn’t see her do it in civilian form. Hmm. :/

Others who can fit into this group: ...

Eternal Moment

Members: Higashi Setsuna (Eas), Akagi Towa (Twilight)

Former villainesses who turned good and became a main heroine.

I’m so glad they didn’t forget about their evil alter-egos cuz Eas and Twilight (or perhaps just Twilight) can be considered separate characters in their own rights so it’s nice to see them show up in advertisement again every once in a while.

Hmmm, their name though... it looks like this unit might only be intended for two people (”Eternal” for Towa and “Moment” for “Setsuna”).

That is, unless they add onto it like HNMH (see below) if they plan to include more girls into this category. If so, then...

Others who can fit into this group: Kurokawa Ellen, Lulu Amour

Mystic Diva

Members: Kurokawa Ellen, Kenzaki Makoto

Haresora Concerto (”Clear Sky Concerto”)

Members: Minazuki Karen, Hojo Hibiki

Haresora Concerto with Mystic Diva (collab?)

Additional members: Tategami Aoi

Girls with strong affiliation to music...I think?

We saw Karen playing the violin in Yes!5 Precure’s OP and her parents are famous musicians themselves (just like Hibiki’s) but I can’t recall if she ever played any instrument during any particular episode in Yes! 5 or Gogo(?). Anyways...

Mystic Diva contains those who are renowned singers from another world (I don’t think Ellen sang much after she sorta permanently remained in human form but as Siren, she was one of the top contenders next to Hummy to sing the Melody of Happiness so there’s that).

Haresora Concerto obviously are for those who practice classical instruments.

Finally, the collaboration...is it a collaboration or did they really merge the two units together? If not, then Aoi will still need to be assigned to a group and if we’re going by the above criteria, she doesn’t fit into either one (Mystic Diva isn’t really her style anyway and she’s long given up the violin to play the guitar).

Maybe they’ll come up with another unit specifically focused on the rock genre in the future cuz we have Emiru and Lulu now so that’ll be enough to start one.

Others who can fit into Mystic Diva: Lulu Amour (+ guitar) [??]

Granted, Lulu didn’t sing before she arrived in present day Hugtto but she did say she’s going to bring music back to the future so...why not count that and the future as “another world”, hmm?

Others who can fit into Haresora Concerto: Yotsuba Alice (piano), Haruno Haruka (violin), Akagi Towa (violin), Kaidou Minami (violin) [??]

I don’t really associate Minami with music even though she is skilled at playing the violin. It’s just that compared to Towa and Haruka where the violin played a significant part in their story arcs, Minami and the violin is more secondary (pfft, not even) to her connection with the sea. But then again...Karen is in this group so I dunno :S

Did I forget anyone else who plays a classical instrument? I feel like I’m missing someone...

Others who can join the collab: Everyone listed above + Kasugano Urara (singing), Aisaki Emiru (singing, piano, violin and guitar)

Haruka Nozomu Mirai no Hana (”Wishing for the Flower of the Far Off Future”)

Members: Yumehara Nozomi, Haruno Haruka, Asahina Mirai, Nono Hana

The dream chasers.

And by far, the unit I find the most aesthetically pleasing. ^^

Also, I feel like some people would try to argue that Mirai “didn’t have a goal and therefore, she doesn’t belong in this group” so as she is my beloved daughter, I need to make them eat the dirt of their WRONGNESS.

Because MahoPre’s epilogue obviously showed her trying to find a way to reunite with Riko and Ha-chan, aka bring their two worlds together again, so that definitely counts as her dream (not to mention, the most ambitious one out of everybody else’s in this group). Furthermore, if you actually watched MahoPre more closely, you would know her dream of the two worlds coming together came to her gradually rather than happening at a particular moment and was solidified after she had to separate from her team after the Big Boss fight in the finale.

And you know what? Her wish was fulfilled in the end so y’all can suck it. :P

Others who can fit into this group: ...

Home Maid

Members: Kujo Hikari, Minamino Kanade, Madoka Aguri, Omori Yuko, Usami Ichika, Arisugawa Himari

Cooking or maybe, more accurately, sweets enthusiasts? *makes side eye at Aguri*

Well, besides that, they also either helped out at a restaurant or provided a service that had something to do with food (tea ceremony in Aguri’s case).

Hence, the “maid” part, I guess...

...but if so, then this is a poster for a maid cafe, not an idol unit! :P

Others who can fit into this group: Hyuuga Saki (family runs a bakery) [?], Akimoto Komachi (family runs a Japanese confectionery shop) [?], Hino Akane (family runs an okonomiyaki restaurant) [?], Haruno Haruka (family runs a Japanese confectionery restaurant) [?], Kotozume Yukari (learned from her grandmother how to perform tea ceremonies) [?], Kirahoshi Ciel (owns her own sweets restaurant), Nono Hana (grandparents ran a Japanese confectionery shop)

With the exception of Ciel, a lot of “?” cases here because similar to the Karen/Minami in Haresora Concerto, their main interests don’t particularly lie in cuisine and most of them never stated any intention of carrying on their family business. So it’s really up to whether you want them in this unit or not. Personally, I think Home Maid has enough members already so...

Oh and Hana was crossed off the list since she became the president of her own company at the end of Hugtto.

M.V.P.

Members: Misumi Nagisa, Hyuuga Saki, Natsuki Rin, Hino Akane, Midorikawa Nao

This one’s self-explanatory. Athletes. Sporty types.

Not much else to say.

Others who can fit into this group: Hojo Hibiki, Kagayaki Homare (?)

Yes, while Homare does participate in a sport, singles figure skating is mostly an individual event so the MVP title can’t really be applied to her. I guess that was the reasoning behind why she wasn’t placed in this group even though that’s what she’s most known for.

Osha-Revolution

Members: Kurumi Erika, Shirayuki Hime, Kagayaki Homare

The fashionistas!

This is my most favorite idol unit name out of all the others not only because it sounds like the most cleverly thought out but also because just hearing the word “revolution” gets the legendary Utena Revolution OP playing in my head again. *jams to the beat*

Thankfully, it’s got no connection to this idol series cuz *GAAASP*......*whispers* no.

Anyways, I’m glad it’s universally agreed upon that Erika and Hime would get along like five runways crisscrossing simultaneously at Fashion Week. Adding Homare to this lineup is appropriate because she’s always being complimented for dressing so stylishly.

Also, having someone as tall as her stand in between Erika and Hime like a giraffe hanging between two Hyacinth Macaws, lol is really...picture perfect.

Others who can fit into this group: ...

Secret Lives

Members: Mimino Kurumi, Hanami Kotoha, Kirahoshi Ciel

Mascots who can transform and became one of the main heroines in their respective seasons.

I like their aesthetic, too. Even though they give off cute vibes as much as any of the other idol groups, there’s still a “mystery” air about them.

Others who can fit into this group: Kurokawa Ellen (?)

Ermmm...Ellen was a mascot but she wasn’t aligned with the good side in the beginning. And after she became a Cure, she didn’t revert back to cat form again... *shrug*

Soushi⇄Souai (”Mutual Love with Creativity”)

Members: Mishou Mai, Akimoto Komachi, Hoshizora Miyuki, Kise Yayoi

Those whose strongest weapon is the pen (or brush) in their hand. Or something like that? I was trying to go for something more artful but I guess not. :P

This group’s name gave me a little trouble in translating but I think what I settled for in the end gets the idea across well enough. They love creating so much that they’ll be rewarded in kind with lots of inspiration.

...which sounds a bit unfair for everyone else suffering creative blocks but okay.

Others who can fit into this group: Nono Hana

Triple Heart

Members: Momozono Love, Aida Mana, Aino Megumi

The love-obsessed.

Not much else to say here either.

Others who can fit into this group: ...

Up to Me

Members: Aono Miki, Izayoi Riko, Kotozume Yukari

The Ladies.

At least that’s what I like to think them as. “Up to Me” gives off the impression of a very decisive person. Along with how mature they act, these girls fit that description to their own special degrees.

Like, Miki is very focused on her modeling career and confident she’ll go far, Riko has good work ethic and always aims for her goals and Yukari is, well, good at almost everything and is also a very “my pace” kind of woman.

...they all have purple hair, too, so I’m wondering if that’s another prerequisite for being added to this unit.

Others who can fit into this group: Tsukikage Yuri, Kenzaki Makoto (?)

Yuri would fit in no problem but Makoto I’m still teetering back and forth on...

Urara*Kirara

Members: Kasugano Urara, Amanogawa Kirara

Ra♪Raa♪Raaa♪Raaaa♪Raaaaa♪ Suīto Suīto Puri-Kyu=AH♪

Girls who aspire for the stage (acting and signing for Urara and modeling for Kirara) and have “-rara” in their names.

If that’s the case here, guess this is another unit meant for anyone who fits those limited criteria. Otherwise...

Others who can fit into this group: Aono Miki (modeling), Kenzaki Makoto (singing)

White Coat Angels

Members: Yamabuki Inori, Hishikawa Rikka, Kaidou Minami, Kenjou Akira

Those with a future in medicine.

But Minami...hmm, well, though it was never clearly stated what her profession was (I don’t think?) when she grew up, she could’ve gone on to become a wildlife veterinarian after she achieved her degree in marine biology so yea, she counts.

Others who can fit into this group: Minazuki Karen, Yakushiji Saaya

Exclusive??

Kiratto! Open to All

Members: Kira Kira Precure a la Mode

Twin Love

Members: Aisaki Emiru, Lulu Amour

Pretty damn sure the first one was made specially just for KiraPre. No other girls sport blatant animal imagery on them. Plus, there’s no point in including anymore members than how many this group already has.

As for Twin Love, it’s a canon idol pair unit in Hugtto. Adding anyone else in it would not make it “Twin” Love anymore.

So that leaves the question of where Emiru and Lulu will go in the next series, I guess. Though I’m sure they’ll stick together wherever they’re assigned.

Side B

Royal Road

Members: Kokoda Koji (Coco), Natts, Ouji Masamune, Prince Kanata

Fairy Five

Members: Amai Shiro (Syrup), Pop, Raquel, Lance, Aroma

Did anyone else think that “Side B” also stood for “Side Boys” before Dark Party was released? (And yes, I know what a B-side track is so you don’t have to tell me)

Anyways, Royal Road is obviously for the prince characters (though I don’t think they really needed to add Ouji-senpai since he’s just a minor recurring character, not supporting but whatever) and Fairy Five is for the younger male mascots who can transform.

Others who can fit into Royal Road: Prince Zeke, Wakamiya Henri, Aisaki Masato (?)

If Dark Dream can join an idol unit despite being a movie-only character, then I don’t see why they can’t integrate Prince Zeke into this unit as well. All that matters is how popular or memorable he was in HaCha’s movie because everyone who was picked out for Side B had to have had an impact on the audience one way or another. But at least Zeke makes more sense than Ouji-senpai.

Henri needs no explanation as he is the “Prince of the Ice” but if you want a prince to accompany his occasional “princess” role, including Masato wouldn’t be a bad idea. Though I still think Masato’s more of a knight than a prince.

Others who can fit into Fairy Five: Kuroro (?)

Granted, Kuroro only got a human form by combining powers with Lock in the final battle of Go!Pri and hasn’t technically earned it yet since he only begun fairy training when the season ended...but if he can, why not?

The Enemy Boys

Members: Irisawa Kiriya, Luntarou (Wolfrun), Kurosu (Close), Rio (Julio/Pikario)

Off-White

Members: Soular, Westar, Phantom, Shut

“The Enemy Boys” ...more like “School Infiltrators” since they were the few among villains to pose as students in order to get closer to the Cures.

Off-White consists of bishounen villains who eventually came around to understanding and siding with the good side. Which explains the “off white” part, I guess, since it wasn’t an immediate reform for them but a more gradual one that needed a lot of persuasion and thinking.

Others who can fit into The Enemy Boys: ...

Others who can fit into Off-White: Charaleet

Precure Legendary Heroes

Members: Cure Fire (Ban Kenji), Cure Sebastian (Sebastian)

Dark Party

Members: Dark Dream, Dark Precure, Regina, Bibury Vibry

Legendary Heroes is clearly a parody of the Precure franchise itself but since we already grew out of those jokes thanks to Hugtto, I’m hoping I won’t see any updates for this group ever again. And I will be absolutely livid if they dare to put Cure Infini in this unit because that is not funny.

Dark Party needs no extensive explanation as they were former nemesis/rivals to the Cures who never really got a “good” form even after their Heel-Face Turn (Dark Precure didn’t even get one of these). Which is fine because that’s essentially their charm. What makes dark magical girls so appealing is how awesome they are even when they’re “evil”.

Also gotta love the gothic lolita clothes that a number of them usually wear. If they didn’t keep Side B separate from Side A, I totally would’ve liked to put Eas and Twilight in this group as well.

Others who can fit into Dark Party: ...

List of updates under the cut...

[1/29/19] - Post published.

TBA

#idol precure #precure #precure all stars #i hate that the formatting i want to use looks so hideous on mobile #and that the separators are nonexistent there too #stupid app

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datura-foxglove · 5 years

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(Dazatsu Week Day 1) warmth of your tears

Day 1 prompt : Sunrise

“No matter how we’re separated inside this darkness Our hearts call for each other with bond stronger than anything Even if you’re laughing, I know you are lonely I want to warm your cold fingers with my tears, I’m by your side.” - Synchronicity (Yui Makino)

Rating : PG Warning : Spoiler up to ch. 70 of the manga

Summary : Atsushi’s loneliness and despair nearly overwhelmed him as he waits for the sunrise, thankfully a visit from Dazai rekindle back the hope in his heart.

A door opened slowly, brand new hinges silent as a young man stepped outside with all the graces of a stealthy cat. His arms shivered as cold winds blew through him, his silver hair dancing from the wind’s playful fingers. Purple and yellow eyes blink slowly, the tiger within him granting sight sharp enough to tear away the dawn’s dark veil. He saw the roof of buildings around him, some shorter or taller than the roof of the building he currently hid himself and his dear companion in.

The roof was empty. Nakajima Atsushi knew that privacy was something but an illusion. He knew that his movement was watched, even if he didn’t know just how many people were watching him. At least Fitzgerald’s Eyes of God would inform the man of his whereabouts, though Atsushi hoped that with Mitchell returned to him the arrogant man would keep his word and focused on helping them finding Oguri rather than watching Atsushi break down.

Atsushi’s hands curled into fists as he shakily let out a breath. It was tempting, really tempting to just let his heart shatter and be swept away with the wind. Yet the tiger, his desire to live, would never let him just lay down and die. No, the tiger wanted to fight. It wanted to crush their enemies to the ground and protect the home they had finally found. With the roars of the tiger echoing in his chest and the presence of the quiet yet strong Kyouka by his side, how could Atsushi let despair claimed him?

With a lot of efforts, Atsushi forced his body to relax. He took a deep breath of crisp air, imagining a faint tinge of salt in the air. He opened his eyes, his sight now clearer without the heavy weight of tension and despair on his shoulders. Far on the east, the sky had started to show it’s myriad colors. Like a painter had stroked their brush against the dark canvas of the night, painting the sky with bright colors depicting hope in the midst of darkness.

Atsushi walked closer to the edge of the roof, hoping that he could at least see the Agency from where he was. The red colored bricks should be easy to spot, but even with the tiger’s enhanced sight, Atsushi couldn’t find it hidden among the tall buildings. His heart sunk at the reminder of the home that he couldn’t return to and he hung his head, the image of the three story building filled to the brim with memories burned the back of his eyes.

“It’s there.” Atsushi’s head jolted upward, his eyes widened in disbelief because he was sure that he didn’t hear anyone coming. Even the esteemed Hunting Dogs couldn’t hide their presence completely from the ever alert tiger. So how did—

“Oh.” A whisper left his lips, along with a breath of relief as his eyes caught the form of the man that had been missing for days. It felt like a lifetime ago since he had last seen his senior, but here Dazai Osamu himself stood by his side, his finger pointed towards something in the distance his eyes couldn’t quite see.

“The Agency. That’s what you are looking for, right Atsushi-kun?” the man grinned widely, like they weren’t far away from the place they were talking about. Like the Agency itself wasn’t torn apart by the hands of Dostoyevsky. Like the man by his side wasn’t anymore but an illusion conjured by his lonely mind, desperate to cling to the safety he always found within Dazai’s arms.

But Atsushi was too exhausted to doubt the existence of the man beside him, so he let his lips upturned to wry smile. “I can’t see it, but if you say so.”

“Aww, are you sure, Atsushi-kun?” Dazai’s voice was like a long forgotten melody he had unknowingly longed for all this time, even if the man was teasing him. “I could be just pointing my finger at random place.”

“I believe you, Dazai-san.” It was easier to smile this time, his eyes gazing straight at those warm chocolate eyes he had loved so much. “You will never lead me astray.”

There was a short pause before Dazai’s smile dimmed a little, yet felt more genuine than his mask of joviality. “You are probably the only one who think so, Atsushi-kun.”

The winds picked up around them, forcing Atsushi’s hair and belt in a crazed dance but barely did anything to Dazai’s hair and coat. There was a pain in his chest at the stagnancy of the sight, a gaping hole more painful than when Gogol butchered his leg. It would be easier to just ignored it and focused his eyes to the slowly rising sun, but the lump in his throat screamed to be let out, to give words to all the pent up emotions within his heart.

“I miss you.” The moment Atsushi opened his lips, it felt like a dam broke out and all of his emotions spilled all over the floor only to be picked up by the wind and whisked away to the sky. “I miss you and everyone. I want to go back to the Agency. I want everything to return to how it should be. I miss Kunikida-san glare and shouting. I miss Yosano-sensei dragging me to shopping with her. I miss Tanizaki-san and Naomi-san being all lovey dovey. I miss Kenji-kun bright smiles. I miss Ranpo-san whining for harder cases and more snacks. I miss Fukuzawa-san attempts to feed the stray cats. I miss Kyouka-chan’s cooking. A-and…”

“Atsushi-kun…”

Atsushi sharply sucked in a breath, yet his lungs still felt empty. He could feel the back of his eyes burned and getting blurry. It took every last remains of his will power to prevent himself from crying. “I miss you. I miss you calling me at ungodly hour in the morning. I miss dragging you back to work. I miss you dragging me away from work. I miss accompanying you on our sleepless nights. I miss your warmth as you embrace me. I miss your smiles. I miss you, Dazai-san.”

There was a whisper of touch just below his right eye. He rose his head slowly as that touch disappeared, catching the way Dazai’s hand moved back. Dazai’s forefinger was wet and it took a second for Atsushi to notice that it was his tears. Dazai’s smile had dimmed even further that it was nothing but a stretch of lips, his eyes void of everything but a chilling conviction.

“You will return to the Agency, Atsushi-kun.” Dazai had never promised Atsushi anything, knowing the fragility of incorporeal binding. Yet, Dazai’s words right now held the weight of a promise and the conviction in his eyes was like blood oath. “Will you believe me?”

Facing those eyes, how could Atsushi ever doubt it? The hope in his heart burned bright, like the sunlight that pierced through the veil of the night. He wiped away his tears, a small laugh escaped his lips as he smiled the brightest he had ever been for the last couple of days. “I believe you, Dazai-san.” Yet Atsushi couldn’t help but disagree of a part of Dazai’s words. His eyes hardened, like gemstone glinting in the light after being thoroughly polished. “But, it’s not just me Dazai-san. We will return together back to the Agency.”

Dazai blink in surprise, an excuse or joke ready on his lips but Atsushi’s stern glare stopped it. Dazai closed his eyes with a sigh, but when he reopened his eyes, Atsushi could see a trickle of warmth had returned to those empty eyes. “Alright, I understand. If my cute kitten wishes so, then I will try my best to do it.”

Atsushi’s glare softened and all that there was left was longing and adoration. “I miss you…”

The first ray of the sun had finally streaked it’s warm color and painted the world with a bright and soft yellow color. Atsushi’s sensitive eyes – his enhanced sight and also because he was just crying – couldn’t handle the sting from the bright light and he had to squint his eyes until he barely able to see anything in front of him.

“It’s alright, Atsushi-kun.”

When his eyes stopped stinging and the colorful dots of light beneath his eyelids finally ceased, he opened his eyes only to see Dazai had disappeared. There was nothing left behind where Dazai had stood, no footprints or even scents that Atsushi could track with his nose. But not even disappointment could bury the warmth of the hope that had risen in his heart.

Atsushi heard hurried familiar footsteps and the door was slammed open by Kyouka, her hair disheveled like she ran straight here the moment she woke up. “Atsushi! Fitzgerald has found the whereabouts of Oguri!”

Atsushi quickly approached her, both of his eyes and smile as bright as the sun itself. “Lead the way!”

It was another sleepless night, caged in that transparent box hovering in the air. But Dazai was used to sleepless night, a night of peaceful sleep was more of a rarity than his usual insomnia. It turned out to be in his favor, facing the ever smiling Demon caged in a similar box just across from his own. The distasteful rat also seemed to be used to nights without a blink of rest, since he kept smiling to Dazai from his box. Dazai was no fool, no matter how relaxed Dostoyevsky looked, he knew the Demon’s sharp eyes never left him and his even sharper brain never rest to scheme for his plan and manipulating everything from his prison here.

Dazai was familiar with the rules of the game, and how to bend the said rules to his own advantages.

Still, even as his brain continued to plot the counter of Dostoyevsky’s plans, his heart was elsewhere. In the midst of all the cruelty and ruthlessness of mind game with the Demon, he had left his heart behind with his sun. He knew that Atsushi would protect it, that Atsushi would keep it with him always, connecting the two of them with a bond forged not from Ability or material things.

Dazai smiled, an empty and cold smile reserved for his enemies as he coyly put his fingers on his chin. It was a habit that he knew Dostoyevsky was familiar with, but only Dazai could feel the warmth left behind from Atsushi’s tears. It was easy to remember the phantom warmth when every other part of his body felt cold. He pressed a kiss on his warm finger, a familiar taste of salt left behind on his lips.

‘I will return to you, Atsushi-kun. We will go back together to our home.’

#dazatsu week 2019 #dazatsu #dazai osamu #nakajima atsushi #fanfic #eiiii #finally managed to write something after 3 months hiatus #uhhh I swear this was supposed to be fluffy #but I've been reading too much angst lately #and it shows hahaha

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cutiecrates · 5 years

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Cutie Reviews: DokiDoki May 19

I was kind of disappointed in how my review for the TokyoTreat went yesterday, I mean, even though it annoyed me through various means I wouldn’t not recommend the box still.

Meanwhile, I was very excited for this one. I’ve realized that after doing two really big box reviews, I come to really appreciate the much smaller ones, DokiDoki and YumeTwins. In turn I feel like that makes me do a little better... maybe.

This months theme: Sweet Dreams

“Drift off into dreamland with May’s crate. This month’s theme, Sweet Dreams is all about getting you ready to settle down and get cozy for a good night’s rest. Oyasuminisai is the common saying in Japan to wish someone a good night, so this month Doki Doki Crate is wishing you sweet dreams and a good night!“

This month, the booklet features a fun illustration featuring Tomomi with the girl mascots of Japan Crate and KiraKira Crate having a slumber party. I love how they have cute crossovers between their brands like this x3 it’s a fun touch- did you know Tomomi’s boyfriend is the mascot from Umai Crate?

I also like how even though they quit making the comics, they’re still making original art now and then.

Suteki Crate

This month the Suteki Crate (special crate all subscribers have a chance to win, in case you’re new here) focused on the theme and stuck to the characters featured in this box. It makes me want to nap just looking at everything~

(and I just woke up like an hour ago...)

But I will point out that they have offered a Kirby Otamatone before. Probably a year back or so, I remember seeing it. Also, the adorable Sleepy My Melody plush goes great with the photo contest prize, a sleepy Kuromi plush~

My Melody Mesh Case

Our first item would come in handy when staying out of the house for the day, it’s a mesh pack/bag/case, which can hold many toiletries; hair brushes and accessories, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc. It features an adorable pale pink zipper to match the adorable patterned band around the bottom, which is covered in My Melody with some small forest friends doing various activities (and lots of adorable English phrases).

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

You know, I wasn’t ever into mesh containers like this, I always thought they looked kind of gaudy and they just didn’t appeal to me; but now that I’m older and I’m actually looking at one, it isn’t that bad. This would have come in handy when I was younger, I used to visit my grandma and spend the night/weekend a lot and my suitcase was always a pain dealing with. This could have lightened the load a little, or at least organized it better.

Also, it’s pretty big, I was able to fit in a lot of items and it didn’t feel too heavy or bad carrying. I did notice something though, the inside of the bottom section is sort of... thin cloth-ish, that kind of has me concerned that it might not be a good idea to get it wet, compared to the outside, which feels like it could handle that. Oh, I also noticed two holes in the mesh from the tag being cut, but I feel like it doesn’t really hinder anything.

San-X Towel

Also for bathroom/washing preparedness prior to bed or in the morning, we have a cute mini-towel featuring Sumikko Gurashi or Rilakkuma. As you can see, the Sumikko Gurashi group are out enjoying what looks like an autumn excursion :3 perfect timing considering it’s going on that season now.

And yes, it’s on one of my cats. He wouldn’t leave me alone while I was trying to get pictures, so I tried making him comfortable enough to go back to sleep.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Well, besides being cute, I’m always impressed when we get towels like this because I don’t usually seen any around here. We have slightly bigger hand towels/rags, but nothing like this. It feels soft and nice, so I feel like this would be ideal for washing your face, drying off the hair, wrapping around the shoulders, using as a hand towel; it’s also the perfect size for wrapping up adorable pets~

(also, I noticed that when held up to the light you can see noticeable tag holes again. Not a huge deal though.)

Pajya Shark Plushie

Of course when you go to bed, you need a cuddly companion by your side to ensure sweet dreams or to help chase away the bad nightmares~

This month, we have an adorably colorful, pastel shark. The name Pajya is inspired by the fact that this was made with common Japanese Sleepwear in mind, which is usually in various soft tones and made from fluffy, soft material.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I love fluffy-soft things~ and I also happen to have a fondness for sharks; it’s a weird combination when you think about it, but I love it! He is very soft and sweet looking, and he isn’t threatening or have any teeth, so he’s a good buddy for all types and ages x3 I admit, the sewing could be a little better, but it’s not bad.

(This box has made me super-sleepy~ As of now I’ve only been up an hour and a half >3< But it’s probably because I stayed up until 4am, and I’ve been hungry and didn’t eat yet...)

Kirby Eye Mask

As we prepare for bed, our next item is an adorable eye mask :D featuring Kirby or Waddle Dee. I have a few eye masks and I enjoy using them sometimes (they especially come in handy if you have a headache or just need to relax, unless they squeeze your head too much...) but I don’t use them too frequently.

The mask has a sleek feel and is thin and made from shiny material. It has a really stretchy light pink strap, and the inner-side is cloth, featuring a dark blue star pattern. It also has a small black nose flap...? I’m not entirely sure how that works or what its for, none of my others have one, but I assume it’s just for a little additional comfort or to help support the mask.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

It’s very cute, and I love the concept of bringing in Kirby for this sort of theme. In preparation for the review I was very excited to use this, and it feels very comfortable. Sometimes when I use eye masks I end up pulling them off after a while because they’re kind of uncomfortable or start squeezing, and I admit that this one felt like that after a while- but at the same time it wasn’t nearly to the same extent and didn’t bother me as much. The thin material makes it feel sort of breathable as well, which is nice when my poor nose is stuffed up and I can hardly breath as it is.

I can’t help but relax when I wear an eye mask, so I can’t imagine a more suitable item for this theme~

Kirby Night Light

Our last item is an adorable partner to the Kirby eye mask; a light! Again, this is another great and perfect bed item, especially if you’re someone you might feel a anxious in the dark or need a back-up light. It would also just be cute for a little desk light or something.

This requires 3 AA batteries (not included) and it is available in 2 styles; this parasol blue one I got, and a pink one covered in black and white old style manga or pop art Kirby. We all know how much I love pink, but I also really like the rain, and have a lot of fun playing with the parasol ability/item in Kirby games, so I think I’m actually really happy I got this one.

And of course I wouldn’t leave you guys hanging. I did get it working:

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The light is warm yellow (you know, the lights that seem kind of dim when you compare them to white lights? and yes I know it looks white in the pic, I had to brighten the image to make it see-able clearly) but still very bright; it ended up surprising me. I found it to be really soothing~

I also like the practicality behind this, if you didn’t want to use it as a night light you could use it as a backup flashlight (cause if you’re like us you have a bunch and they either die and you don’t replace batteries, or you lose them), or just to help create a mood- like telling spooky stories during a slumber party.

♥ Cutie Ranking ♥

Content - 5 out of 5. I have no complaints, I love these items :3 They’re very sweet and cute, and seeing them (and doing this review) makes me want to lay down to snuggle up with some of them~

Theme: 5 out of 5. I’m really happy to finally have a theme like this, I wish we’d get more bedtime items or themes. I feel like this is also suitable for all times of the year, and everything definitely went together to create a near-seamless box. I say near because some could argue well the bathroom items don’t count: but many people have a routine prior to bed, and some enjoy taking bathes before bed, so in a way yeah, they do count. Suteki Crate and the prize were also spot-on.

Total Rank: 10 out of 10 Cuties. I know to some people they might argue that a bedtime theme isn’t very exciting but everyone could use a little unwinding, especially at bed. I wasn’t feeling tired when I began writing this but I’m probably going to go back to bed when I finish. I didn’t have anything going on today and I fully plan to take advantage of that. As much as I liked our prior box, I love this one even more! Keep it up Doki Doki~

♥ Cutie Scale ♥

1. Kirby Nightlight - I love how it resembles an actual lamp x3 and I adore the pattern/print on both of the options. The glow made me feel relaxed- the only way it could be better would be if it had an actual rain effect or color change feature like my oil mister~

2. Pajya Shark - It’s colorful and sweet, it’s perfect for bed or just in a sugary sweet pastel setting. Very soft and cuddly.

3. Kirby Eye Mask - I kind of find face-themed eye masks to be kind of corny, but when it comes to Kirby it’s very cute! It felt really nice against the skin and I can’t wait to use it again (probably after this review).

4. Towel - It’s very cute, I can’t say the color scheme does all that much for me but I love how it’s fall/autumn themed and goes with the upcoming season. The cats really like it too.

5. My Melody Mesh Case - I think it’s sweet and soft on the eyes, but I know I won’t get much use out of it. I could use it now to do some organization of my items in the bathroom (or some others, which I’ll probably do) though, so it’s really practical.

#dokidokicrate #kirby merchandise #sumikko gurashi #my melody

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