#and instead he's like helloooooo that is MY WIFE

[willofthequill]

A Mouse With A Plan

Welcome back to another adventures in Mouse's Mini-verse! It's Father's Day and the one year anniversary of the start of my Daddy Duty series! I cannot believe I have been writing these silly stories about Mouse and Sukuna for a year! I have had such a blast working on this series, and I have no intentions or desire to stop! Thank you to everyone who has read, commented, given Kudos, likes, or reblogs! I appreciate you all and hope you have many happy days ahead!!

If you prefer to read this story on AO3 click here !

Author's Note: For anyone new to my Daddy Duty Series, Mouse is Sukuna's, currently, 3 year old daughter with reader. Monkey is their infant son. Summary: Mouse is a toddler with a plan and she is not taking no for an answer. Author's Note: They did not celebrate Father's Day in Heian Era Japan, so we're doing a birthday fic on Father's Day instead!

There's an extra something extra at the end to celebrate the first anniversary of this series!

WC: 2900+

CW: reader is referred to as 'Mama' and 'wife' but not described and no pronouns used for reader, toddler dad Sukuna, dad sukuna, heian era, true form Sukuna (4 arms), it's pretty much just plain Dilf Sukuna fluff and crack, SFW in every way, just family fluff

Fic Divider by: @strangergraphics

“Papa! Papa! Helloooooo! Papa! Wake up, please and thank you!”

Sukuna opened his eyes in narrowed slits at the only being in the world who would dare to sit on his chest and try to pry open his eyelids to wake him up. “What do you want, Mouse?”

“Good morning, Papa!” She preened and leaned forward. She cupped his face and kissed the tip of his nose. “Is you up now, Papa?”

“What do you think?”

“I think you is!” She giggled and kissed his nose again. “Hi Papa!”

He sighed. She better be damn glad she was cute. He lifted one of his hands to rub her back affectionately. “Hi Mouse. Now answer my question. What is it that you want?” 

“Help me wake Mama up, please and thank you!” 

“Wake her up yourself,” he grumbled. She had done just fine waking him up…

“Nuh uh! Mama gets scary!” Mouse said, her eyes wide and looking almost haunted. 

Sukuna blinked slowly, as she reminded him again of a bitter truth. His daughter found you scarier than him… Nothing humbled a person like fatherhood it would seem.

“Why do you need me to wake her?”

“She’s scary.” Mouse pressed her lips at him in a brave display of annoyance. “I says that.”

“I mean what reason do you have to need her awake?”

“I has a plan. Needs her awake. Oh! I needs Urau-rau too!” She made an ‘oh’ face and clambered off of him and began heading towards the bedroom door. She paused to look at him over her shoulder. She gave him a look like one would give a comrade on a battlefield and left him with words of encouragement for his task ahead. “Be careful, Papa. You got this!”

“Alright, Mouse. You’ve got Uraume and me here. You put Papa on Monkey duty and banned him from half of the house. What’s up?” You asked, leaning a hip against a kitchen counter. 

Uraume stood a few feet away, glowering at the toddler standing in front of you both with her hands on her hips and a triumphant look on her face. Tuna sat beside her, staring up at her as if waiting to be assigned a task.

Uraume huffed in vexation. “This had better be important.”

“It is!” Mouse said indignantly.

“We’re listening,” you encouraged her to start speaking before Uraume made her into breakfast.

“Don’t you know what today is?” Mouse asked, cocking her head slightly to the side.

“Obviously not.” Uraume’s patience was exceptionally thin when they were tired and Mouse already had that thread on the verge of breaking. 

“It’s Papa’s birthday!” The look on her face as she glared up at the two of you was pure disappointment. 

You and Uraume look at each other with eyes wide and jaws slightly ajar. Well, shit. Mouse was correct. It was in fact Sukuna’s birthday. 

“Good job, Mouse! That would have been very important to not remember” You smiled at your daughter and reached out to pet her head. 

Sukuna generally did not celebrate his birthday. Half of the time he did not even remember it himself. Which had been fine when it was just the grown ups. But now you had a child and she was old enough to remember having a party on her own birthday. There was no way Mouse was going to settle for anything less for her Papa. 

Uraume looked at you. “Lord Sukuna does not celebrate his birthday.”

“Well… Now he going to! And next year! And next year! And a lot of next years!!” Mouse had one hand on her hip and another in the air, moving as she spoke. Her tone came across if she was making a royal decree. The Tiny Tyrant was trying very hard to leave no room for argument. She is just like her father.

“Lets just worry about this one right now,” you smiled at her.

“How did she even know it was his birthday?” Uraume asked.

“She must have heard him mention it to me the other day. The only thing I can think of is she counted it down? She’s really good at counting,” you answered, feeling fairly confident that was the answer. 

“Right! Okay! I gots a plan!” Mouse ran over to a counter across from you, grabbed a sheet of paper off the counter and came back to her same place. “Mama? Urau-rau? You ready, please and thank you? ”

“I will hear your proposal but I make no promises that I will go along with it,” Uraume crossed their arms across their chest and waited to hear what Mouse had to say.

She gave an angry pout in Uraume’s position before she began to read off the paper in front of her. She had a list of foods she wanted to make for her Papa. You had to give her credit, it was really well thought out. 

But there was one thing that had been bothering you. You held out a hand towards your daughter. “May I see your list?”

“I was going to ask the same thing,” Uraume muttered. They leaned in closer as you both examined the paper Mouse had been reading off of. 

You had been curious how your three year old would have written out a list and then been able to read it off. Sukuna worked with her regularly on learning reading and writing. Not only did he want his daughter to be educated, he wanted to instill in her from a young age a love of reading and learning. Because of this she was very advanced for her age.

Still… this was a bit above her abilities.  

Your eyes got wide when you saw that the words were there and they were correct. The kanji were very messy and a bit hard to read, but they were definitely right.

“I did good?” Mouse asked.

“You did very well, Mouse.” She preened at your praise.

“Who helped you with this?” Uruame’s voice was laden with suspicion. 

“Tuna!” Mouse grinned and leaned down to wrap her arms around your resident kitsune. She rubbed her face in his fur affectionately while he looked up at the two of you with what was clearly a smirk on his face. 

“How did Tuna help you?” You hated that your brain started questioning if Tuna was transforming without your knowledge. He was an old kitsune so not as mischievous as a young one, but he was still a kitsune. 

“Wanna see?” Mouse straightened up, her face beaming with excitement and her eyes bright.

“Yes.” Uraume did not even give you a chance to consider it before they replied. Honestly, you were intrigued too. 

“Okay! Stay right here, please and thank you!” 

Mouse and Tuna scurried off down the hall and returned shortly with one of the calligraphy sets and washi. You and Uraume watched in silence as Mouse got everything set up. She laid down on her belly and Tuna took up a spot on the opposite side of the washi. He pressed her nose affectionately to her forehead.

She grinned up at you as she reached up to pet his head affectionately. Her pink hair was messy from never having been combed this morning because she was too anxious to hold her conclave in the kitchen. She brushed her hair out of her face and resumed her position. “Okay, we ready! Watch us, please and thank you!”

“Go for it,” you answered with Uraume echoing with a sound of approval.

Mouse instructed Tuna that they were going to write ‘I love you, Papa’ and were specific that it was to be written in a large size. You watched as Mouse carefully dipped the brush in the ink and brought it to the paper. Her tongue peaked out of her mouth on the side as she tried to concentrate. She got part way in on her own, which was impressive to you. But what blew your mind was what came next. 

Mouse paused her hand. “Tuna, I got stuck. Can you help me, please and thank you?”

The kitsune leaned his head down and used his nose to gently guide her hand to write it out. He did this each time she got stuck or did not know how to start. Every step of the way until it was finished. If Mouse started to get frustrated he would rest his nose against her forehead and ‘give a little ‘foof.’ It would make her smile and then she would give a nod and they would start again. 

You and Uraume glanced at each other, absolutely stunned. Never in a million years would you have thought that you would have a 5 tailed kitsune that was patiently teaching your daughter to write. And yet that was what was happening right before your eyes.

Mouse got to her knees and picked up the washi as Tuna moved to sit at her side. She held it up for you and Uraume to see. Both of them looked up at you with pride on their faces. “Ta da!”

Every single kanji was right. You were stunned and proud. Of both of them. You squatted down and pet both of their heads. “You guys did a great  job! What are you going to do with that, Mouse?”

She gave you a huge grin. “I’ll tell you! You ready to start the plan, please and thank you?”

Uraume looked at you and gave a disgusted sigh, but you could see the slight smile on their face. “I guess you have earned some cooperation.”

“What that mean? Co-bob…er-a-dee-don?”

“Not even close.” Uraume shook their head.

“Coperation,” you couldn’t hide the chuckle at Mouse’s attempt. “Good try. It means that Uraume is going to help us with your list.”

Mouse jumped up and down in excitement, spinning in a circle before taking a stance similar to one would before a fight, including putting up her fists up in front of her. “Please and thank you, let's go!! 

“Papa! Monkey! We ready!” Mouse called as she burst through the shoji door to the bedroom where Sukuna laid reading while Monkey laid in bed next to him happily playing with his newly discovered toes.

“Are we finally released from our imprisonment?” Sukuna arched his eyebrow, making no moves to get up. About an hour ago he and Monkey had their approved territory reduced to just the bedroom. He was annoyed and curious simultaneously. 

“Yup! Time to sit up, please and thank you!” Mouse ran to stand next to Sukuna’s side of the bed. She was unable to stand still so she did an excited little dance in place. She looked your way. “Mama, don’t forget you got to carry Monkey!”

“I won’t,” you chuckled, moving to pick your son up from the bed. 

All four of his eyes lit up when he saw your face. He began excitedly babbling and immediately reached for you. You made a silly face at him to watch him smile big and laugh. He was the image of his father with the exception being he only had 2 arms. (You would have loved him the same and thought he was just as beautiful with four arms.) 

The markings on his face were identical to his father’s with the exception of it being on both sides of his face and a mark across his nose. He had the same bands on his wrists and biceps, with light markings on his chest and back that were similar to his father’s. Sukuna had said the markings on his own chest and back darkened and widened with age, so only time would tell. 

“You ready, Monkey?” you asked as you scooped him up and held him against you. You kissed his head and gave him a little squeeze as you watched Mouse giving Sukuna a hard time. You had such a beautiful little family. Your heart fluttered at the thought.

“Okay, Papa! You gots to close your eyes - all of em! And then hold my hand. Please and thank you!” Mouse said as Sukuna finally stood to his full height. She pointed a finger up at him as she tilted her head back. “And nooooo peaking!”

“And if I don’t?” He challenged. 

“Please, Papa? Pretty, pretty please and thank you very, very much!” 

He was pretty sure her eyes could not get any bigger and her lip could not stick out any further. He could tell she was excited, and he knew they had been working at something all damn day . He had to admit he was intrigued. He gave a loud sigh. It was overly dramatic and filled with dejection. 

Mouse laughed at him and reached out her hand. For these two this was just business as usual. Sukuna closed his eyes, all four of them, and held out one of his hands. She looked at you with a big grin on her face. “Okay! Lets go! Don’t let go of my hand, okay, Papa?”

Don’t let go of my hand, okay, Papa? Those words and the sound of her sweet little voice saying them were now etched onto his heart and burned into his memory for the rest of his life. He gave a grunt. “Fine, fine. Lead the way.”

“Okay, Papa! Open your eyes!” Mouse directed as they came to a stop a short time later. 

Sukuna opened his eyes and blinked. And then blinked again. There was a feast fit for a king laid out in front of him. Deserts, sweets, snacks, fish, rice, fowl, meat… and he could see his favorite meal that Uraume made with a very different type of meat. 

You sat on the opposite side facing him with a smile on your face. Monkey was sitting in your lap facing him as well. Uraume knelt nearby with a small smile on their face but their head bent in respect as usual. 

Everything looked and smelled delicious. He now knew why they had been busy all day and his movements had been restricted. But there was still just one thing he didn’t understand. “What’s this about?”

Mouse wrapped her arms around his arm, hugging it, and gave him a smile so bright it could rival the sun itself. “You forgotted?”

“I forgot what?” His eye brow arched.

“Silly Papa!” She covered her mouth as she giggled. Once she had recovered she looked up at Sukuna, a grin still on her face. “Happy Birthday, Papa!”

In honor of this series turning ONE YEAR OLD, here is an extra little short to celebrate

Sukuna's First Birthday

15 years ago:

“When is your birthday?”

Sukuna paused eating his meat to look at the child he had taken in under the pretense of putting their ice curse to use.  “What type of question is that?”

The white haired 10 year old shrugged their shoulders. They had been filling the silence by asking him every single damn question they could think of. And some of them had been utterly ridiculous.

Still, he had humored the kid and answered all of them. Even the absurd ones. Though he did comment on the quality of some of these questions when he answered them.

“It’s just a normal question people ask each other," Uraume said with a shrug.

“I don’t know. Never knew and couldn’t care less,” Sukuna shrugged. 

“But everyone has a birthday,” Uraume screwed up their face.

“Well, not me,” he shrugged. “My mother abandoned me and I have fended for myself my whole life. I never had anyone to share that knowledge with me, and no one has ever asked.”

“How many Oshogatsu festivals have you seen?” Uraume asked. 

Sukuna made a tch sound and did some quick math in his head. “I would guess somewhere around 27? Why does it matter?”

“I just needed to know,” Uraume said, eyes tilting up as they organized thoughts in their head. 

Sukuna was reaching for another skewer of meat again when they spoke. “Ten'an Gannen rokugatsu jūgo-nichi. “ (06.15.857 CE)

“What is the significance of this date?” Sukuna snatched up the meat and took a bite. 

“You said you had seen approximately 27 Oshogatsu festivals. So I added 3 years to that since most people do not start to accrue formative memories until the age of 3. So that would be approximately 30 years ago,” Uraume explained their math. 

“Okay… and the month and day?”

“That is the Month and the Day that you took me in,” they averted their gaze, shyness setting in. 

It was an interesting choice of dates. The large man shrugged. Why not? He had no plans to celebrate it, but if it made the kid feel better, it was a small concession. 

Sukuna lifted one of his hands and moved it like he was waving something off. “Fine, fine. If that is what you wish, I will accept it.”

Uraume looked back at him and grinned from ear to ear before they lowered their head and hands to the ground. “You honor me, Lord Sukuna!”

Sukuna himself was not bothered by not having a birthday. But the fact that Uraume had been upset that he did not have one and then took actual, thoughtful care in choosing a date…

It caused an unknown feeling, and honestly uncomfortable, feeling like a warm flutter in his stomach. 

Sukuna shook his head and reached out a hand for another skewer of meat. He reasoned it was probably just some weird vagal response or indigestion and gave it no more thought. Instead he feasted on the delicious food that Uraume had made and continued answering stupid questions into the night. 

And so goes the story of Sukuna’s first birthday.

[epic-kotlc-crossover]

There Are Other Ways

helloooooo guys. Last song in Circe!!! This one was written by both of us. Enjoy!!

@thesfromhms @sombrathedragon @myfairkatiecat @imnotskyguy-remake @bookwormgirl123

@justalunaticfangirl @ham-cheese-toastie @yellow-computer-mouse

Biana stood up as soon as Fitz lowered his weapon.

She sighed, like, Ugh, I can’t believe I have to deal with you. “If you really want me to save your men, you must show me that you’re willing to burn.”

Was he going to have to do something for her?

“Think of your past. How many times have you done the wrong thing, just to keep everyone safe?” Biana asked. She was toying with him. “I can help you, Fitz. You just need to complete a task for me.”

Fitz considered it. He knew saying no to a god was never good, but he told her, “I can’t. Please. I just…. It’s been twelve years since I’ve seen my wife and daughter. Sophie is my everything, all of my power. And– and now the god of tides is out to kill me. So I’m begging you, please just let us leave. Please.” He tried to pour as much sadness as he could into his voice, which wasn’t hard. Even thinking about how much time had passed, how much Marella must have grown… the thought brought tears to his eyes.

Surprisingly, Biana nodded and said, “Posiedon, eh?”

She paused for a few seconds, then said haltingly, "There might be a way to evade him and get home."

Fitz surged with hope, straightening up quickly. "How?" He asked.

"This other way is extremely dangerous," Biana told him. "I think it's your final hope, so..." She trailed off, and gave him a look. It was almost like a question. Are you sure you want to go through this?

Fitz was close to begging. He couldn't give her the satisfaction, so he just snapped, "Tell me." A small smile quirked on Biana's face.

"Well." She paused, purposefully waiting a few seconds before finishing. "I knew an amazing prophet, but unfortunately she's dead."

Fitz stared at her blankly. Why was she telling him about a dead person? Lots of people were dead.

Including, he thought, wincing, 500 of my men.

Biana laughed a little, as though she could tell what he was thinking.

"I can't bring you home, but I'll take you to the Underworld instead." Another pause, and Fitz swore she was doing this just to make him annoyed. "And I'll release your men, too. I guess."

Fitz blinked, a little surprised that she conceded so quickly. "You're helping me?"

Biana shrugged like it was nothing. "We do many things for people we care about." She snapped her fingers, and he could vaguely hear shouts of confusion from the palace. "Maybe showing one act of kindness would be good for me."

Fitz snorted. If it didn't kill you first, he thought fondly.

"I have been in love once before...." She trailed off wistfully, and Fitz was slapped with the reminder that he didn't truly know his baby sister anymore. She'd grown without him... and was another person he'd lost without really appreciating them before.

Adding that to my long list of mistakes.

"Maybe one day the world won't need a pupeteer anymore! Or maybe.... maybe it'll need one even more."

Fitz smiled at her, and quickly pulled her into a hug. She stiffened and awkwardly patted his back.

"Thank you." He told her.

[kingsmoot]

really enjoyed reading your analysis on reek i and his relationship with rams! gives such a new dimension to roose's cruelty... and yes he would have needed to be at least passingly familiar with the miller in order to know the miller was unmarried, and since he describes the miller as an old man- he's likely been tithing to the boltons since roose himself was a boy if not before. the craziest part to me is that he was out on a foxhunt- so a company of at least 10-15 other men and their hounds- the absolute assurance that they would be complicit to this atrocity and not do a damn thing about it. which also makes me wonder about who the miller's wife was before she was the miller's wife! given the large age gap + having to seek recourse from roose about the stolen mill i always assumed she was from a poor family of low standing and the miller essentially bought her for company? ants and worms indeed... even the worm will turn energy

which i think is why she was so prepared to bargain ramsay instead of terminating after being raped. she's young and pretty, but without family that could meaningfully back her against the miller's brother, my vibes based conjecture is she found the miller, his property, and life with him enjoyable or tolerable enough to marry a man twice his age with the expectation of learning how to assist him in his trade and! preparing to be his widow... maybe not the point george wanted us to focus on but being a widow and inheriting such a valuable fief/ having a perpetual claim through "the miller's son that survived him"(rams) is a very financially and socially independent position to have as a medieval woman. whereas aborting this child and being a husbandless woman where everyone knows your last husband got killed by the lord... very unprotected and vulnerable position. sorry this is a bit disjointed i got distracted halfway through sending lol i guess my hc here is that the miller's wife was more than willing to spend ramsay to ensure her quality of life bc she Already Knows the world she lives in the choices that are and aren't available to her and roose only reenforced that

helloooooo! thank you for enjoying my ramsay & reek meta and thank you for sharing your thoughts about the miller's wife!

i do agree that she was from a poorer family! we could both be wrong but roose's narration about this (which maybe we should doubt more idk) definitely makes her sound like she was essentially purchased:

I was hunting a fox along the Weeping Water when I chanced upon a mill and saw a young woman washing clothes in the stream. The old miller had gotten himself a new young wife, a girl not half his age. She was a tall, willowy creature, very healthy-looking. Long legs and small firm breasts, like two ripe plums. Pretty, in a common sort of way.

it's possible this is just a turn of phrase that roose would've used for any wife because he views all marriages as transactional in the same way since women are non-human animals/property, but it has always given me the image of a man who was able to use his comparatively social status and wealth to "buy" a comely young bride. i also assume she was not his first wife both since he's an older man and since roose says "new" here, which makes me think he was replacing an old wife. again, very fair to say this does not definitely imply an existing first wife but i think it does.

but i disagree slightly with your analysis of her motives for keeping her rape baby! which is something i've thought a lot about (i talked about it some in my answer to this ask)

i disagree that she went to seek recourse from roose because her family was unable to support her or because her plan was to pass off roose's child as the miller's. like you said, she kept her pregnancy in a setting where aborticides are plentiful, accessible, and effective. and she did this specifically because she was banking on having a son and making roose acknowledge him as a potential heir.

this is the biggest part (but far from the only one) for me of why i get so annoyed at "what would have happened if ramsay had been a girl!" questions because the answer to me is singularly obvious. if the miller's wife had birthed a girl she would have drowned her in the river like an unwanted kitten and moved on with her life as best she could. she kept ramsay specifically because he was born into a social role that could potentially see him elevated and acknowledged as her lord's son. even if domeric had not been eliminated as heir, even if ramsay had not been destined to become a manifestation of roose's generational cruelty (a shadow of the father!), it would still have been possible for roose to acknowledge him as his bastard and potentially provide for him if not raise him alongside his legitimate child (unlikely).

so i really really really agree with what you said about the miller's wife using ramsay as a mode of social advancement and the choices that are available to her. like i said in that linked ask above, she very pointedly makes the choice to force her lord and rapist into ramsay's life. she would've been a very different woman if she'd chosen to keep her pregnancy to term and raise her child in protective loving secrecy and safety without knowledge of his father. she kept her pregnancy for very pragmatic reasons. if she had a son (which the gods saw fit to grant) he could possibly be owed lands, titles, social power, and everything else that comes with being a lord's son. things that are always and forever going to be out of her reach as a nobody-in-particular's daughter. i'm certain she knew exactly her place in the pecking order even before roose ran her down and raped her under her husband's corpse, but that certainly reinforced the hierarchy she was trapped in. ramsay, by being an extension of her, is the only round-about and indirect way that she can seek and claim justice in a world that is designed very deliberately to prevent her from ever receiving it.

[kitxvoss]

the many titles of Kit Voss, by Randolph Bell

[mrs-gucci]

Since requests are open, can I request a one-shot with Kylo as a serial killer and is married to the reader who discovers evidence connecting him to the killings (e.g. blood on clothes), but he doesn’t hurt her and she doesn’t turn him over to the police. I was thinking that maybe he only kills people who “deserve” to be killed, but that’s up to you. Thank you.

A Good Reason {vigilante serial killer!Kylo Ren x  Reader darkfic}

author's notes: helloooooo anon! thank you so much for sending this in!! I honestly really enjoyed writing this for you and I’s incredibly pleased with how it turned out. did this turn into a 4.3k word fic instead of my usual 1k-2k word fic? absolutely it did.

**THIS FIC CONTAINS DARK THEMES/CONTENT. READ THE WARNINGS BEFORE PROCEEDING.**

warnings: some angst. smut. some fluff. marital fights (verbal, not physical). vigilantism (or at least that’s what kylo believes it is). 

(possible) tw's: serial murders (implied, not in-detail). mentions of blood (not in-detail).

word count: 4.3k

At first, when you married Kylo Ren, you weren't suspicious of him leading a possible double-life or being involved in any shady business. He worked normal hours, wore a suit to his regular nine-to-five, and spent most weekends at home with you.

 Yes, he wore a cold and stern demeanor and was very reserved when it came to sharing feelings, but he loved you with all he had. He truly, truly loved you.

When you said your vows to each other, he promised not to keep anything from you, that he'd always be open and honest with you. Lately, you've been brought to believe that he's violated that part of his promises. He was hiding something from you.

It all started a few months ago, when his nine-to-five started becoming more like a seven-to-eleven, then more of a days-long trips-to-god-knows-where type of job.

He’d come home and go straight up to the bedroom to shower, which was sort of odd since he didn’t usually do that, but not enough to be too suspicious. He still kissed you right when he got home, still sat next to you on the couch after his shower to watch some Netflix, still fucked you with everything he had that night before bed.

But those little things, the ones that you cherished so much, the ones that kept you a loyal, unsuspecting wife, quickly began to fade away as this mystery job began taking over his entire life. 

 Now you see him maybe once a week, twice if you’re lucky, thrice if you’re especially lucky. But, he’d almost always have to leave in the middle of the night or early the next morning. He’s been much more irritable and much less affectionate whenever you do end up seeing him, and you’re just done with it all. 

Tonight, he was home for the first time this whole week, and when he came downstairs from his shower, you just asked.

“Are you seeing someone else?”

His eyes widen, then a small scowl crosses his face. “No. What brought you to such a conclusion?”

“You’ve been gone all week, every week for the past two months, that’s what.”

You snap, all the emotions about everything finally coming to the surface.

“What the fuck else am I supposed to think you’re doing when you don’t tell me anything about where you’re off to or what you’re doing while you’re there?”

Kylo’s jaw clenches as he pours a glass of wine for himself.

“As I’ve told you, several times before, it’s confidential. I can’t tell you what I’m doing, even if I want to.”

“How about you start off by admitting to me that you quit your job at Skywalker Technologies?”

Your eyes begin to swell with tears, but you keep yourself composed for the most part.

His head whips over to you, eyes looking into your soul. “Who told you?”

“I called them Monday morning, talked to Voe.” You say. “When you were away that second week, when you didn’t come home at all until Saturday night, then left again early Sunday morning. She said you handed in your resignation a month ago and that your employment with the company had been terminated two weeks after that.”

He frowns, eyebrows furrowed in the center of his forehead. He mutters something to himself, but he’s too far away, you couldn’t hear what it was.

“Why didn’t you just tell me? You know I wouldn’t have cared; we have savings and I could go back to full-time if need be.”

 “You won’t need to work anymore after I get paid this month.” Kylo says, suddenly. “You’ll be able to retire, do all those things you wanted to do, travel to all the places you want to.”

You’re speechless, unable to process all of this sudden information. You stand, walking over to him, looking him directly in the eyes. “But I wanted to do all of those things with you, Kylo, and I thought you wanted to do them, too. None of them will be as special or as fun if I don’t do them with you.”

 He takes a long sip of wine, setting the glass down on the countertop before turning to face you head-on. His fists are clenched as his arms cross over his chest and he huffs softly.

 “I don’t know what to tell you, Y/N. I’m trying to work hard to provide for you and I, to provide the means to give everything you could ever want.”

 Your bottom lip begins to quiver, and your teeth sink down into it in order to keep it still.

“And I understand that, but I’d rather have my husband than his money. I miss you, Kylo, I miss spending time with you.”

Even his cold demeanor, his ‘tough-guy’ facade drops for a moment as he watches you stand in front of him, holding back tears. He hates making you cry, and it’s always so much worse when he knows that he’s the direct cause of your pain, of your hurt.

Suddenly, you’re enveloped by a pair of strong arms, scooped up off your feet and carried bridal-style up to your bedroom. He says nothing on the short journey upwards, although usually he doesn’t, and he sets you down gently on the bed.

Kylo’s a man of few words, more of a physical being, you’ve learned after three years of dating and two years of marriage. His eyes begin to blacken, pupils blown wide as his large, veiny hand gently traces your silk-and-lace-covered figure. 

He always loved seeing you like this, makeup-free and in a beautiful nightgown, one that he bought you. His fingers trail up and down your side, down your thigh and calf, before eventually tracing the waistband of your panties beneath the silk. 

His suit pants have already begun to tent as his fingers trace random patterns on your abdomen, soon moving up to the mounds of your breasts, where your nipples have already pebbled.

“How could I ever want anyone but you, little lamb?” Kylo whispers, almost to himself, moving his hand down your body so his pointer finger can hook the seam of the nightgown, pulling it up over your hips. He’s pleased when you lift your hips automatically, allowing him to fully expose your sheer panties to his starved eyes. “Spread your legs for me, I want to see you.”

You bite your lip, feet walking apart to slowly reveal your clothed folds to your husband. He looks with great interest at the fabric, noticing that it’s already absorbed too much of your slick, creating a small but visible wet patch at the crotch.

He brings his hand to cup his length through his pants, a quick grunt rumbling through his chest.

“I miss you.” Is all he says, head tilting slightly to the side as his eyes flicker over you. “I enjoy my new job very much, but it truly kills me to be away from you for so long, Y/N. I just want to make you happy, to provide you with a lavish lifestyle so that you can have and do whatever you want without worry.”

Your heart pitter-patters in your chest at his words, causing you to sit up on your elbows.  “But at what cost is that coming at, Kylo? It feels like I’m losing you, and I don’t want to, nee can’t, lose you.”

“You won’t. I won’t ever let that happen, lamb.” His cock is swollen almost completely, pressing dangerously against his slacks. “I will always come back to you, no matter what.”

You let your legs fall open further. Normally, you’d continue, saying that he always promises that exact thing and never delivers. But, you haven’t seen him in a week and none of that seems worth it right now.

You just want to enjoy him.

“Please.”

He smirks softly, reaching to undo the buckle of his sleek black leather belt. His pants and boxers are soon on the floor, the bottom of his button-up divided in the middle by the large protrusion of his groin.  

You lick your lips instinctively as it bobs slightly under your appreciative gaze, tip reddened with a small bead of precum collecting steadily at the slit. You’ll never get used to the beauty, the sheer mass, that is Kylo’s cock. 

“Take yours off.” He whispers, unbuttoning his dress shirt at a teasingly slow pace. “Show me how you glisten so beautifully.”

Your thumbs hook in the waistband of your panties, hips lifting off the mattress as you slide them down, flicking them aside with your foot. His eyes are glued to your newly exposed flesh, gaze like that of a starved man as he looks over your shiny slick folds.

His button-up is quickly discarded and then he’s pouncing; suddenly on top of you, pinning your hands above your head while rubbing himself through your arousal. He kisses you with great passion, perhaps with a bit of urgency, as he sheathes himself inside of you with one swift forward stroke.

You moan into his mouth, back arching up as your insides stretch to accommodate his intrusion. He wastes no time establishing a steady in-and-out rhythm, soft grunts joining each one of his forward thrusts.

“Oh Kylo...my love...” You breathe, head tilting back when his lips meet your neck. “You’re so good, baby, always make me feel so good.”

Kylo’s hips suddenly begin to snap forward, pounding into you as he falls onto his elbows, breath hot on your skin.

“Been waiting all week for this sweet pussy.” He growls into your ear, kissing the spot just behind it. “Missed feeling you wrapped around me, lamb.”

A line of sweat forms on his forehead as he drills you into the mattress. This was your absolute favorite thing about sex with Kylo: he was so gentle yet rough, the perfect balance between both sides of the spectrum.

Your orgasm is rapidly approaching, now, his shaft rubbing your walls building the ideal friction for a long and earth-shattering release. 

“I’m nothing without you.” He suddenly breathes, a choked cry escaping his pillowy lips as he lets your hands go, instead gripping your hips tightly. “You’re my e-everything, my whole fucking world, Y/N.”

You weave your hands in his raven locks, gasping as he fucks you harder. 

“My god, Kylo, I love you.”

“Lamb.” His lip begins to tremble. “I won’t last. I c-can’t…”

Your hands come to rest at the bottoms of your knees, forcing your legs further back and apart, allowing him to reach deeper inside you. He inhales sharply, jaw slack as his eyes flutter shut.

“It’s okay, Kylo, you can cum.”

He sits up on his haunches, lifting your hips up to meet his, the once steady pace now sloppy and desperate. 

“Christ...f-fuck…yes.” He breathes, head falling back. “Gods, I love you, I lo--ggnnnnaahhh!”

His hips pause deep inside your walls, eyes flying open as he leans forward a bit, spilling his thick release rope after rope into you.

You reach down and begin rubbing your clit, back arching further as a soft moan comes from your lips. Your walls clench and Kylo’s hips pick a deep thrusting pace once more, eager to milk your orgasm as much as possible.

“Kylo!”

He looks down at you. “Cum.”

That’s all it took before you went tumbling over the edge, crying out as your release hits then floods all throughout your body. Your fingers dig into the muscle of his bicep as you ride out the high.

Kylo collapses next to you moments later, the both of you catching your breaths for a minute before intertwining and eventually falling asleep in each other’s loving embrace.

-

When you wake up the next morning, the sheets next to you are cold, showing no sign of the man that inhabited them last night.

He’s gone...again.

What did you expect, really? That you have one night of loving-yet-mindblowing sex and that was somehow enough to convince him to stay with you? 

You sigh, sitting up and getting out of bed, shuddering as your flesh is exposed to the cool air of the bedroom after hours under the warm covers.

That night, much to your surprise, you get home from dinner out with a few of your girlfriends and see Kylo’s car in the garage. 

Two nights in a row? This hasn’t happened in a long time.

A rush of excitement surges through you as you walk into the house, looking around the kitchen and living room, not seeing Kylo anywhere.

And then, you smell it, overwhelmingly so. 

Bonfire smoke.

Who in the world would be having a bonfire right now? It’s a Monday night. And even when your neighbors did have one, it never smelled this strongly before. 

The curtains on the back door were drawn shut, which was a bit odd, but when flashes of yellow and orange peek out from behind them, your eye is caught. You walk over and pull them open.

At the same time you do that, a tall dark figure appears through the glass, causing you to screech.

Your husband quickly opens the door, holding his hands up in front of him. “Hey, it’s alright, just me.”

“Kylo, jesus christ.” You say, hand over your chest.

When you look up at him properly, you freeze. 

Blood. On his face, spatter similar to the pattern of freckles and moles sprinkled over his pale skin.

Blood. On his dress shirt and pants.

He realizes what you’re looking at, realizes his grave mistake, inwardly cursing himself for not washing his face and taking the bloodied clothes off right when he got home. Damnit.

“Kylo...what…?”

For once, he has absolutely nothing to say, no excuse for what you’re seeing. He can’t think of a single damn thing to say for himself, to defend the blood soaked into his skin and into his clothes.

He looks you right in the eyes, his intense gaze staring right into your soul.  “What I’m about to tell you must stay between us. You cannot tell anyone, and I mean anyone, about it.”

You nod.

“This new job…”

Kylo whispers.

“I’m a hitman, a murder-for-hire, whatever you want to call it.”

Your eyes go wide as saucers and you pull away, trembling slightly. 

“But, I promise, I only kill bad people.”

You laugh humorlessly. “Oh, well in that case!”

“I’m serious, Y/N.” His jaw clenches. You’ve clearly hit a nerve. “I need a good reason to kill someone, and I’ll only kill people that truly deserve it.”

“So you’re a vigilante? Why didn’t you just fucking say so? That totally changes everything!” You say sarcastically, still in shock that you’re even talking about this. “And you’re saying that when you kill people, it’s alright, but when other people do it it’s not? Murder is murder, Kylo, it doesn’t fucking matter if they ‘deserve’ it or not.” 

He takes a step forward, closing the space between you. You take another step back.

“What I do,” Another forward step. You step back again, back hitting the wall. “Is different. I do it for good reason, I do it to see justice served unto people who fucking got away with whatever bad thing they did.”

The breath is taken from your throat as your bloody husband stands in front of you, hot breath tickling your skin. His head hangs, lips next to your ear.

“And if you tell anyone about this, murmur even a single word about it, you’ll be killed.” His hand trails down your arm lightly, making you shiver. “The people I work with and that I work for...they won’t hesitate to order a hit on you. They’re very rich and very powerful with very little remorse.”

You put your hands on his chest, pushing him away just a bit, enough for you to look up at him properly. “Do not threaten me like one of your fucking targets, Kylo. I understand the weight of the situation, and I don’t appreciate you speaking to me like I’m stupid.”

He presses you against the wall, caging you in with his body, arms on either side of your head. His breath suddenly turns shaky as he plants a kiss behind your ear.

“Lamb...please.” He pleads, voice barely louder than a breath. “You h-have to keep this a secret. They’ll kill you without a second thought, and I can’t...fuck, I c-can’t lose you.”

Tears begin to swell in your eyes.  “Why’d you even do it? Why’d you do this, Kylo?”

“I wanted to.” Kylo huffs, fingers digging into the flesh of your hips. “It...it makes me feel good, Y/N. It makes me feel alive, and I know that it’s wrong, but I’m addicted. I feel powerful, like I can deliver justice to those who really deserve it, and have power over life and death.”

His cock hardens in his bloodstained slacks, rolling himself subtly against your stomach. God, this is so wrong, so disgusting...and yet, nothing else feels more right. 

You’re so torn. You should turn him in, have him put in jail for what he’s done. You should leave him, should be repulsed and scared at the idea that your husband kills people for money. You should feel scared of him, scared at how much he enjoys killing people.

But, none of that is what you feel right now. You don’t feel repulsed, you don’t feel scared of him or like you want to leave him. You don’t feel any of those things.

You feel hot, your skin like magma as he grinds himself against you. “Promise that you’ll never hurt me.”

He nods, growling at the friction on his aching cock.

“Never, lamb, never ever. I would never hurt you, you’re my everything, my beautiful wife. I’d rather die than harm you in any way.” 

Your arms wrap around the back of his neck, pulling at his raven hair. “Go burn those clothes, then come upstairs and I’ll help you wash off.”

His lips tug up into a soft smile, pressing his hips into you one more time.

“I’ll need your help with more than just washing off, little lamb.”

“Mmhmm,” You hum. “We’ll see.”

Kylo nips your earlobe before pulling away and heading out back to the bonfire, unbuttoning his shirt along the way.

Should you turn him in? Probably, but you won’t. Not out of fear of getting killed, you know he’d never let that happen anyway, but because you love him. You love him so much it fucking hurts, and you know it’s wrong to cover up something like this, but damn if it isn’t the most exhilarated you’ve felt in your whole entire life. 

You rush upstairs to start the bath, sprinkling in some of those eucalyptus bath salts and those oils he likes so much, shedding your clothes in anticipation. 

He comes up a few minutes later, wearing only his boxers, and he pauses in the doorway to admire your figure from behind. How did he get so lucky?

“Smells good in here.” He says softly. “But I think I like the view a bit more.”

Your cheeks warm, looking over your shoulder at your raven-haired husband. “I put some of your favorite salts and oils in.”

Kylo steps up behind you, hand tracing your sides before settling on your hips, pulling you back against him suddenly. His lips plant soft, feather-light kisses on your bare shoulder.

“You’re incredible, you know that?”

“Yeah, I know.”

He smiles against your skin. “And very humble, too.”

You reach around and pull the elastic waistband of his boxers, letting them snap back against his skin.

“Take these off and get in the tub, handsome. Let me take care of you tonight.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He chuckles in your ear, pulling away a bit so that he can take his boxers off, tossing them aside before stepping into the tub. He keeps his legs spread just enough for you to settle between.

You grab the soap, his shampoo, and a loofah before joining him in the hot water, sighing as it instantly soothes your taut muscles. 

Your knees fall on either side of his hips as you move to straddle him, kissing the tip of his nose when you settle. You turn on the pulsating shower head, moving it along his scalp. 

His eyes roll into the back of his head as the jets work wonders on his scalp. And when you run your hand through his locks with the shampoo, he groans softly. He leans forward, kissing and sucking at your neck as you wash his hair for him.

“So good to me.” He whispers onto your skin, running his nose along your jawline. “I love you so much, little lamb.”

You kiss his forehead softly, turning on the shower head again.

“Love you too. Do you want conditioner?”

“Please.” Kylo nods.

Your fingers knead the conditioner through his hair, rinse it out, then put some soap on the loofah. You work the soap into his firm body, gliding easily over each ridge as you work over his chest and arms, then down to his abdomen.

His cock is steadily hardening with each touch you give him, and you subtly grind back and forth, hips gyrating on top of him. His head tilts back and he holds your hips, pressing his crotch up closer to yours.

“Mmmm, be patient.” He takes the loofah out of your hand, beginning to rub suds over your dampened skin. “Lemme wash you, too.”

You whine softly, this intimate touch creating such a beautifully twisted moment. You’ve just found out that your husband is a serial killer, and here you are, bathing with him, completely unafraid.

Maybe you’re crazy, and maybe you’re out of your fucking mind, but none of it matters. Not when it’s just you and him, not in moments like this.

Once he’s finished washing you, the loofah is quickly tossed aside and he’s on you in an instant; lips on yours, hands exploring every inch of your freshly-cleaned skin. He groans softly against you, calloused palms finding the mounds on your chest, giving them a gentle squeeze.

Your back arches under his touch, head falling back, a small sigh leaving your lips. His thumb and forefinger give your pebbled nipples a few firm pinches, enjoying the way you so evidently react. 

“Hands and knees, little lamb.” Kylo whispers, low voice sending a shiver down your spine.

You nod, smirking as you turn over, water sloshing around as you do so. You position yourself accordingly, wiggling your ass back and forth to tease him. 

His hand suddenly comes down on you, a loud smack echoing through the bathroom. You squeal softly, loving it when he gets a little rough with you. 

He sits up on his knees, pumping his half-hard cock with meaningful strokes, bringing himself to full hardness before rubbing his head through your folds. Your hips instinctively grind back against him, and he smacks your ass again.

“Behave.” He warns with a smirk, kneading your warming skin. “Desperate tonight, aren’t we?”

You roll your eyes, chuckling softly. “It’s your fault for getting me all worked up in the first place.”

Kylo hums, lining himself up with your entrance and pushing in with little delay, immediately picking up a steady rhythm. You moan, body rocking back and forth with each of his thrusts. 

“Mmmm, yeah K-Kylo.”

Your insides tighten around him, pulling a surprised grunt from deep in his throat. 

“Fuck.” His hips speed up, the increasingly frantic slapslapslap of skin colliding surrounds the both of you.

As your orgasm draws nearer and nearer, you begin pushing back against him, meeting his every forward thrust. His fingers grip the meat of your hips tighter as he fucks you even harder, desperate to make you cum.

“C’mon, my little lamb, cum around my cock.”

He breathes, bending down and planting his hands on either side of you.  His head turns so that his lips are at your ear.

“I’ll never let them hurt you, Y/N. I’m nothing without you in my life, a-and I’ll never let anything--goddamnit--bad happen to you.”

Your eyes roll into the back of your head, teetering on the edge of climax just from his whispered promises, the guarantee that he’ll protect you, that he’ll never hurt you or let anyone else hurt you...that he loves you.

When his thick finger comes down to tease the sensitive nub between your thighs, you’re done for, crying out loudly as your release quickly coats his shaft. Your body jerks and jolts as he continues to fuck you even harder than before, his noises heavy yet soft in your ear.

“Yes, fuck, I’m gonna c-cum!” Kylo growls, hand wrapping around your neck. “Gonna fill you s-so good and full of my cum.”

You’re ready, always ready for him, and he cums mere seconds after muttering the words.

“Ohhhhh god, jesus christ!” He groans loudly, burying his face into your back as rope after rope paints your walls.

Kylo keeps himself buried inside you long after he cums, not wanting to let you go. He meant what he said before; he loves his job, but it’s not easy being away from you, the love of his freakin’ life.

If anything ever happens to you… No. He can’t even think about it.

Eventually he does pull out, sitting back in the tub’s now-lukewarm water, pulling you down with him. He kisses your neck and shoulders, holding you close against him.

“I’m spending the night tonight, and most of tomorrow, here with you. I’m all yours until then, lamb.”

You smile softly to yourself, leaning back against him. “And I’ll be embracing every single second of it.”

[gcldveins]

HELLOOOOOO everyone !!!!!!!! i just wanna say .. thank you SO MUCH for joining misty hollow with jin and i , you have no idea how happy it made us to see so many people interested and join and like .. just clearly so in love w their own muses so like i just wanna say i love u all with my whole freaking heart !!!! ok enough w the sappy stuff let me introduce to u all literally the worst muse i have ever created .. malcolm o’sullivan. but he goes by sully bc he was ur og e-boy who goes “ oh ? my favourite band ? you wouldn’t have heard of it .. they’re called the rolling stones uwu ” and i rlly do hate him for that... it’s okay tho i punish him accordingly :~)

overview

✎⌠paul rudd. cismale. he/him⌡❝ — well, look who’s just arrived ! if it isn’t the one and only malcolm o'sullivan. though, around here they’re known as the harlequin. don’t tell ‘em i said this but the forty-seven year old owner of o'sullivan’s books kinda has a reputation of being stubborn and irresponsible. but y’know, they can be creative and analytical too. typical aquarius. anyways, welcome home and stay safe sully ! ❞

statistics

full name: malcolm eamon o’sullivan

nickname(s): sully, anything else and he twitches ..

date of birth: february 2nd, 1973

hometown: misty hollow, connecticut.

gender identity: cis gender 

preferred pronouns: he/him

sexual orientation: bisexual

hogwarts house: ravenclaw

aesthetic: an old leather jacket thrown over a wrinkled t-shirt, dog-eared pages, the smell of alcohol and cigarettes, untied laces, the soft rumbling of a motorcycle engine, messy handwriting, calloused fingertips

distinguishable characteristics: is looking homeless a distinguishable characteristic..

pinterest board: here.

their song from the sigh no more album bc i love this album and it makes me Sad™ : little lion man 

background ( murder tw )

— born in the town of dingle, a small port town in ireland, malcolm and his family immigrated to america when he was ten years old. they moved into misty hollow after his father opened up his own bookshop and the o’sullivan’s have been there ever since. 

— always having been a rebellious child, malcolm ( slowly gaining the nickname sully in school ) seemed to have a knack for doing anything that pissed his father off. his greatest act ? moving out as soon as he graduated without so much as a goodbye.

— malcolm was only a wee lad when the misty hollow murders were happening. his older brother, his only brother, was unfortunately one of the victims, being eight at the time. he’s not too torn up about it, he was only two years old. but his father reminded him everyday growing up, how much smarter and accomplished and just overall better his brother was than him.

— the only thing that sully was grateful for about his father was the love for books he had ingrained into him. growing up, he developed a knack for writing and he ended up going to the university of pennsylvania for journalism. after that, sully moved out to new york where he worked as a journalist for the new york times and wrote articles on political updates and reports. 

— he met his wife in new york and they had three children together, two girls and one boy. sully was living the classic american dream. until, of course, it was all ruined in a single camping trip. 

— it was just sully and the three kids, except the trip was cut short and he had to come home with two kids instead of three. sully’s youngest, nancy, was taken at the campgrounds and evidence of her murder was found in a nearby cabin.

— this tore sully’s family apart. the tragedy forced him towards a downwards spiral, an endless cycle of destructive habits. it got to the point where his wife decided to divorce him and to take the kids with her. 

— sully eventually, reluctantly, made the decision to return to misty hollow. there, he stayed with his parents for a bit until he got a job at o’sullivan’s books and was able to take a couple months to get back on his feet. 

— his parents initially pushed him towards trying to work at the mystic herald but sully hasn’t written a single sentence since his daughter died. now, his father has essentially left him to run the bookshop for him, which sully doesn’t mind. it’s quiet work that doesn’t require too much effort.

personality

— to sum it up in one sentence .. sully has essentially has regressed into a man-child in the more recent years of his life, but the inferiority complex is a tried and true constant. 

— he hasn’t really properly dealt with his daughter’s death ( even though it’s been over a decade.. ), just lives in a constant cycle of whenever he does try to think about it, he feels like shit and just thinks about all the things he could’ve done differently so he stops immediately. 

— sully always wanted to be a dad, to prove that he could be a better one than his own father. so he feels like he really failed in that retrospect. he’s like a human pity party. though he does that classic thing where he glosses over his sad feelings with destructive behaviour and inappropriate humour.

— very self-indulgent, does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. as long as it makes him feel better, even just for a moment, he’ll do it. doesn’t take anything very seriously, just kinda jokes around all the time. is one of those people that just give off.. kinda pathetic vibes you know? like you look at him and you’re like ?? what are you doing with your life dude ?? and he’s like idk

— but, on the bright side, this makes him pretty easy-going and down-to-earth. definitely a roll-with-the-punches and no bullshit type of guy, isn’t discouraged by much and doesn’t care a whole lot about what others think of him. it’s easy for him to engage in conversation and be all charismatic when he feels like it. 

— despite all .. of that, sully actually comes across as a relatively okay guy. he can be friendly and crack a few jokes while he’s at it, he’s one of those people that, as long as thinks you’re chill, treats you like you guys have been friends forever. but he can be pretty crude / vulgar at times, sooo how others react to that is kind of a gamble !

wanted connections

his one true bro <3 just someone that’ll be a complete idiot with him and they are definitely a bad influence on each other. this person probably hangs around the bookshop alot and they just spend all day with each other doing and saying stupid shit. like you know that gif set of seth rogen and joseph gordon-levitt where one’s like “ i’d fuck you ” and the other goes “ thanks :3 ” that’s it.. those are the vibes..

drinking buddies ! these two just get really drunk off their ass together and probably don’t even know each other that well despite of like.. several years of sort of friendship. one night they’re probably five drinks in and sully goes “ when i was married — ” and they’re just like “ wayment .. what the fuck . ” and ! maybe if your muse has something to get emo about ! maybe they can get drunk AND emo together <3

casual relationships ? he could have one or two of these ! sully.. does not date. tried being in a serious relationship once after his divorce and it ended... terribly. like imagine asking your adult boyfriend if he wants to move in together and his response is essentially just “ ... yeah i’m ok thanks tho. ” and you never hear from him again ndijgnk

that being said... if anyone wants that plot alluded to above .... let me know......

for the younger muses out there ! anyone that he’s kind of ? taken under his wing. pseudo-children essentially. i can’t promise that he’ll be a good influence.. he’s probably not even aware that he’s done this lmao but deep down, sully’s still a dad. he’ll probably be protective over the youngins but shows it in the form of tough love, y’know ? probably tells your muse to stop being a shithead all the time, cute stuff like that.

and some more casual connection ideas that we can further flesh out through some plotting / brainstorming:

old friends from misty hollow

regular customers

co-workers

an unrequited crush ( either on sully’s end or your muse’s )

a good influence on him .. please... i’m begging you

someone that can nerd out over books with him !

friends !!! everyone needs friends and lucky for sully, he’s pretty good at making them !! in a pushy and annoying way..

enemies / frenemies pls ... these are always so much fun

anything and everything else !! if we can’t figure out a plot between sully and your muse, we can always just do it old school and throw them at each other in a random thread and see what happens !!

[dndfuckhouse]

session 27 - Old Men Pressure The Party With Requests

> 🎵  Covert Victorian Underwater Piano / Sunless Skies OST

In reaction to Keva’s words, Orin shifts and sort of grumbles under his breath. Slowly he lifts up one of his arms to rub at his eyes before he speaks.

Orin:“…I told you lot… im very busy doing my job here, protecting the bossman noble so if ya could just-“ squinting his eyes open he stops once he recognises you and shouts.“Keva!” 

He sits up so fast Keva almost sees in slow motion his forehead about to bash into her own. She narrowly whips her head out of the way just in time for his to not directly collide with her face.

Orin: he stares at you shocked "you're back! man i was worried" he seems to be unaware he almost clocked you Keva: "why are you sleeping here?" Orin: "wanted to ah...take a nap but wanted to stay out in the sun yknow" he starts to stand up and eyes the four of you's wardrobes "glad you're alright though! ive been hearing some weird stuff since you guys left, i was getting kinda worked up so i tried to force myself to take a nap"

Han: damn king u can sleep in that situation?

As the group chat the other three, with Vinny in tow, stare about the courtyard curious as to where the four of them could have gotten off to. Peering around the palace itself and the grand walls surrounding them, they note that there seems to be alot of smaller buildings connected to the walls themselves, though they aren’t really sure of their purpose or what direction to head. 

There appear to be alot of people coming and going, guardsman, dignitaries and others scurrying around. They're at a loss where to head off to, though Vinny seems to be staring at the palace pensively.

Cimmorro: cimm pipes up "where did those rascals run off to..." noticing vinny staring around "you enjoying the field trip so far?" Vinny: “ah…well i suppose its not the first time ive been inside these walls... I’m just wondering” he puts a hand to his chin thinking before making a clearly displeased face “I ought to make my presence here to Jeanne known, if she doesn’t know already anyway. lest she start parading around the grounds on a mad hunt, I don’t want to hear her endless complaining about having to search for me. despite it being what she was sent here to do in the first place” he starts grumbling under his breath inaudibly Keva: SOMEONE MAKE A JOKE ABT VINNY'S WIFE Plum: [JOKE ABOUT VINNY'S WIFE]

Cimmorro: "your wife again huh" cimm squints at vinny's grumbling "what's the deal with you two anyway.. i know you said your group thinks you're an idiot but they seem to look after you anyway" Vinny: he turns towards you and gives you a half-hearted glare "she's not-augh" he pauses for a beat "she part of the upper circle so she thinks she's better than me, not like i want to be part of this damned accord anyway but..." he sighs “I know the palace here has a grand library, if she’s helping the wizards with the current uh…citywide predicament she’s most likely stationed there. or the grand mage’s quarters I suppose” Cimmorro: cimm looks at vinny with a curious look ".... so do you wanna reunite with her now or later 🤔 " he shrugs "not like we know where the others are anyway... right guys" @ han and rokka Vinny: "probably sooner is better rather than later....like ripping off a band-aid" he gives the other two curious looks but doesn't say anything

Cimmorro: i was goign to be surprised that rokka and han arent speaking rn i forogt what happene din the bath Han: hans just looking at her shoes Rokka: rokka is looking off Cimmorro: need that forgetful potion that erases ur memory of the last 3 days Han: LMFAO

Han: han kicks a rock at her feet Cimmorro: cimm pokes at han from her side "helloooooo? earth to han?" Rokka: rokka snaps out of his daze "wh-oh uh...yes?" Cimmorro: "what's wrong with you two " Han: han flinches and pushes cimm away with her leg "we can go where you need" Cimmorro: oGJSFDKLGJKSG LIKE PUSHING A CAT AWAY? Rokka: he glances at han real quick "nothing is wrong" Cimmorro: huffing at han pushing him away, cimm looks at rokka before scratching his own head and going "just lead the way vinny. i'm starting to hate the air here" Vinny:  he scratches the back of his head "well...alright if you guys dont mind" he turns and starts leading the way towards the main entrance of the palace and starts to ask around for directions.

Keva: keva gets up with him "alright sure is a word. what'd you hear?" Plum: "yknow where the boss is? finn's looking for him" Orin: "well alot of chatter about corpses suddenly popping up? I don’t envy the job of a city guardsman right now…” he turns his head over to you plum “ah well boss Vorde’s uh, taking a nap. since you guys left I think he’s been up for at least… 30 hours? yeesh” he pouts and rubs a hand through his hair “think the guys going to work himself right into the grave someday if he isn’t careful. though I think he’d want to know if you’re back master finn-" as he gets a look at finn he kinda winces but also is like : D ?  at you holding psalm's hand " maybe we ought to have this chat inside at least… where’s the rest of ya?”  Finn: "Inside...please." Finn says a little stressed. He let's go of Psalm's hand and simply stretches it out towards Orin, wanting to hold his instead. "I've been wondering where my uncle is..." Plum: "yeah you can be the one to wake him up finn" Orin: "doors right there buddy" orin takes your hand anyway Finn: "I can't see Orin..." Finn says with a tinge of annoyance.. but appreciates that Orin leads him now Keva: keva's just >:-| but doesn't say anything

Plum: awwww finn Chip: favouritism Finn: HE'S EMBARRASSED BECAUSE IT WAS SO AWKWARD WITH PSALM Psalm: psalm's just standing there, he's just standing there Finn: psalm: okay stand me up then Psalm: HGHRJDJF yeah 100% Chip: kya this love quadrangle Psalm: maybe keva wants to hold orin's hand Han: THIS ROMCOM MOOD Psalm: wow romcom in one team full angst in the other

The two groups head off to their separate destinations. Orin leads Keva, Psalm, Plum and Finn inside the building he was dozing off in front of, it looks like a branch off a larger building connected to what looks like one of the barracks around the palace.

As they walk in they see servants scuttling about, going to and fro on the ground floor, Orin leads them all up onto the third floor past a set of what look like guest rooms. Finn finally feels the pain in his eyes settle once he’s indoors again. Orin continues on to usher them down to the end of the hall in front of one of the doors. 

Keva, Psalm and Plum opt to wait outside while Finn and Orin head in, inside Finn sees looks like a moderately plush lounge room. He spots Vorde’s bag and cape laying on one of the chairs as well as Orin’s, thrown more haphazardly on one of the lounges, as well as another door leading to what seems to be a bedroom

Orin: "He's in that room over there" Orin points over towards a door branching off the room "did ya wanna wake him master finn or...me?" Finn: he relaxes when his eyes feel better, pulling his hat off unless that kills me here. [editors note: lol] He let's go of Orin's hand and looks at the door. "For how long has he been asleep?" Orin: he thinks "ahhh he laid down about when you all left, so a couple hours now"  Finn: "That is fine enough, our news are urgent after all, I would say." Finn says but in truth he is quite unsure whether he should wake Vorde. Sometimes his uncle seems to be more of a vampire than he is! He goes to knock on the door. "Uncle Vorde?"

Removing his hat and giving the door a knock Finn hears no response, he shrugs and decides to walk in anyway, closing the door behind him. As he waltzes in and looks about he notices Vorde face first on a bed over the covers with his boots still on, though wearing no cravat and vest. The curtains here are also drawn so the room itself is also quite dark.

Cimmorro: i thought he was naked with only boots on Plum: LOL Psalm: OMFG Finn: IUNDFIUGOMJDSFGÖ;DFSG;DSFF:DSG Keva: CAN YOU IMAGINE, GOD WALKING INTO YOUR FATHER FIGURE LIKET HAT Han: 😳 Keva: ENFNRGNKGRKNJRFKJNRNJKFNJR Cimmorro: he just got done fucking with one of the guards Han: VORDE SMASHES FAST

Finn: he slowly comes towards the bed and contemplates how he should go about this. Waking his uncle up is never an easy task. Physically, he can, of course. But emotionally? He knows his uncle needs the sleep. However when he imagines Vorde scolding him for not informing him sooner, he feels a little different. Gently shaking him by the shoulders. "Uncle Vorde... Wake up please..." Vorde: he grunts in response before shifting slightly, moving to sit up "who...." after a few blinks he recognises you finn and quickly sits ramrod straight. he begins eyeing you up and down while patting your shoulders as if looking for something “Safe? Sound of mind? No aches and or mortal wounds you’re valiantly hiding?” from this distance you see the heavy bags under his eyes and one of them almost twitching with unfiltered frustration. Finn: he smiles at the attention Vorde pays to him and how caring he is like this. He nods. "It was a really tough battle..." He looks down for a moment and furrows his brows. Deciding it might be an appropriate time to do it, he closes in to hug Vorde and buries his face in his uncles shoulder. "I had to bite someone to make it. I feel a bit bad about it. ... But I didn't kill them. Like that." He sounds kinda nervous about it. Vorde: he seems surprised at the hug but relaxes and pats your back after a moment "...what we do out of desperation doesn't define us" he slowly releases the hug "i heard a few mutterings before i laid down, but i had not expected you'd go to a battle, or i would have advised more hands" he sighs and rubs his eyes "is it done then? did you and the others stop their plot?" Finn: he backs off a bit when Vorde releases the hug, being grateful for the considerate words, he nods at that. "More hands would have been good, but nothing you could have foreseen, uncle. And I'm still in one piece, aren't I?" He'd say before answering his question. "We did eliminate Theyord and that scum of his cult, but they were able to complete their ritual. I do not know if you had taken notice of it, but briefly, all over the city the dead were raised once more."

Psalm: imagine sleeping through that vorde, real egg on your face there Rokka: jldfsjkd

Vorde: he narrows his eyes "i had not, if they didn't move past that though they you most likely succeeded" he sighs in relief "well one headache taken care of, you can give me the details in a moment" he rises from the bed and stretches "how did the others fare in your battle?" Finn: he watches as his uncle rises and stretches, taking his place on the bed instead while they're talking privately. "I suppose we were successful in the end, but I have to say uncle, it is a scary thought that a devil was able to look into our realm. Even scarier than auntie." He kicks his feet a little in the air as he goes on. "The others?" Finn thinks for a moment. "Badly. We all fared badly. It looks as though that wizard.. Vinny crossed the river of styx more than once." frowning at the memory of his state. Vorde: he listens in as he adjusts his hair and shirt "...yes i have to agree on that. At the very least Arabella doesn't have powers that can raise thousands of the dead, or at least i very well hope she doesn't" he kind of smirks as if he's told a joke in very poor taste "....no deaths however? Finn: he grimaces at the thought. "Do not jinx it!" But he nods at the question. "No deaths at all! Everyone returned from the battle, thankfully. But too many of us were too close to it for comfort." He tries to snort, joking with his uncle. Vorde: he gives an easy laugh "...thats what matters in the end then. for a battle you didn't expect of such scale im surprised thats all you came out with" he turns to give you a proper look finn "...how much would you say you trust them then? with your life or otherwise" Finn: he smiles lots at his uncle's laugh, like this 😊. But when Vorde breaches that topic, his expression takes on a neutral form. He expected his uncle to ask something like this sooner or later now and looks back at him. "They never hesitated to protect me or spare resources for me. Well, that is an understatement. They saved my life already, more than once. I believe it is due to the relationship of your deal with them, however... I think some of them, personally care. Some." Thinking about Rokka specifically. "I think it might just work with them." Vorde: he gives you a long pondering stare finn before turning his head away "...good. all i needed was your approval in that regard." he makes to walk towards the door "if possible id like to speak with them all soon, you can catch me up on what you've seen underground as we walk. Its possible for us to walk about the palace by sticking to the indoor passages if we take the long way" Finn: he now gets off the bed with a little hop and waddles to his uncle's side. "Ah, that would be good. The sun is severely handicapping me today, I had to hold Psalm's and Orin's hands to get here in the first place." He puts on his hat again, unless that killed him earlier. [editor’s note: lol] "Some of the group came here with me, the others are buzzing about in another part of the palace..."

After a bit more brief chatter they decide to look for the rest of the group then bring them back to Vorde and Orin’s temporary room for a discussion. Vorde walks out of the room into the lounge where Orin seems to be idling around for the two of them, grabbing his bag and cloak once again. Not bothered for the moment be places his vest and cravat into the bag. The three then exit out into the hallway where the other three are waiting 

Vorde: "no need to get cold out here for my sake the three of you" Finn: finn trails after Vorde like a puppy Psalm: psalm just shrugs like "I figured you'd want a moment alone to talk to Finn." Plum: "yeah, also orin said you were sleeping, could go for a nap myself honestly" [yawns] Keva: keva gets up from her squat, winces a bit from her muscles quickly becoming sore probably lol Vorde: he gives you a neutral glance psalm "courteous of you i suppose." before turning to look at you plum "i concur, though i feel its best i speak with you all again once before you're called before whatever dignitaries in the evening. If only to clarify a few things now that my end of our deal is complete"  Plum: "sure, we should go find the others anyways"

The group shuffle off to look for the others, Plum tells Finn to lead the way though Finn soon realises he’ll need to hold someones hand again to get around. 

Finn: finn kind of just looks at plum. he cant lead the way really. unless plum is willing to hold his hand. Plum: plum like why is finn looking at me rn “you good there” Finn: "Um... more or less. I just do not think I am capable of guiding us around this castle." he stammers out "You, Keva and Psalm are more suited for that." Plum: "oh why didn't you just speak up" and i grab his hand and pull him along Finn: "Wha- !" finn is dragged along...he has no choice.. he cannot change this.

> 🎵  Labyrinth V - City of Radiant Ruin / Etrian Odyssey IV OST

As they wander around within the palace, Vinny leads the other group, consisting of Cimmorro, Han and Rokka, around to find the library. After a moment of wandering around the tall hallways on the ground floor they find the entrance, a set of open grand double doors. As they shuffle into the library they see a litany of people in blue and white coloured robes flitting about, similar uniforms to the royal guardsman but seemingly less restrictive and looser garments.

At one of the long centre tables they see there Turren, working away at some sort of grand bronze contraption, books and tomes piled high around as she sits upon a tall pile herself.

Next to her, Mardella appears to be reading from a book, reciting a phrase before looking up at Turren who frustratedly shakes her head before she moves onto another passage. The two continue on in this fashion almost comically while, nearby they spy Jeanne leaned over in a chair idly floating cosmetics as she stares into a mirror touching up her makeup.

Cimmorro: "looks like we found her... now give her a kiss" Vinny: he turns to you while hesitating at the entrance "you are making this worse by at least tenfold" Cimmorro: cimm snickers "i'm trying to save your marriage!" in the most joking tone he can possibly make. "i have to have my fun around here lest these two behind us bore me to death and take me to the goddess earlier than i had planned to" he points at han and rokka with his thumb without looking back Vinny: he makes this face at your teasing 😖 Plum: id kick cimms ass ngl Cimmorro: that means everything to me gab

Rokka: rokka mumbles to himself "i can be fun..."  Han: han pushes cimm into the library, NOT HARD JUST LIKE SO THAT HE STARTS WALKING, if he trips well 🙄 Cimmorro: [succeeds on dex save] cimm sticks his tongue out at han while moving out of her reaching distance, would gesture at vinny to go and speak to his lady "go on, shoo shoo" Han: han sticks her tongue back at cimm and also follows vinny

Vinny waddles ahead of the group reluctantly until he enters Jeanne's field of vision, as they go the apprentices gathered around give the group all curious looks before focusing their attention back on their work

Vinny: he waves a hand in front of her before remarking "hello again jeanne, i hear you've been looking for me" Jeanne: she snaps her head in his direction before turning it back to her mirror "oh Vildristin there you are, I’d heard you had found your way to the palace somehow. lovely of you not make me hunt you down myself, always so bothersome.” She clicks a container holding some of her makeup closed before turning fully towards him “charming to see you’re in good….enough health. Last I got a glimpse of you I recall you were cowering against a wall in some rundown hallway. next you time you are unwillingly spirited away could you place yourself somewhere slightly more identifiable for me?”  Cimmorro: behind vinny, cimm looks like this 😬 thinking 'the whole idiot thing wasn't a joke huh'

Rokka: jeanne i have decided you are a meanie mcpoopoo Han: ME RN TRACE Cimmorro: cimm group literally being like booo we hate your pussy @ jeanne rn Han: EMO PHASE OVER WE COME TOGETHER TO HATE ON JEANNES PUSSY

Vinny: he huffs and folds his arms in response to her “I was trying to stay hidden at the time, if you’ve not been informed, the lovely group of people behind me were innocent” Jeanne: she shakes a hand at him dismissively “oh yes yes, but still you were embarrassing me, and in front of the lovely ladies here as well. What to think of poor Beryll’s reputation” she tuts as he shoots a glares at her “hmm right, not that you care much about that, problem child that you are” Vinny: “…you’re barely four years of age on me Jeanne” Jeanne: “and how important those four years are apparently” he lets out a long beleaguered sigh

Cimmorro: cimm's debating if he should intervene rn but decides to hold back another round but he is less pleased at this point Han: one more round of verbal abuse Psalm: this is han cimm and rokka in the bg

Cimmorro: GLKDJBKLCXJBLCXMBLKSDMLKAMER I LAUGHED SO HARD I THINK I WOKE UP MY SISTER FUCK U SARITA Han: ;LKNDSA;TA4W HLFDW3AREFD

Vinny: a beat passes before vinny folds his arms in front of himself anxiously "right, well I've made myself known then... good luck with whatever it is... you aren’t doing in here" and turns to leave Jeanne: “hold on, you” she quickly extends a manicured finger in Vinny’s direction. “you aren’t shambling off anywhere until I have you report to the Accord, and then we shall be enlisting your help in tightening up the arcane runes around the palace” Vinny: he flinches “w…why on earth do I need to help with the runes…” Jeanne: she sighs before continuing “the great wizards of the accord are happily extending a helping hand to the Dorinian monarchy to resolve such a grand breach of security, of which you yourself are one, do you truly need such reminders? shall I jog your memory also on how to draw magic circle and what sigils make up a prestidigitation spell?” Vinny: he lets out a small frustrated grunt of agony in response Han: han slides in behind vinchezzo "you seem so capable ma'am, and vinny was just injured gravely, you should be fine doing those sigils yourself" takes vinnys waist and gently pushes him further away back to the door lol Cimmorro: cimm gets between han and jeanne "our fair wizard here was at the verge of passing far too many times, i don't suppose it would be uncouth to let him have his well deserved rest"

Han: han and cimm said WE TOP FUCK OFF Cimmorro: han might start a bar fight here he's seen enough Han: HAN SAID SHE TOPS AND CIMM SAID SHE DOES BUT NOT HERE Cimmorro: GKSJDGHSKJHGSJKGSHDGKHJSGD

Plum: han just moving vinny away and him just letting her is destroying me genuinely Han: vinny bottom... Chip: annoyed but liberated Cimmorro: vinny would let himself get manhandled

Rokka: he moves in front of vinny also "yes, i don't think it would look good for an accord that treats their own members in such a way" Vinny: he seems shocked at your intervention but doesn't fight being pushed away much by han. Jeanne: she squints at you all from under her fringe while tapping a finger on the table in front of her "...dont believe i caught the names of our great liberators. So you were the ones looking out for our Vildristin then?" Rokka: "my name is Rokka" he tilts his head up like that hmph motion Han: han noooos inside Cimmorro: "...it's fairer to say that we were looking after each other. vildristin offered great assistance in stopping the underground ceremony, madame" straightening up "so, i, again, implore you to let him rest" Han: keeps dragging vinny out like peace out Jeanne: she leans her head on her free hand atop the desk and stares for a long moment at you cimmorro before clicking her tongue "ahh no fun you lot. Take him away then since one of you seems quite keen too" she leans back in her chair and says slightly louder "waltz down here tomorrow though Vildristin, i mean it!" she sounds slightly whiny as she does. Turren: she gives her a disgruntled look at the volume "Jeanne if you could keep the noise down im trying my best to parse the damn code whatever 100 year old mage encrypted this thing with" Jeanne: she wilts slightly with a laugh "aha my apologies arch mage" she waves the four of you off with her hand Cimmorro: cimm gives jeanne a forced smile before leaving

Rokka: https://tenor.com/view/avatar-last-airbender-sokka-katara-gif-5506067 Cimmorro: ROIAKLLOAKOLKWKOGOAGKOKADGDSG

The group quickly shuffle themselves out of the library back into the tall palace hallways, dragging Vinny along with them.

Han: once hans out the door "well, at least bought a nights rest for you" Cimmorro: catching up to the others with a sprint. "okayyyy then... not saving your marriage. if i knew you had a wife like that i think i'd sabotage it if anything" he keeps his hands behind his head Han: "ye, if you need someone to hold her down while you get a left hook in, count me in" Chip: cimm like ill homewreck fr u anytime vinny Cimmorro: ILL GET CHU OUTTA THERE U DONT BELONG THERE 

Vinny: he lifts his glasses and rubs his eyes "yes well, at least that’s out of the way for now. Suppose i'll be cooped up at the palace for the next few days" he turns to you cimm after "....im too tired to keep correcting you. Gods i need a nap" Cimmorro: "is this how they ALL treat you in the accord? or is madame there a special case?" Vinny: "mostly. some of them aren’t as insufferable as that, she's definitely a standout. were i feeling conspiratorial id almost think they sent her specifically on purpose" Han: "definitely on purpose" Rokka: rokka jsut quietly pats vinny on the back Cimmorro: cimm looking at vinny like damn bro u live like this "i still can't help but wonder why you stick with them if this were the case" Rokka: "yeah, can't you...i dont know... quit?” Vinny: "we all make bad choices when were younger, unfortunately im still stuck with this one" he stares at the ornate looking wall in the hallway tiredly Han: han gives vinny an empathetic shoulder (or i guess hip with her fucking size) bump "if you want to escape and start new life...." Vinny: he finally laughs again at that "I've thought about it i cant deny that, who would i leave the store too though..." at that though he kinda snaps his eyes open "right, i almost forgot with jeanne's yammering" he turns back to you all seriously "im still worried about where ezra and cole have gotten too....they still haven't shown up. I was going to ask since it seems i wont be able to really leave and look around on my own. If uh, you get the chance, could you try and look into it and see where they've disappeared too?" Han: "oh, yeah. i was planning to look for them anyway" Rokka: "yeah, I am kind of worried" Han: "you can do that scrying thing like you were under before?" Vinny: he goes 🥺 "thank you, i really appreciate it" before responding to the question "no, sadly i dont have the ability to cast something that potent. Maybe i could badger jeanne about it tomorrow however.... least she could do for me"" Han: han makes the excalibur face "we can search by our own" Psalm: LOL Plum: LOOOL

Cimmorro: "would she even consider your requests? with the way things were going earlier it didn't seem possible to me" Vinny: "if im going to be forced to work with her tomorrow i can ask at the very least, if it comes to nothing well i'll already be having an annoying morning" Cimmorro: "quite a nice coworker you got, i'll be real... could you not quit the accord and keep the shop going yourself? probably even set up elsewhere" Vinny: "i cant quit the accord period, as least not right now. They dont have control over the shop, just over me... Im sure i could travel as i pleased if i informed them where i'd be heading, but id be forced to answer them if they ever called me. Having the store just makes it easier" he sighs "it hasn't been an issue much for a few years but with jeanne here i get the feeling they'll try and meddle with me again" Cimmorro: "you... really like roping yourself into trouble huh" cimm responds Vinny: "ahh.. i am a man of many talents" he says ruefully Cimmorro: "as I've said earlier, too many hobbies"

As they chat, Vinny’s group spots the others coming down the hallway towards them and start waving their hello’s, regrouping altogether once again.

Rokka: rokka perks up "oH GUYS!!" he waves and runs over Plum: i wave at rokka too Chip: plum getting hugged by rokka while holding finns hand Rokka: THATS LITERALLY WHAT IM IMAGINING RN Plum: what was that shit we said yesterday. sorry i fuck and yall dont   

Finn: "hello rokka... it is good to see you again" finn comments, also relieved to see rokka.. Rokka: "boy am I glad to see you all again" he gently pats finns hat, careful not to tip it Finn: finn laughs quietly at the gesture, not minding it at all coming from him. "the pleasure is all ours." Psalm: "It..hasn't been that long...?"

Vinny: as the groups converge vinny rubs his neck idly "ah i think i'll split off here and go find somewhere to lay down for a bit, in those barracks that had the bathouse under it" he turns to cimm and han "ill let you know tomorrow if i can wrangle jeanne into anything" Han: thumbs up @ vinny Cimmorro: i nod at vinny "see ya" Keva: keva lets her head drop tiredly on orin's shoulder while we all stand around n talk

Vinny ambles off to find some shuteye while the group chatters amongst themselves, soon after Vorde leads them all back to him and Orin’s temporary lodgings within the castle walls. The group inform him and Orin of their goings on’s over the past day on the way before they arrive at the building again, walking up the stairs into the room one after another. Vorde places his bag down before sitting himself down in a chair in the main lounge room as the group all settle themselves.

Vorde: "seeing as you are to be called in to speak with the royalty soon i feel best i get this out of the way now so we may both be on our own ways." he folds his hands in his lap and regards you all

Cimmorro: vorde lookin like this:

Chip: SJKHEEHJKAGHKJEGAJEJG Psalm: STOP  Finn: uiHOIDMJFGIOD;KGFO;DFG finn goes to sit on vordes side, but he doesn't sit like barock

Vorde: he continues on “at this point I consider my obligations in our deal complete, you’re names are cleared and the royalty is clearly thankful to you, an enviable spot to have landed yourselves within. when they summon you again I’m quite certain it will be to discuss compensation or some sort for your task done” Keva: keva looks at whoever questioned her abt being compensated idr Chip: michelle just knows she has a right to go haha neener neener rn

Vorde: “i feel it is time i speak more on the the job, yes” he sighs and leans further back, fatigue settling into his limbs as he rubs a hand across his face “as you all know I’ve spoken before that it is to take place in Antessa, my hometown” he pauses thinking “you will all need to arrive there within 2-3 months, no later than the 45th of Aestas. In simpler terms you’ve a maximum of 87 days from today, easy enough, I can’t imagine that no matter what route you travel there it wouldn’t take you any more than 60 or so days at the maximum. how you get there or what you do from now until you arrive is of no concern to me, so long as you arrive before this time. i shall not be accompanying you there, I've other matters to attend to before we arrive, Orin and Finn alongside me.” Finn: finn kicks his feet a little in the air again, having known about this he's not particularly affected unless rokka looks at him with sad puppy eyes Han: "travelling together sounds smart, especially by foot" Psalm: “no arguments there” Keva: keva starts chewin on a thumbnail while she thinks Rokka: "finn, you're leaving?" Plum: plum is frowning but they're not saying anything either Finn: "Ah...I must. But we will meet again in Antessa, with a lot to tell each other I'm sure." Finn tries to give Rokka a reassuring smile. Rokka: "ah...I was beginning to enjoy our time together..." he looks down "but if you must then I hope to see you soon" Finn: Finn's smile becomes a little sad at that... Enjoying the time he's spent with Rokka as well. "So was I... But we must simply look forward to our next meeting. Time will fly quickly, I'm sure." Vorde: he’s staring very hard at you all considering something while peering at rokka and finn

Keva: in a low volume @ orin "where are you going to be?" Orin:  he tilts his head towards you keva "boss man's gotta meet with some people and shuffle around some stuff in ackran i think" Keva: "does it have to do with whatever we're doing in what-its-name" Orin: “ayeeep” Keva: she says louder @ vorde "actually you haven't told us yet what we're doing in your hometown" Vorde: vorde looks at you keva "as unfortunate as I’m sure it is to hear, I cannot yet relay details on said job. while I don’t doubt you all are adept at this point, I cannot risk information about this leaking at all. under any circumstances. when you arrive I will be sure to brief you all in full, down to the finest detail, on specifics. until then just know It will most likely involve combat, and if it soothes you, it is for a righteous purpose” as he says the last bit you see him clench his hand on one of his knees almost unconsciously. Han: "really? no information? nothing helpful so we could even prepare?" Vorde: he shakes his head "that is as much as i can say unfortunately"

Chip: vorde gets 5 black psyche locks appear Han: me ripping his psyche locks Cimmorro: lock pick it keva go

Han: "and if we dont show up?" Psalm: "So are we getting compensation for this as well or was clearing our names payment in advance?" Vorde: "then you would be breaking the terms of our deal. of which i would not take kindly too" he gives you a stern expression before turning to psalm "you will be compensated for this job, clearing your names was the advance. the rest comes after it is complete" Psalm: "I see. Well that's fine with me then." Plum: "you have a lotta faith paying us in advance that's for sure 🤨 but i kinda need to be up around there anyways" Han: han has a bad taste in mouth n just sighs Cimmorro: looking over the group cimm is thinking 'stuck with these guys for months...'

Keva: back to whispering to orin ".... you really think we can trust this guy?" Orin: "well he'll pay you thats for sure, and i dont think hes going to drop you in a ditch if thats what you're scared of" Keva:  keva looks directly at orin "it's not me i'm worried about" Orin: he just kinda rolls his eyes Keva: she pinches him in his side Orin: he goes ow ow ow Keva: she grumble at him "you always manage to get yourself into Something." and then quieter and looking at the floor "i don't like being separated that long." n she looks at her thumb before wiping the spit off on her shirt Orin: he kinda rubs his side "ah well yknow, i cant really leave boss man's side at this point, even when finn flutters off i gotta be his second pair of eyes. i'll see ya again dont worry" Keva: keva just sighs quietly thru her nose

Vorde: he continues "theres a place on the outskirts before you reach the town called The Dead Bone Bend, its a cliffface of a sort. at its top is where u can meet me" Plum: [repeats name to self] "gotcha” Celebrity Guest Aqua: Kya meeting vorde at an ass end of nowhere near decrepit ghost town >_< Psalm: PEAK OF ROMANCE Cimmorro: bro ik its like eloping Plum: called bone bend Celebrity Guest Aqua: Well, My bone bend as they say Finn: if it were anyone other than vorde id assume im being killed by a serial killer but vorde? id meet him anywhere Han: yall are crazy Psalm: AND WHAT ABOUT IT? Han: FAIR CARRY ON

As they chat Vorde seems to be lost in his thoughts for a moment, he blinks before turning to address Finn and Orin about something.

Vorde: “Finnian I hate to ask this of you, but could you accompany Orin downstairs for a moment, one of the servants should have some notes for me prepared that I asked after earlier. It should be no trouble to grab them if you announce yourself as a Barvotte” Finn: Finn hops off his seat and looks towards Vorde "But of course, uncle." Then to Orin, as he will request his guidance in just a moment and already walks towards the door.

Cimmorro: were going to die Psalm: damn here we go, he's gonna turn into a lich Han: WE HAD A SHORT REST YOU SAID CHIP

Orin follows after Finn dutifully downstairs to ask around about the servant. After Finn leaves Vorde waits a few beats before turning back to address the group.

> 🎵  The Relentless Melody / Etrian Odyssey IV OST

Vorde: “there is one more thing I would like to ask of you all before you head off to wherever you may. I would like you to take Finn with you on your travels until you reach Antessa.” he stares at you all seriously, his hands clasped on his lap. Plum: plum tries to hide a laugh Han: "....you could have just said that with him here, why was... is this secret. wh" Psalm: 0_0) "Any reason why...?" Rokka: rokka immediately perks up and becomes excited "yeah! made me feel sad all for nothing!" Vorde: "he seemed eager yes but i feel i should ask you all before he is foisted upon you. it is awkward to do if he is staring you all down. i want honest answers" he turns to you psalm and shakes his head “as loathe as I am to be appear genuine here, my nephew has never travelled outside of Antessa unless it was under my watch. I fear he has not had enough experience of the world on his own, never forced to adapt I suppose you could say” he squeezes his hands slightly before continuing "he can be a bit too attached to me, he has to stand on his own eventually"

Cimmorro: what if vorde's going to a dangerous mission and he dies while finn is with us makes u think Psalm: why would you say that, what the fuck are you on dawg Finn: hey jez im going to kill you for real Plum: mentor figures dont always gotta die ! just saying chip ! Celebrity Guest Aqua: just bcs hes a dilf you dont have to kill him its ok

Rokka: "don't worry sir vorde. I will do my best to look out for him" taps his bicep Han: "........ you want us to babysit?" grimacing Psalm: "While I see what you're saying I don't think I'm cut out to be babysitting." Plum: "i mean i don't mind, rather him than some of you lot sometimes [not looking at keva]" Vorde: he nods his head at you rokka before staring at the other two “you have all proven yourselves capable, even strong individuals. more importantly you aren’t quite like anyone he’s been forced to be around before, that is important.” He pauses a moment again before continuing “I think he has proven himself to you now that he is also able of handling himself in more dangerous circumstances, he would not be a burden. or he very well shouldn’t be one, travel wise or monetarily” Keva: after a bit "....fine. if you make sure orin stays safe." Vorde: he stares at you a moment "that i can assure" Psalm: "Money or otherwise isn't really the issue..." Psalm trails off. Rokka: rokka's just like haha its not babysitting when ur just hanging out with ur friend 🤪

Vorde: he turns to you psalm “you do not have to agree to this request, I am not demanding it of you but I would appreciate it greatly, nonetheless” and for once you see some genuine emotion in this old mans eyes Han: vorde like 🥺 Psalm: psalms like

Cimmorro: 

Han: han is untouched by vorde puppy eyes Celebrity Guest Aqua: bounces right off of han Plum: plum isn't

Psalm: * weak to pressure* "It's not like I'll be up to much before whatever you have planned so." just waves his hand Vorde: he nods at you before turning to the rest of you expectantly for an answer Han: han shrugs as an answer like do i rly got a choice bruh..... Cimmorro: "........... we're all going there anyways so there's no difference if he comes with or not. we'll be meeting together in Antessa and working from there regardless. might as well bring him along" Plum: also yeah i just look at bossman and nod if he doesn't get the impression im down for whatever Psalm: psalms not even gonna bother fixing the misconception that we're a functioning group of acquaintances rn Vorde: at your reluctant approval he tiredly speaks again as if drained from not being detached for once "thank you all. i appreciate it" in a rarity he bends forward and gives you all a bow before lifting his head again "with things more or less settled, i'll be due to leave the city sometime in the evening tomorrow along with Orin. I will inform Finn myself of this change before then, i ask you to not tell him just yet yourselves if possible. He will meet you all in the morning at some point i will make sure of that"

> 🎵  Labyrinth V - City of Radiant Ruin / Etrian Odyssey IV OST

At the tail end of the conversation the group hear Finn and Orin’s footsteps from outside, a knock on the door from Finn announcing their presence again.

Finn: simply comes in without waiting for a reply after he knocks. "Uncle we were able to retrieve the notes you asked for." He says, walking up to Vorde to hand them over and sit next to him again. He's looking forward to not seeing this group for a couple months with the exception of a few select. Cimmoro: everyone looking at finn uncomfortably rn, cept for rokka whos probably wagging his tail Vorde: he takes them from you finn "thank you finnian" he turns back to you all and unfolds them, revealing them to be large maps of the area and written timetables and puts them on a table in front of him "i feel the least i can do is give you some information so you may chart your course as you wish before leaving." he stands from his chair visibly more tired than usual "and now, i am going to lay down for a few more hours at the very least" he turns to you finn "after you speak to the royalty in a time id like you to come wake me for a chat" he pats finn on the shoulder before walking back towards the room with a bed Finn: Finn smiles again at the pat to his shoulder, thinking he and Vorde will just have tea or something. Now that the letterheads are taken care of, some normalcy can return to their lives. Temporarily, at least. It's been a while since they could just talk. And finally they get to travel again! He's missed Orin and Vorde dearly. He nods at his uncles words and wishes him plentiful rest. Plum: jude man, my gawd

Vorde heads out of the room, leaving the group to examine the items he’s placed upon the table. They set about investigating the various routes they could take from here to Antessa.

--

Route 1 - 100gp per person for the entire boat journey, then 100gp for a caravan and some horses, 500g for supplies for the whole journey (food and horse feed)

Route 2 - 1000gp per person for the entire airship journey then 100gp for a carvan and some horses and 100g for supplies for the whole journey (food and horse feed)

Route 3A - 100gp for caravan and some horses, 1000g for supplies for the whole journey (food and horse feed)

Route 3B - 100gp for caravan and some horses, 1100 gp for supplies for the whole journey (food and horse feed)

Psalm: psalm perks up when he sees the airship option "Finn you wouldn't happen to know what your uncle plans on getting up to before Antessa would he?" Finn: "My uncle isn't fixated only on this job. He has his business to do here and there, that's all I know. I guess I can tell you when we reunite in Antessa?" Finn answers plainly. Psalm: "Ah.. was trying to see if I could get some clues for our upcoming mission but alright." Finn: Finn chuckles at that. "Try all you want, I will also not tell you any more than my uncle did." Psalm: "You caught me ^_^ " Plum: i feel like psalm just lied Psalm: was 100% lying yeah, don't even need to hide that lmfao

Psalm: "I vote we take the airship. Well, either way, im taking that. Even if i have to go by myself” Finn: Finn leans back and watches Psalm starting drama, like he's about to watch an entertaining play. Rokka: rokka taps his chin "i've never been on an airship before..." Plum: "ugh.. i don't like the sound of being up in the air, i'm more interested in the boat route" Han: "i dont have that money and people dont take good to that" Psalm: ”Boats aren't that much safer. They're both ships if you think about it." Plum: "i'm not too keen on the boats either” Han: "airship sound kinda boring but whatever" Psalm: “WHAT. How??” Plum: plum looks at psalm like what the fuck Keva: keva also look at psalm from her distracted thinking like [what the fuck?]

Han: "what do you do on air??? stare at sky??? at least i can forage on horseback..." Psalm: "Why would you want to forage? Plus it's faster." Han: "how else do you get food???" Psalm: Psalm just stares at her like ah i see the problem now Keva: "airship rats" Han: han considers airship rats for a moment Psalm: "You buy food." Han: "why would you buy food if you can just hunt something..." Psalm: "I feel like this is going to go in circles so I'm not going to follow up on that." to himself under his breath  "I'm flat broke though...😭  " Cimmorro: "we should find out our compensation before we decide on routes, if we are even able to afford it" snickers 

As the group kill time scanning maps and discussing their preferences, the seven of them are finally once again summoned to speak before the nobility in the evening. As the sun finally sets and after some searching from a harried liaison, they bid farewell to Orin in the room before they're led through the palace floors.

As opposed to being led towards the grand courtroom before, the group are led down a different hallway instead, upstairs within the palace. The ceiling is less ludicrously high on the second floor, though only slightly. They are directed to the end of a hallway before a set of grand double doors by a couple of royal guardsman.

> 🎵  Minor Labyrinth I - The Undiscovered Realm / Etrian Odyssey IV OST

As the group are led inside, in the centre of the room they see a large heavy round oak table, with grand ornamentation carved into its sides. Around the table are bookcases and chairs, as well as banners and shields hung across the walls, and a grand looking window on the far back wall.

On top of the table are books and papers piled up, as well as multiple maps of the city, different angles and sections with small black wooden markers placed upon them. At the doors of the room two royal guardsman stand on guard and eye the group as they walk inside.

Directly across from where they entered, there they see king consort Jeremiah on the other end of the table seated, working away at something as an attendant speaks, bent over next to him. He seems preoccupied until their entrance, to which he lifts his head and speaks a grand greeting. 

Jeramiah: “Ah yes there you all are, Vengaboys correct? Apologies for the delay but there is much to be done within a short amount of time if we want to lift the lockdown by tomorrow...” he idly scratches at his chin as he puts down a quill held in his hand Psalm: "vengaboys correct" broke my immersion Chip: LOL Keva: we did this

Finn: he bows in appropriate fashion for the king consort. "Vengaboys is correct, your majesty." Plum: plum is like my family is not going to believe the shit ive been getting up to this week i'll tell you that, im wondering if i should curtsy or something but i think i will decide against it Rokka: "greetings your great....highness....majesty.......king.....?" how do u speak to the royal family idfk Han: “ya sup” Jeremiah: he nods at your greeting finn and smiles a little at han and rokka's before shuffling a few papers together and setting them aside. He tents his hands in front of him on the table before continuing on “i’ve been informed of what occurred earlier today in detail, what this cult attempted to achieve and how it was stopped by yourselves and the two guardsman who spoke with me. Incredible work, I say this truly, this great city owes you a good deal for the countless people you’ve saved, and those you prevented from witnessing such horror firsthand” at this he stands regally and extends a hand across his chest, bowing his head slightly to you all. his attendant almost appears shocked at his action, flustering slightly next to him. Plum: im also shocked Keva: keva is uncomfortable Psalm: psalm is also uncomfortable Finn: Finn is experiencing anxiety premium rn but nods at the gesture. Hoping thats the right thing to do. Rokka: rokka is also slightly uncomfortable.....thats a lot of eyes and ears Cimmorro: cimm just watching

Plum: “err...i mean...” [wondering if they should say anything] Psalm: "There's no need to thank us..." Rokka: “yeah...” Han: on a lower volume "we nearly died, the fuck are you all on (does a mocking tone of psalm) 'no need to thank us'" Plum: [rolls my eyes at han] Finn: finn glares at you han Psalm: he flips her off behind his back

Han reaches out in an attempt to covertly twist Psalm’s arm behind his back, but he quickly bats her hand away before she can get to him at all.

Psalm: HAHAHAHAH SUCK IT LOOOL, i'm imagining this in my head and it's destroying me Plum: SAME like drake and josh or something Han: HAN TSKS QUIETLY Keva: keva bites her lip trying not to laugh Psalm: he 😏

As Han fails to bully psalm, Jeremiah rises up from the bow and sits again before continuing on with his speech.

Jeremiah: "no need to humble yourselves, i give gratitude where i believe it is due" and smiles before speaking again, unbeknown to the bullshit occurring in front of him “what I would like to discuss first is that you have all been formally pardoned. This was done earlier in word at your court hearing but I’d like to inform you that is now officially on our records." he continues on "i am also having the two guardsman knighted for their efforts but I feel a party as yourselves typically appreciates more material goods in exchange for a task done.” He smirks slightly and turns towards his attendant “Please inform them?”  Attendant: the attendant quickly bows before turning to address you all “The Dorinian Monarchy thanks you for your efforts in securing our grand city of Shorewater. In exchange your party, the Vengaboys, shall be gifted a lump sum of 35,000 gold, in addition to your formal pardon” the attendant finishes speaking Psalm: AIRSHIP HERE WE COME BABY Rokka: ROKKAS EYES BULGE OUT AT HEARING THE MONEY Plum: MY EYES ALSO BULGE OUT Keva: YA KEVA'S JAW DROPS Han: (han counts on her fingers subtly)

Jeremiah: though he continues staring at them as if expecting more “…and?" Attendant: the attendant jumps to attention “ah…your majesty I was unsure if you were ah….and there’s the necessary checks we’d need to…”

The attendant babbles themselves into silence as Jeremiah continues staring at them expectantly before they cough and turn back towards the party.

Attendant: “The monarchy has also seen fit to ah, rehold the Elfonsent Ball in 2 weeks’ time, featuring you all as guests of honour for your undoubtedly heroic actions earlier on this day” they finish, giving a bow Jeremiah: he smiles happily, his hands tented in front of his face. Finn: he wonders if he's the one supposed to represent the group here and supposed to respond, noble and all. balling his fist and unballing it nervously. "W-we are grateful for your swift work and your generous reward, Consort Jeremiah." Finn bows again, a bit more this time. "We would gladly attend the rehold of the ball with great pride." Plum: plum is not really sure what to say, looks at finn and is like "yes.. uh... thank you." and coughs into their fist Cimmorro: "yea this is pretty pog not gonna lie" Rokka: ROKKA KIND OF FREAKING OUT Han: han still counting Keva: she kinda is just like "what the fuck" almost silently to herself Psalm: psalm's like deadpan: "Your Majesty you really don't have to do that." Jeremiah: he smiles at your response "wonderful to hear young barvotte" before turning to you psalm and he laughs "as far as im concerned were underpaying you after that report but we need to manage expenses to deal with the aftermath. there is the matter of corpse location, cleanup and funerary services… sections of the city will need to be sanctioned off until these are complete. funerary services and body identification...we will hold a mourning service once all has been organised but afterwards” he picks up and begins twirling his quill in one hand Finn: finn fidgets nervously at how the king consort seemingly doesn't mind his awful anxiety. tries to smile. keyword tries. Psalm: psalm just ^_^ Cimmorro: "may i ask whose funerary services are you hiring?" Jeremiah: he turns to you "we'll most likely enlist the church of heiron as they have a great base in the city already, but i am considering asking after other churches aid as well, depending on the number we will have to handle" Keva: keva looks up from her daze at the mention of church of heiron Jeremiah: he continues on while still spinning the quill continuing after in thought “…elfonsent spell is about forging connections with one another, deep in the throes of springtime. recent events have no doubt stoked hostility and suspicions, gossip about the perpetrators and despite what information we put out, people will harbour their fears still. After all of this I want to give people something to smile about, and some heroes to shower with praise” he tilts his head with a glint in his eye and smiles “you need not attend if you’d not like to publicly, but it would be a great boon to have you all be present, your free to invite guests as well to your hearts desire" Han: han goes : D at that

Psalm: what's with all the old men pressuring us today Chip: welcome to my dilf pressure cooker

Cimmorro: also cimm's going to pipe up "i come from the church of wee jas. we specialise in funerary services and i'd be honoured to lend a hand if your majesty needs an extra pair" Jeremiah: he raises a brow "oh? is that so? if you would like to i would appreciate the help greatly, as well as if you had any other contact to jasidian temples you could make. i'll assemble information regarding the inspection and cleanup for you at a later date then" Finn: "Oh, I don't mean to appear rude, but is Vorde Barvotte accounted for in this invitation?" Finn manages to work up the courage to ask. Jeremiah: he turns to you finn "yes he is invited as well, just as he was the previous one. it would be gauche for me to retract it now" Cimmorro: cimm would just smile at the blessing of being able to contact other temples and go "awesome! thank you i'm looking forward to working for you, your majesty!" he is genuinely happy abt this all for once Jeremiah: he nods his head at you cimmorro and moves to address you all again "i thank you all again, you may rest at the palace this evening. In the morning you will be summoned to receive your compensation before you leave. Over the coming weeks I will send liaisons with documents for you to sign in regards to your involvement with the events below ground, as well as your formal invitations to the next ball. as you go please give your current lodgings over to my attendant here” he begins turning his attention back to the documents at his hands “have a good evening vengaboys”

The attendant shuffles forward around the table towards the group with parchment and quill in hand, expectantly waiting to take down their addresses. The group all give their current lodgings in their business district inn’s, Keva just gives the inn’s name verbally.

As they all finish off the meeting, the group are all led out of the room and then back down the palace stairs followed by royal guardsman. As they reach the ground floor they nod and take guard at the stairs, allowing the group to then wander as they please. 

The guardsman briefly point them in the direction of their guest rooms, one of the smaller buildings near the royal guard barracks inside the walls. The party find the rest of the evening to themselves to wish as they wish, at a ripe time of 7:30 PM.

--

Notes

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👨‍👧‍👦The Party have been informed on their potential future travel routes to Antessa...

⭐Vinny’s safety has been relayed to the Accord

👤Ezra and 🧰Cole continue to be MIA