#’emotionless doll’ not true but okay be ignorant

[givelightningherharem]

duuude it bugs me so much that people are somehow still convinced that lightning is just a female cloud even tho they have completely different backstories and motivations. every time ive seen anyone make that argument they always intentionally misinterpret both lightnings and clouds stories just to justify shitting on ffxiii and its SUPER annoying to see as a fan of both xiii and vii asjfdfg

Smth I’ve noticed about people who’ve made that argument as well is that almost all of them never played ffxiii or they dropped the game super early that they never got to see Lightning’s character development. So they mostly just say that to hop on the “hate ffxiii/hate lightning” bandwagon, or just so they can make their bias seem superior.

But smth for both Cloud and Lightning that I’ve seen that bugs me, is people calling them emo. Cloud and Lightning are the farthest from that. Starting with Cloud, since I’ve never played the og 7, and my only Cloud experiences that don’t involve remakes are advent children and crisis core(which cloud definitely ISNT emo in, he’s bby in that game) my main Cloud experience comes from myself playing the remake.

I have yet to finish that game, but the vibe I get from Cloud is that he’s definitely p shut off. But he’s just as awkward and as passionate about things when need be. Of all things to call Cloud, emo personally isn’t what I’d use, but that’s just me 😭😭 he’s gone through shit, and that’s affected him, but he’s not as stone cold as people would make him out to be.

Lightning is the same as Cloud in the fact that she’s also had it rough. Growing up and all that. Before talking about the main events in the game, in flashbacks, and in the novel, Lightning seems to be very genuine and in tune with certain people she knows. Her thoughts are definitely very loud and expressive too.

In the game, when meeting the rest of the characters, Lightning is shut off, but it’s justified when given the situation, and these are strangers after all. She has her own agenda, and having more people with her is just a obstacle. Losing Serah makes her more,,,destructive. Not to mention becoming a l’cie herself, Lightning’s attitude is justified in a sense, even tho she does wrongfully lash out often.

But her character development does come much sooner than one would think. Starting with with Hope onwards you can see Lightning open up so much, accepting these strangers and Snow as allies, and eventually as a family. She’s much warmer , much more talkative, she even has her moments of humor. I don’t see people talk about her development enough. It irks me whenever I see people portray Lightning as this permanently angry individual, who hates everyone and everything ((and who wants Snow to die. She doesn’t. He just annoyed the hell out of her at first, but Lightning never genuinely wished death upon him, what are u people smoking. She comes to accept him and his engagement to Serah, literally as time passes she comes to see him as a brother.)) and that don’t take into account that that isn’t how she is. She grows stronger, is more in tune with herself, and becomes the perfect leader for the group.

So sure, one could say Lightning and Cloud ARE similar in a sense that they’ve both gone through tough shit (what final fantasy protag HASNT gone through tough times tho??) and stretch it out a bit by adding they were both a soldier at one point. But you’re grasping straws by immediately chucking them into the “emo” category and calling it a day, because now you’re completely disregarding their development and the way their characters are written.

[seiyasabi]

Intolerable

( This is a Yandere Endeavor x Cute Female Reader fic! 

TW: Enji is lowkey (highkey) creepy, v handsy, age gap, kidnapping!, no actual sex, kinda uncomfy vibe, he gets mad, mentions of self consciousness, punishment!, spanking!, calls himself daddy  etc.. 

I hope you have a happy holiday! I’m sorry if this is too short or not what you wanted! Feel free the reach out (the anon) if you want something else because of that :)) )

“-There,” Enji’s large hands fix your collar in the mirror in front of you, before he leans down to your height, face next to your ear, “Don’t you look precious?” You try to stop yourself from frowning, but it’s hard to do so. 

He’d forced you into one of his dress shirts, one of his ties done perfectly around your neck, along with short shorts, knee high lettuce ribbed socks, and platform Mary Jane shoes. It would’ve been a cute outfit, if it weren’t for the very apparent bulge being pressed against your mid back. 

“Thank you, it’s a very nice outfit,” You subtly move yourself away from his warm, hulking body, and stare down at your shiny shoes. Your dress shirt clad hands are clasped together, as you try to stop yourself from crying. 

Enji kidnapped you two weeks prior from your townhouse, after seeing you at a charity fashion event. You’re considered an online influencer, due to your ‘kawaii’ street fashion. You’d wear cute outfits, like the one he forced you into today, and had a cafe with a cute aesthetic. Because of this, the hero agency asked you to partner up with a hero to do the fashion charity event, and you were excited to do your part. But, unfortunately for you, you were partnered up with the number 1 hero, Endeavor. 

He’d started out cold and harsh, considering you go be an insignificant bug under his shoe. In his mind, he’d viewed you as some annoying, self righteous, useless, Instagram-famous bitch who’s done nothing for the world. He also believed that you were some slut who sold your body to any man who asked, because, I mean, ‘if woman show body, she ask for it!’ He’d even said that straight to your face! He believed this for the entire first week that the two of you designed outfits, and he would’ve continued to do so, if he didn’t do some deeper digging. 

He had ordered an employee to look deep into your history, which ended up unveiling your true personality. 

The clothes you modelled were from small companies, all of which you paid for and promoted, without them reaching out to you. 

All the food places you promoted were of your own volition, and you always tip an ample amount. 

All of your employees are paid above minimum wage. 

You donate a lot of money to charity, that’s why you live in such a small place, considering the fact that you make above six figures. 

These facts immediately piqued his attention. I mean, who could possibly pass up a cutie like you? Your appearance and personality match up to each other, and it makes his heart flutter. 

So, he tried to crank up the charm, but it was seemingly too late. 

You continued to work with him, yes, but your sunny disposition was quickly replaced by an emotionless and serious facade. At one time, you were honoured to be chosen to work with the Number 1 Hero, but now you understand that the rumours were true; Endeavor is a terrible person. You have no doubt that he abused his family, no matter how hard he tries to deny it. 

You ignoring and distancing yourself from him was seemingly the straw that broke the camel's back, because here you are; miserable. 

“I knew you’d like it,” a large hand ghosts over your left hip, a pervers smirk gracing his lips, “But, today is about Daddy, and Daddy suddenly wants to see you in some lace. Be a good doll, and strip for me, okay? Daddy will be right back,” Enji suddenly pulls away from you, and stalks towards the large walk in closet to search for an ‘appropriate’ outfit. 

Finally allowing a frown to grace your pretty features, you turn away from the closet. For someone that’s so smart and domineering, he sure plays dress up with you a lot. The two of you are supposed to go to a meet up with his fellow hero friend and his ‘darling’ at a fancy mall. So, for the past hour and a half he’s been forcing you in and out of different outfits at a lightning fast pace. 

Unenthusiastically undoing the tie, you throw off your shirt and shorts, leaving you only in your underwear, socks, and shoes. 

The pink, frilly thong you have on makes your ass look great, and the matching bra makes your breasts look one size bigger than normal. If it weren’t for your circumstances, you would’ve been happy with your new wardrobe. 

Your thoughts are stopped short when Enji makes his unwanted reappearance. He lays his new outfit in front of you, and the sight of it makes you physically flinch. The sheer lace bodysuit looks similar to a corset, but it does nothing to cover your breasts, calling for you to go bra-less. It looks more like lingerie than an actual blouse, considering the fact that both tits are going to be out for everyone to see. And, if that wasn’t enough, the short school girl skirt makes you even more uncomfortable. All in all, the top and bottom go with the socks and shoes you currently have on, but it does nothing to cover… anything. 

“Uhm, do I-do I have to wear this? Isn’t it a bit too revealing?” You look up at him with pleading eyes, but that doesn’t stop an annoyed look to cross his features. 

“That’s the point, Darling. I’m trying to show off my cute, good girl. Don’t you want to be cute and good? I’m sure you do. Now, take off your cute bra, and put on your pretty, new outfit,” He taps the bottom of your back, trying to urge you forward. 

You swallow harshly, and, with trembling hands, reach back to undo your boob-trapper. Your breasts jiggle with the momentum of it unclasping, but you’re finally able to breathe properly. Grabbing the bodysuit, you put it on one leg at a time, before sliding it up your torso. Once past your breasts, you put your arms through the skinny straps, and smooth it down. Looking in the mirror, you can agree that you look great, but your very visible tits make you blush in shame. 

“Put on your skirt, pretty girl. I want to see you in the full thing,” You solemnly nod, before unzipping the side of the skirt, and pulling it up around your waist. Zipping it up, you cross your arms across your chest in embarrassment. 

“I-my-uhm-my breasts are out. There will be people, and they might look-“ 

“Shh, you’ll be fine. You look so pretty, (Your Name), my pretty, little thing. Let them look, they’ll be jealous of your beauty,” He kisses the top of your head, his hands massaging your hips greedily. You stand there awkwardly, feeling self conscious. 

“Can I please have one of your jackets? It might be cold-“ 

“It’s 87 Fahrenheit (30 Celsius), you’ll overheat. Now, stop arguing, and let me do your hair and makeup. We need to meet them in two hours-“ 

“Enji!” You cry, tears brimming your eyes, even though you will them away. The last thing you want is for him to treat you like a cry baby, “Please let me cover up! I don’t look good in revealing clothes, I don’t want people to see me like this,” You avert your eyes to the soft carpeted floor, a few tears hitting the floor below you. 

“Are you undermining me?” You can hear how angry he is, making you hunch into yourself, “If I say you look beautiful, you look beautiful. Stop the tears, uncover yourself, and sit on your barstool. We don’t want to be late, do we?” 

“Enji-“

“Do you want to be punished?” You briefly make eye contact with him, making you look down once more. 

“No, but-“ 

“No buts. Do as I say, or be punished,” You fiddle with your hands, trying to calm yourself down. Apparently, you don’t move fast enough, because in the next moment, you’re thrown over Enji’s broad shoulder. He marches you to your bedroom, nudging the door open with his free hand. The walls in your room are a pastel pink, the furniture are white children’s furniture, and there are multiple stuffed animals scattered throughout the room. There’s also a small pile of books, along with a large flatscreen that has a Roku stick, allowing you to watch almost anything (under the child lock) you wish to see, “Look, you’re being so naughty, and now Daddy has to punish you. If you take your punishment well, I’ll still take you out, but if you don’t, you can kiss a day out goodbye.” 

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please don’t punish me!” You know that a somewhat hardcore spanning session is about to occur, making you whimper at the thought of your oncoming pain. 

“How can I not punish you? If I don’t, you won’t learn to be good,” He sits on your twin sized bed, making it creak under his weight. Enji forces you over his knees, your torso leaning against his strong thighs. One of his hands flips your skirt over onto your lower back, the other squeezing the fat of your ass. 

“Please! I promise to be good! People will see my butt under my skirt and see the bruises!” He gives one of your ass cheeks a harsh squeeze, shutting you up immediately. 

“Good. Then they’ll know how disciplined your Daddy is.” 

With that, he begins to swing his hand down, making harsh contact with the skin of your pretty ass. 

[suchalonelysunflower]

All I See (a.i)

Pairing: Ashton Irwin x Plus-size! Fem! Reader

Requested: Yes!

Summary: You are starting to feel insecure and your boyfriend, Ashton, helps you with that.

Warnings: Fluff and a bit of Angst. Some grammatical errors (English is not my first language, sorry)

Word count: 1.3 k (short enough but not enough to be a blurb)

Author’s Note: This sums it up. Remember that Reblogs, Comments, Feedback and Likes are super important and you don’t know how much it helps ❤️ Hope you like it and Happy Reading 🦋✨🌻

My materialist // wanna be part of my tag list?

Anon : Hi lovely! I really love your writing and I was wondering if you could write some pure fluff with Ash and a plus sized girl? Maybe she gets insecure about her body and he makes her feel better 💖 thanks so much and I hope you have a great day!

“Babe!” Ashton called from downstairs as he started walking up to your room “We are still going tonight, right?”

Calum’s sister, Mali-Koa, is celebrating her birthday in a very known club in LA. She invited everyone she knows and even people she’s never met before, it was safe to say that she was going all out tonight.

You smiled at your boyfriend “Of course! Mali will kill us if we decide not to show up” You laughed “Plus, I was just about to start looking for my outfit, if you want to help you can stay”

Ashton smiled softly and walked up to you, placing a small kiss on your lips. It was funny how even though you’ve been together for a long time, every kiss still brought butterflies to your stomach.

He took a seat on the edge of the bed and clapped his hands together, excited about the options you would bring. You giggled at his childlike behavior as you started going through your closet, hoping you’d find the perfect outfit for tonight.

“I was thinking this one,” You said as you pulled out a black long-sleeved dress, it was flowy and soft and it reached just before your knees “with the black heels and-“

“Isn’t it too hot for sleeves?” Ashton interrupted a confused gaze set upon his eyes “Don't get me wrong, doll. I love the dress but I’m not sure you’ll be entirely comfortable in that”

He was right. Warm weather was settling in and you would barely survive in a club filled with sweaty people. If you wear that you would surely regret it immediately afterward.

You sighed “This is the only long-sleeved dress that I have, though”

Ashton noticed the hint of sadness in your voice, making him frown as you put the dress back in your closet and started looking for some shirts.

“What about this?” You asked again, taking a long-winged sleeved top and ignoring Ashton’s gaze “I have the black jeans that go with it, you know? The one that I bought with-”

“Okay, what is going on here?” Ashton finally asked, shaking his head as he tried to understand your reasoning.

You smiled nervously at him, trying to hide the pinch of anxiety that was starting to settle in your chest. “What do you mean?”

Ashton gave you ‘the look’ and you felt a shiver run down your spine. He knew something was up, he always knew and you loved and hated that at the same time.

Ever since you met you felt like he could read you like his favorite book. He knew everything about you, front and back, and now you feel like an idiot for trying to hide something from him, knowing that it wouldn’t have worked either way.

But how can you explain something like this to him? How can you explain a flaw to someone perfect?

Ashton saw the hesitation in your eyes and sighed “I’m not questioning your fashion choices, love. You have amazing taste. But what’s bothering me is that you are choosing every single item of clothing that could work if we were on the other side of the world” He stood up and walked towards you, softly grabbing your hand “You and I both know that you won’t be comfortable in these, even if you say you are and, last time we talked about this you had your eyes set on that beautiful short blue dress you love so much, saying that it was perfect for this occasion. So, tell me what’s wrong, doll. Maybe I could fix it?”

You looked into his hazel eyes, they were honest and with pure intentions, maybe that’s why you couldn’t hold up his gaze and ended up looking down.

“It’s not something you can fix, Ash,” You said with a tiny voice “I just- I don’t want to wear that dress”

“What made you change your mind? I swear that when you wear that dress your whole face glows with happiness” He said, giving you a small smile “But, it’s your choice, baby, and you don’t have to explain it to me if you don’t want to.”

He was about to pull away his hand from yours when he felt you tugged on it harder. Soon, Ashton's eyes found yours and he didn’t like what he saw.

Your glossy eyes were staring back at him, trying their hardest to contain the tears that were about to spill out of them. Without a word you took out the blue dress from the closet and placed it over your body facing the mirror.

“This made me change my mind,” You said, voice almost breaking when you caught your reflection.

You didn’t look at how teary your eyes were or how Ashton was staring at you with a confused and hurt gaze, already understanding what was going on. No, instead you were looking at your arms, your legs, and your tummy, finding every little flaw, every stretch mark, every molecule of fat completely intolerable.

“This dress makes my arms look like tanks, the long sleeves will cover them. My legs will be on display and I don’t want people to see how my thighs become jelly as I walk or sit or dance or -” You took a deep breath, drowning out the knot in your throat “And it will mark my tummy, showing every imperfection at clear sight. It’s not that I don’t want to wear the dress, Ash. It’s just that I can’t. I can’t let people see me like that when I’m feeling like this”

Ashton’s face was emotionless as he stared at your reflection. You could never tell what was going on inside his head, yet you’ve never seen such sad eyes on him.

He couldn’t understand how or why you saw yourself like that, all he sees is you in your most beautiful way, and it breaks his heart to see you cry because you don’t feel like that’s true.

“All I see,” He said, taking a step closer to you and softly rubbing his hands up and down your arms “Are the arms of the strongest person I know, the arms that can hold you in an embrace you never want to get away from”

Soon, he let his touch wander lower, caressing your thigh as he said “Every mark you see is beautiful; they show how human you are. They prove to me that you are real and not just a dream, cause if you were I know I wouldn’t want to wake up anytime soon”

Lastly, he rounded his arms around your torso, hands placed in your tummy as his face rested on your shoulder.

“All I see is you. Perfect, beautiful, strong, hot, and kind are just some adjectives to describe all that you are, and I’m just saying a few because you deserve the whole dictionary. You are beautiful in every way, my love. And it breaks my heart that you don’t see yourself the way that I see you”

You sniffed, lifting your hand to caress his cheek, eyes meeting through the mirror.

“You believe that?”

“It’s not something I believe, doll. It’s something I know”

You smiled through the tears as you brought your lips to his, believing in every word he said. Now you knew that whenever you didn’t love yourself as much, that Ashton will always have enough love for both of you.

“I love you,” He said softly, placing a kiss on your cheek.

“I love you more” You smiled “Now go! I need to change” You said with a laugh as you gripped the blue dress closer to your heart, knowing that everything will be alright.

*

Tags: @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof @mystic-232 @talksoprettyjjx @theshyspy @sarcasticallywitty15 @hoodhoran @flaneurcth @notinthesameguey @myloverboyash @nicebasscalum @bubblegum18

[little-diable]

Hello stranger - Negan (smut)

Man I just love him and writing for him. Enjoy my loves. xxx

“Wrap it up, we’re leaving.”, Negan called as he intensely watched Rick, a devious smirk on the saviors lips, his green eyes were focused on the former cop. “Don’t look at me like that Rick, don’t worry, I’ll miss you too.”, he winked at him and turned towards the vans, whistling his typical tune as he swung Lucille over his shoulder.

“I didn’t really believe the stories it at first, a man called Negan, who walks around with a baseball bat, who also seems to be a true asshole? It sounded a bit sketchy, but it truly reminded me of somebody I knew, somebody from my life, before the apocalypse.”, the voice made him freeze on the spot, he slightly tilted his head to the side, eyebrows furrowed together as he slowly turned towards her, “Hello stranger.”. 

A chuckle escaped him as his eyes found her (y/e/c) ones, he pressed Lucille into Simons hands, strode towards her and wrapped his arms around her. (Y/n) laughed against his skin, squealing as he picked her up, wrapping her legs around his middle, “how the fuck did you even survive?”, he murmured against her forehead, kissing her soft skin. “Oh stop that, as if you thought, that I was dead?”, her eyes were wandering across his face, the all too familiar warmth began to spread through her, it felt surreal, to finally be back in his arms. 

“Come on, follow me, we’ve got some things to talk about.”, he began to walk towards the vans once again, only stopping as “now, why would I follow you?” left her lips. (Y/n) couldn’t quite pin point the expression on his face down to anything specific, “I’m not letting you stay here, (y/n).”, the icy undertone in his voice made her shudder, his expression was hard, emotionless, not giving her any space to argue. 

“I can’t just leave, Negan.”, she didn’t care about the confused bystanders, her heart was still rapidly beating, hands buried in the pockets of her leatherjacket, knowing not to enrage her old friend any further. A groan left Negan, he ran a hand across his face, “I’ll bring you back tomorrow, if that’s what you want.”, a smirk made its way onto her lips, she still knew how to handle him, good. 

Rick grasped her wrist, ignoring the sharp glare Negan shot him, “you shouldn’t trust him, (y/n) he-”, Negan's sarcastic laugh interrupted him, a distressed expression grazed Ricks features, slightly turning his head towards his enemy. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back tomorrow.”, she squeezed his hand, shot him one last smile and walked towards Negan, taking his hand. “Don’t.”, (y/n) pinched his skin, stopping him from embarrassing Rick any further. 

The two of them were riding in one truck, he had to bite down any sarcastic comments, that were about to bubble out of him, knowing that she was in no mood to be messed with. “I missed you, doll.”, Negan smiled at her, eyes momentarily wandering across her face, truly taking her in for the first time, since he had last seen her. “Missed you too.”, she mumbled, trying to control her racing heart, biting down the gasp, that was about to leave her as he placed his hand on her thigh. 

“Welcome to the sanctuary.”, he whistled, fingers interlaced with hers, Negan wasn’t planning on letting go of her anytime soon. He pulled her through the hallways, up the stairs, to his quarters, “is Lucille here?”, her question made him visibly gulp, the grip he had on her hand got tighter. “No, she died a few years ago.”, Negan whispered, fumbling with the handle of his door.

Wordlessly she pulled him in for a hug, hands grasping the fabric of his worn out leatherjacket, her insides were churning, her heart felt heavy, she had loved Lucille, it was hard to process the fact, that she was gone, truly gone. (Y/n) could still remember most of the nights, where she had crashed on Negan and Lucilles couch, head pressed against his chest as she was sleeping upstairs. Even though (y/n)s heart had always been aching for him, she had never crossed the invisible line, never found the strength in her to admit her feelings to him, knowing that she could easily lose Lucilles friendship on the way. 

“It’s alright, still got her with me.”, he patted his baseball bat, the typical Negan-smirk on his lips, he pushed her down on his couch and walked towards his stack of alcohol. “Same as usual?”, his voice got raspier, he was trying to push the old memories, that were about to flood through his mind, away. An approving hum rumbled through her, (y/n) was pulling off her jacket, unlacing her boots, trying to get herself as comfortable as possible. 

Negan placed the glass of whisky down on the coffee table, sat down next to her and pulled her legs onto his lap, this felt like a dream. He had terribly missed her, (y/n) had always been one of his closest friends, his shoulder to cry on, if things with Lucille were about to escalate once again, but she had also been the girl he had been crushing on for the longest time. It felt surreal to be reunited with her, years after he had last seen her, “so, how’s life?”, she casually asked, bit down on her lip, to stop the ridiculous smirk from spreading.

He told her all about the sanctuary, about their rules and his reasons for going against Rick and his community, trying to make her understand, why he was treating them like that. She intensely listened, hanging onto every word, that left his lips, keeping herself from drifting off into another daydream, where she’d think about their past experiences together. “What about you?”, he mindlessly ran his hand up and down her legs, sipping on his drink every now and then, relishing in the feeling of being that close to her. 

“You know, the usual I guess, lost my parents along the way and somehow stumbled across Ricks community a few days ago, desperate for a place, where I could sleep, without having to worry about any nearby walkers.”, a yawn left her lips, followed by a drowsy smile, (y/n) took a hold of his wandering hand, “I truly missed you, Negan.”. He pulled her against his chest, inhaling her scent, trying to remind himself once again, that this was real, she was indeed sitting next to him, he had her back, finally.  

The savior couldn’t keep his hands from wandering underneath her shirt, giving into the feelings, that had been taking up his mind for the longest time, coaxing a small groan out of her. She lifted her head off his chest and grasped the fabric of his red scarf, (y/n)s eyes were hooked onto his green ones, only slightly switching her focus down onto his lips, debating wether or not she should just give into her cravings and kiss him. Negan seemed to make the decision for her as he dipped his head down and lightly pressed his lips against hers, tasting her for the first time ever. 

His stubble was poking her skin, intensifying the new sensation, her hands grasped the back of his neck, keeping him from moving away from her. Negan pulled her onto his lap, deepening the kiss as he pushed his tongue past her lips. She moaned into his mouth, slightly moving her hips against his, feeling the growing bulge in his pants, “shit doll, I’ve pictured this moment so many times.”, he moved his mouth down her jaw, sucked on her skin and slightly bit into the spot underneath her ears. 

“Fuck, me too.”, she could feel the faint beating of her pulse between her thighs, her eyes rolled backwards, (y/n) had to remind herself to breathe, she was put under his spell, wrapped in his embrace. “Bet you’re panties are fucking soaked by now, huh?”, he whispered into her ear, shamelessly cupping her centre, her palms were sweaty, giving into the tingling feeling, that was crashing upon her in waves. 

Negan rose from the sofa, with her wrapped around his body, he pinned her down on his mattress, hands finding their way back to her core. “Please, Negan, touch me.”, she pressed her head into the soft material of his bedding, "on one condition only.”, he stopped his movements, eyes finding hers. 

“You’ll stay.”, (y/n) seemed to snap out of her trance, she firmly placed her hands on his chest and shoved him off her. “You fucking asshole.”, she smirked at him, he hadn’t changed at all, this felt like a big déjà-vu to her, reminding her of the day, where she had told him, that she’d only touch him, if he’d come clean to Lucille, something (y/n) knew he’d never do. 

“Payback’s a bitch, doll.”, he dipped his head down and kissed her, Negan had to taste her, knowing he had her trapped, she’d give into his command in a few moments, only guessing, that she must feel the same way about him. “Fuck.”, she moaned into his mouth, hands holding onto his jacket, “okay”, she nodded her head, trying to convince herself, that this was the right thing to do. “Good choice.”, he kissed down her neck, hands wandering underneath her shirt, exploring her soft skin, up to her boobs, Negan groaned as he noticed, that she wasn’t wearing a bra. 

(Y/n) lifted her head off the mattress, pulled her shirt over her head, exposing her skin to his hungry eyes, her head was spinning, he was touching her, finally, after years of teasing each other. “You’re gorgeous, doll.”, he sucked on her nipples, his beard was roughing up her skin, a burn she’d learn to love in no time. Her own hands were beginning to wander, exploring the unfamiliar territory, up his chest, where she tugged on the fabric of his white shirt, hoping that he’d get the hint. 

“Patience”, he mumbled against her skin, snatching her hands off his chest and pinning them down on the bed, Negan was still showing some love to her chest, admiring her skin, the skin he had wanted to touch numerous times before. Slowly he kissed his way down to her trousers, hands placed on her thighs, crawling closer to her aching heat. 

His eyes found hers as he pressed a kiss to her clothed core, she didn’t need to see his lips, to know that he was smirking at her. Negan finally began to take off some of his own clothes, first the leatherjacket and then his white shirt, (y/n)s eyes were dancing across his skin, desperate to feel his skin against hers. 

Negan unbuttoned her trousers,  whispered a small “up”, for her to lift her hips, helping him pull the fabric down her legs, her panties were soaked through by now, completely ruined by her wetness. “You’re dripping.”, he chuckled against her thighs, slightly biting into the skin, teasing his way up to her core, where he shifted her panties to the side and plunged one finger into her heat, without warning her. “Oh shit, Negan.”, her hands found his hair, tangling themselves in it, trying to keep herself grounded, scared that she’d slip away any time soon. 

He ripped the fabric apart, ignoring the small protests, that left her lips, he added another finger into her heat as he kissed her clit. “Shh”, he whispered, trying to stop her from moving around too much, she hadn’t been touched like this in a long time, (y/n)s mind was racing, trying to stop herself from coming right there and then. Negan seemed to realize, how desperate she was to finally feel him against her, he slowly rose from the bed, tugged off his own trousers and boxers, while he was staring down on her. 

(Y/n) crawled towards him, grasped his throbbing length, only to he pushed backwards by him shortly after. “Relax.”, Negan kissed up her neck, to her lips, he pushed his tongue past her lips as he ran his tip through her folds, coating himself with her slickness. A moan fell from her lips, (y/n) interlaced her fingers with Negan's, her breathing got quicker the moment he finally pushed his length into her heat. 

Negan had his head buried in the crook of her neck, groaning against her skin, she felt good around him, tight, much better than he had ever imagined. She wrapped her legs round his waist, trying to pull him even closer, moaning his name, he completely stretched her, she was able to feel his every vein. 

“Negan, please.”, she needed him to move, to fasten his pace and wreck her, like she had imagined so many times before. He smirked, lifted his head off her skin and began to pound into her, set on a ferocious pace, making her squirm underneath his body. 

“So desperate.”, his eyes wouldn’t leave hers, Negan could tell that she was already close, she probably hadn’t been touched in a long time, thank goodness, otherwise he’d probably feel that small tingle of jealousy rise in his veins. His name fell from her lips, a fire was building up in her abdomen, pushing her closer to the edge with every thrust of his. 

He kept on rolling his hips against hers, (y/n)s walls were clenching around him, “Negan I -”, her first orgasm of the night washed over her, she moaned his name, nails clawing into the skin of his biceps, not noticing the way his eyes were admiring her. Negan felt something coming over him, that he hadn’t had felt in a long time, something that had always connected him with Lucille, love. 

Soon he was pushed over the edge as well, slowing his movement, “you’re perfect”, he whispered as he ran his thumb across her lower lip. (Y/n) smiled at him, ran her hand through his sweaty hair and pulled him in for another kiss. She finally felt at ease, in the arms of the man she had loved for most of her life, excited for what fate had planned for the both of them together. 

[sweetmisschesire]

Pt 2

Maysibelle (mayday)

Mayday is the last fight before eve

So the fight starts with her singing and the brothers blasting their way in

Since they dont have a guitar player they just sort of use some recordings they render to their liking to make up for it

So in their interruption imagine it like the Highway to Hell opera video, only right before the singing of the rock song starts maysibelle stops the music by snapping her fingers

She has both those mannequins neon j made for her and actual people dancing

After she stopped the music the dancers stopped with the human dancers moving off to the side of the ballroom for their own safety

This is the dress she is wearing

And this is the mask

And hair

(She speaks in an aloof, emotionless tone)

“Ah so this is the infamous duo who don’t know their place”

(Z is zuke w is west)

W: and what exactly is our place

“Away from these districts, learning how to play respectable music”

Z: you all need to come off it already, what do you have against rock?

“It boisters itself as superior in music and yet now look at it. Only the talentless dare practice it. “

W: me thinks the lady doth protest too much

“How dare you. Leave, now.”

Z: sorry but not without this district

*laughter* “very well then have at you”

So the video i linked before with the three songs is what plays during her battle

(This is not a fun fight for west, gotta add some humor)

While she sings west and zuke have to dodge the mannequins as they dance towards them as a attack

They find out they’re mannequins when a mask gets knocked of one of them leaving the oulines of pupiless eyes on a blank face

W: mannequins why mannequins?

Z: seriously those things still freak you out?!

W: yes! Especially ones that dance on their own!

They also keep getting hit by something they cant really see

Zuke: what the heck is going on what is even hitting us

W: she’s got nice pipes though, but we can play better

The next phase starts with the second song and after theyve beaten the mannequins, with a head of one being knocked into her mask damaging it

The mannequins are cleared out and some life sized marrionettes drop down

W: it gets worst! Please no dolls.

Her costume in this phase is this (it was under her dress)

And both her and the marrionette dance ballet as she sings

The difference here is the marionettes will lift up and drop down so they have to watch the shadows to see where they land

This is also how they start understanding what’s hitting them

Z: *watches a shadow fly towards his brother and hit him* so that’s what been hitting us? Bro! Watch for all the shadows on the floor, i think that’s what was getting us in the last phase!

W: why am i the one she keeps aiming for?! Lady lay off already!

Z: bigger target?

They cut down the marionettes from their strings leaving them useless with west panicking when one touches him and throwing it at maysibelle, fracturing her mask more

“I’ll get you for that.”

W: you’ve literally been going mostly after me already!

(She changes her costume during the convo, she walks behing a screen and steps out in it)

“As your brother said you are indeed the larger target. And your brother has been far more respectful than you.”

W: hey

Z: she’s kind of right though

The skirt is a bit shorter covering her feet bit easy to move in

No assistance this time though she has fans she throws that are weapons and they still have to dodge the mystery attack

At one point dk west trips over a doll that somehow lands on the floor

W: *screams*

“..... it’s just a doll. And don’t you dare break her.

Z: bro we’ve gotta do something about this fear of yours

The end of this phase after they’ve hit her enough ends with wth west knocking on of her fans back into her mask which is now covered in cracks

“Are you incapable of anything but disrespect?”

W: are you capable of talking like you can feel emotions?

“Perhaps i should hit you harder?”

Z: you are just on fire today bro

W: what she acts and talks like she can’t feel anything

“Emotions are meant to be controlled, it is inappropriate to let others see you in such a state.”

W:...

Z:... what

W: you know you would probably have an easier time telling people how you feel eithout that mask

“Don’t you dare to touch it! I am never to show my face in public!”

Z: okay this is getting a bit uncomfortable

W: what kind of messed up logic is that?

“I don’t expect you to understand his teachings. Nor do i expect you to understand that you two could never power Vinyl City!”

W: says you and every other so called artist. Can’t wait to prove you all wrong

“I’ve had just about enough of you. Since you’ve made it further than i thought capable, allow me to show you my true power. Bask in trance techno opera, all i was ever born to do.”

Z: alright now it’s really uncomfortable

She walks behind another screen and steps out in this

The lights center on her and the brothers can make out this black smoke like mist surrounding her a bit

She moves her hands to the start of her phantom of the opera performance and the mist moves with her

Z: that’s what was hitting us before?!

As she sings she sends out this mist that is basically like energy and they have to dodge it while attacking her

They get to the lull in the song with no singing

Z: whoever you’re doing this for you dont have to

West isnt quite following yet

“Hmm, charming. I do this because i must. But since you seem to love doling out advice, allow me to return the favor.”

“Apologize. She deserves that much from you, and more.”

Zuke is surprised by this and maysibelle gets in a hit as she goes back to singing

W: maybe focus on the fight instead of small talk?

Z: ...

W: seriously she’s just messing with ya

Z: no she’s not. I know exactly who she’s talking about

It takes a lot to get through this fight and maysibelle actually shows some signs of anger and frustration before immediately pushing them down

This is where west starts picking up on something being wrong with her

Towards the end of the song they work their way up to her and zuke manages to push though and smash his drumsticks down

Hebhad been aiming for her microphone but accidentally hit her mask finallt shattering it

The music stops as she screams and drops to her knees covering her face

W: woah man that was a bit much don’t you think? You coulda broker her nose

Z: I don’t think that’s the reason she screamed.

He notices some of the people left are peering over and sees the cameras oving to see her better

Z: *frowning* do you all not know how to respect someone’s privacy?!

They back off a bit startled at him zuke picks up a cloak that came off a mannequin from earlier and drapes it over her

Maysibelle readjusts it so the hood shrouds her face completely she grasps at the shards of her mask trying to put it back together

“can’t let them see can’t let them see can’t let them see”

W: okay what is wrong with-

Z: west don’t. Look i have no idea why you think those things. There’s nothing wrong with your emotions or the way you look

“How would you know? You’ve no experience of them.”

Z: yeah but do you either?

*voice quivers, but still remains emotionless not crying* I don’t remember my face. It’s been so long.”

W: how do you not-

Z: west. Just...why? Why not let yourself feel or show?

“I’m not allowed.”

Zuke moves towards her but she cuts him off

“Leave. I don’t need your pity.”

Z: that’s not what i-

“I said go.”

The two leave her ballroom and she calls out to them still gripping her mask pieces

“Remember to apologize. You owe her so much.”

Interlude

Z: that was super uncomfortable

Kliff appears

“What was uncomfortable?”

West goes to answer but zuke cuts him off

Z: the walk back, the fight was really exauhsting so it was uncomfortable wslk back

West gives he brother a loo and kliff shrugs

“Well good job getting another district. She was gonna beca hard one. Go get some rest we’ll take the last district tomorrow”

As the two leave to their rooms west talks

W: what was that back there?

Z: kliff keeps ignoring me when i mention how bad the nsr artists look and i dont know if you’ve noticed but i listened to some of maysibelle’s fans on the way back

W: and?

Z: they were praising her for staying “proper” during our fight, like they really do expect her to not show emotions and when i asked them about that thry say it’s what they expect of her how she’s always bern this way

Z: west there’s something really wrong with the nsr artists it’s like they’ve been... broken

W:... what did she mean by apologize

Z: it has to do with the last district.

Z: it’s nadia’s district.

This was a long one

Next one will be long too, mainly cause if the last fight with tatiana

I’ve really hurt mayday huh? :D

[suffering-and-happy-about-it]

The Guardian and Saviour (Favored Ones, Part 21.)

Series description: Many things were surely fucked up in the year 2038, but no-one ever told anyone how all of it went down. What happened before a group of people left for Seattle to handle personal matters? Why did one girl refuse to leave all of it be? And why there were so many dead in the end?

Quote for the chapter: “Kill or be killed? What a way to live and to die.” - Shawn James

Part summary: Seattle was just starting to show its true colors to you - the things you were going through were just the begging. It was all going to be worse when you found out that Seattle is in a middle of a war. 

A/N: So... I didn’t know we’re going to spend so much time in Seattle, but at this moment, it seems to last at least eight chapters before we even get to Abby? I mean, that’s a lot. But I want to stay true to the cannon... At least partially.

Warnings: Gore, blood, murder, infected, guns, shooting... Bros... This is going to be gross... And it will be worse than this. 

Word count: 5.6 K

Tagging:   @nemodoren @xxgoldenhour @missdictatorme​​ @peakymarvels​​ @davnwillcome​ @pickleriiick​ @jodiereedus22​ @gladiosamicitias​ @tamkashi​ @eternallyvenus​ @avengerssstuff​ @fangirl-inthe-us​ @avery-miller​ @mikah-writes​ @mad-hatter-98​ @sadiaafrin99​ @flavorishy

Series master list: H E R E

Joel Miller’s playlist for the bonfire occasions: H E R E

Youtube playlists: JACKSON DAYS | SEATTLE DAYS

Seattle, day first - afternoon:

Waking up while your head is dizzy and your body is covered in sticky, warm liquid always feels strange - especially when you can't recall what happened earlier. Naturally, the more you stressed when you realized you're between someone's legs and their palm is covering your mouth. The first instinct was to drag to hand down immediately, so you started to wiggle and jerked around to free yourself because you felt endangered. Soon, you realized you knew material of the jacket you've been tugging on. Joel's thighs tightened around your waist to hold you in place as the man looked behind to corner to see if your awakening attracted some attention.

But soon, it was apparent that the people who Joel heard outside, didn't know about you. So finally, he put his arm down, letting you go. But you didn't move away from him - your eyes got frozen on your jacket covered in the blood. Slowly, you looked around to see the dead animal. It was your fucking horse you've been riding for the last few years you lived in Jackson. Sure, Sadie wasn't your property, but Cat never gave you a different horse than your girl. When you rode out of Jackson, you rode out on Sadie's back. And now, it was dead.

You saw what happened. She ran into a shop window and cut her throat open. But you couldn't recall what had caused it. Slowly, you wanted to stand up, but your stomach turned upside down and you almost fell back on your ass. The man reached out for you and caught your elbow. He put his hands around your face to see what you've been looking like - if you're seemingly alright at least. And you were. But as you slowly gathered consciousness, you noticed a big piece of glass in his upper left arm.

"Are you okay, baby girl?" - The man furrowed at you, smoothing a sweet spot under your eye. - "Do you see me twice, your head spinnin', does somethin' on your body hurt real bad?" - He whispered. Jesus, that guy could be so sweet when he wanted to. And he usually did got sweet around you.

"Just... A slight headache, but I'm fine, I think. What about you? Any other wounds other than this thingy sticking out of your arm?" - You asked back, still trying to remember what even happened back there - there was something that had to happen for Sadie to just run into the glass, right? She didn't panic on her own.

"No, the road blowin' up didn't do a number on me, I swear." - Joel looked at you. Oh, damn, that was what happened. The road under Ellie and Dina blew up - and because you and Joel rode quite back behind them, you were fine. More or less. With a furrow, you walked to the horse saddles and went through it. Your feet were sticking to the floor because of the blood - and Sadie's body was still warm. You couldn't be out for a long time.

"What are you doin'?" - Joel asked and you pointed at his upper arm. - "'s nothin', I swear. We take care of it once we find Dina and Ellie. They took 'em." - The man wanted to stop you just when you took out one of his fresher shirts. His jacket was more or less fine, when you ignored the tear in the sleeve, so that didn't need to be changed. But it was drenched in blood too. No way in fucking hell he would be going after the girls in that state. Your man maybe had the right balls to do so, but he wasn't going anywhere with blood flowing out of his arm.

"You sit your ass down. We'll take care of it and then we head out to search for them. Who took them?" - You asked and waited until he takes the jacket off. For a while, Joel was staring at you with a furrow, but then he sighed and sat down, taking off the jacket so you'd have full access to the wound. It didn't seem to be too drastic or deep, but that didn't mean it was a nice sight. You hoped that Joel would be able to lift his gun at least.

"WLF, I suppose, but I just know it were some strangers." - The man sighed, watching as you just ripper the torn apart sleeve off the shirt to get a good look at his arm. Gently, you pulled the glass out, focusing on being the gentlest you could, but a few grunts left Joel anyway. When that was done, you cleaned it up and waited for the blood flow to stop. There was no time to waste, so you only provided him with quick, yet precise stitches and covered the wound in a few bandages, making sure it's at least cleaned up properly. - "You heard where they're taking them?" - You asked and gave him the other shirt to change into, pulling a few of his and your pieces of underwear and t-shirts out of the bag in case you'd tear some apart or something.

"Yea, some building a mile from here. We should be there quickly. Do you still have the map on you, girl?" - Joel asked back as he buttoned up the shirt. You nodded, pulling it out of a small pocket in your backpack, opening it up. You were both watching it for a moment before Joel pointed in the direction of the downtown - "'kay, so we should be here. And they put them... Here." - He mouthed, looking down on you. You nodded with a furrow, counting the streets.

"How do you know where they took them specifically?" - A whisper left you as you arched your eyebrows, licking your lips. Quickly, you made a small X on the map to remember where Joel pointed. You both put together some basic supplies like ammo, food, and first aid kits for the case of an emergency. - "They weren't exactly quiet 'bout what they were about to do. These people are... Gatherin' supplies to attack some spot near Seattle. Don't know who they are attackin', but that's it. And they put them in one of the hoardin' centers to be sure girls won't try to escape." - The man explained to you. That... Made sense, you guessed. So, this was your first official encounter with the WLFs, huh? They just blow up the road under your asses. You probably weren't even meant to blow up, they prepared the place for someone else - but they took what they could get.

"We're lucky they didn't notice us. We could've been in limbo for hours before they came to check the spot... They probably just noticed Dina and Ellie." - Joel told you again and you had to say that it would make sense. Hunters usually didn't check around their booby traps - the went straight just for the big prize. Sadie rode off the road when Joel lost control over her - she could've run quite far before riding into the glass. - "And 'bout what happened earlier..." - Joel whispered when he put the jacket on, following you outside the building.

"Not now, Joel." - A tired whimper left your lips as you tried to shake the dizziness out of you. Your perception of the reality around was still a bit shaken, but it was slowly getting better and better. But the man didn't seem to want to drop the topic at the moment.

"I want you to know that I will guard you the whole time. At any cost. And even though I'm not an ideal man, I love you." - The man poured his heart out just to meet a wall of a cold stare and emotionless expression. When you said you're not in the mood for this sort of heart to heart talk, you meant it. And Joel had to respect your boundaries. The sight of destruction showed you exactly where the bomb had blown up - and Shimmer was laying there, lifeless as well. Someone had to take everything out of the saddlebags in a hurry. There was no sing of Dina or Ellie ever being there other than two silhouettes of woman bodies printed into the stiffened horse blood.

"Nothing other than Shimmer here." - You told Joel when you inspected the area around the body, hoping Joel knew where you two were going. Every second could cost the girls their lives. There was a while of silence when you walked through Seattle's downtown, trying to find the way to the street. Not even for a second, you let your guard down. Every leaf scratching the road, every drop hitting the ground or just the sounds of corrosion and ruined buildings filling your head. It didn't take too long before you walked to a dead end. - "Fuck..." - You groaned, taking the map out of your backpack to take a look at it. - "The street is right behind it. We need to get through somehow, or walk around the barricade, which can add up hours." - A sigh left you as you noticed that Joel had already left your side. His head was moving as he searched for any possible way - and being the survivor he was, he found what he was searching for. His finger pointed at a hole in the wall which was pretty high up.

"You'll go in and unlock the door for me, okay, doll?" - The man asked you, leaning his back into the wall behind him. Gently, he slapped his thigh and prepared you a small parry space out of his palms. This probably wasn't a good idea, but, what else were you supposed to do? There was no way in hell you'd walk around the city to look for a different way to get to the WLF place. But the house could have some infected inside who would kill you in an instant. The true question was - what other options you had? None. That was the answer. None.

So you nodded, lifting your foot to Joel's palms, catching his shoulders in the process, waiting to be lifted. With that, you caught the old man looking at you. - "What?" - "Just... Open the door for me. No scavaging, if you'd see infected, we'll finish them off together, yea?" - Joel asked which had you nodding against your will. And so, he straightened up, helping you climb through the hole. Yeah, sure, you were caught off guard and surprised with what you've found out about Joel, but... The care he was giving you was making you sure he cares about you a lot.

With a muffled sigh, you slipped into the building, falling straight on your knees because your balance fucked up for a second there. You've stayed silent for a moment to hear if anything has noticed the noises you made, but the house seemed to be silent - until you've heard the silent voices coming from the other building standing to your right hand. - "That was a fucking loud bang, Emily. I'll go to look at what it was." - A man told a woman before you heard first footsteps coming your way. For a second, you panicked, until you saw a big cabinet pushed to cover the door - you could take cover there before the man leaves the building alone. You'd swear that you hadn't breathed so loud ever before. Forcefully, you pushed a hand on your lips to calm down a bit, trembling as a dog kicked into its stomach.

The heavy footsteps were getting closer and closer and you'd swear that you couldn't hear anything but your heartbeat and the blood rushing through your veins. Dina was right - the adrenaline rush was intensive. If Joel wouldn't be waiting behind the door, you most likely would search for your gun or just try to stab him with your knife do defend yourself. But you just pressed your back into the wall more, straightening along the side of the cabinet. Your only luck was that the man didn't go to the back of the room - his flashlight illuminated the floor just a few inches in front of your boots and you tried to hold your breath.

"It's clear here. Let's get done with the crates!" - The man yelled at Emily and the sounds of footsteps started to recede into the silence of the house. When you were sure that he's far away enough, you leaned your shoulder into the door, pushing the cabinet away. Your ears heard it so loudly and clearly - every small sound the wooden floors made, every creek of the cabinet, each of your inhales. But the man or the woman didn't hear you, which made you breathe out when you turned the lock and opened the door for Joel. The man looked visibly agitated, yet as soon as he saw that you're okay with his very own eyes, he let out a long breath. He nodded at you, smoothing your cheek with his palm.

"Can you stop for a second?" - Joel asked you when you made your way throughout most of the ruined and corroded buildings, having a clear sight of the WLFs outside. At least a portion of them. - "If you want another heart-to-heart, I swear to motherfucking God," - "Do you know how to take someone out silently?" - The man whispered back at you, have you completely lost in what he was saying for a minute. When you weren't answering, Joel kneeled, pushing you down as well. - "Listen. It's not as complicated as it seems do be, but if you fuck up any small thing, they know about us, rite? We need to do this simply." - The man slowly pulled your knife out of the holster on your leg, showing you how to grab it.

"Your free hand goes for their mouth. Cover their lips and push your elbow into their shoulder to hold them in one place. Sure, they will be tryin' to wiggle out, but you need to try to get them on the ground, you with me?" - Joel asked, looking you in the eyes. Slowly, you nodded, watching his palms toying around with the knife. - "First, you catch the knife like this," - The man told you and put your fingers around the handle, making sure you're holding it tight. - "And to push it in, lean your palm into the top. Just like when you hammer nails." - His palm moved, showing you what he meant by that. The instructions were too much for you to remember. Of course, Joel noticed the panic in your eyes.

"Listen." - His palms held both your shoulders, his head leaned into your forehead. - "You know most of this. Clickers don't stand a chance against you - but these people have a system and safe words, so you can't let them make any sound. You'll know what to do once you get into it. Stay behind me - see those two?" - Joel pointed with his fingers to show you two WLFs on your right. - "I have the right one, you have the one on the left, 'kay?" - The man asked and gave you the knife back, taking out his knife. He didn't give you a clue when he started to crouch forward, so you followed his lead.

The woman who was showing her back was a human being. But previous experience showed you that she wouldn't waste a second before aiming straight for your head. These maniacs had Ellie and Dina cuffed somewhere inside the building - and they even blew up a motherfucking road. They were something like Clickers. It was you, or them. Survival of the fittest... Of sorts.

So when Joel jumped for the guy's neck, you went to grab Emily as well and tried to do as he instructed you to. You put your palm over the woman's lips so only muffled curses and sounds coming out of her filled the surroundings for a moment. She was struggling a lot, almost pushing you to the ground - and in the passion of the moment, you grunted and pushed the knife inside the side of her neck. It was weirdly stiff when it went in, and again, you've listened to Joel's advice, hammering the blade deeper in. The body was still twitching when you felt the first drops of blood on your fingers. Soon, as you took the knife out, drops changed into gallons of the liquid. And dear Lord, did you want to throw up at the moment. The liquid was hot and sticky on your skin.

To stay quiet, you slowly lowered down with the weakening body, laying it down on the asphalt. Quickly, you wiped the blade into on your thighs, looking at Joel. His expression was unreadable as he nodded at you. You followed his lead through the ruins of an old office complex - you both tried to stay as quiet as possible, motioning in the direction of any WLF with your eyes or your head.

The man tried to take out as many as he could to protect your consciousness and to stop the incoming remorses - but you took out a few more guys who almost detected you. And soon enough, you heard gunshots - and Ellie's voice screaming some loud curse words. A relaxed sigh came out of you. The girls were alive, so none of it came in vain. Any time you got the courage to kill one of the WLFs, you repeated that you're doing it for them and that it's you or them. As soon as Joel was sure that your way will cross Ellie's, he got in his feet and loaded his revolver. Still following his lead, you pushed the knife back, taking the bow off your back. - "Stay back. Hide if you want." - Joel whispered, putting his hand on the doorknob. Yet your daring grin as your finger stretched the bow chord.

"Move forward. We have people to save here." - You whispered and tugged one arrow out of the quiver, getting it ready. This reminded Joel of Maria and of the day when Baldwin happened - just like then, there were two lives on the line. And you weren't giving up on them. Joel led you through another maze of office rooms until you had a girl on your gunpoint. You almost let the arrow go - but in the last moment, you realized you were looking at Ellie. And when that information clicked inside your brain, your eyes teared up as you walked to her and hugged her.

"Jesus fucking Christ." - Ellie mumbled to your hair, checking your face briefly. Your cheek was bruised - which happened when Sadie rode into the glass, but you seemed to be more or less okay. Quickly, you both hid under a wall. - "What's that on your hands?" - Ellie mumbled and leaned out to check on the situation, seeing Joel and Dina already regrouped in the corridor. There was a long silence, but as she looked at you, she saw the numb expression you had on your face. Which told her not to ask more questions.

The escape from the building was hasty, you barely got a moment to take a breath. But when you did, and there was no possibility WLF could follow you, Joel barricaded the door and you fell flat on your knees and tried to puke. But nothing came out of your lips. Ellie was mumbling about some letter she found in some boy's pocket, but Dina wasn't listening to her. She kneeled, helping you back on your feet. - "Breathe for me, come on. In and out. In and out. Just like that, baby, yeah. You did well." - The girl caught your cheeks to her palms, smiling at you. - "If there wasn't for you and Joel, Ellie and I would have died." - She mumbled, kissing your forehead. Ellie followed Dina and kneeled next to you, smoothing your upper arm. - "She's right. You saved our asses. Both of you." - Joel was standing a bit away from you, watching the whole situation. He'd expect that you'd freak out after killing the woman, but you got into it pretty fast.

What was strange was that now you weren't that bothered. The remorse wasn't as deep as it was before, which was almost scaring you more than killing someone. Was your consciousness getting numb to taking someone else's life? That was too fast. No. Maybe it was the rest of the adrenaline flowing through your veins, making your hands shake and stomach contract. But... It wasn't as bad as before.

"You good now?" - Ellie asked when you sat on your ass, waiting before you nodded with an exhale. Quickly, you stretched the back of your next before letting Dina pulling you up on your knees. - "'kay. You still have that map with you?" - The girl asked and pulled out the letter again, showing you a picture of some random girl. Dina chuckled upon seeing that photograph, whistling nastily. - "What? She's hot." - The girl grinned and showed you a photo with her name. Some Leah or who the fuck that was.

"She's with them." - Ellie mumbled from reading the letter and looking at the map. At that, Dina looked at the photograph once more. - "Well, fuck her too then." - Ellie gave the photo back to Ellie as you watched the girls talking about the map and the letter. Slowly, you licked your lips and walked to Joel, smoothing his shoulder, checking on him. Only that alone made him smile at you, kissing the top of your head as he pulled you closer.

"The TV station. It's here, behind the tall buildings. Does anyone see tall buildings?" - Ellie turned her head back at you. To look around, you both turned your heads from the collapsed wall, but Dina was already pointing back to the downtown. The redhead snickered, nodding at that. And so, you were set on your way once again. You were walking through Seattle at a fairly fast pace - there were for of you, so you could overcome barriers easily. With meeting some infected and one small group of WLFs, it took you two hours before you saw the horse. Some bodies were shot - the blood was fresh and it was mostly the infected laying around. You walked straight to the dead horse, closing your eyes when your fingers graced over the burnt in mark on the animal's thigh - this was Tommy's horse. And the saddlebacks were empty.

Yet when you woke up from the small trance again, Dina was puking on your right hand, having Ellie smoothing her back. - "This isn't too old, so we better stay sharp. Maybe Tommy isn't that far off and maybe we'll meet him inside the TV station." - You looked at the others. Because there was no reason to stop, you continued forward - and the TV station was closer and closer. Oh boy, the road to the building was filled with booby-trapped explosive - one wrong step and you all would end up in pieces. But Joel and Ellie gladly took out the bombs for you, since they had some experience with it already from someone that they called Bill.

In the end, you were all climbing inside the building. First, it seemed that it's just empty... Until you noticed the small puddles of blood on the ground and drops of it on the walls. Ellie noticed too and both figured out the same conclusion - someone was there recently. Which was confirmed when you walked to the former TV news studio. Your breath hitched when you watched the scenery. Four people were hanged on cables coming out of the big camera machines. Each of them had their belly sliced, so there was another big puddle of blood under them. - "Did... Did Tommy did this?" - Dina mumbled, watching the dead people. - "No." - Joel mumbled, and just when Ellie was about to ask why is he so sure, he pointed on some form of a ritual symbol drawn from the WLFs' blood.

"This doesn't look like Tommy's work." - Joel assured all of you, still looking at the hanging bodies. This was bestial, brutal almost. Ellie came closer to the scenery, looking at it. - "They said they have some... Kind of a problem here in Seattle." - She told you and Joel when you left the place, searching for where to go next. - "Listen, I didn't hear all of it and I certainly didn't know what these fuckers are talking about, but there's someone called the scars. I've seen a drawing back there, so I tried to draw it." - She said, getting her notebook out for Joel and you. It was some old, black-haired woman inside white flowers, doing some religious mumbo jumbo. - "I have a feeling this is her people's doing." - Ellie put the notebook down and you all got silent again.

As you made your way through the building, there was a lot of fucking stuff on your mind. So, there wasn't only the WLFs in Seattle. There was another group that you didn't encounter yet - some religious motherfuckers, as it seemed. Dear Lord, were these shooting on sight as well? You hoped that at least with these people, you might have a chance to talk it out somehow. That would be just perfect. What you'd stubbled into? It seemed that the WLFs are at war with someone. Which sucked shit in your opinion.

And dear Lord, you found Leah in the next five minutes. She was laying there in a huge puddle of blood, her body was pierced with arrows. Which somehow managed to look even more savage than the ones Joel taught you how to make. - "Jesus, the universe wanted this girl dead, huh?" - Dina mumbled upon watching the dead body while Ellie went straight for the bag. - "Is this the girl who..." - Dina looked at you as you kneeled beside Leah as well. Quickly, you shook your head, watching her. Someone wanted her dead and it was plausible that it could be the religious sect who hanged the people on the lower floor. It was a more probable solution.

"Look at this. Y/N... Can you come here?" - Ellie asked upon finding of ten Polaroid photographs in Leah's bag. There were the people who managed to escape them. And these photos were taken near Jackson. Each of them. Dina looked on the photo as well, stopping Ellie at one particular one of a short-haired woman who was sitting there in a tight winter west, sending the camera a big smile. She was the one who asked you if you're doing okay.

"This one. Jesse, Diego, and I met her just a moment before we found you down there. She wasn't armed and she looked so scared that before any of us rose our guns, she managed to get away." - Dina told you the small backstory. - "If she wasn't with the people who had done... That to you and Tommy, she'd be quite nice." - The black-haired girl assumed, looking the woman's face. Her name was Melanie. Melanie.

For a moment, Ellie went through the other photos. And when you saw their fucking faces fairly close to each other. Both of them were smiling, looking straight into the camera. Ellie was the first to realize who you've been looking on. The corners of your lips started to twitch as your brain searched for any word that would come to mind.

"Owen and Abby." - She whispered when she leaned in to inspect the picture over your shoulder. Gently, her fingers took away the photo, looking at these two fuckers smiling into the camera. She already felt her breath hitching as anger started to cover her consciousness. - "We hunt them down like fucking animals. I promise." - The girl whispered just when you heard sounds coming from the lower floors. The WLFs had arrived after the massacre done by the cultists.

Joel wanted you to stay back for the sake of your mental situation - but you weren't planning on staying back. Seeing Abby smiling, being happy just hours before she massacred you was offending you. It had woken up hatred inside of you.

Each life you took brought up a different set of feelings. You weren't as shaken as you were the day you've met the hunters in the woods with Joel. Sure, you still weren't feeling the greatest about taking someone else's life - but these people were affiliated with Abby. All you were going for was leaving a message for the woman. You were after her and you weren't slowing down. Each of them met her at some point, they had joked around, greeted each other, or ate their food together.

The anger woke up the animalistic side you didn't know you had inside of you - with every stab to the neck, you desired to hear them scream, beg for their lives just to feel the satisfaction growing inside of you. Thank God the more rational side didn't leave you, telling you to cover their mouths properly. And in the end, when the building finally got quiet, you were just standing there and looked at the path of the dead bodies you left behind. This was all Abby's doing. She got inside your head, making you thirst for revenge. The thirst wasn't even that strong until you saw her fucking face again. With a sigh, you massaged your face, taking in a deep breath without realizing that you're smudging the blood all over your cheeks and forehead.

"Are you good, baby girl?" - Joel asked you, making you look at him. Tiredly, you nodded, cleaning the knife on your trousers again. - "We need to leave. Let's go." - The man told all of you, already making his way out of the place.

You hadn't been tired as much ever in your life. Seattle was taking its hold on you - the whole day, ever since you arrived, you hadn't stopped to take at least a shallow breath. Your muscles hurt for a fair amount of time and the more you were walking, the more you were feeling the horse incident taking a hold on you. Again, your stomach was clenching and your head was aching. But you met another group on your way and crossing the former subway track was a living nightmare since it all concentrated there - Jesus, you'd swear you'd never seen so many enemies in one place.

"'kay, we have spores ahead, so keep your masks on." - Joel turned to everyone and in the next minute, each of you adjusted the masks on your faces. Yet this time, Ellie took the role of the group leader on her shoulders again, leading you through the old subway wagons. It was probably for the better there was four of you. Dina was puking a lot, you were feeling as if you'd pass out any minute, Joel had fucked up upper arm and Ellie was just fucking tired. But even if you were all done in a sense, you could still help each other to overcome the barriers. The day way settling down, so you needed that you had to find some safe place where you could rest. As you looked around on the empty wagons, suddenly, one of them collapsed under Ellie.

"I'm coming!" - Dina screamed and ran after he immediately as she saw the some infected ran to her girlfriend laying on her back. Joel first checked on you and then, he helped you down from the steep, wet metal. Dina fired a few rounds, but when you climbed down, she was looking at Ellie in shock. And you saw Joel's eyes widen as well. Soon, you realized why.

Ellie's mask was broken. She was breathing in spores that were everywhere around you. But, weirdly, she wasn't coughing. The words that were said? You couldn't catch one because you were just staring at Ellie taking off her mask - and the sounds of incoming infected were making you unfocused as well. - "I'm immune. I'm immune. Fuck." - Ellie muttered out, holding Dina's palms as you changed the magazine inside your gun and Joel did the same with his revolver rounds.

"Kiddos, y'all need to talk about this later. Can y'all run?" - Joel asked, shooting the first infected on sight to their leg. Each of you nodded, both the girls taking out their guns as well. - "Then run!" - The man yelled at each of you, which turned some switch inside of you again. You still were tired and your thigh muscles were on fire as you ran on escalators and stairs with Dina right behind you, but you couldn't bring yourself to stop. It felt like a miracle when you saw the exit. There was a horde of Runners and Clickers tight behind your fucking ass, you couldn't stop to take at least a short breath. The sounds were getting closer and closer as your body crashed into the security gateway. Just after you ran through it, you fell on the ground and crawled away so the others could come through it as well. All you did was that you put your head down on the ice-cold wet tiles of the subway station floor, closing your eyes.

So, to recapitulate the whole day... Your horses were blown up, you lost and found Ellie and Dina, you killed at least twenty people, found out Ellie was immune and were almost killed by the horde of the infected. Well, when it thrives, it doesn't slow down, does it?

[s-trawberryv-eins]

Details

NOT MY GIF

Inspired by ‘Details’ by Maisie Peters!

Summary: A lovesick Caroline bears witness to the relationship of Bucky Barnes and Isobel Stevens.

Warnings: Minor angst, swearing, Soft!Sam and Soft!Steve, biphobia, alcohol, mentions of sex.

Please read here before reading!

Stark!OC x Bucky Barnes

Stark!OC x Sam Wilson

Stark!OC x Steve Rogers

Word count: 3330

The Caroline Stark Series Masterlist

AVENGERS COMPOUND

UPSTATE NEW YORK

Two hours. For two hours now, the team had sat in the common room getting to know Isobel Stevens. The more Caroline heard, the less she wanted to know. A twenty-something year old surgical resident from Seattle. Moved to New York after her fiance died – she’ll admit, her heart broke hearing that one. Smokes B&H Blue. It’s still unclear to Caroline how that came to be of any importance. No dad, distant mom, and she adores Widows hair, 'it's to die for 'Tasha!’. Stark didn't want to know.

What she did want to know, however, was what the hell had happened between herself and Barnes. Caroline couldn't help the bitterness that ran through her veins. After their ‘chat’ in the lab, they'd avoided each other. Not entirely, no, their living situation didn't allow for that. He’d sat with her when she was in the med bay, he’d been there for herself and the girls after their last mission. But she’d hired FRIDAY to keep constant tabs on him, just to make sure there were no surprises. Their encounters were friendly enough; they'd exchange small talk and they'd smile, and it was fine.

As unattractive as she knew it was, Caroline couldn’t bring herself to warm to his girlfriend. Pretending to get along with the Isobel wasn’t an option she was willing to go with, until she felt a stern pair of eyes glaring at her. The look on Wanda’s face told her she was acting unreasonably, despite the Maximoff girls understanding of her friend’s situation. Plastering on the best fake smile she could manage, Caroline pulled herself away from the edge of the sofa and took a place closer to the rest of the team. Ignoring the looks from Sam and Steve, she laughed along with the rest as if nothing was wrong.

 ONE WEEK LATER

Isobel was delightful, apparently.

“She’s great, Care. You should give her a chance.” The scowl received in response sent Barton running.

“I get it, Caroline. I do. But she isn’t going anywhere. This needs to stop.” Whilst Natasha’s words were true, that didn’t mean Stark wanted to hear them. Staring at the ground, she only nodded, unable to trust herself to hold it together if she looked up at the Black Widow.

It didn’t help matters that Isobel was trying quite a lot with Caroline. It led her to believe Bucky had kept quiet about whatever weird friendship they had. The Stark girl felt bitter and petty and mean, but she couldn't help it. Tight-lipped smiles and brisk conversations were enough for her at the moment.

“I’m not being mean, Sam. I offer her tea and I greet her with a smile. I use my manners and I only ever tell her to shut up in my head.” The soldier’s resolve melted away and he couldn’t help but laugh at her candour.

“Okay, okay.” Pulling the girl in for a hug, she sighed. Before Sam could continue, approaching footsteps could be heard in the distance. Sam's face dropped, and his body tensed.

“On your left.” Steve passed by the pair quickly, leaving Falcon to sprint after him, a string of curses leaving his mouth as he did so.

 THAT EVENING

“Have you had a look?" Wanda, Caroline, Bucky, and Sam all sat around the table in the common room. A film was playing in the background, but it had long since lost their attention.

Rolling her eyes but turning her head anyway to look at the Scarlet Witch, Caroline nodded. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she tapped and scrolled until she found what she was looking for. Handing the device to her friend, she sighed.

“Yes. Her name is Lola. We’ve got a cocktail date in an hour.” Wanda squealed and high-fived Sam who only looked confused.

“Wait, catch me up here?” Leaning in between the two to look at the picture of the girl on her screen, Sam whistled.

“Damn, Care. You got good taste. I didn’t know you were dating anyone.” Blushing furiously, her phone was locked and put away before anymore comments could be made. Sam only laughed, and his eyes landed on the sulky super soldier. If he saw the look of heartache on his friend’s face, he said nothing - much to Barnes’ relief.

“I am going to get ready. No more talk of this." Pointing her finger at the two on the couch, Caroline tried to seem stern and serious, but her smile betrayed her. Wandering out of the room, she fought to control her breathing. Why Wanda had brought that up in front of Barnes was beyond her. It also troubled her that he'd stayed entirely silent throughout the whole exchange. But that was none of her business now.

-

"Mr Wilson, Miss Maximoff, Miss Stark has returned home." Cringing as they heard numerous doors slamming loudly, the pair nodded and jumped to their feet. They'd heard the car door first, and safely assumed that it'd need reattaching before Pepper saw it. Sam headed to the kitchen and grabbed the largest wine glass he could find, whilst Wanda waited by the door patiently, a sympathetic smile on her face.

Caroline marched in after her date, dressed to the nines. The only indication that it'd gone poorly was the violent scowl etched onto her face. The nude midi dress clung to her figure, highlighting her curves, the red of her lips standing boldly against the soft material. Her Jimmy Choo clad feet took her straight to the kitchen, Wanda right behind her.

“You wanna talk about it?” Sam’s deep voice soft and inviting, he was an expert in coaxing the deepest emotion out of his teammates. Holding out the glass to her, he shrugged as Caroline brought the wine bottle straight to her lips, foregoing the glass all together. It was going to be a long night.

“It’s only ten ‘o’ clock, why’re you home so early? Talk to us, Care." A soft pleading came from a voice behind her. Upon hearing Steve, she knew she’d been cornered. Evading questions from not one, but three avengers just wasn’t going to happen.

“Where to start, eh? I walked in, we ordered drinks. Chatted for a while, it was fine, you know?” Pausing to take another swig of wine, Caroline couldn’t calm her nerves. “The drinks were flowing, I guess she got a bit more confident or whatever-"..."she told me I was gorgeous, that she couldn’t believe how lucky she’d got.” A few nods and murmurs of agreement came from the room, and a hint of a smile briefly appeared on her lips before dying off again. “Normally, she doesn’t go for bisexuals, she said. Bisexuals can be hard to trust, they should just commit to one gender, she said.”

 Surveying the room, her eyes landed on a lurking shadow. Barnes. Assuming he came in when Steve did, she just rolled her eyes at his complete lack of sensitivity.

“It got worse from there. She knew who I was, I hadn’t tried to hide it or anything. But then-“ laughing bitterly, sadness exploding in brown eyes “- then she told me what a shame it was that my dad was dead. So sad that he could save the world, but he wasn’t quite good enough to save himself too.” A silent tear fell down her face, but she made no move to acknowledge its presence.

“Bitch.” Maximoff only spoke the one word, before pulling out another bottle of wine and helping herself to a glass. “Wanna go dancing? I can pull an outfit together in half an hour?” With wide eyes and a desperate look, Caroline nodded her head fiercely. Without another word, Wanda headed off to get ready.

After a few kind words from Sam and Steve, they headed off to bed, a looming mission requiring extra sleep. Bucky had barely made his presence known, but now they were alone she didn't feel wrong for calling him out.

“What're you doing, Buck?" Falling down to the sofa with a huff, she patted the spot next to her, silently requesting him to sit with her.

“Sorry, Care. I didn’t want to interrupt, I came in to get a drink, but you were talking, and I didn’t want you to stop and hide it because I'd shown up." Letting her head lean gently against his shoulder, his arm instinctively wrapped itself around the girl and pulled her ever so slightly closer.

“I didn’t even want to go on the date, you know? Wanda suggested it, said at the very least I’d get laid.” An emotionless chuckle slipped from her lips, but she didn’t miss the way he tensed up as she spoke. His body language stirred such a violent mixture of emotions within her head, her heart, her stomach, that she almost felt sick. He had a girlfriend; what did he care what she was doing?

“You deserve so much better than anything that dumbass chick had to offer. You don't even like blondes, doll. Don’t force it, either. Stuff like this- like love. It finds you, ya know?" The silence that followed was deafening. The question on the tip of her tongue could do a lot of damage, but she couldn't stop herself.

“Has it found you?" Caroline didn’t mention Isobel’s name, she didn’t have to. Lifting her head up slowly, Caroline turned to face the supersoldier. Had his eyes always been so blue? As her eyes wandered all over his face, it dawned on her how close they were. As if threatening to tear straight out of her chest, her heart thundered away, blood rushing through her veins with such force she could almost hear it.  Looking into his eyes, wide and so, so clear, all rational thought completely left her. Vibranium fingers reached up, just barely grazing her cheek. His touch so soft she wasn’t sure she’d really felt it. Eyes fluttered shut, long lashes delicate on glittery cheekbones-

“Miss Stevens is requesting your location, Sergeant Barnes. Shall I tell her where you are?" Upon hearing FRIDAYs voice, they tore themselves apart. Soft touches and longing gazes now burning like fire. The flurry of emotions became too much too quickly, and Caroline left the room in a violent hurry, suddenly all the more desperate to take Wanda up on her request.

 THREE DAYS LATER

Rogers was doubled over, laughter tearing from him uncontrollably. Caroline struggled to breathe, tears streaming down her face as she attempted to quieten her giggles. After watching the video over and over again. Sam grew frustrated, snatching Stark’s phone from her hand.

“It is not funny. I saw the door, but I tripped. I tripped, damn it!”

“What’s so funny?” The familiar voice set a thousand butterflies free in her stomach. They died, however, the second she turned to look at Bucky. His hand was planted firmly on Isobel's waist, the girl dressed in one of his hoodies. Bucky took a seat next to Caroline, and Isobel took her seat right on top of him. Any trace of a smile fell quickly from Caroline’s face, her eyes meeting Sam's.

“Sorry if we were too loud last night guys; I can’t help it with this one.” Steve coughed uncomfortably, his cheeks turning a light pink at the mention of his friends extra curriculars. Caroline’s eyes remained fixed on Sam, until his eyes widened almost comically, causing her to turn around. As though she was winded suddenly, her stomach ached horrendously, and she took a moment to remember to breathe. The sergeant didn’t seem to notice however, as he was otherwise occupied shoving his tongue down the blonde’s throat. Tears pricked at the scientist’s eyes, and she was up and out of her seat in a second, Sam hot on her heels.

“Really?” Bucky pulled away just long enough to see the look of disgust on Steve’s face. Whispering something to his blonde companion, she jumped up and headed to the kitchen.

“What?” He spat, scowling at his Captain.

“In front of her? Seriously?” Barnes’ face softened, guilt seeping into his expression.

“She’s been so off with me recently. I don't get it."

“You don’t get it? Are you serious?” Steve rarely got involved in compound drama, but he truly thought Bucky was crossing a line. It hurt him to see Caroline so upset, and he was irritated by his friend’s blatant stupidity. Before Barnes could reply, Isobel landed back in his lap, a smile on her face that told Steve she was incapable of reading the room. He left the two alone, walking off with a huff.

-

“Sammy, why would he do that? Why would he do that to me?” Falcons heart broke, and he pulled the girl into his embrace. Raking his hands through her hair, he could only wonder what had gotten into the Winter Soldier.

“He’s an idiot, Care. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” As Steve approached the two, he didn’t mention the fight that seemed to have erupted in the other room.

 TWO WEEKS LATER

In the two weeks that had passed, Isobel had managed to cram her tongue down her boyfriend’s throat whilst in Caroline’s presence on two more occasions. On the plus side, it seemed that Barnes had significantly reigned in the PDA, pushing her away gently both times. Apparently, Bucky had kicked off after the first time after Steve’s scolding; not that Caroline had stuck around long enough to witness it.

After a last-minute briefing, the Stark girl had volunteered to go on a solo mission. With both Wanda and Natasha away themselves, she was finding herself feeling bored and without company more often than she'd like. It couldn’t hurt to have some time away from the insufferable Barnes and his insufferable girlfriend. Caroline knew she was being dramatic, she simply didn't care.

It was a two-day mission in London; an undercover reconnaissance trip. Easy. It seemed she was more comfortable behind the scenes; updating tech, stitching wounds, and providing them with the means to succeed. But Steve had insisted she train up at the very least - and she couldn’t find a good enough reason to decline.

After suiting up and bidding goodbye to Captain Rogers, Stark boarded the jet and settled in, intending to spend the flight clearing her head and prepping thoroughly for the mission. Nerves settled in her stomach, knocking her slightly sick. The legacy left behind by her father was an impossible one to live up to. How could she even try? Iron Man saved the world, and then he did it again, and again. Sacrificing his life for the universe. And here she was, fretting over a two-day mission; worst case scenario? She gets roughed up a bit.

"We're approaching London base, Boss.“ FRIDAY had taken to using the moniker she'd used for Tony. Another reminder that she had the weight of the world on her shoulders.

 THE NEXT DAY

The recon had been a success. Posing as an agency worker had been a breeze, and the company really needed to upgrade their firewall; it’d taken her minutes to access the mainframe, and from there she could let her gadgets do all the work. Stark just had to buy herself time.

In the midst of this, however, she’d noticed an issue with her communications tech. It was her own fault really, putting too much faith in the half-tested prototype. Deciding that she’d be fine without contact home for a day or two, she forgot about it and continued with her work.

Landing the jet with confidence, Caroline headed straight for the common room.

“I don’t know. We lost her yesterday, around five. Nobody has heard anything.” Sam’s voice echoed through the corridor, the girl followed the sound until she found him and Bucky hovering outside Steve’s office. Bucky was pacing frantically, vibranium tangled up in deep brown locks.

“Who’d you lose?” Both boys turned instantly to face her. Pulling Sam in for a sideways hug, she was barely able to wrap her arm around the man before she was torn from his arms and engulfed in a bone crushing hug.

“You went offline. What happened? Are you hurt? Why did you go offline? We were worried, damn it!” Barnes spoke quickly, a harsh whisper in her ear. Confusion enveloped her; it hadn’t occurred to her that it could spark a panic. It was a simple mission, and she hadn’t had to engage once. But the fear in Bucky’s voice shocked her, and she returned his embrace slowly.

“M’sorry, Buck. It was just recon, I didn’t think you’d worry so much.” Muttering her words into his neck, Stark tried to calm his breathing, forgetting for a moment everything that was between them. "It's okay, Buck. I’m here. I’m fine. You’re okay.” Deciding to let the two have their moment alone, Wilson excused himself silently.

“Babe?"

As if being burned by fire, he pulled away from her quickly. Isobel approached, a frown on her face. Caroline couldn’t meet her gaze; nothing had happened, but the last thing she wanted to do was give the girl reason to be mad at Bucky.

“You ditched me for this?” Her tone full of distaste, frown lines deepening. “We were in the middle of a movie. She’s alive, can we go now?” But Bucky’s eyes were trained on Caroline. Feeling her face growing hot, the scientist pulled her eyes away, beginning to slowly back away from the pair.

“I need to go debrief. Nice seeing you.” She didn’t ask what happened after she left.

 LATER THAT NIGHT

“What about her? She's cute." Eyes following the curvy redhead to her right, Sam laughed at his friend’s ability to concentrate.

“Redheads aren’t my thing, Care. You on the other hand seem to have a soft spot for 'em." Rolling her eyes at his insinuation, Caroline gestured for the bartender to keep the drinks flowing. "C'mon, you're usually a better wing-woman than this! What’s up with you?” Cocking her head to the side, the Stark girl squinted her eyes and stared him down.

After a moments silence and a broody look shared between the two, Sam spoke up again.

“They broke up. He dumped her.” Words failed her entirely, so she reached for the two shots of tequila the bartender had placed in front of her. Pausing as she offered one to Sam, she quickly drew her hand back, throwing them both back. The liquor burned, but she welcomed it.

“What about the dark-haired chick across the bar who’s been eyeing you up all night?” Wilson’s head span around so fast she worried he’d hurt himself. The low whistle that left his lips told her that this mission was also a success.

-

“What’re we watching? It’s three am, you know?”

“Eternal sunshine. Me and Sam got back but I didn’t wanna sleep yet.” Tugging the blanket tighter around herself, Caroline pulled her feet up to her chest  to allow Bucky room to sit.

“I know he told you.”

"It's none of my business, Sarge.” Stopping him short, she tried to stand her ground. He owed her nothing, not an explanation, not a reason, nothing. But she asked anyway. “Why’d you do it?”

Inhaling sharply, the soldier reached out and grabbed the girl’s legs gently, setting them down across his lap. Tequila fuelled thoughts scorched Caroline's mind as the silence grew longer, tension thick and heavy.

“She said I had to choose. Her, or you." Eyes were trained on the film but fingers, both metal and flesh, worked at the soft skin of her feet. "Apparently our friendship is weird, and inappropriate." Neither of them made a comment to deny it; how could they, when weeks earlier they'd almost crossed a line they couldn't return from on the very sofa they sat on now.

“I chose you, if you hadn’t figured it out. I dunno what it means, but I’ll always choose you, Caroline.”

[jensenscomedyelbows]

SUPERNATUAL 21 QUESTIONS

(THE INCREDIBLE HEATHER, AKA @sammichgirl, did this and tagged me as one of her favorite blogs, so I’m giving it a go. Thanks, doll.)

1. When did you start watching Supernatural? 

On September 19, 2012. I was recovering from surgery and had binged all there was to binge on Netflix at that point, and I asked my BFF James what I should watch. He immediately said “Supernatural!” I was skeptical, and I asked him exactly what it was about. He told me brothers, Sam and Dean, who were “slayers,” probably because he knew I loved BtVS and that would interest me. I thought hmmm, maybe. That same day my other BFF, Angel, called to check on me, so I asked her if she had any recommendations—and she said the same thing! She, like James, had watched every episode live since day one. So I watched the pilot, and was immediately struck by the twin images of Mary and Jessica burning on the ceiling. I HAD TO KNOW WHY. Three weeks later, I finished season 6, just in time for Netflix to add season 7, and not long after I finished that, season 8 began airing live, with me right in front of my TV every Tuesday night, dying to see what would happen next. AND I’M STILL HERE (and have been to THREE conventions, lord have mercy!)

2. Who is your favorite in TFW?

Like Heather, I never really thought that was a thing. It was a line put in for a laugh in one episode that got blown up into a big deal, but I never felt invested in the concept. But if you’re asking me which character is my favorite among Sam, Dean, and Castiel, my favorite will always be Dean. You can’t love him without loving Sam too, however, and there are episodes in which my sympathies are more with Sam, and episodes in which I identify/sympathize more with Dean. I rarely sympathize with Castiel because he’s not human.

3. Who is your least favorite in TFW?

Castiel. I haven’t much liked his character since season 5, but I do recognize that’s entirely the writers’ fault.

4. Tag your top 5 Supernatural blogs.

The ones I turn to again and again for gifs (and which have been particularly useful in illustrating my 2019 rewatch) have been: @sensitivehandsomeactionman @secretsandgreeneyes @saucynewf @demondetoxmanual and @spn-idjits-guide-to-hunting. I also love @lipglosskaz @sammichgirl @lemondropsonice @whiskeycherrypie and @misswhizzy. I am a thousand percent sure I’m leaving out at least fifty I love and adore 🥰, and it will drive me nuts thinking about it!

5. Who is your favorite character (not including TFW)?

Bobby Singer, no contest, hands down.

6. Who is your favorite woman in Supernatural?

Ellen Harvelle. A calm, steadying presence with the knowledge and skill to back up her formidable courage. Tough when she needed to be, loving when the people she cared about were in trouble. Heroic.

7. John or Mary?

Neither or both. If you erase the Dabb era resurrection of Mary, then both. Both John and Mary had profound impacts on Sam and Dean’s personalities and views of the world—John’s by his presence and Mary’s by her absence. They made our boys who they are. But if you count Mary’s resurrection and terrible new character arc, then John of course.

8. What were your first opinions of Sam, Dean, Cas, and Jack?

I thought it was commendable for Sam to want to go to law school, and tragic what happened to Jessica and his plans for the future. I loved how open he was with Dean (early days!), how much trust he had in him, and how easily victims responded to him. Also: book smarts are a turn-on of mine.

I fell in love with Dean’s beauty by Wendigo, and his everything else by Home. The brave face, the stiff upper lip hiding the vulnerability and insecurity from his little brother because he feels he has to be strong for him—all that just made me love him more. Also: a wicked sense of humor is a huge turn-on of mine.

Castiel has a great character entrance. Emotionless. He burned out Pamela’s eyes. I thought that was unnecessary. He and Uriel were alien beings whose motives were the opposite of pure, so I feared his power and questioned his interaction with Sam and Dean.

Jack: Oh, I get it—the CW needs to compete with Riverdale and its other shows featuring teenagers, so they invented Lucifer’s son to boost ratings. *shrug*

9. What’s your favorite season?

2, 4, and 5–there are just too many good ones to have just one favorite. I also love 1 and 3. LOL.

10. What’s your least favorite season?

Season 12 just about broke me. Let me count the ways: Lucifer possessing the President of the United States (oh please, I watch this show to ESCAPE real life, tyvm), Sam and Dean MURDERING him in yet another failed attempt to kill Lucifer, being sent to “Supermax” which, again, PLEASE, do you even know what would happen to the assassins responsible for killing the POTUS? Not even Sam and Dean would be able to bust out of that lockup—no effing way—yet they did. And how did they do it? By murdering a shitload of HUMAN BEINGS just doing their jobs, running around with AK-47s while yelling how they’re the guys who saved the world 🙄 I can’t see either Sam or Dean EVER bragging about that, and since then, they have, many times, and it always sets my teeth on edge. SEASON TWELVE DOESN’T EXIST TO ME.

11. What’s your opinion on Destiel?

It’s a fan ship that is popular among the younger, less experienced viewers of our show (many of whom haven’t even seen any seasons/episodes without Castiel in them), so my opinion isn’t very high. It’s like Dean and Cas are two dolls, and the Destiel fandom’s chief delight is mashing them together any way they can. And forcing the rest of us to hear them lecture us on how it’s “real,” how it’s “going to be canon,” and generally alienating everyone who doesn’t ship those two characters. I ignore anything to do with it.

12. Do you believe Supernatural queerbaits?

I’m not queer, so bearing in mind that I wouldn’t necessarily see it if it did, I’ve tried to look at it as impartially and dispassionately as possible, and I believe that Misha has been guilty of it, on occasion. (Sure, it’s all in good fun, he’s only kidding, he’s having a laugh, etc.) Ben Edlund has as well. Robbie Thompson was perhaps guilty of it a time or two. But this is all supposing that it is impossible for A TRUE PLATONIC LOVING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO MEN to be portrayed on television. I mean, Dean/Castiel is the only “baiting” I’ve ever heard people yell about, so I’m sticking to this one possible pairing as the one responsible for this question. I personally have no trouble accepting a platonic same-sex relationship...but queer fandom seems to have a lot of trouble with this concept?

13. Seasons 1-7 or 8-14?

Hahahaha, obviously 1-7. KEEP 12 AWAY FROM ME.

14. Who’s your favorite villain?

CROWLEY. He was so awful before his redemptive stuff at the end. Never forget that as of the end of season 8, he was murdering all the innocent people Sam and Dean had saved (including Sarah Blake!), then in season 9, he was the one responsible for getting Gadreel out of Sam. After that, he wasn’t really a villain anymore. But he was so irredeemably evil for four seasons!

15. Do you think they should end the Lucifer plot line?

THEY HAVE!  Now they just need to end the NICK plot line.

16. Who do you think has been through more trauma—Sam, Dean or Cas?

Sam and Dean have been through the SAME traumas, almost exactly, so I call theirs dead even. I wouldn’t want to measure or quantify “trauma” in any case. Castiel isn’t human, so I never thought of him as undergoing any trauma.

17. What’s your favorite Supernatural episode?

Mystery Spot, 3x11. It’s the one I would show someone new to the show. It’s the one I watch when I’m down. I LOVE stories with the time-loop trope ❤️ The acting is phenomenal. It’s funny, it’s tragic, it’s everything.

18. Do you like the case episodes?

All of season 1 is comprised of “case” episodes. Looking for John and Sam’s connection to “the demon” are secondary in that season, and I loved it enough to fall in love with the entire series, so YES. I’m a horror/mystery buff at heart.

19. Who do you relate most to in TFW?

It will come as no surprise to anyone reading this that my answer is Dean.

20. Why do you like Supernatural?

Honestly, it’s the only place I can see the Winchesters do their thing—make their choices, fight their battles, and live their lives. They DO lead eventful lives!

21. If you could bring back one character and kill another off, who would they be?

I’m gonna interpret “bring back” as “never killed off” and go with Bobby—the Bobby we knew and loved, the Bobby who had the boys’ backs and was always there, dispensing wisdom and advice. “Bring back” means an entirely different thing now that there’s an AU—they can (and have) brought back EVERYBODY in an effort to appease fans and boost ratings. I think it’s a failure of imagination, personally, and I’ll give that version of bringing back a hard pass.

I would definitely kill Castiel off, or send him to Heaven for good. And then I don’t want to hear another word about Heaven or Hell again, the end. He hasn’t done anything but give pep talks and occasionally perform a miraculous task when the writers need him to. His character has already been killed, and it was a slow death by a thousand cuts. Very sad.

OKAY. I’m not tagging anybody either, but here’s your chance to get your opinions out there and on the record, so do it! (if you do it, please tag me!)

[harrish6]

Blue Strings Of Mercy - Chapter 3 - The Ways Of The Divine

The start of a huge misunderstanding - or at least that is how Error will view it, the others will think themselves right no matter what he says, who is actually right is up for interpenetration - and where the start of the new belief for many Monsters. These are the consequences of Error deciding to go along with playing around with the AU's.

Poor Error has no idea what he has started and won't until it is way too late to try to fix it or even stop it.

-Chapter Start-

Sans had learned quick and in a hurry that he was wrong with about the String, and it just made more questions then answers. A lot of unanswered questions that Sans was scrambling to get some form of answer for.

The String started showing up at random, helping and doing random things. Sans has watched it help Papyrus from tripping once, the String coming for nowhere and wrapping around his spine, tugging him up before disappearing. - Papyrus later said the String felt like safety, and like powerful static, whatever that meant. - It has helped Monsters that the genocidal human has been after at random times, either by making the human mess up or by giving the Monsters some random food or moving them out of the way a bit.

It was random though. The Strings did not always help out, sometimes a whole RESET goes by before Sans and the others see the String again. It frustrated Sans. Why didn't they just take the human out like before? It, or whoever is on the other end, clearly had the power to do so. It drove him up the wall just thinking about it.

But the Strings also played little tricks. Sometimes it moved items around, making Monsters have to look for them, only to find them where they last left it when they knew for sure it wasn't there before. Sans has seen it playing with children and Papyrus. One of the kids favorites games with it was when the Strings would put on a puppet show with their teddies and dolls.

But what really threw him off, is that the Monsters remember the Strings even after a RESET. They may not remember the full details, but they do remember the magical Strings helping them with something at the very least. The Monsters grew to love the Strings, laughing at it's tricks and silently wishing to see the one on the other end. Soon people started leaving things out for the String to take, food and little items. Papyrus's face lit up when he saw the empty plate of spaghetti and a hand made card on the kitchen table - also with a note saying that it was for the String's to take, Papyrus didn't want anyone else to take the food. - after he left a full plate out the night before.

Sans nearly choked on the ketchup he got up for in the middle of the night when he saw the Blue Strings suddenly snatch up the plate, card and note, making them vanish in mid-air. He had no idea how long he stood there, just staring blankly at where the plate and card had disappeared in numb shock. Only to jolt when they Strings came back, lightly putting the plate back where it was before. But for some reason they kept the fork. Why? Sans had no idea and kind of didn't want to know.

Okay, he was lying to himself. He really wanted to know why. In fact he wanted to know the answers for a whole lot of different whys.

Sans did not sleep that night, and it wasn't from nightmares either. That was a first for him. But it wouldn't be the last.

"Brother?" Sans glanced up from his seat on the table, holding his head in his hands. "What have you been thinking so hard on? It's so unlike you to be thinking so hard! Usually you are napping...."

Ignoring his younger brother's grumbling, Sans thought about everything that has been going on. He glanced up to Papyrus expecting face. 'Well, another opinion would be helpful.' And Papyrus could be surprisingly insightful, noticing things that Sans had never even considered.

"I don't understand The Strings." Sans finally admitted. "About where they come from. Who controls them. Why they don't help out more!" He sighed harshly, briefly closing his sockets. "I'm just so confused."

"NYEH!" Papyrus gave a chuckle, before leaning down and grabbing his shorter brother's shoulders. "But Brother you got it right the first time we saw them!"

"And what did I say?" Sans frowned, trying to think back before it hit him. He rolled his eyes. "Paps, I was joking. It couldn't be divine-"

"Why not?" Papyrus interrupted, taking a seat right across from Sans. He knew this was going to take a while. "What else could it be?"

"I-I don't know!" Sans huffed, his scientific mind racing. He refused to believe that a God of some kind has decided to just start doing things now of all the times they could have. "Anything but that! Maybe a local Monster has some unknown magic!"

"Brother, if that is the case then the others wouldn't remember after a RESET. And the Monster controlling the String would do the same thing over and over again, not remembering they did it before! That has to mean that whoever it is exists beyond the code." Papyrus explained. "After the first time we saw the Strings, I went to the library to see if I could find anything. And did you know what I found?"

"Nothing. I looked too Paps and I found nothing." Sans sighed, remembering all those sleepless nights reading all those books. In the end they just made more questions.

"Ah! But you probably just looked in the science section, maybe even the magical theories that are in the royal library that all the past royal scientist made." Papyrus went on after seeing Sans nod. "I looked in the history and mythological section. And even myths must have truths to them Sans, just take us for example. The humans don't even know we exist anymore, they think we are nothing but a myth." Papyrus quickly explained and gave a example when he saw Sans opening his mouth, he knew Sans was just going to try and say looking at them was no use. Sans's slowly closed his mouth, giving Papyrus his full attention. "And do you know what I found out?"

"......Fine. Paps, what did you find out?" Sans sighed, rubbing his head when he saw that his taller brother was waiting for him to ask.

"Back, and I mean way before the war even happened between humans and Monsters, Gods used to walk with us." Papyrus's eyes started to shine with excitement as he shared his findings. "They took many forms, both human and Monster forms, but you could tell just by looking at them that they were not from this world! They played and loved to pull tricks at time, but they meant no harm to the mortals. They had mysterious magic that seemed to be able to do anything or was unlike any kind of magic ever seen. But that is where the problems started to come in." His smile fell a bit as he went on. "Monsters and humans alike started demanding that the Gods fix all their problems. If they could do it, could make anything better, they why shouldn't they?"

Sans's sockets widened. That was how he felt about the Strings and whoever controlled them. But that would mean-!

"The Gods tried to explain that they could only do so much. They could only help a little, to help the people learn and grow. If they did everything, then how can we learn? How can we truly live if they handed us everything and did everything for us? They pleaded with the mortals to understand. It wasn't like they were emotionless, they wanted to help. But there had to be limits or else they would grow too dependent on them." Papyrus sadly shook his head. "The people did not listen, they soon grew violent in their demands. One God was said to have cried so much by this, so saddened, hurt and betrayed by the very people they loved so much, that their face was forever stained by their tears. Showing that they were forever crying and hurting by the mortal's betrayal and hurtful demands."

Sans wonder how someone can feel that much love for those that are so selfish. Love really must be blind. Then he felt something crawling up in his SOUL, he felt a little jealous and angered even if this is only a story, how can someone take love like that and throw it away? If he had that he would cherish it and make sure that the other knew it. Hell, he would shout it to the whole Multiverse and flaunt it.

"The Gods become angered, but most of all saddened by all of this. They all left soon after, but not before telling them all that they would be watching from afar. Never truly leaving them alone even if they will not show themselves." Papyrus gave out a bright grin. "Don't you see Sans! One of the Gods must have heard our cries for help!"

'Is it true?' Sans mind whirled. He had to keep back from flinching though, he thought the same as these mythical mortals. Why couldn't they do everything? Because one has to learn from their own mistakes. Now he felt petty, had he really became that lazy? 'Can it really be a God?!' But no, if that was the case, why hadn't they came sooner? "Paps, I-I....Do you really think so?" Sans finally settled on asking.

Papyrus gave a nod. "Yes! The Strings have helped me so much Sans!" Papyrus grin grew. "It sometimes helps me during the fight with the human, and many others. I have lasted longer and longer in the fight with the human Sans!" Sans jolted, not expecting that. "The Strings have helped me memorize some of the humans moves, when to expect them to come at me, by just making them move a bit. One time all it had to do was trip the human, and I won! The next time the Strings didn't come to help, but that is okay because I tripped up the human instead! The Strings don't have to so much, but it is teaching and helping me learn."

Sans could remember back in the last genocidal rout, when it was judgement time. The String had helped him by tugging him out of the way, messing with the human, mixing with his attacks slightly forcing him to change up his usual game. The human had no clue what was going on and kept RELOADING to try and beat him. Soon the Strings stopped, and at the time all Sans felt was frustrated with them. But now looking back on it, Sans himself beat and killed the human - thus winning - more then his usual number before the kid gave up and RESET. The Strings forced him to change up his game, making sure that the kid never found out his usual flow and memorize his attacks.

The String had helped him adapt, to not stay the same and show it would be fine if he changed things up a bit. Whoever is on the other end had helped him more then Sans would like to admit. And he wasn't just thinking about the time when the Strings had gotten him his ketchup bottle on the top shelf that he was trying to secretly get to. - Papyrus had put it up there so he couldn't get to it, and he would have scolded him if he used his magic to get it. Something about it being unhealthy. Paps didn't scold him though after he found out the Strings got it for him. Sans questioned that, but now he knew why he didn't. - But is that really the answer?

But can it really be all because of a God? Is the puppet Master a God helping them with their Strings as they can't come down themselves?

"Why didn't they come sooner then!?" Sans finally let out, his mind whirling. Science was all he had ever considered, and he didn't consider himself a spiritual sort of Monster. But what else was there when the magical and science explanations failed to make sense?

"Maybe they couldn't Sans." Papyrus told him softly. "For all we know there are rules that even the divine must follow. They could be breaking the rules for us. Or there even could be a loophole that has happened that has let them be able to come back in a way. Sometimes we must just believe. And I believe in the Strings of Mercy."

"Mercy?" Sans glanced up to his brother, calming down. "Why Mercy bro?"

"Because that was all everyone was asking for." Papyrus waved his hands. "When we asked for Mercy, someone answered! All the Monsters are calling the Strings, 'The Blue Strings Of Mercy'."

"Believe huh...." 'Of course Paps would be the one to believe in it no problem. Would that make them the God of Mercy then? Huh, A God of Mercy and his Strings? Well, there is nothing else explaining what is going on. Only Paps would find this kind of answer, he really is insightful' Sans gave a tired grin. 'But that is what makes him so cool.'

He had no idea if he was really ready to jump on board on this whole divine God thing, but he wasn't afraid to consider the possibility. Heck, the whole underground is in a time loop! And there was really no science explaining for that was there? So if ya can't beat them, then join them. 'There could be worse Gods I suppose....This one did save Papyrus.'

"Yep! Nyeh!" Papyrus laughed, moving back to the kitchen. "Why do you think I leave out food? Me and others have been leaving offerings! I like to call them 'Thank You' offerings!"

That night when the Strings picked up the plate of Spaghetti, there was a extra note tapped to a bottle of ketchup sitting right next to the plate.

'For The Strings! Thank You For All You Have Done~ The Great Papyrus!'

'For the puppet master, Thanks - Sans'

-Anti-Void-

"WhAT iS THiS? wHAt iS a PuPPeT mAsTER?" Error's lazy smile went down a notch in confusion as he stared at the bottle in his hand. He had already eaten the crunchy noodles, luckily he had learned how to use it by watching others eat noodles, then proceeded to eat the fork too much to the Voices anger and amusement, but this confused him. He has seen the Sans - who he has nicknamed Classic because there are so many different Sanses now - of that universe drink it....So was it a drink? "AnD wHAt aRE tHEY THaNKiNG mE FOR?" Error is sure he is missing something here. These Monsters kept leaving him things with these little notes, saying 'Thank You'. He now has a small pile of toys of all shapes and colors and some blankets and wrapped items that Error has no idea what they even are. 'But it just makes this so much more interesting.' Error could admit that. While he thinks the White was fine, sometimes it go so repetitive. But after he started playing with the story, it has become less so.

'It's Ketchup, a condiment for food.'

'It's made from tomatoes!'

'Why would they thank you? Your just messing with their story?'

'Maybe it is a culture thing?'

'Just ignore it. If they're offering, take it.'

Eventually Error shrugged and put the ketchup with the other items. 'All these AU's and the Monsters are in them a weird. Why leave gifts out for string?' He glanced to the portal, it showing the UnderTale brother's home, when a thought hit him. "i WOndER HOw oTHER kINDs WoULD ReACt..."

It only took a few moments before the Voices got what he was saying, then they all started talking/yelling at once.

'ISN'T ONE ENOUGH?!'

'A lot of the other's are not fully grown! Wouldn't that mess with the Code?!'

'It wouldn't, just the story. But it is still a stupid idea!'

'I don't see the problem. Nothing happened to Undertale.'

'You can not be serious.'

'What would happen to the AU's that don't RESET?'

'Oh god, everything is going to implode isn't it by your messing!?'

"WE'lL fIND ouT aLL tHOSe ANsWERs As WE gO ON wON'T wE?" Error asked over the bickering Voices. He snickered as he waved his hand, making more portals come to life. Soon colors over took the white, noises and movement coming to life right in front of Error's half-lidded sockets. "sO whAT IF wE mESs WiTH tHE aU's? sOMEoNE is BOUnd To sTART soMEtHING, ThErE aRE ToO mANY AU'S FOR somEoNE noT To FINd OUT aBOUt ThE OTher ONEs. NOt eVERyONe wILL aGREE anD It WiLL stART a FiGHT, ANd THat WiLL tAKE iNK's aTTenTION iF i DO mESs UP anD aCCIDEnTALLy mESs WiTH thE cODE." Error shrugs, not looking concerned with that possibility. "bEsiDEs, INK hAsN'T nOTiCED yET. AnD hE mAY tHINK iT iS NORmaL aS THE coDE Is FinE."

'I hope you know what you are getting into!'

'I really hate you and all you stand for right now.'

'You should just hang yourself right now-!'

"iT's CuTE HoW mUCh yOU aLL caRe FOr ME~" Error chuckled, the Voices sputtering in denial. Error waved off all their worries, turning back to all the portals. He couldn't wait to start playing with them all, it was fun and kept him entertained. Error especially liked helping with the FIGHTS, it was hilarious when the human got frustrated or seeing how confused the Monster is.

It also made him smile when the children smiled when he forced those soft objects - what did they call them? Dollies? - to dance and move. It made something in him warm and relaxed him, like he had done it a thousand times before. Peeking to his growing pile of items, he was struck with a idea. While he liked trying a few of them, and he would keep some of the ones he favored, the pile was not getting any smaller. The Voices complained about the food going bad or something like that, he doesn't really understand, so Error would just give the ones he doesn't want to other Monsters. One Monster's trash is another's treasure right?

And besides, nothing bad has happened by Error enjoying his new hobby. So it should be fine to play with the others, right?

What could go wrong?

-End Chapter-

This will be a Harem, so Error/Multi. I have never made a harem fanfic, so I may do a horrible job at it. But practice makes perfect or so they say. I have not picked out all for Error's harem yet, but Classic Sans will be one of them for sure.

Also the Monsters are reading too deep into what Error is doing. Error just likes helping some AU's out and playing around. In same AU's he actually fights others, which will be explained later, and others he just does whatever. It makes things more interesting to him. It's like if you could go into a book and change things up, and unknown to him he is going to change some stories more then ever.

In the next chapter I will be showing some of these changes throughout the AU's as time passes. know that I can't show all the AU's, but I will be showing quite a bit or the main ones at least. Just because I don't show it in the next chapter doesn't mean I won't show it at all.

[cyberkevvideo]

Throne of Night Theory Builds Part 28: Denizens of the Sub

Best laid plans and all that. Here we are again, and it’s because of new information that I found. This means that my original plan to release the Book 6 additional encounters will have to wait for a bit longer. Although, that said, this could be part of Book 6. I honestly couldn’t say.

Never would have guessed, but today is going to be another rare treat of THREE builds at once. I haven’t done that yet. This will definitely be the biggest one to date. Before it was person and bodyguards, or person and animal companion. Now, it’s basically all of the above. What a treat.

No new art with this one, just information that I discovered while looking for new art. I’m still hopeful that I’ll find more. No luck though, and that’s okay.

As always, for space reasons, I’ll be cropping the encounter build.

All images shared here were done by the forever fantastic and amazingly talented Michael D. Clarke, aka SpiralMagus

I do not have a Patreon or a Kickstarter, but I do have a Ko-Fi page (linked) for those who are looking to support me monetarily. There is no pressure or obligation to do so.

Finally, before I get to it, I hope everyone’s staying safe right now.

EDIT: The stats and build looks prettier now.

Last week, for fun, I did a speculation build for what I would do if I’d been given the submarine map and told to go nuts with it, with no prior knowledge given. I’m not always great on it, but I have taken maps of locations before and just filled it in. It’s something you kind of learned to do when it was your turn to do your own version of the Temple of Elemental Evil dungeon and fill in all of the empty locations. Regardless, I took the concept of Lovecraftian creatures had to exist here to be a proper gateway to alleviate any whiplash when Book 6 introduced pretty much the rest of the “rogue’s gallery”, so to speak.

At the time, I just did my own thing. And I did put in there that it was quite possible that I was barking up the wrong tree. It’s why I didn’t do full and complete builds. Well, now it’s time for the real deal. While I don’t know about what else is in there, I do know now, that these stat blocks I’m releasing today (they’re still my theory build, so don’t take it as gospel, but the monsters are definitely there), as well as the brain collector I did stats for previously.

Let’s get to it. Note that I’m still unsure as to the when that these encounters occur, but it would either be near the end of Book 5, or within the first few pages of Book 6. It’s becoming more obvious that this sub is what the PCs use to infiltrate the submerged aboleth city. Either way, I made sure the CR for them were enough to be challenging, but not impossible for the likely party level. My assumption is level 17-18, and neither will be an Easy encounter.

Both set of builds will have creatures that have the Technologist feat. Considering how advanced this submarine is, and how alien everyone is supposed to be, it’d made sense that something from the Technology Guide would be present. If you want to go even further with the future tech, give the thanadeamons and neolithid key cards, and put lock coders at each of the doors. Maybe even a few cameras at various places so that the neolithid can keep an eye on them. Possibly swap out the bracers of armor on the neolithid for a forcefield.

First off, the guards of the capture sub. Regarding tactics, while I gave them a magic item to ignore difficult terrain, it should be noted that they have constant air walk. This means that, given the ceiling and width of the of the hallway, they can stand above one another, or just stand above the water without it interfering with their movement. This is especially frightening because it means they’ll always have a +1 circumstance bonus to attacks for being above their opponents. Definitely something to remember and exploit whenever possible.

THANADAEMON GUARD    (CR 16; 76,800 XP) Fighter advanced thanadaemon rogue (scavenger) 2 NE Medium outsider (daemon, evil, extraplanar) Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., true seeing; Perception +29 DEFENSE AC 36, touch 15, flat-footed 32 (+6 armor, +1 deflection, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +15 natural) hp 237 (19 HD; 17d10+2d8+135) Fort +14, Ref +20, Will +19 Defensive Abilities evasion; DR 10/good; Immune acid, death effects, disease, poison; Resist cold 10, electricity 10, fire 10; SR 27 OFFENSE Speed 30 ft. Melee +2 trident +33/+28/+23/+18 (1d8+18/19–20 plus energy drain) or      2 claws +26 (1d4+8 plus energy drain) Special Attacks draining weapon, energy drain (1 level, DC 24), fear gaze, sneak attack +1d6, soul crush, weapon training (spears +4) Spell-Like Abilities (CL 17th; concentration +23)   Constant—air walk, true seeing   At will—greater teleport (self plus skiff and passengers only), plane shift (self plus skiff and passengers only, Astral, Ethereal, and evil-aligned planes only)   3/day—animate dead, desecrate, enervation   1/day—summon (level 4, 1d4 hydrodaemons 80% or 1 thanadaemon 35%) TACTICS Before Combat The thanadaemon guard attempts to summon hydrodaemons to help weaken opponents before getting involved. During Combat The thanadaemon guard uses its air walk to its advantage whenever possible, granting it a +1 circumstance bonus to attack for attacking an opponent from above. Morale A thanadaemon doesn’t fear dying while it’s on the Material Plane, and fights to the death. STATISTICS Str 27, Dex 16, Con 25, Int 16, Wis 21, Cha 22 Base Atk +18; CMB +26; CMD 41 Feats Alertness, Blind-Fight, Dodge, Improved Critical (trident)B, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Lunge, Mobility, Power Attack, Step UpB, Stunning AssaultB, Swap Places, TechnologistB, Vital StrikeB, Weapon Focus (trident)B Skills Acrobatics +23, Bluff +24, Diplomacy +24, Intimidate +24, Linguistics +7, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +18, Knowledge (local) +11, Knowledge (planes) +22, Knowledge (religion) +21, Perception +29, Sense Motive +27, Stealth +15, Survival +12, Swim +16, Use Magic Device +20 Languages Aboleth, Abyssal, Aklo, Aquatic, Draconic, Infernal, Terran, Undercommon; telepathy 100 ft. SQ armor training 4, rogue talent (guileful polyglot), technic training +1 Gear masterwork breastplate, +2 trident, belt of tumbling, cloak of resistance +2, feather step slippers, vambraces of defense SPECIAL ABILITIES Draining Weapon (Su) A thanadaemon’s energy drain attack functions through any melee weapon it wields. Fear Gaze (Su) Cower in fear for 1d6 rounds, 30 feet, Will DC 24 negates. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. The save DC is Charisma-based. Soul Crush (Su) A thanadaemon can crush a soul gem (see cacodaemon) as a standard action to gain fast healing 15 for 15 rounds. This action condemns the crushed soul to Abaddon—resurrecting this victim requires a DC 30 caster level check. Technic Training (Ex) A scavenger adds 1/2 their rogue level to Perception skill checks to locate mechanical or high-tech traps and to Disable Device skill checks against these traps (minimum +1). They cannot use Disable Device to disarm magical traps. This ability replaces trapfinding.

----------------------------- Next up is the neothelid in the sub control room. Not exactly sure where this creature is on the map, other than “top floor”.

For this one, it made sense that an alien life form would be curious about mortals from the Material Plane, and might continually run experiments to learn more about them, see what made them tick, and how easily they could break physically, emotionally, or mentally. All in the name of science. The neothelid has no emotional investment in this sort of thing, after all.

As such, being so fascinated, I went with a design that had the creature build a representation of what it thought life was, based on previous encounters with drow prisoners, with a homonculus of its own design. Through various trials and experiments, the doll would either be placed in a cell right before new prisoners were brought in, acting as one who had been there for an unknown length of time, or the doll was put in afterwards as the new prisoner. The neothelid then sits back and watch events unfold through the eyes of its creation, taking notes of what did and didn’t work, and what discoveries were made.

The homonculus looks very similar to a drow, with a few features that might make it seem similar to someone from Taaryssia. It even possesses a name similar to that of a drow’s. It’s programmed to help its master’s with various experiements, whatever that might entail. It is a competent spy that’s designed to ally with new comers, gain their trust, aid them however they need, and gather intelligence for its master. Because it is an emotionless construct, anyone trying to make a Sense Motive check to discovery falsehoods take a –8 penalty. The homonculus doesn’t take a penalty as its master helps guides the conversation, making it less likely that suspicion be raised.

Because of the number of previous drow having been captured before, the homonculus has a decent amount of knowledge regarding Taaryssia. Enough that no one should suspect or believe the homonculus drow to not be a citizen.

COMMANDER QHAGENTHOSSUN    (CR 20; 307,200 XP) Unique young advanced neothelid alchemist (promethean alchemist) 12 CE Huge aberration Init +6; Senses blindsight 100 ft., trace teleport 60 ft.; Perception +37 DEFENSE AC 37, touch 10, flat-footed 35 (+2 armor, +2 Dex, +25 natural, –2 size) hp 358 (33 HD; 21d8+12d8+210) Fort +23, Ref +17, Will +21 Defensive Abilities preserved organs (50%); DR 10/cold iron; Immune cold, nonlethal damage, paralysis, poison, sleep; SR 31 OFFENSE Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (good) Melee 4 tongues +32 (2d6+10/19–20 plus grab) or     tentacle +32 (1d8+10 plus grab) Space 15 ft.; Reach 15 ft. Special Attacks breath weapon (50-ft. cone, 14d10 acid, Reflex DC 28 half, once every 1d4 rounds), mind thrust, psychic crush, swallow whole (1d6+10 plus 1d6 acid, AC 22, hp 35) Spell-Like Abilities (CL 20th, concentration +29)   Constant—fly   At will—detect thoughts (W-DC 21), charm monster (W-DC 23), clairvoyance/clairaudience, suggestion (W-DC 22), telekinesis (W-DC 24), teleport, poison (F-DC 23)   3/day—quickened suggestion (W-DC 22) Alchemist Extracts Prepared (CL 12th)   4th—arcane eye, bottled ooze (gray ooze), death ward, echolocation, fire shield, spell immunity   3rd—cure serious wounds, communal resist energy, displacement, haste, thorn body, tongues   2nd—aid, bear’s endurance, blistering invective (R-DC 20), cure moderate wounds, false life, invisibility, see invisibility,   1st—adhesive spittle (R-DC 19), anticipate peril, body capacitance, cure light wounds, expeditious retreat, heightened awareness, shield TACTICS Before Combat If Quilzaer, is present, the neothelid casts communal resist energy to protect them from its acid breath weapon. STATISTICS Str 30, Dex 14, Con 22, Int 26, Wis 16, Cha 28 Base Atk +24; CMB +38 (+42 grapple); CMD 50 (can’t be tripped) Feats Ability Focus (breath weapon), Cleave, Craft ConstructB, Endurance, Extra Discovery, Diehard, Great Cleave, Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (tongue), Improved Initiative, Improved Overrun, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Persuasive, Power Attack, Quicken Spell-Like Ability (suggestion), Technologist Skills Acrobatics +26, Appraise +22, Bluff +25, Climb +33, Craft (alchemy) +21, Diplomacy +31, Disable Device +16, Fly +20, Heal +22, Intimidate +34, Knowledge (arcana) +32, Knowledge (engineering, planes) +42, Knowledge (nature) +27, Perception +37, Spellcraft +31, Stealth +10, Survival +16, Swim +18, Use Magic Device +27 Languages Aboleth, Abyssal, Aklo, Infernal, Terran, Undercommon; telepathy 100 ft. SQ alchemy (alchemy crafting +12, identify potions), discoveries (bottled ooze, lingering spirit, mummification, preserve organs [2], spontaneous healing [30 hp/day], tentacle), homunculus companion, poison use, swift alchemy, swift poisoning Gear bands of armor +2 (count as a bracers of armor), belt of physical might +2 (Str, Dex), hand of the mage (drow hand),  headband of mental prowess +4 (Knowledge [engineering, planes]) (Int, Cha), ioun stone (clear spindle, incandescent blue sphere), formulae book (contains all prepared extracts plus 1st—comprehend languages, identify; 2nd—blur, cat’s grace; 3rd—nondetection; 4th—cure critical wounds, freedom of movement), spell component pouch SPECIAL ABILITIES Mind Thrust (Su) As a standard action up to three times a day, a neothelid can deliver a massive blast of mental energy at any one target within 60 feet, inflicting 15d10 points of damage. A successful DC 29 Will save negates the effect. This effect can only harm creatures with Intelligence scores. This is a mind-affecting effect. The save DC is Charisma-based. Psychic Crush (Su) As a standard action up to three times a day, a neothelid can attempt to crush the mind of a single creature within 60 feet. The target must make a DC 29 Will save or collapse, becoming unconscious and dying at –1 hit points. If the target succeeds on the save, it takes 6d6 points of damage and is sickened for 1 round. This is a mind-affecting effect. The save DC is Charisma-based. Trace Teleport (Ex) A neothelid telepathically and reflexively learns the mental coordinates of the destination, of all creatures that teleport within 60 feet of it, gaining an awareness of the location equivalent to “seen casually.” This knowledge fades and is lost after 1 minute. This power does not grant any environmental information about the conditions of the destination.

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QUILZAER, THE SECRET DOLL        (CR —; — XP) Homunculus “drow” 9 N Medium construct Init +4; Senses darkvision, low-light vision; Perception +10 DEFENSE AC 16, touch 14, flat-footed 12 (+4 Dex, +2 natural armor) hp 78 (9d10+29) Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +4 Defensive Abilities evasion; SR 23 OFFENSE Speed 30 ft., fly 40 ft. (average) Melee bite +14 (1d6+4 plus poison), 2 claws +13 (1d6+4) Special Attacks poison STATISTICS Str 18, Dex 18, Con —, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8 BAB +9; CMB +13; CMD 27 Feats Alertness, Blind-Fight, Skill Focus (Bluff), Toughness, Weapon Focus (bite) Skills Acrobatics +10, Bluff +14, Perception +10, Sense Motive +9, Use Magic Device +3 Languages Aboleth, Abyssal, Aklo, Infernal, Terran, Undercommon SQ sympathetic alchemy, telepathic link, weapon and armor proficiency SPECIAL ABILITIES Poison (Ex) Bite—injury; save Fortitude DC 16; frequency 1/minute for 60 minutes; effect sleep for 1 minute; cure 1 save. The DC is Constitution-based and includes a +2 racial bonus. Sympathetic Alchemy (Su) The bond between a promethean alchemist and his homunculus is so close that the alchemist’s extracts function for the homunculus as if it were the alchemist, allowing the homunculus companion to benefit from extracts without the alchemist needing the infusion discovery. The homunculus is treated as a humanoid or a construct-whichever is more beneficial-for the purposes of what extracts can affect it. Additionally, the homunculus can prepare its master’s extracts from his formula book for him each day, as long as it’s within the range of its telepathic link. Telepathic Link (Su) A homunculus can’t initially speak, but shares a telepathic link with its creator. It knows what its master knows and can convey to him everything it sees and hears, out to a range of 1,500 feet. Weapon and Armor Proficiency (Ex) A homunculus is proficient with simple weapons, but not armor or shields.

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I won’t put a “done” stamp on things, but that should be the last of the theory builds, with regards to encounters. If not, then I’ll continue these as they’re needed.

Now we should be good to continue with the “additional encounters” for Book 6, like I did for Books 3-5.

[jimlingss]

Student Council Prez [14]

Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 14.5 OR Episode 15 Words: 3.6k Genre: Fluff, Slice of Life, High School!Au

You’re restless and unable to catch a wink of sleep; rolling around with your whole face flushed red. Sungjae even gets up at midnight, asking if there’s anything wrong and you clear your throat, brushing him off. But every time you close your eyes, all you see is Yoongi’s face millimeters away, his breath fanning on your skin, the crinkle of his eyes and hands pulling you close; and your heart stutters, pounding loudly in your ears.

Your fingertips reach up to your lips, tracing the shape and the cupid’s bow dip; remembering his pressed on yours and the entire cycle begins again - you rolling around with your whole face flushed and unable to sleep.

You wonder if you’re really starting to go insane or if you’ve completely lost your marbles. Once again, Yoongi’s made you lose your mind but this time you can’t find it in you to curse at him.

And so, the entire night transpires just like that until exhaustion swallows you whole and you pass out at 4am.

//

By the time Sohyun shakes you awake, you’re nowhere near alert or ready for the day. You stand there dazed, staring at the blank wall and running through the memories, wondering if it was just a crazy dream. When you begin smiling out of nowhere, this time it’s Sohyun who asks if you’re okay. Unfortunately, you don’t get to dwell on it when you’re running extremely late and your siblings are already out the door.

You’re sprinting down the street, backpack only around one shoulder and your shoelaces untied. “Oh my god!” You’re gasping for air, barely making it in time for class. Regrettably there’s no time to see him or even drop by the student council room.

All morning you wonder how you should act if you see him, how he’ll act but by the mere thought of it, you’re already combusting.   

It’s when you see him in the hallway and he doesn’t even glance at you, does your delusions dissolve.

//

You clear your throat, nervously opening the door to the council room. “Hey-”

“-and the reports should be mandated straight into file cabinets!” He sighs, putting down his pen and everyone turns to where you’re standing. Taehyung’s face lights up as usual when he sees you but the others not so much. You wonder if they’re being reprimanded.

Yoongi turns too but a second later, he looks back at the papers in his hand, flipping the pages. “Y/N, you should go home. I’m busy today.”

“Oh. O-okay.” You nod slowly. Hoseok shoots you an apologetic smile and before you even step out the room, Yoongi’s already continuing.

That’s when the rosy world shatters.

//

That night you’re once again unable to sleep but this time for an entirely different reason.

You’re seething in anger and muttering under your breath. Yoongi completely disregarded you, not even a call or text, zero acknowledgement at all - he ignored you for the entire day and you couldn’t help but wonder if he was at home laughing at the fool you are, letting him kiss you and become so vulnerable.

When dawn hits, you leave before your siblings do, stomping all the way to school and up the stairs. The moment you pull the door open, it slams against the wall and closes shut on impact. Luckily Yoongi’s there and he does a double take on you before continuing to type on his laptop.

“You’re early today.” He mumbles casually. “What the- What the hell are you doing?!”

He finally looks you in the eyes when you close his laptop shut.

You grab fistfuls of his shirt, dragging him up to stand in front of you. “You’re an asshole, you know that? A fucking asshole who likes to play with people’s feelings!” There are almost tears in your eyes as you shake him silly like he’s a rag doll.

He frowns, a deep crease between his brows and he puts his hands over your fistfuls of his shirt. You finally let go, stepping back with an expression of hurt and he sighs. There’s a long silence full of tension before he speaks, scratching the back of his head nervously.

“Do you regret it? Is that why?”

“No, I don’t regret it!” You spit out at him.

“Then what the hell is going on?”

“What the hell is going on?!” You narrow your eyes at him, crossing your arms. “I’m wondering the same thing, Min Yoongi. You completely ignored me after you...you...you kissed me!”

“You won’t even look me in the eyes!” The knot between his brows lift and his expression turns into an emotionless one, waiting as you huff out and untangle your crossed arms. “What the hell are we?” You whisper out in utter distress. “What is this?”

He smiles, the gentle upturn of his lips as he steps forward and holds your shoulders in his hands. “I thought I made myself very clear.” He bends down at your eye level, fixing a gaze that melts all your anger and confusion away. “Especially when I walked you home that night.” He presses a quick kiss to your lips, pulling away much to your dismay. “We’re dating.”

The tips of his ears burn a shade of red, matching your blush. “I’m your boyfriend and you’re my girlfriend...unless you just want to be my slave.”

You punch his chest. “No you did not make yourself very clear. Especially when you didn’t talk to me at all yesterday.” You mumble under your breath.

He grins. “I never knew you were so needy.”

“I’m not, okay?!” You pout. “Or at least I’m not trying to be.”

His smile widens until his cheeks puff out completely, his eyes turn into half-moons and you can see his pink gums. Yoongi pulls you in an embrace, his arms loosely around your back as your nose digs into his uniform blazer. “I’m sorry. I just don’t know what to do or say.” He murmurs. “You make me too nervous.”

You lean back, his hands still clasped around your waist as you look up at him. “And here I thought I was the only nervous one.” You peck his pillow lips with a smile. “You’re too cute.”

“Don’t call me cute.” He growls, kissing you this time.

“But you are.” You smile mischievously while staring at him, letting your eyes search his face and memorizing every detail. After a pause of gazing at each other, you mindlessly whisper underneath your breath- “Who are you? Are you a demon, an angel or a puppy?”

He laughs, a sound that rings in your ears and makes you grin. “What are you talking about?” He pulls you closer, hooking his chin on your shoulder as your body presses on his.

“I’m Min Yoongi.” He says. “Yours.”

As you close your eyes, lingering on the feeling of his warmth, suddenly there’s a crash and a bang. Instinctively at the noise, you and Yoongi pull apart, now standing meters away from each other. “Ow!”

“Get off of me!”

“You’re stepping on my hand!”

The council members are on the floor in a heaping bunch and you groan, realizing that you never quite shut the door all the way. “We weren’t eavesdropping!” Jungkook declares as he gets up.

“I think it’s a little too late for that JK.” Jin laughs stiffly as he helps Jimin stand.

“Uh huh.” Yoongi is in the front chair, arms and legs crossed, looking absolutely unimpressed.

“Is it true?!” Hoseok grins, looking back from you to Yoongi. “Are you guys dating?!”

You and Yoongi look at each other as if communicated through eye contact while the members all look between you two, trying to decipher the facial expressions flashing back and forth. Yoongi inhales a deep breath, reasoning that there would be no harm in letting them know.

“Yes.”

“FINALLY!” Jimin shouts with a huge smile. If he had confetti in his pocket, he would’ve thrown it out.

He and Taehyung high five each other as Hoseok pats the president on the back multiple times, so hard that he turns into a fitting cough. Jin and Namjoon who are smiling, exhale a long breath before digging in their pockets for their wallets. They pull out a wad of cash and hand it to Jungkook who divides it into four piles.

“What’s going on?” You ask as Taehyung suffocates you in a hug.

“We made bets to see if he would finally get the balls to ask you before or after the school year was over.” Jin nods with another sigh.

“You guys made bets?!”

“Well yeah.” Taehyung grins, swiping his fair share of cash off the table. “It was so obvious with the way you two looked at each other.”

“And it was kind of excruciating with how long Yoongi was taking.” Jimin shakes his head before flashing Yoongi a thumbs up. “For a second there, I thought I was gonna have to ask you out to get him to finally do something or admit his feelings.”

“Yoongi would’ve killed you.” Jin points to him with a squeaky laugh. “Or skin you alive and we wouldn’t be able to help you.”

“That’s why I didn’t!” Jimin chuckles before looking at the two of you, as if you were his children and he was a proud father on his deathbed. “Congratulations.”

You and Yoongi purposely avoid each other’s faces, embarrassed and afraid you’ll both break out into grins and blushes. “Thanks...I guess.”

“Congratulations.” The others repeat after Jimin until Hoseok breaks out into a fake sob and Taehyung joins him, the both of them falling to the ground. “My boy’s grown up so much and yet I’m still single forever. I can’t believe Yoongi was the first one out of all of us to have a girlfriend.”

“So…” Namjoon takes a seat, chin perched in his hand as he leans close to Yoongi and his eyes twinkling with curiosity. “How far have you guys gone?”

You both groan, wondering if a mistake was made letting them know as they bombard you with a million questions.

//

The two of you are walking to his house, side by side. “Should I find another job?” You break the silence, thinking out loud. “Maybe as a waitress? I think the place I worked at during summer would take me back.”

He frowns. “Why?”

“Well…” You look at him, speaking a bit quieter. “Isn’t it weird if my boyfriend is paying me?”

Yoongi scoffs, rolling his eyes. “Can’t you differentiate personal relations between work ones? Please. And here I thought you were professional.” He walks up the steps, digging out the keys to open the front door. “Don’t worry. I won’t have any mercy on you. I need my house spotless so chop-chop.” He claps his hands together before launching on his couch, grinning as you scoff.

You mop in silence, dusting and cleaning the counters without a complaint except for the occasional swivel of your head and the narrowing of your eyes at his lazy figure sloped on the couch. He returns your glare with an exaggerated and idiotic smile until you turn back around.

When you’re vacuuming, he suddenly appears behind you, leaning on you in a back hug. When you look back at him in surprise, his eyes are focused in on a corner and he points. “You missed a spot. Don’t slack off.”

You scowl at him, pushing him off as he laughs and you dig the vacuum several times into the corner. “You’re really- hey!” You turn around, catching him walk away. “Did-did you just-”

“-slap your butt?” He finishes your sentence for you, lying back on the couch. “No. I didn’t.”

“I thought this was a workplace and we had to act professional.” You switch off the vacuum, crossing your arms and tilting your head to challenge him.

He opens one eye. “Sue me.”

A scoff of disbelief leaves your lips as you walk up to him, ready to take your revenge and make conduct a tickle torture until he’s begging you to stop. But as you approach closer, his hand shoots out and wraps around your arm, a yelp leaves your lips as he pulls you down.

Suddenly your limbs are restrained in his suffocating embrace, his legs twisted in yours as you scream and he just laughs. After a minute of thrashing, you lose energy and go limp. “This is horrible!”

“I bet.” He muses. “Being with me is horrible isn’t it? No one asked for you to fall for me.”

“No one said they fell for you!”

“Ouch. That hurts Y/N.”

“Let me go.” You whine, unable to even move your arms.

“But I’m too tired.” He snuggles you closer, nuzzling in your hair and getting comfortable.

“Min. Yoongi. You better not be thinking of taking a nap right now.” You deadpan and he only hums slowly in response. “You’re terrible.” You whisper before falling victim to his tricks and closing your eyes.

“We’re both terrible.” He laughs. “Two terribles make a great, huh?”

“What kind of logic is that?” You mumble.

There’s a long drawn out silence before he calls your name but with no response, he looks down and discovers you’re already sleeping; small puffs of air leaving your lips as your chest heaves gently. He smiles before settling back down, the both of you taking a nap in each other’s arms in the middle of the afternoon.

Life has never been better for Min Yoongi.

//  

“What is this?” Yoongi holds up a newspaper from the stand the moment you walk into the school.

You do a half-scoff and a half-laugh. “So I’m not just going crazy after all.”

When the two of you had arrived on campus, you felt everyone’s stares on you both. Some girls were crying and other guys were frowning but most of them had this...smile and look of awe or something of excitement that you couldn’t quite put your finger on. You thought you were paranoid when you felt everyone’s stares burn in your back. But now the paper that Yoongi held up to the light read: ‘Cool guy’s exterior broken, fire with fire makes love’.  

You couldn’t help but chortle at Yoongi’s horrified expression. The newspaper is filled with different takes on your ‘love story’ and student’s opinions; some supporting the relationship and a few criticizing how different the social standards are or that you’re too barbaric for someone princely like him. There’s even a narrative section of you as Cinderella, misunderstood by all until Yoongi comes and sweeps you off your feet.  

You wonder who spread the news but you have your suspicions on the council members who might’ve run their mouths; chatting about it in the hallways, Taehyung slipping his lips to his theater friends to Hoseok even bursting into the newspaper club’s room, making an announcement and the news known so that other girls can back off of Yoongi - maybe it’s all of them combined.

“Miss. Y/N would you like to share your techniques on how you baited someone like Yoongi? We would all like to know!” A girl with a notepad, scribbling furiously, asks you.

“How did you manage to get Y/N, a mysterious girl known to be cold and serious, to be your girlfriend? Tell us how you wooed her!” A underclassman boy grins, shoving a microphone into Yoongi’s face as another points a large camera straight at him.

Yoongi grumbles incoherently in response, shoving it away and through the crowd, grabbing your wrist and quickly escaping. All the girls gasp before melting at the gesture, the guys unamused with the reaction and the others with their cameras quickly shoot a few photos.

People would think that the two of you were celebrities with the curious interrogations and students practically a big paparazzi.

The school had been deprived of recent drama since all the companies and stocks had been completely steady. It was also far along enough in the school year that new relationships weren’t emerging anytime soon and so, people became desperate for new news. When they caught wind of their president and the scholarship student, they ran like thirsty camels after a long walk through the Saharan.

“Oh my god.” Choa blinks hard, looking at the news board where the cover of the newspaper is tacked. “Can you believe this?” She rips it off, turning around and giving it to Hara.

Hara looks at it for a long moment before scoffing, walking away while putting it on a nearby table. “About time.” She mutters.

Choa quickly catches up with her, analyzing her poker face. “Are you not mad?”

“Why would I be mad?” She rolls her eyes. “I would seriously be pissed off if they didn’t get together. She’s the closest one to Yoongi and would’ve been an idiot if she wasted her chances.”

“I thought you liked him...or at least you hated Y/N.” Choa frowns, absolutely confused at Hara’s apathy.

“I never said I liked her.” She snaps back, throwing her hair over her shoulder as the two continue to strut down the hallway. “But better her than any other bitch who’s only after him for money or superficial reasons.”

Hara cocks her head to the side with a hmph, entering the bathroom. She pulls out a tube of gloss, smearing it on her lips.

If anyone in the world knew of your ‘no nonsense’ and ‘no bullshit’ policy first hand, it was Hara. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, you were strong enough to withhold any hardships and she be damned if you ever hurt him; If he ever hurt you, you’d beat the living daylights out of him anyways. You were more than able to handle yourself.

And if there was anyone who could control Yoongi, it would be you. “Yoongi deserves the best and she’s pretty damn close to it.”

//

The huge office’s red curtains are drawn, dark except for a lamp on the desk switched on. The classical music swirls in the background, bass strings rumbling the floor and the paintings on the walls. A little unnecessary some might argue but he’s always loved the dramatic effects and making a scene like he’s on theater stage. It was how he caught his wife’s attention in the first place.

The colossal doors swing open, a beam of light piercing through the room as the wood creaks on the hinges. His son immediately sighs. “Why is it so damn dark in here?”

Mr. Min swivels around in his chair, hands clasped together on his desk while wearing a thoughtful, serious expression. “Son.”

Yoongi doesn’t even need to blink to know full well that his father’s extremely bored to be acting like a mafia leader. “Why did you call me?” He says, unimpressed.

Mr. Min looks over to his vice who’s slightly amused but essentially tolerating the extravagant behaviour. “You can leave now.”

Mr. Lee lowers his head, bowing before stepping outside, closing the doors. “Take a seat boy.” The principal exhales slowly, nodding towards the chair in front of the desk.

Yoongi complies, plopping down in the seat. “What is this?” Mr. Min throws the school newspaper in front of him, one of bolded headlines and a picture revealing you and him together. He twirls around in his chair twice before stopping. “I told you to watch her, to take care of her and make her a top student. Not to date her!”

Yoongi frowns, voice dropping a tone. “Do you seriously have a problem with me being with her?”

“Well, she’s not the most qualified to be married into the Min family.” He becomes a bit more serious, lifting a brow in interest; seeing how far it’ll take to egg Yoongi onto anger.

Yoongi scoffs. “I don’t give a damn about the Min family, qualifications or status. I can like who I like and I’ll marry who I want to marry.”

The two fall into silence, staring at each other without breaking away or blinking. The intensity makes the tension heavy in the room, enough for Mr. Lee to feel goosebumps even from standing outside the door. But if looks could kill, Mr. Min would’ve dropped dead ages ago.

Suddenly he breaks out into a rambunctious laugh, emitting deep from his chest and roaring in the room, making Yoongi flinch. “I’m just kidding! You won’t even play along with your old man when he’s bored anymore?”

“Congratulations Yoongi.”

Yoongi makes a face of disgust. “God, can you please not congratulate me? I’ve been hearing that all week and you’re the last person I want to hear that from. Just stay out of my love life, old man.”

He laughs again. “If I never got encouragement from my father, I would’ve never been able to snatch your mother up!”

“Please don’t say you ‘snatched’ her up.” Yoongi facepalms. “It makes you sound like you kidnapped her.”

“She would’ve beat me with her handbag if I even tried touching her back then.” The older man reminisces with a smile before turning back to his son with an exhale and a proud grin. “I really thought you were going to end up as a bachelor forever! Ha ha ha. Guess I was wrong! You do have some moves after all!”

“Don’t underestimate my abilities.” Yoongi smirks.

“I should chat with Y/N sometime.”

The younger sighs. “Keep her out of this.”

“But how can I? She’s my son’s girlfriend! And maybe my future daughter-in-law!”

“Oh god.”

Mr. Min takes a deep interest in the flustered boy sitting in front of him; the son he raised from birth. He knows Yoongi is calm by nature, yet the younger comes so quick to defend you. It’s absolutely fascinating to him. With a small smile, Mr. Min muses that Yoongi must really be fond of you.

But even that is an understatement.

[clockworkwand]

Kbtbb continue from bidders have already a child and tells MC they want one but she don't because they have already a child and tries to leave them because she thought it would be better if the bidders would be better have a real family with his already own child? But the bidders don't let her leave and says they want only a family with MC?

A/N- I have been slowly working on this for what feels like months…also Ota and Baba’s do not fit the request well… sorry T_T

Also sorry for all the errors that are most likely abundant in this and everything I writeXD

______________

Eisuke- “I want a lil brother,” the young boy exclaimed with a smile as he looked up at his father.  Eisuke smiled mischievously as he turned toward me.  My cheeks reddened as I avoided his gaze.  The words I wanted to say for a while were stuck in my throat.

“You can have whatever you want,” Eisuke said as he turned back to the young boy who looked excited at the idea, “can you leave us alone so we can talk?”  The young boy nodded his head before running out of the room exclaiming he has to start separating his toys for his brother.  I laughed nervously as Eisuke moved over to sit next to me.  I turned toward him to see him smiling mischievously at me.  Before I could say anything his lips were on mine.  I jumped at the impact and pushed the brunette away from me.

Eisuke looked annoyed at my reaction, “what is the problem?”

“I think we should break up,” I blurted out.  Well, the words were not stuck anymore.  Eisuke’s expression quickly changed to shock to anger as he stood up and stared down at me.

“Why do you say that?” he asked as I avoided his gaze.  I looked down at my hands anxiously like a child getting in trouble.  I did not want to do it like this.  I should feel relieved that I finally said the words; however, all I felt was the urge to cry.

I took a deep breath before responding, “he would be happy if his parents were together.”  Eisuke went quiet as I was terrified to see his reaction to my words.  What if he agreed?  Well, it would make it easier; however, my heart could not take the idea that he would just let this go so easily.  It has to be though.

I heard footsteps walk over toward the door before it was closed and locked.  I looked up to see Eisuke walking toward me with an emotionless expression.

Eisuke groaned, “do you think I would let you go that quickly?  You’re an idiot.  Don’t ever think about leaving me again, you belong here with me and that boy.  His real mother does not matter.  If it makes you feel any better, we can make one of our own.”  Before I could even say anything, his lips were back on mine.

Baba-  “MC,” a voice exclaimed from the next room.  I quickly rushed from the kitchen towards the living room to see an ecstatic Baba holding the young girl in one arm.  The duo laughed and I smiled.  I never realized until now they had the same smile.  The rest of her looks just like her mother.

“Let’s show MC what you can do now,” he smiled as he placed the young girl on the floor.  The toddler’s expression went from excitement to fear to caution and finally landed on confident.  I never saw a toddler go through so many emotions so quickly.  She looked up at her father and took a wobbly step towards him… then another… then another.  The last step did not go as well as the others; however, daddy swooped in to save the day.  Baba turned towards me glowing.  He looked as if he was the one taking their first steps.

“Dadada!” the girl laughed as she pulled her father’s hair.

“Heyyy, daddy’s hair is not a toy,” he said as he placed her on the floor.  She took wobbly steps towards her toys before sitting down on the floor.  Baba smiled.  She smiled.  They laughed.  I turned away.

I walked back into the kitchen feeling my blood run cold.  I should be a bit happy for Baba, his baby girl has reached a milestone in development.  She is walking!

Why do I feel disappointed?

I tried to shake the negative emotions away as I continued the cooking I was doing before the distraction; however, my mind kept on wandering.  I froze and stared at the carrot was cutting up for dinner for longer than I should have.  I was so lost in my thoughts that I did not even realize I was not alone in the room anymore.

“MC?  Are you okay?” Baba asked as he slid the knife out of my hand.  I jumped at the contact and turned around to see Baba was standing a couple of centimeters away from me with a mischievous smile.  He is so sneaky.  Well that is part of the profession.

I smiled, “I’m okay, just a bit distracted.”

“I know a way we can fix that, I think she needs a nap.  Maybe we can make her a surprise sibling” Baba stated.  My cheeks burned as I averted my gaze.  Baba laughed as he planted a kiss on my cheek and took a few steps back.  His expression quickly turned to curiosity as I avoided his gaze.  “What is wrong?” Baba asked.

“Have you ever thought about getting back together with her mother?” I asked the question that has been on the top of my mind for a while.  Baba responded with silence.  The only sound I could hear was babbling from the next room and the soft banging of dolls hitting the ground.  After what felt like an eternity I turned to meet his gaze.  He looked like he was waiting for me to say something.

“I thought you were joking, I guess not,” Baba said with a sigh, “no I have never considered that for two reasons.  The reason why we broke up being one, and the second being you.  I love you MC, and–”

“But wouldn’t it be better for her for he–” I began as I turned away.

Baba laughed, “we tried it before and failed and her mother is engaged to some other man.  Also, why would I go back to her when I have heaven right here.  I would not want another man to steal you away.”  

Ota-  I heard talking from the next room as I stopped in my steps.  I had come here to Ota’s studio after my shift to surprise him; however, I heard her voice.  Ota’s ex girlfriend.  The mother of his daughter.  I tried my best not to listen to their conversation; however, one word piqued my interest– my name.

“She is confused about MC,” the woman nearly yelled with an annoyed tone, “she keeps asking if MC will be her new mother.”  I felt my cheeks burn as leaned against the wall in front of the door.  Silence was her only response.  After a minute loud noises echoed from the room.  Sound of objects falling onto the wooden floor.

“Why do you fancy her anyway?  She is a maid at a hotel.  I really would rather not let our daughter consider some maid to be anything close to a step mother… maybe a nanny.”  Her voice was barely audible.  I heard Ota say something, but I could not comprehend any word he said.  The only words I understood were paint, time, and my own name.

“Wouldn’t it be better if we just got back together?  She wants mommy and daddy to get back together.”  More silence.

I cannot argue this to be untrue.  I have heard Ota’s daughter question her father about the two of them getting back together multiple times in the past.  Maybe if we did break-up it will be better for them?  It will make them happy.  Ota did not argue against the statement, maybe he believed it to be true too.

My heart broke at the idea.

Maybe I should beat him to the chase.

The door was thrown open and the woman rushed out. Her face was glowing like a red stop light as she left the studio without a single glance towards me.  I took a deep breath before knocking on the door.  No response.  I opened the door to see Ota picking up paint brushes off the floor muttering to himself.  Beside him stood his half-finished portrait.  I could not tell what exactly it was supposed to be about yet; however, I felt a sense of melancholy radiating from it as I gazed.  Ota turned toward with a peculiar expression.  I looked down at my hands thinking about what I was about to say and how horrible of a greeting this was going to be.  I took a cautious step back.  Ota noticed.

“I think we should split up,” I finally spoke.  Ota laughed.  I froze.

“So you heard our little spat I see?” Ota questioned, “do you really think I will let you go so easily like that?”  I stared at him wordlessly; I would have never expected he would laugh at my attempt of breaking up with him.  “Did you forget?  I bought you Koro.  You’re not going to leave me that easily.”

Mamoru- I took a nervous breath as I reread the letter again.  I turned toward Mamoru and the young boy sleeping on the couch.  A sigh slipped my lips as I stood up and walked towards the front door where my bag sat beside.  Picking up the bag I exited the door and began to head down the street before I heard footsteps running towards me.  I turned to see a young boy with a scared look.

“Where you goin MC?” the boy asked with nervous eyes, “why did you leave the letter saying bye?  Are you going ‘cause of me?”

I kneeled down infront of the boy with a sigh and ignored the question, “why did you leave the house?  Your dad will be sad if he sees you were gone.”

“He will be sad when you are too,” the boy whined as he grabbed my arm, “come home!”  I avoided his gaze as I let the young boy drag me back.  I had to go with him, because I could not let him wander around.

Once we opened the front door I was greeted to Mamoru sitting on the couch with a cigarette caught between his lips as his eyes were glued to the paper.

“I got MC back!” the boy yelled as he ran to his dad who looked up at the noise.  There was a huge smile on his face as he gazed up at his father who rubbed his head as he put the letter down on the coffee table.  Mamoru’s eyes caught with my own as I avoided his gaze.  Mamoru whispered something to the boy that I could not hear before the kid ran into his room.

Mamoru went straight to the point, “you were going to leave because you thought that the three of us would be a happier family without you?  If that was true I would not have separated from his mother to begin with.  You really are a kid”  Mamoru snuffed out the cigarette as he stood up from the couch and walked toward me. I stared at the ground not knowing what to say.

Actually, what can I really say in a situation like this?  The kid would be happier if you were with his real mom.  I wanted to start my own family and I thought it would be awkward because he already had one.  I really do love you.  I am sorry.

Everything I would have said already was written in the letter that was on the coffee table.

“You are the only woman I want, kid,” Mamoru muttered as he ran his fingers through his hair, “what do I need to do to show you this?  Want a child of our own.  I’m okay with that, kid.”  Mamoru had put his hands on my waist and pulled me close to him.  “Also did you really expect me to let you go that easily?”

Soryu-  I stared at the picture on my phone and sighed.  One of the other maids had a baby recently and sent me a picture of the adorable new born.  I could not help but feel a bit jealous of her and the new baby.  I still avoid bringing up the subject of another child to Soryu.

It is not like he would say no; however, he does not need anymore stress with everything else going on.  Even though he does not show it, I know he is overworked already.

“MC!” a little girl’s voice called for me.  I looked up from the phone to see Soryu’s little girl staring up at me with shiny eyes, “I’m hungwy.”

I smiled as I stood up, “what do you want to eat?”

“Omelette!”

I laughed as I left my phone on the couch and walked toward the kitchen with the girl on my tail.  She looked excited as I started making her omelet.  She tried to help crack eggs and get all the ingredients together.

“What is going on here?” a voice called from the entrance.  The two of us turned in union towards the source.  Soryu smiled.  There was something in his hand that I could not tell  “Are you helping MC cook omelets?” Soryu asked as he hid the thing in his pocket.  I did not say anything about it as the young girl puffed up her chest proudly.

“Yes,” she stated before adding, “just for me.”

Soryu turned toward me, “maybe MC will make one for me.”

“Sure.”

“Have you finished your homework yet?” Soryu asked and the girl froze, “can you go finish it?”  She nodded her head and rushed out the room.  I continued to finish the omelet as Soryu leaned on the kitchen counter. “She has taken a real liking to you, you are a great mother,” Soryu said and I froze quickly

“I actually wanted to talk to you about something,” I said, “I was thinking we should maybe…take a break”  My voice trailed off and the last three words were barely audible.  Soryu gave me a confused look before he grabbed what was in his pocket and handed it to me.  It was my phone.

“It looked like her when she was born,” he said gesturing towards the image of the baby on the screen, “I was thinking–”

“I want to take a break from you,” I said louder and clearer.  Soryu stopped mid sentence as his expression turned deadly serious as he pushed himself away from the counter and took a step closer towards me.

“Why?”

I ignored him. I turned away from him and put the omelet on the plate.

“MC, why do you want to take a break?”

I continued to ignore him as I started on the second omelet and let the first begin to cool down for the young girl.

“MC, stop,’ Soryu said and I instantly froze before turning toward Soryu.  We stared at each other in silence before I gave in.

“I… I thought maybe it would be better if it was just the two of you,” I stated, “a father should give all of his attention to his daughter… not some woman.  That and work… I do not want to add more–.”

“She also needs a woman to look up to,” Soryu stated, “I would rather it be you than one of those other kind of women.  You can’t leave.”

[askingexorcists]

Play with me nii-san

For the anon who requested Amaimon fluff, I wrote this last year and uploaded it on two fanfic sites, I haven't actually read this since I uploaded it so it’s probably full of errors but idc. Also this is cute brother fluff, not a lemon, so dw anyone can read it. Also didn’t edit out the authors notes from fan fiction because I'm so lazy so ignore those.

Amaimon and Mephisto one shot cause they’re cute af, also lets pretend Behemoth didn't die cause he's cute af too and didn't deserve it <3

Amaimon sat in his brothers office with his face pressed against the glass of the large window, he stared out into the city lights mentally begging for the rain to stop. It had been raining a lot lately, Amaimon didn't like the rain, it meant he had to stay in and not go explore the place his elder brother loved so much. He tapped his fingers lightly against the glass, boredom overtaking his body.

Mephisto sat looking over academy papers, lately they'd been piling up on his desk. Since Satan attacked Assiah a lot needed rebuilding, everything was mostly finished now but it meant he had mountains of paperwork. He wished for silence, it wasn't the rain so much that distracted him - in fact he liked the sound it made - but the sound his younger brother was making annoyed him.

“Amaimon, can you stop that?” Mephisto said crisply

The younger demon king didn't pay attention to his brother, still pressed up against the window tapping his claws away. Mephisto looked up this time, letting out a stressed out sigh when he saw his brother at the window.

“AMAIMON. Can you stop that, its not just annoying but you'll also scratch up my window with those damn claws! Come away from the window!”

This time Amaimon heard the time king loud and clear, he obeyed and pulled himself away from the glass to find his face cold and numb from the previous contact.

“Sorry aniki, i wont do it anymore.” Amaimon sat down on the skinny chair next to his brothers desk “Aniki, i’m bored.”

Mephisto looked up once again from his paperwork, his younger brother being bored was never a good thing.

“How about very quietly, play with your familiar.” He watched as Amaimon pulled out some candy from his pocket and shoved it in his mouth.

“He’s sleeping.” Amaimon whined, his mouth full of candy. He looked over at the hobgoblin who was on his back, lying on a fluffy purple rug.

“Don’t speak with your mouth full!”

The younger swallowed the candy quickly before replying,“Sorry aniki, i will not do it anymore.” His hand reached back inside his pocket and pulled out a box of pocky. A single claw sliced open the packaging and he pulled one out and bit one end off. He held the box over to his brother. Mephisto pulled out a stick before turning back to his work.

“Nii-san, play with me.”

Mephisto laughed lightly, his ototo hasn't changed much since he was a small child.

“Brother, why do you laugh?” A confused earth king asked.

“Nothing Amaimon, I can’t play i have paperwork to attend too.” His bitter tone confused Amaimon even more.

“You never play with me anymore, since you left Gehenna we never see each other anymore.” Mephisto looked at his younger brother, emotionless as always but he knew that he was saddened. “Alright then, I’ll play.” 
 “YAYYYYY!”  Amaimon squealed, clapping his hands together and leaning over his brothers desk.

“What do you wish to play, ototo?” Mephisto questioned, leaning away from his brother who was getting a little bit too close for his liking.

The younger sibling thought for a moment, sitting back down in the chair, spinning around until he thought of an idea. Suddenly, he jumped up.

“Can we play with your dolls?” The younger had always looked at his elder brothers dolls, he knew he collected them yet he had no idea why a professional and mature man like Mephisto would have so many. He figured since he kept buying them all the time, that they must be pretty fun.

“Those are NOT dolls, Amaimon those are my anime figures. Some very rare and expensive…do.not.touch.them.” Amaimon agreed before looking emotionally drained again. “How about we play some more video games, you can try beat me and loose again whilst we think of something better.”

The earth king agreed and the demon brothers sat in front of Mephisto’s large TV with controllers in their hands, Amaimon had strict instructions to not eat anymore of his brothers controllers. He sat randomly pressing buttons on the controller trying to defeat his brother, but it seemed no matter what buttons, what order, what ever he did he could not beat Mephisto.

The time king laughed loudly, grinning as he won again. It was quite unfair as Amaimon was new to video games, and fairly new to Assiah where he’d had a lot of time to master video games.

After loosing the eighth time, Amaimon gave up. “Nii-san, play with me, i mean actually play with me - not virtually beat me.”

Mephisto sighed, smirking at the frustration in his siblings eyes, Amaimon hated loosing. “Very well then, what would you like to do?”

“Hide and seek, just like we used to back in fathers castle when we were kids. This time we can make it more interesting, lets have the whole of true cross town as our hiding places.”

The purple haired demon thought back to when he and his brother would play hide and seek back in Gehenna, he remembers his other younger brothers joining in too. His elder brother, Lucifer, even played sometimes - although that was very rare. He remembers once, farther even joined in, of course he won. It had been 5 hours they spent looking for him, they eventually had to get the servants to help as well. To this day no one actually knows where he hid…

“Okay then, ill count, you go hide.” Amaimon hopped up and instantly made a dash for the exit “BUT.” He stopped still listening to his brother “There will be no hiding in student dorms, classrooms, or anywhere near the students, alright?”

“Yes brother, i understand.”

The earth king hurried out of his brothers office via window, and ran out into the city. Cold, wet drips ran down his face. Brushing the rain drops away with the back of his hand, he decided to not care of the rain, and quickly find a hiding place.

‘Brother is the king of time, i guess that means he can probably count quickly’

Not being able to stand in this heavy shower any longer; the demon king decided to hide somewhere dry. Now a good distance away from his brothers office, he began to look for a place where he thought his nii-san wouldn't be able to find him. He found a a small cafe that was closed, he wondered to the back alley around from it and hid behind a large skip. It wasn't his first of choices, but he thought that his brother wouldn't think of looking here. Gagging at the smell of rotting food, the earth king put a hand over his nose attempting to shield it from the putrid smell. Coal tars fluttered, awkwardly through the air, they floated around Amaimon and he blew some away muttering something under his breath.

After about four and half minutes Mephisto was standing on top of the rubbish bin.

“Your turn.” Amaimon stood, thankful he didn't have to stay in this revolting place any longer. He began counting as his brother disappeared from sight.

499, 500

Turning around and taking in his sightings, he set off to search for his big brother.

Put yourself into his shoes, what would nii-san do?

Mephisto wasn’t an idiot so his brother knew he wouldn't hide somewhere stupid, like behind another object just how he had. The king of time was a gentlemen, and wouldn't hide somewhere disgusting like his younger brother. Amaimon quickly searched true cross, excluding the parts his nii-san had forbidden.

The green haired demon set foot in the city park, not many people were here as it was still raining quite heavily. In the middle of the park there was a largish tent, much resembling a circus tent. Curiosity twirling his feet forward, he entered the tent. Inside there was quite a large group of people and a lot of dogs.

“Okay, thank you ladies and gentlemen for attending! I hope you enjoyed the dog show, congratulations again to our winner, please have a safe journey home.” Shouted the host of the show.

People went over to the line of dogs and collected theirs before leaving, amongst the pile of canines Amaimon recognised one. He bent down, immediately being licked and pounced on by over-friendly dogs. He scooped a small white terrier into his arms; he was facing the other way and seemed to be trying to avoid contact.

“Nii-san?” He turned the dog around to see the kind of familiar but not so similar dog form face of his older brother. “I found you!” The earth king exclaimed ecstatically.

“It took you a while, i had time to win a dog show you know.” Mephisto sneered, glancing towards a first place trophy and a large juicy bone on the ground near to where he was standing.

Once they were out of sight from human eye, Mephisto turned back into his normal form. The demon kings played a few more turns each, until they agreed this was the last round.

Amaimon ran off to hide, but he just kept running. His brother had always found him so easily, even when they were children Mephisto could always seek his younger brother without even trying. Deciding it was bad enough Mephisto beat him at video games, and at all those other rounds, he decided this time, the last round..he would win!

After counting rather quickly, Mephisto turned around to go seek his brother. His ototo was so predictable, hiding behind objects, hiding near or in candy stores, hiding in grassy areas where he could use his power help increase his chances of winning. Firstly, he checked the candy stores, but he didn't think that Amaimon would hide in the same place again, he knew that stash in his brothers pocket would be gone by now for sure. Next, Mephisto looked in open grassy spaces with lots of nature - and lots of elements Amaimon could of taken advantage of. His little brother was not to be found. After searching ever ‘Amaimon easy’ hiding places he sighed, seeing that it would be harder to find the younger demon then he imagined.

He looked up every street, every back alley, every corner, everywhere… it was now quite late into the evening so most places would be closed now so he couldn't hide in there. His brother even double checked some places, just to make sure.

The elder king felt sick, his stomach swirled inside and his head felt wobbly as he realised what he would have to do. Give up, and loose. Loose. Mephisto hated loosing, anyone hated loosing but Mephisto despised loosing. He went inside the mall, which was closing late, and sat down at a smoothie stall with a purchased berry mix in his hand.

His hands shaking with hesitation, he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Amaimon, who he’d recently bought a mobile phone for.

congratulations ototo, you win. I’m at the smoothie place in the mall, come meet me now.

Five minutes had passed and his smoothie cup was empty and so was his messages.

Amaimon, answer me.

Mephisto’s thoughts were all tangled inside his mind, he knew his ototo’s phone was fully charged, he always nagged him about remembering to charge it. He knew that Amaimon had gotten the text, so why wasn't he answering? Worry started chewing on his sides as he got up from his chair, and started to search the mall. Charging through every shop and not buying anything seemed oddly suspicious but he ignored the stares and whispers and kept searching for his brother.

He’d searched the whole mall and closing time was in half a hour, he searched everywhere else and he couldn't find Amaimon. For the 5th time he called his office to see if Amaimon had returned but there wasn't any sign of him there. Frantically, the time king asked the information desk lady if she’d seen a green, pointy haired man with odd ripped clothing and red pointy boots walking around. Of course, at first she laughed thinking a man of such an odd description could be real, but once she looked up and saw the strangely dressed man in a white cape and top hat she thought it might be his even crazier friend. However, she hadn't seen anyone of that description but promised to keep an eye out.

Alone and worried, Mephisto sat down on a bench near a shop window. He sent his brother several more texts and even called but came down to the decision that Amaimon’s phone was turned off. Awkwardly, he sat slouching slightly, his pale skin becoming much, much paler. He could feel his expression change along with his mood.

His gaze looked up to the shop window, he blinked a few times starring at the mannequin in disbelief.

Wow, i really do miss ototo…that mannequin looks just like him!

Looking back down at the ground, silently waiting for his phone to ring with news of Amaimon’s whereabouts. When he looked back up at the shop window, the mannequin was gone. Before he could react he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Aniue, whats wrong? You look sad.”

Mephisto shot up, leaning around to face his younger brother.

“Amaimon! Where have you been?I searched for you everywhere?”

“I was hiding in that shop, as a mannequin.” He replied calmly in his usual, dry tone.

Mephisto looked at what his younger sibling was wearing, noting he was wearing a mannequins display clothes over his own.

“Well done, Amaimon, king of earth.” All the worried emotions inside of Mephisto disintegrated as he could see his brother in front of him. Amaimon had pulled of the clothes he borrowed, and turned to face Mephisto.

“So whats wrong? You looked upset before.” His face was curious and some what sympathetic, or at least sympathetic in a i-hardly-change-my-expression kinda way.

Suddenly, Mephisto flung his arms tightly around the earth king, hugging him tight.

Amaimon gasped, shocked by his brothers actions. Last time he received a hug of his brother he was just a child who fell over and scraped his knee. He hugged his brother back repeatedly asking why, what, when, how, if he was ok, feeling alright. Once the elder demon let go he looked into his brothers eyes, admitting his fear.

“I..I know its really stupid of me considering your the king of earth, a demon, son of satan…but i was worried about you ototo. I looked in all the places you'd usually hide and i looked everywhere else i could!” There he was, the great king of time and space, worried over a demon, not just any demon, the son of satan. He knew extremely well that Amaimon could handle himself being over 1000 years old and quite strong, but he pushed it onto his brotherly instincts.

“I’m sorry for causing you to worry aniue, i just wanted to beat you.”

“Why?” He knew his brother hated loosing but why was he so desperate to beat him?

“Your so good; at everything! Your a higher rank then me, your stronger then me, you play games like hide and seek better, you play video games better, your so perfect at anything i’m ok at.”

“Brother, your great at a lot of things, don’t think your a failure.” Mephisto’s hand sat on Amazons shoulder, he smiled at his little brother trying to make him feel better.

“I never said i felt like a failure…” The earth king protested, seeming a little hurt by the comment.

The elder laughed, and escorted his ototo out of the mall and he called for his limo to pick them up.

“Lets watch a movie tonight, ototo.” Mephisto said cheerfully as he sat in the limo looking at his brother who was stuffing his face with candy from the food table in the limo. Amaimon nodded, remembering not to speak when his mouth was full.

Not long later, the demon brothers sat in loose fitting pyjamas in front of the large tv once again. The younger demon was allowed to pick a movie to watch from his brothers huge collection. They sat under a blanket, eating everything edible in sight. Talking, watching, laughing together, just like before Mephisto left Gehenna.

Before the movie could finish, Mephisto peered down at his little brother, who’d fallen asleep on his shoulder. Smiling at the sight, he grabbed the remote and turned of the movie. Amaimon hadn’t fallen asleep on him since he was a baby. The elder demon king missed his brother, and even the rest of his family sometimes, yet assiah was too good of an opportunity to miss out on. He loves this world and its many weird and wonderful things. Everything to the food, to the culture, to the places. His heart had a sudden nagging, it was then he realised how much he really had missed his brother. Carefully lifting his sleeping brother, he carried him to the spare room he was using before tucking him tightly, but comfortably under the covers. He flickered off the light and made away to the exit.

“Goodnight ototo.” Whispered Mephisto.

“Gh-ni nii-san.” Replied a half a sleep Amaimon.

The purple haired demon king tiptoed silently to his own room before quitting all previous plans of staying up and doing his brought home paperwork, and tucked himself into bed.

Ok, that was kinda ooc and badly written but i love Amaimon and Mephisto i had to write it! It didn't go where i originally intended it to but still reviews on your thoughts would mean the world to me as this is my first blue exorcist/anime fan fiction…and my first fan fiction in about 2 yearsish. If you could recommend some cute Amaimon/Mephisto stories that aren't lemons then place comment/message me them. This story will be posted on both fanfiction.net and archive of our own sites.

[sintheyokai]

(LCRoA-3) Chapter 2: It’s No Fairytale

A/N: Sorry this took forever, I've just been REALLY out of it lately (that and I wasn't really proud of the word count for a good long while)... But on that note, I hope to finish this story, so I'll try to post more often!

A/N 2: The foreign language in this is one that I wrote myself. I wrote my own alphabet and pronunciations of letters (because I'm THAT lazy to not play or watch Azran Legacy and get clues from there). The language is, no surprise, called Akbian. I will also provide translations for ACTUAL languages and I'm sorry if they start to get annoying. Now you may proceed.

Word Count: 7214

Five figures, all gathered around in the back of a dark alleyway. The youngest held up her forefinger, a single dim light glowing from the tip.

"Wichihrih eex Ooleebroondoolee?" the eldest asked, pushing a strand of crimson hair behind her ear and careful to not hit the bow on her back with her hand.

(Where is Umbrundum?)

"Pr-Prawbahbisleheer shahooxeenig t-tirawoobislehih..." the second youngest of the group stuttered, dagger in hand

(Probably causing trouble...)

"Roodih... Eerawoor wawrdix shoot eerawoor ihslehdihr xiwooltihr, Preesha..." an emotionless voice came echoing from the shadows.

(Rude... Your words cut your elder sister, Prica...)

A woman, Umbrundum, emerged from the shadows of the alley, her staff grand and beautiful compared to the black hoodie and jeans that she wore. Her older sister gave her an irked look.

"Wichaht chahvih eerawoo bihn oop taw?" she asked.

(What have you been up to?)

"Ahx Preesha xaheerx... Mawnd chahx swawoond xawmihawnih, ahnd chih weesleh ahreevih shawmih neegichitswahsleh..."

(As Prica says... Mond has found someone, and he will arrive come nightfall...)

The third eldest sighed and shook her head in response to her sister.

"Fooeetih ahn awd baweer... trayed taw sweegichit mih..." Umbrundum told the clearly disappointed sister.

(Quite an odd boy... tried to fight me...)

"Ee chahvih ahslehxaw swawoond a mahn... chim ahnd chix axeewooltahnt peefooih meer eentihrihwoolt." the shadow woman stated, sending the youngest into a fit of giggles.

(I have also found a man... him and his assistant pique my interest.)

"Eerawoo? Eentihrihwooltihd? Swooneer!" she teased.

(You? Interested? Funny!)

"Chix xawoosleh eex xipsleheet een tiwaw, Shawreeootahnah... wicheeslehih chix axeewooltahnt, tichrih. Ee wawndihr..." the second eldest mused.

(His soul is split in two, Corioanna... while his assistant, three. I wonder...)

She pulled out the stone ball and tossed it to the third youngest, who caught it.

"Awn ahnawtichihr nawtih, Ee rihtrayevihd tichim. Ahsleh eenixeedih."

(On another note, I retrieved them. All inside)

The third youngest grinned, quickly proceeding to open the ball and pull out her emerald earring. She put it in her left ear before taking her third elder sister's diamond necklace and handing it to her. The ball went around, with each sister, except the second, removing an item. The eldest, her garnet bracelets; Prica, her sapphire ring; and Corioana, her citrine hairband before making quick work of placing her hair into a comfortable ponytail.

"Ooleebroondoolee, ahrih eerawoo awehahrih tichaht-" The eldest looked to the sister in question before she was interrupted by said sister.

(Umbrundum, are you aware that-)

"Eerihx, Ahleesah. Tichih Eeshihrx. Ee xahweh awnih ahtahshgoo a wawmihn ihahrslehayer."

(Yes, Ajiza. The Icers. I saw one attack a woman earlier.)

This caused Ajiza to sigh in exasperation.

"Tichihn wih moowoolt rihmaheen lawweh." she said before turning to the third youngest and third eldest, "Veerdahn, Gahlslehnzhoo, shihp wahtishich. Wih weesleh waheet oonteesleh Mawndix shichaweeshih shawmihx."

(Then we must remain low.... Vydan, Gajlnx, keep watch. We will wait until Monds choice comes.)

After this was said, Corioana's finger returned to normal, the light disappearing as they sat in the darkness, waiting for nightfall.

Time- 3:05 p.m.

It hadn't taken Ernest that long to stop foaming and leaking goop, but he had been forced to lie down on the long couch for a bit.

The room was still in a silent state, no one really daring to speak. Ernest suddenly realized just how many people were standing up and felt a pang of guilt. He began to get up.

"Mr. Layton, Ms. Baker, I can get up if-"

"NO." Aunt Okri fiercely said, pointing an index finger directly at him, "You will keep your ass right in that couch and not get up until we are satisfied with your health! So lay your ass back the fuck down!"

"Greeves, listen to my aunt." Alfendi warned, "She told us herself that she has the beating skills of... um... Kat remind me again?" he turned to his sister. The brunette gave a small smile.

"A hormonal teenager who's just been denied chocolate on their period." she managed to say with a semi-straight face. Alfendi held back a laugh before turning back to Ernest.

"That. So I suggest if you don't want to have any broken bones, stay down."

Ernest, only slightly amused from the previous joke, nodded and layed back down again.

Katrielle noticed that Lucy had quickly fallen asleep against the wall. How, she had no clue, but with a smirk, she lightly slapped her friend. She notice her ginger hair grow a slight shade of bright red rather quickly and backed up. A pair of angry red eyes opened up.

"Not fuckin' funny, Faun, I thought we agreed: no smackin' me when I'm asleep." Loopy said. Katrielle raised an eyebrow.

"Lucy? Are you al-"

"Who th' fuck are you?" She turned to Alfendi, "Ya know this bitch?"

Placid closed his eyes, sighing, "Loopy, I would very much appreciate it if you didn't call my sister and Lucy's friend a 'bitch'."

Loopy raised an eyebrow and gave the very confused detective a look-over.

"Seems t'check out. Wrong foot, eh, love?" Loopy held out her hand in greeting, "Name's Loopy Lily. Ya know Longstockin'?"

Kat cautiously shook Loopy's hand, "Yes... Al, what's going on?"

"Ah, right," Potty came out and put his fingers to his eyelids, "You weren't around to meet Lily. Long story short, Daddy issues lead to the Lucy Baker you know to have a split personality like me. Only she can't share memories with other personalities like I can."

Katrielle looked at her friend, "How many?"

Loopy smirked and held up three fingers. "There's Longstockin', li'le Scotland Yard girl; Barde, who's shy as fuck and can't 'andle th' most basic tasks; then there's me~! The crazed serial killer: th' York-Lanc Fox~~!" She gave Lucy's friend an insane smile, then looked around the room, giving everyone a look-over.

"Well, well, who've we go' 'ere? Th' whole gang an' family, Red?"

Potty chuckled, "Yep." he then turned to his aunt, "And still waiting for an explanation from our aunt!"

Okri sighed and dropped her head in minor shame. "Yeah, yeah, I hear you..." she said, taking a few deep breaths before beginning her story.

"I'm pretty sure you all knew that my last adventure was not actually a simple government rebellion because they have something they shouldn't. I'm your aunt, I don't take jobs that boring; I'd die in a snap! No... While it is true they had something they shouldn't have, they didn't know at first. Obviously, that thing was the ball I was carrying around. Since you all opened it, I guess y'all saw what was in it?"

Seeing the group nod, Okri continued.

"Those items aren't exactly normal jewelry pieces ya find at home, and that hairband (yes Alfendi, knowing you, my nephew, I knew you'd question it) is of the same- call it what you will, I'll call it danger capacity- of the jewelry. As cliché as it sounds, put in the wrong hands or misused and you're conducting the end of the world. Didn't wanna risk the government trying to use it improperly."

Fauna raised her hand.

"Okay, I get that, but what's the big deal? Kat nearly died because some..." she gestured to the dead body, "Crazed bitch was after it."

"And with good reason." their aunt stared at the body and numerous glass shards on the floor, "Those things belong to the six empirical princesses of Akbadain. The statues that were stolen."

The room grew quiet.

"Kit-Kat," Sherl whispered, "Doesn't that mean... the woman you gave the ball to..."

"That was Ooleebroondoolee." Okri answered the pooch, "The princess of shadow."

"Eh?" Kat gave her aunt a surprised look, "You can hear him, Aunt Okri?" she then noticed everyone, aside from Flora and Ernest, giving Sherl wild looks. Her aunt nodded, "Guess everyone else can too."

Loopy gave a wild grin, eyes almost glowing. "A talkin' pooch! Now this is interestin'!"

Sherl instinctively backed up from the crazy eyed killer.

Potty dug through his ears for a bit before taking a deep breath, "OkaY! Ignoring the fact that the dog talks, what other princesses are there, aside from... Ooleebroondoolee....? What's their deal?"

Okri took a seat on top of her niece's desk.

"Well, listing them from eldest to youngest," she began, "There's: Ahleesah Shreemaw of flames, Ooleebroondoolee Shayewoolt of shadows, Gahlslehnzhoo Spahfah of stars, Veerdan Green of flowers, Preesha Bloo of pools, and Shawreeootahnah Kaye of light. As for their whole schpiel, the rumor is, when the Azran Dolls destroyed the civilization, Akbadain was warned by one of their mercenaries, Aurora. The king and queen of Akbadain, Teetahn and Shawximeeah, agreed to go down with their city, but refused to let their children suffer a death from rebellion. So, the princesses were told to become statues until the time came where they would be safer than they were then. They just listened and did that, leaving their enhancory (enhance-ery) items behind and weapons separate."

"Auntie, I'm pretty sure 'enhancory' is not a word." Flora piped in.

"That's what they were called by Akbians, Flora, I'm calling it by the same damn name." Okri replied, "Each princess has a magic ability pertaining to their title: Ahleesah, fire; Oolee, shadows; ya get the idea. Those items in the ball were called 'enhancory items' because they, as their name pretty much suggests, enhanced each princess's natural ability to a nearly god like level. It's why they're hella dangerous when they're misused."

Suddenly, there was knock on the door. No one moved a muscle.

Another knock, a bit louder and quicker this time. Aunt Okri began walking to the door. Alfendi and Katrielle gave her a bewildered stare.

"If you're worried it's one of those bitches again," she pointed to the body, "Let me ease your conscious." Okri said.

"They don't knock like that."

She went to answer the door while the others stood, processing the story and information told to them.

Aunt Okri had never been one to lie to her family when they were children, lest she considered them too young (of which she did rarely). So even if this did seem like nothing more but a child's fairytale...

Could it really be true?

Were six ancient princess really just walking about the streets of London?

Okri suddenly came back into the room, a woman trailing behind her.

"Kat, honey, do you-" Aunt Okri tried to say, before being interrupted.

"Katrielle Layton, I might actually require your help." the thin, dark skinned woman said with a hint of desperation.

"Emilianna Perfetti? You? Need my help?" the detective exclaimed in playful mockery.

Alfendi heard Loopy mutter under her breath, "Oh Jesus fuck it's logic bitch." He had to hold back a laugh at the insult. The restraint caused the criminal analyst to turn and look at him.

"Inspector Layton, are you not supposed to be at the Yard solving the case given to you earlier this afternoon?" she said irritably.

"See, I would, Perfetti," Potty retorted, "But my sister beat me to the punch."

Emilianna pursed her lips and gave Lady Layton a sharp look.

"And what... mystical solution has your sister offered?"

"The statues are alive, hon." Okri answered her promptly. Emilianna chuckled.

"Even for you, Katrielle, that seems rather far fetched!"

"Well, guess wot Perfuck-ti!" Loopy threw an insult at the analyst, "We're pre'y fuckin' sure it's true."

"And how can you be sure?"

"Because one is literally at the door right now." Okri was looking into the hall and out the door. Before she could step forward, Emilianna yelped, her eyes glued to the corpse on the ground.

"Wh-What is the meaning of this?!" she asked, trembling ever so slightly, "Which one of you did this!?"

Loopy let out a snicker, "Funny 'ow, even though you're a criminal analyst, you don't see the dead body right away~"

There was a muffled cry outside the door, "Chihslehaaaawwww!?"

(Helloooo?)

"Shawmeenig, Shawreeootah!" Okri responded, hurrying to the door.

(Coming, Corioan!)

"Wait!" Emilianna tried to stop the Layton aunt, but to no avail. She turned to the group in the room, "What are we going to do about..." she gestured wildly to the bleeding mass, "THIS?"

Before anyone could answer, Aunt Okri returned, a peppy woman close behind. Her bright golden hair was tied up in ponytail. She dawned a bright blue tank top, paired with a white puff skirt but no shoes. Her yellow eyes appeared to shine with the light of a thousand suns, and her pale skin was almost translucent. She was quick to look at the body, puffing her cheeks up in mild annoyance.

"Deed Oolee daw tichaht?" she asked. Okri was quick to answer, "Eerihx."

(Did Um do that?)(Yes)

The bubbly woman made an odd noise of frustration, before turning to the student on the couch. She giggled.

"Deed Mawnd beetih eerawoo, gooeed?" she asked.

(Did Mond bite you, kid?)

"Eerihx, Preenishihx." Ernest answered, not even thinking about the words that came out of his mouth until he finished saying them.

(Yes, Princess)

The girl giggled again before taking a small thorn and vial out. "Naw chahrd swihsleheenigix, boot meer xiwooltihr wahntix taw ihzhoopslehawrih." she said, approaching him.

(No hard feelings, but my sister wants to explore)

Ernest gave her a concerned look before she shoved the thorn into his arm. If that didn't send the group into a controlled frenzy, it did when they saw that Ernest's blood wasn't red, but rather black. Leaving the blood covered thorn in for a while, the woman giggled again before waving to everyone. For some reason, each one of them waved back.

She soon took out the thorn and placed it in the vial, closing it tightly. Getting up, she walked over to the window, basking in the afternoon glow. She turned to everyone and waved again.

"Gawdibeerih!" She exclaimed, before dissolving into light, disappearing into thin air. Katrielle turned to Ernest.

(Goodbye!)

"Where did you learn that language?" she asked. Ernest shrugged. Okri piped in to answer her niece's question.

"Snake bite." Everyone turned to her, Emilanna only opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water. Okri continued.

"That snake is Mond Tanz, the immortal pet of Ooleebroondoolee. His bite marks you as a guide for the princesses, turning your blood black until they understand the era they're in."

"What drugs were put in this room!?" Emilianna finally snapped, violently jabbing a finger into Okri's chest, "All of this defies logic, and I believe you're the one behind it!"

Okri smirked and let out a hearty, guttural laugh, "You're funny! I like you!" She exclaimed, casually brushing off the analyst's accusations. She continued.

"You think I drugged the whole room because you're the type to decline fantasy subjects? The type to not play a bit of Murderous Blue's Clues and Life or Death Cinderella? Listen sweetheart, the shit that's going down now? Oh, it's nothing compared to what might happen in the future. So I suggest you buckle the fuck up and take your logic goggles off, cause since you're here with us," she pointed to the dead woman, "You'll be made a target by things like her."

Emilianna was as pale as fresh driven snow, stealing glances at the corpse.

The room was quiet as everyone realized what the old Layton said, and it dawned on them, to their horror, that she was right.

They were all spotted together when they were attacked. And now that Perfetti was involved, she, too, was considered a threat to these ice haired people. They would hunt her, someone who had simply walked in for help with a case, until they knew she was dead.

"Does that mean..." Kat shyly whispered, "None of us are safe anymore?" Okri gave her frightened niece a slight frown.

"Yes, sweetie it does." she said pitifully, "Sleep in groups tonight, all of you. Gather knives, light fires, do the best you can to stay safe. I'm pretty sure it's obvious, but these things are brutal." she glanced at the dead one on the floor, "This one wasn't even much more than the tip of the iceberg."

"Excuse me, Mrs. Layton?" Emilianna raised a hand, putting it down once she had Okri's attention.

"Ms. Layton Senior, hon. Still single."

"Well, Ms. Layton Senior, might I ask what exactly ARE these things?"

Okri sighed.

"Ahgoobeeahn Eeshihrx. Or, in English, Akbian Icers. They're exiled Akbians that practice voodoo and ice magic, which was a banned practice and ability in Akbadain. They're also hella feral; these guys saw." she said as she looked at her family.

She turned to her nephew, "This shouldn't be too difficult for you, Al, but for the rest of you," she gestured to the others, "Try not to interact with people for more than a minute. Those things easily jump to conclusions, and talking to someone for too long makes them think they're involved. It's easy to unintentionally put a target on someone's back."

"Then should I be concerned for people like our forensic and janitor?" Alfendi asked, "I talked to them for a while."

Okri's eyes widened a little bit. "I'm not too sure," she said, "But it-"

Alfendi's phone suddenly rang. He picked it up and looked at the name.

Pertinax

This concerned him. Hilda almost never called him personally, at least since the first Forbodium incident.

"Why's Busty callin' ya?" Loopy asked. Placid shrugged and answered, putting the phone on speaker.

He was greeted by shallow, frightened breathing.

"Al?" came Hilda on the other line, "Al, where are you?" she asked, quietly and frantically.

"At-" Alfendi shot his aunt a look. Was he allowed to disclose where he actually was? Okri nodded, and Potty continued, "I'm at my sister's agency, why?"

"Al, we need backup! Of any kind, I don't care, but we need it!"

At this point, everyone was on edge, hearts pounding.

"Hilda what's going on over there?" Potty asked, Loopy picking up quickly on the small trembling of his voice as he spoke.

"These... things...!" Hilda spat, "They-They got-!"

"Wichaht eex tichaht?"

(What is that?)

A dry, yet peppy voice spoke, loud enough to be heard on Alfendi's line.

"I-I don't understand you, I'm sorry! P-Please! S-Stay back, don't hurt me too!" they heard Hilda frantically speaking, almost shouting.

Then there were shouts in the background that sent the room into a cold sweat.

"Oi! Luv! Lemme go!"

"Shove off! Hey, mind the drip!"

The Icers had Dustin and Florence

In a split second, Alfendi, Loopy, and Fauna were out the door, sprinting with hard breaths towards Scotland Yard. Okri called out to them.

"Y'all, that's what the Icers want dammit!"

The trio didn't listen and only kept running, the others staying in the room.

Split point! --------------------- A- Alfendi's party K- Katrielle's party ----------------------------------

(A)

Time- 3: 36 p.m.

They arrived to see that a large group of Icers, perhaps 15 or 20, had swarmed the Yard, cornering every officer with chunks of sharpened ice. It didn't take long to also notice Florence and Dustin, trapped in a ring of black ice with an Icer fiercely grabbing either one by the wrist.

All pairs of piercing blue eyes suddenly turned to Alfendi, and he suddenly felt butterflies in his stomach.

"Eet eex cheem~!" A whisper came.

"Tichih awnih wichaw weesleh paheer weetich cheex sleheeswih~~!" Another responded.

(It is him~!)(The one who will pay with his life~~!)

"Let them go." Alfendi said with authority, hoping to intimidate them.

Some simply giggled while others smirked.

"Xawmihawnih eex awvihr shawnsweedihnt~"

(Someone is over confident~)

They gave wide grins, all 20 suddenly launching themselves at him. Alfendi reached for his gun before remembering he had left it in his office. Damn his forgetfulness! He panicked as the Icers' blades glistened.

He shut his eyes, hoping death would come quickly.

There were screams, but he felt no pain. It was suddenly quiet.

Was he dead?

He opened his eyes to see he was encased in a pink, translucent flower. He noticed a small hole in one of the petals, and peeked through.

His heartbeat quickened as he saw that a small handful of Icers had been impaled, through both the heart and head, with a vine, while the rest quickly dived onto the floor. He heard the voice of a woman from above, muffled from the thick petals.

"Eecheedah (Ihida), what a fuckin' pain...." it said, the flower receding back into the floor and freeing Alfendi. He turned to the woman who had spoken. She was thin, albeit looking more masculine than feminine, with scruffy short green hair and a bulkier build. She held two bladed wands, each adorned with an emerald. She gave Alfendi an irked glare.

"What exactly was your plan, bud?" she jeered, "Get your ass murdered?"

The remaining Icers snarled, 12 horrible, hair raising gargling noises echoing in the back of their throats. The green haired woman turned to them.

"Koot awp!" she shouted, "Eerawoo ahsleh kawooslehd nawt ihvihn bih chihrih!"

(Shut up!... You all should not even be here!)

She swung a blade at the ice, which shattered on contact. The two Icers inside scattered, dragging along their captives.

Suddenly, a flash of silver zipped through into the head of the Icer holding Florence, who promptly collapsed. Alfendi and the woman turned to see Loopy had thrown a knife.

"Sorry, beauties! Couldn't find th' knife quick enough." she said.

"Hey now, as long as you can throw that knife and kill, you're good!" the woman smirked. She looked back to Alfendi, "Noodle, make sure the sick girl's safe, got it? Bring her outside or something."

Clenching his teeth at the nickname 'Noodle', Alfendi crept over to Florence, whose drip had miraculously stayed in her arm.

He gently picked her up, somehow grabbing onto the drip before slipping outside unnoticed. He felt Florence stir awake.

"A-Al?" she croaked, "Wha... What happened? Where's everybody else?"

"Personally, I've no clue. Loopy and someone else are fighting the attackers, however, and I think Fauna is as well." he reassured the forensic. Actually...

Where was his sister?

He brushed the thought off, fairly confident that his sister could handle herself wherever she may be. He snuck a peek inside.

Loopy was in the air, vines holding her in place as several knives glistened in her hand. She threw one, and it swung around the room, hitting 3 targets. The green woman whooped in rapture.

"Ay now!" she cheered, "Keep it up, you're doin' great!" she suddenly spotted Alfendi by the door. She gave him a wild, childlike smile, "She with you?"

Alfendi nodded. Her grin grew.

"Keep 'er! She's a damn good shot!"

Blushing, Alfendi scanned the room to find Dustin. Everyone else had scattered when the fighting started, so it shouldn't have been a problem.

And yet, he couldn't find the Icer grasping the pale blue jumpsuit of the janitor.

"Al!"

He turned around to see the Icer, Dustin thrown over her shoulder, directly behind him, teeth bared and nails poised to strike his throat. Upon being spotted, however, she fled, sweeping Florence and her drip off the pavement.

Alfendi quickly followed, ignoring the ginger woman staring from across the street.

He ran and ran, but eventually lost sight of her and Florence.

My God, Placid thought, Where the hell is she going?

(K)

Time- 3:32 p.m.

Katrielle watched her aunt, the room silent as Okri blankly stared out the door.

"Ms. Layton," Emilianna broke the silence, "Aren't you worried about your nephew?"

"Al?" she let out a short burst of laughter, "That shinless, noodly body's a lot tougher than it looks, Alfendi can handle himself! As long as he doesn't panic, he'll be good."

Emilianna nodded and Ernest began to sit up. Okri snapped her fingers.

"Greeves." she growled it as a warning. Ernest turned to look at her, still sitting,  and the group panicked.

One eye was, yet again, guzzling black by the gallon, while the other remained normal. No constricting, no dilating. Just his normal pupil size.

"No, no, it's fine Ms. Layton Senior, I feel fantastic!" he said.

Katrielle pointed to her left eye, "You may feel that way, but you certainly don't look that way!"

"What do you mean, Ms. Layton?"

"Are you joking? Your eye is going berserk again!"

Ernest's hand immediately went up to his face, fingers getting coated in the black goop. He pulled his hand away instinctively, and it trailed from his cheek like a sick, disgusting slime. Flora, cautiously reached out her hand, taking a bit of slime with her finger and putting it up to her nose. She sniffed it.

"Odd..." she mused, "It doesn't smell like anything." she looked at the gang. "Wish me luck." she said before putting the slimed finger in her mouth; almost everyone made some noise of distress.

She kept the stuff in her mouth for a while, face neutral until she grabbed a tissue and spat it out.

"Doesn't taste weird either; although I could've sworn I tasted a hint of blood in there."

"Would that not be something to, I don't know, perhaps worry about?!" Emilianna urged. Okri raised her hand to wave it off.

"Not really. The stuff's part of his bloodstream, but it's not his actual blood per say. Of course, it's obviously a thicker consistency, so it has a bit of trouble integrating itself in." she said. When she only received odd looks in response, she sighed, "So it's his blood, but at the same time it's not. It's more of an unnecessary blood donation that he (prolly) neither wanted nor needed."

Ernest pointed to the dripping streaks of black. "So, if I understand correctly, this is nothing more than a blood overflow? There's too much, so it's releasing itself?"

"Yeah. Just be glad it's not coming out your mouth or your ass." Okri instinctively reached to caress the latter, "Had that happen once when I met an Akbian mercenary... NOT fun."

Katrielle and Flora giggled.

"However," Okri's tone grew much more serious, "While it's not a personal threat, we should throw caution to the wind. If you're suddenly spilling black, that could mean something's nearby."

Flora's ears perked up at the phrase "spilling black".

"You used to tell Alfendi that..." she said, "Whenever someone we didn't know came to the cottage; 'Now don't go spilling black, Alfendi.'"

"Oh yeah!" Katrielle chirped, "You told me that too, sometimes! Never explained it though..."

"Well," Okri took a deep breath,"When Ahgoobiahn Kahdihx, Akbian Shades, sense a threat, they start leaking black from an orifice, usually the eyes. But there were some that were complete nervous wrecks, like the ones with social anxiety. So even if there wasn't an immediate threat, they'd spew the black blood. That's why, whenever Al thought there was a threat when it was really an old friend, I told him to not 'spill black'."

Katrielle looked at her assistant.

"Ernest, now would be the time to tell us if you have anxiety."

Ernest shook his head.

"Wait a doggone minute!" Sherl barked, "How come Pinstripes isn't shaking like he was before?"

"Prolly because he's gotten used to it and the toxicity. It's mixed and molded to fit both his blood flow and blood type." Okri answered the pooch, "Call it a part of him now, if you will."

The front door suddenly opened, Okri whipping out a Bowie knife from her bag and holding it near her chest. No sooner was it out before it was flung across the room, pinning itself against the wall near Flora. Okri immediately relaxed.

"Slehahdeer Shayewoolt, a wahrneenig nihzhoot teemih wawooslehd bih swahntawoolteesh." she said rather irked. The door closed, and a woman's shadow stretched across the floor, rising to form the hooded woman, a thick black scarf round her neck.

(Lady Ciest, a warning next time would be fantastic.)

"Slehahdeer Slehaheertawn, Ee bihslehayevih eet eex eerawoor lawb taw goonawweh wichaw eex ahreeveenig..."

(Lady Layton, I believe it is your job to know who is arriving...)

"Who are you?" Emilianna gave the princess a hostile glare. Ooleebroondoolee turned to the analyst, face devoid of emotion. The scarf began moving and spoke to Emilianna.

"Ssomeone you besst resspect..." a snake head rose out of the scaly mass to look at Emilianna, who turned pale and began trembling.

"Al-Alright, why does the snake talk?" she asked Okri.

"Mawnd Tahns, koot awp." Okri ignored Perfetti, instead responding to the snake, "Kih eex a beet deexawrayentihd. A slehawgeeshahsleh pihrxawn, eerawoo xih."

(Mond Tanz, shut up.) (She is a bit disoriented. A logical person, you see.)

The reptile hissed in acknowledgment as Oolee turned to Ernest. After seeming to inspect him for a moment, she snapped her fingers.

Ernest stood up and immediately got on one knee, as if the snap were more of an order than a gesture. His left arm went to his opposite shoulder, grasping it loosely as he held his right palm over his heart.

"Swawr eerawoo ahnd Ahgoobahdaheen Ee wooltahnd." he said, in tone much more menacing than normal.

(For you and Akbadain I stand)

Oolee snapped again, and Ernest stood up once more; one eye dripping black while the other constricted and dilated rapidly.

"Chahndslehih tichihm..." she said, before glancing at Katrielle, "Eerawoor slehahdeerx sleheeswih dihpihndix awn eet."

Blushing, Ernest nodded, "Eet kahsleh bih dawnih."

(Handle them) (Your lady's life depends on it)...(It shall be done)

Oolee, with a noise close to contempt, disappeared into shadows as the only other door was destroyed.

Split point end

Alfendi finally caught up with the kidnapping Icer, tracking it all the way to his sister's agency.

He saw the door busted, and feared for the worst as he peered inside.

There, both eyes dripping black, stood Ernest.

He stood between Katrielle and an Icer that, from the looks of it, had launched at him (or at the very least, Al's sister).

He was seizing it by the wrists as it squirmed in his grasp, Florence and Dustin dropped on the floor.

The Icer raised a foot to kick the boy in the shins, but was a tad late as Ernest twisted his body, swinging the woman  with what must have been enhanced strength.

She landed with a loud thud against the wall, a slight crack eliciting from her spine.

"Pinstripes! What on earth are you doing!?" Sherl barked in a frenzy.

Ernest did not listen, however, as his hand darted to grab a shard of glass from the previous Icer incident, the piece slicing his palm and staining itself with black blood. He creeped towards the twitching body, raising the impromptu blade over his head and aiming for the creature's heart.

Katrielle stepped forward, perhaps to try and stop him, but both Alfendi and Okri grabbed her shoulders tightly.

"Xaw eerawoo wawooslehd rahtichihr wahtishich cheem gooeesleh mih tichahn wooltawp cheem..." The Icer croaked as Ernest plunged the glass shard into her chest, a spray of indigo blood coating and staining his top and hands.

(So you would rather watch him kill me than stop him...)

Ernest turned to Katrielle, gaping at him in horror and discomfort, and bowed, both hands behind his back.

"Gawd wawrgoo. Rihwoolt, baweer." Okri told him, pointing to the sofa. Ernest, understanding the command, laid back down on the couch, his eyelids fluttering shut as Loopy and the green haired woman came in.

Okri practically yanked the forensic and janitor off the floor, promptly waking them up. She then searched her bag and fished out two shoddy pendants. She gave one to each of them, sternly speaking as they began to focus on her.

"Put these on and head straight home. Don't stop to talk to anyone, call saying you can't come in to work for a while, and pick up food if you have to because this could take a hell of a long time before you can step out y'all's houses again."

She looped the necklaces around their necks as they nodded and began walking home without a word. As they left, Fauna walked in.

"Al, where the fuck did you leave your gun??" she immediately asked.

"On my desk Fauna! Is that honestly why you were missing for half the danger!?" Potty shouted in disdain. Fauna raised an eyebrow and barked back.

"Duh, genius! I was gonna run and get it for you so you could actually kill somethin', but I couldn't find it in the fucking tornado wreckage you've called your office!"

"You do need to clean your office, Al." Kat agreed. Her brother simply gestured to her messy desk in response.

Suddenly, there was a click, and Loopy yelped, "Uh, love, would really appreciate it if ya would put tha' thin' down!"

"Chill, hotshot, just wanna see what it does!"

Everyone turned and panicked to see the green haired girl gently holding a gun. Alfendi stared at it before doing a late double take.

"Now hold up one minute, that's my gun!" Placid exclaimed. The girl's attention snapped to him.

"Cool! What's toe di- What dots- Towhat-" she stopped speaking, sick of her own stumbling tongue. She stared into space, face disheartened before shoving the gun into Alfendi's hands. "SHOW."

Taking the firearm, he cocked it before aiming at the corpse by the window and pulling the trigger.

BANG!

A new hole appeared in the Icer's head instantly. The green girl jumped, frightened before grinning.

"Damn!" she breathed, "A tiny death bringer!"

"Slehahdeer Green, Ee rihahsleheer ticheengoo eerawoo kawooslehd giht bashgoo taw eerawoor xiwooltihrx." Okri told the woman rather urgently.

(Lady Grin, I really think you should get back to your sisters)

The lady groaned before grabbing something from her pocket and tossing it to Flora. The latter opened her hand to see a little flower bell.

"You seem safe. Just give that thing a ring an' I'll be there quick as I can. Name's Veerdahn by the way. Veerdahn Green."

With those parting words, Veerdahn wrapped the Icer corpses in vines before leaping out the window with them.

Ernest was suddenly back up again, eyes perfectly normal. He raised an eyebrow in utter confusion.

"I..." He said rather puzzled, "I was sitting up... Why am I lying back down on the couch?"

"Don't worry bout it, Greeves." Okri quickly said, looking at the nearby clock.

Almost 6

"It's getting late, and we're gonna have to choose groups to sleep in."

Alfendi grabbed Lucy, "I'm taking Lou and none of y'all can stop me."

Fauna smirked, "A'ight, then Auntie can go with ya an' make sure ya don't get too stupid~"

Potty let out a short burst of laughter, "HA! Oh my sweet... dear... innocent older sister... You CLEARLY have not known Auntie Okri that long because she would NOT discourage that ooOOOOHHHH no she'd force me and Lou into a closet fulla aphrodisiacs if it meant a chance at grand nieces and nephews."

"This is true." Okri confirmed with a cheeky, satisfied smile, "And I totally would, Alfendi, thank you for the idea. Although, Fauna, I think you should go with them. It's easier if we stick to familiar groups. Of course..." everyone looked at Emilianna.

"I'll go with the elder Layton." She said in a rather condescending tone, "That way, Katrielle can have her little dream team."

Okri nodded, "Good! Cause then that means I can take you and Flora and protect the weaker links in this dysfunctional chain."

Flora huffed playfully, "Hey now!" she exclaimed. Alfendi smirked.

"It's true~"

"Really now? Then please explain how I can nearly beat your skinny shinless ASS Mr. Noodly Noodle Legs."

"Now you fucking take that back, missy, see here, you may be older, BUT I-"

"Alfendi Layton, cool your man tits," Okri joked, "Let's just get ready to leave. Lou, you might wanna call your momma and siblings. From what I've eavesdropped, you prolly don't wanna make them targets again, am I right?"

Lou blinked once.

Twice.

Three times.

"Wh-What?"

"I said-"

Okri was interrupted by the poor DC's high pitched squeak.

"M-! M-M-M-Mr. Alfendi!?" she panicked, "Wh-Who are-!"

Potty grabbed his assistant tightly, holding her close and petting her hair.

"There there, calm down dear..." he cooed, "Family and friends, Lucille, no need to fret..."

"My, Alfendi!" Okri chirped, "You were never this calm with any of us unless you were your trauma made self!"

"Auntie, I'm gonna have to politely ask you to HUSH."

"A-Al, where are we? We-We were jus' at my folks' place, r-right?"

"Yes, love, but we got called to work." Alfendi pointed to his family, "Those are my sisters, Flora and Katrielle (Lucy's actually Kat's friend), my sister's friends, Ernest and Sherl, and my Aunt, Okri Lay-"

"A-Aunt!? Ohgolly I'm so sorry! I 'aven't brushed my 'air, I din't get ta shower this mornin', oh god golly I prolly look like a right awful mess!"

"Oh no, honey, you're fine!" Okri crossed over and gave Barde a gentle hug, "You look fine and dandy, just beautiful!" Potty smiled before he noticed his aunt giving him a very fierce glare, mouthing:

YOU BETTER FUCKING KEEP HER

He flushed for a split second before taking hold of Lucille again. "Luce," he said, "You might not like what I'm about to explain to you... Do you still want an explanation?"

Lucille gave a shy little giggle. "Well, I kinda need one t'understand wot's goin' on, don't I?"

Potty smiled and gave her a small kiss on the forehead.

"We just met a few ancient princesses, and we're being targeted by some psychos who hate them. My aunt dragged us into this, by the way; you need to call your family and tell them you won't be home for a while because if you go to them, they'll become targets too."

Poor Lucille slowly went pale and wide eyed, only nodding and reaching towards the phone in response.

"So that's set in stone?" Flora asked, "It's Lucy, Al and Fauna; Kat, Ernest and Sherl; and me, Emilianna and Auntie. Right?"

Nothing was said, so presumably that was the plan.

"Then, let's get a move on." Al said, "The girls and I'll go to my apartment, where I can call in to temporarily check out of work; Kat, you and your group can stay here at your agency (Ernest, you might want to call your school); and..." he looked to his aunt, "Auntie, do you have a hotel room? Or some other place to stay?"

Okri nodded, "Mhm! Bout a good 30 minute walk away from here though, so girls, you better fucking deal with it and work those calves!"

"Understood, captain..." Emilianna muttered.

"I'll start setting up the agency to be lodging." Katrielle said, "We'll also have to close temporarily..."

"Aren't you forgetting something, Kit Kat?" Sherl asked accusingly.

"What do you mean?"

Flora chuckled. "Perhaps he means your... healthy appetite?"

Katrielle huffed. "Then how about you watch Lucy? I don't know about Loopy or Lucille, but I know Lucy eats as much as I do!"

"Lucille, ya don't gotta worry bout!" Fauna piped up, "She can eat an apple that'll last her till dinner, where she eats, like, a fuckin', half a ham sandwich. Loopy's the foodie time bomb you have to worry about!"

"How so?" Placid asked.

"It's always random." Fauna started, "Some days she'll eat less than Lucille, others she'll eat twice as much as Lucy."

"So, just gather food as if it's the start of the apocalypse."

"Yes. Although you technically could also sign up for delivery."

"Or just have them eat the minimal god-knows-what you eat!" Okri exclaimed before taking a sip of water.

"Understood, pray my wallet can handle it."

Lucille suddenly came back.

"I-I'm done! I-I-I also gave mum th' kids feedin' schedule, Fauna, case ya were wonderin'..."

"Oh, shit, thanks Lou!"

Lucille shifted shyly in response.

"So are we finally done?" Emilianna queried, "We seem to have been discussing this for a lot longer than expected."

"Yes, Ms. Impaziente (*impatient in Italian*), we are finally done. We can go on over to your place and grab whatever shit you need. And Kat?"

"Yes?" Her niece asked, already pulling a blanket out of her desk.

"Smotret' na nego." Okri glanced at Ernest, "Ubedites' chto on v bezopasnosti."

Kat nodded, "Sa'afeal, aleima."

Okri gave the boy another short glance. "Kare ha sotodashi you tosuru deshou. Kono mondai ga hassei shi ta baai, kare o ki ka se te. Seguirlo."

"We'll be fine, Auntie. And don't you worry, I'll be sure to."

Russian: Watch him. Make sure he's safe.

Arabic: I will, aunt

Japanese/Spanish: He will try to go outside. If that happens, let him./Follow him.

The large group dispersed, each trio going out a couple of minutes between each other and leaving Kat's group in the agency. Ernest turned to his mentor.

"You speak Arabic?" he inquired. Katrielle nodded.

"And Russian, Japanese, Spanish, German, French, Dutch, the list could go on forever and ever." She handed the blanket in her hand to Ernest, "Aunt Okri taught us a lot of languages whenever Dad was on an adventure. Alfendi and Fauna spent a lot of time with her, so they'd know a more about her activities, but I do remember the particular lesson she gave me in archery!"

"Arch- I'm sorry WHAT." Ernest went wide eyed. Katrielle waved a hand to brush it off, "I'll show you some other day! Don't worry! For now, let's get to bed; we'll need it for tomorrow."

Not another word was said throughout the evening. Not while they disposed of the Icer corpses, not while they fixed the doors, not while dinner was had, not even while setting up camp in the office. In fact, the only time words were exchanged seemed to be when Ernest had a sudden blood overflow, and even then, barely much was said.

When it was time for lights out, Ernest suddenly felt very uncomfortable, like an iron ball of dread was just plopped into his stomach. He contemplated consulting with Miss Layton, but, against his better judgement, decided not to.

Slowly, he shut his eyes, drifting off into a peaceful dreamland.

Time- 1:32 a.m.

Katrielle awoke with a start, jolting up to the sound of a hand hitting glass. She turned to see Ernest, just standing in front of the door and tapping it with his palm. Remembering what her Aunt Okri said, Kat got up and opened the door, noticing how her assistant's face was pale and lifeless, black smudges everywhere.

Ernest simply ignored the gesture, walking outside as Katrielle followed at a fair distance behind. She crept in the shadows as he entered an alleyway. Standing behind a dumpster, she saw Ernest be approached by six women.

The statues she had been looking at just earlier that day...

She strained to hear what was said, but the voices only seemed to lower and lower until it was silent. Instead, she watched as they extracted black blood from the boy's eyes, putting it in a glass vial before the princess with crimson hair took a sip. It was then passed around: Oolee, then orange haired princess, Veerdahn, the blue princess, and finally Shawreeootah.

Katrielle suddenly felt woozy, swaying back and forth. Taking her aunt's mentality, she supposed she had seen too much. Slowly, her vision went black as she felt herself collapse.

A/N: Kay, lemme know a few things in the comments:

1. Was this chapter okay? Be honest please! I just honestly feel a little iffy since I feel like I was forcing comedy and honestly feel like this was slapped together in the end.

2. I've wanted to know for a while, but what are your thoughts on the current cast/my interpretation of canon characters? What were your thoughts on the LB:DC cast? I really would like to know!

But anyway, if you're still sticking with the story, thank you for dealing with my laziness and lack of keeping interest in absolutely anything.