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iridescentdove · 11 months

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Akutagawa, Mori, Kouyo & Higuchi x Elysia! Reader

Elysia is the Herrscher of Human Ego in Honkai Impact. She is a girl as beautiful as dancing petals, and holds the power which is comparable to a God itself.

Her personality is cheerful and sweet-loving, Elysia cares about her friends and everyone else dearly. She's elegant, unique, and is a person who enjoys everything.

Soukoku, Atsushi & Ranpo Ver. ♡ Decay Of Angels Ver.

AKUTAGAWA RYUNOSUKE:

He'd be a curious lad, although not seeking much of his own personal interest because ... Dazai.

Then again, it's not unexpected you'd find a way to make even this guy fall for you. It takes time, but Akutagawa sees and uncovers the truth later on.

Honestly, surprised. A God? Really? But how? He's finally peaked some interest to see it for himself.

Wait holy shit you're so pretty i'm not ready for this–

He's gaping. Your aura is imperturbable, so omnipotent and strong. Yet, it found a hint of peace and tranquility as he felt safe and not ... terrified.

You're nicer than he thought. Given as the God of Humanity, maybe he shouldn't have been so on guard.

From there, you guys kicked it on. Albeit, slowly.

Akutagawa of course finds you beautiful. He's stole a few glances often, but refuses to admit it himself. Wouldn't say it out loud. At least not yet.

In the fight with Atsushi against Fitzgerald, you had come right on time.

And that man was no match for you. Akutagawa couldn't even believe his own eyes. You were the embodiment of power and grace.

You fought and destroyed without an ounce of anger.

Just purely going along. And he found himself just falling the moment you came down.

He's staring, with a certain look in his eyes no one has seen on him before. Was it...admiration? Softness?

You two had an actual convo. And his overflowing joy as you praised him so much, with words he always wished to hear from Dazai himself. But now, did he care?

Akutagawa loves you.

And he won't take shit from others who say otherwise. Let's just say Mori had no choice but to approve.

Privately is where he shows affection. You'd be in your God Form that he's in awe of, and just sits there quietly with you with a hand caressing your hair and outfit.

"Dazai is proud of you~" You said one day, both of you sitting at the foot of the bed. And he knew that. But...

Akutagawa simply shook his head. "He acknowledges me. However, it's no longer him I seek acceptance of." His heart beats fondly at the warm image of you.

"...It's you. Only you."

Sometimes regrets dating you seeing you dancing to WAP at 3am with Higuchi and Gin

OUGAI MORI:

Man you know this guy only likes children 12 years and below that.

But who says you couldn't adopt Elise by force

He was most likely against it at first, but well, you're...Elysia. That's all i need to say. Mori did warm up to the idea but found the thought of you in the mafia weird.

You're too kind. Too sweet. Too...colorful. But you assure you were only there to take care of Elise LMAO

He appreciates you playing with the blonde girl whenever he gets too busy, so he won't have to worry. Plus, Elise seems to really like you! Then maybe he should, as well.

Silently watches whenever you do your makeup, or look around for an outfit you find really cute.

Finds you endearing overtime.

He'd definitely try and ask you to be Elise's mom, and the fact you know he's a pedophile so you decline lmfao. BUT HE WON'T GIVE UP AHAHAHA

Dude would just smirk and go along with his day. But not without asking again later on, probably.

Though you're not from the Port Mafia, you know enough that many get hurt or even die due to the missions being given. As such, especially if it's Mori giving out orders.

So you've decided to become support! Yay!

If taken out on dangerous missions, you'd come with them and interfere if you must. You can heal as well.

...Without half killing them–

Mori's seen your God Form, definitely. It was during that one time their precious Yokohama nearly bombed down to a crisp ._.

He's lost it for the very first time, the strong, head-on facade teared down at the last moment.

There's not a day this man stops thinking about you.

Elise is always coddling your time, laughing at your jokes and playing dress up. He's learned to be used to your presence, and hopes that you'll accept him one day.

Funny enough, you did. He's happy about it. Now, you can spend your time as a happy and chaotic family <3

Tried to take you on a dangerous mission but you came out with Akutagawa and Higuchi without a single scratch.

Mori, just give up. That's a God.

OZAKI KOUYOU:

You were the first to approach. Seeing as if there had been nothing else to do, you decided to talk to her.

She was pretty! And also found you rather cute too.

Both of you just ended up liking each other overtime and started gushing about Kyouka, but anyways. It seems that it didn't take too long for her to warm up.

After all, it's a big sister's duty. You both often went to taste some good tea and sweets around Yokohama.

You knew of Kouyou's past - that strength of yours coming as a legitimate God, but then again, you don't bring it up and prefer to help in her healing process.

She's thankful for you, and probably had prayed to you when Kyouka had disappeared. She's that trustful.

But then again, you're not like them. Why shouldn't she?

You're extremely beautiful, perfectly strong. The times she'd seen you fight so elegantly was a sight to behold. It would never get old no matter how many times.

Honestly everyone is double shocked because you just obliterated everything without moving a single leg ._.

And yet again, Kouyou is fascinated and overwhelmed by your God Form. She'll never get sick of seeing it.

The way you transform into it is so stunning too.

You'll often spoil her with outfits and expensive tea just because you want to, your roles reversed. No matter what, you'd always be taking care of her.

She appreciates it. Having you around makes her heart flutter a certain way.

You're there, showing her so much kindness and being so gentle it nearly hurt. A holy being as you deserved much more than her.

But again, you're assuring her no one else is as amazing and perfect as she was in your eyes. You loved her.

Kouyou could only smile so genuinely. So bright. So this is the light? It sure has been a while.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, after all.

ICHIYOU HIGUCHI:

Akutagawa who? I only serve under (Y/N)

She and you are honestly the cutest couple ever. Where are the Higuchi stans? Damn this is unfair.

Higuchi first met you when you invited yourself into the base with a...is thAT AKUTAGAWA?! DEATHLY INJURED? She found no words to say at that moment.

You had taken him towards the nurse clinic, but not before staying to check if he was alright.

Higuchi alone found that strange. You weren't in the mafia.

Then how the hell did you manage to get past security, get all the way up without getting ambushed, and somehow get to Mori's office in one piece?

She saw you talking to Mori. You were carefree, sweet, and even gave him boxes of sweets claiming it's for everyone.

...Yes, she approached you herself. SLAY BESTIE

Although she planned it to be a simple interaction. It was anything about that. Because of that day, she learned so many things about you she never would have thought of.

You're a GOD?? OF HUMANITY?? YOU KNOW LITERALLY EVERYONE'S NAMES, FACES AND LOVE THEM ALL?

The fact you also claim to love her, Higuchi just stops responding and goes red.

But by the time she realizes her emotions...well...

That happened.

Congratulations, you've earned a 100% faithful follower. Higuchi thinking 'mommy' everytime she sees you in your God Form is now canon

She doesn't even need to worry. You're strong in every way, and have the entire world on your side.

Higuchi has thrown Akutagawa away <3 bye bye Sanemi

All in all, she's literally become your number one fan beside the rat ass Fyodor. She's there for you, and you're there for her. The sweetest couple ever.

She loves complimentng you, while both of you sit on the couch watching TV late at night.

And don't forget cuddles and sneaking kisses. Top Higuchi

Man i love her sm, i got carried away. Higuchi believes that you were meant to be together forever, and that she would protect your life on earth no matter the cost.

#bsd x reader #bsd headcanons #honkai #elysia!reader #bsd x honkai #bungou stray dogs #honkai hcs #akutagawa x reader #mori ougai #higuchi ichiyo #bsd kouyou

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digitaldoeslmk · 8 months

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recollections of red and blue, or simple truths go oft-forgotten

it's been some time since MK's fateful encounter which changed everything, but Pigsy still won't forgive Wukong for what happened. Red Son is rather tired of this endless distrust and blame, and decides to remind the pigman of the kind of creature Wukong is. and maybe as important, the kind of creature that he used to be.

drabble where Hai'er sits down with Tang and Pigsy for a talk. beware the tags before proceeding. word count: 5.5k - AO3 mirror

"Alright, here we are. What did you want to talk about?"

The pig demon walked over to the other side of the bar with the familiarity of decades doing this. The few times Hai'er had been in the noodle shop, he could sense the love and dedication poured into every scratched bowl, worn balcony and faded tile. This place was the cook's whole life and soul, and he couldn't help but fix his jiasha a bit in respect before sitting down on a stool. It creaked a bit as it spun, and the pig man placed a cup of green tea in front of him. Probably from one of the thermos at one corner of the bar, no doubt, but Hong Hai'er sipped on it.

He had asked for a moment to speak with the old demon, given the past few interactions he saw between him and Wukong. While it was very amusing to see the pig try to get a rise out of a bodhisattva of all beings, it was also very distressing for everyone else involved, and this couldn't continue.

"You're a very stubborn pig." He said, dry and direct as usual. The human from the other corner of the bar choked a cackle into his fist, and Hai'er raised an eyebrow at him.

"Thanks, I work hard on it." Pigsy retorted just as dryly, but Hai'er had other immediate concerns.

"Are you sure he must stay?" Hai'er asked, nodding his head at the human.

"Oh good luck getting him to leave that spot, I've been trying for the past two decades and so far no luck." Pigsy replied, which earned a wide, stupidly cheeky grin from Mr. Tang.

"I see. You've out-stubborned him, that's an achievement." Hai'er said, directed at the human now, who preened at the not-at-all-a-praise.

"I prefer to think of it as perseverance, actually." He said, his grin gleaming in an insufferable way, and Hai'er rolled his eyes.

"I bet you do." He deadpanned. "But no, that one is just stubborn. Do you really insist on refusing to believe my uncle?" He asked, turning to the pig who was neating up the kitchen idly.

"Look kid, -"

"I'm older than you." Hai'er corrected, and the pig snorted, the interruption earning his anger and he rounded up on Hai'er, leaning on the counter.

"Whatever, kid! I don't believe him, and I never will. He can butter up the rest of these chumps, especially this one!"

"Hey!!" Tang whined, mouth half full of a half-empty bowl of noodles.

"But he can't fool me." Pigsy continued, "I know how important Sun Wukong is to the kid, but someone has to make sure MK doesn't fall on his face again cus he's too damn nice for his own good or safety, and if that someone has to be me, then so be it!"

The demon finished in a snarl that was all tusks and fatherly care. Hai'er didn't react, not at first, but he sipped on his tea again as he considered how to begin. Pigsy gathered himself in the meantime, swiping a hand forcefully on his apron with a harumph.

"Mr. Tang?" Hai'er asks, and the scholar blinks. He didn't seem to expect to be included on the conversation again, but he hums in acknowledgment. "MK says you know the Journey to the West from head to toe, yes?"

The actual praise, even if paraphrased from the delivery boy, has the scholar preen again, pushing at his glasses.

"Oh, I do indeed! In fact, I'm in the process of my own independent translation, with quite a few new footnotes that--"

"Then you know the story of how I got these scars, right?"

Hai'er's interruption grinds Mr. Tang's whole rant to a halt, eyes wide as saucers as he seems to catch up to where Hai'er is going. His eyes flick towards said scars dotting his arm and neck, and those are just the ones in plain view.

"I... Yes, I suppose I do." He agrees, shrinking into his scarf like he would like to not have out-persisted Pigsy about his eternal bar spot after all.

"Of course you do. Tell it." Hai'er says, in that quiet yet stern tone that leaves the order implied but very much not up for discussion. Tang sinks even more into himself, and the rakshasa can feel Pigsy glare at him. Mr. Tang clears his throat, uncomfortable.

"Umm... You uh, Wukong and Guanyin both tricked you into... sitting on a fake lotus throne, but it was... made of swords." He says, meek as a turtle holed up in its shell. Hai'er frowns into his teacup; that wouldn't do.

"Oh come on, tell it right. I've seen it, you're a storyteller, born and true. You thrive in it, live for it." Hai'er says, pinning the man down with his brightening eyes, black coals ready to spark alive with indigo fire at any moment. "So tell the story as you should."

The moment of silence is heavy and tense, only the sound of the electric static of the lightbulbs about them to break it. Tang swallows and accepts his fate in the center stage, bracing himself before he begins.

---

"There you are, you wretched primate!! Come to face your demise at last?!" The brazen demon calls from his throne of basalt. His grin is fangs and rebellion, blazing eyes like a volcano's heart. His armor gleams under the glow of his bonfire hair, licking tall and proud into the air. Hong Hai'er calls to the figure in the sky blocking the late morning sun, a sad sight on his pearly cloud.

"Wouldn't count on it, nephew." Sun Wukong replies from on high, barely managing the cocky grin under the angry burns and scorch marks he still bears from last they met in battle. Hong Hai'er roars in rage, flames whipping out of his mouth.

"I've told you already, you're no uncle of mine! I, Red Son, would never call family someone who bows down to his foes like a whimpering fawn!" He bellows, the pines and firs bending at the heatwaves of his rage. Wukong doesn't deign him with a reply, and Hong Hai'er summons his flaming spear to his side.

"Allow me to put you out of your misery!!" He calls and shoots himself into the air, aiming his spear right at the monkey's chest. The sage parried it with his staff, and they sink into glorious battle once again.

The hellion demon is no match for the monkey, but he makes up for his lacking martial skills with his hunger for victory. A tiger smelling the trail of blood of a wounded prey, and stalking forward to a meal in the waiting.

The sage dodges an attack and jumps out of range. Again and again, always out of range!

"Fiendish freak, what are you doing!" Hong Hai'er screeches, frustrated.

"Well can't say I look forward to you using your fire on me again." Wukong replies, and Hong Hai'er snarls.

"You keep up with this and I just might out of spite! You come here to challenge me again, and you can't even do it right, what kind of man are you!"

Wukong cackles, choking on a sore throat in the process.

"More than you, that's for sure, nephew."

His flaming spear tears into the morning sky like a butcher's knife, "What did I tell you, you disgusting simian?!" The monkey dodges the strike easily and sails his cloud into the southern horizon. "You...! Hey, come back and die with some honor!"

Hong Hai'er chases after the fleeing monkey in a scorching blaze, careless of just how far or how fast they are going. It doesn't matter, nothing matters, except getting rid of this pesky beast. To end Wukong is to end this pathetic journey of his and to earn himself his prize. A plentiful feast and immortality!

A halo of auspicious light appears on the horizon, but the fire demon doesn't slow down, hot on the tail of the wretched fiend. A little more, a little closer... Wait, what?!

Wukong is gone, vanished into thin air and hallowed light. No. No! His victory, his prize!! The fire roaring in his belly eats at his sense, consuming his mind as well as his innards as he screams into the empty air.

"FIGHT ME, COWARD!!"

His wrath melts into the cold air and casts circles of waves in the water below him. Wait, water? This is... not a lake, but an ocean. Water as far as the eye can see. Red Son blinks, flames and sparks slithering from the corner of his eyes. How far did he fly?

A sound not unlike a wooden bell rings, and he turns to see the light in the distance dim and coalesce into a shape. A figure in draping silks, veil around black hair, and sacred jewelry that seemed to glow of its own volition. He knew this person, he noticed, and his grin turned almost feral.

"Ah, Guanshiyin. What luck!" He greets brazenly, dripping with ego and bloodthirst. "Tell me where that sad excuse for a sage has scurried off to immediately, and I might just spare you!" He orders, pointing his spear at the bodhisattva, who remains still and unbothered upon the floating lotus.

"Hey! I'm fucking talking to you!!" He roars, all-consuming flames roaring from his hair and eyes and fangs. "I said, where's Wukong?! Answer me!" Again, nothing. The nerve to ignore him, how dare!! With a bellow, he slashes at the enlightened figure. The streak of vicious fire licks at the water's surface and missing completely its target, since the lotus is now empty, as if there was never anyone upon it to begin with.

"Where did you-- Would you vermin cease vanishing and FACE ME!!" Hong Hai'er shrieks, the Samadhi fire eating at his bones and simmering at his skin. His ragged breathing is like blowing into a furnace, clouds of smoke and inflamed qi venting from his gaping mouth.

"Heh. You flee from me so swiftly, could it be the great Avalokiteśvara can't face my fire?" He asks the empty air, voice twisted and crackling from the heat within. "Hehe, hehahaha, AHAHAHA!! Very well then!!" He gloats, landing on the golden lotus. His feet fizzle against the cool seed pod, and he stabs his spear into it with a victorious growl.

"If you won't face me, then I, Red Son, Bull King of the Flaming Mountains, will take over your fancy old lotus throne! HAHAHAHA!!" He says, sitting down on the lotus and adjusting himself to lounge cockily on the feathery soft petals. He might have missed the monkey and the thousand-armed one, but this was satisfaction enough. Or so he thought, not knowing that both Wukong and Guanyin stood right by him, invisible to his un-enlightened eyes. Wukong winces in quiet rage at his disrespectful boasting, but Guanyin simply plucks the sacred branch of willow.

"Foolish rakshasa. Bear now the consequences of your crimes." Red Son startles at the sudden voice, looking about him for the source, but before he can even sit up, the willow beyond his sight waves in the air and the lotus throne vanishes. In its stead, rest the thirty-six celestial swords of Devaraja Li. Sharper than any wind, sharper than sunlight in summer, they all pierced right through his resting body in the span of half a heartbeat.

---

As Tang finished the story, the silence returned. Both men regarded the fire demon carefully, who didn't miss how their eyes flicked to the scars all over him pensively. Hai'er sipped on his tea one last time, the cup now empty.

"That's right. It hurt like nothing I've ever felt before or since. Even so, I tried to remove them, but the bodhisattva simply turned them into hooks so that I couldn't. All I could do was beg for it to stop." He said, knowing that those two needed some sort of reaction. He had none to offer truth be told, it had all been so long ago after all, and whatever he had to say was not for their ears.

Tang fussed with his sleeves, clearly unsure of himself and what to say, while Pigsy simply stood at the kitchen, folding and unfolding a wiping cloth.

"I... I'm so sorry." Mr. Tang said finally, and Hai'er chuckled.

"What for?" He asked, amused at the response he got. "I deserved it."

"No you didn't! Nobody deserves that." Tang said, and oh the sweet guy, he believed it too. Hai'er could just smile with fondness at the sentiment, even if it was misguided. He always forgot that mortals tended to get the wrong message from those stories; no wonder so few have ascended or devoted themselves to cultivation of late. Too many new-fangled morals.

He needed to remind them who exactly he used to be.

"Tang Laoshi, have you ever smelled burning hair?" He asks, and he feels the glare Pigsy throw his way.

"I thought you wanted to talk to me, not Tang." The cook grumbled, but Hai'er ignored him much to the scholar's dismay.

"Please answer the question." He said, and Tang looked between the two of them for a moment before nodding.

"Well, yes. Once, it was this little mishap you see! Me and Pigsy were still young, he had only just started the shop and I was--"

"Turn that smell up by a hundred, and you'll know what the smell was like when Wukong got hit by my Samadhi Fire." He interrupts the man's story again, earning him a flurry of baffled blinks from the human. "A patchy half-charred monkey is actually a pretty funny sight."

Neither of the men shared in his humor, instead looking rather uncomfortable by the sudden somber turn of topic.

"Uh, Shancai Zhuren? Is.... what is this?" Tang asks, looking sincerely spooked and lost in what's happening. Pigsy looks just as lost, but his fear manifests in a tense back and a wide stance. Someone with some fighting experience, at least.

"I was a villain, Tang." Hai'er began, his calm and matter-of-fact tone only seeming to spook the human more. And he's hardly begun. "I burned goats and pigs to watch them suffer and the people lament their lost livestock. I extorted minor gods out of their offerings, because them losing their divinity was funny. I hunted travelers on the road for sport, to eat them at the full moon family dinners." He said, having crossed his arms to lean on the counter, a single finger tracing the edge of his chipped empty cup. He threw a glare at Tang who looked pale as a ghost. "I enjoyed it." He said, slow and deliberate, and Tang flinched. "I tortured my uncle, and I was ready to kill him. I wanted to more than anything. If Wukong hadn't gone to get Guanyin's help, I would have done it too. I was going to take his skin as a gift for my mother, as a coat. I'd have steamed the pig and seared the fish, and I'd have eaten the revered monk with my parents with sour sauce and a glass of rice wine. And I'd not have regretted a single thing."

Tang looked about ready to bolt right out of the service entrance just so he didn't have to get past Hai'er for the door, and Pigsy's tusks poked out of his twisted grimace.

"I did deserve it, every single blade of it." Hai'er said and saw the pig man lean from the corner of his eyes.

"What is this, free moping hours?! Oh, no pal, that ain't on the menu. You had better get to the point, or get out of my shop!" Pigsy burst out, jabbing a finger at the door. Hai'er l lifted a hand to placate the demon.

"I have a point. Well, two actually, but first of. You must have known all this. Doesn't take much to know that you have been overhearing Mr. Tang and MK tell these stories over and over."

"What's it to ya?" Pigsy snapped.

"And yet you trust me. I've only ever been a villain in those stories, and a dangerous one at that, yet I get more goodwill than my Uncle. You blame him for what happened to MK, but I couldn't stop it from happening either. What makes me special?"

"You're not making a great case for yourself, pal." Pigsy warned, but Hai'er waved off his threat.

"Humor me."

Pigsy regarded him for a long moment. With a sigh, the tension from his shoulders abated if only a bit.

"You helped MK. You called us, and you drove him here. That's, something. Certainly more than that immortal furball ever did."

"My uncle was in the Celestial Realm. Time dilation sucks." Hai'er retorted in a deadpan, and he could tell the pig demon was just barely holding back from throwing a spoon at his head.

"So what! He's enlightened or whatever, he should have known! He should have stopped it!" Pigsy said, poking at the counter so hard his large nails left dents on it. Huh, just like the floor of his home with his father's hooves. "If he really cared so much, he would have done something!!"

Red Son rolled his eyes at the response but sighed.

"Alright then. Humor me a bit longer so I get to my next point."

"Make it snappy, would ya?"

"As you wish." He said, and almost as a gesture of peace, the pig plucked the cup from his hand and filled it again.

"Even though that was the worst paint I've ever known, when the blades were gone all I could think about was vengeance." He picked up the story again, and sure enough, Mr. Tang piped in.

"Yes, you struck at Guanyin with your spear." The scholar said, and he nodded.

"I did. Because I knew that if I did, Uncle wouldn't hold back. I knew that if I struck at her, he'd defend her at all costs."

If the story from before had made the atmosphere tense, he was sure that the cook could cut it with one of his knives and use it for cartilage soup. The silence stretched and he could smell the moment the realization set in.

"You... You wanted..." Tang's voice wavered like a plucked string, and Hai'er took pity on the man and said it himself.

"I wanted him to kill me. I refused to be defeated and tamed by them, even if I had to die for it. Rebirth was preferable to captivity." He said, with the ease of someone who had grappled with that aspect of himself for centuries and made peace with it. Or someone reporting on the weather for the day, whichever worked. "And I would have too, but instead I got these."

The golden fillets at his wrist glinted under the fluorescent lights. Polished to a pristine mirror shine, unscratched and undented despite the wear and tear of centuries. Heavenly metal, not made to be tarnished my mortal means. His own gaze met him from the warped reflection on them, a familiar sight to him now.

"Master Guanyin saw this unrepentant, irredeemable creature writhing in rage, and she was going to drag it kicking and screaming into a second chance I did absolutely nothing to deserve." He said in a soft reverent tone, a hand cradling one of the circlets and feeling it warm under the touch.

The pigman snorted, unimpressed. "Is this where you tell me he's going to do that to me, eh?"

"I'm not done. The books don't tell this part of the story, so listen up.

"The first time I saw him again, I was gathering bamboo shoots for dinner. It oddly was the one thing Master let me do away from the groves, even though I had tried to poison her and the other disciples every time I got dinner duty. He showed up in my path, and he fell into a kowtow and begged for forgiveness for what happened. He said that I had left him no choice, but I could always call on him whenever I needed. That he would never shirk his duties to me as family." Hai'er told and huffed a little laugh. "I told him to get lost."

That at least got some amusement from the pig, though the scholar watched him with wide eyes, ever interested in a new tale for his collection.

"The second time we met, he did the same thing. Going on about how sorry he was, how he'd never surrender his duties to me or my family, that he... still cared for us in the only way he could. I was so angry still, so upset over my fate, and seeing him pleading for forgiveness made me so irate. So I kicked him."

Tang sputtered at that, "You did??"

"I did."

"How did he take that?"

"He didn't budge, but I broke my big toe on his forehead."

Tang suddenly spits out a mouthful of broth, caught between a cackle, a cough, and a lot of choking. Hai'er considers patting his back, but the man seems to gather himself more or less while the pig man complains up and down about the gross mess he made of his bar.

"Oh I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to laugh, I--"

"It's quite alright, it's very funny." Hai'er grants, waving away the man's apologies. It had hurt like a bitch back then, but it was his ego that was more hurt than his toe. He gives the scholar and chef some time to clean up a bit the kitchen and their pride before continuing.

"I cursed him out so much for it, too. I told him I hated him and I'd hate him forever, because he didn't even let me say goodbye to my parents, that I was trapped in those miserable groves and didn't know if I'd ever see them again." There's a knot in his throat at the memory of those uncertain years, but he pushed them aside. "I promised him that if he hurt my parents, I'd tear off my own hands and feet and head to get rid of those fillets, and I'd haunt him to the ends of the world.

"All he said in reply was that it was okay. I could hate him as much as I needed to or wanted to, it didn't matter, but he would always embrace me as his nephew no matter what. I told him to get out of my sight and never show his face in front of me again."

He could feel Mr. Tang's eyes on him, ever kind and pitying and infuriating, but Pigsy just huffed unamused but not unkind. To Hai'er, that was an improvement.

"And? What about the third time?" He asks, and Hai'er chuckles.

"Rushing the story, are we."

"Yeaaaah, he does that all the time, don't mind him." Tang comments, waving a hand dismissively much to the pig's disapproval.

"Well you're clearly on talking terms with the guy, so there must be a third time where that changed. So spill it."

Hai'er smirked at that, amused. The pig was the direct cut and dry type, which he could appreciate.

"The third time was much later on. I had grown a lot already by then, was much calmer and collected. I was past being resigned and just trying to live in this new normal I found myself in. I was making the best of it I suppose. Maybe even started to enjoy it.

"He showed up because he had crossed paths with my parents, which led to quite a conflict. In the end, Nezha had taken my father to the Jade Emperor for judgment. When I heard the news I was so sure my father was dead, executed long before I even heard of his arrest. I... I cracked.

"I was wailing on the ground and tearing at my hair, but then Wukong grew ten times his size and held me. He let me cry, and reassured me that it wasn't what I was thinking. My father was still alive, but serving penance. He had pleaded to Nezha and before the Jade Emperor himself to spare his life. I asked him why, and he looked at me with such open kindness and warmth. He even laughed a bit when he told me that as long as he breathed, he would not have me separate from my parents. He wouldn't break up our family like that. I didn't understand why he still cared for us so much, not when he was supposed to be detached from worldly ties and not when we had caused him so much trouble already. I tried to kill him, I wanted to, and yet he still cared enough to spare my parents. I didn't understand him at all, but it didn't matter, because I knew then that he meant every word of it.

"After I stopped crying, I asked him once he was finished with his Journey, if I should call him Great Sage or Enlightened One, and he said that just Uncle would suffice if I chose to. He's been Uncle Wukong to me ever since."

The ending to his story hung in the air, along with the lingering scent of stew spices and the buzzing of the electric lights. Mr. Tang looked ready to say something, probably of the awkward yet ever kind variety, but the chef beat him to it.

"And the point is?!"

"Pigsy!"

"The point, Zhu Dachu," Hai'er interrupted, "is that you can scream and blame and rage and whine and winge and kick and throw whatever you want at the walls. None of that will change the fact that my uncle cares for MK. And I mean truly, genuinely cares and worries for him, whether you believe him or not. Even if MK for some absurd reason decides to turn his back on him, shun and curse him from the twelfth heaven to the eight hell, Wukong will still, to the Universe's dying breath, care for him."

His gaze bore down on the pig, as if he could someone stare his words into the man's thick skull.

"That's my point. I hope you'll at least consider my words, though what you do with them is entirely up to you." He finished, leaning back in his seat and it creaked with the movement. For what it was worth, Pigsy gave nothing away, but something in the air had shifted somehow, whether for better or worse was too soon to tell. Regardless, he simply cradled his empty cup, now gone lukewarm from his hands.

Their staring contest, or at least heated sparring, was interrupted by Mr. Tang's not-so-subtle thorat clearing.

"That's very kind of you to share this with us, and we'll definitely take it heart, Shancai Zhuren." Mr. Tang said, ignoring Pigsy's grunt of offense on the "we" he tacked on his words.

"I think at this point, we can go with just Shancai, yes?" Hai'er offered with a small smile, not seeing the need for formalities with these two. Not when he's shared such a personal story of his with them.

"Oh! Yes, Shancai, thank you." Tang thanked, looking genuinely flattered and more than a bit close to squeeing for joy. Hai'er rolled his eyes in exasperated fondness.

"Now I gotta ask. Why is it Shancai for us, but MK gets to call you Hai'er?" Pigsy asked, seemingly done stewing on his story. Hai'er shrugged.

"That's just how it is." He deadpanned. No need to tell the man about how his son's glazed eyes lit with recognition once he was able to put a name to the stranger with him, how somehow ranting about the novel's chapter in a parched throat helped him ground himself to some semblance of normal after the horror he was put through.

Shancai wouldn't have done anything for Xiaotian then, but Hai'er did, and he didn't feel like breaking that connection. Not when somehow, Hai'er was someone Xiaotian trusted, and even liked having around. That's just how it is.

"Well, it is late and I think I've taken up enough of both your time. I shall leave you both to it." Hai'er said, sliding off his seat and giving them a bow. When Tang made to follow him to the door, he waved him away. "No need, I know where the exit is. And wouldn't want you relinquishing your hard-earned seat on my account."

Mr. Tang gave him a good-natured laugh at that, and he counted that was a good note to end on.

"Goodnight, sirs. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Pigsy gave him a short nod and Tang waved him goodbye, and with that, he was out of the shop and back into the cool city night air. Not as cool as the deserts, that's for sure, and for a moment he kind of wished it was. Brisk and bracing, enough to make his skin climb into goosebumps.

He did his part. Whether it would go anywhere or not, was out of his hands. But his ears could catch the two men's hushed tones past the walls, though he didn't bother trying to pick their exact words. He had a feeling he's left them with plenty to discuss in the coming days, and he was glad to be left excluded from the specifics.

Taking a deep breath, he returned to his car. He couldn't wait to be out in the desert, with the cool dry breeze to wash him clean from the day's affairs. No more broth spices, city smog, engine grease, bamboo sawdust, lotus incense smoke, or stardust metal and sticky copper and bile.

Just the sunbaked breeze of the sands and his thoughts.

At every stop sign, his gaze lingered down to his arms. Bandaged and glamoured, bound by celestial metal, scarred down to his bones. He was long past caring, vanity was a far away thing to him now after, but sometimes looking back at those memories stirred something in him.

Not regret, or bitterness or shame. He had faced those foes long ago and emerged victorious, with no small amount of effort. Not even nostalgia either, he couldn't miss those troubled days if he tried, not with the wisdom he now wielded.

Instead, he missed that feeling of realization. Held in his uncle's massive arms, almost drowning in his own tears, and realizing that he wasn't alone. He never was. He always had his uncle, even when he believed as sure as the sky was blue and the earth was solid, that he had no one.

He missed his family. How could he not? He missed the simple filial love of his childhood when he could reach out to his mother and be held in her arms, or jump on his father's lap and be brought to sit on his shoulders. It was easy as breathing then, for all of them, but those days were long past.

As clockwork, that little voice in his head muttered at him, peaceful and solemn as his Master's voice at lectures.

Let go.

He should listen. It was about time he did, it's been centuries and it's brought him nothing but suffering, and if he just let go then it would go away. He could finally fully commit to his Master's teachings, take the vows, and maybe join his uncle in enlightenment.

Instead, he pressed a few keys on his on-board phone, letting the call come through.

"Zhizi? What's up?"

He couldn't believe he was so damn weak.

"Shushu, do you want to have some tea at my place?" He asks, and there's an amused chittering laughter from the other side.

"It's been a while! I thought you'd never ask." Wukong replied, and Hai'er had to sigh.

"Me too." He agreed, his tone quieter than he had hoped it.

There was a quiet pause that he knew meant his uncle was staring at him across the line, and he took some comfort that he wasn't actually present.

"Meet you there, then. You better not skimp on me like last time, I know you hoard pu'er like a magpie." He teased, and cut the call before Hai'er could even reply.

Ah well, so much for detachment of worldly things. He had time. Yeah, he had time to do better and to finally let go of these illusions. Until then, he had his uncle and he could always call him for tea when the longing was like blades on his ribs. Until then, that was enough.

---

vocabulary

jiasha: mandarin, borrowed term from the sanskrit "kasaya". Piece of patchwork cloth worn by Buddhsit monks over one shoulder, once used to distinguish monastic schools of geographic origins.

wooden fish: a kind of bell used in Chen Buddhism to mark the pace of reciting sutras and prayers, often depicted in the shape of a fish.

Hong Hai'er: "Red Son/Boy".

Guanshiyin: full mandarin name of the bodhisattva Guanyin.

Avalokiteśvara: sanskrit name of Guanyin.

Devaraja Li: also known as Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li, chinese analog of Vaisravana. Father of Jinzha, Muzha and Nezha.

Tang Laoshi: "teacher Tang", respectful title for anyone who teaches.

Shancai Zhuren: "director Shancai", respectful title for someone in a high management position.

Zhu Dachu: "chef Zhu", mandarin dub name for Pigsy, also serving as a title.

Zhizi: nephew by the male line.

Shushu: uncle, father's younger brother.

#cw implied torture #cw mentioned cannibalism #cw suicidal ideation #lmk #lego monkie kid #lmk au #by the book au #lmk red son #hong hai'er #lmk tang #lmk pigsy #pardal writes

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peachymilkandcream · 8 months

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Break Me Slowly|Part 11|Yandere Levi x Evelyn

(A/N: I know this is coming out later than planned but I didn't have a chance to sit down and write until now, but I hope you enjoy the newest chapter!)

WARNINGS: noncon, dubcon, manipulation, domestic abuse, yandere themes, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, stockholm syndrome, violence, mind breaking, misogyny, etc.

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Levi continued to scribble on his desk. He refused to look at her, refused to acknowledge her. The silence was utterly uncomfortable, making Evelyn shift from foot to foot. She wanted to defend herself, find something to fill the silence and relieve the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. Right as she opened her lips to speak he spoke instead, making her jump slightly.

"After all I've done for you..given you a home, food, clothes, affection...you would try to dump me like I'm some kind of trash."

She was determined not to speak, although she had no doubt even from here he could see her lip trembling.

He stands in one motion. "Am I that much of a monster? You're so desperate to escape, I think I have every right to be upset."

Evelyn stares up at him, biting her lip so he couldn't see how terrified she was.

He pauses before backhanding her across the face. "Speak damn you! Why do you do this!? You disobey me again, and again! And then when you face the consequences you shut your mouth and cower, shaking like a leaf! Did you really think Erwin was on your side?" He scoffs. "Who do you think offered to help sell the lie. Your freedom came at the cheap price of my re-enlistment forms."

"Erwin cares about his soldiers..."

"Does he? He only cares about the greater good of humanity. It comes at whatever cost necessary. Yours, mine, even his lives are all just numbers. Statistics. You don't even want to know all the shit he's had me do in order to keep us on track. You're nobody, to anyone. Erwin, Hange, Eren, The Scouts, even that sad-eyed Braun. If any of them gave a damn about you they'd come save you. Don't you get it? No one cares about you, no one loves you." He pauses, taking a moment to run his hand through her hair. "Except me. I care about you...I love you...more than my own life. I would die for you, I would kill for you. You are my everything. You are the spring to my winter."

"If you really loved me you'd let me go, you wouldn't hurt me-"

"That's for your own good love..." He moves his head closer, kissing her neck gently. "I know you're unhappy, being a wife and mother is fulfilling, if you'd just be willing then think about the wonderful life you could have. Just submit already, submit to me.."

Evelyn couldn't stop herself, she turned her head to the side, letting have more access. She didn't want to be in pain. He had cause to beat her within an inch of her life, if just being willing for once would spare her the pain it couldn't be so bad. Just this once, one time pain free. She was just too tired to fight right now, even though she knew she should.

Levi took her slight movement as willingness, trying his best to keep his rush of arousal in check. He had only ever had her forcefully, while part of him enjoyed the fight, he truly just wanted her to submit to him. Sex without struggle was so much more arousing.

Her fingers found the buttons of his shirt, hastily undoing them and exposing his chiselled chest. Something in her just wanted to see if he really was more gentle when she gave in. Or if it was a lie to trick her into thinking the way he wanted her to. He would violate her either way, curiosity and a hint of desperation fuelled her to accept his embraces, accept his lips and tongue attacking her neck. Part of her liked being marked, it meant she was needed, wanted. Someone cared. Levi was a liar, but in this he had made a point, if her apparent friends did care about her, where were they? She only half remembered those words Reiner had said to her, begging her to come with him to a far off land, but he had never returned. He was probably finding a way whisk her away too and do the same thing Levi had done. They were all the same.

Levi pried off her clothes, he was so hungry, so desperate for her. He didn't want to waste a second and have her return to her stubborn ways of fighting him off. He loved her like this, needed her like this, he'd do anything to have it. Drug her, make her drunk out of her mind, give her those aphrodisiacs Petra had suggested, as odd as that was. It didn't matter to him, he just wanted to ride this high for as long as he could.

Against his normal instincts he was gentle, laying her down on his desk and using his discarded shirt to cradle her head. If she was willingly spreading her legs for him, he would uphold his part of the deal and be gentle. Even though everything in him screamed to shove every inch inside her without mercy. He was slow, took his time and let her feel every vein as he sheathed himself inside her.

"See what happens when you behave?" His voice was tender and loving as he started to move, slow and caring, actually giving her time to adjust and take in his length.

She didn't push him away, holding onto his arms to stabilize herself, her breathy moans coming freely and not forced from her clenched teeth. "Faster- please-" Her voice was little more than a whisper, but he heard it. Picking up the pace.

For once in their whole marriage this time it was about her, it was about him rubbing soft circles in her clit making her twitch, and gently flicking her nipple with his tongue. To him it was vanilla and almost boring, but the way it made her come undone so quickly made him not regret it in the least.

Normally she violently fought him off to avoid him finishing inside, begging and pleading with him to cum anywhere else. But this time she pulled him in with her legs, welcomed the hot liquid shooting deep inside her.

In the aftermath Evelyn hated herself for it, hated that she enjoyed it and so much. However she stopped beating herself up when she realized what this would mean, if she could just play along then Levi might let his guard down enough she could really leave. Escape at this point was useless, he could find her and he had allies she didn't even know about. If she pretended to be his housewife eventually he'd allow her more freedom until it was too much and she slipped past him. The moral side of her felt guilty for playing with someone's feelings, but after all he'd done to her morality wasn't something she could worry about right now.

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Levi was surprised by the sudden and drastic change in Evelyn, she allowed him to do whatever he wanted. She'd spread her legs for him and would act just like a normal wife should. It was suspicious for sure, but with his continued careful watch of her he would just reap the benefits of her change in attitude.

With her change in attitude came her freedom, he brought her out of the house more, allowing her to talk to and interact with others. She seemed to enjoy it, liking the interaction with anyone but him. When they walked through the street, she introduced him as "Her Husband", making his heart swell with pride and joy.

He proudly told Erwin of his feats in taming her, earning slight nods, merely listening in relative silence. When Levi finally finishes his rant, Erwin breaks his silence.

"She's not pregnant is she."

Levi hesitates, trying to get a read on Erwin's intentions. "No, she's not."

"A failure on your part of course."

"If that's how you see it."

"It is." Erwin rearranges things on his desk. "Which brings me to my point." He laces his fingers and rests his elbows on the wood surface, staring Levi down. "It's been some time since Eren has gone missing, so long that now the government is breathing down my neck."

"And what do your problems have to do with me?"

"We've confirmed Eren's somewhere in Marley correct? Your wife was good friends with him when he was still a scout, I want her to bring him back."

Levi scoffs. "Why not just send one of those brats like Mikasa or Armin? They're arguably closer."

"True, but not as mature, plus, my plan is to send her undercover. Posing as a Marleyian soldier."

"And when she gets caught? You just want her to get killed?" He couldn't hide the aggression in his voice.

"Of course not." Erwin pauses again, as if choosing his words carefully. "Your wife also made a connection with the traitor Reiner Braun, if she's caught, she'll have a sympathizer who might spare her life."

Levi stands abruptly. "Like hell I'll allow that." He quickly turns to leave.

"I'm afraid your alternative isn't much better."

He stops and turns. "And that is?"

"I'll expose you publicly for what you've done."

"Tch. And lose your prize Scout? I know a bluff when I hear one."

"At this point Levi, Eren is more useful than even you. If he can trigger even a small scale Rumbling to crush our enemies I won't have need for you ever again."

Levi grits his teeth. "Blackmailing me Erwin, I'm impressed. Didn't know you had the guts." He turns on his heel and rips the door open.

"Is that a deal then?"

"It's a deal alright you bastard." Levi leaves the room, slamming the door so hard behind him books rattle and fall off their shelves.

Erwin finally lets his smirk show itself on his face. "How do you like a taste of your own medicine Levi?"

#attack on titan #break me slowly #levi ackerman #levi aot #levi x oc #levi x reader #shingeki no kyojin #yandere levi #yandere levi ackerman #yandere levi x reader

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amelikos · 3 months

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Some character notes and episode notes for HZ044, writing them down for future reference.

Friede went to check the strange tower on the isolated island, and he eventually saw Spinel and his Pokemon there. He goes back to the ship and calls for a meeting. Different from how he reacted in HZ014 when he followed Spinel's Rarecoil and fell in his trap (and didn't mention it to the crew afterwards). This time, he is sharing all the information he has instead of rushing directly into things.

Back on the ship, Friede shows the footage he got and Liko recognizes Spinel as the one who stole her pendant and mentions that Sango (she used her name) said they were going to summon Rayquaza, so Friede assumes they actually have a way to do it (maybe by using a machine or something). Dot offers to make a shutdown program that works on any machine and mentions that she cannot forgive "that guy" (referring to Spinel). Liked that they still included their kind of rivalry, given that Spinel's introduction arc overlapped with Dot coming out of her room and getting Kuwassu as a partner. Dot got tricked multiple times by Spinel, and she wants to be involved this time too, because it's personal for her.

Friede suggests using a boat to get to the island because going by ship or on Lizardon would immediately give him away. Liko and Roy want to tag along as well. Friede is about to refuse because it's dangerous but doesn't finish his sentence once he sees how determined they both look and eventually accepts. I really like that they keep emphasizing that things are dangerous, makes things feel grounded.

Liko and Roy eventually go to the island and go through a forest to get to the tower, along with Friede and Landau. There are wild Pokemon who don't seem used to humans and they try not to stand out by not making any noise. Eventually they get to the tower and Friede warns Liko and Roy to be careful. The door was open, which makes Friede suspect something is wrong but he still goes inside and ends up being locked there. Friede tells Liko and Roy that they should go ahead without him. Liko and Roy are both worried but Landau tells them to believe in Friede and continue onwards. Liko takes a deep breath to regain her composure and they all decide to look for where Rayquaza might appear. Love the small moments with Liko being worried and her just taking a moment to breathe to calm herself down, it feels real.

Spinel and Friede get to interact face to face for the first time. Friede recognized his voice and referred to him by the words he used back in HZ014, and Spinel calls him by his name and professor status. Spinel revealed that the place was built just to imprison Friede. I just like the implications that he did all of that just to trap Friede and isolate him from the others and that he was going to wait for him there, which implies that he acknowledges him as a threat and wants to delay him. Love how cunning Spinel is in general, his strategies involve some kind of deception and distraction, isolating his opponents and luring them away, which he did with both Friede and Liko in HZ014.

Somewhere else, Sango is skeptical and asks Agate if their plan will really attract Rayquaza. She also wonders where Amethio is and calls him "bocchan" (very important lore, thank you Sango for the casual reveal). Agate says that they'll execute the plan without him and that it was Spinel's idea. Sango says it's a shame he's missing out and adds that Spinel hates Amethio. Onyx tells her to stop blabbering and to get back in position, which annoys Sango but she does it anyway. Onyx shakes her head at her www He really has to put up with a lot with her (but he still cares).

As an aside, Sango's words about Spinel hating Amethio were interesting... I wonder how much of that is true. Spinel usually keeps a lot of information to himself, so the fact that his supposed dislike for Amethio was so apparent that even Sango saw it? Maybe he doesn't care about hiding it, maybe he can't hide it because Amethio irritates him that much? Maybe he feels like that because Amethio is too honest and straightforward in his approach, which is very different from how Spinel acts? I think that for someone like Spinel, being anything else than "indifferent" towards someone is a feat, so Amethio is "special" on some level... (Spinel finds very few people "fascinating" so far, we know Liko being the key to something had him intrigued, and he's also interested in Friede) He did keep up with Amethio's training and observed it back in HZ034, and last time they both interacted, Amethio did agree with Spinel in HZ027... So I wonder what's up with Spinel potentially hating Amethio, and why he may feel that way in the first place.

Back in the tower, Spinel talks about the device he made. Basically a resonance generator which recreates the energy Terapagos emits when calling to Rayquaza. Friede wonders if the Explorers can beat Rayquaza, to which Spinel says that three skilled Explorers are on the job, so they might be able to do something. Friede says that Spinel didn't strike him as the type to rely on others, but Spinel says he is just using them. Very good banter and back and forth here, I love how we get a view of how Friede considers Spinel and how methodical and calculating Spinel is too.

Friede and Spinel are about to battle, when Friede realizes he can't use Lizardon in that confined space (which is also why Spinel lured him there). He decides to send Cap to battle, and Spinel wonders if he is being underestimated (just like Amethio back in HZ002, and Friede remembered Amethio said the same thing). Blacky going full out in battle was great to see, and Spinel's battle style was interesting! Blacky knowing Reflect (a move reducing damage) says a lot about Spinel's relationship with his Pokemon too. We got a small exchange between Friede and Cap during the battle, when Cap shows him the small crack made on the and lets him know they should use this to escape.

Back to Liko and Roy, they are looking for the Explorers and Terapagos reacts to something. They can all feel Rayquaza is about to appear and it does eventually happen. (The BGM used between 12:10 and 12:20 was great and I hope it ends up in the OST if there is ever one)

Nanjamo was shown briefly livestreaming, so I wonder if she'll catch footage of Rayquaza.. Liko, Roy and Landau head to where Rayquaza is, while the Explorers start attacking him. Rayquaza was shown reacting to the sound similar to Terapagos and it felt like he stopped an attack after hearing it, I feel like this showed Rayquaza's soft side in a way? Rayquaza appeared after hearing "Terapagos" calling out to him and stopped whatever he was about to do upon hearing that sound again, so he is definitely not indifferent to Terapagos's cries.

Meanwhile, Dot announces that she finished the shutdown program but needs to get close to the device to activate it. She seems hesitant at first, and Murdock suggests doing it instead of her because he is worried about her being in danger. However, Dot says she will do it because Liko and Roy are fighting too and she is inspired to do the same to be on the same level as them. While Murdock is still worried, he is both proud and supportive of her wishes and says he'll lead her there. (Dot really grew to appreciate her friends and is pushed to act, be braver, and go out of her comfort zone thanks to them. Her development these past episodes has been great to witness.)

Back to Friede vs Spinel, they keep battling and Friede eventually manages to use Spinel's moves against him and break the wall to run away. Their VAs were really good in that scene btw (loved the way Spinel said いかさま whenever he ordered that move, and the way Friede said "sorry, I broke the place~" was a bit too much... weirdly teasy-sounding too in a way, which I loved.. Makoto Furukawa and Yashiro Taku are just great fits for their characters and their acting elevates literally any scene they are in). Either way, Friede leaves and Spinel considers him interesting now and wants to play with him some more~ So he potentially got himself a new obsession and wants to know more about Friede. I hope their dynamics will be expanded upon in the future because they are intriguing (and quite similar in some ways? Given that they both enjoy researching in some ways).

Two other things I loved was the non-conclusive aspect of the battle and Blacky's reaction. I love that HZ keeps showing non-conclusive battles because they tell a kind of story too, and that Friede doesn't finish battles if he doesn't need to. The context of each battle he takes part in is always very different (which is why it's interesting when he does engage Amethio in battle and gets into them a lot, but that's another story), and the story doesn't force battles to keep going for the sake of it. It's not cowardly to prioritize other things and HZ shows that the protag and hero side can run away. Running away or using distractions aren't only things antagonists or enemies do, and there is no moral judgement made about it, which I honestly appreciate.

Blacky's reaction was also interesting because as Friede and Cap left, I think she was growling? Which potentially shows that she may have wanted to finish the battle and knew she had the upper hand (darkness being her element too, being trapped in there was convenient) and was confident about her skills. Yet, back in HZ016, Blacky immediately wanted to back off once Oliva came out so she knew about the potential danger then. I think it shows Blacky doesn't overestimate her abilities (backing away from a confrontation that might be too dangerous, and knowing when things are in her and Spinel's favor).

Back to Rayquaza, Liko and Roy do what they can to stop the Explorers. Roy thought of using Stomping Tantrum to make Agate lose her balance (quick thinking on his part!), and called Kaiden to repel Agate's Ultra Ball. (I hope we see Kaiden more in chapter 3 because his appearance here was short and quick)

Dot eventually jumps into the scene in her Gurumin costume and manages to disable the device by connecting her Rotom Phone to it, thanks to Kuwassu and Kanuchan's help. That's the first victory Dot had against Spinel in a way, since she could interfere with his plan somehow (I do hope there is more to their rivalry in the future, still). Kanuchan eventually starts crying since the whole situation was scary for her, so Dot comforts her and calls her back to her Pokeball. Liko and Roy praise Dot for her feat, so Dot hides her face with her again before accepting their compliments. (It was cute. She clearly was happy about their words but she was still a bit embarassed.)

Eventually, Rayquaza breaks free from the ice and salt crystals. Agate starts getting visibly worried (I liked seeing another side of her since she is usually so composed and seems like the most levelheaded of the Explorers compared to the others.. she also got worried for Sango later on). Rayquaza launches Draco Meteor which hits a bunch of stuff in the area. Sango snaps and charges towards Rayquaza to use Self-Destruct (I love her battle style and how unhinged she is). The move manages to hurt Rayquaza and sends him crashing into the Brave Asagi. While Orio, Murdock, Mollie and the other Pokemon are still on the ship. Liko and the others are horrified. (Friede's expression, particularly, was good at the end.)

Anyway, great episode! I missed Kureha Matsuzawa's writing (last ep he wrote was HZ032 with Lapras joining Liko and the others, and Lucius flashback).

#hz044 #character notes #episode notes

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hellcheer-heaven · 1 year

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Scars and All

Eddie survived the attack, but was left with many painful scars on his body. Chrissy heads over to the hospital to visit him like she did every day since the gang returned to Hawkins. They soon learn that not all scars need to be visible to be acknowledged, sometimes the ones that can't be seen can still hurt.

The residents of Hawkins were still trying their best to rebuild in a post-Vecna world. It was a miracle that both Dustin and Chrissy were able to save Eddie after the Demobats attacked him. Wayne stayed by his nephew's side at the hospital each day, refusing to leave even when he needed to rest up himself. Much like Lucas, he feared the worst for the one that he cared about so dearly. Eddie had survived, but he didn't come out unscathed. All of bites and lacerations left by those monstrous creatures plagued his skin.

Doctor's orders involved bed rest, taking medications, and lathering ointments on his damaged body. Chrissy would visit him each day and help lather his scars with ointment. Giving him a hopeful smile and news about what the gang was doing to help out those in need. He listened, but his mind was back at that horrible place. Waking up screaming in the middle of the night that those things were attacking him. Wayne would need to be held back by hospital staff when Eddie needed to be sedated for his safety. He would then be able to rest, but even when he slept he found himself back in the Upside Down. Witnessing those monsters rip Chrissy to bits like a pack of lions to a lone zebra. He tried to save her, but he was trapped by the dark vines. Forced to watch the only girl that he loved scream in terrible agony, extending her arm out and crying his name. Waking up in a cold sweat, his heart rate rising when he woke up. Everything was all the same, the only thing that changed was the formation of the moon just outside his window.

His room was filled with get well soon cards, homemade treats, and drawings from Will Byers. Even with all of the love and support that he was given, he felt truly repulsive. Eddie would forever bear those scars for the remainder of his days. He no longer felt like the wild and happy go lucky guy that he once was, or at least pretended to be. Eddie believed that he was a monster, breaking down and crying whenever he was truly alone in the hospital bed. No one would know or even believe the things that everyone in the group saw in that dreaded place. Much of the town was still against him, no thanks to Jason Carver who fanned the flames of hatred. Believing in his ridiculous delusions and continuing to spread such slanderous lies that Eddie had kidnapped Chrissy to be used a human sacrifice to the Devil.

Jason was the real monster here, Chrissy never saw Eddie like that. She saw a good man. Someone who didn't run away. Someone who was willing to be a hero, even though he put his life at great risk. Chrissy saw Eddie Munson. The boy who loved metal music. A boy who is kind and welcoming to outsiders. The most understanding person that listened to her during a difficult time in her life. He needed her and she needed him.

Chrissy saw Wayne smoking through a pack just outside of the hospital. Silently praying that this whole ordeal would end soon.

Chrissy felt her heart drop, "Mr. Munson is he-"

He saw the fear in her eyes, quickly answering her question, "Eddie's fine Chrissy. He's um... he just wanted to be alone.” Wayne breathed out the dark smoke from his nostrils, "He's been waiting to see you."

"You're not coming with me?"

Wayne took another inhale, "He wants to talk to you. Go ahead, I'll be here." Chrissy signed in and made her way down the familiar halls, remembering that sense of uneasiness when she was brought here in eighth grade. So sick and weak from eating so little, just so she could remain at a certain size that was considered ladylike to her mother. Her mother informed the doctors that she was eating enough, but she required more if she was going to be healthy enough to stand up. Laura increased the portion size of her meals, barely, but enough for Chrissy to at least make it until lunch time; that is if she wasn't already feeling sick to her stomach after purging that morning. Chrissy told herself to keep going, she had to focus on Eddie and what he needed. Her blue eyes glanced over at the figure of Max all hooked up to machines, a breathing tube down her throat. Lucas held her hand and spoke to her, his voice hardly above a whisper, holding to that sense of hope that she was still there. Chrissy's hand grasped the handle of Eddie's room, closing her eyes and saying a silent prayer before entering.

Eddie appeared the same as he did the many times she had seen him before. Exhausted and unhappy, and more than ready to leave this place. The once bedazzling sparkle that he had in those brown eyes of his had left as soon as he woke up in the hospital. He could sense her presence, but didn't want to look at her. Chrissy once again gave him a smile and some semblance of joy as she sat in the chair next to his bed.

"Hello Eddie." she calmly stated. "How are you feeling today?"

The same question that everyone asked him. How was he feeling? Well, he couldn't find the nicest words for it, but if he had to choose: Unpleasant.

She figured that it was best to cut to the chase rather than give him updates about the town, "Your uncle said that you wanted to see me."

Eddie grunted as he sat up, despite Chrissy's protest he planted himself at the edge of his hospital bed. He reached out his arms, a little whimper escaping his parted lips; Chrissy hurried and gave him what he needed. Embracing him in the sweetest hug that she could muster, it was all he ever wanted from her. There was so much more, but now didn't seem like the right time. He buried his face into the Hellfire Club shirt that she borrowed from him.

"I'm so sorry Chrissy" he wept, his scarred arms firmly wrapped around her waist. "I shouldn't have gone back. I'm such a idiot!"

Chrissy tried to remain strong, running her fingers through his curly locks, "Shh, you don't need to apologize Eddie. You helped save everyone in Hawkins. You're a hero.”

He shook his head, "No! I'm no hero. I'm just some moron that got lucky." Eddie grasped the baggy shirt, “I should've died down there."

Her heart quivered. Chrissy looked him dead in the eyes, keeping back her own tears, "Don't you ever say that Eddie Munson! We all went in there together and we all got out together!"

His tears streamed down his cheeks, he could see the whites of her eyes becoming red just like his, "Chrissy."

She quickly wiped her eyes before anything fell out, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you." She clenched her jaw, trying to find a way to speak around the lump forming in her throat. "Maybe you are 'lucky; but you know what? You're alive. All of us are alive." She turned around and held herself, her own tears coming down, "If you died down there, I would have never forgiven myself. And poor Dustin.." She sighed, looking up at the white ceiling, "You're like a big brother to him, he worships you. Just like he worships Steve."

He felt the strings in his heart getting plucked one by one, but his self loathing still took over, "Oh yeah, that's really great." His anger fueled eyes met hers, "Two people like me. How much more wonderful can my life be?"

She flared her nostrils, “What is your problem?" The nerve of this woman! He stood up and crossed his arms, "My problem? You really want to know what my problem is?" Eddie pointed his finger to the television monitor, "Have you actually been watching the local news lately? I mean it's not like I have a target on my back or something. Oh wait, I do actually, no thanks to Jason!"

Chrissy faced him standing on her tip toes to meet his height, "You think I honestly care what Jason says about you?"

He then began to put a finger up, more than ready to add more to his countdown list, "Hmm, why don't we break this down Chrissy? Number 1: I've been known by my alias as "Freak" as far back as I can remember. Number 2: Everyone looks at me like I'm nothing but poor white trash. Number 3: If you haven't already noticed I listen to music and play a table top game that 'supposedly' has links to devil worship. And last but certainly not least, Number 4: Your boyfriend, Mr. Wannabe NBA Allstar starts playing Televangelist with the press and says all this shit about me like I'm fucking a serial killer!"

Chrissy's cheeks turned as red as the blood pumping through her veins, "Well what do you expect me to do Eddie?!"

He clenched his fists, using his height to his advantage, “How about telling that fucking prick of a boyfriend to shut his mouth before I actually kill him! Oh yeah, then l'll finally be able to live up to my newest identity as a murderer!"

All that could be heard from the room was an echo. Chrissy's hand came down hard across his face, his cheek glowing as her opened hand shook. They said nothing, even when they looked at each other.

She took a step forward, her voice still filled with frustration, "Do you wanna know something about me and Jason? We broke up."

That last message hit his brain like a hammer to a nail, "You-You what?"

Her scowl was as sharp as a knife, “That's right. As soon as we came back, he found out about us. I told him what we saw and I told him what your friends told me." Her fists tightened up, "Jason told me that I was 'crazy' and that you warped my mind." She took a seat on his bed, "That's not the first time he's called me that. He's called me crazy for lots of things. Whenever I get upset with him for treating me like shit. When he isn't there to support me after my mom hurts me, blaming me for making her angry." She hugged her legs close to her chest, "I told him that nothing happened between us. That all we did was try to save everyone in this ungrateful town."

Eddie held her hand, his skin so rough against her soft flesh, "Chrissy, I'm so sorry.”

She sniffed, looking away from him and feeling so guilty for talking. He was the one hurting, why should she have to take that away from him? Yet Eddie was here to listen, "No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have said anything. Not to you or him." She sighed heavily, "He said that I was a liar and that I 'betrayed' him. That I ruined everything that he worked so hard for. She shut her eyes, "Jason tried to hurt me, so I hit him. I hit him so hard that he couldn't believe what I did." Chrissy took a breath, although it came out shallow, "I told him it was over. All of the lies and pretending that everything is okay between us, when it never was." Her sobbing eyes looked up at the boy with the scars, “I don't want to be with someone who makes me feel worthless. Someone who controls and decides what I want and when I want it.” She took his other hand, "I stopped loving Jason a long time ago Eddie."

He cradled her face, thumbs moving aside her tears, "Sweetheart...”

The guilt still there, quickly standing up and more than ready to head out, “'ll leave you alone." Her eyes widened when Eddie brought her back, keeping her body close to his. "Eddie?"

A part of his brain chastised him for not connecting the pieces together sooner. In the single week that they were together, more than prepared to face potential Armageddon with an otherworldly being, he never considered saying something. Absolutely anything to her. Just a simple question about herself and how things were going in her life. He could have asked her to elaborate more when Chrissy prompted him with her question: "Do you ever feel like you're losing your mind?" That was in the past and nothing could be changed. The hands of time cannot go in reverse, they can only move forward. Eddie was not the little boy with a buzzed haircut who was too afraid to ask Chrissy to the middle school winter formal. He wasn't the scrawny and gangly looking teenager who wanted to gift her a candy gram for Valentines Day, only to see Jason offer her a stuffed bear and flowers. And he certainly couldn't go back to ask her what she meant by losing her mind. There were many questions he wanted to ask her, but only one came up. All she could do was tell him the honest truth. All he needed to do was ask the question.

Eddie took a deep breath, gazing sweetly into her sad blue eyes, "Do you love me?"

Chrissy felt her heart racing. She couldn't give an answer, all she could give him was a kiss. One so gentle and so endearing, soft like a summer breeze and as warm as a fireplace in the wintertime. The world around them had no sound, all they could hear was music playing in their ears. Beautiful and lovely as the kiss that they shared. Eddie felt the edge of the hospital bed and sat right back down, continuing his embrace with Chrissy. Finally they parted, blue sky aligned with brown earth.

Everything felt right for just that brief moment. The sounds of the hospital returned in their ear drums, but all they could hear and feel were each other's breathing. Chrissy could see him and Eddie could see her.

She held him again, rubbing the back of his head as he looked up at her through his eyelashes. His bright smile lighting up the room, "Scars and all?”

She nodded, his smile was infectious and she showed hers to him, "Scars and all."

Wayne made his way over to Eddie's room, he hadn't seen Chrissy in a while. Some sodas and few bags of chips tucked under his arm. His eyes went to the window first before his hand reached the doorknob. The sight of the two of them in such an affectionate embrace made his old heart warm up. He was never one for romance, at least not since his youth. Seeing Eddie smile, an actual smile spread across that mischievous face gave him what many in this town needed.

Hope.

The scars would remain, but the healing could begin. It may take a lifetime, but the healing could begin. It may take a lifetime, but at least they could start and perhaps end it together.

#hellcheer #eddissy #munningham #eddie munson #chrissy cunningham #chrissy x eddie #eddie x chrissy #wayne munson #uncle wayne #hellcheer fic #hellcheer fanfic #hellcheer fanfiction #hellcheer fan fic

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putuponpercy · 2 years

Text

Content warning for engine abuse

So a while back I had an idea for a ttte story where there was this Railway on the Main Land that requests to loan an engine from Sodor for a time. I haven’t decided which engine it would be, but it was one that the Fat Controller believed to have felt underappreciated at the time - for now let’s just call them “X”.

Everyone who worked on this railway was incredibly kind and made X feel more than at home. Oddly enough, all the other engines working on there were faceless, which did concern X at first, but it also meant there was more of an excited buzz whenever X was in the human worker’s presence. By the time the loan period came to an end, the engine was sad to go back, having genuinely enjoyed working for them.

That is until several months later when that very same railway requests to loan another engine. The moment X catches wind of this, they practically beg the Fat Controller to let them be the one to go again, claiming that they already know the ins and outs of working there. Once again, the workers were very welcoming, overjoyed to see X return. And again when the time came for X to return home they were saddened at the thought of leaving. However, on X’s last day there, the controller of this railway makes a proposition.

He wanted to purchase X from the North Western Railway.

Obviously it was a big decision to make, Sodor had been their home for many, many years. He gave X some time to think it over. When X did return home, life on the North Western just didn’t seem as fulfilling as before. People weren’t as excited to see them as they were on the other railway. Whatever work X did in the yard wasn’t enough either, the human workers there showing almost no appreciation for X’s help. And an argument with fellow engines at the sheds during the night sealed the deal for X. Papers were signed, money was handed over, and a send off was arranged for the departing engine, although it was bittersweet given the aforementioned argument was still fresh in everyone’s mind.

Off this engine went to the Main Land, excited to turn over a new leaf. Upon X’s arrival at their new railway, something immediately seemed off, the controller barely acknowledged their presence and promptly put X to work. The warm, friendly human workers suddenly seemed cold and uncaring, snapping at X for the smallest mistake. All except for the engine’s new driver who preferred to silently get on with their work and turning a blind eye to the insults his colleagues sent his engine’s way.

It took about 4 days before X had had enough and refused to work any longer and when the controller arrived on the scene, X threatened to return to their old railway if things didn’t change. The controller just laughed and waved the paperwork that proved X belonged to him in their face. Even if X tried to return, the controller had legal ownership of them. He gave X an hour to decide if they were going to continue working or continue striking, the latter of which they would be severely punished for.

X was too stubborn.

60 minutes passed and the controller returned. Much to the engine’s confusion, the human clambered up into their cab. With a flip of the engine’s override, the man took full control of X and drove them both to the railway’s workshop. X began to panic, wondering if this was it. Why did they ever choose to leave Sodor? A couple of compliments and special treatment, was that really all it took for them to leave their old life behind? Sure things on Sodor weren’t always peachy, but they had friends, a job they loved, a caring driver and a controller who would absolutely not stand for any of this.

X’s worry lessened at the sight of paint cans being retrieved. A new livery? Surely that alone couldn’t have been the “sever punishment”. X was correct, as its eyes landed on something large and made of steel being lifted by a crane. A false smokebox, as the controller happily provided. If X did not want to comply with free will, then they will be treated as a faceless engine and made to look the part with the dummy smokebox completely engulfing the engine’s face. X begged and pleaded, saying that they would be good, they would comply. But it was too late, their voice unable to penetrate their new prison.

X didn’t see the sun again for a very long time.

Close to a year later Henry was out pulling the Kipper when something collided with the back of his train. A couple trucks were damaged but Henry and his driver were otherwise unarmed. His driver and guard went to inspect the situation. There shouldn't have been any other trains on this line at that time.

And yet, there on its side lay a faceless engine.

#ttte #X is not an oc #I just keep going back and forth over which character it would be #I'm sorry if the writing is garbage i needed to spit this out before I forget about it for another several months #this idea has been with me since earlier 2021 #and where I originally put the manual override in my universe #why do i always choose to do writing when i don't feel well lmao

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nekropsii · 2 years

Text

Cronus’s relentless, rapidly-changing attention-seeking behaviors, which manifest even in changes of identity, occurring ever since his childhood speak to some kind of deep-seated mental health issues.

Content Warning: Long, Discussion of Abuse, Toxic Behavior, Identity Issues, and Hemoloyalty.

On one hand, you have to acknowledge he feels extremely entitled to this attention, and does genuinely feel he deserves it purely for existing, but also the way he goes about trying to acquire this attention he so desperately craves is very… Well, concerning. It’s unhealthy for him, and downright toxic for others.

It’s interesting, a lot of the time when I see people try and tackle Cronus, they fail to realize that wanting attention isn’t that abnormal of a trait. Wanting attention is very human, and there are certain situations where feeling somewhat entitled to it is pretty warranted. The reason he’s shitty isn’t really because he wants attention and feels entitled to it, it’s more like… the supposed reason of why he feels so entitled to it in the first place is really shitty, and the way he goes about it is even worse. It’s completely steeped in a disgusting level of Hemoloyalty- because he’s Royalty by Blood Color, he feels himself to be inherently superior to others. His interactions with other people- and the ways he treats the concept of their attention and affections- are incredibly dehumanizing in a way most people can’t fathom replicating.

He’s like a spoiled child who couldn’t get the toy he wanted, and each rejection is like him getting told “No” for the first time. The way he acts extends far past a desperate desire to be Loved. It’d be far more accurate to say he has a desperate desire to be Worshipped. Really, I don’t at all think finding someone willing to have a Romantic and/or Sexual Relationship with him would fix him, or make him a better person. That… Just doesn’t make sense, considering his pattern of behavior. I don’t think he understands that Respect and Relationships aren’t just his for the taking- they’re a constant equal Give and Take. What he’s after isn’t a 50/50 Effort, because I don’t think he’s ever understood that he needs to put effort in to get what he wants in the real world. He doesn’t want Love, he kind of just wants someone to worship the ground he walks on purely because he exists.

The ways he goes about attempting to acquire what he wants are really unhealthy for everyone involved, including him, and they do not help his case. If he can’t get it immediately by virtue of existing, he tries to take it by force. If that doesn’t work, he tries to win pity points in order to make them feel bad enough for him that they’ll maybe, possibly, go out with him. If that doesn’t work, try the force option again. Rinse and Repeat.

This whole “rapidly shifting from identity to identity, to hobby to hobby, to behavior to behavior, to aggression and harassment” thing is genuinely not a normal trait. He seems deeply, hopelessly out of touch with how people and social situations work. He’s out of touch, and the more he’s in denial of this, the more he’s destroying everyone’s faith in him as a person. I don’t think he even cares about people’s faith in him anymore- or, at least, he tries not to. He’s long since completely given up on ever even trying to be a good person.

Maybe his refusal to change comes from that disordered thought that All Attention Is Good Attention. Maybe it comes from the fact that he’s afraid of Introspection and Reexamination of The Self. Maybe it comes from an idea that he’s already done so much harm that there’s no point to changing now. Maybe it’s a mix, and maybe it’s none.

At the end of the day, Cronus is a jaded, socially inept, deeply troubled, deeply entitled person with a menagerie of unhealthy and toxic traits and behaviors. He’s a coward who’s lethally afraid of consequences, and he’s a coward for hurting everyone around him in the first place. He’s spoiled to the point of hopelessness, and he views his peers as objects with feelings to be bought. And it’s important to remember, while he is a pitiful, pathetic person, pity should not bleed into affection. And if it does, you fell for the trap.

#i don’t quite know what his deal is but he has a deal alright #feel free to speculate #i just wanted to ramble #no one really pays attention to the fact that YES he sucks and is a bad person. these are objective facts #but also something is DEEPLY FUNDAMENTALLY WRONG WITH HIM #and the core of those issues are his entitlement #homestuck #homestuck analysis #alpha trolls #beforan trolls #dancestors #cronus ampora #cronus.pdf #nekro.pdf

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nekooverlord26 · 2 years

Text

The wind was strong and chilling, especially on the mountain cliff you stood on. Your white dress fluttered; your hair swished; you ignored this, too far lost in your own thoughts. Why did you even bother coming? You knew you couldn’t defeat him, if [???] and {???} couldn’t… then how could you? Even with their powers combined you wouldn’t even be able to land a single blow. You clench your fists, what's the point of being a deity? What's the point of all these powers if you can’t do anything with them?

Your mind wandered back to the man before you. He stood at the precise, back turned, staring at the sun setting in the horizon. How is it that an image in which one week ago would have made your heart flutter now only made you feel disgust? This had been your secret paradise together, perhaps that is why he chose to meet you here; just one last way of taunting you.

You took a step forward, leaves and twigs crunched underfoot alerting the mortal to your presence. Or perhaps he had known you were there the whole time and is only just now acknowledging you. He opened his mouth as if to speak but you beat him to it.

“How long?” You tried to keep your voice strong but it wavered at the end. The man smirked; your anger, your helplessness, your sadness, it amused him. At this point you didn’t have the luxury to care that it did. If you couldn’t fight him, then you would at least get some answers. “For how long did you plan this? Was everything a lie from the start?”

“You never did think things through did you?” You didn’t have time to process the man’s words. As soon as he finished speaking chains rose from the ground, they wrapped around your limbs forcing you to your knees.

“You should have attacked while my back was turned. I never would have expected it, it could have given you the chance you needed to win.” He took measured steps forward, finally coming to kneel in front of you. His left hand rose up, lifting your chin up, forcing you to match his gaze. “Though that wouldn’t have been very honorable, would it? I always knew your integrity would get you hurt one day, if not that then your kindness; though I guess that was what made me love you in the first place.” His hand no longer held your chin, instead it moved to pat your cheek in the condescending way one would do to a child.

Anger flared in your eyes but the man ignored the embers in favor of standing. His back was once again turned away from you, maybe this was supposed to symbolize his betrayal. Symbolism, metaphors, poets love those sorts of things, don’t they?

The chains around you loosened, he was allowing you to stand. Allowing you. You clenched your fists as you did so, you almost remained on the ground, not wanting to accept his “generosity” but you didn’t want to have to look up to him.

“You never loved me!” You growled through clenched teeth. Tears welled up in your eyes but you refused to let them fall. Weren’t you already pathetic looking enough.

“If only you knew how false that statement is.” He sighed, clasping his hands behind his back.

“What?” He doesn’t love you, he never did, you’re sure of it.

“You’re wrong; I did love you. Even now these feelings linger, you were supposed to die tonight but it seems I can’t bring myself to do it. Perhaps, instead I could imprison you in a magical barrier. However with a spell such as this one, there is the drawback of the spell not being permanent, so it will wear off …eventually.” You growled, you never knew you could make such angry noises.

The human continued as if he didn’t hear you. “Of course once you are within civilization again your magic would return to you, but a simple shapeshift spell would keep any sane human away from you when you return.” How dare he! He claims that he loves you, yet he wants you powerless, forgotten, feared, until the day your SOUL shatters and you cease to exist.

“You’re despicable! The worst creature to have ever crawled the Earth!” He laughed, finally turning to look at you again.

“You flatter me.” He smiled moving to stand in front of you again, the look in his eyes the same as when he first said he loved you. His hand reached for your face but unlike the first time, he did it gently, lovingly. You flinched.

“You’ll never believe me but I truly did love you.” His face closed in, lips touching yours. You wanted to be angry, to bite his lip, scream at him, anything! But you couldn’t, the kiss was just as gentle as the first time, when you both realized you loved the other. The tears finally spilled, easing the headache you didn’t realize you had from keeping them in.

You grew tired, eventually falling into a deep sleep. When you awoke you were in a magical prison, powerless, hopeless, and in the form of a fearful beast; a dragon. One day you will escape this prison but for now… you sleep.

#writers #writers on tumblr #writeblr #ao3 writer #writing #goddess #betrayel #I wrote I guess

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atlas-of-a-human-soul · 3 years

Text

Draw your swords, pt. 5

Summary: A very special dinner brings a very special moment for the Darkling and his wife.

Warnings: angst, sexual innuendoes, swearing, bit of fluff

Part one // Part two // Part three // Part four

=================================

She felt caught in the riptide, finding it hard to stay upright. As the daughter of a general, Y/N had seen so many evils, so much hurt, yet she never buckled under pressure.

Staring at the empty spot beside her, she laid there while battling shadows in her head. So filled with rage, she wondered who she’s becoming as a part of her longed to feel his touch. Perhaps he was right, she’s a foolish girl who is trying to win a game where the rules are nonexistent.

Having stayed awake most of the previous night, she didn’t expect trouble sleeping. With a heavy sigh, she abandoned the bed they shared – it felt too intimate to remain there now. They’ve only ever kissed and it was never planned nor did it happen in the very bed she felt is so incredibly vast, so lonely and cold when he didn’t stay there with her.

Pacing the room as she saw his shadow do the night before, Y/N couldn’t help but wonder if he had trouble sleeping alone too. It was less than a full week since they married and she already cursed the smallest part of her that seemed to care for him.

Men are easy to love. A woman’s heart was made to care and love those near her. Mistaking love and trust is what a woman should never do. Love and trust are separate entities, one is given, the other must be earned.

Remembering her mother’s words eased her self-loathing. If she dared to love the Darkling, it wasn’t entirely under her control. Trusting him was different. She wasn’t as naïve as to allow the echoes of her heart dictate what her mind long acknowledged – he isn’t trustworthy.

And as the stars rise in the sky, she paced the room tirelessly. Arguing with herself, she paid no mind to the night sky she loved so much. If she had, Y/N might have realized a man with dark skies for eyes had trouble looking away from her shadow.

Exhausted, Y/N rose with the dawn. She had barely scraped up a few hours of decent sleep, tormented by his words even in dreams.

“Enter”, she yawned as Genya readily walked inside. The maids rushed to the bed, willing to change the bed sheets they couldn’t last time as Y/N had sent them away.

“Stop!” She exclaims as they reach Kirigan’s side of the bed, a slightly panicked look on her face relaying uncontrollable desires she had no chance of understanding.

Frowning, Genya licked her lips. While Y/N wasn’t sure what caused her outburst, she believed to know the root. “Leave us. You will be asked to change the sheets when Y/N desires it.”

Swallowing thickly, Y/N turned away. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be”, Genya mussed. “We have a dinner to prepare you for.”

“Yes, of course.” Y/N managed a smile, briefly looking to Genya. “I’ll be alone which gives me a perfect chance to find new allies.”

Blinking fast, Genya’s frown deepened. “I’m not sure who could ally with us in the Palace. Everyone’s charmed by our General. If you’d just work with him, they would all be with you too.”

“He works for the emperor.” Y/N reminded her.

Running her hands through her hair, Y/N didn’t know if she could ever trust him enough to tell him the truth. Her plans, her fight, it’s her life’s work. She came into that palace with intention of burning it down. The emperor must die and anyone else who’d fuel the flames of war must perish along with him. The war had claimed her mother’s life, of thousands of humans and Grisha alike, Y/N aimed to end it. And to end it, she had to destroy those who started it, those who refused to implement equality between species, as Kirigan called them. Humans and Grisha must be seen equally worthy, they must ally or they will be exterminated like vermin by surrounding enemies.

She grieved for her mother every day, even now as a decade had passed. Grief is really just love one cannot give to the other. It’s all the unspent love, gathering in the corners of her eyes, the lump in her throat and inside the hollowed heart that’s trying to beat in her chest. If her sorrow was but snow that could melt with coming spring, she’d shake it off her shoulder and be done with it. It doesn’t just disappear or heal with time, she could not just let it go and forgive. Y/N survived the loss of her mother by making a vow, one she was closer to fulfilling.

“Should I prepare your usual kefta?” Genya asked, holding the blue one over her forearm.

Shaking her head, Y/N turned to her with a smile. If she wants to succeeded, she must use all weapons at hand. Being the General’s wife is one of the weapons at her disposal.

“I was thinking about a different color for tonight.”

“How different are we talking?”

Smirking, Y/N’s eyes flickered to Kirigan’s kefta. “Black.”

“No one wears black but Kirigan”, Genya reminds her.

“Until he married. I believe I’m allowed to wear his color.”

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Genya sighed heavily. “Alright. As long as you allow me to make a few modifications.”

Anticipating the dinner, Y/N felt like a goddess in the kefta Genya had crafted for her. It fit her perfectly, adjusted just above the waist as it properly accentuated her curves. The closed collar wrapped around her neck, fallen stars creating a golden woven blaze as a necklace, while moondust adorned the long, skin tight lacey sleeves. The bottom acted as a floor length dress with a long slit revealing skin up to middle of her thigh.

Entering the room with her head held high and Genya on her hand, Y/N felt even more confident about the eclipsed sun stitched across her heart. It was bound to attract attention if the rest of her makeshift kefta inspired dress didn’t.

The moment she took a step inside, everybody’s head turned. The chatter died down, replaced by astonished gasps of pure awestruck admiration.

“I believe you’ve created a masterpiece”, Y/N whispers to Genya whose smile widens.

“You are what makes it so spectacular”, Genya winks.

“Don’t be modest. We both know it’s not in your nature.”

Giggling, Genya nods, “You’re right. I’m brilliant and this”, she steps aside to give her a once over again, “You are proof.”

Pursing her lips, Y/N felt her cheeks darken. Her plan was to draw attention so any potential ally she speaks to would be more inclined to accept her request, but she didn’t expect for everyone to stop and stare.

Tugging her by the arm, Genya pulled her closer. “You’ll never guess who is here”, she spoke in a hushed tone, looking to the left as the rest of the guests began speaking again and the music played softly in the background.

Following her line of view, Y/N’s heart came to a near stop as her eyes locked on his.

“Wasn’t he supposed to leave last night?” Genya whispers, but Y/N could hardly speak.

Breath caught in her throat, Y/N stared back at Kirigan who seemed to be just as breathless. She looked like a dream, a golden bird that carried all the happiness of the world on its wings.

“He didn’t”, Y/N looked away, knitting her eyebrows. “Why didn’t he”, she tried to finish her initial thought, but she couldn’t. If she spoke of the sudden ache that settled after the initial shock of his presence dispersed, she’d hate herself more. She’s weak if her feelings are hurt by a single night spent alone in a bed. She was certain now. She is foolish.

“You won’t be able to network tonight”, Genya’s frown made Y/N chuckle.

“You’ve been frowning so often since we met.”

Shrugging, Genya leaned in discreetly. “I can afford a few worry lines. I’ll just erase them later.”

Playfully rolling her eyes, Y/N smiled brightly. She would not allow Kirigan to dampen her mood. He can stay on his side of the room and she won’t spare him a single glance.

“I’ll test the waters”, Genya promised, “If I find anyone that we can work with, we can test their loyalty later.”

Glancing over Y/N’s shoulder, Genya’s eyes widened ever so slightly.

Frowning lightly, Y/N glanced at what has her so perplexed only to huff in frustration.

“Black suits you”, the Darkling compliments her. Holding out a hand for her to take, he glances at his open palm before raising his brow. He’s challenging her.

Looking around, she realizes everyone’s waiting for her reaction. As he told her once before, they may not be a love match, but their arrangement must seem successful to the unsuspecting eye.

“Dance with me and pretend they don’t exist”, his voice softened and she couldn’t believe this is the same man who so cruelly baited her, branding her as foolish earlier. How can he act as if nothing happened when she was still reeling from it? Not that he’d know, she always put care in every move she made around him.

She placed her hand on the palm of his, holding her breath as she chained her gaze to the abyss in his. There’s no going back, she thinks, nearly shuddering as he places his free hand on her hip.

“I thought you were gone by now”, she mussed. Choosing to take control of the conversation, she kept her neck straight as it secured a proper distance between their faces.

“We had a slight delay”, he said, “I’ll be gone tonight.”

Humming, she swallowed thickly. Avoiding looking at others, she remained in a staring match with her husband.

“How did you sleep?” The Darkling smirked, watching her eyes narrow at him.

“Quite well. Did you enjoy sharing your bed with someone else?” While her voice seemed cold and unattached, her words were anything but.

“Do I detect a hint of jealousy there?” Pursing his lips, he nearly laughed as she stepped on his foot. “I’ll take that as yes.”

“I’m merely concerned how it would look if word of you sleeping elsewhere got out. I prefer my pride and honor untouched and if you choose to find a lover, I should assume you’ll be discreet.”

Licking his lips, the great general didn’t laugh at her or sneer. There was no angry squinting or vile words. For once, he had a serious expression on his face that had nothing to do with the army or their arguments.

“I’m not the kind who would seek a lover while married. Even if the marriage is a mere arrangement.”

Scoffing, she clenched her jaw as he pulled her waist closer to him.

“How many lovers have you taken?”

He raised a brow, “That’s a horrible question.”

“Because you lost count?” She narrows her eyes, the lips he found himself so fascinated with formed a thin, red line.

He doesn’t respond, so she tried again, “Why have you not married before?”

Now he looked amused, “That’s even worse!”

Shrugging, she smirks, “Well, ask me a question then! If all mine are so awful, let me hear yours.”

“Do you think I’m a very good liar or a very unlovable being?” Slowly pulling her body flush against his, Darkling looked deep into her eyes. “I’ve never loved anyone and I’ve manipulated everyone who has fallen in love with me. So?” Inhaling sharply, he watched a disarray of emotions cross her face as he asked again, “Liar or unlovable?”

“A liar. Because you are lying, not just to me but yourself.” Her breathing is shallow, strained even. “You have a heart, General, but you’re cowering like a scared little boy instead of just facing the facts.”

“And what are those?” His voice is darker as are his intentions.

If they were alone, she was certain he’d be kissing her lips now. For some reason, it seemed he enjoyed their arguments. He liked it when she fought him almost like he didn’t know any other form of affection.

“That you care. You care and you hate yourself for it.” Stopping their dance, she managed a faint smile. “But don’t worry, I’m not spending my time waiting for you to accept it.”

Brushing his fingers across the left side of her face, he cocked his head ever so slightly, “Is it possible you’ve got this all wrong? From where I stand, you’re the one who cares – perhaps a bit too much? Let me remind you, this marriage is a sham. You are my wife, but I do not love you, I do not care for you and if you were killed right in this very spot, I would avenge you but solely for the arrangement to remain unsullied.”

Nodding, more to herself than him, she took a step back from him. For the first time ever, she drew back. “For once, we’re on the same page of the same book.”

The music stops. Looking to the man clinking his glass, Y/N’s lips part. She didn’t even realize it, but too often she entirely forgoes breathing in Kirigan’s presence.

Taking a deep breath, she nearly laughs. Kirigan…General…The Darkling. She even called him husband, yet she never even heard his first name. How odd is it to marry a man whose first name is a mystery to you, she thought.

“If you’ll excuse me”, she nods curtly without sparing him a glance.

Her seat at the dinner table was beside Genya, while Kirigan was placed all the way on the other side of the room. She smirked, satisfied she’ll have some peace during her meal. She never quite liked the table formation in a wide U form before, but she blessed the ones who created it on this evening.

Studying him from afar, she couldn’t deny the attraction she felt for him. It wasn’t some cosmic connection that she hoped she’d share with her husband, rather wishful thinking. Longing for him is out of the question. He may be the most handsome man she had ever seen, but it’s not at all something she’d thank the saints for. If he were less appealing, she’d at least be free of torment his looks bring. The devil is real and he’s not a goat like man as humans believed. There are no horns, no tails – he’s beautiful, a fallen angel, but an angel nonetheless.

“You’re staring at him again”, Genya speaks in a hushed tone, her smile audible.

“I’m not”, Y/N replies, “I simply looked over in a direction and he happened to be seated there.”

“Then why was that look on your face?” Genya raises an eyebrow.

“What?” Y/N asks, incredulous. “What look?”

“You have a certain way of looking at him”, she informs. Letting out an tired huff, Genya explains, “You look at him and it’s like you’re staring at the night sky littered with stars.”

“So?”

Genya looks down before whispering, “You love night skies littered with stars.”

Rolling her eyes, Y/N stared at her food for the rest of the evening. One bite after another and her plate was quickly emptied. Her stomach felt like it would burst, but she didn’t care. Most people claim they can’t eat under stress, but she was the opposite – her appetite only grew.

“He’s standing up”, Genya informed her and despite wishing she remained impassive, Y/N’s eyes shot up to where he was sitting.

With a lump at the back of her throat, she watched him as he headed to the door. A part of her hoped he’d be decent enough to bid his farewell, to acknowledge her at least. That part of her needed to be destroyed, she decided. It’s the part of her that would ruin her mission and for what? If she truly wanted to, she could have him on his back and under her. If she wanted him, he’d be hers – at least his body would. The principle she held onto was more important and so, she swallowed thickly and looked to her empty plate in order to stop her weakness from showing.

As she looked away, the Darkling looked back at her from across the room. He felt a strange tightness in his heart and once he saw she didn’t follow him with her gaze, his heart dropped. Furrowing his eyebrows, he kept his gaze on her for a while longer – her beauty was unmatched by anything he had ever seen. White looked good on her, every color did – but black fabric hugging her curves could bring a dead man back to life.

With a heavy heart and frown etched on his face, the Darkling turned his back and left the room, the Palace, the strangest, most beautiful creature he ever laid eyes on.

He carried her in his thoughts ever since. It aggravates him how quickly she’s gotten under his skin. Most of the month before their marriage was finalized was spent in petty comments about their armies or their distaste for one another. She was insufferable, maddening and entirely different from what he expected.

And yet, even then, the Darkling hoped she’d lose her patience and either leave or tell him she loves him. If she left, he’d be free of her and the shackles of an undesirable marriage, but if she told him she loves him, perhaps he’d believe her. If he knew there was ever a possibility of her loving him, he’d dare assume he might be deserving of love – because she may have dubbed him a liar, but he believes himself to be unlovable too. He never saw the point in allowing himself to feel a thing for her when it would be futile, wasted emotions on a woman sworn to hate him.

Once he was done chasing a rumor of a stag up north, the Darkling had to accept it too was a futile. Going after a legendary animal wasted so much of his time that he couldn’t even believe how foolish he’s become too. The stag must not be real after all.

Approaching Little Palace, he felt almost eager to run up to their shared chambers and see her. Even if she’d likely have a few choice words for him, he hoped he could make her blood boil just to hear her speak. He’d never admit it, but he missed someone he could converse with without dying of boredom.

“General”, Genya rushed to Kirigan who nearly growled at the distraction. However, Genya seemed distraught, panicked enough to draw his attention.

“Yes?”

Swallowing thickly, she wiped a stray tear slipping down her cheek. “It’s Y/N.”

His heart stops at the sound of her shaky voice, his jaw clenching before speaking. “What happened? Is she alright?”

“She went for a ride this morning and she hasn’t been seen since.”

Darkling’s gaze hardens as he grips Genya’s arms and shakes her lightly. “What do you mean?!”

“We sent riders after lunch, because I was worried she missed two meals already”, gasping for air, Genya’s tears made tracks, “The snow covered her tracks.”

She left me, he thought. She deemed me unlovable, unworthy. She left.

“They managed to find her mare”, Genya continues through tears, “It was decapitated and left in the woods.”

“Woods?” He frowns, wondering why she’d stray from the meadow and then he realized. He’s the one she rode into the woods with. She must have thought the woods were safe. They were at the time, only because he was with her and he’d never let any harm come to her.

“There were signs of struggle, but the snow is making it hard for us to track them.”

Releasing a visibly shaken Genya, he grunts. Biting his lower lip, he paced before her as his hand ran through his hair. She never saw him so worried, so mad before. He looked like a man walking a fine line – a line between madness and sanity.

“Call everyone”, he orders, “We must find her.”

Exhaling in relief, Genya smiled as Ivan emerged, having heard everything.

“Why would we do that?”

A pause ensues as the Darkling takes a step toward Ivan. “I haven’t made a promise in so long”, he spoke but in truth, it’s been hundreds of years since he made anyone a promise. “I promised her I’d protect her.” His voice was ragged, but controlled. “So I’m making a new promise right here, if they harm a single hair on her head, I will end them all. I will do it with a smile on face and I will bathe in their blood!”

They took her from him and he had every intention of ripping the world apart with his bare hands and for once, the thought of how far he’d go for that insolent woman didn’t frighten him. He barely knows her, he certainly doesn’t love her, but Saints help those who touched his wife.

=============================

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Part 6

#the darkling #the darkling x reader #aleksander morozova x reader #aleksander morozova #general kirigan #general kirigan x reader #shadow and bone

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beels-burger-babe · 3 years

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Familial Attachments

***Awwwww, I'm so happy that you're enjoying my blog! This request warms my heart and I am WEAK for soft big brother Lucifer. I hope you enjoy @lorkai! - B*** Summary: MC keeps favouring Lucifer. It baffles the other brothers. Lucifer is intrigued by the behaviour and slowly begins to open up to them.

No one really noticed it when you first arrived. You were new to the Devildom, and so much was foreign and scary around you. So you following orders without question and lingering near Lucifer, the strongest of the demons living with you, could've been passed off as a survival technique. But after a few months of you staying in the House of Lamentation, Lucifer thought the initial fear would wear off, and yet you still continued to follow him around like a little duckling. Still, Lucifer hadn't really clued in that there was perhaps sentiment behind your behaviour until he had walked in on a discussion between you, Mammon, Beelzebub and Leviathan. He had approached your bedroom door and raised his fist to knock when he heard Mammon's annoyingly loud voice. "I'm just sayin'! There ain't no reason for you go followin' mean old Lucifer around like that! He's old. He complains a lot. He never has any fun. You should be spendin' time with me! I'm supposed to be your protector ya know!" Lucifer huffed in annoyance and was about to barge in when he heard your giggle. "I'm hanging out with you now, aren't I?" "I don't know MC. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Mammon has a point." Levi pipped in. At this point, Lucifer cracked open the door and peeked inside. You were sitting in Beel's lap as he munched away on a bowl of popcorn. Mammon was standing, punching harshly onto the buttons of the remote he was holding, while Levi sat playing with the ease and skill of the pro-gamer that he was. He didn't even look away from the screen as he spoke to you. Lucifer made a mental note to talk to him about conversation manners. Leviathan continued. "You're always hanging around Lucifer. You only spend time with us if we specifically ask you to, or if we arrange it ahead of time," Levi shifted uncomfortably as he pressed a button on his remote; Mammon cursed as a result. "I-I-Is he your favourite or something?" Lucifer couldn't help but perk at the question. He wasn't aware that you were spending particularly more time with him than the others. Sure, he noticed that you would listen to him much better than any of his brothers ever did (and that alone made him warm up to you), and you always seemed to smile when he was around. But he thought that was just the kind of person you were; happy and compliant. Much to his, and everyone in the room's, surprise, you nodded. "I guess he is." Chaos erupted inside the room.

Beel dropped his popcorn. Levi sputtered and actually looked away from the game to gape at you. Mammon threw his remote and whipped around to face you. "WHAT?!?! You mean you prefer that old bat to the GREAT MAMMON?!?!" to Mammon's defence, he looked genuinely hurt by the confession. "But I'm your first! I thought we were pals, MC?!" Levi tensed and sniffed before turning back at the game. "I'm not that surprised really. Makes sense that you wouldn't l-like a slimy gross otaku like me." Beel remained frozen and quiet. A frown etched on his face as his hands tightened around you. Your eyes widened at everyone's reactions. "Woah, woah, woah! Who said anything about not liking you guys? I love hanging out with you three, and I do see you as my friends," you looked directly at Levi. "Otaku or not. I treasure my time with you." Levi pouted and refused to look at you. "Then what does Lucifer have that we don't? Why does he get the title of your favourite?" Lucifer was shocked to see your expression soften as you smiled gently at just the thought. "He reminds me of my big brother in the human realm," everyone went quiet and looked at you. "I-It was hard being ripped away from everything I knew and be forced to live in a world that I didn't even know existed. When I saw Lucifer and got to know him a bit, I noticed how much he acted like my brother. It was comforting to have just that little bit of familiarity amongst all the chaos of the Devildom, you know?" The eldest brother's heart warmed at the statement. It stroked his pride in the best way possible. He loved his brothers, but none of them were very affectionate with one another with the exception of the twins. To hear that someone cared about him and saw him as an older brother was...touching. His younger brothers seemed to agree as, with a little irritation, they settled back down into their game. Forgetting what he came for, Lucifer smiled and went back to his office. Since that day, he was notably kinder and more vulnerable with you. If you saw him as an older brother then he was determined to be the best older brother you could ask for. He gave you a pat on the shoulder or ruffled your hair every time he saw you. He always made sure to congratulate or acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small they were. He asked you how your day was and allowed you to come to him with any troubles (which he would promptly take care of the moment you left the room). Every night he would invite you into his office for some tea and a round of chess before bed. It felt like in no time, he had begun to see you as a little sibling just as much as you saw him as an older brother. Lucifer did his best not to let his brothers catch on to how soft he was around you. He tried to compensate by teasing you a little more whenever they were around. Or pretend that he was taking you into his office to scold you when he really was going to look you over and make sure you weren't hurt in the most recent incident. The result was an endless amount of taunts and ridicule from his brothers on how he was a better sibling to you than he was them (which was mostly true), that you had thawed his ancient icy heart (which he would never admit), and that he couldn't say no to you (which he tried to prove wrong but inevitably failed, much to his embarrassment). Still, the bond between you two was one that was strong and pure. When it was finally time for you to go back to the human realm, you were in tears and refused to let go of Lucifer. Lucifer held onto you tightly. It was obvious to everyone there that he was just as reluctant to let you leave. "You have to go know MC. Your real big brother is up there worried about you, I'm sure," his voice was steady and firm. He refused to cry; no matter how badly his heart ached at that moment. You sniffled and buried your face deeper into his chest. "I know. But you've become just as much a brother to me as him, a-a-and I don't want to leave you. What if I never get to see you again?" Lucifer inhaled sharply at the thought.

He looked over at Diavolo. Something in his eyes must have given away the hurt and inner turmoil he was feeling, for Diavolo's eyes widened in shock before he smiled softly at his friend. "You may take your D.D.D. with you, MC, to stay in contact with the brothers. Perhaps, on occasion, we can also organize visits. This will not be goodbye forever." Lucifer chuckled as you held him tighter and ran a hand through your hair. "See? You'll see me and everyone else again. But for now, it's time for you to return home." You shakily nodded and reluctantly pulled away from his arms; Lucifer felt his chest tighten as coldness filled the warmth where you once stood. Still, he refused to cry or show vulnerability. He would not become a blubbering mess like Mammon. He was better than that. He clenched his fists as you went around giving everyone final hugs goodbye. He held his breath as you picked up the bag the two of you had put together full of keepsakes from the Devildom. You took a step towards the portal. "MC, wait!" Lucifer rushed towards you, damning his own pride and reputation to hell, as he pulled you into one final tight hug and pressed a kiss to the top of your head. He held you there; closing his eyes and allowing himself to pretend for just a moment that he didn't have to let you go. He felt a tear roll down his cheek. "I love you, MC. I will miss having you here." Suddenly you were sobbing again. The two of you held each other for several minutes, as Diavolo had Barbartos escort the others out to give the two of you some privacy. Finally, he let you go, and within a second you were gone and back to your true family. Lucifer went home, and sat in his office, wondering what you were doing with your real big brother and if you were as happy up there as you were with him. ***HOW THE FUCK DID I MAKE THIS ANGST AND END UP CRYING WELL WRITING I AM SO SORRY I SERIOUSLY MEANT FOR THIS BE FLUFF GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!! *Wipes tears* Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this no matter how accidentally painful it was. Thank you for the lovely request @lorkai! I was touched by how personal it was!***

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asha-mage · 2 years

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Loial just blinked in confusion. “Of course I know. You two practically announced it to the world. Or rather the Women’s Apartments, but that was good as, things being as they are in Mahfal Dedaranel.”

“What in the name of the Light are you talking about?” Mat snapped so loud that the soldiers ahead of them turned, but Mat did not care, twisting in his saddle to stare up at Loial.

Loial shifted uncomfortably atop his Dhurin, ears twitching. “…You claimed the right of being Rand’s Heartsworn. Cue’vin.”

Mat nodded slowly. That was the word Lan had told him to use: Heartsworn, along with the formal phrasing he had given. He had assumed it had been some sort of statement that he was Rand’s armsman or bodyguard or some such. But now hearing it spoken back to him in the Old Tongue made his stomach sink. That part of him capable of understanding these things, that quiet swell of memory in the back of his mind, told him Cue’vin was stronger than that. Implied more. But what exactly eluded him.

Loail kept right on. “I know the tradition is not really recognized much in the south anymore, and has not been since oh, the War of the Hundred Years? But the Borderlands keep many of the old ways that others have forgotten or lost, and it makes sense of course, that you still retain it- it was Manatheren that began the tradition after all. After the Breaking of the World, when it really seemed like human kind might be driven to extinction, there was a great pressure in many of the burdening survivors for humans to continue their family lines, for the good of the species, even at the cost individuals who…ah….could not love partners with whom traditional reproduction was possible.” Loial’s ears were twitching wildly now, and his eyebrows had drawn down in embarrassment. Mat just stared at him, and he kept going.

“It was Manatheren that first formaly reconigzed the bond between two persons of the same gender, or rather, between Prince Akiaean al Pelen, who was the greatest warrior of his time, and Paedrig al Minias advisor and companion, but within two hundered years almost every nation acknowledge the bond between two persons of the same sex, to the point that when Queen Amaresu of Almoren refused to marry as it would betray her oaths of devotion to her own Cue’vin, the Elmrian, the nobility of Almoren where forced to accepther decision. By the time of the Trolloc Wars, Devotion of the Spear and the Dawn, a collection of stories detailing relationships between Cue’vin, was so popular that they had gained something of a mythology around them, and were widely culturally recognized, or at least respected and honored. Few copies remains of it however: I read at the Royal Library at Cairhien, which of course makes sense as Almoren would one day become Cairhien, though few remember that Amaersu as more legend there, and none realize how much Tova, and now Cairhien owe to her. The Trolloc Wars are to blame I am afraid, so much was destroyed during the ravagining of the Shadow, and afterwards there was a shift away from viewing Cue’vin as a distinct relationship from the bond between men and women, so the stories lost of their importance, especially in the South, though in the Borderlands-“

“Loial.” Mat interrupted, voice he knew, deceptively calm. “Are you telling me, that everyone thinks that Rand and are….Married?”

Loail blinked at him. “Well. No. Not exactly. But…not not exactly that either.”

Mat shook with rage. All that effort into sneaking around and hiding and keeping their relationship private and Light- everyone knew! And thought-

Mat felt the profound urge to scream. And to strangle Lan Mandragoran with his bare hands.

-WIP Snippet from Sworn, Chapter 7: Strings

#Cauthor #WoT Fic #Wheel of Time #Rand al'thor #Matrim Cauthon #Here's a fun game: 'spot the mythological refrences'#I am Very Clever #(He was in fact not at all clever)#Loial

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dreamlandcreations · 3 years

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Day 21 - Defiant

Mand'alor!Boba Fett x Reader (Alpha!Boba x Beta!Reader)

Kinktober prompt - Day 21 - A/B/O

All prompts are taken from @the-purity-pen‘s Kinktober List!

Warnings: non-human reader, physical description of reader, mentions of forced mating and abuse of power, public claiming, knotting, biting

•

The new Mand'alor sat on his throne, contemplating to challenge one of the idiots in his council and let them win. He understands now why Djarin chose that path with Bo-Katan, even if she was completely unfit for the job.

Oh, how he missed the simple life at the palace on Tattooine. At least, there, if someone wanted him dead they would be kind enough to not drag it out. These vultures, lead by the still prideful red-head, think they can overthrow him. They think he wouldn't see their scheming from lightyears away. Idiots, he wasn't the best bounty hunter in the Galaxy for nothing.

Boba decided to entertain the vultures, see what they were up to. Soon, the most loyal to Bo-Katan, a young beta male in blue and yellow armour reveals their trap.

"The Mand'alor is required to have an heir or at least a mate to be recognised by the matriarchs." He explains the 'issue' with the order of those females who hold most of the knowledge about their world and its customs. They were kept safe to preserve everything that was Mandalorian.

"And I assume you have candidates already?" Boba grovels at him, conveying that he is not happy with the idea.

"That's where the problem lies." Bo-Katan speaks for the first time on her own rather than using her puppets. "All the suitable omegas are gone." Boba decides to take the bait and see where this is going.

"Gone?" He asks, clearly finding this amusing. "You do realise I'm not a bounty hunter anymore?"

"They were taken to Dathomir. I wasn't able to stop it." Boba didn't expect her to acknowledge a mistake, ever. This is going to be fun.

"So I should correct your failings, then?" He can't help but push it a little, but continues before she can answer. "You want me to go there and fight an enemy you know nothing about?"

"We know she is a witch and we know where she stays on that cursed planet." Her frustration getting the better of her temporary but there is something else there, something personal behind that anger now.

"And why are you so eager to help me secure my rule?" The question is legit, given that she challenged him when he refused to bow and obey her whims and he unfortunately ended up defeating and humiliating her, at least according to her. The truth is, Boba couldn't care less about the nasty-tempered alpha but he would never swear loyalty to anyone and she knew that very well, so this is all on her.

"I want my people united, if our own gets stolen away and we do nothing, we are not Mandalorians." And that's the nail in his coffin, or he assumed that's what she thinks of this poor challenge. All right, Boba thinks, let's play this game again princess.

"Is it just a lone little witch we are against?" The mocking is still very much present, he doesn't think he can ever talk to her any other way.

She confirms with an aggressive nod and the Mand'alor orders her to prepare a team no more than four members of the best fighters and she should include herself in that too.

•

They found you quickly, you were not hiding after all. Sitting outside of the entrance of the old temple-like building, it was like you were waiting for them. Boba had his fair share of Jedi quarries, he knows the extent of their abilities and he will not underestimate you even though he is not here to fight.

You are covered by a hood and you seemingly don't pay any attention to them as you tinker with something in your hand. The ex-bounty hunter sizes you up, assessing your subtle movements and changes of scent.

He thinks that you are either very confident in your abilities or Bo-Katan's assessment of a mad, evil witch is true. Either way, the little witch is a beta, he concludes, and even in the presence of half a dozen alphas she won't show any sign of submission or fear.

Boba liked you already, you would have been a great challenge if he still hunted your kind and there is nothing that he yearns more than some exciting challenge.

When they get close enough it's you who speaks first, again, not exhibiting any traits of a submissive beta your presentation and petite from suggests you to be. Your voice is firm and power, though not the power from your designation, is present in the air all around you.

"If you are here to fight again, you should turn around while you still have some dignity." You speak to the female alpha by his side, who is just a step behind him to show some respect for his title.

"I brought a white flag." She waves it like she is educating a child. "See? We come in peace." The statement is as mocking as yours and there is that familiar arrogance and spitefulness laced in her tone that Lady Kryze seems to own like no other in the galaxy.

"Someone should have told you I'm colour-blind." You turn to them for the first time, lifting your head but not your covers. Still, they can see as your eyes flash for a second, they are bright blue seemingly lacking a pupil, almost as pale as a blind man's Boba ones seen.

Of course, your passive-aggressive and dominating display gets on Bo-Katan short tempered nature and she rushes to attack you but you ditch the small device you were holding and also launch in her direction. Both of you take no more than two steps when you raise your hand and the red-head is frozen into place, your hold on her getting more suffocating as you squeeze your hand tighter and tighter.

"Easy there, little one." Boba steps between the two of you, careful not to touch and push you over the edge. He wants your attention and he wants to test your limits without provoking a fight. You let go a little but not letting him dominate you by fully accepting his command.

You stood your ground, not looking away, not backing down even when his presence overwhelmed you. It's only a few seconds but there is a battle between you that makes it seem like hours for him. He is mesmerised by you and he didn't even see your face yet.

"Are we on the terms of giving nicknames, Mand'alor?" Your tone is not mocking anymore, it turned to teasing as you let go of your captive and tilt your head to the side, clasping your hands behind your back, feigning innocence.

"You know who I am?" Boba asks, willing you to reveal your face, hoping you would bend that much before his curiosity gets the better of him.

"Oh, I know exactly who you are." Your tone changing again, becoming almost flirty with a teasing edge. And you obey his silent demand, removing your hood as you look him right in the eyes. "And I know why she lured you here. But I expected a smaller army or, well, something more, especially after the last time I put your princess in her place. I must say, I'm quite offended you thought this will be enough to take me down."

Boba just looks at you for a second, taking in your futures, trying to determine your species but you must be a mixed-blood because he can't place those eyes and your other markings. He is quick to answer though, making sure it comes out with disdain at those assumptions. "She is not my princess and I'm not a threat to you, that's why I had no intention to bring more fighters."

"You...?" You laugh and the sound is almost angelic, making him even more lost in your presence. "You, Boba Fett, would be a threat all on your own, stripped of your armour and weapons, with your hands tied behind your back." The recognition of his power and your unusual way of complimenting him amuses him to no end. He asks for your name, stating that it's only fair to introduce yourself since you know his name already. You answer him with a smile, telling your name quietly, which he repeats like it's a prayer.

"What's going on here?" The still breathless Lady Kryze interrupts with a bewildered expression.

"You failed. Again. That's what's happening. Be a good pet and keep your mouth shut while the grown ups talk, would you?" Oh, so you have a temper too, Boba thinks with a smirk, but he finds that he likes it coming from you. There is something protective-natured about all your actions and he can't help but think what would you be like by his side, as his adoring, loyal, fierce mate.

Before Kryze could try to attack again he growls at her, forcing her back with his commanding presence, but the action also makes the others bow behind him in a submissive stance, everyone except you. He can see it takes a great effort and he really doesn't want to hurt you so he lets go for your sake.

"Why did you take the omegas?" Boba directs the conversation back to the point. He needs to know your aim before he can deal with you.

"Is that what she told you?" You give an amused, provoking glance to the woman at his right, forcing him to repeat the power display. At which he catches a faint scent from you that suspiciously resembles arousal. Before he can investigate that, it's gone and you continue talking. "I took nothing, they came running to the big bad witch."

"Why?" He expects a simple answer, but he will have to learn not to make assumptions with you.

"Why don't you ask them?" You invite him into the temple where the omegas live now, glaring at the others when they try to follow, making them halt and Boba chuckle then he nods to them to stay outside.

The women he passes by look at Boba with fear and he is not sure he wants to know why. You lead him to a couple of young women and they explain to him that under the short rule of Bo-Katan they were treated like possession, a prize with no will that could be given to any male she deemed worthy of reward.

Boba tries to hold his anger so not to frighten them but he can barely manage, that is until he feels your hand brushing against his back in a soothing gesture.

He calms down and thinks for a second it's one of your tricks but he experienced mind tricks before and it doesn't feel like you are doing anything to him that way. So he enjoys the moment and finds it easy to calm down knowing you are there for him too.

The Mand'alor makes an oath to the omegas around, that as long as he is on the throne, everyone will be treated equally and he asks if anyone wants to return home under his protection. They all look at you but they only receive a shrug and a quick lift of your eyebrows, your expression otherwise unreadable. You don't revoke your protection but they can feel that you wouldn't mind if they had left you alone. What you told them a hundred times still applies, you will not decide for them.

They all take the offer and get to the ship they arrived on, with the two of you following them. Boba has sent the two of his man back on their own. Bo-Katan had to stay, showing her support in the Mand'alor's decision which she obviously despises and waiting for the judgement for her crimes as Boba intends to punish her and make an example of her, within reason unfortunately.

•

The two of you are standing on the side, watching the others prepare for the short journey. "Why did you come here, knowing it was a setup?" You refer to the half-assed trap they set for him. There is no trace of the previous playfulness you constantly displayed in differing degrees. This sudden seriousness on you turns your features even more alluring. You still radiate power and Boba is getting drunk on the feeling of you so close to him.

"I wanted to find out the truth." He steps closer to you as he speaks, forcing you to look up at him.

You shake your head, looking away, feeling his intense gaze fixed on you. "No, I mean what did she do to convince you?" Boba huffs and stays silent for a moment, which makes you think you will not get an answer, so you nod subtly and start to turn away when he speaks.

"She made the matriarchs refuse to accept me as the new ruler until I get myself a mate. Then she presented the story of the heinous witch who took the defenceless omegas." He started with that strained voice, his mood obviously weighted down by all this unnecessary power-struggle, but when he gets to the witch part his amusement returns. You still can't look at him while he studies you, so you turn your gaze and it lands on the princess who is still seething anger.

"Why do you keep that poisonous snake around?" Boba doesn't have to look to know who you are referring to.

"I need someone on my council who is not afraid to confront me." He tells you the simple truth as he dares to catch your chin between his two fingers and lifts your head in his direction, demanding your full attention again.

"You should find someone else." You whisper, not meaning it to come out as the suggestion it ended up to be.

"I think I already found her." He answers, expressing his desire to have you by his side.

You frown at him and look away again. He lets you step back, thinking you are about to refuse him but you quiet answer confuses him. "If you want me, you'll have to take me."

"I would never force..." Boba is angered even at the thought of forcing the mating on someone but you quickly step back into his personal space and place your hand on his chest to stop him from continuing.

"I know. That's not what I meant." Your lips pull into a playful smirk and you lift your eyebrow at him in a challenging way.

"You want to fight me?" Biting your lip seductivly you shrug as you answer to him.

"Why not? It will be fun." He huffs at you, finding your challenge exiting. Boba, realising you can only give in to this extent and need the fight as much as he does, accepts and is ready to fight for you. He knows he will have you by the end of this fight. The matriarchs will have their wish come true, the Mand'alor will return with a mate.

•

"You can't possibly consider taking her as your mate. She's a beta, even someone like you should have more standards." Bo-Katan does not hide her opinion on the matter, not caring that all the others present look at her like she has gone mad for playing for disrespecting her leader like that.

"You are on very thin ice, princess. I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself or I will make you regret every second of your existence." You hiss at her, ready to make your threat reality when she seems to be getting ready to attack you but Boba steps between you two and brushes your hair behind your ear and takes your cheek in his hand.

"Calm down, little one. Only one fight at the time and you already promised yourself to me." He makes the last part sound ambiguous on purpose, deep down you both know it is a done deal and this is only a play-fight to calm your defiant nature.

"You realise if I win I get to be the Mand'alor?" You tease him but it makes him think of what that would be like. Boba is half-tempted to let you win, it would be worth it just to see Bo-Katan blow up from anger. He thinks for a moment that maybe he could court you after the fight, but something tells him you wouldn't take it well if he'd gone easy on you. And the truth is, you tempt him more than anything and he is not willing to risk losing you.

"You realise if I win I'll claim you right here, in the dirt?" He definitely smells your arousal now and it only makes him smirk, imagining what he would like to do to you when he finally gets the chance.

"Rules?" You ask, starting to circle him in the space the onlookers and the higher rocks around you left for you to fight. He follows your movements, turning with you, never showing his back.

"No magic." Boba names the only rule he can think of being important in a fight with you, knowing it's not really a fair request but he is curious of what your reaction will be.

"Hmmm." You size him up, moving your gaze up and down on his form ever so slowly. "No helmet and jetpack."

He complies with your terms and you get a look at his face for the first time. Your breath hitches as you take him in and you can't take your eyes off of him. His scars make him look wild and dangerous but as his eyes find yours they soften and his warm gaze makes you melt on the spot.

You only come to your senses when you hear his black blade active. His expression is teasing, the knowing smirk plastered on his face tells you that he knows exactly how he makes you feel. Narrowing your eyes at him you take out your blade and ignite the almost white lightsaber that's colour resembles your eyes.

You circle each other, he plays for you to lose your patience and it is a struggle for you as you never had much of that virtue, but you know if you give in and attack first he will easily take you down. You might be more skilled in a fight like this but your knowledge and speed matter nothing if you let him use his experience and strength against you like that.

Boba watches you like you are one of his quarries, contemplating your next move, seeing your struggle as your hand twitch to get the fight started. He decides that your effort of clearly not practiced self-discipline deserves a reward so he indulges you and makes the first move.

Both of you are skilled in your own way, that much is plain to see, you know how to use not just your strengths but the strength of your opponent in a fight. Your blades clash as you guide his strong blows with fluid movements, forcing him to lean in and continue the motion in the way you direct him. He is faster than you anticipated, Boba is mostly using his physical strength to block your attacks but he can just as easily ditch them by speed.

Realising you need to change your tactic as your quick attacks are not enough to gain the upper hand, you start to incorporate more acrobatic moves into your fight and surprising him when you turn on the other end of your blade, grazing his chest piece as he back away, the you switch the handle around to separate your weapon into two lightsabers.

Boba adapts too quickly, so you start to use your body as well, getting in a kick only riles him up. That's when the both of you start to play dirty, you hit the rock next to him, making sparks fly in his direction, it unsettles him for a second, losing his balance which you want to use to your advantage, but again, he reacts to quickly and ducks, sweeping your legs from under you.

You land on your back with a hard thud, Boba drops his weapon and sits on your middle, grabbing your swords and throwing them away, slipping his hands on your wrists to hold you down.

It all happens in a blink of an eye and you struggle under him but that only manages to make him hard which he shows you by changing his position a little and grinding his hard, long and thick cock into you which makes you moan so loudly it echoes around you.

Glaring at him, you find yourself looking at your beautiful alpha smirking, relishing in his victory. He takes hold of your hands in one of his and moves the other to hold you by your neck possessively.

Smart, wicked man, you think, he knows you would headbutt him or at least bite if you'd reach him. Boba knows exactly how frustrated and impressed you are with him and he doesn't hesitate to play with you when he gives you a quick peck and nips at your lower lip and gives you a keldabe kiss, resting his forehead on yours while enjoying your closeness for a second.

Boba leans back to look at you, his gaze searching and trying to tell you something at the same time. You only realise what he means when he brushes his hand along your temple and gives you a barely perceivable nod.

Your eyes widen in realisation and you tilt your own head a little, asking, without words, if he is sure and you receive a smile that warms your whole being.

Nudging gently with your mind you ask for permission to see his thoughts and he lets you in without any hesitation. He wished for you to see that he wants you for yourself, he wants you to be his equal, his partner, his riduur, that he doesn't mind if you cannot give him children like an omega could, he wants you and no-one else and this has nothing to do with his rule or traditions or anyone else but you.

Before you give in, you pull him to your mind in response, showing him how he makes you feel, how you burn for him and that you have no doubts or any regrets about taking him as yours. Then, you bare your neck to him, expecting him to bite you but he only nuzzles and scents you while he is grinding into your clothed, wet pussy.

His free hand slides down to your waits and somehow he lifts you and turns you around so you are in position for the taking. He bends over you and nips at your mating gland before he unceremoniously proceeds to rip off the clothes of your lower half.

Boba can see your glistening folds but cannot take his time exploring you as he wishes because he doesn't want the others around you to see his mate. He frees his aching length from his pants and covers you again. Sliding between your lower lips to collect your slick and tease you some more.

You arch into him, baring your neck again, demanding more while showing submission. The adoration he feels for you expands into something more at that moment and he knows he has chosen well.

He slides into you slowly, listening to your shuddering breaths and little whimpers. Boba rests more of his weight on you as he stills when he settles being fully inside you. When your breathing seems more regular he starts to move slowly but you are not having it. You move against him, whining when he doesn't start to speed up.

"Stop holding back!" You growl at him and start to struggle in his grip, trying to free your hand.

"I will not break you, little one, doesn't matter how sweet you ask." You know what he means, betas are not built to take alphas, he thinks you cannot take all of him, that you are more fragile in that regard than an omega but you will prove him wrong.

"I can take it. Give in, Alpha. Let go." He growls at you in warning, squeezes your hips when you try to move again, stilling his own movements as well. But you will not back down on this.

"You should have realised by now I'm not like most betas." You whisper to him, turning your head and arching your back to brush your cheek against him. Boba lets go of your hands, grabs you by your hair and smashes a brutal kiss on your lips which you gladly return and deepen.

He breaks the kiss and looks into your eyes, silently asking if you are sure? You nuzzle his nose with yours and smile at him.

"Trust me, I'm not that delicate, you will not break me." He kisses you again with the same intensity but a bit more gently this time before he lets go of you to pull you up to your knees. He tells you quietly to let him know if it hurts and at your nod he starts to hammer into you with all his strength.

Your moans and whimpers turn into pleasured screams as he takes you properly this time. He is not holding back, mating you savagely, not caring about the gasps in your audience. He fucks you through your first orgasm and the second that quickly follows, then he changes his quick thrusts into a slower but still just as hard pace.

Boba knows he cannot hold back much longer, so he bends down to you again, nipping at your neck and asks one more time if you are sure you can take him. You give him a breathless but confident yes, so he snaps his hips into you, forcing his knot inside and reaching his orgasm a moment after feeling your tight walls squeezing him.

His knot caught inside you, he comes with a loud growl that you can feel vibrate against your whole body. Boba was waiting for this, he has chosen that moment to sink his teeth into you, mating you in front of all the witnesses.

He keeps coming in you, his knot pulsating as his cum fills you more and more. This will go on for a while so when he can calm down in a few breaths, he straightens and looks around for anyone to challenge his claim on you.

Your audience bows their heads in acknowledgement of your bonding and they leave the two of you some privacy while you are stuck together so intimately.

"I'm yours. What now?" You purr to him, bending around and stealing another kiss. Basking in the feeling of being in the embrace of your loving mate.

"Now, ad'ika?" He slides his hand beneath you from your hips through your middle until he takes hold of your chin again, he pecks your lips one more time before he pulls you into a sitting position, arranging the remaining of your robes to cover you while his knot still locks you together.

"We go home, where I can get properly acquainted with my new mate." Boba says, pressing a kiss to your mark which will show everyone that you belong to him.

#boba fett #boba fett x reader #kinktober #kinktober 2021 #tppkinktober2021 #mand'alor!boba fett #alpha!boba fett x beta!reader #boba fett x you #🔥#🌎#my stuff #my fics

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cheeseanonioncrisps · 3 years

Text

Honestly, controversial opinion, but Crowley arguably does move pretty fast, if you look at it from a celestial perspective.

“But they were friends for 6000 years!” No they weren't.

I mean, headcanons can vary, but if we're going purely by the text then they don't appear to have met up at all in the 1000 years between Eden and Noah's Ark (Crowley has to ask about the aftermath of the Flaming Sword Incident) and it's not clear how many times they encountered each other in the 3000 years between that and the crucifixion.

They don't go out for lunch together (that we see) until eight years after that. Once again, I've seen lots of excellent headcanons and fics about how they might have spent that intervening time together, but from a strictly canon perspective, Crowley and Aziraphale being basically just friendly colleagues for the first 4000 years of their relationship is a totally valid interpretation.

And then, of course, Crowley probably has to leave (he's “just popped in for a quick temptation”, remember) and the next time we see them is 500 years later. Which is a super long time for a human— and I'm not going to argue that they didn't meet up at all in the intervening time, since at this point I don't think it's implied one way or another— but for an angel or a demon?

They've both been on Earth for well over 4000 years by this point. How long is 500 years relative to them? Fifty years? Fifteen? Five?

Anyway, it's at this point— 500 years after what was quite possibly their first lunch together— that Crowley turns to Aziraphale and is like “hey? Want to commit literal treason?”

And make no mistake, that is what he is asking. These two are enemy agents, and Crowley is asking to exchange information about the secret plans of their respective sides. This would require Aziraphale to

a) trust Crowley not to take advantage of this information for the benefit of Evil

b) consciously choose not to take advantage himself of the information Crowley gives him, for the benefit of Good

c) accept (even just a little bit) the idea that the activities he's just spend the past >4000 years on don't make any difference at all in the grand scheme of things, and Heaven doesn't really give a shit about him.

… And he does it. He rejects the idea initially, but just over a thousand years later we see them together at the Globe, and the Arrangement is not only established, but clearly has been so for some time.

Long enough for Crowley to decide it's time to bend the rules. Not only are they arranging secret meetings and tactically keeping out of each other's way, but they've already done the 'taking care of each other's blessings and temptations' trick “dozens of times”. Aziraphale is still nervous and shocked when Crowley suggests it, so he's probably used to only doing it as a last resort in emergencies, but he knows exactly what Crowley is suggesting the moment he comments on what a shame it is that they both have to go to Edinburgh. This is not a new thing.

Aziraphale at this point still believes that angels and demons are fundamentally different. For all he knew, the first time he performed a temptation he would fall instantly and the first time Crowley performed a blessing he would… explode, or something. But still, at some point during the last thousand years, Crowley persuaded him to do it.

And then, just over 200 years after that (and how long even is that? It's ~4% of the time they've spent on Earth so far) Crowley asks for holy water, Aziraphale thinks he's going to kill himself, freaks out about how much he cares and brings out the Heaven Party Line to cover up his real feelings. Crowley takes it as a personal insult and they fall out for a century— according to the script, Aziraphale is convinced that they're not friends anymore.

100 years after that, and Crowley's back again, and he's just saved Aziraphale from discorporation (… by threatening him with worse discorporation, but still) and thought to rescue his books. Aziraphale has his big moment of 'this demon is the only being who truly cares about me, and I truly care about him' and then literally like 20 years later (which would be what on the celestial timescale? Two weeks?) Crowley's after the holy water again, and Aziraphale has to choose between letting his friend almost certainly die through inaction, or making him slightly less likely to die right away but ensuring that if/when he does die later down the line, it will be All. Aziraphale's. Fault.

He chooses option 2 and in the process has to admit— maybe not out loud, but definitely through implication— that the initial refusal to hand it over was never about Heaven, because Aziraphale couldn't give a toss about what Heaven thinks compared to what will ensure the safety of one incredibly irritating demon. Probably crossing his fingers that he's not going to Fall the whole way through, because that is a bloody extreme thing to admit given the circumstances.

And Crowley's response? “Cool, so we're now going to go off together and start hanging out like normal people who don't have the threat of each other's horrific destruction hanging over their heads every minute of the day? We're going to drive off in my car and just be openly BFFs forever now?” No Crowley.

In the past just under 2000 years you've gone from work aquaintances (which was already illegal! Literally every conversation you two have ever had could have resulted in your deaths!), to treason buddies, to Aziraphale fully admitting to himself that his loyalty to you is more than his loyalty to Heaven. That his loyalty to Heaven does not in fact play into it when it comes to your safety. Even though he's an angel, and that sort of thinking is exactly the kind of thing you Fall for.

And like less than thirty seconds after you've both come to that realisation, you're turning round and asking him to give up all plausible deniability and attempts at secrecy and just start openly hanging out together where Heaven and Hell could just stumble upon you at any time.

Like yeah he turns you down, what with finding out you're about to risk killing yourself, and handing you a suicide pill, and finally admitting his ultimate betrayal of Heaven in his heart, this has been a rough past few hours for Aziraphale. He's probably not ready to be making those kinds of decisions.

But he says he's willing to give it a try. Not yet— give him a minute Crowley— but he's willingly acknowledging that there is a Next Step to this relationship and he wants to get there.

And then the next time we see the two of them, in 30-40 years time, Aziraphale has made the step. They're going to the Ritz together and getting wasted in the shop afterwards. They seem to have done this before. Crowley now wants to form an allegiance and deliberately work to circumvent the Great Plan that Aziraphale believes was set out 6000 years ago by God Herself, and it literally takes an afternoon for Crowley to talk him into it.

Like, I see a lot of posts about the holy water scene where people are blaming Aziraphale or joking about how Crowley couldn't possibly go any slower than he is already. And yeah, from a human perspective, they're barely moving. But from the perspective of millennia old beings whose existence predates the Earth itself? And for whom literally every step in their relationship was utterly revolutionary and completely unprecedented?

To Aziraphale, it probably felt a lot faster.

#good omens #suicide mention #long post #good omens headcanons #good omens meta #crowley #aziraphale #If You Give A Demon An Oyster #then he'll want some wine to go with it #and then he'll want you to drink it with him #and then he'll probably ask you to commit treason…#to be clear #i'm not saying that crowley is necessarily going *too fast* here #just that aziraphale's not going too slow #given the circumstances #the situatuon is not as clear cut as it first seems

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