#/And when she thought about the life she has now... Canonically she thought about Looker... so...

[fallershipping]

I'm not sure I'll do it now, but in case you were wondering, the mini comic was a "what if" Emmet did find out what Looker and Anabel were.

And to be fair it's just more of him asking questions that wouldn't lead to favorable answers. How long have they been here? Over a decade. Have they recovered any memories? Far too slow to notice any progress. Has anyone from their original homes even found them? Well... No.

And most importantly he poses the question to Anabel "But why would not know what would happen if they DID come find you now? Don't you want to go back to where you came from? Wouldn't they miss you and want you back?"

And she just responds "Well... There is a life here I made... And there are people here I don't want to leave behind..."

And Looker, who'd been quietly just listening to the convo, perks up at that.

He feels the same. But could she possibly be mentioning.......?

[seasidesandstarscapes]

Much Ado About…Well, Everything

Summary: Roger falls in love while Chuck is waxing poetic

Rating: G

Genre: Canon Era, Falling in Love, First Kiss, Friends to Lovers, Slice of Life, Shakespeare References

Words: 1434

A/N: for @sparrow-in-the-field !!! It was so much fun writing these two. Thank you for the prompt!!

~

AO3

or

The shell house is abuzz when Roger gets there.

He didn’t think he had slept in that late, but everyone else is already there, voices colliding in an echoed din.

When Roger joins his team, a piece of paper is immediately shoved under his nose. Chuck’s grin is wide, bright, and Roger wonders if Chuck got any sleep the night before.

“Stub, Shorty, and I got the parts. You better be there,” Chuck all but throws the flier at Roger before bounding off to hand out some more.

Roger blinks, looks at the bold text, the obscene amount of exclamation points. He remembers the off-comment Roger made about trying out for the local theatre’s spring play, but he thought it was a joke.

“What part?” Roger asks when Chuck eventually takes his place next to him.

“Benedick. Shorty is Claudio, Stub got Leonato.”

Roger tries to think back to his high school English classes, but he never was one for Shakespeare.

“You’ll help me practice, won’t you?” Chuck smiles.

With a swallow, heart beating in his ears, Roger nods.

He’s not going to survive to opening night.

~

The thing is, Roger never meant to fall in love with Chuck.

In fact, he doesn’t know how it happened. One day Chuck was just a friend and the next, Roger couldn’t keep his head on straight.

Had Chuck’s smile always been that beautiful? Was his voice that deep this whole time? Roger turns on his head trying to figure it all out.

It doesn’t help that he has no one to talk to about this. He’s sure he’s the only one on the team who’s like this. The unspoken side of the world no one wants to acknowledge. So, he has to fester inside himself, try to deny his feelings.

Except, it’s harder than it looks. Chuck is so casual with his arm thrown about Roger’s shoulder. When they’re out drinking, Chuck doesn’t even think as he leans in close to speak in Roger’s ear over the blaring band in the corner.

Roger shivers as Chuck’s fingers dance along his neck.

“She’s a looker,” Chuck points to the singer, a blonde bombshell in a form fitting dress.

She is pretty, Roger can see that, but it doesn’t stop the envy in his chest. “Yeah, she probably has a boyfriend already.”

“Yeah,” Chuck sighs wistfully. “Ah, well. We’ll find our girls someday, won’t we, Rodge?”

Roger knows there won’t be anyone but Chuck. At least not for many years. He forces a smile, nods before taking a sip from his drink.

Chuck has taken to rubbing circles in Roger’s shoulder now. It’s maddening, but Roger doesn’t move away. For just a little while he can pretend this is something more.

They take a few minutes to enjoy the bar scene, people-watching the variety of couples, bright colors against the dim lamplight. Roger sees one woman lay her head on her man’s chest as they’re dancing and his heart aches.

He won’t ever have that chance. He won’t know love like she does.

“Thinking about stealing her away?” Chuck’s voice rumbles in Roger’s very soul.

Roger closes his eyes, inhales sharply. Chuck’s breath tickles his ear and Roger thinks he feels lips just graze the outline.

“Thinking I should be getting back,” Roger mutters. “We. Practice tomorrow.”

Chuck gives a small laugh, slaps Roger on the back. “Ever the wise one. Shall we?”

Getting to his feet, Chuck throws his coat over his shoulder, raises a brow at Roger. Nodding, Roger shoves on his hat and follows.

They walk back to the dorms in relative silence and thank god for that. Roger’s mind is abuzz, all he wants is to just tell Chuck the truth. But then everything would fall apart.

When they reach their respective rooms, Roger looks back and freezes when he sees Chuck doing the same.

“Night, Roger,” Chuck all but purrs.

Roger uses all his strength to stop his knees from buckling, steadies himself on the door. “Night, Chuck.”

He rushes into his room, slams the door shut which makes Joe lift his head just a little from his bed. He mutters something but falls back asleep to Roger’s relief.

In the darkness, Roger finally takes a breath. He’s in a losing battle and he doesn’t know what to do. So, he trudges over to his dresser, gets ready for the night.

Maybe a good night’s rest will help.

~

“Alright,” Chuck slams down a thick booklet in front of Roger. “I need help.”

Roger glances from the table to Chuck. Here he was just having a nice moment in the sun room and now Chuck’s come to disturb the peace. Not that Roger is truly mad at him.

“Thought you were rehearsing with Stub and Shorty,” he frowns.

“Yeah, but they aren’t cutting it and I can’t get this part right.”

Roger doesn’t trust this excuse but he picks up the script anyway and flips through the pages. The amount of lines Chuck has is astounding and Roger’s stomach flips. How he must sound on stage, his voice shaking the auditorium, reverberating in everyone’s hearts.

“Which,” Roger clears his throat. “Which part?”

Chuck takes the script from Roger’s hand, turns to the last few pages. “From here.”

Roger raises his brows but starts where Chuck instructed. Chuck is a natural, he has all his lines perfect, even his cues, so what his plan is underneath all this is beyond Roger.

“Soft and fair, Friar. Which is Beatrice?”

“I answer to that name. What is your will?” Roger winces.

His reading is stilted but in his defense, he’s not supposed to be a masterful actor.

“Do you not love me?”

Roger pauses, glances up at Chuck. He forgets the script, swallows as Chuck stares right into his eyes.

He does. With all his heart.

Then, Roger shakes himself, tries to get back to the lines.

“Why no; no more than reason.”

Shakespeare himself is taunting Roger and if he could go to England, he’d do it in an instant to yell at the dead man.

“Why, then your uncle and the prince and Claudio have been deceived; they swore you did,” Chuck makes his way over to the couch, oh so slowly sits next to Roger.

“Do…do you not love me?” Roger stumbles over the line.

This is all too real. His heart threatens to burst out of him, the script crumpling in his tight grip.

“Troth, no; no more than reason.”

The next moment is a dream. Chuck leans in, his breath gracing Roger’s lips. Roger knows they shouldn’t, knows he should push him away but he just can’t. He wants this so much, he’ll destroy everything just to have Chuck.

He sighs when Chuck kisses him. It’s just like he thought. Chuck is harsh, but calm, guiding Roger through their bated breaths.

Roger falls easily, melts when Chuck takes his face in both his hands. They follow each other in their embrace, a reluctance to part until they absolutely must.

“How long?” Roger asks as their foreheads press together.

“I don’t know,” Chuck admits, voice just above a whisper. “Maybe always.”

Roger nods, covering one of Chuck’s hands with his own. He’s going to wake up any minute now. But as the seconds pass, Chuck doesn’t fade. They’re still in the sun room, the script long forgotten on the floor.

“Your…,” Roger points to it. “What about your lines?”

Chuck laughs, bright and loud, pulling Roger into a tight hug. “Rodge, opening night is next week. I think I’d be in deep shit if I didn’t have my lines all but perfect.”

Roger’s eyes go wide. It was a ploy after all. He’s not mad though. If this is what gets Chuck by his side, then Roger loves him all that much for it.

He joins in with Chuck’s laughter, loves the way Chuck stares into his eyes. The calloused hands on his skin are perfection and Roger wonders how he ever lived until this moment.

With a devilish grin, Chuck leans in close to Roger, breath hot on his ear.

“But…we can always rehearse some more,” Chuck murmurs.

Roger bites his lip, soaks in Chuck’s rich, tantalizing voice. With just one nod, they scramble from the sun room, tear off to Roger’s dorm. Joe’s always out with Joyce after all. As Chuck pulls him into another kiss, Roger flies into the clouds.

Sitting in the crowd next week will be torture but at least Roger will know that all the love Chuck recites will be for him and him alone.

[empressofthesunwriter]

You and I 02

Whether in canon or in fantasy, whether already in love or falling, whether naughty or nice, You and Izuku always find your way to each other.

Hades!ReaderXPersephone!Izuku NSFW

This One-Shot is inspired by one of my favourite Greek Myths.

So I took some liberties.

Enjoy!

/*/

Being the Goddess of the Underworld was... alright.

Well, that's what you told your father All Might, the All-Father of the Pantoen, when he visited you.

He always told you, you were the smartest and strongest of his children.

Only you could govern just over the death.

The first thousand years you enjoyed your job.

You found pride in it.

But now...humans never changed.

They killed for money, killed for revenge and even for passion.

Of course, these souls belonged only to Tartarus.

What still hurt you the most were the babies and young children.

Elysium was the only beautiful place in the underworld, only there the little ones belonged.

You loved visiting them.

You know how you could never have children.

You were the underworld, death incarnated, life could never form in you.

Well, it was not like you had a lover or husband.

Still, you sometimes logged for these things.

With a sign, you looked over your papers for today.

It seemed like it would be a normal workday for you.

That's when Tenya, the messenger of the gods, formally crashed into your study.

"Tenya, what the heck?!", you shouted, catching the flying papers around you.

"I'm deeply sorry, Hades.", called Tenya you by your godname. His was Hermes. "But I come with terrible news. The son of Demeter vanished! No one can find him!"

Demeter?

Who was this again?

"Inko? You mean Inko right?"

"Yes, Inko. Persephone just poof vanished."

"Persephone is...?"

"Izuku! My best friend I told you about him!"

"Oh, the boy who practically worships father."

That was all that you knew about this Izuku.

You didn't even know how he looked.

You only heard of him because your father All Might/Zeus has taken him as an apprentice.

It was a bit strange since this Izuku was a Spring God, but your dad saw more in people than most.

"Alright, Tenya, this Izuku is probably lost, why are you here?", you wonder.

He handed you a paper with a drawing picture of Izuku.

"Maybe he fell into the Underworld or Thanatos has him in her claws!", shouted Tenya accusing.

You deadpanned.

"I talked to Himiko, she knows she can't get any more people who aren't ready for death!"

"But are you sure?!"

"Hermes!", your voice thundered and made all shake in your palace. "I think I know my subjects! Don't you dare to challenge my authority! Himiko knows her place!"

The messenger of the gods gave you his deep excuse and then he was off again.

He needed to spread the word to more gods.

You shook your head and looked at the painting of this Izuku.

Huh.

He was quite a looker.

Fitting for a Spring Deity.

And his freckles were adorable!

Well, you could ask Charon/Denki if a god-soul used his ferry to cross the Styx.

Your work could wait a while.

/*/

Izuku knows what he did was wrong.

So, so wrong!

He was normally an obedient son, however his mother was just so protective of him!

After his father left them, his mother kept a close eye on him.

She didn't want to be abandoned again.

That she allowed him to be All Might's apprentice was a miracle in itself.

Well, you couldn't really say no to the King of the Gods, could you?

Anyway, Izuku was now over a thousand years old.

He finally wanted to explore the world.

His mother shot down the idea faster than Tenya could deliver messages.

No, Izuku should stay with her and fulfil his duties as Spring Deity.

Even if spring was long over and it was now summer!

Something in him had just snapped this day.

He packed a little traveller back and off he was.

Izuku didn't have a specific destination, he just wanted to see the world.

Then he found a strange door.

It was round and led into the innermost of a mountain.

Or that's what he thought.

Turns out he had found a Door to the Underworld.

And he was lost!

Just amazing!

He had learnt from his mother how the Underworld was practically as big as the Overworld, yet being there was something different.

The Underworld had a gothic charm going on.

It reminds him of his good friend Tokoyami aka. Nyx God of the Night.

So Izuku felt at ease and explored.

Then of course a big three-headed dog jumped him!

He could avoid him, but the three-headed dog was ready to attack again.

What should he do?!

"Who are good boys?!", he yelled the first thing which came to mind at the dog.

Incredibly the dog stopped, all three heads titling and their tails wiggling.

"Who are good boys? You are good boys! All of you!", he praised the threeheaded dog.

The dog barked happily and then licked him with his three tongues.

Uurgh, he was now full of dog saliva.

"Well, I never saw someone win over Cerberus so fast.", mussed a female voice.

Was this woman kidding him?

This beast of a dog's name was Spot?!

Cerberus let up from him and wandered over to the woman to lick now her.

Izuku could only see a glimpse of her.

It was like darkness clung to her.

/*/

Talking to Denki didn't give you any information about this lost Izuku.

No God-Soul had passed.

So you returned to your castle and did your duties for the day.

After this was done you made your way over to Elysium.

Just you saw Cerberus, your dog, interacting with someone.

Amused you saw how he licked this person.

As Cerberus heard your voice, he greeted you with dog kisses.

You petted him and then told him to go.

Happily, he trotted away.

You turned to the stranger and...okay was this a Greek Comedy?

The lost Izuku has turned up in the Underworld.

In reality, he was even more handsome, yet you didn't show any sign of your innermost thoughts and looked at the young man with a regal expression.

"Well, what do we have here? A soul who doesn't belong here."

Meanwhile, Izuku blushed up a storm.

He never saw such a beautiful woman like you.

Yes, even Aphrodite/Toru didn't stand a chance against you!

You were... outwordly beautiful.

Yes, this describes it the best.

Izuku noted how you raised an eyebrow in question at him and blushed more.

Oh, dear Gods, he had stared like an idiot!

"I-I'm s-sorry ma'am, I was just passing through?"

You crossed your arms, pushing your breasts together (Not that Izuku stared!) and said dry: "Did you really make it sound like a question, boy?"

Sheepish Izuku rubbed his neck.

"Erm, yeah, I'm just a bit confused. It wasn't my plan to land in the Underworld and then get smooched by your dog."

"That I can see, Izuku, Son of Inko, right?"

"Y-Yes ma'am."

Izuku looked shyly at the floor.

"I just wanted to explore and there was this door and yeah..."

Did he come through an Underworld Door?

"I'm going to kick Himiko's ass.", you grumbled under your breath.

You bet your ass that Himiko had gone out to the human world and forgot to close the door behind her, this was the only explanation why Izuku, who wasn't dead, was here now.

"Excuse me, ma'am."

"Nothing to worry about boy.", you waved it away. "Just I have to talk to one of my people about something. Come on now, I will lead you back to the surface."

Just Izuku didn't move.

You title your head at him confused.

"Something wrong?"

"Ma'am I wish to speak to Hades."

You barely contained a laugh.

Oh, this could be interesting.

"Why do you wanna talk to Hades?", you asked.

The Spring Deity played nervously with his hands before he stood tall and proud.

"I wish to explore the Underworld. I didn't get lost, I just wanted to see more than my and my mother's home."

Wow, this was kinda hot seeing him all confident.

His green eyes sparkled like smarageds.

"Well, I don't have a problem with it, but you should tell your mother this.", you told him with a smile.

It took Izuku three seconds to connect the dots.

"YOU are Hades?!"

"In the flesh."

You made a curtsy.

"My mom always said Hades was a man."

And now I know why, though Izuku looking at you with dreamy eyes. She was surely worried I would lose my heart to you...

Not knowing what Izuku thought, you shrugged your shoulders.

"Yeah, humans who come to me to be judged are always surprised to see a woman and not a man."

"I imagine..."

An awkward silence formed between you, you swore you heard a cricket.

"Come on now, Izuku. Write to your mother and you can be my guest."

"O-Of course."

/*/

Saying Inko was displeased with Izuku's letter and his plead to stay in the Underworld for a while, would be the understatement of the century.

You felt the Earth shake till into the Underworld.

However, Izuku didn't give up and someone could convince his mother to give him a week.

Better than nothing.

You let a guestroom be prepared for him with the sight of Elysium.

He surely would as Spring Deity enjoy the pretty flowers that grow there and the laughs of the children.

Then he was off to explore alone.

You told him when he saw a woman in a pink toga with blond hair in two buns and having way too many knives on her body, that he should run.

Thanatos/Himiko would surely like to slice him up a bit and taste his blood.

The disturbed look on Izuku's face made you laugh.

Anyway, you could finally relax in Elysium.

The children flocked around you, all demanding sitting on your lap.

You gave turns and then played with them catch.

After this was time for a story.

You had currently Eri on your lap, a child who died too soon at the hands of a cruel man and told the children the story of how your father All Might defeated all the Titans, as you saw how Izuku came shy towards your group.

Without interrupting the story you waved him over.

Couries the children made a place for him.

When you finished the story, poor Izuku was bombarded with questions.

The kids had for a long time not seen a living being.

They wanted to know how the world was now and who he was.

Only Eri hugged you tighter and looked at the strange boy in distrust.

The poor precious baby had seen too much evil before her brutal death.

She only trusted you and the children like her.

Izuku did his best to answer all the questions of the little ones, all while thinking how unfair it was that such young humans had to die.

At least they seemed happy here in Elyiusm.

It really was a Paradies.

Then the children, beside Eri, left you to play with the bigger ones who were playing a big game of Hide and Seek.

"You are their new favourite toy.", you joked, which made Izuku smile.

Your heart did not beat faster.

No.

Absolut not.

"I'm happy I could bring them some joy.", then he noted Eri, who was still on your lap hugging you. "Hello sweetie, what's your name?"

In answer, Eri hides her face in your shoulder.

Izuku looked surprised at her, while you signed.

"It's not you...Eri had a brutal death, she doesn't trust anyone besides me and the other kids."

"Oh I'm so sorry.", said Izuku and you heard the compassion in his words.

He even had tears in his eyes.

"What are her favourite flowers?", asked you Izuku.

Blinking you told him Lillies.

Izuku took a deep breath, touched the ground and hundreds of Lillies appeared.

"Eri, look!", you said. "Look what Izuku did for you."

Only because she trusted you, she looked and then gasped in wonder.

Lillies in any colours were around you three!

"F-For m-me?", she stuttered, but she was talking to Izuku!

This was a huge step for her.

You were so proud, like a real mother.

"Yes for you, sweetheart.", told her Izuku gently. "What other flowers do you like?"

"P-Poppys!"

In Izuku's hand appeared a bouquet of multicoloured poppies

He then threw the poppies in the air and with a flourish move of his hand, they flow around you.

You and Eri gasped in wonder.

This was wonderful!

Izuku showing his power made the other kids return, even to older ones and for the rest of the day, he had to give the kids a flower show.

After a while, Eri was even so courageous enough to sit beside you.

All thanks to Izuku and his spring powers.

You felt something in your heart blossom too.

/*/

"I want to thank you.", you said to him as you made your way over to your castle. "You gave the children a wonderful experience something I never could do."

"I hardly believe this, they love your stories. You are an amazing storyteller.", disagreed Izuku.

You hold onto his shoulder to make him stop.

You looked into each other eyes.

Death and Life.

"No Izuku, what you did, I cannot give them. I'm death, not life. I can only weave pretty words together, you can create."

Izuku heard the sadness in your tone and reached with his hand out to stroke your cheek.

Your skin formally burned under his caress.

"I think you are too hard on yourself.", told you Izuku. "You give these children love, the love of a mother, this is more precise than some pretty flowers."

"You are way too sweet.", you grinned to hide your tears. "Careful I will fall in love with you."

This made Izuku blush red like a rose.

You laughed now loud.

He deadpanned at you and then made a red rose appear.

Before you could ask for what this was for, he put it behind your ear.

Stupified you touched it.

What?

"I know we only know each other for a day, but...I feel connected to you.", he confessed.

You gulped.

Oh, this was not good.

So not good.

"You are probably just lusting after me...death has to be alluring."

"Hades, that's not true. I-"

"I will see you tomorrow Izuku!"

With that you're formally stormed into the castle, the red rose falling from your ear.

Izuku picked it up, looking after you with logging.

/*/

After what happened the first day between you two, you tried your best to be a good host to Izuku, but not more.

You could see how he was getting frustrated.

Did he really think death and life could be together?

What a farce!

A shining light like Izuku belongs on the surface and not in your realm of darkness.

So you decide to show him, what exactly was your job.

Surprised he sat beside your throne as you judged over dead humans.

You were just, but cold.

He noted how you punished people who hurt children in any way the hardest.

Then came a difficult case.

The man before you, crying and whimpering, had stolen from people and even killed someone. However, he did all this to buy medicine for his sick son.

You know the boy.

He came to you a week ago.

His father couldn't handle his death and had killed himself.

Difficult.

A loving father who did all for his son.

But also a thief, murderer and suicide victim.

Where should you put him?

"Hades.", whispers Izuku to you. "Let him see his son."

Shocked you turnend to Izuku.

"What why?"

"Do you hear what he is mumbling, he just wants to know his son is happy in Elysium and then he will take your punishment with grace."

Oh...!

You hadn't noted that.

So you listened in and just as Izuku said, the man wanted to see his son one last time, then he would go, where you demanded he belonged.

After thousands of years of judging souls, you had somehow forgotten to listen to what they said.

If it weren't for Izuku you would have just put the man in Tartarus.

The pain of not knowing what happened to his son was nothing against the pain Tartarus inflicted.

You let call for the boy and had to hide your tears as you saw their happy reunion.

The father kissed his son and told him how proud he was and how much he loved him, but they couldn't be together because he did evil things and needed to be punished for it.

The boy understood, hugged his father tight and told him he would love him forever.

After the reunion and sending the father to his rightful punishment you turned to Izuku and said: "You gave me good advice. Will you tomorrow help me again?"

He gave you a brilliant smile in agreement.

/*/

The days with Izuku were bittersweet.

Sweet because he made you see new things, learn them and enjoy with you the beauty of the Underworld.

Bitter because this was the last night.

You were sitting together at the table, both not really eating.

"It will be so quiet without you.", you tried to make small talk.

Izuku just nodded.

You signed.

"Izuku, you promised your mother you would return tomorrow."

"I don't want to.", he murmured, finding your eyes. "There is still so much I wanna do here, also I love helping you with your duties and taking care of the children."

You stared at your chalice.

What could you answer him?

How does anything in you scream that he should stay with you?

How do you wish to live these new feelings he awakes in you?

Could you be this egoistic?

You heard how he stood up from his chair and then kneeled before you.

"Hades...", he began, laying a hand on your knee. It burned. "Just say the word...even if it's only for one night...let me be yours."

You gasped.

No, you couldn't!

But you wanted him!

His light, his warmth, his love!

You shouldn't!

It would be only for one night!

One night had to be enough!

"Call me [Your Name]!", you revealed your name to him, then gripped the back of the head and smashed your lips together.

Never tasted the forbidden fruit so delicious as this kiss.

/*/

Soft moans left your lips, as Izuku worshipped your naked body.

You felt for the first time alive and warm under his lips.

His tongue in your most sacred place, made you cry in ecstasy.

When you become one, you love each other gently.

No need to be rough, to be fast.

You only had one night and you would enjoy it to the fullest.

When he came inside you, you felt an indescribable warmth in your womb.

It was like a flower blossomed into you.

You embraced each other and cried tears.

/*/

You couldn't watch him go.

You tasted love and now it was ripped away from you.

Izuku understood you, of course, he did and left while you slept.

The underworld was again a place without light and laughter.

/*/

A few days later you threw up.

/*/

You looked in wonder and pain at the little bump that had formed on your stomach.

One night had been enough for Izuku to give you what you always craved.

A child.

But how could you raise this child without his father?

/*/

You named her Zakuro (Pomegranate).

She was the mirror of her father.

Green hair and eyes, adorable freckles and full of light and laughter.

Anyone loved her.

Your father, All Might, was shocked as you presented her to him.

You had to hide the pregnancy from him because you didn't want to get Izuku in trouble.

It was of course a stupid plan since you had to birth her one day and then show her to your father.

He just looked on and on at your little wonder and then said only two words: "Young Midoriya?"

You just nodded.

/*/

You were currently trying to make Zakuro fall asleep as you heard a ruckus outside your castle.

One voice was your father.

The other was Inko.

And the third...!

You raced, with Zakuro in your arms out of the castle.

"Izuku!", you shouted in disbelief.

He shouted your name back and had tears in his eyes.

"So it's true, I'm a father!"., he cried a happy tear and came closer to you. "She is so beautiful!"

"Let me see the child.", demanded Inko.

She looked around Izuku and gasped seeing the baby.

"Oh Izuku, she looked like you when you were a babe."

"Mom, can I please hug my family?"

"Oh of course."

Izuku took you both in his arms and kissed Zakuro's tiny forehead.

"Hello, princess, I'm your daddy."

You leaned your head on his shoulder, whispering: "Please stay."

/*/

In the end, you found an agreement.

Izuku would stay six months on the surface with his mother, to take care of his duties as Spring Deity and the other six months he would spend with you and Zakuro in the Underworld, as King of the Underworld and judge with you the souls of the death.

Of course you married, it was a feast that took place in three days with a lot of wine and ambrosia.

Your wedding night was better than the night you made Zakuro because you know a lot more would follow.

You and Izuku had after Zakuro, a son and then another daughter.

Your youngest was a Spring Deity like her father and when she was of age took over Izuku's duties on the surface.

So the two of you would spend the whole year together, besides when you visit family of course.

It seemed so silly that so long ago you thought death and life couldn't be together when they both created balance.

Your love story was one which touched people, sadly it changed a lot over the centuries.

But as long as you had Izuku and your children at your side you could laugh over the silly humans who thought Hades was a man and Persephone a woman.

And so Hades (You) and Persephone (Izuku) ruled over the underworld over all eternity just and with love, laughter and life.

[rasshu-benaiokny]

Human Again…🌹Valentine special

(A Canonical #Gyutaroxrasshu short) Canon to the main AU

Laying within the confines of a cold dark cave, Gyutaro spends his first official valentines day alone… He was so excited to spend time with his lover, he wanted to treat her out to a sweet date like every couple was doing. After all, he’s from the red light district and he’s learned a thing or two about this holiday; Valentines day. Alas, his little demon slayer, Rasshu, has other plans tonight… A plan to patrol a near by city while all of the civilians are out partying the night away. The day Gyutaro found out that he was going to go another valentines night alone, he snapped at the hashira! Beyond angry that she would choose to work rather than spend such an important night with HIM?! How could she… she was supposed to be his… at least for tonight…

Gyutaro claws his face as he ponders why, why would his lover accept some lowly mission when hes here suffering… but then as he looks up at the shiny walls of the stone he catches his reflection. His deformed, dry, blotched face… his jagged sharp teeth, his yellow cracked eyes… He starred into his own soul as he softly muttered and answer to his own question “she didnt want to spend time with such an ugly monster…did she…” He knew that he wasn’t the looker and he never was, but he didnt deny that him becoming a demon didnt make anything better. His demon body was always cold to the touch, he could never truly feel a soft touch, his scent was always off putting and he could never get rid of it. Becoming a demon gave him strength but it did make him more of a monster than he ever was before… Looking to the side, he understood that he wanted more for his lover, she already did so much for him as is…

Wondering about a conversation they both had a few months back, Rasshu asked the demon if he remembered how his human life was but Gyutaro gave a vague response. He remembered alot to be honest, but he was scared that Rasshu wouldn’t like him just like everyone else… Thought, Rasshu seemed to humor such a thought, making it a small goal of hers to witness Gyutaro in his original glory… She laughed at her remark but Gyutaro at the time… he wasn’t so keen on such a reality. Soon Rasshu would spew out things she would do with him if he was a human; take him places hes never been, have him try the best foods shes ever found, kiss and embrace him without getting sick or poisoned, there was so much they could never do… So, as the cave got darker, Gyutaro sat and thought about it… What if he was human again…

Drifting into a silent slumber, his mind became hazy as he began to dream about such a scenario. He found himself in a forest filled with powdery snow… it was cold… a feeling that he hasn’t felt in centuries… it was humanizing. Walking forward, he realized that he was dressed in a green suit, similar to something that his sister would undoubtedly put him in. And his hair was black once more… he’s different but he for some reason, he hated it. He had no powers, the skin on his bones felt foreign now, hell he cant even tell where he is. But whatever, its not like it was going to change his overall demeanor. Walking and finally getting used to his body once more, he stumbled upon fresh footprints as he began to follow them unconsciously. Finally, he catches a gleam of green as he lays his tired eyes on the figure in a sparkling green dress; Rasshu Benaio. She was so beautiful as the dress conformed to her body and made her seem so unique in the white snow… her dark skin was so smooth and her exposed fangs were so pearly. Turning around, She looked at the man gawking at her secretly with wide piercing eyes and then Gyutaro realized… hes human! Backing away from his familiar love, he shields his face from her glaring eyes, shielding her… shielding him from the truth. But as soon as he took a few steps back, the sly woman was already up at his shoes, peering past his long spindly fingers. She wont let him hide… Pulling his hands down, he stiffens up as she begins to rest her hands on his shoulders. Her eyes soften and it nearly melts Gyutaro’s exterior, she wasn’t disgusted with him… she was content with him… Bring her in closer, he feels her heart beat as her hands gently hold his back and then as his vision fades to white, he feels his lips lock with hers…

Opening his eyes, he wakes up to see a tired and roughed up Rasshu kissing him believing he fell asleep… Glaring at the unaware hashira, Gyutaro pulls in the woman hugging her tightly as she flinches but melts in his grasp. She nervously rubs her head as she solemnly whispers to her demon

Rasshu: Sorry I had to work so late, I just had to do so many things and you know how important work is when-

Gyutaro: Shut it brat… Im just happy you’re here now… happy Valentine’s

Rasshu: Happy Valentine my little demon…

[a-dorin]

mishap

pairing: din djarin x reader 

word count: 1.402k

warnings: angst, cursing, spoilers, spoilers, spoilers for chapter fifteen (u have been warned !!!) a lil bit of crying, some yelling, slight canon divergence from chapter fifteen 

a/n: hey y’all. i don’t really have much to say about this one other than to avoid it because it contains spoilers from chapter fifteen. this is a very self-indulgent blurb/fic too ahah. i hope you guys like it! :’))

“you know,” an elbow gently digs into your rib-cage, “he’s quite the looker. you got yourself a good one.”

you pause, nearly tripping over your own two feet, “what are you talking about?”

migs mayfield arches a brow, “oh shit. i -- uh, uhm.”

“you were the one who retrieved the coordinates, right?” 

mayfield hesitates, bringing a hand to the back of his neck, “yeah, yeah. i was the one who retrieved the coordinates. your uh -- lover boy was the one who stood guard.”

your gaze darts over to the mandalorian only a few steps ahead, the beskar gleaming as rays of light filtered in through the leaves, “mayfield, is there something you’re not telling me?”

a twig snaps under his foot, causing him to stiffen, “no, no. the mission was a success. we managed to get what we needed, then we got out.”

“right,” you affirm, “was there a reason why you complimented di-- mando, then?”

“oh you know,” mayfield shrugs, “you know what they say. there’s always beauty beneath the helmet. he probably has some luscious locks of golden--”

“no one fucking says that,” you snort, readjusting the blaster situated in your belt, “listen, if there’s something you’re not telling me, i won’t hesitate to tell them to take your ass right back to garbage planet.”

“garbage planet,” mayfield scoffs, “yeah, i’m jumping for joy to return to that shit show.”

clenching your jaw, you can’t help but notice din as he strides towards the two of you, fennec and cara in tow. fennec is quiet, lips etched together in a solemn frown while cara carries a smug smirk on her face. almost as if she was about to deal out a brutal blow to the prisoner now turned comrade. 

boba fett’s ship was stationed nearly a few hundred feet away, hatch opened, ready for the next step of the plan. as much as you wanted to focus on retrieving grogu, as much as you needed to maintain a level-head, you couldn’t. 

there was something about the way mayfield seemed so sincere only minutes ago that had your mind reeling, anxiety, confusion, and hurt bubbling up. 

did din really break his own creed? 

fennec shoulders past the huddle, sharing a brief moment of eye contact with you. her brow furrowed with concern, but she kept moving, sauntering over to the ship. 

“i wanted to thank you for your help,” din’s tone is nearly monotone, yet, you can sense an inflection of gratitude. 

“it wasn’t a problem,” mayfield dips his head. 

“i never realized that you were such a good shot,” cara chuckles.

“oh, you saw that?” mayfield’s eyes widen, lips curling into a cheeky grin, “what happened back there was from a lot of pent up stuff. besides, don’t you have to arrest me or something? you guys got a kid to save.”

“not any kid,” cara cuts in, motioning her head towards din, “his kid.”

“well no shit officer,” mayfield rolls his eyes, droning on, “good luck, and i mean that.”

“you know,” cara swivels on her heel, folding her arms across her chest, “it’s a real shame that the prisoner died in that explosion.”

in an instant, you notice the way mayfield’s entire demeanor shifts. his lips part, the smile broadening, “w-what? what are you talking about?”

“yeah,” din adds, placing a hand on mayfield’s shoulder, “what a shame.”

mayfield gives the three of you once last look of gratitude, cara clearing her throat, “so, what’s our next move?”

din exhales, “we move forward.”

within minutes, boba is punching in coordinates to your next destination. however, something about the aura that filled the air told you that you were not traveling for grogu quite yet. the air was still, almost stagnant, nowhere near the static, adrenaline-inducing battle preparation you were used to. the tiny ship was quiet, the hum of the engine white noise in your ears. 

it feel as if there were just a few more loose ends to tie up. a few more pit-stops. 

the quiet before the storm. 

din was in close proximity, one hand on your thigh, the other resting on his helmet. fennec sat in the cockpit with boba, filling him in on the run-in while cara joined them, providing you and din with a little bit of privacy. 

which, you already knew what happened. there was almost nothing to say. 

“you’re quiet.”

his voice, so calm and cool, brings you to reality, away from the thoughts tormenting your mind. 

“it’s been a long day,” the words were nearly silent, barely a mumble. 

din coughs, hand squeezing your thigh, “you don’t have to lie to me.”

“mayfield said something,” it takes everything in you to keep your eyes off him, to keep staring at the metallic floor, “it just rubbed me the wrong way.”

“what did he say?”

you bite your lip, formulating some sort of way to say it. to say what you want to say without sounding selfish. 

“um,” you inhale sharply, “he said you were good-looking. and that i was lucky to have a man like you.”

you stiffen as din chuckles. yet, it’s strained, almost forced, “did you believe it?”

“i don’t think he’s a liar.”

“he’s a--”

“was there a mishap back there? did something happen that no one else is supposed to be aware of?” 

tears brim your lids, shame burning through you. maker, were you so selfish for this. for accusing din of abandoning a creed he’d known his whole life. the hand slides off your thigh, settling on his own lap. 

silence overcomes the space, eerie and unforgiving.

there’s a clink of beskar as din leans his head back, his posture so painfully still. 

“there was a mishap. things weren’t going as planned. i had to--”

“you don’t have to continue,” you shake your head, “i knew it the moment mayfield let it slip. i can’t imagine how awful that was.”

“i’m surprised you’re taking it so well,” his voice is hushed, “you’ve been begging me for months to see one glimpse of my face. just one. yet, it was a necessary cause. it was so that they could get a scan of my face, for the coordinates.”

“so the imperials know what you look like too?” a single tear rolls down your cheek, splattering on the fabric of your trousers. 

“i’m not sure about that one.” 

“i see,” you whisper, shifting away from din. 

“hey,” his hand hovers above your knee, “you can tell me how frustrated you are about this. i know it’s a sensitive subject between us. if anything, i wish it was you in there with me. but it was just the cards we were dealt, okay? there was nothing i could do.”

lifting your head, eyes connect with the inky black visor, “were you scared?”

“terrified.”

there was something about his voice, how it seemed so broken and vulnerable. this was a man donned in one of the most resilient, most strong material of the galaxy, who was stripped away of his familiarity, a simple, three-word creed that had shaped his entire existence. 

your heart shatters at the mere thought of how utterly terrified din must had been, how he flinched when the imperials spoke to him. how his eyes probably darted between mayfield and the nearest exit, desperate and guilty.

a way out. a way of the gut-wrenching feeling that was threatening to consume him whole. 

yet, din sacrificed those mere minutes of vulnerability in order to save his child. grogu, the tiny creature who he had grown an immense attachment to. 

and maker, how you loved din immensely for making that sacrifice. 

leaning forward you press your forward, nearly flinching at the cool sensation, “i’m sorry.”

a hand cups the back of your skull, “you don’t have to be sorry.”

“i just can’t even imagine how surreal it all felt to show your face in front of--”

“it’s over now,” he murmurs, “it was nothing compared to the fear that consumed me when i left you with grogu at those rocks. i thought they took you too. i was petrified, cyar’ika, absolutely petrified.”

“they still have him, ya know,” your lashes flutter as you let out a shaky breath, “we still have a long road ahead of us, din.”

“i know, and as long as i have you by my side, i know i can do anything.”

[thecrenellations]

Return of the Thief Notes, Part Two: The Book of Pheris, Volume 2, Chapters 1-5

Notes from my first read, October 2020. (Part One | Part Three | TaT)

Contents: Me losing my mind in multiple ways each chapter, helpful links, nighttime garden cousins, an Irene pun, notes from my second read, “mwt is just like going for it,” and “this is so fucked up and heartwarming.”

Format: Page number. My thoughts (Context?)

Volume 2

Illustration

Book 2 bro

Now we’re caught up and changed forever by lots of things

What printer’s apprentice made this?

Elephants!

Chapter 1

175. me too, Costis, me too. I am so tired. (it’s hard to sleep when your brain and heart and everything are fizzing because you’re reading Return of the Thief for the first time and a new Queen’s Thief book for the last time) 

176. Klimun + Gerosthenes vibes [moon doodle]

Holes in documents. That’s cute

Gen!!! <3

Wtf Ansel was hoodwinked!

177. The Queen waited

They’re ridiculous

Hi Pheris

Wtf he stole her earrings for Melheret?!?

178. Excuse me??? What is this book (sleeveless leather tunic)

He still roams!!!

Tattoos!

179. a sentence I never fucking expected to read ever “The absence of tattoos…”

180. that’s interesting

Stacked like kindling wow oh dear

181. She wants him to move in lol

Lol sorry Ion

Did she just want them to leave the room?

182. I can’t with this… I can’t. Why is sex symbol Relius canon. (the play that featured him! It’s great, it’s great, it was just a lot to take in!)

Silver crown?

183. Cleon! Rude!

Did they call Costis to deck him?

Queen scene!! <3

184. This is an epic. Abt Costis. Dirty stranger

185. he’s “the high king”

Lol

187. prophet (Pheris sure makes Costis sound like one)

Shut up Piloxides

188. resources for war! (book launch foreshadowing part two! She talked a lot about this kind of thing as well, and recommended the book Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army)

189. “we”

What were you gonna say (Gen almost says something to Costis part one)

193. RIP The Magus Archives … it was not to be. Yet.

194. Melenze’s doorstep. Why? Bc Melenze is Ferria’s dog. (idk dude that line from ACoK has just never left me)

195. This is … a big war

196. Oh gen

Nighttime garden cousins.

Chapter 2

197. wtf did Relius think of that play

Also … not a peep from the sacred mountain huh

198. wtf will happen with Cleon

with Erondites

with THE MOUNTAIN

a lot going on

everyone was in that room but Kamet! So close!

199. Cute Fordad + Gen friendship (I never said these notes would make me look smart)

Same 2 T + R! :) It’s not them is it? (I NEVER SAID THESE NOTES WOULD MAKE ME LOOK SMART)

Poor Teleus

200. gdi Gen

Excuse me? Is he worried for Pheris??? (taking his tablet)

They trust each other! C’mon!

Sure he has reasons

202. oh dear. :( that’s … the worst cover story

Also falling

203. wow almost like a story huh

Ula’s altar :(

Why haven’t we had a Gen and Costis scene IN THREE BOOKS

205. I just … I don’t know if he’s just miserable or if it’s all a plan. I feel like I should know it’s all a plan. But he really feels like he has far to go. He’s just a mess and the same and so different. (having a small Gen meltdown)

205. he did give him the gun

Odd that he missed Quedue

206. he’s gonna bite them (buckle up! it’s abdication time!)

207. Power. Power. Power. Power.

Thx 4 the editorializing Pheris

208. Gen is making choices. That’s a choice.

209. There’s KoA down the drain

Aaaand he’s Eugenides

“Eugenides stared into the future”

The page of like 3 different tumblr posts: Trophy husband, Library, No! yes!

210. make sure he doesn’t leave lol

211. Pheris :(

Also fucked up timing for Irene

I love them

212. again with the birthday book

He’s still the king in the narration

Go on the roof! So close!

213. EUGENIDES IS ALWAYS APPROPRIATE my motto

Viper! Bastard!

Oh shit. I love them.

214. “our treaty” “our queen”

AAAH! Wedding night!

Asked her to leave!

Smash Erondites and peace out, literally

215. a frank talk

HE SAID IT.

216. The Bructs?

Wait is this his grandfather (taking a moment to remember all about Susa)

Also that’s Costis territory

217. who is this lion

218. #3 to Gen.

219. hmmm ring

There’s been a lot to unpack wow.

Did this happen, Pheris? Pheris?! 

220. Atté atté!

(Dear reader: for some strange reason, I completely forgot about taking notes on the final pages of this chapter. These notes are from when I reread those pages a few minutes later.)

Erondites full cup to brimming

The Pherises…

We must think of others before ourselves … occasionally

I do not like Orutus

Don’t fence Costis in! Does this count as prison? No (I had a square on my bingo board for “someone ends up in prison” ... but it turned out to be for someone else)

221. damn Costis

Aaah

Costis …

Irene… your jokes (I mean, it’s a joke, but also it is very real for her.)

SHE SAID IT!

My heart

222. where is Relius going?

SPYING

What you see and what you think it means (I love these instructions/this quote so much)

So are Susa + Erondites 2gether or what (listen ... proximity generates meaning in these books)

Also, like

What can

I say

WHAT CAN I SAY (Hell yeah! Never more glad to be wrong about the magus)

[page long list of doubles and parallels - from Cleons and Pherises and Ions to god-character and character-character connections]

Also the fact that in KoA and TaT Relius was like … oh … no … I just live a gentle life being friends with my king and queen and being scholarly. But no. He’s SPYING and TRAVELING MYSTERIOUSLY and has MANY LOVERS and also has been WITH TELEUS ALL ALONG and there is a PLAY written about him and he has a ~messenger~ network and PLAYS THE FLUTE and DOESN’T MAKE HIS BED and DISLIKES MATH and oh and he’s VERY HANDSOME! (Yes I was losing it, I hope my note from after the poem helps show some of the feelings behind this rant.)

Fucking … Wine shop. Should have known.

Chapter 3

224. ominous

Hello magus!

Sophos … babe (his impatience!)

225. Magus … cool your socks that’s your bff (he’s just describing Helen’s dead body! Fun!!!!)

In the van

That was good I love them

Why is it Couples Hour?

226. finally we’re out of the capital of Attolia

Ok they’re so cute

She was NEVER Helen in ACoK narration! 

Also – Pheris. This is all Pheris. (Pheris plus information others told him!)

227. Bringing each other up to date – that’s their thing. Talking forever

All this talk of shooting Therespides

228. EX FUCKING SCUSE ME (time to learn a lot about the country of Eddis)

He was 15! (or almost 15)

He didn’t know! Or did he!

The MoW!

All thru Pheris

Fuck you magus

When did he know

229. EXCUSE ME

The emeralds?

Assumed the worst?

That classic quote about little to do with winter but with “seducing other people’s lovers”

230. yeah Sophos that’s a lost cause (“spare me my blushes”)

Also she didn’t answer you

What are they laughing about (the generally nameless men we’re learning many things about this chapter)

233. Gen I think it’s fair to say that was a mistake

234. wtf Gen

GEN! he just. Had those. (the jewels!)

Her crown

I cannot

235. Gen!

237. Crash

Her CHANGES

238. THESE TWO

239. called annux

Yeah it’s like … a family meeting (the war council)

Bring your father to work day

241. Oh no.

Stenides! Boagus!!!!!!!

EDDIS!

Wolves! Lol

mwt is just like going for it

243. aww

Eddis > Boagus > Gen

244. Yeah I’m with her on this. (“if that doesn’t frighten you, it should”)

Chapter 4

245. Gen and Magus scene yes!

Two people affected by his long hair (Gen and the magus? I think?)

Pheris are you there?

Gen … you used to wish yourself out of existence

Wow

Hair vanity

Yeah also battlefield

Ion is a darling tbh

248. Is he. Is he going to fight all of them

Also they are all his cousins huh

AULUS! I liked you!

Same, Hilarion

Taking a page out of Costis’s book?

You have definitely seen it before. (I mistook his lie for truth!)

Will Costis hear about this? (please)

249. #4 to Gen!

Pheris where are you

Why doesn’t the Continent want to conquer them (do I get partial credit for this)

A tattoo!

250. “Do not offend the gods”

Honestly … too bad Helen DIDN’T do this

251. he said he’d give all he had

I’m sure there are rules

253. Just men? :( (let everybody fight him!)

Ornon is back! I mean, of course he is

Also yea they practice

HELLO ORNON

A house being built … or one knocked down. Nice

Is Teleus in on this?

254. Pheris called him my king!

255. I wanna know which guards though

:( he’d been faking

Kicked him in the head (ouch)

256. “when he fell”

I … don’t like this

He never gives up. The thieves don’t have limits. They have flash points.

Stepped on his hand

“Enough Gen” – what Irene said?

257. :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

The magus. I forgot he was there.

The magus said … nevermind …

The magus is probs very into this as a cultural thing. Also he was talking to the MoW

Pigeon. The sky. :( Like in TT (OH BOY, THE SKYYYY)

If there was a god, Pheris would see…

258. They’ve, they’ve been through a lot.

Oh god what’s next

259. I … no. not in his arms to the palace.

The palace where….

The stairs…

They are all 3 lookers. Basilisks and brass and lead

I hate this. But I love this.

I will someday see this differently.

Ah yes… the grunt. Approval.

260. Honestly, this is so fucked up and heartwarming. These books.

Lol don’t defend Hilarion, we know him

Eddis visits him.

Attolia watches him.

261.WTF Gen. I knew it. Why.

Crying or laughing? Crying? :(

How does this not undermine her now that he is her king?

But … what he wouldn’t do for her.

262. “he did fine”

This book is like… Reasons Gen Says Sorry

So, so… - Helen

GEN!

263. I am right. I am always right. It’s a curse.

Helen :( :( :(

The amount of times these people have seen him beaten.

He’s like … self destructive, but in a way that gives himself more power. Which he hates.

Gen, let them in. Let them in.

Chapter 5

264. honeycomb

OH NO. is it happening?

266. I’m just supposed to accept this?!! What does it mean?!

267. … a my king moment … important

But like … now can he fight?

Caryatid? [doodle after I looked it up]

268. Teleus!

C’mon Teleus. Everyone you love or respect loves him!

Honestly Pheris and Teleus … not a duo I expected

THESE TWO ARE SO DEDICATED TO TELLING HIM THAT! Ok I should chill. At least he said “may.” These are like … Pheris’s life lessons.

Honestly… I love that Teleus likes poetry, or at least likes it for Relius.

269. Lol Legarus. It’s been years! I mean, I guess that was a big deal for him… (almost being executed is a big deal for most people.)

Does he not love Gen because of Relius? Because Gen manipulated him? Because he keeps sending away his successor? Why on earth not! Hop on that train! (...)

It’s interesting that their relationship is the one that touches Pheris, not Gen and Irene. Hm.

Also … “Idiot.” The parallels.

“relatively gently” (it’s so good)

~Teleus here to talk about love~

This book is full of surprises.

270. That is NOT the bright side, Gen (“I could use my newfound authority to insist on going into battle”)

271. BUNNY! Wtf is a wineglass warrior

Very cute everyone, good job.

Still sad about Helen’s tears.

271. Gen. Don’t say these things. [volcano doodle]

272. SEE I was worried about this! The doubt!

I am not ok

This is TOO MANY Eddisian Revelations (Lader time)

Yeah. Wow.

273. Cleon x5

I … his grandfather

No.

Baby Helen begging

How did Pheris get this scene

Gen chose Cleon for his plan

275. IRENE WITH THE STATS!

276. lol Gen

My brother Sounis!

277. Missing Relius club.

Where is he though

Yes! Sophos Gen food fight!

Grapes!

“Wisdom”

He’s “the king” here and in KoA bc that’s the story but also that’s who he is to Pheris and Costis

278. So how did that Irene and MoW meeting go anyway?

How does Aulus know???

Thief short story! Probably terrible to reread, oh no

279. Are … are Aulus and Boagus together???! (“his slightly smaller partner”)

This feels … potentially traumatic … but fun? Idk

Fleece

280. This dang book. No rules!

The chandelier! So dramatic!

Mwt had … a lot to put into this one. A lot. A lot.

283. “not the Thief he was chasing”

284. The queens! The salute!

He can’t give this up.

Official Worries:

100,000 soldiers heading towards Kamet

Re: Lyopidus, Gen called Sophos his brother. Helen apparently might BE his sister. Temenus and Stenides are also going to a war where 9/10 will probably die.

Also

the MoW could have been a king if he’d stolen Helen’s throne. A lot there.

why does this book have the vibe of the library post, my comic from 2010, the king and queen interactions here, and the military tactics dream

[granddaughterogg]

Meeting the Family

An oldie but a goodie. Copypasted it from my AO3, for I cannot find the original post for the life of me. Still low key in awe about the fact that canon!Strife from Genesis has proved to be exactly that guy I wrote.

Imagine Death introducing you to the other Horsemen.

His large hand upheld your back in a reassuring manner. Still, you felt nervous. His siblings looked as big and scary as he was. Also, they were all really hot. Although in different ways.

Fury’s beauty took you aback; she was all bold curves and big shiny hair that undulated slowly like a flame. She was also the most socially apt of the bunch, or so it would seem. Death’s sister approached you in long strides and gave you a handshake so firm you had to suppress a yelp. Out of the Four she had the smallest hands – but she was by no means lacking in the department of strength.

„Finally. I was looking forward to meeting the human that made my brother take this disgusting piece of bone off his face”, she said gruffly.

Death snorted; you barely noticed the sound, for it happened far above your head, in the Nephilimsphere. Also, you were busy blushing.

Strife – the tall dude with sharp angular features and hair that seemed to consist of little hungry tendrils - didn’t shake your hand. He kept leaning against the wall with his arms folded, like the coolest kid in school during recess. He looked you in the face with an immediacy that felt almost obscene and cracked a smile.

Jesus Fucking Christ, you thought. Now that one there is a player. The playest player that ever played.

„Hi there, princess Peach.”

You inhaled sharply through the nose. Death threw you a sidelong glance and cocked one eyebrow.

„Hi there, cowboy”, you answered, determined not to show this guy that his aggressive sex-appeal got to you.

Although he probably knew already. That golden eyes undressed you right under his big brother’s nose. Like, literally.

War stood in the back, kept his distance, his large arms idle. Large – that was the word that described him perfectly. He was a highly intimidating mass of stone-hard muscle and pointy chunks of armour. He took the red cowl off his head, at least, so you could admire his silver hair, as straight as an arrow and very unevenly chopped. The Red Rider probably didn’t care much about his appearance, you thought. He was way too busy with...well, squishing things to a bloody pulp.

You watched this broad, sculpted face, which bore a closed-off expression. Something sharp has left a cruel scar across his (fairly shapely) lips.

He looked like a really pouty angel. An angel that can kick the seven kinds of crap out of you.

How does one strike a conversation with a guy like that?

War’s lite-brite gaze met yours - and went away quickly. He shifted from one heavily armoured leg to another, visibly uncomfortable.

...could it be that he is shy with girls?

„Well,” he said finally. You chose exactly the same moment to declare:

„God, you’re beautiful.”

DID. I. JUST. SAY. THAT. OUT. LOUD?!

Death chortled. Fury’s eyebrows flirted with her hairline. The recipient of your compliment just froze, his manly frown replaced with a dumbfounded expression.

„Yeah, he is”, said Strife, „but I’m taller!”

Now even Fury was laughing.

„Was there ever a day in your life when you didn’t make everything about you, brother?” You chuckled too, as profoundly embarrassed as you were. You loved Death’s caustic wit.

„Hey, I’m just stating the obvious here”, answered Strife in a slightly offended tone. „Which is that our baby brother is a looker. Say hello, baby brother, don’t just stand there with your mouth wide open.”

„Uhm...hello”, said War slowly, not looking in your direction. He was blushing.

You darted forward, away from Death’s protective touch. You approached the big guy and traced his good hand with yours. It seemed absurdly small in comparison.

„Hello, War”, you said with a wide smile. „I meant what I just said. Nice to meet you!”

[decima-simming]

ULTIMATE Belladonna Cove Male Premade Ratings!

Some of the people I follow are playing Belladonna Cove and it made realize how underrated that neighborhood is. Granted, I don’t have BC set up in my game just yet (I want to play the base neighborhoods first) and I never explored further than one day the first time I did two (?) years ago, but I’m deeply passionate about the premades thanks to the only fully developed Belladonna Cove Let’s Play available on YouTube and other people in here, so without further ado, here’s my ratings on all the male BC premades (excluding teens and children) based on looks and if I want to date them.

We start with beloved and respectable scientist Benjamin Baldwin who wants his children to follow in his footsteps. While his wife worries about keeping up appearances, he seems very chill. Decent husband and person, he is probably one of the few Good Men™. 8.5/10.    

Ah, another one of those “I want my child to be more responsible” parents! According to Jason Cleveland's gender preferences, he prefers men, so the poor guy is stuck in the closet. His marriage to Marissa, a wealthy woman, speaks volume about his ambitions in life. Finally a male gold-digger in the Sims 2, Dina, WHO? However, he is a vice squad and has his son in the military career, so his political views are iffy at best. Gay and in the police force? Smells like toxic masculinity and internalized homophobia! He only gets points for his amazing jawline. 4/10.

Have you ever looked at someone and thought “I’m calling my lawyer to prepare a restraining order”? No? Just me? Anyway, I’m not sure what Carlos Contender’s deal is, but I don’t want it. He is a Popularity Sim who is friends with every adult in the neighborhood and that is nothing more than a facade to distract from his romantic exploits. His bio literally says that there’s nothing like a new romance to make him feel “young” again and if that doesn’t scream scum, I don’t know what does.  It’s not surprising that the two most prominent women in his life who aren’t his family (Chastity and Jessica) are half his age; at this rate he will flirt with newly young adults and that is fucking disgusting! Legend says that he lives for a very long time, so this perversion will continue until someone puts him out of his misery! Luckily, Jessica is working hard to have access to his fortune and if she succeeds, the evil will be defeated! Bye, Carlos! -100000/10.

Oh, Armand DeBateau. What can be said about this man that hasn’t been said already? He broke off with his ex-wife when she wouldn’t give him an heir (hey, don’t look at me like that! He calls Tara his “heir,” his words, not mine!) and, sure, Jessica was a cheating gold-digger, but it’s 2019 (2008 when this expansion was released???), reproductive rights are a thing, buddy! He clearly studied the Landgraab guidebook of old fashion sexism because that mentality of marrying women for the sake of continuing a wealthy legacy is fucked up. His only redeeming quality that blood is not that important to him because he treats his adopted daughter Tara like a princess and perhaps underneath that douchey rich exterior is a great parent. Good thing he doesn’t have canonical children in the game because how you seen the spawn he creates with Jessica and Kimberly? His genes are so dominant and it clashes with unique features! 3/10.

I can’t bring myself to criticize him, he is truly one of the few Good Men™! Cheesy hair and clothes aside, once you give Gabriel Green something better, he is quite the looker. His bio says that he loves to learn and you didn’t hear that every day now, do you (I’m kidding, of course you have). but every once in a while he relaxes to dance with his childhood best friend Chastity. Good for him, you can trust this guy to be a great friend! Gabriel said women’s rights! It is said that if him and Samantha Cordial are alone in the same room, they fall in love instantly. That indicates that he is a hopeless romantic and that could be his downfall overtime. Chastity may love love, but Gabriel is married to love. 9/10.

Lamer than the cracks on concrete. Mary’s bio says that she sacrificed her own desires to accommodate Nathan Gavigan’s dreams, so shame on you, Nathan. Frankly, Mary deserves better and so do I. 2/10 

Herbert Goodie is a nice man who is happily married to his wife and is financially stable. If you want an older man without feeling like shit, he is your guy! 8/10

Quite the good-looking fellow, not going to lie, but Ramir Patel is a politician, so I immediately do not trust his judgment. He is clearly a family man of the cursed variety with that “I want my children to follow my career” mentality, but I can see him being supportive of his future child no matter what. Ana is a sweetheart and he better take care of her when I play him someday! However, his political ambition might get in the way. Have you seen how politicians act this days? Not bueno! Only time will tell if he is one of the good ones, he is quite the wild card. 6.5/10

Eh, Timothy Riley is a John Burb copycat, not much substance to him. He seems nice and a good enough parent, so he is alright, but boring. Him and Vivian don’t make a bad couple. 5/10

I don’t have strong feelings for Geoff Rutherford, but he seems like a fun guy! He may seem as sleazy as Carlos Contender, but he strikes me as the guy who respects women compared to him and that is admirable. However, that irresponsible personality might get old after a while, so he might need to grow up eventually. He is good for a nice night, so kudos to him! 7/10

And finally, Connor Weir. He strikes me as the guy who looks down on others for not being as responsible as he is (watch out, Geoff!) and that little part of his bio about working harder because he doesn’t have as much as advantages as Geoff sounds like he could be slightly jealous of Geoff. Has some shades of Nice Guy™ Syndrome so a little reality check might be in order if he truly wants to find The One™. 5/10

if you made it this far, congratulations, thirst knows no boundaries! Goodnight, everybody!

[maybe-theres-hope]

Truly Worthy

A Captive Prince fic by MaybeTheresHope

Summary:  Kings Laurent and Damianos of the Empire of New Artes have lived a long, peaceful, wonderful life. They meet their end together, their bodies giving out peacefully in old age. They are happy, fulfilled. But once they cross the threshold, they find themselves transported to a different place entirely. Is it the afterlife? Or something more? And they soon find they are not the only ones, and that makes it even better.

Rating: General Audiences Length: 3022 Tags: Reincarnation, Canon Compliant, Character Death BUT NOT REALLY, Fix-it Sort of, it’s super happy i swear

Read on AO3 here

Damen feels like he’s going to hurl. The whooshing sounds, the falling feeling, the vertigo, they’re all working in concert to make him believe that this is absolutely the worst feeling he has ever felt, and he’s already died, damnit.

He barely remembers dying. He was lying in bed with Laurent, his husband of nearly fifty six years—who still looked as beautiful as the day Damen had realized he loved him, and he knew it was coming. Laurent looked just as tired as he’d felt, and Damen had pulled him close with the last strength he’d had. He’d nearly felt the moment it happened, when he’d passed from one realm to the next, and all he’d been able to think was that he hoped he’d still be with Laurent.

“I think I’m going to puke,” were the first words he heard out of his husband’s mouth, echoing his own sentiments. Damen whirled around to look at him, struck anew by his otherworldly beauty.

Laurent looked much like he had at nearly thirty. His hair was skimming the middle of his back, the lines on his face were laugh lines and they were considerably less deep than the last Damen remembered of them. His eyes were bright, his skin vibrant, his hair the darker honey gold it had been when he was young and not the pure lily white it had been when they’d last looked at each other.

“Is this the afterlife? Is this what they say when they talk about the heavens?” were the next words out of Laurent’s mouth, and he was looking at Damen almost…hungrily.

Damen took stock of his own body and noticed that yes, he was back in the same physical condition he’d been in at about thirty-five. His skin was also tight and barely lined, and he could name the light scars on his arms and legs as those coming from sparring with Nikandros and occasionally Laurent himself.

Laurent was on him then. Fingers were tracing up the hard planes of his chest, skimming over his collarbones, and falling down the bulges of his biceps with wonder.

“I’d almost forgotten these,” Laurent quipped playfully.

“I’ve never forgotten this,” Damen replied, touching Laurent’s face.

“So it’s over, then. We’re gone,” Laurent finally said after a few moments.

“Yes, I think so. But…where are we now?”

“If my calculations are correct, and they always are,” came a voice from over Damen’s shoulder, “we are now in Los Angeles, California. The better question is when.”

They both turned to face a young woman, clad in the most garish garb Damen had ever seen. Her top was black and ripped to shreds, as if she’d been clawed by a lion. Her trousers weren’t much better, holes at the knees from what looked like years of wear and tear. Maybe they were hand-me-downs? Her hair was a most unnatural shade of red, like ripe apples, that nearly glowed in the dim light of the room.

“Look, I’m going to give you, like, the simplified version? You’ve done wonders of good in your life, so you’re being rewarded.” She flipped her short cropped hair from her face. “The powers that be have given you ever-lasting happiness, yada yada.”

“I’m sorry…what?” Laurent asked, inarticulate as Damen had ever heard him.

She sighed as if she was being greatly put-upon by their stupidity, which Laurent inevitably noticed, because he huffed in return. Damen’s husband didn’t like not being the most knowledgeable one in a room, and that had never changed.

“You have changed history for the better. Your actions made an impact on the world that set in motion a chain of events that led to good. You are being given the chance to enjoy that world, forevermore, if you want it. All people who fit the criteria do.”

“Are you a mage of some kind?” Damen asked delicately.

“Seriously most people just take the deal and get on with their second life,” she replied. “Also, the word ‘witch’ doesn’t have nearly the connotations it used to, so you’re fine with using that term for me if you want.”

“Just…just wait a moment,” Laurent implored them, holding up a hand. His fingers were strong and fine and not the withered, nearly unusable things they’d been closer to his passing. Damen was mesmerized all over again. “Are you saying we’ve been…reborn?”

“Reborn, reincarnated, given a second chance, whatever you wanna call it,” she quipped.

“Because we made a difference in history?” he prodded.

“Because you significantly changed history in the direction of good,” she clarified. “This is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the boss, and only those who are truly worthy get a chance at it. You were in a timeline that was destined for disaster, a massive war and subsequent dictatorship by an absolute shitstain of a man, if my history knowledge serves me correctly. And you two took the recipe of fate and turned it on its head. Are you really as in love as the books say?”

“Yes,” Damen answered, before Laurent could say anything or before either of them could really put together what she was actually saying.

“Then that’s what did it. Your love changed the world. Congrats, my dudes.” She smiled witheringly at them.

“And we get to, what, live out our lives again now? In this…Los Angeles?” Laurent pronounced it carefully.

“You get to live forever. If you accept. No growing old, no hardship—your finances are in order, that’s part of the deal, so you can, like, live however you want. Probably not like Kings, though, if you wanna stay under the radar. People nowadays have wild fantasies about immortals like Keanu Reeves and such, but like, you probably wanna keep your everlasting youth on the DL if you don’t want Oprah calling or something.”

Damen hoped Laurent understood at least some of that, because he was baffled. He was also stuck on the forever part.

“We’re immortal.” Laurent said.

“Yes.”

“We will live problem-free for the rest of eternity, looking like we do now, without any consequences.”

“Yes. Well…you also probably want to steer clear of going back to your home country. For like, at least a couple hundred more years. No one in America or Canada or like, Norway knows your story but…you’re legends in modern New Artes. The people tell stories about you to their children. Lovers use lines from your letters to woo each other. It’s sweet actually. But like, there’s a giant portrait of the two of you in the Palace at Marlas, and people might think ghosts are among us if you walk through there on the tour or something.”

“The one painted on our wedding day,” Damen mused.

“Yep, that’s the one. So like, can you guys make a decision so I can get on to helping other people? They’re dying every day in every time period, you know.”

Damen turned back to Laurent and put his hands on his shoulders. “What do you think?” he asked, because Laurent was always the better planner and decision maker. He could see all angles. Even now Damen could see his mind working over all the minute details rapidly.

“I think we should take it. It sounds like bliss,” he finally said, gazing up at Damen and looking for all the world like he’d looked the first time they’d said I love you out loud.

“Yeah? You want to live forever in a strange world with no friends and no one but me to keep you company?”

“Oh! That’s the other thing. There is someone here already that you might know. I’m supposed to take you straight to him. He’s here at the club right now, but he has no idea about you two. I hope he’s as amenable as the boss said he’d be. I’ve never met him, didn’t work on his case.”

“Someone we know? Who took this deal as well?” Damen asked.

“Yeah, he’s a looker, too. Had to pull some strings for his appearance though, on his request. He wanted…well, I guess you’ll see. Usually we put you in the body that represents your prime. His we had to basically conjure out of thin air. But we’re good,” she finished smugly.

“Fine. Let’s do it,” Damen said, a smile growing on his face.

“Yeah. We’ll take it,” Laurent declared.

“Wonderful! I love a happy beginning!” The girl hopped off the box she’d been perched on for the duration of their conversation, and turned to a door neither one of them had noticed before. As soon as it opened, they were hit with a wave of sound that nearly knocked Damen off his feet. He could feel it in his bones like the pounding of a thousand hooves. It was heavy and throbbing, surrounding them completely.

As they walked, Damen took in the flashing of color along the walls, as if the paint were shifting every few seconds to a different hue. As they walked down a hallway, one side opened up like a balcony to reveal a writhing mass of bodies moving to the beat of what must have been music, though it was nothing like any music Damen had ever heard. He thought it might be right at home in Vere, were restraint was most certainly not prized, and he chuckled to himself. He was starting to get used to it.

“He’s just through here, in VIP. He took his paycheck and ran with it, if you know what I mean. The guy loves opulence but from what I hear he’s a sweetheart, so.” She continued through another hallway, out into a makeshift room that was surrounded on all sides by various booths with tables, groups of people shoved into them nearly on top of each other despite the fact there was plenty of space to be had. Yes, this definitely reminded him of Vere, but not in a bad way, he was coming to realize.

“He’s just over there!” She shouted above the din. “Blue shirt, white pants, brown hair. Enjoy your life!” And with that she was off, disappearing through the crowd and the music.

Damen craned his neck for someone who fit her description, and it turned out ‘white pants’ was the best giveaway. He spotted the man at a far booth, seated with only one other person. Their apparent acquaintance looked relaxed with the other man’s arm around him. They would talk into each other’s ear every few seconds, apparently trying to hold a conversation above the noise. From this distance he looked about twenty, brown tousled hair and light eyes.

As they walked closer, Damen felt the niggling in the back of his mind of recognition, but he couldn’t entirely place the man in his memory. When they were about ten feet away, their acquaintance looked their direction, and froze.

His face paled in what looked like horror and, Damen noticed with some confusion, guilt. Laurent had stepped up to the table, and Damen watched from beside him as his face slowly, slowly, grew into a relieved and exuberant smile.

The man looked for a moment more, before nearly scrambling over the table towards Laurent, landing in his outstretched arms and burying his face in Laurent’s neck. They hugged each other so tightly that Damen was worried for their respiration.

The man lifted his face from Laurent’s neck to look up at Damen with wide eyes, and it hit him. Those same slightly scared, unsure eyes, innocent despite his experience, that Damen remembered in a hallway in the dead of night. Don’t tell him I came.

“How? Am I dreaming?” Nicaise breathed into Laurent’s hair, still looking at Damen.

“No, you’re not dreaming. We’re here. We’re here now,” Laurent was saying, soothing in the shared space between them, still hugging Nicaise tightly like if he let go Nicaise would disappear.

Nicaise pulled back slightly then, looking between the two of them with a hurt expression. “Did he…did he get you too?” He looked on the verge of tears.

“No, no Nicaise, he didn’t,” Laurent said, hands still on Nicaise’s shoulders, lingering in the touch, the proof that he was there.

“But…you’re dead, right? That’s how you’re here? I ended up here when I died.”

“Yes, but you were given the deal, right?” Damen said. Nicaise nodded.

Because you significantly changed history in the direction of good the girl had said. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the boss, and only those who are truly worthy get a chance at it.

“We’re here, but not because he got us,” Damen said, coming to place a hand on Nicaise’s shoulder next to Laurent’s. “We lived. We won. We ruled a combined empire in peace and prosperity, for over fifty years,” he said, leaning in and moving his hand up to cup Nicaise’s face. “Because of you. Because of your bravery, the whole country survived to live in peace.”

Laurent had remained silent, and Nicaise looked to him for clarification. He simply nodded.

“You are a hero, Nicaise. We made sure the record books reflected that,” Damen added.

At this, Nicaise buried his face in Laurent’s hair again, his shoulders shaking. Laurent just wrapped his arms around him again, hugging him close.

After a while, Nicaise pulled back again, completely out of Laurent’s arms for the first time. “Okay, so wait. This is really true?” he asked, almost accusatory, gesturing between the two of them. “The two of you?”

“Yes?” Damen said, uncertain.

“He told me, right before he sent me to the executioner. He told me you were Damianos the prince-killer, and he was going to watch—watch Laurent destroy himself over it. That he was going to enjoy it. That Laurent had already fallen for you before you left for the border, it was going to ruin him when he found out.”

“I think we can discern who the more intellectually capable one is between him and me, can’t we?” Laurent said with a small smile.

“You knew?” Nicaise asked, looking surprised.

“Come on. It’s like you don’t know me at all,” Laurent replied, his smile growing.

“Well, I can’t say I understand it but…” He turned to Damen. “I’m willing to accept your presence for eternity if he does.”

“I sure hope he does. He vowed it a long time ago,” Damen said, his smile growing as well when he looked back to Laurent.

“Ugh, okay, gross, stop there with the mushy stuff,” Nicaise whined.

“So. Forever?” Laurent asked the two of them.

“Yeah. Sounds like a plan,” Nicaise answered.

Damen just pulled them both close, content in the knowledge that Nicaise did not have a fork available at the moment.

For the next few months, Nicaise helped them acclimate to the modern world. He showed them how to set up credit cards—to look normal, he said, people didn’t use cash or coin nowadays—and how to use technology. Laurent, as expected, took to the iPhone immediately, and his favorite app was a game in which he used his thumbs on either side of the screen to line up virtual archery shots. Damen lost track of his record-breaking score quickly. Laurent had also been absolutely floored and near tears when Nicaise taught him how to put digital versions of books on his device. He now carried an entire library in his pocket at all times.

Damen, on the other hand, had become a museum hermit. He’d spend hours and hours, sometimes alone and sometimes with one or the both of them, just looking at the intervening history between the time he came from and the one he lived in now. Not much of it was very relevant, since it didn’t pertain to Akielos, Vere, or New Artes, but it was fascinating. There were priceless paintings that were younger than he was, but revered as nearly timeless. There were old weapons and new ones, exhibits of inventions over the course of time. Whatever city they visited, whether it was a metropolitan area or a small ghost town, Damen found some kind of museum to peruse. The other two let him be most of the time, content to keep their noses buried in their phones while he wandered.

They spent years upon years together, living in different cities and different countries around the world. When they’d finally decided to chance a trip to New Artes, it had been nearly a century.

Entering the palace at Marlas felt almost like coming home. It, too, was a museum now, the government converted to a democracy some decades back. There was still a sitting monarch in title only, a direct descendant of Nikandros. They’d written into the law that in the absence of heirs of their own, the Kings could cede inheritance to the family of the Kyros of Ios.

They saw the painting, stared at it for what seemed like an age. Damen looked at the portrait and back to Laurent in succession two or three times. He’d always thought the painting hadn’t done him justice, but it was after all impossible to encompass Laurent’s beauty in two dimensions.

Also on display, much to their amazement since they hadn’t known it had been saved, was the letter from Paschal’s brother, the one Nicaise had given his life in order to see it delivered into good hands. Nicaise spent a lot of time at that exhibit, running his fingers over the glass that encased it silently.

As they exited into the bustling streets thronging with people, Damen heard his name called. He immediately seized up in fear—the girl had told them to avoid this place, after all. But in the next second, Damen felt all the breath leave him as he turned and saw the source of the call.

Running at him, dodging people and androids alike on the sidewalk, was Nikandros. They collided with brute force, clutching each other tightly.

“My brother. I just knew I’d be seeing you again someday,” Damen whispered into his neck.

[miss-ps-home-4-peculiar-thots]

GUYS

Guess who actually made headcanons!? Me! Wow shocker I know! I’m actually really proud of this because I love these two dorks so much!

• So, Tomas has been in the loop since practically the beginning back when he was 17 • He’s just That Guy who checks up on everyone and puts their needs ahead of his own • Also, quite the looker (he’s a strapping young man) • People sometimes take him for granted, but everyone loves him nonetheless • Life was pretty chill • Until Dilong showed up • Tomas was always a believer in love at first sight so this really wasn’t a surprise • Dilong on the other hand… • Dude, this boy is so confused • Like, he finds a loop, and he is welcomed by a bunch of people then WOAH • There’s just this tall, lean, tough looking, Guatemalan dude with great hair like wHAT • Literally sat there staring for a good 3 minutes before finally realizing the hottie was talking • It was really awkward • Tomas has NO SHAME, literally flirts with Dilong all the time • To which Dilong responds with incomprehensible gibberish and an extremely red face • Dilong is questioning atm and honestly the boy is just really confused • Because he’s more: Act like a manly man, be tough, emotions are for pansies • But then he sees this dork giving kids piggy back rides, making terrible jokes, and choreographing dance number with his duplicates and he’s so confused • Tomas knew this, and was patient about the whole thing • Miss Ostrich and Leo saw the chemistry a mile away • They gossip about it ALL THE TIME • Miss Ostrich helps Dilong with his sexuality because she’s great like that • So Dilong discovered he was bi! • As soon as he figured it out, he ran outside as fast as he could, found Tomas (who was playing patty-cake with Idan at the time) grabbed him by his shirt collar and just locked lips right there • Now it was TOMAS’ turn to turn red • When they pulled apart, Dilong started to realize what he just did and was silently having a panic attack like “OHSHITOHSHITOHSHIIIIIIT” • Tomas just kinda stared at him, then just got a really dopey grin and practically yelled “FINALLY” • So now everyone is happy and they are THAT couple, it’s beautiful • I love them sm • Dilong is always there for Tomas because even the strongest need support sometimes • And Tomas is what brightens Dilong’s day when he’s upset • When Dilong is sad, Tomas hugs him and gives him silent encouragement with some puns in the middle of it “Just know that I love you and you are my ROCK” “oh my god Tommy” “No, but you’re really down to EARTH” “UGH” “Wait babe don’t go I’m sorry” • Speaking of Tommy, that’s what Dilong calls Tomas. Tomas calls Dilong Dill Pickle IT IS CANON • They hug. A lot. It’s kind’ve their way of saying I love you • Because Dilong is insecure about commitment • Tomas isn’t afraid tell Dilong how much he loves him • He says it like, all the time • Dilong thought it held no meaning to him, and he was right • Because Tomas’ way of telling someone that he truly cares about them is by showing his vulnerable side • If he cries in front of you, you better marry him • Dilong does cry more often, only because of frustrated tears • But Tomas NEVER cries • They already planned out their future WHEN they get out of the loop (not if, when) • They want a nice 2 story house with a big backyard and 3 kids with a dog and a cat • Tomas loves kids sO MUCH • They are just really happy in their relationship, they like never argue and they are just two lovesick dorks and everyone loves them SOMEONE DRAW THEM PLEASE

[feelsgood-anon]

Eros - Bar AU Chapter 1, part 1

Disclaimer: This piece is a Mystic Messenger AU.  It is heavily inspired by the American sitcom Cheers, a show centered around a Boston bar called Cheers and it’s regulars.  Even though I have tried to keep as much of canon personalities with all the Mystic Messenger characters just remember that it is an AU and a few things may be different than in game or your headcanons. This has been fun to plan and I hope you find a bit of joy reading it!  

PG13+ for swearin’ and boozin’.

Ch.1/2 | Ch. 2/2

Eros.

If you’ve never wandered to the outskirts of the downtown nightlife you’d think the name represented an establishment of finesse; a fancy restaurant, a classy gentleman’s club, a ritzy cocktail lounge.  

But throw open the doors to the aging building during the late midday and you’d find yourself staring at a lavish open bar.  You’d get a warm greeting from a handsome bartender and there’d be an air of familiarity amongst all the patrons.  

You’d never know that you’d love it until you stepped into it and everyone welcomed you back, happily shouting your name.

Names.

That’s right...

There’s always a good story behind a name.

A hum of a cheerful tune echoed throughout the empty space.  It was 3:15 p.m. and Zen busied himself wiping down the bar top. Sure they did work to clean up every night before locking the doors but for some reason the silver-haired man would always pass over the surfaces as soon as he walked in the next day.  He double-checked the beer mugs to make sure the handles were turned at just the right angle where his hands could grab them quickly. Napkins? Check. Pretzels? Check. Receipt with the number from a gorgeous woman that had spent the entire night prior staring at him?  He smiled at the legible digits and stuffed the piece into his back pocket. Check.

There was nothing more important to him in his current life than this bar but a date with a pretty lady on the weekend wasn’t far down on his list.  He made a mental note to add her to the small bucket that kept the rest of the numbers he received every night in his office.  It would be a shame if he were to not give this one a fair chance like the others.  

His thoughts were interrupted by the chime of the bell above the door as another man stepped into the establishment.  Was it already half-past three?  Zen looked towards the wall clock and let out a dramatic gasp of surprise, “Red, you’re early in being late! What’s the occasion?”  He pulled at two shot glasses to fill them up with whiskey, “Keep this up and you may get a promotion!”

The other male laughed a bit as he took off his jacket to sling along the coat rack near the entrance, “Seeing as I changed my schedule to come in at 3:30 p.m. instead of 3:00 p.m. I would like to point out that I am delightfully early for my shift.”

Red.  His real name was Saeyoung Choi.  He had bright shaggy red hair and eyes, protected by a pair of glasses, so golden they shone brightly like the sun rising in the morning but those same cheerful orbs held a bit of mischief that did well for him on the job.  His usual attire? A yellow and red checkered button down and light wash jeans.

Zen slid one of the glasses down the bartop to meet Red’s hand as he passed by.  It was tradition for them to share a shot before they officially opened the doors to the public so once they toasted each other they downed the liquor in seconds.  “Where’s your brother?  Don’t tell me he had to call off,” the man behind the counter furrowed a brow as he retrieved both glasses to wash them.  “It may be the middle of the week but I still don’t like it if we both have to act as waiters as well.”

“Cool your pecs, boss. He’s just parking the car. I guess the eatery across the street is having some sort of shindig and the streets are loaded with vehicles.  He’ll be here in a few seconds.” Red reached over the bar to grab at an apron to start tying it around his waist.  They didn’t have a uniform of any kind but Zen was oddly particular about everyone having an apron.  The man made his rounds of the space to turn on lights and make sure tables were set the way Zen liked it.  “Hey, you remember about that person Duckie has coming in for an interview, yeah?  What was her name?” His voice carried behind him as he had made his way to the back area where the pool tables and jukebox found their home.

Zen took a slight breath in as he had almost forgot about the interview.  Could he be blamed?  He was told about it the night before while he was chatting up with a busty blond at the bar, “Of course I remember! Her application is in my office. She was applying for...errr…”

“Waitstaff, boss.  She’s applying to be a waitress.”

“Right! See? I remember! And you know how I feel about names around here, Red.”  He shouted out towards the back hall.

“Yeah, you forget them easily so they have to leave it written down on a napkin, preferably with their number attached.” A cheeky grin was spread across Red’s face as he came back towards the bar, “Just make sure you act professional.  Hopefully she’s not a looker so you won’t turn that charm on.”

Zen turned to protest but was distracted as the bell chimed once more, a man that looked identical to Red walking through the door, “This is utter bullshit.  I had to park a block away in some weird parking lot.  When are you going to buy that lot next door so we can have proper parking for this place, Zen?  I hate having to always find a different place to leave the car.”

Zen chuckled slightly as he began to count the change in the register, “Not any time soon, Cannon, since I have to hire someone to help you.  What would you prefer? Parking or a night off?”

Cannon.  Saeyoung’s twin brother Saeran.  He had the same bright hair but wore mint-colored contacts instead to make sure he wasn’t confused for the other sibling.  His attitude was much less friendly as well, but was a hard worker. The normal attire for the guy consisted of a red V-neck t-shirt and a pair of black skinny jeans.

“Whatever.” Cannon mumbled as he too grabbed an apron to strap to himself, “Whoever is coming in, just hire her.  She can’t be dumb enough to not be able to take orders.  And if she is, it’s not my problem.  I’m still taking a few nights off.”  He stuffed a notepad along with a few pens into a pocket as he began to prep a few bowls for snacks, “Let her know to just stay out of my way since I don’t want to deal with her.”

Red walked around and pat his brother on the back, “Now now, you have to play nice! You’ll be training her, after all.”

“Like hell I will!”

“Boys boys, let’s not get ahead of ourselves now.  I still want to interview her and if she’s not going to be a good employee then I’ll have to keep looking.” Zen closed the cash register, satisfied with the count, and looked towards the two, “I’m a pretty good judge of character so I’ll know within the first minute of meeting her if she will fit in with everyone around here!”

“You mean, within the first minute of meeting her you’ll know if you’ll fit into her?” Cannon growled out which sent Red into a fit of giggles.  The twins never missed out on an opportunity to give Zen grief which the man didn’t quite know if he enjoyed or loathed. “Can I catch a break around here?” Their boss sighed as he made his way from behind the bar to walk to his office, “Just try to respect me around the potential new waitress, would yah?”

Both brothers waved him off and continued to perform their daily chores.  The time passed pretty quickly as they bustled around and in no time Red had moved to switch the sign on the window from ‘Closed’ to ‘Open’.  They rarely had people come in as soon as the wall clock twittered at 4:00 p.m. but today the red-headed bartender hadn’t even made it back to the bar before the door was swung open.  He turned on his heels as he heard the bell and when he saw the face unfamiliar he gave a wide smile, “Welcome to Eros! What can we drown you with?”

The woman at the entrance gulped a bit at the abrupt welcome but gave Red a nervous smile, “Oh, hello.  I’m not here to drink-”

“Then what are you here for?  If you didn’t notice, lady, you’re in a bar.” Cannon leaned against the bartop and stared at her, “The pizza joint is across the street and we don’t hold any book club meetings here.”  His brother closed his eyes for a moment even though his smile stayed steady, “Could you grab the celery from the cold storage, bro?”

The male rolled his eyes and pushed himself off to make his way towards the back as Red once again locked eyes with the girl, “I’m sorry about that, he woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.  You were saying?”

She nodded as her attention was drawn back to the seemingly polite person who addressed her initially, “Yes...uhm...I have an interview in thirty minutes with...Zen?” She pulled a piece of paper out that had a name written along with a time and an address, “Sorry if I’m early.  You know what they say: Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable!”

A smirk crossed his face as he took a good look at her, “Aye. I guess we are all an unacceptable lot around here, then!” He beckoned her in, “I’ll let Zen know you are here.  Please, have a seat!  Let me get you a drink, on the house. You deserve it for being ‘on time’.”  

“Just water would be fine, if it’s no trouble.”  She took a seat on one of the stools.  Placing her bag on the surface in front of her she started to look around the establishment. From the outside of the building she was afraid that the inside would look just as run down.  It was a pleasant surprise how well kept it had been when she entered. “Good to know you’d be a cheap date.” He placed a glass of water in front of her as he smiled.

“Excuse me?” Her fingers clutched at her bag a bit defensively at his comment, “What do you mean by that?” Red frowned slightly as he busied his hands with wiping a few glasses in front of him, “Water is free, you know.  I was just making a joke...sorry if that offended yah.” Her cheeks blushed slightly, laughing nervously while mentally kicking herself for letting the comment fly over her head that way.  “Right.  No need for apologies, I’m just a bit nervous about the interview.”

He snapped his fingers and he walked away towards the other side of the bar, “Oh yeah! Which reminds me.”  Climbing up on the edge he shouted towards the door in the back, “Hey boss! Your interview is here!”  Red shot a thumbs up at the girl, the door to the office swinging open as Zen finally emerged with papers in his hand.  

Her eyes widened a bit as she finally laid eyes on the tall man. He was just as attractive as everyone said he was; sharp facial features, eyes kind even though they were a bright red, his physique obviously well kept...but what her gaze fell on were his clavicles.  His light-blue dress shirt had a few buttons opened exposing the top of his chest. Zen claimed he had to do it since it got so hot as he ran around but everyone knew he did it for the attention he received. A sly grin crossed his face as he noticed the girl’s slight gawk in his direction.  

The shirt works everytime.

“Hey! Welcome to Eros!  Thanks for taking some time to meet with me! I’m Zen, the owner of this place,”  He walked into the bar area and leaned on the counter in front of her as he held his hand out for a shake, eyes sparkling, “Nice to meet you!”

She cleared her throat as he approached, giving him a big smile before meeting his hand to shake firmly, “No, thank you for giving me this chance mister...Zen?”  He shook his head in major disapproval at the title she had placed on him, “Please, just Zen.  I’m not the type to deal with those formalities.  Nice handshake, by the way.” His eyes never left hers but he had noticed she didn’t drop his hand throughout the entire exchange. Pulling her arm back she laughed a bit nervously, “Oh, thank you.  I’ve always been told to have a confident handshake when meeting others.”  

Zen mused to himself as he finally broke the eye-contact to look down to her resume, “That’s good advice.  So tell me a bit about yourself.  More importantly, why should I hire you?”

The woman let in a deep breath.  She had been mentally preparing herself for a few days now and had plenty to say but sitting in front of this man who she found so beautiful caused her mind to go blank.  “Well.  I’m currently a student at SKY University.  I’m working on my Masters in Sociology,” Her words came out in such a flustered jumble that Zen looked up from the paper to concentrate on what she was saying.  Even so she continued on, voice gaining confidence and becoming more bubbly as she ran through her speech, “I want to work as a social worker! I love being around people and I’m very empathetic. I have some work experience, as you can see,” She leaned forward and pointed towards the middle of her resume, “I helped at my uncle’s bookstore while I was in my first years of University.  He always said I had a natural talent for customer service! I can get along with almost anyone and I’m really good at calming down customers that are upset!”

Zen had placed his elbows on the bartop, his right arm bending upwards to prop his chin as his body leaned to the side.  A soft smile was settled on his lips as she rattled on about herself in such an animated manner.  This woman, he thought, is so charming. He found himself lost in her words and eventually stopped paying attention to what she was actually saying.  He was brought back from his daze when she suddenly placed both hands down on the counter to give him a look of determination, “You should hire me because I will be the hardest working employee you’ll meet.  I will do whatever it takes to learn the skills I need and I will learn them quickly.  I will not disappoint, that I promise you.” She was breathing a bit heavier since she had fallen into a passionate speech towards the end.  

She’s bright, like a little ray of sunshine.

“Sunny.” he cooed out.

The girl sat back in her chair with a look of confusion on her face, “W-what?”

“Sunny!” He exclaimed louder so that the twins could hear him.  Red gave a few claps and ran over to the girl, “Hey! Congrats!  You can call me Red! I’m the other bartender other than the big boss here.”  She looked between the two still trying to figure out what they were going on about, “I don’t...understand…”

“Zen gave you a name, means you’re hired,” Cannon came around the side and got close to her ear,  “So don’t fuck this up. I want a weekend off.”  

Red shooed his brother off and pat Sunny on the back, “That’s Cannon.  He’s the other waiter here so you’ll be working with him a lot.  He’ll warm up to you eventually!”  She nodded slowly and looked to Zen, “So...I have the job?”

He laughed a bit and crumpled up her resume, “Yeah! I like you and I think having you around will be great for the place! Welcome to the family, Sunny!”  She put on a big smile and held her hand out once more, “You won’t regret hiring me! But, my name is-”

“Sunny. Your name is Sunny. First rule I have in this place is you go by the name I give you. Call it a quirk of mine.” Zen looked up as he heard the jingle of the bell above the door, welcoming the customers in with a bright smile.  She looked behind her and watched as the two people made themselves comfortable at one of the tables, Cannon lazily making his way over to tend to them.  “But why would you use a name that isn’t real?”

He directed his attention back to her, chuckling a bit, “It is a real name! It’s the name that I, Owner Zen, have given you! You should be honored!” She opened her mouth to protest some more but was interrupted by Cannon barking out an order, “Two scotch rocks, boss.”  Zen nodded and pulled two glasses from below the bar with one hand, grabbing a bottle of liquor with the other, “So when can you start, babe?”

She pursed her lips at the question, moreso at the term of endearment, “Whenever you’d like to train me, of course.  I’ve never worked in a bar and don’t know a lot about alcohol so I’m sure you’d like to spend some time going over basics.”

“Are you free tonight? The weekdays are normally not too busy so I can spend some one-on-one time with you.  Sound good?” He flashed a smile at her, “You said you pick things up quickly and I’d like you to be good for the weekend.”

Sunny nodded and stood up to straighten out her shirt, “I’d love to start!  And what do I call you, since everyone has nicknames?” Zen placed the two drinks on a tray, beckoning to Cannon, “You can call me Zen, or these guys call me boss. I don’t mind you calling me sweetie or babe either, your choice.” He shot her a wink as he threw a hand towel over his shoulder.  She smirked at the act, leaning over the counter to get closer to him, “What’s your real name?”

“That I will not tell you.  The only person in this bar that knows everyone’s real names is me.  Red knows a few, since he handles the tabs alongside me. Don’t bother asking, it’s considered impolite around here.” He pointed a finger at the twin as he approached to pick up the drink order, “Even Cannon doesn’t know my real name!”

“I don’t care if I know your real name as long as I get my paycheck,” the waiter spit out his words with apathy, “Throw a bowl of pretzels on here, boss.  Stop flirting with the new girl.”  

Zen did as he was asked but kept his eyes on Sunny, reaching behind himself to grab an apron and threw it at her, “Let’s get started, then! I’ll give you the grand tour.”

******************