#sye did something

[heaveniowa]

keep a calendar, this way you will always know.

[valentine-cafe]

SAM ANON AS THE ONE W THE FUCKED UP HERRERA HUSBANDS AND ITS SO GOOD THANK YOU YHAK YOU IM EATING IT AND GOBBLING IT UP

'but if I make a smutty nd fucked up part two, would you be just as happy ?'

YES YES YES UES YE SYE SYES YES YESYEDYEDGEYRSYEYEGWYWGWYRYEYGEYEYETEDDDDYESSSSS CLAPPING AND CHEERING PLEASE DO IM ALSO JUST AS INVESTED BUT CAN YOU MAKE FOR PART 2 THAT THEY DONT TOSS AWAY THIS DARLING AND TURN THEM INTO NOT HUMAN AS WELL SO THEY CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER EVERYWHERE PLSSSS THANK YOUU

🍒 𓂃 𝑶𝑹𝑫𝑬𝑹 𝑼𝑷 : red velvet croissant !! . . . mad doctor & mad scientist ⊹ gn reader .

. ᘛ 𝑓𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔​​​​​​​﹕verse 209 ꮽ  jingyi herrera & rishen herrera

 𐔌𖹭 ˖ ࣪  who's that ?⠀﹕a charming, snake monster mad doctor and his alluring spider-mantis-moth hybrid, mad scientist husband

ּ  ֗ recepit ℘ ... the monsters that dwell in the dark, though loving and caring of you. hoping you will forever stay with them, could never do you as wrong as they have themselves as monsters. they've thought about turning you, but they cannot ⊹ cw ٬٬ mentions of acts of brainwashing done on reader . dark content hints here and there . a splash of yandere right here. 

No tell-tale, no urban legends, folk horror, spiritual interference nor petty horror story could ever replicate the true horrors that occur deep within the cold, dark laboratories, hidden behind the warm-hearted facade walls of Valence.

Eyes that had seen such atrocities committed by the owners of the world famous company. Were made to vow their lips sealed and shut. Lest they were the next victims of horrifying experiments conducted on otherworldly or enigmatic beings.

Such hypocritical mindset, when both doctor and professor Herrera, were monstrosities of their own. You had once known of this fact, though, after the brainwashing. You knew none. You were their pretty darling. A diamond among a sea of soil only good for burying, is what they called you.

The truth is, they removed any memory you had of their violent and morally evil actions each time you stumbled upon them. In the past, losing a darling or two to such was nothing. But you? No, they weren't risking that. You were fitting in with them so well. For once they had someone normal, that grounded them.

Well, you grounded them in whatever odd way one might believe two clinically psychotic villains disguised as saints of the world, could be grounded.

Slender, feminine, bronze hands withdrew from your nape. Allowing the elaborate diamon necklace to find its proper home on your neck and collarbone. "Look at you." Rishen sighs and leans her head against the blade of your shoulder with a smile you recognize as one full of endearment.

"It's beautiful, mi amor." The tips of your fingers move in tact with your little gasp. Finding their spot on one of the teardrops diamonds, dipping down to your chest. "You shouldn't have-"

Rishen's hand moves to silence you. Followed by his small fit of chuckles, and then an attack of kisses. "I very much should. And I am happy I did."

The truth is, as much as the Herrera husbands thought of it. Of turning you into a monstrosity like them. As sick and twisted as they were. Deep down neither of them could do it. Because it was something both of them wished more than anything to erase about themselves. As much as they at times seemed confident about it.

Hell, even you, they kept their little secret from. Brainwashed it away, made you forget when you saw it in full force. Little hints of it mattered not. They told you it was a new little thing they wanted to test out on you.

Stabilizers scattered the laboratories at times. You sometimes entered before they could react— Innocently calling for them because dinner or lunch was ready, only to scream in horror when Rishen looked like he was halfway through tearing Jingyi into pieces to feast on. Needle stuck halfway through her neck.

An intrusion makes appearance, when the sound of fabric ruffling interrupts the silence you and your beloved shared. Rishen looks over her shoulder and smiles. "Gege, you should come see how our gift looks on our beloved."

Jingyi walks through the elaborate doorway of the mansion entrance. Casting a glance up the stairs to catch glimpse of Rishen and you.

Maroon shimmers in admiration. "Well," he sighs and adjusts his collar. "Am I not met with the most beautiful diamonds of the century. You both seem ready for the date."

"Oh we are more than ready," you giggle, leaning up against Rishen's front. Her arms instinctively creep around your waist and pull you closer. The swirls of her curls tickle your skin, while her eyelashes feather your cheek. "Hurry up a little gege!"

꒰ ۪ ˖ ࣪ 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑢 ... info ꮽ mlist ꮽ verse ꮽ wiki .

[akiraiscute]

haii, this my first time asking someone so it might be as detailed..

kurapika from hxh as a father and he has 4 daughters (hes basically a girldad) this or you can do kurapika x pregnant reader and how he's treats his preg wife <3 (or you can do both ofc)

OMG YES YE SYE S? IM OUT OF RETIREMENT YALL. !!!!!! YIPPEPEE,!!! NOW I MIGHT ADD THAT IMA MAKE READER A FEMALE IF THATS OKAY ND ONE OF THE DAUGHTERS TO HAVE SCARLET EYES (or all of them….)

Kurapika X Fem!Reader

Warnings ; Mentions of periods. And thats all. Just girldad kurapika nd pregnant reader <33333 besides naming the kids <3

Starting off with the girldad kurapika…

——————————————————————

I full believe he would absolutely move everything out of the way for his daughters and you!!! Like you gave birth to his joy AND are his joy too⁉️ plus you helped him or still are helping him reproduce the kurta clan!!! Of course he’s gonna treat you and your daughters like the queen and princesses you are<3 he might still have work but he starts to make time for them, you. He actually starts taking care of himself as well, if he’s gonna be the best father, he at least gotta be treating himself kindly too.

Kurapika picks up his phone, confused on why you were calling so early — it was 10:32 AM.

"honey.."

".Yes?"

"Akemi, sorta.. got her period today and, i want you to know that we did have everything covered but she might be a little moody so just remember to give her some space okay?"

"……."

"Kurapika? Honey?"

Kurapika already hung up. So thats why you called early, his. sweet Akemi got her period, he didn’t know how to react. Sad for her after all, he dealt with you on your period and which he learned that the cramps are horrible, or either sad that his little girl was already 12 and having her period already. He might as well go for both. He might, he might end work early just to get her chocolate and her favorite food.. i mean, he had work but wasn’t his family more important? His work was important but his daughter, at least one of them was in pain.. he sighed softly before doing one last detail to the paperwork. He stood up and immediately grabbed his jacket while texting his boss about it. He didn’t care if he wasn’t really allowed, i mean he sorta did but his daughter was hurting. He went to the nearest grocery store, picking out Akemi’s favorite food and snacks, also getting chocolate and ice cream as of she is craving them, they would be there as well.

He quickly got home, looking at you before smiling and walking to you and kissing you before putting down the two bags. Pretending as if that was normal for him as.. usually he doesn’t come home early but you couldnt blame him, could you as you already saw what would do for his girls .

"might off gotten her stuff."

"..she’ll love it honey."

"You sure.?"

"of course."

Kurapika sighed in relief as you said that, he was of course worried if he got something wrong before hearing footsteps and already kneeling as he saw his two other girls. Fumiko and Chiyo, Fumiko 6 and chiyo 3. He had his arms open for them both as they ran into them. Giggles could be heard from both of the girls.

"I’ll be getting dinner started.. make sure the baby isnt awake as she was put down for her nap but you know babies honey."

"Of course my love."

As kurapika said that he picked up his two girls and left another kiss to your lips as fumiko yelled “eww!”, before leaving you and going into the living room, while you went for the kitchen as you wanted to cook Akemi’s favorite dinner. Kurapika putted down the girls on the couchand sat down next to them. He turned on something that they both would pay attention too until he could come back and sit back down, he kissed fumkio’s and chiyo’s forehead before going up to the nursery, going into the room and checking on the little cutie. He smiled as she was also okay!! As she was still sleeping.. he slowly got out of the room without making a noise.

Kurapika went to his oldest daughter’s room, he knocked as he could hear Akemi groaning.

"My dear.. dinner will be done soon, i got you some stuff as well and if you want i’ll or mom will bring it to you. I’ll be going now dear..!"

Kurapika said as he was guessing that akemi didnt want to be bothered nor wanting to talk. He stepped away from the door and went to hid and yours room, getting into something comfortable and grabbing his clothes as they were dirty.. he did the laundry before going back down. Seeing that Fumkio and chiyo were still watching the tv, he walked back into the living room and turned the tv off, wanting to know his daughters day so far,

——————————————————————

Kurapika would be a amazing husband and father, he just has some mental issues sometimes chat!! He tries to be there for his children always, and his wife as she literally gave birth to his beautiful children. He loved his family so much. But when you were pregnant with the first child? God hell-

——————————————————————

Of course the moment you found out, you went straight to calling him afterall he was at work when you wanted to take a test. Trusting your gut and you guys did have it last night as well. Its not like you guys haven’t been trying but this time it’s actually happening, you were so excited. You tried to make it a surprise but you ended up telling him the same time you found out. Which that time, he almost ran the fuck home. He opened up the front door and slammed it, locking it back up of course before actually running to you. I mean, for the first time. He wss finally going to have another kurta. He was of course happy with that. And as time went on, he kept KEPTT trying to make you rest, not letting you do anything around the house, which normally you guys shared chores of course but when you are pregnant? You’re being treated like a princess which is of course normal but you aint moving from the bed unless you need too. He does not want you to get hurt! His pretty wife and his child shouldn’t get hurt at ALL.

——————————————————————

That is.. what i got but that is long chat. I got excited alr…….. anyways! Thank you for requesting and having me as ur first !! Mwah i hope i did ur idea good !!

[skinbeneaththeskull]

I literally leaped 10 feet in the air when i saw u were gonna try mlm💞

The thought of Dilf Dave rubbing your bulge with his boot while degrading you is literally taking over my mind aaggghh *explodes*

OH MY GOD YES YE SYES YES HES YES ANON REVEAL YOURSELF NEOWWW (I think I kneo who u are)

AHHHHHH I LOVE THIS i can't really imagine 2000s dave but more like 90s???? yk cus he's young n experimentive... but ofc ill still do 2000s cus dilf Dave is my fav era

getting on your knees to make him feel good is such a dream. maybe a bit of a nightmare for you though, because Dave's a cocky little fuck. he'd have his hands fisted in your hair before you go down on him, making him even harder if that was possible.

he would throw his head back, him trying his best not to stand up and fuck your throat, but he wanted you to go at your own pace, for now atleast.

"god- yeah, taking this cock so well, huh? why don't you take the whole thing for me, pretty boy?"

he groaned once you licked around his tip, him shuddering inside your mouth, tip pressed against the inside of your plush cheek.

"yes sir-" you tried to say with a handful of dick in your mouth, which the vibrations only made him let out louder noises.

"if you don't hurry, im gonna use your mouth and won't stop until i cum, hm? please baby, go faster and take it all for daddy?"

you obeyed as you started jerking him off and sucking him at the same time, his length being bigger than normal, choking on it slightly.

"aaaaattta boy. fuckin' obedient little slut."

he groaned out, him involuntarily thrusting his hips up. you moved your body up and down, trying to get some friction for yourself, the bones in your boxers getting uncomfortable now, needing attention.

Dave noticed your struggles, him looking a little confused before he laughed.

"oh baby.. you need some help? i got ya, handsome."

he put his foot down, the tip of his boot pointing up before he glared down at you.

"don't fucking look at me like that and take it."

his tone was more and more demanding sounding, him biting his lip once you started riding his foot, grinding down on it slowly so you wouldn't over stimulate yourself, but Dave just nudged himself against your heat.

"mmh- sir-"

"hm? feels good don' it, slut?"

you nodded softly before you tried to reach a hand down your pants to touch yourself more, but Dave flicked it away with him hitting it with his knee.

"did i say you could touch yourself, baby boy?"

you pouted, tears starting to form in your eyes.

"awh... what's the matter? too needy for daddy that you can't hold off? too bad."

he had a shit eating smirk plastered on his face. he was going to have his release before you did.

"make daddy cum, then we'll see if my baby deserves it."

you immediately quickened your pace, sucking his dick like your life depended on it and riding his boot along with that.

there was saliva escaping your lips, rolling down his cock and onto the floor, everything getting messier and messier.

"oh...fuck! im gonna cum in this fuckin' mouth handsome.. you ready?"

you just stared up at him with doe eyes, swirling your tongue around the tip before he grabbed your hair tighter and started face fucking the life out of you.

his balls were clapping against your chin, tip reaching the back of your throat and... fuck you already came from the intensity. a wet spot shown on your bulge.

"cumming.. cumming!"

he groaned before shooting it down your throat. he was out of breath, pulling out before some dribbling down your lip, trying your best to swallow before you wiped your mouth.

Dave helped you stand up, pulling you into his lap, resting his chin on your shoulder.

"fuck, i think this good boy deserves something now- huh? whatcha think, baby?"

he kissed up your neck, feeling up your body before his hand grazed over your bulge, feeling the wet spot.

"what's this, slut?"

he groaned into your ear, unbuttoning your jeans and letting your dick spring out.

"i didn't say you could, did i?"

you where whining, not wanting to make him angry, but you just couldn't help yourself.

"sorry, sir.. but-"

you were cut off once he started jerking you off fast and rough, making sure to cover your slit so you didn't cum again.

"Dave! shit- please.. need to-"

"no."

"nonono please?? i- im so sorry just-"

"no."

you were squirmed around in his lap, shaking from your needed release.

"please.."

your dick was twitching in his calloused hand, trying to hold off but it was so hard to have any self control around Dave Mustaine.

"if you do, im gonna fuck that pretty ass when you're finished. daddy deserves a second release if you're getting one, right, pretty boy?"

you nodded frantically, needing this release more than anything right now, precum dribbling down your shaft.

"wanna cum?"

"mm- uh huh! please-"

"so fuckin' eager for me. say my name baby.."

he sped up until all he heard were loud inaudible moans and wet noises coming from your dick.

"f-fuck! 'm cumming.. i-im cumming! daddy.. fuck!"

you painted his hand before he flipped your positions, shoving you on your stomach on the bed, getting behind you and lining up.

"gonna make you cum so many more times, baby. you're gonna take it so well for daddy, right?"

you nodded, mumbling before gripping onto the sheets.

"yeah.. atta boy, all mine."

------------------‐-----------‐-

STOPPPP THIS JS SO BAD (im good at mlm but i usually do member x member 😭😭)

[sophsicle]

Ooooh I saw you answer that question about writing advice and became curious: do you write “original” fiction as well as fanfiction? (love that for you either way). Love your fics btw. Kill Your Darlings is my absolute jam 🥰

I do yeah!

i don't really do anything with it but it does exist!

i shared the first chapter of one of them on here a while ago i think? i can't find the post now but i'll throw it down below if you're interested! Also thank you im so glad you like kyd!!!!

Ram

I think my father made the trees without mouths on purpose. For if they could talk, all of creation would know his secrets. Of course, in the end, perhaps it is better not to know. Kinder for him to keep us in the dark. Knowing is an anchor, it will drown you. That is why, on quiet days, you will hear the distant sounds of forests weeping. 

There’s a disturbance behind me. Nothing loud or startling—a slight rustle, a breath, the scrape of a leather boot. It is subtle and that is why I do not trust it. Never trust anything that is trying to be quiet. Without thinking my hand goes to my bow, an arrow in place by the time I turn around. 

Montoya laughs, holding his arms up, mocking me. He is dark, my brother, all the way through. 

“Scared, Ram?”  

I know instantly that I did not catch him. He wanted to be found. 

“No,” I answer flatly, “just prepared.” 

Montoya laughs again, bleeding an ease that I have never been able to find myself. Perhaps it is the sort of thing that comes with age. Though when you’re thousands of years old how much difference can a few centuries make?

“Your arms must be getting tired brother,” he says casually, and it is only then that I realize my weapon is still drawn. With reluctance I lower it, returning the arrow to the quiver on my back. 

“Why are you here?” this time I cannot hide my irritation.

“I could ask you the same question.”

I give him a flat look. Of all my siblings, Montoya has always made me the most ill at ease. There’s something about his eyes that leaves me wary. They are gapping holes that you swear will swallow you up and never set you free. 

“You are a terribly dull conversationalist Ram, has anyone ever told you that?” 

I don’t take the bait.

“Tsk tsk, what would father say about these manners huh? You’ve been spending too much time amongst the trees brother, you’re starting to turn into one.”

Not all my siblings can fly. My younger sister, Cartha, has gills instead of wings, and my brother Sye hates having his feet off the ground. But most of us, in some form or another, find ourselves in the sky. Montoya’s wings are large and crow like, hardly subtle or practical, but then, neither is he. Even now they create enough wind that I can feel myself fighting not to be pushed backwards. My own wings are small and white and sprout from my ankles.  

“Well,” I say finally, “if that’s all.” I turn my back on him, a dangerous move I’ll admit, though to his credit, Montoya has never attacked the family. He did, however, kill our sister’s cat once. 

I can hear him following me, hear the beating of his great wings. The noise grates my nerves. He is insufferable and there is nothing I can do about it. Sure, I could fight him, I’m good with a bow, but in truth, my brother is stronger. Besides, a fight is what he wants. It tickles him to make me angry. That’s his whole game. 

“Why so gloomy brother?” he asks, flipping onto his back as he pulls up beside me. I have never heard him be anything but taunting and cruel. I wonder if there was a time when he was not like this, but Hario assures me that there wasn’t and she is the oldest. Still, I find it hard to believe. After all, why would father create a son so hateful?

“I’m always gloomy,” I retort, keeping my gaze forward. 

It is spring, the sun setting and lighting the sky on fire with oranges and pinks. They reach out like fingers from the horizon, as if desperate to hold onto the day. 

“Well that is certainly true. Our melancholy little Ram,” he says in a baby voice that makes me want to spear him through the throat.  

“If I am melancholy what does that make you?” 

“Jolly?” 

I cannot help myself, I laugh. The idea that anyone would describe Montoya as jolly is too much for me.

“No, you’re right,” he says, sounding not at all offended. “Jolly is perhaps too dull a word, I am witty.” 

I look at him, brow arched. “Witty,” I repeat flatly. 

He grins, or perhaps sneers is more accurate. “Certainly wittier than you.” 

“Certainly.” 

“And our dear brothers and sisters.” 

“Certainly,” I repeat, though my jaw is clenched and my nails have begun burrowing into my palms. 

“I expect that is why father holds my opinion in such high regard.” 

“Not as high as Hario's.” The small flash of anger in his eyes is satisfying, though he maintains his smile. 

Hario is undeniably our father’s favourite. In truth, she is my favourite too. I have never been very good at getting close to people, but I have always felt comfortable around her. I can speak to her, tell her things in a way I can’t tell anyone else. 

“Not as high as Hario's,” Montoya repeats, the mockery from earlier melting away, revealing something much sharper. Much more dangerous. He might play at pettiness but I know that, in reality, he is far more sinister. “For now, anyway.” 

I stop abruptly, as though an invisible wall has suddenly appeared in my way. When Montoya finally stops too, turning to face me, I see a glint in his dark eyes. He’s won. Gotten the reaction he wanted. Snuck himself under my skin.  

“What is that supposed to mean?” I demand. 

“Ooh,” he is clearly enjoying himself, “have I hit a nerve?”

When he smiles I swear he has the teeth of a wolf, and in the setting sun they sparkle. I do not know why my father made him, why he poured all his ill will into this one creation and then named it son. A common misconception is that because there are gods there must also be demons. If I am the creator of all, my father always says, why would I create evil? Yet staring at Montoya now, at his black eyes, and pointed teeth, the sky ablaze behind him, I do not struggle to understand why the humans believe in a devil. 

“Do not make idle threats brother,” I say, attempting to keep my tone level. 

I’m playing right into his hands, I know, but I’ll not have Hario threatened. Not by anyone. He smirks, eyes running me slowly up and down before he moves forward, pausing just close enough that I can smell his breath.  

“I promise you,” his voice is so quiet it’s nearly carried away by the wind, “my threats are not idle.” He pauses, before laughing. “Brother.” 

His great wings flap, disturbing the trees below us as he flies higher in the sky.

“Father wishes you to know that he was much displeased that you missed his last banquet,” Montoya shouts as he continues to rise. “If I were you, I would not miss the next one.” 

I watch as he grows fainter and fainter, becoming nothing more than a black blip in the distance. I don’t move. I’m afraid that if I do the anger in me will unleash a hurricane. Quite literally. We are, all of us, me and my brothers and sisters, in possession of an affinity for one of the four elements: air, earth, water, fire. My element is air, Montoya and Hario both master fire. 

I force myself to take in several deep breaths, stretching out my hands which have cramped from being clenched so hard. There is a rage in me that I fear, I don’t know where it comes from or why it’s there, but it sits always in the corner of my chest. I have worked my whole life to suppress it, to keep it locked up inside me so that it can never hurt anyone else. Most of the time I succeed. But Montoya brings out the worst in me. 

I take another breath, the sun is almost gone now and the sky is navy blue and made of velvet. Slowly I start moving again, without really knowing where. I dip lower to the ground so that the tops of the trees brush my skin. I run my hands through them, they are cool now that the sunlight has fled. There shouldn’t be anyone out here to catch me, I’m miles from the nearest human site, but I keep a watchful eye on the ground anyway.

I have always hated my father’s banquets, even in my first days of life. There are too many beings, too much noise, and the way they all look at me…I take no pleasure in the power my father has given me, in the authority that comes with it. The other creations stare at us, or bow, offering up gold and wine and sometimes blood. I cringe at the thought. I have never once felt worthy of the deference they show us. In fact, it makes my skin prick and itch. I am not a leader or a ruler, I never have been. I prefer to watch from a far. In truth, I have always gotten the distinct impression that I am somewhat of a disappointment to my father. 

I close my eyes and drift for a moment, letting the air hold me like a pair of arms, cradling me in the night sky. There is sweat covering my skin, it drips slowly down my arms and legs and the side of my face, sending shivers across my bones. I breathe in again, slowly, listening to my heartbeat, to the expansion of the lungs in my chest. Somewhere a dog howls and a bird cries out. Their voices are faded by distance but they linger long after they are let loose. Hanging in the air just like me. This is where I am happiest, alone in the dark.

This is where I belong.

Edward

I don’t know if my mother ever loved my father. I don’t know how she could have. But I suppose, ultimately, it’s of little consequence. She brought with her a dowry too good to refuse, one which provided the Kingdom of Presado with enough ships and gold that it could boast of having the largest naval force this side of the world. And in return, her people gained the loyalty of my grandfather, one of the greatest military commanders alive, an excellent ally. Love was hardly considered. It never is. You cannot win a war with love, you cannot build palaces or feed hungry mouths with love. So why do we persist in the belief that it is so very important to our happiness? Why do we speak of it in the context of marriage and family when we know that it is so rarely present in either of those establishments? 

I don’t know if my mother ever loved my father. But I know that I certainly didn’t. 

I usually don’t bother with such thoughts but, staring at my own wedding contract, I find them hard to avoid. They say she is beautiful, the princess who is soon to be my wife, but then, they always say that. What use have I for a beautiful wife anyway? Mistresses are chosen for their beauty, I would rather my wife be clever. 

“She’s not a fanatic is she?” I ask my advisor, Rufus, as I look up from the pages in front of me for the first time in ages. My mother laughs and I meet her eye, grinning. Rufus simply looks startled. He’s a small man, with tuffs of hair coming out of his mostly bald head, and eyes that protrude so far from his face you fear they will fall onto the floor. He is wildly clever though. He was significantly under valued by my father, probably because he is in possession of a conscience. Skittish and odd he might be, but his loyalty lies firmly with the realm. A rarity, I have found. 

“A fanatic, your Majesty?” he squeaks. “What-er-what do you mean?” 

“Oh you know,” I wave my hand impatiently. “The type who never drinks or dances or laughs. Who always has their knees bent before some alter or another. Who cannot breathe without fearing for our souls.” 

My mother is shaking her head. As a child I loved to make her laugh. It was not a difficult task, my mother, for all her heartache, is a woman with a happy disposition. 

Rufus blinks his great eyes at me. “As far as I’m aware, sire, she possesses a perfectly…adequate…level of piety.” He looks to my mother for help but finds none. 

“You are going to be the death of him, Edward,” she says instead. 

My grin widens. “Come now, it was a fair question was it not?” I turn to Rufus knowing full well that he will splutter, unsure of what to say. And he does just that. “I don’t want to be stuck with a bore now do I?” 

“There are slightly more important factors to consider here my son, as I’m sure you are aware.” 

I am. Painfully so. I must marry Princess Analeigh whether she is a humourless hag or not. As with my mother and father, the alliance is a good one, and we are too weak to survive without it right now. Still, knowing all this, I cannot help but hesitate, especially when I see my father’s handwriting on the pages before me. He orchestrated the match, wrote most of the contract himself. But however unconcerned I may appear on the outside, I have spent hours pouring over these words and, grudgingly, I can find no fault in them. 

I sigh, resigned, stretching out my hand and dipping my quill in ink. 

“You’ll sign?” Rufus sounds half-relieved and half-shocked. Clearly he expected me to be more trouble. I try to hide my amusement. I know that my reputation is that of a scoundrel. A spoiled youth who drinks and gambles and whores. They think me ignorant. They think me incapable—the great men who have gathered in this court over the years. I don’t mind. Let them underestimate me. It will make it all the easier to knock them down.

My hand hovers over the parchment, the quill threatening to drip. I look back up at my mother, she is all in black, in mourning. It doesn’t suit her. Even in death my father is controlling us. What we wear. Who we marry. 

“This is the last time,” I don’t know why I say it out loud. I suppose to make the promise feel more real. He will not pull our strings again.

“The last time, your majesty?” Rufus asks, looking between us in utter confusion. 

My attention is not on him though, my eyes locked with my mother’s. She does not even flinch. 

“Yes,” she says, knowingly. “The last time.” 

I nod, returning to the contract while Rufus’s distress continues to mount. He has missed something, he knows it, and he does not like it. Finally, I let the quill touch the parchment, my hand moving swiftly along the familiar path of my name. 

“There,” I say, feeling the opposite of relief as I lean back in my chair and push it away from me. “It’s done.” 

Not my best line, I’ll admit it, and not even true. This is only the beginning. For a moment I think I catch a glimpse of my father hovering in the corner of the room—just the tail of his robes as he storms out the door, followed by the grizzled noise of his laugh. In my memories he is always old—old and bitter. I swallow, blinking the ghost out of my eyes as I sit up straighter. I do not know if I will make a better king, but gods, I hope I make a better man. 

“Excellent,” Rufus mutters, gathering up the papers. “Excellent, excellent, I’ll deliver these to the envoy and then things can proceed.” He slides from the wooden chair, the table nearly as high as his chest and when he bows his upper half disappears completely. 

“Your majesty,” he says as he re-emerges, “with your leave…” he looks towards the door. 

“Yes, of course, go about your business Rufus.” He starts backing away before the words are even fully out of my mouth, moving so quickly that I am shocked he does not trip. After the door closes we sit in silence, my mother with her eyes on me and me with my eyes on the far wall. 

“You look worried.” 

I snort. “Do I? Oh dear, I hope I don’t start to wrinkle.” 

She smiles, but I can tell she will not be so easily placated. “Edward?” 

“Mother.” 

She arches her brow, she has the incredible ability to look at you so thoroughly you feel your skin has been taken off and your insides entirely exposed. 

I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I rise and move towards the window. It is beautiful today—spring has come and the gardens are in full bloom. How I wish I was out hunting instead of caged up in here signing away my life. 

“The church will not be happy,” I say finally. 

“The church?” my mother responds after a brief pause, “Or Addison?”

���Is there a difference?” 

Another pause. I bring my finger up to the glass and begin to trace along the lines. My family’s crest has been meticulously woven through every inch of the palace, the windows no exception. 

“He agreed to the match,” my mother says finally. 

“Yes, but he will not be pleased that I signed it without him.” 

“No,” and I think I hear the slightest hint of amusement in her voice, “he will not.” 

In the last few years of his life, my father had a change of heart in terms of religion. Since before memory the people of Presado have prayed to the Solistic Church. A religion which believes the world was created by four gods who were masters of the elements. Ignis was always my favourite, the god of fire, who watched over battles and was considered the most clever of the four. I still pray to him, though my father’s laws forbid it. The laws that are now my own. 

The trouble really began with his last campaign in the North where a large clan of nomads have claimed territory. My father dreamed of being a conquerer King, dreamed of reclaiming the deserted northern territories from the barbarians. But this turned out to be far more difficult than he expected. 

He returned from the first campaign with only a third of his men, most of whom were injured. Things did not improve from there. After five years of loses and increased violence on the border—for the nomads had begun burning the keeps of the northern lords in retaliation—the nobles pushed back. We’re done, they declared, we will send you no more support, no more troops, no more gold. They were not willing to be wiped out for the sake of one man’s glory. Even if that man was the king. 

My father responded in the only way he knew how—with violence. Executions. Most heavily levied in the North, for they were the loudest denouncers of the war, being the ones closest to the fighting. There was peace with the nomads before, the would argue, can we not return to that? So, of course, my father hung their commanders, their sons, and, sometimes, the lords themselves. In truth, we were on the brink of a civil war when Addison appeared. No one is quite sure where he came from, there had been whispers for a few years about a counter religion but no one put much store in it. Then one day he was here, at my father’s side. He promised men and money, all he wanted in return was a reformation. My father agreed. After all, what had the old gods done for him?

“Edward?” 

I jump at the sound of my name, but I don’t turn around. My fingers still pressed to the glass in front of me, through the coloured panes I can just make out the green grass and manicured trees. 

“Mother.” 

I know the face she’s making even without looking at her. Calm, refined, but with worry in her eyes. And sadness. I sometimes wonder if he put that there, my father, if before him she was all light. I hope that now that he’s gone she will be again. 

“You cannot solve all the worlds problems in a single afternoon my son.” 

I nod as I hear her rise, feel her hand squeeze my shoulder as she passes by on her way to the door. 

“I’m not trying to solve the world’s problems,” I say as I hear it close, “just ours.” 

[on-the-syed]

Spring Hues (4/16/25)

this one was painted for my dear partner tech's birthday. i kinda... waited way too long to start... but we clutched and got it done and that's all that matters. i have a few drafts and wips from along the way.

this was the very first scribble! i decided to draw a scene based on our most recent venture to the cherry blossom festival. it's SO pretty and smells sooo nice. it makes me happy to see so many different people from different countries and cultures enjoying nature like that. next year i should tally how many different languages i hear... that'd be cool. anyway:

at this point the only real color ideas i had were the green sky, tree, and the vague purple/blue blobs in the background there. the colors on the characters were added pretty arbitrarily and don't really mesh but that doesn't matter at this point. these days i find color to be the driving force for whether or not i finish a piece: if i don't have any good palette ideas it's reaaallyy hard to get things moving.

then i had two other thoughts: this year, we went to the festival at dusk and got to see the paper lanterns lit up. plus, the darker blue/green is tech's favorite color (especially when paired with pink) so i wanted to play with that more. i found this layer with the darker sky but it was quickly reworked. it's too yellow and de-saturated here.

alternate tree base color. the warmer pinks and orange tied the sky in better, in both the daylight and dusk drafts.

tying down a more final palette.the blobs on the right were my basis for tech's fav colors so i tried to play off of those. i also wanted to add kind of weird and different for the colors, so having the yellow sunset behind those aforementioned blue/purple blobs sounded fun. cool contrast. i kind of like how rough and primitive the buildings look in this one. i was also excited to do that painterly effect around the street lamp to indicate it's lit, but i just didn't have time to work it in properly. i also felt the characters were a bit too pink at this point.

around this point i also did a more structured sketch of the characters. i didn't really know how to intertwine their hands but i think this pose is cute, almost makes it look like they're mid conversation about something...

toning down the pink shading. i wanted the green/grey/blue shadows pulled from the sky (you can see a similar tone i worked from on the right again).

around this time i merged things and started to paint. this snippet is one of my favorites as far as palettes go; it just feels a lot different from what i might normally choose so it's interesting. i keep imagining the yellow as a goopy paint and i wanna eat it

RIP snuffer and sye: tree time! i think my lazy scribble rendering suits bark alright

(this is a flipped screen shot) rendering the sky and tree. i like slapping a few random accent colors into cloud scenes like this, but as i worked on the tree it just.. didn't look right. too busy, i guess? something about the tree colors were starting to not vibe with me too. i tried using a premade brush on the blossoms to save some time but it took more effort than it was worth and just didn't work with the rest of the painting style. go go gadget: 3 hours of boring blobby shape painting. i was worried about the tree looking too flat as well but once i added the branches poking out it felt better

more of the same. the sky continued to gnaw on me.

i recorded most of the rendering after the color tie-down (included below), and while rewatching i noticed that the simple early sky looked WAY better. so i painted a similar deal here. i also added stars poking through to say "hey this is at dusk btw it's almost night time". it was a nice way to pull in some of the pinks and greens from further down in the painting. it was also a good excuse to use pure white somewhere in the piece (the sparkly big stars). a little personal challenge i like to do is include pure black/white in drawings whenever i can, out of spite for the years spent not doing that. lukewarm art advice on the internet were engraved in younger me's brain and it led to the UGLIEST colors of all time for years. so doing that, plus throwing on whatever bright, weird colors i feel like, is kind of fun to explore now. i used pure black on the tree bark, for those keeping score at home

played around with color correcting the blossoms. the orange here does work better with the sky colors but it felt a little too orange. this process was very annoying because most everything was on one layer, and i already had to painstakingly paint around the tree to fix the sky.

more troubleshooting. this did prove to me that the original colors (left) needed to be toned down a bit. you can also see some of the foliage being rendered too: this is probably the part of the piece i'm most disappointed with. i wanted to properly draw more realistic plants and had even gathered a bunch of refs, but i just didn't have the time. the abstract shape-y plants are fine, but not what i really wanted going into this one.

beginning to render the characters. i HATED painting the bricks in this one. i just didn't have any great ideas for the colors and considered just lining it but could get it working. i tried giving it a slightly gritter texture. good enough. i also wanted to do more for the sidewalk but again, no time.

i ended up using the second draft colors for these guys much more than i expected. no time! i was doing this part an hour before bedtime the day before his bday! ahhhhhhhh!!!!! i had to finish it while clocked in and working the day of!

aaaand the final. i REALLY had to skimp on some details which i'm still bummed about. i just need to plan and time things better next time, but i did still have a few things i liked on it so it's okay. plus he liked it and that's what's important!

aaand here is a recording of the painting process. my favorite parts of the piece are colors (specifically the yellow sunset with the cityscape). my biggest let-downs are the lack of detailed plants and the rushed rendering on the characters. i really wanted to slap more color and detail on them but alas... i did learn some things so i'll take it :)

[hunnismokah]

i LOVE your priest!sanji content soooo much (i’m going insane i cannot stop thinking about it) and was wondering if it would be okay if i wrote something inspired from your post(s)?

YES YEA YES YES YES 100%%% yea yes yes yes yes yea yea yes ye shs he sys ahs ye sye sysb est wat THANK YOU

also let this be for everyone who asks the same thing YES 100% I WANT TO SEE EVERYTHING YOU CREATE THAT WAS INSPIRED BY SOMETHING I DID IM BLOWN AWAY THAT YOU WANT TO DO THAT I FEEL SO HONORED PLEASE TAG ME

[siren-amung-the-mermaids]

The secret history found - the siren spiral and a clue discovered

Beyond the reef was a drop off of the endless voided ocean, a darkness accompanied by the distant fin-lights of Siren eel-sharks. They look across the ocean with an aura of danger, whose stare would challenge any who met its silver eye.

Alone, Sye swam in the darkness of it, keeping his fins dimmed. He was unsure of the looming creatures real nature, having heard one hum a tune that almost forced a sense of virtigo.

The beast could best him easily, swallow him whole and leave no evidence behind. Why embark? Was his isolation so fierce between his connection of the land walkers that he would seek the company of something he was taught to fear?

The sea land was scattered broken rocks, the jagged remains of a lost timeline, and whatever vegetation that clung to it. The light sprinkled across the depths sands, its eyes piercing the water just as bright as the lights on its fins.

It turned to Sye unexpectedly, despite his stillness in the darkness. The aura of horror gradually faded, and his scales settled against his skin. It turned and swam, pausing to glance back at him, as if waiting for him to follow. So he did, with distance of course.

The melody it sang caused a tremor in the water, a hush causing the sand below it to stir. The same as before, content and willful. It paused facing a plate of stone leaning broken in the ground. Sye had to close his cautious following distance to see more, and it was etched in claw scars, deep and precise, unlike any reckless fit of destruction.

The proof lay in stone before him. His claws were not unique, as there were many before him that carved this wall. He traced the etchings with each talon, until, almost by accident, it fit in a locked place. An unfamiliar feeling struck through him like a trident, quickly paralyzing him through his hand in cold ice.

A song's lyrics sang chords through his ears, but he couldn't comprehend it. He could feel the tone, like imprinted emotions in the memory. It sang of fear, desperation, he felt its suffering heartache as he tried in vain to tear his claws from the stone, unaware of the spiral beneath the stone that began to glow.

The pang of emotions beat down on him. Grief. Anger. Desperation. Exhaustion. He sank to it, and the stone finally let go with one final message: a renewed hope and one name; Marianna. It echoed through his head with purpose, and the spiral died.

[inbetween-beast-and-man]

💬 - A private correspondence

ENTRY#1080396

So Finlay hows the headache?

well actually doc, wanted to talk with you about that. ever since that blank fucking knocked me out. Ive just been hearing these voices. and seeing these things. I don't know how to explain it really. its kinda overwhelming. you got any meds for that?

mhmmm well she did hit you pretty fucking good. skull fracture and all. I can probably get you something that will help you deal with the swelling which in turn should help lessen the symptoms a bit. but you cant mix it with anything finny.

right right. so this won't be a forever thing then?

no of course not. At least it shouldn't linger no. we checked you over and all. you're fine Finlay. maybe a little shaken up. you're getting too old for the field anyways. why were you there?

Cardinal he eh- asked for some help with this thing under the table and well you saw the rest of it.

uhuh. Cardinal... Otto? ain't he the guy that got put on desk duty like a few weeks back?

yeah but you know how he is

and look where it got you. come on. here take these. max 4 a day. spead em out and keep taking them for at least 2 weeks. it should fix you up. and if the issues linger let me know. ill have you booked for a psych eval. a real one for once.

a real one?

yeah. Id rather not. folk who don't pass get fired. and you know what they do with the people we fire.

They don't come back.

correct. Would rather not.

Thanks Sye.

Course Fin.

[a-dark-sanctuary]

I need all the Travelers in the God au to have at least one scene where they just use their true form and scare the shit out of everyone.

Hikari vs Mugen except it isn't even a battle. It's just Brand finally crushing the Curse he took on and then letting out all his rage against Mugen because how dare he do this in his name. How dare he spill blood for the sake of Conquest and not to bring peace. How dare he. The fight is not a fight. It is judgement and everyone screams for Mugen's head. And who is Brand to deny that? The Earth shakes in fear in his rage.

Arcanette is mocking Temenos and all of a sudden things go insanely bright and you have Aelfric stand before her and tell her she's a fool for thinking she can defeat him. Light always finds a way and just because he's good doesn't mean he's Merciful. He doesn't have to be Merciful to those who twist and manipulate. Light consumes her and burns her from the inside out.

Castti looks upon Timberain and its rain and is eternally grateful for the interventions she's made with her Apothecaries. She's eternally grateful for intervening and making sure they never go down this Nihilistic Path. And then she takes a deep breath and Dohter steps forward to cleanse the rain and waters, walking by the houses to see if her Apothecaries can go to all the houses before walking outside the walls and cleansing those who were unfortunately caught in the crossfire.

Ori is dying at the Fellsun Ruins, realizing last minute that she wants to live and seeing Partitio step forward and apologize. And then she blinks and sees Bifelgan gently telling her that it isn't her time yet and that he's sorry that the world was cruel to her when it should never be. And then she closes her eyes and wakes up at the inn with an Apothecary telling her that a Merchant came by and brought her here at almost impossible speeds and how all they could feel is dread at the idea of their own end. Trade means many things after all.

Harvey laughs at Osvald, saying how he will never be as good as him, and then the moment Elena exits the picture, he feels the Elements crush him. And he sees Alephan walking forward telling him knowledge that he doesn't even know and it's too much and then in a blink he's gone.

Claude marvels at his spawn and how she refused to cut down three of her siblings with her. And then that marvel turns into horror as she steps forward and reveals herself. Aeber is the Prince of Thieves and Treasure and Belongings. And she has decided that her siblings are hers and themselves and no one else's. He wanted a garden? Then rot in it forever. Be undying as your children thrive in your rot and you in turn can not die. A blessing she "borrowed" from Aelfric and Dohter.

Ochette looks to the Lajackel and cries for him and his years. He did not deserve it. The Lajackel looks up and sees Draefendi, the creator of all beasts and nuzzles up to her, comforted by the thought that the god still sees him as himself and not a dark creature. He passes in peace and happiness that the goddess will strike down all those who try to recreate his condition.

Agnea invites Dolcinaea to a dance in private and both of them do dance. They dance in joy and happiness and Dolcinaea turns and sees Sealiteage happy and laughing. And she is in awe by her beauty and voice. And she hears the goddess tell her that she only needs to worry about herself and that her own talents brought her that far. That she used none of her powers to win. That all of it was just what she truly was. If she used her powers then everyone would fall at her feet and give them their everything. There is something comforting and horrifying about that.

TES YE SYE SYSZYEYSYESY YES YES TES TO ALL KF THIS I LOVE THIS

the travelers have all gone through so much they‘ve earned utterly crushing their opponents with divine fury

[wackytheorist]

Thanks for the tag! Sorry for doing this late lmao

who is/are your comfort character(s)?

Hunter from toh and all the eggs on the qsmp.

lighter or matches?

Oooo, a match is an oldie but a goldie

do you leave the window open at night?

For safety purposes, I usually don't unless its absolutely required

which cryptyd being do you believe in

Ghosts

what color are your eyes?

Brown/Amber

why did you do that?

Don't believe them I'm totally innocent <- guilty

hair-ties or scrunchies?

Hair ties!

how many water bottles are in your room right now?

14038208 (2)

which do you prefer, hot coffee or cold coffee?

Hot take but fuck coffee/s/hj

would you slaughter the rich?

No(I'm coming for you elon musk/j)

favorite extracurricular activity?

Reading! :D

what kind of day is it?

Dawn

when was the last time you ate?

9 hours ago(I was sleeping)

do you love the smell of earth after it rains?

YES YE SYES YDEGHY8UDYHEWIFDSBXIURDCBGUIRBEUI

are you a parent? (all answers qualify)

Nope o7

can you drive?

yeah!

are you farsighted or nearsighted?

None of the above

what hair products do you use?

Natural ones!

imagine we’re at a sleepover, would you paint my nails?

Sure :D

do you say soda or pop?

Soda

something you’ve kept since childhood?

My least favorite color is "MaRooN"

what type of person are you?

The relaxed, laidback person who randomly blurts the most unhinged shit imaginable. I wouldn't be so sure about the relaxed, laidback but usually I'm the least "likely to be arrested for throwing a donkey down a river in a bathtub" person in the room. Yeah.

how do you feel about chilly weather?

Lovely when you're indoors, in a cozy blanket reading a tender book, not so lovely when your fighting tooth and bone against frostbite <:

if we were together on a rooftop, what would we be doing?

Chatting about whatever, or playing a board game if it's not too windy!

perfume/body spray or lotion?

Yes

a scenario that you’ve replayed multiple times?

A lot of personal ones

about how many hours of sleep did you get?

On good days 8h, but my average is 6h

do you wear a mask?

My skin is a mask.

how do you like your shower water?

Medium rare.

is there dishes in your room?

Noep

what type of music keeps you grounded?

Idk honestly, a mix of classical and modern probably.

do you have a favorite towel?

Her name is Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way

the last adventure you’ve been on?

Navigating the trenches called "the music industry"/serious joke tone indicator.

is there a song you know every word to by heart?

Most of them are made by me but I loveeeee Cody Fry(I belive that's his name) pieces omg.

how many times have you changed your url?

Once, I used to be Weadhfhrerieo or something similar to that😭😭😭

someone in your life, other than a relative, you’ve known for 10+ years?

3ish friends that I'm still in touch with

a soap bar that smells good?

Yes

do you use lip balm?

My lips keep on cracking due to how dry my home is sooooOoo lip balm is pretty much my life

did you have any snacks today?

Yeah

how do you take your coffee?

Tea

an app you frequently use besides this godforsaken site?

Sometimes I watch yt, sometimes I'm on reddit.

what’s your take on spicy foods?

BEST THING TO EXIST I REPEAT

you get a free pass to kill anyone, who is it?

Double it and give it to the next person

can you remember what happened yesterday?

I became a fairy

favorite holiday film?

Home alone

when did you first try an alcohol beverage?

19

can i tag you in random stuff?

Be my guest :D

here’s weirder asks

who is/are your comfort character(s)?

lighter or matches?

do you leave the window open at night?

which cryptyd being do you believe in?

what color are your eyes?

why did you do that?

hair-ties or scrunchies?

how many water bottles are in your room right now?

which do you prefer, hot coffee or cold coffee?

would you slaughter the rich?

favorite extracurricular activity?

what kind of day is it?

when was the last time you ate?

do you love the smell of earth after it rains?

are you a parent? (all answers qualify)

can you drive?

are you farsighted or nearsighted?

what hair products do you use?

imagine we’re at a sleepover, would you paint my nails?

do you say soda or pop?

something you’ve kept since childhood?

what type of person are you?

how do you feel about chilly weather?

if we were together on a rooftop, what would we be doing?

perfume/body spray or lotion?

a scenario that you’ve replayed multiple times?

about how many hours of sleep did you get?

do you wear a mask?

how do you like your shower water?

is there dishes in your room?

what type of music keeps you grounded?

do you have a favorite towel?

the last adventure you’ve been on?

is there a song you know every word to by heart?

what’s your timezone?

how many times have you changed your url?

someone in your life, other than a relative, you’ve known for 10+ years?

a soap bar that smells good?

do you use lip balm?

did you have any snacks today?

how do you take your coffee?

an app you frequently use besides this godforsaken site?

what’s your take on spicy foods?

you get a free pass to kill anyone, who is it?

can you remember what happened yesterday?

favorite holiday film?

what was the last message you sent?

when did you first try an alcohol beverage?

can you skip rocks?

can i tag you in random stuff?

[heaveniowa]

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ✸⭑✦✶⭑✷⭑✹

[peppermintstarsonamintyway]

Im starting to think that it would be more possible (and more chaotic) to make this little paralel universe have a chance from the idea I say yesterday because of timeline reassons

Why? Simple

Grape Ade probably has been working with the CoD before the BTS event. Since I made her an actual costume for the B.A.D.4, it makes canon she was part of the squad and probably living, or, soon to live with them when this hapened. Meaning that when Eclair hired her for the stealling objects, she was already formal member and probably did it as a question since sye had some free days and wanted some extra money.

Why?

Because maybe Pomegranate find out about her little plan. Maybe she told Dark Enchantress. And maybe they told her that well... The was something the CoD also wanted from those ruins.

Yes, she is going for the artifacts. Abd also the CoD told her to search for golden cheese soul-jam. Thinking it could be lost somewhere in the sand.

Oooo! Yeah that does make sense!

[azlovesem]

Yo know what i hate. Ha ha ha i forget. Oh yeah people who cant admit they were bested or did something wrong. Then thry get emotional because thete were deadly vobsequences Mula and morr to come. Dont tey and tell no idiot nptho hs theyre fault. It is. Anyone wgo tried to help ir took from me ot didnt help at all. My troops will kill them all Mila. Ahh except her. But she can watch ne in actuon shes a bigger girl now. Just i hope she doesnt thonk dhes bad i am thats why. Syes a good gotl but even they fuck up with me. Nobodies good. Thos eotkds fucked girl. Ha ha ga to ke its funny. And anyone i killed their dpuls seve me now. For me to free them invluding kyle. Amends must be made. Or thos war wages for 2000 more years. Uiull never make it anywhete vlose to that ll g do ill never be back.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

[casspurrjoybell-27]

In a Heartbeat - Chapter 2 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

Simon

Mornings like this was exhausting and the feeling of hot water helped my body relax and de-stress from the troubling afterthoughts and make me feel less cold.

I watched as the steam fogged up the mirror and glass and the bath water turned faint reddish-brown.

There was something comforting and soothing of standing in the shower and letting it just wash away all the dirt, sweat and in this caked blood, down the drain.

I grabbed the soap bar and began scrubbing the dried blood, being delicate with the newer scar tissue and scabs.

I watched as it all swirl down the drain, wishing it could take away everything else associated with these memories. 

After a while of cleaning the bathtub and clearing my head, I dried off, reaching for the clothes Aspen left out.

The shirt and pants were much easier to put on than taking off the wet shirt from before.  

Before the steam cleared and I could see how much of a wreck I probably looked in the bathroom mirror, I stepped out into the hallway, dreading to see Aspen and Cedar there.

Aspen was obviously mad at me and Cedar, well not mad at me, probably was mortified at what he saw this morning.

I slowly made my way to the living room, gluing my eyes to the ground as I walked into their view.

Slowly I raised my gaze.

Aspen had his arms crossed, a hand covering Cedar's, shooting daggers at me as he tapped his foot.

Before I could think of fleeing, I looked to Cedar, who sat there with his knees to his chest, his lip looked as if he had been chewing it in nervousness.

I gave him a small smile and he hid his face behind his knees.

This was a new look.

Cedar never shied away from me, in fact, he'd usually come running right into my arms and squeeze my torso extra tight and call me 'Sye' no matter how annoyingly clingy he got, he never was this quiet and timid.

It was unlike him and a part of me felt like I had just ruined this kids life.

I frowned then looked toward Aspen, who was still glaring at me.

"Aspen, can we talk?"

He hesitated before giving Cedar's hand a squeeze and moving toward the kitchen. 

"Look, I'm sorry. I can't control these nightmares, you know that and I know that it's hard on the both of you, having to deal with this. I know that you're disappointed and that it's such an inconvenience, so I was thinking that maybe..."

"Go on," he interjected, narrowing his eyes.

"Maybe I should just leave. This... "

I jutted my arms out.

"This isn't for Cedar to see and deal with. You shouldn't have to clean my mess up either."

He stepped away from the kitchen counter and right up into my face. His blue-gray eyes bored into mine.

"No, what you need is help, Simon. Professional help."

"With what money?" I countered.

As much as I hated how this argument was going, I wanted to keep going.

I wanted to get angry at him.

Even though it wasn't anything particular, Aspen was getting on my case again, like I hadn't already had this conversation with him before.

He scowled.

"Like you can afford a place if you were to leave. We barely make enough for this dingy motel."

"I could just do what I did before, the pay is good and I won't be in your way..."

"And that's safer than getting an actual job?" he chuckled.

"You're ridiculous if you think I'll let you do that again."

"I won't bring them over, I'd just go over to their place or whatever, you won't have to see me as often either."

Aspen gripped my wrists not so gently.

"Cause that's safer. That's not going to change anything and it's not going to help you."

"Like I don't know that. Vince does the same shit with others. What difference does it make if I do the same? You were the very one that said we needed the money."

He scoffed, pushing my wrists away from him.

"Wow, I didn't know I was raising another fucking child."

That struck a chord and I shoved him back.

It angered me more than it probably should have but I was so tired of dealing with that disappointed look of his.

I stepped out of that kitchen and proceeded to the front door.

In my peripheral vision, I could see Cedar look up in confusion, fear still in his eyes, as I turned the knob and stepped out.

For a brief second I thought I had heard him say something to me but it was drowned out with the sound of me slamming the door shut and stomping away.

[thewingedbaron]

Feb Fics Day Two!

Waking Up on the Ravaged Beach

Summery: Tav (Alyss) wakes up on the ravaged beach trying to figure out what just happened to her, and what to do next.

Minor Trigger Warning for body horror.

So happy to be back for day two! Read below or find me over on Ao3 here!

Alyss groaned and rolled over, praying silently that the nightmare was over. She reached out with a hand, feeling for the coarse hairs of Dashnuer’s mane. Instead, she found only sand. Flashes of the past day rolled behind her eyelids. The Gate. Rivington. A flying ship. Then, a pod. Hell. Strange creatures with purple, fleshy skin and tentacle beards. In her mind;’/s eye, she saw a tadpole, wriggling its way up her cheek. She watched in growing horror as it neared her eye and began burrowing into the small gap between orb and socket. 

Alyss woke up screaming. Adrenaline pushed her to her feet, her hands thrown up as if to ward off an attack. Yet there were no devils here, nor fleshy, purple figures dangling tadpoles from their hooked fingers. Her memories returned in a trickle, shattered fragments of scenes racing across the front of her mind. Her pod. A fight aboard a flying ship. Falling. Falling. And… darkness. Alyss shook her head. How had she landed in this nightmare? Her body ached as if she had been run over by a carriage, but even that was dulled by the sharp pain behind her left eye. As the thought crossed her mind, something in her skull moved. Wriggled. Oh gods the tadpole was real. All of this was real. Nausea ticked Alyss’ throat. There was a tadpole behind her eye. The ship had crashed. She had fallen and she… she… she was alive? 

Alyss dropped to her knees in the sand, taking in her surroundings for the first time. The ship had crashed nearly on top of her, its ruins lay strewn about the beach and beyond. Her stolen crossbow lay in the sand nearby. Alyss grabbed it, thankful for something solid to hold on to. For long moments, she sat on the beach, crossbow clutched to her chest like a lifeline as she fought down the urge to vomit and forced long, steady breaths through her lungs. Slowly, her resolve began to settle. She was alive. She was armed. She could work with that. She had no idea where in the Hells she was, but it appeared to be on the material plane. She could work with that too. The wilds were her specialty after all. Alyss dragged herself back to her feet. 

First, look for survivors, she thought. The last thing she needed was to be found by one of those creatures with her guard down. Illithids, her mind provided. How did she know that? The tadpole shifted again, nearly spilling whatever was left in Alyss’ stomach all over the beach. That, she decided, was a problem for later. She could find a healer after she figures out where she was. 

A glint of metal caught her sye a little ways down the beach. After a moment of squinting, she was certain there was a body there. That’s where I’ll start, she thought. One foot after the other. 

On unsteady legs, Alyss began to make her way down the beach.