#drabble explanation

[webbedphantom]

Drabble #1 Explanation

Okay, so since I posted that drabble yesterday (linked here if you missed it), I figured it was a good idea to explain a few of the bits that go unexplained, since this is kinda in the middle of a larger story.

First off, the most obvious one; Shiho's disappearance. Why'd I do that? Well, for one thing, Aaron would've already had his powers by the time she "heads for the roof," so there was no way in hell he would've let her hit the ground. If he saw her up there, like he does in the game, he'd dive out the window to save her, no hesitation. Which would mean his secret would be out immediately, and that would severely limit what all I could do, so I took a different route.

Secondly: Did Kamoshida actually kidnap her? No. Surprisingly enough he had absolutely nothing to do with that, something that would later be proved by the "evidence" Aaron did all this to steal. But he was the prime suspect, and even if he wasn't, he still needed to go down, so down he went.

Third: So who did take her? Wouldn't you like to know~ But seriously, if you've been keeping up with these au thoughts posts, (don't blame you if you haven't. They're kinda all over the place) you can probably put together the pieces from what I've said about the first semester

Fourth: Why does Aaron's costume change mid-fight? And why was it different in the first place? The way I like to look at it is that his costume was unfinished before then. His awakening was unnatural and kind of forced, so while he had these powers, he didn't accept them. But each time he decides to put on the suit, he gets closer to that, culminating in the scene with Arsène at the beginning where he truly awakens to his power for the first time. But it still wasn't finished. He needed to test his resolve. And that's what happens during the fight. It's him deciding that no matter what happens, no matter what it costs, or how much it hurts, he will keep fighting for what he believes in. And because of that, he's able to access the rest of his powers, aka the webs.

Fifth: Okay, but why do the webs not act like webs? Why is it just a glob of sticky stuff? That ties into something I've explained before, and something that's in his character info doc. He has to wear some special bracelets he later invents to use the webs properly. But since he hasn't done that yet, it's just goo.

Sixth: What was with the headache at the beginning? Why's it brought up there, only to never happen again. That's something I probably could've done better, but basically the headaches are a result of him not accepting Arsène, yet still having him anyway. His mind is fighting itself, actively rejecting his other half, yet because of his awakening, he's also technically accepted his shadow. It's a paradox of sorts. He shouldn't have a Persona, but he does. Hence the headaches. Then once he actually accepts his Persona, no more headache.

Finally, what was up with that Makoto bit at the end? What was she talking about?

That is in reference to a scene from the fanfic proper (which I will link in my pinned at some point) but here's a quick rundown.

Basically, Aaron snuck into ShidoCorp for Futaba to get some more info on their parents, and more specifically, their deaths. Makoto catches him, but lets him stay because she didn't see him as being a bad guy.

But then he betrayed her trust, and snuck into his father's old lab, where the spider bite happened... among other things-

And you can bet, that breach of trust is gonna come back to haunt him eventually.

Anyways, that's it... I think. Might update this later if I think of anything else I need to clear up.

[yuquinzel]

from this list of prompts!

“here comes the airplane!” “i can feed myself.” “too bad.”

“what... are you trying to do?” sae shoots you the look of a raised eyebrow and lips twisted in confusion, eyeing the spoonful of porridge in your hand and the mischievous smile he’s come to adore.

currently he sits on his bed, tucked in all the fluffliest and warmest blankets you could find in his apartment. which weren’t a lot, so he’s also wrapped in his own hoodies. you even made a comment about him looking like deflated baymax — he had glared at you, you laughed even more.

sae doesn’t get sick a lot, and when he does, he’d most likely brush it off as normal cold that would go away on its own or whatever, which is also the reason behind his bad habit of never telling you about the times he is sick.

although you find out anyway, and sae guesses it’s because his manager is working double ways. well, he doesn’t really mind it either. because each time it leads to our current situation — which, although he never has and never will admit — is something he always looks forward to. and if he's being honest, he wouldn’t mind getting sick on purpose for the very reason.

“isn’t it obvious? I’m trying to handfeed you.” you say, in a manner of declaring an obvious fact.

“no, don’t do that.” he deadpans. ( he’s hiding his smile. )

“here comes the airplane!” you ignore him, slowly bringing the spoonful towards him.

“i can feed myself.” although he makes no visible effort to back away, he scrunches his nose. his eye travel to the porridge, then to you and back to the spoonful. he sighs.

“too bad,” you say, and sae isn’t given much choice but to oblige, “i’m gonna do it anyway.”

of course you will.

he rolls his eyes, you peer down at him expectantly, “well??”

“...well what?” his cheeks are puffed out like a hamster. but you would never say that out loud and risk your chances of seeing him like this again. you have to bite back a laugh. although you can’t resist the smile tugging at your lips.

“is it any good?” your smile grows.

“it’s... porridge. is it ever good?” he says dryly.

“yeah, but I’m handfeeding you! doesn’t being taken care of this way by the love of your life sway your heart?” you gasp dramatically, and sae lets out a weak chuckle.

“meh,” he laughs at the way your face drops from grinning like an excited child to that of a serious middle aged man. ( :D to :| )

“fine. then, enjoy it yourself.” you try to hand him the bowl, but he holds down your hands instead.

sae looks at you with a precise gaze, keeping yours on him. it’s serious and unwavering, although to a stark contrast to his cheeks and mouth. both sweetly pouted like that of a child’s. then he parts his lips, slightly so, mirroring your expectant expression from before.

“you’re really going to leave the love of your life by himself when he’s sick?” his eyes shine. a playful chuckle leaves his lips when you roll your eyes.

it’s the side effects of the medicines you’ve been forcing him to take. that must be it. but for now, sae can’t bring himself to give half a damn.

“well, i thought the love of my life didn’t need me to take care of him.” your thumb traces the corner of his mouth, sae bites it playfully. he kisses it just seconds later when you frown.

“i’m actually so sick i could die right now.” he laughs. side effects of the medicines, really.

you roll your eyes at him, bringing the spoonful to him again. “how’s the porridge now?”

“it’s meh,” he says again, ignoring the self assured smirk you wear, “but i’ll work with it.”

“i thought you could feed yourself?” you bring another spoonful to his lips, and he obliges instantly this time.

“i am the love of your life. it’s the least you could do.”

you bite back a laugh at that, sae is a little more unguarded than usual when he’s sick. it’s cute.

“baby”

“yes?”

“baby as in you’re a baby. it’s derogatory.”

it’s his turn to roll his eyes, “yeah, yeah.” he parts his lips once again.

© yuquinzel2023 [ plagiarism is a violation of moral rights ! ]

@luvether saw ur answer on my alt bae here u go I’m dumping my bllk drafts just for u :3

@kyoghurts daddy’s home

[chugging-antiseptic-dye]

mtl favourite astrological placements of svt:

1. minghao’s neptune in capricorn

2. vernon's mars in pisces

3. dokyeom's moon in cancer

4. mingyu’s saturn in aries

5. joshua’s venus in aquarius

6. jeonghan's saturn in pisces

7. seungkwan's jupiter in aquarius

8. chan’s venus in capricorn

9. jihoon’s venus in libra

10. jun’s venus in gemini

11. hoshi’s moon in gemini

12. wonwoo’s sun in cancer

13. scoups’s mars in libra

[tommarvoloriddlesdiary]

Harry Potter is something of an impossibility and an inevitability all at once.

Tom has only started to understand and come to terms with this recently. In the darker hours of his harsher nights, when anger and rage come like maelstrom waves, the comforting weight of Harry’s hand on his shoulder guides and steadies him, mooring him ashore. He may rock, nearly tip, but Harry is always there noose-tight.

Hush, he says. Sit with me.

Tom does. His reeling no match to Harry’s.

A hollow longing is replaced and forgotten in his presence, and Tom thinks - I could love him.

[ninja-knox-ur-sox-off]

I’m the anon who sent you that ask about Sonic and Shadow’s relationship in the Chronic Sonic au. If your post saying you ignore long asks was directed at me, can you please just… post the latest version without answering? I would prefer to save it to my likes and maybe have other fans read my thoughts.

thank you

Well no, it wasn’t just directed at you, there are a couple long asks in my inbox (some of which are positive and very beloved and i cherish, Dopambles I’m looking at you <3). But you’ve sent your ask twice now and this one too so I’ll answer this one. I don’t really want to make this a big long thing, but I also don’t really wanna leave ya hanging when this seems so important to you so lets do this (everyone else can ignore this if ya want I’m going long-winded through everything.)

So, reasons i don’t like to respond to or even post long asks sometimes lets do this [cracks knuckles]

1. I don’t like posting things onto my blog that I haven’t checked over first. I struggle a lot in reading and comprehending long asks. I don’t know why, it’s weird, okay. Let’s leave it at that. I’m not gonna blindly post walls of texts to my blog without checking them over first, because I want to make sure I’m filtering asks so nothing harmful gets posted to my blog. You’d be surprised at how whack a lot of anons can get. Not to say your ask was whack, but I also am struggling to read it so it’s hard to say for sure! It’s not due to the nature of your ask, it is simply because my brain be like dat.

2. Sometimes, I just don’t like having to scroll through walls of texts that aren’t my own to get to my latest posts. I get a lot of asks as it is. I do love answering them, but when they get long, the amount of time it takes to scroll through em makes it hard to refer back to my previous posts and is just is not intuitive or fun when interacting with my own blog, which leads me to my next point

3. This is my space. My blog is by me for me. I choose to post and share to interact and have fun with other people but at the end of the day this blog is my space. I did not create it for anyone other than me. I welcome the people who find joy in my stories here, but this remains my space. If i was being paid for this it’d be different, I’d absolutely curate and change things to make it a better and easier experience for those that i charged to be here, but like… I’m not being paid for this? And to ask me to do what you want in my space so that you can have the experience you want is… i dunno it sounds a little entitled. (I’m not saying that you ARE entitled, only that it sounds like it to me personally.) Contacting me even after I expressed my difficulty in answering asks to try and convince me to post it for your sake is a little rude. I’m not a professional creator, I’m not a person with fans, I’m just a random dude trying to have a good time with other people on a dumpster-fire website. I’m not a creator trying to make sure everyone else is having a good time. This is what i do in my free time to relax and—

4. —being a moderator for other peoples hc’s and conversations is not personally relaxing to me. My blog is not a public confessions blog and I am not a public message board. I am honoured when people share their personal stories and how what I doodle has helped them feel seen and that things will be okay, but I’m not a place for other people to come say what they want to each other, I’m a person, not a message board. How other people use Tumblr is up to them, however, I am not going to change how I use tumblr so that you can have a better experience when it will make the experience worse for me.

5. If i answer asks, I don’t draw. And I like drawing. If I’m posting asks (even without answering them) and stressing about being the middle man in conversations that I will have to regulate to make sure conversations stay kind, that takes a lot of time and energy and I got so incredibly burnt out when i tried to do that. So i stopped. And I will not be starting up again simply so you can have a good time, because I will have a bad one. And this is my space to not have a bad time. If something stresses me out, I will not do it here, it is as simple as that. I have my whole irl to be stressed about.

These are some of the reasons I don’t like to post long asks. I have notified you that I struggle to read, I don’t understand why you continue pushing. I have amazing anon’s who send wonderful long asks who have been kind and considerate with me about my struggles reading and processing. They continue to send their wonderful asks and have assured me it’s okay if I never post them. I am confused as to why you cannot seem to respect my decision as well.

The final reason regarding my hesitance in posting your ask in particular is simply that your hc was not accurate to how I was aiming to portray the characters in the current timeline. You are more than welcome to hc and speculate, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I cannot simply post it without answering it like you suggest because I would need to clarify that it’s not true. When I used to do that, people would start to misinterpret my au’s and it stressed me out. It takes hours for me to write up responses to things sometimes because I want to make sure I’m being kind and thoughtful and accurate. I am honoured that you shared something personal but what you wrote is simply not where the characters are at right now. It could be them in the future, but it is still early in the au so that kind of resentment hasn’t set in yet. Shadow is hurting because he’s taking the brunt of Sonic’s negativity but he is resigned to it because for him nothing else matters as long as Sonic stays alive, even if he has to be the person Sonic hates in all this and that is heavy. He’s angry at him when he does not take care of himself, but he is not resentful. Sonic struggles with being a burden on all of his friends, not just Shadow. The way you described the relationship was closer to how Tails and Sonic interact than Shadow and Sonic and even then, there’s more going on that I just don’t have the time or energy to really walk through. And besides, I want to save that energy to draw out things later.

As i shared with another commenter who asked something similar, I can absolutely DM you your ask back if you want to save it. However I don’t understand why you need me to post it to save it your likes if you simply want to save it. You have your own blog you can post it to. Why does it need to be on my blog? Why do I have to do extra work so you can have an easier time to do what you want? I am very grateful for your interaction and love of my comic, and I understand it’s frustrating when people make things harder for you to have a good time, but that’s exactly what you’re doing to me by asking me to change how I use tumblr to suit your wants instead of what is easiest for me. I am not a public service you pay for. I am a person, a full time student with family issues, struggling siblings that I’m trying to help, a person who is struggling myself. I have a limited amount of energy in a day, I get tired quickly. If i want to continue to find joy in drawing I have to set boundaries. You may not always know why someone does something, I guarantee there is more here that I will not share because it is personal. Sometimes you just have to be okay with not knowing, you have to be okay not understanding, and you have to be okay without an explanation that makes sense to you. All you need to do is understand that often times there is a reason people behave the way they do. It’s not a reflection on you or their opinion of you, it is simply many other factors at play that lead to such an outcome.

I sincerely hope this did not offend you, I am not angry with you, nor do I wish for any of this to be taken as scolding or upset you. If it has come across that way, I apologize. I am sorry I am not in a state to give you what you want, and I’m thankful for your patience with me in reading through this and I hope it is enough to at least paint a little bit of a picture as to why I will not be posting your ask. It’s unfortunate that I ended up spending hours addressing this anyway both to you and to another commenter—the very thing I wanted to avoid—but I value you as a person and did not want to leave you feeling negatively if I could change that. I hope this does not affect your enjoyment or experience with how you were having fun with my au, and if it does I am deeply regretful. However, I do have to set boundaries and make sure I’m doing okay or there would be no AU at all. Thanks for your understanding and I hope you have a day as kind as you are.

[password-door-lock]

“Saeyoung might get cold,” Saeran muses, “While you’re escaping with him tonight.”

You glance around out of habit, making sure that Rika and V aren’t within earshot before you speak. “Have you seen his jacket anywhere around here?” You know that Saeyoung treasures his black and yellow hoodie, because he used to wear it every day. 

“Well…” Now it’s Saeran’s turn to glance around the room, “You could always take a look. Maybe Rika stashed it somewhere.”

Despite the heaviness of the situation, you can’t help but return Saeran’s smile. “Are you suggesting I go through her stuff?” 

Saeran shrugs, looking sheepish. “Anything for Saeyoung.” 

He’s trying to keep the mood light, but you can tell he’s worried. Your escape might take a while, and the night might be chilly. Moreover, if Saeyoung was kidnapped from his house, you have no idea whether it’ll be safe for him to return to it even once he escapes— and even if he is able to return, he might not be willing, if the resources that he needs to help Saeran are located at C&R headquarters. It might be good for him to have something warm to wear, just in case. “Okay, anything for Saeyoung,” you agree, “Where would Rika keep a sweatshirt?”

Saeran considers it. “Maybe… near where she’s keeping Saeyoung? Since she wanted us to stay here, she must have got some stuff for us.” He sounds calm, but you can tell he’s tense. “I’d go over there myself, but…” 

But he is chained to the wall, in a very deliberate position, so that he can’t get anywhere near his brother. Rika must have suspected that Saeran would try to remove Saeyoung’s IV and free him from the sleeping draft under which she is keeping him. “I’ll be right back.” If Rika tries to confront you again, you can just tell her that Saeran was cold and asked you to look for a sweatshirt he could put on. That way, neither of the twins will face any retribution for your actions. 

There is, indeed, a small chest of drawers located near the bed where Saeyoung is sleeping. In order to access it, you have to bend down, close enough to whisper to your friend without his brother hearing. “We’re gonna get you out of here,” you promise, “And then we’re gonna come back for Saeran.” 

You don’t care what the plan is. You’re not leaving your love behind in this horrible place— but you do understand that this first step is necessary to rescue Saeyoung. In the top drawer, you find T-shirts, socks, and underwear. In the second drawer, you find a few pairs of pants. But in the bottom drawer, you are able to locate a few warmer-looking garments. One of them is clearly intended for Saeyoung— it’s pale green, with a yellow stripe across the middle and a darker green hood. You remove it from the drawer. His favorite hoodie is nowhere to be found; you hope it didn’t get misplaced when Saeyoung was being moved from Rika’s apartment to V’s house. 

There’s also a brown sweater vest, which you imagine is supposed to be for Saeran. What Rika is doing is horrible, but she has a pretty good handle on the twins’ personal styles. Maybe she thought she could make them feel more at home by providing things they’d like. If only she would understand that neither brother will ever truly feel at home until both of them are free… You shake your head, dismissing the thought for now as you slide both garments into your bag.

“Did you find anything, my sweet?” Saeran asks as you pad back over. 

“Mhm,” you withdraw the green sweatshirt. “For Saeyoung. It looks like it would fit him, so he definitely won’t get cold.”

“What else did you grab?” 

You sigh, knowing that you can’t get anything past Saeran. “A sweater for you.”

“I’m not cold right now, my love,” he assures you with a smile. “But thank you. I’ll put it on if I need to.”

“No,” you shake your head. “I’m taking it with me— for when we rescue you. You might get cold, too.” You don’t know whether you’ll be able to stop back at your place, where Saeran left his blue sweater, before you come back for him. Preferably, you’ll be able to turn around and leave as soon as you get Saeyoung to safety.

“MC…” Saeran grabs your hand. “I know you don’t want to leave me, but—”

“Saeran,” you cut him off, not wanting to hear it. “Baby.” 

“I have to stay here to protect you and Saeyoung,” he reminds you, for what feels like the hundredth time today. “There’s no guarantee that I’ll make it out of here. You have to focus on saving yourself, and looking after my brother. That’s how I’ll be able to live on, even if I’m not here to give my love to you myself.” 

But you can be just as stubborn as Saeran is. You’ll find a way to come back for him, whether it fits in with his master plan or not. You hold up the sweater. “For when you’re free.” 

Saeran sighs heavily. “Alright, my love.” His smile is weak, but it’s still present. “For if I’m free.”

[fortune-maiden]

Feveruary Day 7: 'I'm still not used to being taken care of'

Live action verse! :D

And also a double drabble because Huang Shaotian Cheng Xiaoshi cannot be contained!

“ – and you can forget the top bunk, when it comes to concussions, let me tell you – ” Cheng Xiaoshi’s mouth didn’t stop moving as he went in and out of the living room, bringing more of their bedroom back with him each time. From the couch, Lu Guang watched helplessly, icepack to his brow, unable to follow the dizzying whirlwind of conversation. That wasn’t because of his actual dizziness. That was Cheng Xiaoshi’s usual effect. “There. We. Go!” The two-hour countdown was set, and Cheng Xiaoshi nodded at the filled up room satisfied. With everything he needed for the night, and then some, he settled in his chair cross-legged with a bag of chips and a smug grin. “It’s funny, isn’t it. I’ve taken so many blows to the head tonight yet I’m still perfectly fine. You, meanwhile, took one and landed in the hospital. Aiyah, lie back down. Didn’t you hear me say I’ll look after you? Is that so hard to accept?” “No, it’s just,” the corners of Lu Guang’s mouth involuntarily twitched upwards. “I guess I’m still not used to being taken care of.” Cheng Xiaoshi gave him a long look. Then piled on another blanket.

[erwinsvow]

I know this isn’t the usual speed around here but slightly pathetic whimpery s1 Rafe is to die for!! He’s obviously cocky and entitled but it’s in a more spoiled and almost bratty way so he throws his little temper tantrums when he doesn’t get his way… I think s1 has seriously overlooked toxic Rafe potential

- 💓

wait i know im allllll about season 2 rafe like hes loml seriously but i just started rewatching season 1 and i dont like his hair lol but hes so toxic and gross. i know everyone on here has been talking more about him and like fratboy rafe and i usually refrain but something about being his gf through all of season 1..... im hornee.

in particular im thinking of like how he acts so douchey with everyone in public but its so visible he has a huge soft spot for you.. waves you over when he's just hanging out with his friends to check in that you're doing okay, goes and gets you a fresh drink before giving you a kiss and sending you off back to ur friends.. makes some gross comment about how you were screaming for him in the back of his truck last night after you walk away... kelce is like bro. i always sit in the back.

you'd be lurking in his bedroom when he goes down to 'have a chat' with his dad, like when he gets yelled at about the generators. comes back all angry and literally folds you in half and fucks you until you cry because you are his favorite way to calm down <3 ... (i have no idea what the vibes on this blog are and i dont wanna make people mad but he gets so manipulative... esp if you're just like i don't feeling like fucking again right now or esp in public!!!! which he looooves.... starts going on a tangent about how he provides for you and takes care of you and he's the man of the house and if he needs to relax you should be on your knees already.... sorry omg if ur reading this n youre starting to hate me i apologize in advance. i never talk about scummy scummy rafe but hes real and hes so hot. fully wants you to be like a hyperactive horny bunny just waiting for his dick at all times.... i would 110% start doing it too... ANYWAYS)

he's so spoiled so he likes spoiling you with anything you want... most of the stuff he gets you is pretty much for him tho... gets hard because you wear an RC necklace.. lots of pretty lingerie and babydolls that he likes to rip up...handcuffs because duh.. it's almost always you in the handcuffs but every once in a while he can be convinced to get in them lol

but the temper tantrums are soooo real like especially if you're out with friends or made plans with your parents. like he seriously loves making you abandon your plans to come see him. but then youll show up and hes at a party and selling or ignoring you and ofc you cry because it's like he made you come here and not even giving you any attention... then he'll drag you out by your hair and fuck you SOOO mean in the back of his truck talkin about "just needed this dick, yeah? s'okay, dad's gonna give it to ya hard. then you'll be good as gold won'tya?" ugh. hes so mean.

im still in my rewatch but the scene where him and topper beat up pope:( this especially hits sooo hard w my pogue reader but i can just imagine that being the cause of your first real fight, like you're so upset he can be that cruel but there goes his manipulation tactics.. telling you he needs to be a proactive man to protect you and his friends and his turf. he's not letting anyone walk all over him, regardless if you like them or not. fucks you until you forget all about your pogue friends, and then you end up bandaging his bloody hand for him.

ooohh and when they go to that movie showing.. can just imagine curling up on a lawnchair with him under a blanket, him n the boys are on high alert for jj and pope but he keeps a tight arm around you, goes and gets you a soda and popcorn which you two share.. you don't want him to leave and you whine when he does.. can just imagine the scene where jj and pope turn back to look at him when kie tells them rafe is right behind them. rafe is staring so hard at them while ur tryna feed him a piece of popcorn. LOL

[rhunae]

Nevermind that "Rook" was the Hero of Fereldan, that was 20 years ago, the more recent 'transgression' wasn't so much for not listening to an order, but the First Warden wants to do something truly heroic before he answers the Call. Rhue thwarted that.

She was there at the right time, right place, while he was too busy fluffing his feathers miles away.

He got to his position from politics, easily bribed from wealthy donors, and rubbing elbows with the elite.

She has the scars from getting things done.

Being the Hero of Fereldan, she isn't afraid to speak her mind. Many of her fellow wardens respect her for defeating the Archdemon.

Her insubordination galls him. It pricks his jealousy any time another report crosses his desk of her heroics. He thought to prick her pride by demoting her.

A rank she really doesn't give a shit about. She knows her capabilities.

She also not afraid to tell even her higher rank commanders, including the First Warden, where to go and how to do it.

She could have gotten out of being dragged to a Grey Warden prison (more then the dialogue tree allowed), but the save by a certain Tevinter Magister was a nice entrance.

[maybeitsalivescribbles]

TTD - And then They Were Roommates ™

Before Villain was their roommate, Hero never had any peculiar feeling about their apartment. They were grateful to have a roof over their head, but were not particularly picky about how it looked like under. It wasn’t like they had the kind of time to arrange the place. To be honest, with their working hours, they didn’t see why they would find energy left for this. As long as they had a bed and electricity, it was fine. The result was a reasonably clean room, but a rather bland place. The only thing that was really personal was the vanity in the bathroom, covered with hair products and beads of all colors. At Villain’s displeasure, Hero spent hours in front of it, because unlike some people whining from behind the door, they had their priorities well in order.

True, Hero had felt a bit insecure when Villain had entered for the first time, stopping in front of every furniture with such solemnity you’d swear they were staring at a masterpiece in a museum. Flustered, the not-so-proud owner had explained that they were not that rich, but Villain had seldom made any comment, and well, with their shadow covering them it wasn’t like their body language was readable. Maybe they were tired too, and after their place had just been destroyed by Supervillain it was understandable. They’d glistened towards the guest room and locked their door without a word.

The agency had called in the middle of that night for news. Hero, toying with their blanket, had assured their superior on the phone that yes, Supervillain had been destroyed for good, no they weren’t making it up, and oh by the way, Villain had reformed and changed their ways, hmmhmm, yep, definitively. On the other side of the line, that declaration was met by no little skepticism. After one hour of pleading, they’d at last convinced their interlocutor not to send a team to eliminate the threat. The next day, they were ordered to keep Villain under lock and key. Villain had stared when they’d shyly explained the situation to them, brandishing a padlock they didn’t really know how to use, and had only said:

“I could open this pathetic thing in my sleep.”

Given how gifted Villain was with building tools and machines, it was probably no idle boast. The good news, though, was that they’d accepted to stay in their room whenever they were left alone as long as Hero would give them an old game-boy left in a drawer for years to keep them occupied. As time passed, it became evident that Villain was an indoor creature who was delighted at the idea of not stepping outside ever again. In return, Hero had given them pretty much whatever they wanted, including scraps of metal and lots of tools. At first, they’d said nothing, but when parts of the room had began to be covered with sinister forms, they’d felt they had to put their foot down:

“You are not building a torture room in my place.”

“What else am I supposed to do, you oppressor ?”

“I’m the one paying the taxes.”

Villain had sulked for a moment after that, but then they’d suddenly asked:

“Aha, but what if my torture tools were also useful appliances?”

Hero had stared and said:

“No.”

“No as no or no as it can’t be?”

“Both.”

“You have little faith.”

Villain had immediately put themself to work. In an alarmingly short time, they’d built a tiny guillotine for the kitchen. It could cut even coconuts properly, in one strike. Hero couldn’t use it much, because it made them feel sorry for the poor vegetables (especially after seeing Villain do it, yelling “death to all of you, you feeble preys!” at a bunch a carrots), but they had to acknowledge it was a decent tool to slice a loaf of bread. Actually, Villain was good with the kitchen in general. Being disturbingly fond of cutting vegetables and fruits, it was no surprise that they’d fallen in love with the blender Hero had never used before:

“For what it is but a miniature death trap, where my innocent victims are trapped in a transparent prison and melted into oblivion by unforgiving blades?”

Hero had asked what kind of blade would be forgiving, and they’d got lightly tapped on the head with a cardboard tube for their trouble. But the outcome of all of this was a fridge always filled with bottles full of drinkable food that never got Hero’s stomach upset. Villain had even made a damn acupuncture chair which spikes looked deadly, but were in fact quite soothing. After that they’d stood up, and Hero just knew that they were puffing their chest behind their shadow:

“So, have I succeeded in my impossible task?”

And Hero could do nothing but answer:

“Yes. Completely. It’s genius.”

And it was. Really, the biggest beef they had was the time when Villain had stolen their two favorite magnets on the fridge. They’d stopped dead in front of the aro and ace pride flags that fixated the to-do lists of the day, declared that green, purple and black were traditional colors for villains and so they were “bound to have them”, had yoinked them and flied back to their room before Hero had time to react. And as much as they were for people exploring their own identity, how were they supposed to keep their groceries list in sight now?

But none of this was the weirdest thing. It was the fact that whenever Hero returned to their place with all these strange additions, it didn’t feel bad or crowded. It was the strange new and warm feeling that finally they were home, they were home, they were home.

(Though they still wanted their magnets back.)

*

Check the These Two Dorks Masterlist or Tag for more snippets with this Hero and Villain. This is how they met and now they’re roommates.

Or back to Hero x Villain Masterlist.

[mushroompollution]

Part 1: Judge

Maybe it was Glen's influence, maybe it was Vincent's as a Child of Misfortune, but they had managed to walk through the crater without being blinded by the illusions of the past created by Sablier's black haze.

Still, the journey had been a long and arduous one.

The shambling, agonized victims of the city's abyssal energy had kept them on their toes, though the mutants were hardly a match for Glen. Even in Leo's untrained body, his hand had swiftly ended their suffering with the sword he had taken from Elliot.

The ground trembles beneath their feet with every chain that breaks above and around them. The fragile cliffs and falling debris of the crater had incapacitated Duke Barma, leading Glen to question his alliance. Why hadn't he summoned his Black-winged Chain to protect himself, hm?

And then, well.

Then, there were only two.

As Glen and Vincent continue, the atmosphere of the crater abruptly changes. Vincent comes to a sudden halt, feeling the world seem to ripple around him like a heat mirage. Glen glances over his shoulder, narrowing those starry eyes.

"You aren't getting cold feet now, are you?" comes his indifferent voice.

Those conversations he'd had online echo in Vincent's head, turning his stomach. His chest burns with indignation and embarrassment at his breakdown. He shakes his head. "I. Haven't. I can't. I've destroyed everything around me, my whole life. So I can never back out of this wish," he professes.

Glen's expression sends a shiver down his spine. "Then I will make your wish come true," he takes another step and Vincent follows, like a dog at its handler's foot. "First, lend me your power, Vincent. I will need your help as a Child of Misfortune."

Two more steps forward, and that rippling atmosphere becomes oppressive. Vincent's hair stands on end. But Glen seems unphased as he walks ahead. Another two steps, and that distortion disappears as the scenery changes.

No longer are they standing in the empty, rocky chasm of Sablier. Instead, the pair enter into a grand, circular chamber, surrounded by towering, ornate arches. A massive double-doored Gate stands before them.

Of course, Vincent knows this place. The salon of the Sablier Abyss Gate, the only thing left of the Baskerville estate that had once stood on these grounds. The same place where he and Leo had been ejected after escaping that other world in Jabberwock's claws.

But it feels different now, somehow.

Glen calls out for Jury to appear, and Vincent blinks in surprise. Before he can question, however, he feels the air nearby begin to distort once again. A black haze rises up through the stone floor, swirling as it comes together into the form of the ancient, hunched figure of the eldest Baskerville.

Vincent feels his stomach twist. He'd always avoided that decrepit figure, always felt his hair stand on end around them. One hundred years ago, they were there. Taking Gilbert away for days at a time for his lessons and training as the future Glen. Vincent would sit and wait for his return. Gil always seemed a little different after those lessons. But he never once told his brother what they entailed.

Back then, Vincent had always been kept at an arm's length. From Glen, from the other Baskervilles, from the truth. He had never been told what future awaited Children of Misfortune like him. He had never been told a lot of things.

Now, Vincent takes a step back from Glen's side as he converses with that ancient figure.

"You are aware of the situation, correct?" Glen asks Jury. "At this rate, the world will be destroyed. We don't have time to worry about the Core. I must wrench open the door leading into the past."

Jury tilts their head to the side. Those empty, hollow, watchful eyes bore into the man before them. "In order to do that, I will need to consult with the others."

It's not that statement that chills Vincent to the core so much as it is the surprised trepidation on Glen's face.

"The...Others?"

Vincent's never heard such uncertainty to that man's voice. He almost sounds more like the young man whose body he wears.

Jury's head tilts further yet. Those hollow eyes seem to glow beneath their hooded robe as they watch from an impossible angle.

"Yes.... I will need to ask the other Juries how the Story should continue."

Before Glen can ask what they mean, Jury's form seems to fall apart. Their head falls to the side as a viscous, black fluid oozes from beneath their robes.

And then, Jury explodes.

The ground trembles violently beneath their feet, and a wave of that oppressive energy takes Vincent's breath from his chest. There's a wooshing sound as that wave of energy passes through the chamber, and the colors of the world seem to invert, their surroundings painted black.

"What the hell is going on?!" Vincent gasps. But Glen stands tall as he can in Leo's small body, watching as the black varnish of the void begins to crack.

"This dimension is being distorted..." he remarks.

The void crumbles and cracks, falling away to reveal a different chamber. The walls seem to stretch, growing upwards, reaching for the black skies above as shards of reality rain down on the two below. A long, crooked staircase rises from the ground, growing, step by step, as the Gate moves further and further away. A witness box blocks a landing two-thirds of the way to the top.

Inside his soul, watching helplessly, Leo gasps. "this is... a courtroom," he remarks.

"That's right," comes Levi's amused voice behind him. The previous Glen kneels beside Leo, a smirk on his lips and a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "So I wonder.... Who exactly is going to stand trial?"

[popcorn-plots]

"Master Wong is cheating on you."

Stephen looked up to see America staring at him with wide eyes. Stephen blinked. "What?"

"Master Wong... he's cheating on you."

"And... how did you... come up with that?" Stephen asked, pressing his bookmark into the pages. He closed the book and set it down as America swallowed.

"I saw him and Master Stark kissing. Yesterday. And two days ago, you were kissing Master Wong." America whispered.

It took Stephen a second to realize what was happening. America nearly jumped out of her skin when Stephen burst out laughing.

"Cheating? Nah." Stephen finally choked out. America's eyebrows furrowed as Stephen wiped away a tear.

"Then what..."

"Alright, America. Me and Master Wong are married, yes?"

"Uh... yeah."

"Well... I am also engaged to Master Stark."

"Huh?" America tilted her head. "How does that work?"

Stephen chuckled. "Well. I love Wong. I also love Tony. I love both of them, so I decided to marry both of them."

"Then why did Master Wong kiss Master Stark?"

"Because Master Wong and Master Stark love each other. And they both love me. Does that make sense?"

America frowned. "I... guess so. But isn't that cheating?"

Stephen hummed. "No. Not in this case. You see, cheating is what happens when someone... breaks the rules. If I was only married to Master Wong and then I kissed Master Stark without telling Master Wong, then I would be cheating." America still looked kind of confused. "Its like... playing a game and not following the rules."

America nodded. "Then... Master Wong knows you kiss Master Stark?"

"Yes. Me, Wong, and Master Stark have a polyamourous relationships. It's when someone has more than one romantic partner at the same time, but everyone knows about it and agrees."

"So... you and Master Wong and Master Stark..."

"Agreed on the rules before we started playing a game. So everyone knows what's going on." Stephen explained.

America folded her arms. "That makes sense."

"Good. Do you have any more questions?"

"I.. I don't think so."

Stephen smiled and picked up his book. "Good. If you do have any questions, you can always ask me."

"Okay. Thank you, Master Strange!"

"Of course. Goodbye, America." Stephen smiled, waving back as America giddily ran out of his office.

[raayllum]

started shipping soren/miyana

[camels-pen]

I'm still thinking about vampire Usopp w/sanuso btw, just like

Sanji insisting Usopp come to him whenever he's hungry, for multiple reasons, but primarily bc he's the cook, it's his job to keep his cremates fed above everything else. And Usopp going along with it, asking for blood around the same times he used to ask for food. Thinking Sanji would tell him if he ever took too much.

Sanji, however, is a fool. A very kind, but large fool. He doesn't tell Usopp when he's taking too much or too frequently. In fact their whole arrangement barely lasts a few weeks before Sanji collapses in the middle of food prep.

Like, just the idea of the guy who gives and gives and, yeah it feels nice to give, but can't fathom the idea that there are others on the crew able to do the same. That he doesn't have to give until there's nothing left.

Idk just. Physical manifestation of his problems with accepting unconditional love without having to give anything to earn it. As in, the more he gives without bounds, the more he's literally killing himself.

And then. And then.

Usopp coming into the galley, ready to sheepishly ask for a snack, just like before this whole thing, and finding Sanji on the floor.

And he yells for Chopper before looking Sanji over. Coming to the realization that this was him- this was his fault. He took too much. Asked for too much. Asked too much of Sanji.

And he's just kicking himself the whole time, telling himself it was stupid to ever think Sanji- Sanji of all people- would ever deny him a chance to fill his belly.

He comes to the conclusion he can't ask Sanji for blood anymore. He can't ask anyone for blood anymore. He couldn't risk this happening again. To any of them.

After Sanji got a transfusion and isn't at risk of falling over anymore, he and Usopp begin an agonizing back and forth routine.

Sure, Sanji can't give blood for a while- doctor's orders- but there are some rather big fish in the aquarium, and Usopp has always loved the taste of fish. He drains the blood out of a few, stores the excess in the fridge, and offers a glass to Usopp to make up for the lunch portion he never got.

Usopp says something or other about grabbing a bite from a sea king earlier and waves him off. Sanji frowns but doesn't say anything.

And this same bit continues and continues and continues, until Sanji puts his foot down. Literally.

Kicks Usopp's ass to the galley. Has an infuriating conversation with him. Continues to try and get him to drink. Ends up coming to a conclusion that Usopp only liked drinking blood from the source. A passing thought making him consider that there was only one source- one person he'd drink from.

Usopp- tired and fuzzy and hungry, so so hungry- is trying his damnedest to keep Sanji satisfied with lies he doesn't have the energy to make believable. He's trying and trying but Sanji is bulldozing through each one, not taking no for an answer and-

Is it me? Sanji asks, his voice far, far too hopeful. Do you only want to drink from me?

And if Usopp wasn't tired- wasn't literally starving and finding it hard to keep his thoughts from slipping away- he would examine that voice. That tone. Run through his own daydreams with different words, different contexts, being implied with those words.

But he is tired. And he is starving. And he needs to get a grip before he wavers even more in his resolve.

And so, it's surprising yet all too expected when Usopp declares Sanji's blood as the nastiest thing he's ever tasted. Says he never wants to get within smelling distance anymore, it's that bad. Too late, he realizes his smelling distance, now, covers the entirety of the ship and then some.

Sanji stays silent. Usopp contemplates taking it back. He doesn't.

Casually, Sanji reaches over to his knife block. Despite his current status as a member of the undead, Usopp fears for his life. He wonders if Sanji was just as skilled with a knife as Zoro was with his swords and desperately hopes that's not the case. Aloud, he tries to calm Sanji down while subtly trying to put distance between them.

Without any warning, practically without sound, Sanji tilts his head and cuts a thin line near the juncture from his neck to his shoulder. And all of a sudden, Usopp's filled with another, far more terrifying, kind of fear.

It's just like Boin, Usopp, he thinks to himself, eyes glued to the spot where dark red beads of blood well up on pale skin. Just like Boin.

[password-door-lock]

Saeran comes in from the garden just as you’re adding the pasta to the water you’ve set to boil. “Is there anything I can do to help you, my love?” His gentle voice carries across the kitchen as he takes care to shut the door behind him. 

You turn to face your husband. You’re delighted— though not at all surprised— to see the flower in his hand. “You can chop the parsley for me, if you want.” You step away from your cooking to rummage through the dish cupboard for a vase to hold the flower. “What did you bring me?” Though you’re getting better at identifying the flowers Saeran grows in his garden, you still haven’t mastered the art. You certainly don’t know half as much as he does about the flower language and lore surrounding the blooms he cares for. 

“It’s a Dahlia,” Saeran explains, placing the pink flower into the strangely-shaped vase. “It’s got several meanings in the language of flowers, like beauty and confidence. But it also means ‘forever thine,’ and it symbolizes elegance.” 

“It’s lovely,” you beam at him. You don’t need Saeran to explain why he chose this flower in particular for your candlelit dinner. Obviously, it’s going to be a very elegant affair, even if it’s taking place in the same dining room where you and Saeran share all of your meals. “Did you pick out a candle?” 

“Mhm.” Per the tradition that you and Saeran established when you first moved in together, it’s his turn to choose the candle and your turn to cook. 

As Saeran busies himself with searching for the candle, you turn around to add the garlic and oil to your saucepan on the stove. Saeran doesn’t tend to like too much garlic in his food, so you use a bit less than the recipe calls for. It goes without saying that you hold the red pepper flakes. You can add those to your own plate after you’re finished cooking. 

After a few moments, you feel your husband’s arms around you as he envelops you in a soft hug. He sets the candle on the counter beside the stove. “Vanilla cashmere,” he reads the name of the scent. 

“It… smells like a sweater?” You don’t know how that could be possible. 

Saeran chuckles. “It smells like a candle.” 

“Well, I would hope so,” you stir the garlic gently. The kitchen fills with the aroma of the sauce on the stove. “But I trust your judgment. I’m sure it’ll smell great.” 

Saeran releases you from the hug and makes his way to the empty counter on the other side of the stove. “I’ll chop the parsley like you said.” He finds a knife and a cutting board. “Did you wash it already?” 

“No,” you admit, “I was too busy setting the table. Did you see the placemats?” 

“They’re very nice,” Saeran nods, appraising your table setting-skills as he brings the parsley to the sink. “But my love… I got the same ones from the home goods store when I was choosing our candle.” 

“Oh no.” Your hand flies to your mouth to stifle your laughter. “Not again. Maybe we should just go shopping together so we don’t buy any more duplicates.” 

Saeran shrugs, setting to work chopping the parsley. “We think the same even when we’re not together— that means we’re connected.” 

“Okay, sure,” you concede with a laugh, “And I’ll admit, that’s very romantic. But it also means we have two sets of the same placemats, two of the same area rug, and three of the same wall hanging.” Granted, the third identical wall hanging was a gift from Saeyoung, who thought the story behind the first two was hilarious and evidently wanted to join in the fun. 

“I see your point, my darling.” Saeran finds you again, wrapping his arms around you and swaying slightly as you stir the pasta in the pot. It’s just about ready to mix with the sauce. You turn the heat down, reserving some of the water and setting it aside as you maneuver over to the sink. Saeran continues to cling to you, planting gentle kisses on your neck and making you giggle as you locate the strainer. “What flavor ice cream did you get?” 

“Pumpkin spice,” you admit. 

“Already?” Saeran asks, holding the colander for you as you dump out the pasta. 

“The store had it, so I bought it.” You and Saeran shuffle strangely back over to the stove so you can add the pasta and reserved water to the sauce. “What’s so funny?” But you’re laughing too, just because Saeran is laughing. 

“It's just that I had the same idea.” You can hear his grin in his voice. “I got the pumpkin spice ice cream as soon as the store started selling it, but I wanted to surprise you, so I hid it in the downstairs freezer.” 

You howl with laughter. God, the two of you really are the perfect couple. “Next time, let’s just go to the store together.” 

“Of course,” says Saeran, “I love spending time with you.” 

[helreginn]

"Are you sure about this, Hel? Going to a ball in a universe parallel to your own? You think they will take kindly to a stray goddess in their underworld?" Hel's maidservant asked as she followed the small and most excited goddess around her apartments.

"I was explicitly invited, Luddie." The redhead replied, holding said invitation up between two of her fingers. "I cannot help that I make friends even when I accidentally slip into alternate realities."

Ganglöt rolled her eyes.

"Besides, when was the last time our people held so much as a feast, festival or folkmoot? I want to dress up and dance until people die."

"You think death will invite good graces upon your new acquaintance?"

"Of fun? Yes!"

Again, the ramble-walker attendant rolled her eyes.

Hel pressed her blue and gold feathered earring through her ear and smiled over at the other woman in the reflection of her vanity's mirror. "Just wait until you see our outfits! Angels would weep to see them wasted here at home."

Near half an hour and much fussing over her husband and her hair later, Hel smiled up at Lucy with doting affection in her amber eyes as she placed the wolf mask over his face, "You know she's not going to stop until we pose for this, yes?"

He laughed and handed off her winged mask. "I'm well aware."

And she was right. Everywhere they turned, there was Ganglöt with her ancient camera. Finally, they settled in together for the one portrait allowed to hang in the halls of Éljúðnir.

And a few others they would keep in albums and on bedsides tables.. For only each other and overly attentive man and maid servant's eyes.

"Alright, alright!" Hel laughed waving her attendant away, "Enough. We need to find his cape and go over the travel list. We can't exactly come back to this reality if we forget something!"