#🧂salted works

[twisted-salt]

༻𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬

A/N- Hi my brain needed this so bad. It literally started out as "oh I'll do a quick drabble" and then turned into 11 pages on Google Docs. So please enjoy or don't, I don't care. Self indulgence is the name of the game this week. Reblogs are always welcomed and motivate me to post/write more.

TW: Tweels committing violence, ever so slight blood depiction, mild hints of vile acts of men.

Characters: F!Azul Ashengrotto, M!Floyd Leech, M!Jade Leech

Overview: Graduation from Night Raven College was over 3 years ago and business has never been better. Shady deals? Her? No... though there may be an exception made-- if you have something she wants that is.

Heels clicked against the black marbled flooring where the dimming lights of her establishment reflected like the night sky outside of the building. Her mind buzzed, estimating the profit and loss based on the number of heads she counted at the doors. Not that she was worried. Once again, this establishment had been bustling with business just as it had been since the opening of its doors three short years ago. The Club’s esteemed guests flocked to the hangout from the early afternoon to the wee hours of the morning for the atmosphere, the exquisite bar and menu, and one of the best dancefloors in the city. Those that came nightly were like addicts, craving more of the chance to drown the outside world in music and good company. 

Azul Ashengrotto, alumni of Night Raven College, was the owner of the Leviathan Club– her second successful business since she was nothing more than a freshman in high school. She was a proud business owner, even if some said she made shady back alley deals with her competitors and suppliers alike. The mermaid had learned to ignore the rumors that fools may spread out of jealousy. It seemed to be their only explanation for how a woman such as herself could run circles around the other local lounges and bars in the area. 

Some of those rumors were true, of course. But no one else needed to know that. 

What some of these nitwits didn’t understand was that to avoid having a rough first year– as places similar to her establishment usually did– certain deals had to be made. Just because she knew how to spin a contract her way didn’t mean that she was taking advantage of anyone necessarily. Azul was a kind businesswoman. A fair one. These vendors came to her to gain her business. She needed to ensure the Club was successful enough to continue giving them that. Surely anyone could understand. It was simple economics. 

Sure there were a few bargains struck in between and those that may not have fallen into the category of competitor or supplier. These additional contracts on the side were still used to further secure her own power. Poor, sad souls came into the Leviathan Club to have a good time, wash away their troubles, forget about the outside world– if she saw someone she could help, how could Azul just stand by and watch them struggle? She was a kind person after all. As benevolent as the Sea Witch herself. 

The unfortunate thing? Three years after these initial bargains had been arranged, a few that had the gall to attempt to cross her– to take advantage of her– leaving debts unpaid or attempting to find a loophole. How incredibly foolish. The corner of her red painted lips quirked upright as the club owner’s figure ascended the stairs to her office. Perhaps she should be more offended. But those who underestimated the Leviathan Club’s owner would only put the odds in her favor.

Gloved fingers swiped the card to enter her office space. An elevated area located above the kitchen where she could see everything going on in the club. The floor below her feet, the walls around her secluded space acted like a one way mirror. Reflecting the club life from the outside, but inside it acted as a glass box. Nothing slipped past those sky-blue eyes. 

Though, there was a door on the north side of her office that normally remained open during business hours. When shut– the club, the kitchen, her office– were all dark. It was a room of… confinement. Private. To conduct the most sensitive of business meetings. Parties inside of the “meeting space” could not see beyond its walls while those in her office (or any security cameras) could see what happened in the room unless she pressed a button hidden under the desk. A switch allowed her to see and hear everything inside, but those in company would not be able to see out.

At present, her dear friends were meeting with an individual who had harassed her barkeep this evening behind the closed doors of the private room. Azul tugged at white gloves as she slid behind the desk to reveal the goings on. Once the space was revealed, she could hear the conversation inside. Her spectacle framed gaze watched the young man shaking in a chair as two tall figures loomed over him. 

"C'mon m-man," a shaking voice pleaded. "I told you– I wasn’t tryin’ any funny business with the lady– I swear!” Sweat matted his hair against his face, his hands bound behind the back of the chair he had been forced to sit in while these lanky... creatures hovered over him. Their forms shadowed by the too bright white light that shone behind them obstructing their prisoner's ability to see too many of their features. The twins’ sharp pointy teeth and mismatched gazes seemed to be the only thing he could truly make out through the panic and darkness. 

“Neh Jade~ How much longer do we have to wait before I get to play with this little puffer fish?” The droopy-eyed one asked his twin. “I bet he swells up real good when he gets hit, don’t you wanna’ see?”

“Fu fu~ Patience, Floyd,” his brother warned. “The boss will be here soon.”

“B-Boss?” The man looked like he was going to have a stroke. “Listen, guys– I was trying to have a good time. That little bartender was laughing at first– how was I supposed to know when she got offended? There’s no–no need to bring your boss into this.”

Disgusting. Azul stepped closer to the room, folding her arms over her chest as she continued to watch the questioning. It was obvious that the man in the chair was scared. Rightfully so. Her boys knew how to squeeze anything out of anyone. Her gaze flitted to the Twins briefly with a softer look than she would give most before returning to their prey. His face looked familiar, but she couldn’t quite put her thumb on it. One might dismiss him as just a regular Joe– drunk and stupid– but something was pushing Azul to dig more into him. 

“Oya? That’s all?” Jade’s smile was sick, twisted. “I seem to remember an almost entirely different occurrence happening. I believe Floyd and I could see it from across the building.” 

Azul had seen it from her office too. The man had made a few grabs at one of her female bartenders that had told him more than once to buzz off. Floyd and Jade had removed him once he started getting too loud. Perhaps Azul would have just thrown him out if her employee hadn’t confessed that this was nearly a regular occurrence. This man had been harassing her and a few of her coworkers each night– he made them nervous with his ill minded tongue. 

“The things he says are–” the girl hesitated, a shamed red hue spread across her face “––gross. He talks about taking us home and what he would do…” her sullen face had fallen to the tissue in her lap when Azul pulled her aside to talk. “He says he’ll wait for us after work– that-that he’s got a better job for us… I think the only reason he hasn’t done anything yet is because he’s too drunk to find the employee lot by the end of the night.” Bangs hid her face, the club owner knew the bartender was ready to start crying again. “It’s scary.”

Azul’s jaw clenched at the way the girl’s voice sounded so small. “You should have come to me,” she whispered, pressing a handkerchief to the girl’s face. “I will take care of him. Please take the rest of the evening off to go home and rest. Do not worry about leaving tonight, I have cameras watching the lot and that bothersome trash is locked up.”

“The cops can’t keep him forever, Miss. Ashengrotto–” the girl sniffled, voice strained with stress She could have told her employee that the man wasn’t with the cops, they would indeed let him loose in 24 hours– but this poor soul was already in distress at the mere mention of this man. Best to let her think he wasn’t anywhere near the Club. 

“Thank you so much for the evening off though. I appreciate the gesture… but–” hesitation came from the bartender. Azul’s mind whirled briefly like a rolodex remembering the background of the employee before speaking up.

“I will pay you compensation for any tips you will miss out on,” Azul said, holding her hand up to stop the girl from speaking. “Please, go home and rest, child. We will see you tomorrow night.”

Her index finger tapped impatiently against her arm at the memory. There was a weight of heaviness in Azul’s chest at the gratitude her employee had given. After hiring each and every body that worked in her establishment, she felt they were under her care. Look after your own, her mother would have said. That’s right. These were her people and no one touched her things. 

No one. 

“L…Listen man, maybe we can come to some sort of an agreement, yeah?” The dark-haired prisoner stumbled. “My dad, he’s got this safe– lots of money– you guys can split it right? Hell, if you want I’ll give some to your boss and the lady as goodwill! We–we’d be even right?” 

Floyd hummed, “Oh? You think this is a game, little Pufferfish?” He invaded the man’s personal space with serpentine movements. Sapphire hues slid to Jade’s face. She swore he could see through the glass and was staring back at her in an attempt to read her mind. He usually could. Jade had a knack for seeing right through her– guessing what was on Azul’s mind was practically a mini-game for the ‘older’ of the two Twins. 

A soft burning sensation kissed her ears before returning her sights back on the target at hand. She needed to figure out what to do with this imbecile anyway. There were ways of disposing garbage but Azul found it to be tedious and messy– even with the boys’ help. Roughing him up would teach him a lesson, or start a war depending on a few factors. Lips pressed together into a thin line as she glanced back at Jade. 

She needed more information. 

Jade’s head nodded slightly before acknowledging the man in the chair that his brother had practically climbed on top of. “I am curious– what is there stopping us from finding out who your father is and taking the money ourselves after we dispose of you?”

Floyd maneuvered behind the man in the chair, placing his hand on two shaking shoulders. “You’re right, Jade! Then we wouldn’t have to worry about Pufferfish ‘ere flakin’ out on us. He seems like the shady type– the type that’d leave us high and dry after we let ‘im loose.”

“No!” The man shot forward, trying to escape the squeezing hand of the Twin behind him. Azul felt some satisfaction in the way he squirmed. “No! I would never– we’re cool right, guys?” His dark eyes bounced between the two towering figures smirking at each other. “B-Besides! My dad, he’s uh–” Azul heard it, so did the Twins. 

Hesitation. 

Her shoulders rolled back in anticipation as Jade spoke. “What’s the matter… friend? Cat got your tongue?” She could see the man thinking, wheels spun in his head. Either his father was powerful, or he was full of shit. 

“He’s–he is important. I promise you– you wouldn’t be able to get past his security.” Just who did this kid think he was? Azul still needed more– as much as the Twins were doing a bang up job, she was growing impatient. Not only that but she knew Floyd would soon grow bored and begin his own fun– they need answers. 

“Oya? Your father is so important but you won’t even tell us who he is or what he does?” Jade mused. “It sounds like there is no trust to be had in this room.”

Azul could see Floyd’s hands tighten again. “No wait–” his words were cut off by a pop followed by a screech in pain, wincing away from the merman behind him. Floyd had dug his finger tips deeply under the joints of the man’s shoulders. One of them had obviously been dislocated from the way the Twin’s hand squeezed down to inflict more pain. The other remained intact. For now.

Jade’s attention briefly shifted to the wall where Azul stood on the other side. She frowned, to show her dissatisfaction even though she knew they could not see her. He let out a sigh and Azul swore she heard him mutter “well it can’t be helped,” before lowering himself to eye level with the man in the chair. “Do you want us to trust you?”

The man was now gasping, Floyd’s fingers tensed again on his injured shoulder making him whine while nodding. Jade’s smile was slow, spreading across his face but not reaching that mismatched stare. “Excellent, we’re only here to help~” the merman’s voice was deceitfully soothing. “I need you to prove you’re trustworthy, or else our dear friend Floyd will gain a new plaything. He’s never been very gentle, I’m afraid.” Another whine and nod as Floyd giggled behind him. 

“I swear–” 

“No need for that,” Jade stopped him. “Just look at me and tell me the truth or it may be the last time you sit here with your arms attached.” Azul didn’t miss the sweat flowing down the prisoner’s temple. “– Shock the Heart.” 

Sporadic breathing became calm, pupils widened as the man in the chair met Jade’s gaze. “There we go. Now, I have a few questions for you and you must tell the truth, understand?”

A nod came. 

“Good. What is your name?” 

“B-Bram Koning.” 

“Thank you Bram. And your father’s name?” 

“Governor Koning of the Southern Isles.” Jade and Floyd shared a deadly look and Azul released a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “I am the youngest of my brothers.”

“Interesting,” Jade hummed. “Tell us, Bram, how do you enjoy your nights here at the Leviathan Club?”

“I like coming here to meet pretty women,” he said almost robotically. “There’s always so many– so pretty– we like to… recruit them to work at my brother’s spot down the street.” 

“And what’s your brother’s place like?”

Again, a pause came. Azul’s silver hair brushed against her shoulder when her head tilted to the side. “His place– the Iced Pub… it has pretty women– like the bartender– who dance and give our customers a trip to remember.”

Azul’s lip curled in disgust. She had heard of the little hole in the wall filth opened down the street weeks after the Leviathan Club’s success was announced. It was well funded but shady by appearance, inside and out. Azul had heard the description from idle chatter in her own establishment and never planned to step foot in the place. Nothing of this caliber but there was a rumor– 

A lightbulb went off inside her head. One that shone like a brand new contract written and signed with only her magic. She would have passed the rumors off as hearsay but something in the tranced confession Bram gave Jade made her think this could just be the tip of the iceberg. Her fingers searched the desk for quill and paper to scratch out a list of demands to be met as an arrangement. 

From the looks of it though, the boys were done pushing for answers– which meant it was her turn to ask the questions– and she didn’t need Jade’s unique magic to do so. Next to the door rested a cane, the silver octopus handle gleamed against the dimmed lights of the Club. She took it up, allowing fingers to splay over the top of the mollusk’s head. Azul let out a long exhale to calm any unwanted anger before the mask of calm, confidence washed over her face. She pushed through the door to the room, tucking a newly drawn up contract into the pocket of her blazer. 

Bram slumped in his chair, Floyd tapping his shoulders before strutting over to stand next to his brother. “So now what’re we gonna do with this guy, Jade?”

Jade’s finger curled over his mouth pensively. “Good question, Floyd. He seems like a rather unpleasant fellow. One that wouldn’t make for anything more than a bit of chum hung out by the docks. Fufu~”

Floyd let out a squeal of laughter, “can we, Jade? I bet he makes good shark bait– we wouldn’t have to tie him up too much more– I bet his little squirms would attract them like, well, blood in the water! What do you say, Puffer Fish?” He stepped closer to Bram, leaning his devilish features close to the wide-eyed prey. “Wanna go for a dip?”

“That’s quite enough, Floyd–” Azul’s soft, femine voice spoke up over Bram’s panicked wimpers. The slightly taller Twin removed his hat from his head and placed it over his chest.

“Sorry, boss,” Floyd apologized sheepishly as his brother mimicked his movements. 

“Boss?!” 

“Good evening, Azul–” Jade welcomed her, ignoring the man in the chair’s outburst. “This is our new friend, Bram Koning. We’ve been getting to know him very well.”

“My, my– Is that so?” She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, meeting the governor’s son’s shocked face. “Good evening, sir– Bram is it?” She tilted her head back to look down on him with a sickenly sweet smile she had perfected over the years. “My name is Azul Ashengrotto. I hope my boys didn’t rough you up too much~”

Beyond the confusion there was a deep rage building in the darkened eyes of her prisoner. “To say they only roughed me up would be an understatement. Look at my fucking shoulder!”

“I see…” Her gaze fell on his right arm that somehow slacked even while carefully shackled behind his back. “Floyd, please fix this gentleman up if you would.”

“Awww… but bosslady,” the final word slithered out as a whine. Azul was met with a puppy dog pout, practically begging her to let his fun continue. A slender, silver eyebrow cocked up in his direction in response. Floyd let out a heavy sigh, “uggh… fine.” He took a few steps towards the man who paled once Floyd’s hand touched the dislocated shoulder. 

“W-Wait a sec–”

“Breathe, Pufferfishie,” Floyd pushed on the man’s shoulder and another pop was heard followed by a screech of pain from Bram. 

“Much better. Now we can have a proper discussion.” As she spoke, she snapped her fingers and one of the Twins pushed a chair up behind her to sit comfortably at eye level with the man grumbling profanities over his pain. 

“What’s there– t’even talk about,” he muttered through short breaths. “I already–I already told these psychos it was a– misunderstanding. We were going to come to– an agreement but they t-tried to kill me!” 

“Oh don’t be so dramatic. I think if they really tried to kill you, you’d be dead.” One leg crossed over the other, her hand firmly rested on the cane at her side as she sat back to watch him. She was vaguely aware of the Leech brothers standing close behind her. Looming shadows, tamed for the time being– but still threatening. “They’ll behave for now, won’t you boys?”

“Certainly, Azul.”  

“Yes, boss.”

“See?” She feigned a soft smile, motherly almost. “You’re in good hands now, Mr. Koning.”

Bram’s lips pressed together, he was skeptical. But Azul could see confidence growing in his facial features. She could practically watch the wheels spinning behind his eyes, concocting a lie that would wiggle his way out of this mess– off her hook. This man’s whole demeanor would change from the shriveling coward to something that left a bad taste in her mouth. At least arrogance was always so much fun to tear down. 

“If I’m in such good hands, why are mine still tied up?” He grumbled. 

“Because this is not an easy conversation, my dear. To have you free as a bird with us in the same room requires a bit of…” her head searched for the right word, “trust. I suppose.”

“What’s a’matter? Scared I’ll rip through these two and come for you? Pretty sure they could whip my ass if I tried.” 

Azul brushed off imaginary lint from her pencil skirt, straightening it out nonchalantly. “Naturally. You misunderstand as to what I trust in should I let you go. Do I trust that you will be unreasonable enough to attempt to force your way out? Yes. Do I trust that these two won’t splatter you across my freshly cleaned walls? No.” The Twins let out a low chuckle between the two of them. “However, you’ll find that violence isn’t really my preference in these situations.” 

“And what situation is this?”

“Think of it as a peace treaty,” Azul held out a hand. “I get answers and a small favor defined on paper for the future, and you can run back to your silly pub, unscathed– well, in no more pain than you are now, that is. Everyone wins, right?”

Bram’s jaw flexed. His feet were set wide in front of him as if he physically was attempting to hold firm. “It doesn’t sound like an even split to me.”

“Hmm,” Azul shrugged. “I think it is after you’ve been encroaching on my grounds poaching my people. That is something that I find is not easily forgotten Mr. Koning and for me to overlook this and turn the other cheek– well, something must be arranged. Don’t you think so?”

“Crazy bitch,” Bram muttered under his breath. Azul seethed but refused to show it– she could already feel her boys ready to pounce, teeth bared at this man’s insolence. Her finger twitched just above the octopus head in her palm as if to halt their movements. “Fine, what is this ‘answer’ you need?”

Azul let out a slow breath. “I will happily tell you–” her teeth were clenched as she spoke, gloved fingers reaching for her hidden contract. “Once this has been signed. Do I have your word that you won’t try anything irrational?” 

Bram looked her up and down slowly, settling on the parchment in her hand, then nodded. “Very well– Jade, if you would, please.”

Jade moved to go untie the man. A knife appeared in his hand almost out of thin air to cut the ropes. Bram winced, glaring up at the land-bound merman with utter defiance. “Come now, the boss has asked us to behave and we will– do not fret, friend.” 

Azul could have rolled her eyes at him. The Twin was obviously still in the mood to play. But soon Bram was free, rubbing his hands around where his wrists had been bound. “Excellent, now– feel free to read this over,” she grinned and handed him the contract, watching his face as he skimmed the words. 

“A rumor?” He asked, cocking an eyebrow up in her direction. “What rumor?”

“You’ll have to find out, won’t you?”

The man’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “You’re not talkin’ about those drug rumors, are you? You think our place is some kind of– I don’t know– undercover drug ring? That shimmer junk may be hitting the street, lady, but it ain’t comin’ from my brother’s place. What’s next? People will start saying we’re doing all sorts of illegal, shady shit?”

Azul shrugged, “is that the question I’ll ask you? Who’s to say?” She was winning. Sevens bless Azul loved winning. Even without the contract signed she had enough to begin to take down these Koning brothers. 

“How are you even s’posed to know if I’m tellin’ you the truth?”

“Ah! That is an excellent point,” she leaned in closer. “All my business arrangements are imbued with magic that I’ve perfected over the years. If you lie to me, I will know– and there will be consequences.” Sky blue eyes stared him down, challenging. 

Bram swallowed, the confidence in his face was beginning to crack. “And if I refuse to play along?”

“Then I leave this room and my boys can do as they please.”

Bram leaned back in his chair. His gaze darted to the three bodies in the room. “You’re all fucking psychotic, you know that?”

“I prefer the word ‘inventive’, Mr. Koning,” Azul unfolded her legs and rose to her feet. She stood in front of the man with an arm outstretched. She had him. If he refused to confirm any of her suspicions, she would send a member of the staff to spy and confirm the details at the club. Bram was practically admitting guilt in that sense. It would only be a matter of time before the truth revealed itself. This was just a faster route to getting what she wanted. “What do you say? Do we have a deal?”

The Twins had backed away, allowing her proposal to take center stage. Azul was faintly aware of the lack of their presence near her. Bram, however, noticed almost too easily. His hand shot out, taking Azul’s and twisting it behind her back. He wrenched her knuckles up her spine, nearly causing a bone somewhere to crack under the pressure. She gasped in pain, teeth grit together only to have a blade manifest in front of her throat. 

“Back up!” Bram shouted at the Twins. They had already begun to step in but stopped at the crazed look in the man’s eye. “Stay right where you are! If you move, I’ll slit her throat.” As confirmation to his words he pressed the knife deeper into her skin. Azul could feel the crimson liquid beginning to rise to the surface of where it broke through flesh. “Gotta’ admit, sweetheart– you had me for a second there–” 

Sweetheart?

“Really thought whoever was in charge of these two would have to be some all powerful gang leader– but instead it's just you.” He laughed in her ear as he continued. “You’re a pretty little thing too– bet you’d make lots of money where that soft mouth of yours could talk a man’s ear off all night. You had me ready to sign away my brother’s personal affairs to save my own skin? And yet you couldn’t even keep yours safe. What a joke.” 

“So the rumors are true then?” Her words were soft, breathy from the sudden jolt he’d given her. Light blue eyes met two pairs of heterochromia gazes that mirrored her own anger and frustration but with more savagery. 

“Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t– it doesn’t matter anymore. If I cut this pretty neck of yours, ain’t nobody going to hear about it– no hard feelings though right?” His full attention turned back to the Leeches. “Let me out this door I swear to God I’ll do it!” The Twins let him shuffle along the back wall towards the door. 

There was a moment of silence where no one spoke, Bram continued his careful movements. His gaze trained on the boys. “Bram, I must thank you for sparing my efforts to sign a deal with the likes of you,” she told the dark haired man. “And I want to thank you for proving to me how incompitent you are by underestimating me.” 

Her magestone shone on her broach as the old, memorized incantation was muttered. Power surged through her like a sea breeze and a large pillar of water shot up from underneath them, knocking Bram backwards. Azul’s hand shot out towards her cane where it had fallen, silently summoning it to her will. Her palm pressed against the shaft, fingers enclosing it in her grasp in an instant. Bram sputtered on his knees in front of her. Two hands gripped the cane tightly and Azul swung for the fences, knocking the heavy, ornate octopus into his head hard enough to send the man in reverse. 

“Stubborn fool,” she practically growled, stepping towards him– Johnny Chu’s refused to falter in step despite the now wet tile where her magic had pooled. “Insolent little thing you are!” Azul stood over the man now trying to raise himself up on his forearms. “You really thought you could threaten me?” 

“Fuck you!” He shouted at her.

Azul’s heel drove into his shoulder hard, pushing him back down to the ground.  Her anger slowly teetered over the edge. “Not in a million years, you disgusting sack of shit. And my barkeeps feel the same way.” Her fingers raised again, allowing another waterspell to rush over his face, winding through his airways until he choked. “I hold your life in my palm– I offer you freedom from the mousetrap that had sprung and instead you chose to be stupid.” 

Her anger was leaking out now, in a way that she hadn’t felt in a long time. There was a familiar barrier being pushed, blackness teased at her vision. Her magic would need to be limited while she was in this state. 

The spell ceased and Bram sputtered. Fear set heavy on his features. “I–I’m–I–”

The end of Azul’s cane pointed at his face. “You, what? You’re sorry? After the chance I gave you?No you’re not– you will be soon, pet. Don’t you worry about that.” She removed her foot from his shoulder. “Boys! Get him out of here, do whatever you want– string him up, put him down– whatever tickles your fancy tonight.”

“Yes, Azul.”

“You got it, boss.”

The Twins flanked Bram, picking him up on either arm. “W-Wait!” He cried, shaking from the cold after being drenched. “P-Please, I thought you didn’t like violence?”

“Is that what I said?” She spun on her heels one last time to face Bram Koning. “I believe I said that I would prefer not to resort to violence when handling business affairs– we have no business, Mr. Koning. Surely you can understand.”

Bram looked like he had been just clubbed in the face again. His jaw slacked, eyes filled with terror as he realized there was no way to talk himself out of this. 

“Goodbye, Bram– no hard feelings, right?”

His cries could be heard all the way out of her office as Floyd and Jade carried him off to do whatever ‘fun’ they had planned for the unfortunate soul. Azul picked up the contract off the ground, dusting it off before moving back to her desk. There was no need for it anymore. It was simply a piece sacrificed in play. Now she needed to figure out her next move.

Sleep would be the last thing in mind for the Leviathan Club owner. There was work to be done. Soon she’d have a governor under her thumb and possibly another business location. 

[deus-ex-mona]

when work mode ≠ home mode…

[andthendk]

Late Halloween: warning! Mild Spice🔥

When I asked my friends for quick Halloween ideas, this is what I got

Y'all NASTY.....(I love it🩷) So after what, 5 days this is probably the quickest piece I've finished....albeit late 😂😂 I feel like this one's similar to one of my earliest lemon🍋 works? Anywho, hurrah until we meet again on smutweek, folks 😂

And yes they are full grown adults here. Anyways you have been warned ❤️‍🔥

[BEHIND SCENE PLOTS] I had no time to draw but wanted to share anyway...😂

- them cheeks (everyone's loss rly, the real "behind scene")😙

- full shot of cop Damian; Raven at first decided against using the sexy ver. because she respects the mantel and all its forebearers a ton(and it's silly)....but after seeing Damian's cop costume she decided she'll need to make sure they don't attend ;)) next year she's gonna make them go as frumpy salt & pepper shakers or something🧂🧂

- Titus in a three-headed Cerberus plushie costume + custom-made pumpkin Bottega bag for treats🐾🎃

- Kori, at the party, giving a knowing look while Dick's confusion twofolds *flashbacks to several of their own Halloween shenanigans*🌝😹

- (As per the lovely idea-pitcher) Damian later seriously contemplating, "I'm into it, but what does it say about me?" w/ Harley and her professional clipboard scribbling madly in the background🤡👩🏼‍⚕️

- Robin!Raven's revenge, 'cause no Robin gets f**ked over by the police and leaves like that😎💥

[astrologylunadream]

Your Next Long-term Friendship🍒💄♥️ (Pick a card/Tarot reading)

Hey it's Lunadream~ we're going to learn all about your next long lasting/healthy friendship!💋 Who is your future bestie?🥰 hope you find your message~

Notice: Only take what resonates because the most important thing is your own judgement!♡ If anything doesn't resonate, don't worry! It's not your message right now <3 (Entertainment purpose only. All rights reserved)

Also thank you all for the love and support on my readings!!❤ You are all such gifts.💋🤗

Now, shall we begin~? ^w^ Think of the you and your future bestie, and pick whichever pile that fits the energy you're feeling~📮🍬♥️

Pile 1🍓

Pile 2🍬

Pile 3🍒

Pile 4🍫

Take your time and choose carefully with the heart~♡

On to the readings —> 😍💄♥️

Pile 1🍓

Sign energy: Knowledge, Health, Audience, Seduction, Conquer, 7th house, Mercury, Air, 11th house, Pluto, 🚫🥳🔮☀️

💄Your energy: I am sensing very venusian, feminine vibes for you guys💕 Very charming and beautiful, like I feel like you can gain anyone's trust with just the way you speak. You're sociable in a soft and seductive way, people fall for the way your mind works and the way you word things.💬🥰 So sweet and captivating aura for this pile. Noticable placements are air dominants, Libra, Gemini and Aquarius placements. Pluto/Scorpio is also apparent! Of course those are just some of the main energies I'm getting, take what resonates <3 You guys are just so attractive mentally especially, Also you may have put a stop to romantic relationships for your health sake or at least tried to shift focus away from giving so much energy into those types of connections. You are very aware and knowledgable of the world around you, mostly through sources of the internet.🔍 There is definitely a soft vibe to my pile 1's💘 Also your mind and intelligence is your superpower, you may have a lot of followers online/or have many connections with people that way. I'm getting extrovert vibes but not necessarily have to be, you may just have a lot of people who like you. Some of you are health conscious, or trying to focus on self care.💅💄🤗

♥️Your next long term friendship: Read, Relaxed, Reserved, Cinderella, Rose, North node, Leo, Scorpio, 9th house, 3rd house, 😫✂️🍭🥱 Ohhh interesting my pile 1's your next bestie will be very kind and understanding of you, I'm getting older sibling vibes from them🥺❤ Like they will be totally there for you, and a good listener I'm hearing. Something is telling me they read books, and may enjoy writing stories. Placements for them may be Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Gemini so look out for those!!😊 Omg you guys your friend is going to compliment you so well, it's honestly adorable😭😭 Like you two are somewhat different but go together like salt and pepper🧂🖤 Really cute, they are more of an introvert loner type, but like super chill and just vibing. I feel like they were really lonely until they met you🥺 You two may enjoy watching disney movies together😍❤ I feel like they will help keep you down to earth and end toxic cycles or relationships that aren't good for you.🥺 Ahhh they are just so there for you, they could have the name Rose or a flower related name. Omg your friend may become a successful writer in the future. Lol I feel like your bestie will come into your life as sort of a "prince charming" but in a best friend way, giving you the best advice and preventing you from letting yourself get hurt or disappointed⚔✊ Even though they aren't very social and more so closed off, they are so sweet to you omg.🙊♥️

📮Extra cards: Over, Chiron, Entertainment, Business, Anger (They may get very defensive if you get hurt or sad, I feel like they will be the first to tell somebody off that broke your heart or offended you. True bestie vibes👌🥰

Thank you my pile 1's! If you feel this resonated, you may tap the heart to claim this message!♥️

I hope you enjoyed your reading! ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ If you did be sure to let me know pile 1 with the strawberry emoji~🍓 Thanks for scrolling through, Hugs hugs hugs!! See you in the next reading💋

Pile 2🍬

Sign energy: Honest, Honey, Secret admirer, Us, Trouble, North node, Chiron, 7th house, Moon, Leo,🗒🥰🏎🚨

💄Your energy: Okay so you guys are going through a lot🤯 We have prominent Libra, Cancer and Leo for this pile's chart. Some of you are searching for a way to heal from past experiences, you may not be addressing it directly or trying to shift focus from your problems. You guys are healing from something, likely a romantic connection or situation. You could be in a one sided relationship or there are blockages in your love life, whatever the case there is some tension with romance for you guys. You may be keeping secrets or hiding your feelings, you just want someone to talk about it with. I think you need to be sweeter to yourself, and think highly of yourself too.❤ My pile 2's have gone through a lot, I heard you have trouble sharing your emotions a lot. But you will be healing so fast and in no time you will be unstoppable✊🤗 Also your emotions make you very attractive and you may have secret admirers due to your kind and true feelings. Some of you may write in your diary often, or write down affirmations for your future or goals. I'm hearing you are very sweet and genuine my pile 2's🤧💕 You want to be understood and cared for, and omg you are so soft and beautiful I just want to give you a hug!!

♥️Your next long-term friendship: Important, Capricorn, Teddy bear, Power, Tease, Chiron, South node, 6th house, Uranus, 10th house, 🌇🌅🧍‍♂️😁 Okay so it is highly likely your next long term friendship has more assertive qualities, omg they will want to take care of you and help you. Heavy Capricorn influence on their chart, also look out for Virgo and Aquarius placements. Saturnian vibes. They are very stable and strong, I think they are more dominant with you like taking your problems into their own hands or teasing you slightly. You may meet them through online or business of some sort, they can seem cheeky at first until you see how attentive they are to you.☺ They will most likely hug you a lot or more often, because they see your emotional needs and want to care for you.🥺♥️ They themselves are rather less expressive and they seem like they aren't as needy for emotional comfort, but deep down they too are healing and have past experiences they feel hurt by.😭🏚 Probably why they want to comfort and care for you because they wanted that themselves, your next friend may be successful in business. For some of you this friend will be a masculine. They may act as a sort of "husband" archetype but in a friend sense, like providing support and help to you and all. Their body language is very commanding, they could live in the city or do business there soon. Also I just got virgo rising vibes. They will get your life together for you, opening doors and huge opportunities. What a helpful and supportive friend they will be.😊 They'll want to help you through everything, it will be a very stable and healthy friendship.♥️👏

Extra cards: Safe, Allow, Be yourself, Lies, Kitty (Your friend want you to feel able to be you and be happy, and let you feel safe and good about yourself☀️)

Thank you my pile 2's! If you feel this resonated, you may tap the heart to claim this message!♥️

I hope you enjoyed your reading! ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ If you did be sure to let me know pile 2 with the candy emoji~🍬 Thanks for scrolling through, Hugs hugs hugs!! See you in the next reading💋

Pile 3🍒

Sign energy: Salty, Memories, Right, Couple, Impulsive, Lilith, 2nd house, 10th house, 1st house, Jupiter,💎♓🔦👄

💄Your energy: Ah we have some bad b*ch vibes here in this pile, so powerful and seductive.😘 You want that ride or die best friend, to have real fun with🚀🎉 Taurus, Capricorn, Aries, Sagittarius and Pisces energy is prominent. Your lips are your very attractive feature, also you have this hot look that draws others in.🧲 You may be bitter about something like old memories or an ex that gets you mad, something you remember that makes you salty.😡 Some of you were the type to date really early in life or have many breakups, but now you are very powerful and on the right track🏆 You guys are so ambitious and stunning, you are owning your bad side😈 Your voice mesmerizes all your admirers and you speak power, total hotties.🔥 Physically gorgeous, mentally too. I just heard people get addicted to your voice, like they can't let it go. Everyone has this fatal attraction to you, the spotlight is on you my pile 3's💋 You don't take no for an answer, direct approach to what you want. If anyone in this pile is going through heartbresk or break up just know you don't need them like you are high demand they don't deserve you.👑 You are a diamond, one of a kind and they know it too. My pile 3's have this look in theirs eyes that is so alluring and captivating.💫

♥️Your next long-term friendship: Eternity, Long, Push, Shame, Image, Fire, Sun, 7th house, Neptune, 11th house, 📸🐭😩😑 So your bestie is going to be in your life for a while I'm hearing, very long lasting connection to confirm! Look out for Leo, Libra, Pisces, and Aquarius energies. You guys will take selfies together and share photos with eachother, giggling about it and I also feel like you two will roast people for fun.😂 You may even tease eachother or act like enemies as an inside joke. You two will be very playful with one another, like lifetime close friends. Your friend may be against the idea of you getting into a romantic relationship or commitment because then you will be just as close with that person.🥺❤ They are a little clingy, but only because they will feel like you guys are inseparable <3 It may be a long time before either of you get a romantic relationship of your own, like you two may both stay single for a while and just own your single power together👑💫 They will push you to do things you haven't tried before and vice versa, they want to be friends with you forever I'm hearing omg😢💞 You two get to be weird together, and your humor combined is 10/10. I feel like people may shame you two for whatever reason, like paint a picture of you guys being bad or a chaotic duo but that's only because they are jealous of a friendship like yours😌🔥🌈

Extra cards: Lies, Psycho, Loose, Matchmaker, Flower (Aww no I'm getting that many others will insist your bestie is a bad influence on you, like they're untamed or too wild. Like people won't like you guys spontaneous nature together because they will call it mischievous or crazy🥺 Your friend will stick with you through it all though, no matter what people say about the two of you. Omg like ride or die❤🎆

Thank you my pile 3's! If you feel this resonated, you may tap the heart to claim this message!♥️

I hope you enjoyed your reading! ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ If you did be sure to let me know pile 3 with the cherry emoji~🍒 Thanks for scrolling through, Hugs hugs hugs!! See you in the next reading💋

Pile 4🍫

Sign energy: Father, Self love, Odd, Past, Perfect, Virgo, Water, Venus,💛👢🖇🍫

💄Your energy: Okayy so for my pile 4's this is a very preppy, feminine energy. I am getting vintage vibes~🖤 Prominent energies are Virgo, Taurus and Libra as well as water placements. You may hold on to the past even uncommon things that not many people remember, you have a vivid memory. You may be really into shoes, or rare clothing (Like things you don't see people wear often). My pile 4's have high standards, it can be for anything from clothes to romantic partners. You may think very highly of yourself or at least acknowledge your beauty, because after all you are very beautiful😌♥️ Some of you have a specific relationship with your father, either inspired or disappointed by him. You think a lot, but I feel like you put too much pressure on yourself. Accept that you are perfect in your own way, I think you already know that💓 You guys are so sweet, also chocolate may be your favorite sweet treat.🍫 Such a delicate feminine aura, very pretty and well kept. You may have a strange hobby or interests, many people perceive you as being different (most likely in a good way☀️) and the color yellow may be significant to you. This pile is just so polished and gorgeous oml😩♥️💞

♥️Your next long-term friendship: Psycho, Leader, Door, Tsundere, Nostalgia, Venus, Chiron, South node, Mercury, Saturn,☀️🟦🌋💬 Omg my pile 4's this is so interesting idk where to start!! They will be very bold and take the initiative, this could be a coping mechanism to act tough when they are actually not that way. You may have met this person in the past, or they bring back many memories to you.⏳ Your friend could be a little older than you, or have that vibe about them. Feminine energies are also present, It is possible for them to have Venus-Sun aspects. Libra, Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius are all prominent placements to remember. This could be an existing connection that was closed off or seemed distant, for a small amount of you I'm getting that this is someone who didn't like you at first or vice versa, but then becomes close to you. They may have acted cold on purpose out of fear of getting close to someone⛈💔 They talk a lot, but they may accidentally say harsh things out of habit🥺 They can have bursts of anger centered from their past, they may have been hurt by other's words.😭😭 Blue is a color for them, they may wear that as their comfort color. They will definitely hide their intnese emotions from you, shutting them out so you don't feel burdened. Also I feel like when you two become friends they will be strangely worried about preserving your beauty?? Keeping you covered up or saying you should wear less revealing outfits😂😂 I think it comes from a place of protecting you, they don't want you to get used or tricked by others I'm hearing.♥️ They will care about you a lot more than you will know🥺💞

Extra cards: Pisces, Ankles, Fishing, Yellow, Passion

Thank you my pile 4's! If you feel this resonated, you may tap the heart to claim this message!♥️

I hope you enjoyed your reading! ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ If you did be sure to let me know pile 4 with the chocolate emoji~🍫 Thanks for scrolling through, Hugs hugs hugs!! See you in the next reading💋

Wanna see more readings like this? Check out my tumblr for accurate readings for you!💗🌊🌸

Thanks for reading! \(*^w^)/💌 -Lunadream <3

[smalljxnnie]

⏝ִ︶⏝ִ︶⏝ִ︶⏝ִ︶⏝ִ︶⏝

THE KEYS ABOUT YOUR FUTURE LOVER

⏜ ︵⊹︵ ⏜ ︵ ୨୧︵ ⏜ ︵⊹︵ ⏜

01. 02. 03.

04. 05. 06.

˒ 🥛 ៸៸ ꒰ disclaimer ୨୧ ⋆

All of the images was collected and saved through pinterest. Take all everything as grain of salt as no one can really truly predict the future. Any resonated results are purely product of the current energy. Every option for each pile are from left to right.

˒ 🧂 ៸៸ ꒰ copyright ୨୧ ⋆

All right reserved by smalljxnnie 2023. Do not copy, re-publish, transmit, and exploit this reading in any way. Please do obtain permission of the creator. Any infringement of copyright are punishable by the law.

Pile 1

cards: strength - ii of cups - iv of wands

brave, confident, the one who you will tame, loves being at control, offers love in you, happy being with you, only have eyes for you, lots of eye contacts, being friends/partner with them, balance, equally love, attractive, could be an ex, will meet in them in an engagement or marriage, bless person, stable, protective & secure, love of aesthetic things, might be a successful or abundant person, enjoy family gatherings, might meet them on your way home and reunions/parties/ events, have self esteem and pride, people welcome them everytime they come home, have great neighborhood and family, isn't selfish and share success in others, has happy community or family, home person or likes being at home, often feels happy whenever they are in home, contented to everything they have, have happy work environment such as supportive co workers and a boss, might travel for work/ work overseas, have supportive environment, somewhat popular or famous, Leo sign (may name as Leo), Cancer.

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Pile 2

cards: king of swords - ace of wands - vi of swords

mature, powerful, intelligent and analytical, authority level, likes to speak the truth and brutal honest, communicate well, disciplinarian, set some standard for themselves and to others, more on reasoning and logic, head and not heart, heartless (cold), unbiased to people and a situation, detached and aloof person, strict, follow all the rules and regulations in every situation, splitting painful facts, detailed oriented, black and white is their favorite color, more on private side, the gifted or full of talent, ideas = action, driven individual, ambitious, charismatic, motivate and empower people, fast in action or the way of speak, accept every challenge, keep calm and cool every moment, racer, pretty daring in way of speaking and act, older, always wanted to be on top and at first, take risks, want to be original and unique, never be afraid to start over, slow in healing and moving on, often finding safest place, feels defeated when they are not on the top, carries negative attitude or beliefs, distance themselves to people, trust issues, likes boats or own one, Aries sign (may name as Aries) and air signs such as Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

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Pile 3

cards: v of cups, the tower - 6 of pentacles - 7 of cups

experience trauma in life, appear as sad, not feelin' satisfied in everything they have, multiple heartbreaks, have regret and shame, always blaming themselves, focus much in past events, lonely, isolate themselves from the others, feel that they are disappoint in life, have inner anger, have many what ifs, doesn't want to embrace change, fear of change, loss something or someone into their life, in pain, was abused, loss something because of natural disasters, loves to share to people who are less, help people in their needs, likes donating and leave tips, care for humanity, doesn't judge easily, give and will receive a lot, fair person, desire to understand themselves more, wanted to be honest to themselves, has priorities, hide their true identity, imagination and illusion, daydream, plenty of choices, too much opportunities and doesn't able to know what to grab to, can be lazy, isn't organize, unable to think clearly when lots of opportunities come together,

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Pile 4

cards: wheel of fortune - ix of wands - 10 of pentacles

good luck, destined to be each other, soulmate, fortunate, anxious about something, guarded most of the time, a hero?, someone who have more experience, patient and perseverance, strength, determine to anything, could be defensive, protective about themselves and the others, competitive, often stand alone, doesn't fight without a cause, lonely, competitive, desire of support and backups, thinking about the past mistakes, overwhelmed about too much commitments, responsibilities and burdens, prefer they were the only owner of something, financially stable, materialistic person, got high ambition in life, luxury, want comfort in life, value family, their family is supportive, wealthy/rich, came from wealthy family, have family business, celebrate a lot with family, an old school, respect elders, conservative, old fashioned person, some people here would only marry them for money, contracts, arranged marriage for money and power, at the same time doing a job and parenting.

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Pile 5

cards: vi of wands - 10 of cups - queen of wands

successful, lots of achievements and rewards, always at the top, the of all the people you meet, in higher position, a natural leader, stability, go getter, acknowledge by people, praise and support by everyone, supportive environment, supportive person, famous or popular, V.I.P, as always the centre of attention, particularly most of the time they were in spotlight, not selfish and share what they got(success), treat everyone with proper fairness, confident, can be prideful, may work in politics, often free in troubles, happy in what they have and got, there family is the sweetest people, likes children, is your soulmate, you were both destined to each other, will be in long term relationship, they are loving, good luck, blessed person, give gifts or have lots of gifts, contented to everything, relax, comfortable at home, home person, secure or stable in family and finances, fun to be with, playful, caring and supportjve, will give you a happy home life, grew up in a happy family, you already dream them before inside of your home, mature and strong, capable of doing most the things, independent, proud for who they are, might outgoing, doesn't fear to someone or to something, ambitious, determine in everything, inspire people, attractive, appear as sexy, fun and do jokes around, dramatic, can be friendly, offer a hand to people who needs help, protective and defend people who are close to them, bold and is daring, sunny, keeps healthy, eat healthy, athletic and sporty, athletic body.

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Pile 6

cards: the devil - king of pentacles - page of wands - ix of wands

depressed, have mental health issues, has addiction or obsessed person, materialistic, sensual, abusive/violence or were once experience abuse, mature, someone older, successful, rich (wealthy), midas touch, likes luxurious and expensive things, may own a bussiness, have too many qualifications, ambitious, lots of assets and possessions, high status, comfortable life, lots of money, has ability to buy whatever they want, secure and a protective about themselves, a hard worker, patient, someone who is cautious and people don't want to cross paths with them, skillful, the one who provides and earn, down to earth, resourceful especially to people who were need them, bussiness minded, can be friendly, supportive and likes to encourage people around them, generous in everything, faithful and committed in a relationship or to their career, set a standard, traditional, conservative, stubborn but they are slow to anger, value their worth, healthy physique, exercise, may own land/property, adventurous, intelligent and creative, travel, take the risk, entrepreneur, an inspiration, confident, childhood is important for them, may have child, loves children, often curious about something that caught there interest, open minded, charismatic, brave and has courage to do what is needed to, doesn't fear for the challenges, extrovert, extravagant, handsome/pretty, might be a student atm, playful and likes to have fun, likes sports, play sports, athletic, athletic body, lots of experience, prove themselves and what they can able to do, ready for the fight, too many commitments and burdens, responsibilities, force to do something that they don't want to, protective, tough person. competitive, likes to compete with people.

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[weirdstills]

Q&A with Serizawa Katsuya (from the fanbook!!!)

credits: Muz🧂🌂 on Twitter

Q1. What are your grades at night school? What's your best subject?

A. I'm best at language and history. My grades aren't bad, but I'm not trying to compete with anyone.

Q2. How did you end up at Spirits and Such?

A "If you have nowhere to go, how about you work here?' Seems like other people got that offer too, but I guess I'm the only one who took it.

Q3. What do you usually talk about with Reigen?

A. Things we liked eating at the konbini recently and so on. He often asks me about what's going on at school, or about games and anime that are good for passing time.

Q4. Do you plan to keep working at the consulting office? A. It's rare for me to get hired, so I'll keep working there as long as my employment period lasts. I don't really know what I'm capable of doing, so it's enough that I have a job I can do.

Q5. Do you stay awake for New Year's or do you sleep when the time comes?

A. Awake.

Q6. Who did you talk to most when you were in Claw?

A. The President and Shou, I guess. They have very different personalities, but they treat everyone equally. I'm the kind of person other people usually look down on, so I can tell.

Q7. What's your alcohol tolerance? Do you go out when you're free from work?

A. I don't drink. Reigen doesn't either. We went out for drinks once, and we basically licked the surface of our beers before we started going madly at the edamame. Actually, Reigen fell asleep in the store just like that.

Q8. Serizawa-san, you're reliable and trusted by your boss. Give some advice to the rest of us working adults!

A. When you're just starting out, it's enough just to be able to say hello, thank you, and apologize! But doing these correctly is actually rather difficult.

Q9. What did you do with your first paycheck?

A. Reigen-san lent me money for my suit, so I used it to pay him back.

Q10. Is there anything you wish Reigen-san would stop doing?

A. At first, I thought he kept farting loudly and with no hesitation. Even if he's my boss, I'd hope that he can at least control the volume. It seems like that was actually the sound of the chair being in poor condition and rubbing against the floor, though, so hope he can fix the chair. Also, wish he'd stop joking around when there's dangerous evil spirits in front of him. Kageyama-kun says those aren't jokes, but if that's the case, there's really some situations I don't understand.

Q11. What's the most useless information you learned from Reigen?

A. He said there was a secret method to eating pizza without burning your mouth and then immediately burned his mouth. Also, there's supposed to be some trick to throwing salt around...? My school exams are coming soon and I'd like to remove those memories from my memory, even though I respect him very much.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

One small pet peeve I have about Chapter 7 is that it's making Maleficent look like "a victim." This is a personal thing but I always considered the Evil Queen to be Disney's most evil villain, but the title has Maleficent being considered "evil incarnate." And I understand, she has powers and transforms into a dragon. What a cool thing. But on several occasions I feel that content creators who partly work for Disney do not respect that she is an evil being and end up softening her character, either giving her a tragic background or making her a mother. Going back to TWST, the part that bothers me the most is right at the beginning of the chapter, when Yuu dreams about Maleficent and the only option to choose implies that they feel bad for Maleficent for not being invited. And it's like WHAT? Didn't you see that she cursed a baby? Or better yet, why didn't you feel bad for the other villains? And seeing the theories of the most recent update, with the inclusion of the senate and seeing that almost the entire fandom hates them, it makes Maleficent's descendants seem more like victims (which they partly are). Sorry, this is something personal that I wanted to share with someone. But in conclusion, no other medium outside of the original film can well portray Maleficent as the embodiment of evil that she is supposed to be. And yes, I know the Draconia family is not Maleficent but they are still related.

Disclaimer: I’m coming at this from the POV of someone who has no attachment to Maleficent as a character and is frankly confused as to why she’s the Big Bad that Disney chooses to promote as their villainous icon 🤡 so take my opinion with a grain of salt!🧂

To quickly correct something before the discussion: Malleus being a relative or a descendant of Maleficent is NOT canon. It is a popular headcanon, especially during the early days of the TWST fandom when we didn’t have a lot of lore about the Draconia family. From the way Malleus speaks about the Thorn Witch, she is considered a separate ancient entity and not someone he personally knows or has blood ties with.

Knowing that, it somewhat detracts from the points made in this ask 😅 since it seems like the Anon was trying to draw a parallel between Maleficent and Malleus… Conflating Maleficent with Malleus may be the result of mixing up the dreams with the differing mediums and presentations of Maleficent and Malleus in the context of their own works. I feel they can be treated like two entirely separate cases, and with different intentions behind them.

Maleficent has been written as a tragic antihero in the live action movie(s) of the same name. That is one interpretation of her, just as the Descendants Maleficent is much goofier in attitude. They are Disney’s properties and so they are free to twist Maleficent however they wish to suit the circumstances or to chase a modern trend of redemption, even if it’s different than the “mistress of evil” she was introduced as. In my opinion, there is nothing inherently wrong with this (although that doesn’t mean you’re obligated to enjoy or to agree with every iteration of Maleficent or the new direction she’s being led in). This doesn’t automatically make her a “victim” (for lack of a better term) either, she feels more… “girlboss” to me, if that makes sense?? Tragic things do happen to her, but they don’t define Maleficent as an individual (if I recall correctly, she acts on her own and rises up + regains power in spite of humans hating her). I think it’s just a different way to spin a story. However, I can see why maybe this doesn’t bode well to some people who like her for being evil and not for being redeemable.

Malleus is the “final boss” of a gacha game. The intention behind his design is to endear the players to the character so they’re willing to roll for him. That’s why Malleus in particular has a “special” role compared to the other boys, and why they try to establish a friendship with Yuu early on in the main story. He is treated differently in the narrative because of that. We may not necessarily like it or find the method effective, but that’s the design TWST went with. (I’m personally not a fan of this either, it grants Malleus specifically a lot of grace and favoritism that I’m not on board with 😅)

I also want to point out that when the other villains were introduced in Yuu’s dreams, it’s not really in situations that would immediately warrant sympathy. The Queen of Hearts is unreasonably mad, the King of Beasts is plotting against his brother, etc. It’s not that Yuu doesn’t “feel bad” for the others, it’s that the others didn’t give Yuu anything to “feel bad” about right away. For the dream with Maleficent, it’s different: Yuu first learns that she is “unwanted” and THEN she casts her magic. Yuu then fixates on the reason behind Maleficent’s curse (because at this point in the story, we’ve seen 6 cases of how one’s motivations and past fuel one’s actions in the present). The other villains don’t get similar scenes or lines to show off the potential reasoning behind their behaviors (no showing of how the Queen of Heart’s rule benefits her people, no jeering at Scar, etc.) so of course Yuu won’t be as gracious about them.

We should also consider that each of these dreams is prophetic and ties back to the current OB boy’s troubles. In Malleus’s case, loneliness is a huge issue and he’s been Yuu’s “friend” since book 2. These will naturally play into Yuu feeling more sympathy towards Maleficent, who resembles Malleus and is left out like he is. The other OB boys didn’t have this “special” connection, and their issues don’t center so strongly on wanting companionship. If you refer back to Yuu’s dreams of each villain, Yuu’s reactions to each reflect the ongoing dilemma of each boy and their dorm mates, such as wondering why the card soldiers don’t intervene and not understanding why Scar used the methods he did.

That being said, I’m not sure if I agree with the use of “victim” to describe the Draconias. The term’s definition varies by person (and I’m not sure what the asker’s own definition is, so there may be some disagreement here), but personally I see “victim” as a binary. It puts one person in a weak and passive position—with them being the one acted on—and the other person in a position of power—the one doing the acting. It creates an easy “us vs them” narrative. I don’t believe this is the case for any of the TWST characters; to call them “victims” implies a lack of agency to act and a clear good vs evil worldview.

Back to the Draconias. Yes, bad things have happened to them and some of those bad things were the result of the senate’s decisions. That doesn’t make the Draconias (or even Maleficent, in my opinion) “victims”, and certainly not “victims” to the senate alone. There are so many other factors to consider in Malleus being isolated and turning out the way he did. These include, but are not limited to: Maleficia being too busy to spend time with him, his parents being absent, Malleus still managing to meet and interact with Lilia anyway, Malleus himself being so powerful/high status he scares his servants and peers, royals having duties to tend to and thus limited freedoms, previously existing tensions with humans, etc.

TWST does do a lot to make you feel bad for and to pity Malleus. From the moment we first saw him, the “loneliness” of Malleus was a major part of his character. Many factors outside of his control compounded as an unfortunate situation that… wasn’t very conducive for him to grow up feeling normal and loved. It’s not that he was just now made a “victim”, it’s that we’re now getting all the context for why his character is the way it is—and it’s a whole slew of traumas and personal experiences. I would argue the same happens for all the OB boys; this isn’t something exclusive to twisted Maleficent, Malleus. TWST is trying to present these issues with more nuance than the classically evil G7 they were inspired by; the OB boys in general they aren’t defined by their “victimhood, but rather how they respond to and cope with those experiences.

[inkindofmagic]

How to charge Crystals

source mindbodygreen.com

🔮 Why you need to charge them

Crystals tend to hold on to the energy they're exposed to—which isn't always a good thing. If you're using a crystal for protection energy, for example, that stone is absorbing the energy it's protecting you from.

That's why it's important to get rid of any negative energy your crystal has accumulated as needed. It needs to be refueled, just like our energy needs to be refueled by sleeping every night.

Part of charging your crystal is clearing its energetic slate—hence why some people refer to charging crystals as "clearing" them. From there, it's about filling your crystal back up, often with grounding energy that comes from places in nature: the moon, the soil, water, etc.

🔮 How to pick the best method

Building an intuitive relationship is really important because there's an intimacy with your crystals.

No charging method is better than another. Just be mindful of your specific crystal and whether it does OK in water or salt, as some will not take well to those. (More on that later.)

SOME METHODS

🌝 1. The full moon

The full moon is a powerful point in the lunar cycle, and it works wonders for clearing and charging your favorite crystals, too.

All you have to do is place the crystal outside on the ground, overnight on the night of the full moon, to charge it with lunar energy. Even a windowsill inside that gets moonlight will do!

Works with all types of crystals. (Most popular)

🌙 2. Moon water

For another moon-related crystal charging option, you can make your own moon water. You can place your crystals in this lunar-powered water for around an hour, or pour the moon water over your crystal.

Check if the crystal tolerates getting wet.

🌱 3. The ground

Dig a small hole where you would like to bury your stone, placing the soil you have removed into an earthenware pot or jar, bury the crystal in the soil within the pot or jar. Then, lower the pot into the hole and cover it with the remaining soil. Mark your crystal with a flag or some other marker, and leave the stone buried for at least one week. This will help charge your stone with the powerful properties of the ground it came from.

🎶 4. Sound

Sound can be a powerful tool when it comes to shifting frequencies. Place them in a singing bowl and ring it.

💨 5. Burn incense or herbs

To cleanse your stones by burning sacred herbs, pass your stones through the smoke (such as sage, sweetgrass, Palo Santo, or cedar) or incense (such as sandalwood, lavender, or jasmine) for approximately two to three minutes.

🧂 6. Salt

You can also use salt (preferably sea salt) for charging your crystals. Simply place your stone in salt and let it sit overnight.

Check the hardness of the Crystal. Softer stones like turquoise, opal, and calcite can scratch easily.

🌬️ 7. Your own breath

Your breath can also be used for clearing crystals. To clear a stone using your breath, you must first clear your mind of any outside thoughts, then, hold the crystal in one hand and breathe out forcefully while quickly waving your other hand over the crystal.

🎋 8. Your spirit guide

If you work with any spiritual guides or deities, you can connect your crystals with them. Whether through prayer or meditation, you can take a moment to ask your guides to connect to your crystals and your intention for them.

👁️ 9. Cleansing visualization

And lastly, using a visualization technique to charge your stone: Picture universal, healing light filling your crystal up until all the old energy has been dissolved.

See the light expand until it surrounds the stone and fills your hands. Intend that all negativity be removed from the stone and dissolved, when you intuitively feel that the stone has been cleared, you may stop the visualization.

🔮 Tips

Charging crystals doesn't have to be a complicated business, but if you're just getting started, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Know whether your crystals can tolerate salt or water. A few common crystals that are fine with water are varieties of quartz, amethyst, agate, moonstone, and citrine. When in doubt, opt for a different clearing technique.

Know which element the crystal is associated with. Look up the properties of each crystal and see what they are rooted in. For example, malachite is associated with Earth, so charging it in the ground by burying it makes sense.

Because crystals can pass through many hands before they wind up in yours, it's always a good idea to clear them as soon as you get them home from the shop. You never know what kind of energy they may be holding!

Via @inkindofmagic

[criminalcase-confessions]

Okay I’m just going to say this. The adults in this fandom care FAR too much about what the minors in this fandom think.

Like I get it ok. It sucks seeing somebody rag on your favorite character/ship but do you know what you can do about that? Block!!!! Who gives a shit if some freshman in highschool doesn’t like your sproingly blorbo or your favorite ship poopy pants x fart face don’t you have a job or something. If you’re caring this much about what some kid thinks I say it’s time to find your nearest salt mine and get to work!

🧂

[popculture-hag-shit]

I Don't Love You Binding/Banishing Spell

Had a relationship that turned sour? Worried about ill intent causing issues in your life? Boy howdy do I have the spell for you!

What all you're gonna need:

🫙a small jar or container, making sure it's transparent (plastic is discouraged as it could warp due to hot wax)

🏷️ a tag lock of your intended recipient

🖋️a marker (sharpie works pretty well on glass and metal)

🌵thorns/pins/needles/whatever small sharp things are on hand

🧂salt

🌶️ dried hot pepper of some sort

🎵 the song "I don't love you" by mcr

🪞 a mirror

🕯️a candle (I use a beeswax candle bc that's what I've got on hand, feel free to use whatever you like)

Practice fire safety, make sure you have access to water and aren't wearing any loose clothing that could catch fire. Make sure your space is clear of anything that could catch fire. Also make sure this is a space you're okay with potentially getting candle wax on.

Set yourself up in front of a mirror, you'll be using it to reflect their bad intentions away from you and into the binding spell.

Start playing the song, I put it on loop because this spell can take longer than the duration of the song and you'll be using the song as a focus for this spell.

Light your candle.

Take your hot pepper of choice and add a layer to the bottom of your jar.

Take your taglock and gently press the thorns/needles/etc into the taglock being sure not to pierce it all the way through: the goal here is to show you have a sharp offensive but not to cause harm unless necessary.

Set your taglock inside the container, nestling it part way in the hot pepper. This is to make them feel the heat-- you're not harming them, but the implication is you're prepared to.

Fill the jar with enough salt that there's only a small amount of room between the salt and the top of the container. The goal is to use salt to cleanse any ill will they may send your way, so make sure the taglock is covered completely.

Take your candle and carefully tip it so the melted wax fills the container the rest of the way. This is to create a solid barrier, trapping any malicious intent from escaping.

You may want to wait til the wax has cooled before securing the lid on your container as it will be hot.

Once the lid has been secured, draw the nazar (protection from the evil eye) on the lid, sides and bottom of your jar.

Optional step to elevate this to a banishing spell; throw the container out.

If for some reason you think you might want to undo the binding spell in the future, keep the container. You will need to remove its contents in order to undo the binding spell.

[humbletumblecrudi]

Hello 🌻

I just wanted to say, I just found your blog and it's such a hidden gem!!

I love how you depict some of my favorite characters like Jade and Rook.

And I think your requests are open so I wanted to try and make one, if it's ok.

Could you do a continuation of the one where reader had accidentally led on Jade, but with a happier ending?

It's just that it totally broke my heart, and also I think it would interesting to read Jade's reaction onwards.

Like, maybe the perfect's crush didn't work out or something similar, would Jade make a move having realized his feelings?

Or maybe reader's crush wasn't deep feelings and in retrospective they realize Jade was special to them so they make the first move?

Azul's line got me thinking a lot as you can see xD

Sorry I think I'm rambling x0

But then again, don't feel pressured to write it, I'm very happy I got to talk a bit about it

Thanks again for sharing your work, its amazing, take care (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡

-🌻

Writer's Note(s): Oh I love Jade so much and that request hurt my soul having him lead on! (⁠ ⁠･ั⁠﹏⁠･ั⁠) He was so in love and it hurt to leave it on a cliffhanger, I'm so glad you asked for a Part 2! I'd love to do it!

What Azul said near the end was supposed to be a slap to Jade's efforts, because of the 50/50 chance he had, he lost it. It hurt me to write! I also wanted to smite whoever it was Reader actually likes, because salt. 🧂😭 Azul was trying to be a good friend, he really thought it was Jade too... (⁠´⁠ ⁠.⁠ ⁠.̫⁠ ⁠.⁠ ⁠`⁠)

Part 1 is here!

Info on Reader: Reader is a Male Reader, and uses he/him. The Reader has no descriptions given, but Reader is mentioned to have hair in a brief description. The Reader is not intended to be MC, but it's loose enough he can be. Readers not manipulated by Azul, Jade, or Floyd at all during this work, everything is done naturally.

Ship(s): Jade × Male!Reader who really loved him

Fujoshis and Fem Aligned Readers DNI || Enjoy your Part 2!

Ｊａｄｅ Ｌｅｅｃｈ || ジェイド・リーチ

To say his heart was soured for a while would be an understatement, especially when he was with someone he would naturally need for company. Floyd and Azul had been his choices, naturally, but also honest types like Trey and Jamil get a peak at him.

Azul had been honestly shocked that day you said a name that wasn't Jade, because it honestly felt like a bad rom-com deep in his head. A pining flirt like Jade can't be easily ignored unless you're actively avoiding seeing everything he does, so that had been one huge slap to the face... and not to Azul.

Of course, he'll try and fulfill your wishes and attempt to get your crush to notice your efforts. They can't use magic that might be manipulative after all, so Azul does anything he can for you. Gets their full schedule on note, gets their favorite items written down, and algorithms their favorite topics to talk about. But it's your hard work that needs to use it properly, so he leaves that to you.

Floyd is also not pleased by any of this. He may be Jade's sibling, but as a co-worker and seeing Jade give you extra pops on your coupon because he's smitten with you makes his face turn downwards. At first, he didn't seem to register that you said a different name, because he zoned out. He thought this was where Jade and him would have to be sent out of the room as a "show of faith", because you'd fluster and not be able to say Jade's name right in front of him...

But that sounded a lot like someone else. And Jade looked, honestly, more hurt then he'd ever seen his brother hurt before. Of course, the look on Jade didn't last long and Jade became more cordial and flat afterwards, but Floyd looked cross. What? What was this? This just felt icky but he's not good with words, so he just pouts until their alone to ask what's up here.

Later on, Floyd would look at you and ask Jade, "This guy! Look at him, all obtuse!" Jade doesn't stop him, because Floyd is entitled to feel as he pleases. And he's mostly out of it.

But Jade left almost immediately after you did, and only said, "It seems very late. I should go." Before he basically booked it out of there. Floyd wasn't happy about assisting with counting money, but he wasn't going to complain about Jade leaving at all. He can completely understand.

By the time Floyd got back to their shared room, Jade was already asleep. Youch.

Jade, during all of this, will be honest with himself and say that it had hurt to hear anything that wasn't him said in your voice. The sinking in his stomach was like when Jamil threw him from great heights into the desert in Scarabia, and the cold feelings he felt afterwards felt very bitter and chilly to him.

He never thought he'd say this, but his heart hurt for you and he almost felt vicious about it. Why? What was this? What's so special about this rejection? He's been rejected before...

And why does sitting next to you in class, because he had pulled strings a month ago to be near you in your shared class, make his heart flutter again? Your reading Azul's notes and messing with your hair as you stress about if this person will like you back, and this and that and this and that... !

He honestly wanted to ignore this, ignore you... but as you lean into him and ask him what this sentence means (as Azul is a bit too eloquent sometimes), he can only help you. He can't really say no to you yet, and this was his job technically...

As he reads it and tries to process what it could mean, he pushes his hair on his right side back as it scratches his ear. As he does so, he doesn't catch you staring a bit too long at his profile.

He tries to leave class last, but you seem to linger as well alongside him. He really hoped you would leave while entranced by your notes, but you stayed next to Jade as he packs up slower than usual. It can't be helped, he thinks, you're still technically friends.

And definitely, he realizes very quickly how much time you both spent together on a daily basis as the next few days pass. The odd lunch with him and Floyd happens, you always share your breaks together after shared classes, and you usually join him at the café once all your duties are done elsewhere. And that's not counting passing each other in the hall or using a facility like the library at the same time.

If Jade didn't know any better, he'd say he was trying to continue the hurt for himself, because this wasn't helping. And he definitely wasn't getting help from Floyd or Azul to get you to change your schedule somehow... your still special to him.

Maybe you could be friends. It'll take a while, but he'll manage. He's very good at making others perceive himself in a certain manner.

It wasn't long until he noticed that you weren't reading Azul's notes as long as you used to, especially since you often had him translate for you. The papers are not in direct sight for classes, so Jade assumes that you've studied them religiously and properly.

You seemed more downcast than usual, and he hopes that he doesn't hear about you getting together with your crush. That would be too much, especially barely a week past the request from Azul.

He doesn't notice, however, the many things that have turned towards him with you. He had taken to not really looking at you in the eye as much to help his heart stop racing, but it also only helped him not notice that your eyes are far more gentle for you. It seems, something may have changed...

After about two or three more days, Jade's starting to feel more calm about potentially losing you. Of course, after the papers had disappeared he knew he couldn't let this hang him up any longer. It was unhealthy and he knew a week had passed with little change, so he tried to distract himself. Inevitable things are unimportant details, it's going to happen. Seeing you was inevitable. And so he decides to just try his best and try tending the bar again...

... Until he sees you slide up on the bar near after-hours. He hummus as he thinks, it's inevitable. People need food, drinks, and socializing. It's inevitable.

While he begins cleaning the bar and menus, calling for Floyd to send the freshman home before the cleaning starts at closing, he starts to talk to you like it was a week ago. He knows he's been a bit withdrawn, but he won't fault himself. New situation, new faces.

"How are we doing tonight, sir." He greets with his signature hospitable smile, but it's simply a formality for you. "Did you come for drinks, food, or a meeting?"

"Just to wait for your off hours, Jade. I want to tell you something, and hopefully it's not interrupted." You answer, and definitely, it is likely an interruption might happen. This school was full of surprises and chances.

Jade doesn't dare let his mind wander to thinking of anything you might want to talk about. All he knows is your calm, and you're here for him. Nothing else. "Certainly. I'll make an exception to the one drink for loitering rule, just for you."

"Thank you Jade." He always does that for you, breaks an inconvenient rule just for you, but you always thank him anyway.

As soon as the kitchen closes and Jade gets two people to mop the main floor, he finally realizes it's time to talk. Two people as your only potential witnesses is better than nothing. He tosses his towel over the sink and runs hot water to melt the remaining ice, before he's done. And it's time to talk.

"What did you need from me while I was at work? Usually, I hear about most things over text or in class." Jade inquired into what this might be about.

"Well... I would like to talk about what happened in Azul's office." You state, and then add. "Not as his employee! As Jade Leech, you know?"

"... Go on." He really wished he had glasses to polish. Something to dust. Ice to refill.

You continue. "I was going over what I wanted as I read his notes and some of that information... well, it didn't sound like the person I crushed on. Was the person I was thinking of just a public face they had to look more appealing to a certain crowd. Maybe, I don't know..."

Jade wants to laugh, is that not what he also does to a certain degree? Everyone has faces and masks, so what could it be that you found so strange? Of course, Jade didn't really know from his absence gathering information on this particular request, but he's sure Azul has files.

Jade actually feels a bit... calmer? A more natural serene peace, if you want to look deeply. It feels almost like when he hopes Floyd doesn't burn the kitchen and ruin equipment while experimenting in there, and then coming in to see an actual maintained kitchen.

"Well, it's complicated, but something happened and I just couldn't go through with asking them out... I know that my heart's not in the right place and there's just someone I need to be more honest with." You seem sheepish but no less determined as you lean forward on the bar.

"Well, if you've been dishonest the only things you can do are tell the truth and atone. The crime should fit the punishment after all." Jade gives you the push you need to finish what you started, as he will have time to fully answer you if you continue.

And almost as soon as the mops hit the buckets and the two other students left for the back, did you finally confess. "I have been dishonest, Jade Leech. Who I really want to date, would be you, and not anyone else."

He has all the humility of an esteemed host, and the grace of a predator. But it seems even the noble Jade Leech, can turn pink and lose his words.

[twisted-salt]

Haven't been writing because work has had me twisted like a tea. I'm so fucking stressed I can't think when I clock out...

Plus, prepping to leave on a vacation for 8 days makes me nervous. The longest I've ever been away from home is like 4-5 days and I'm just

A literal ball of stress at this point.

[mochinomnoms]

🧂🤏

🗑

HAHAHA 🇫🇷 (If somehow it doesn’t work I am trashing the salt as it deserves so‼️)

NO MY SALT

[bakersstreetirregulars]

Cookie Debates: Wealth or Health?

☁️ The first debate has ended! And the results…

Pineapple IS Delicious on Pizza!

⚙️ Veering away from the expected itinerary, here’s the next debate:

Team Money - “I Love Money!”

🏴‍☠️ Pirate Cookie (Leader): Nothing to fear when you have Coins.

🎪 Ice Juggler Cookie: You need money to take care of your health. (Considers themselves right)

🌶️ Chili Pepper Cookie: You need Coins to do anything on land… and even buy a bigger boat.

🧚‍♀️ Fairy Cookie: “With Coins, everyone can get along harmoniously…”

🥪 Sandwich Cookie: Requires Coins as capital to expand her sandwich shop, as you can’t open a shop out of nowhere regardless of health. Also needs Coins to achieve her dreams or else she’ll end up selling tasteless sandwiches which would ruin her health.

Team Health - “Health Comes First!”

🫚🍵 Ginseng Cookie (Leader): You can’t spend Coins if you’re not healthy enough to spend them. More important things than Coins in life.

🧂 Salt Cookie: Things like Coins are meaningless, just wish you don’t get soggy when the waves come down.

🕵️‍♂️ Almond Cookie: Denies Chili Pepper Cookie’s claim on stealing Coins, commends Dr. Bones Cookie’s professional ethics. “Being healthy allows you to do what you love.” All-nighter undercover shifts with nothing but one Jelly can be exhausting despite his passion for detective work.

🔋 Cyborg Cookie: Expressed outrage over Fairy Cookie’s statement. Would’ve chosen Coins in the past, but now knows that there’s nothing more important than health.

🦴 Dr. Bones Cookie: Considers Fairy Cookie’s statement ambitious.

⚙️ You’ve got 5 days to make yourselves known! Get moving!

[hostess-of-horror]

I haven't seen anyone do this but I liked to see what Chef Saltbaker X Demon y/n story 🧂😈

It's where a y/n is disguised and was sent to claim Chef Saltbaker's soul or to drag him to hell for his sins, But they fell in love in the process and maybe a plot twist that he knew the whole time but he loves them too

One devilishly endearing love story coming right up! 😈💜🥀

For the Heart and Soul

Content Includes: Suggestiveness, Flirting, Lots of Cursing, and Mentions of Death

You had one job. One job!

And yet... You fucked it up.

You were sent to Inkwell Isles as an agent of Hell by the Devil himself. Your target: Chef Saltbaker, renowned baker and crazy-ass bastard.

After his failed attempt at conquering the Astral Plane, Chef Saltbaker was taken to custody and went on trial, only to be sent to community service. A rather light punishment for someone who did something so horrendous.

This, in the end, redeemed him and everyone lived happily ever after... The thought of it all made you gag.

Your mission was created to simply undo Chef Saltbaker's whole "redemption arc". For Hell does not forget, and Hell does not forgive.

And yet... Here you were, in Chef Saltbaker's bakery, disguised as a sweet little thing looking to raise some moo-lah, helping him out with some treats. Not exactly what you had in mind when you asked him you "need that cake", but whatever.

So, not giving up on your task, you did anything you could to distract him. You claimed you were a bit "clumsy", which gave you the advantage of making some... provocative poses for Chef Saltbaker.

You even went as far as to make very friendly conversations, using pastries and goodies into a slew of innuendos that even the most innocent of people would get it!

It was as if Chef Saltbaker was clueless - absolutely fucking clueless! You even bent over to "pick up a utensil"! Nothing was working!

When all the baking was finished, you were fuming. Out of all the targets you've dealt with, nothing was as frustrating as Chef Saltbaker.

Fuck it... Let's just get this over with...

Keeping your cool for now, you turned to your target, only to have him pinning you against the counter. His eyes were bright yellow, but weirdly not out of anger or any malicious intent.

"I know who you are... Demon...", Chef Saltbaker growled, giving you a wicked grin.

...SHIT.

"I suppose it does make sense, considering my... past sins. But unfortunately, I cannot allow you to take my soul. It would break all my friends' hearts, not to mention ruin my business. You really thought you could fool me, didn't you? Or perhaps, seduce me into coming with you?", he sighed.

You didn't want to admit it, but you always loved it when your target knows what is going on. It made things a lot more interesting, rather than just catching them off guard as usual.

But this case was different. Vastly different. As Chef Saltbaker pinned you, his eyes looking deep into yours, his usual smile now into a mischievous grin, it's so... so...

Oh... Oh no....

"You know... I have to confess: you are rather cute," he said, his eyes wandering up and down, "I find it incredibly amusing seeing you try to make the moves on me. But your 'clumsiness' can only get you so far, my dear, and I think you would make the perfect assistant for my bakery."

He's joking. He has got to be. There's no fucking way he's going to-

With a snap of his fingers, a stream of salt spills through his hand, pouring onto the floor, encircling you and your target. You began to panic!

"Don't you know that salt repels demons?" Chef Saltbaker chuckled, "And, if I can remember correctly, a salt circle can trap them unless the ring is broken? Well... It seems your luck has run out. But don't worry, I'm not going to harm you. Oh no! I just want to make a deal with you... Be my assistant and you can have my soul once my entire business is over. Who knows? Maybe we can be... A little bit more than just co-workers, hmm?"

Your heart skipped a beat. He can't be serious! Never in your entire hellish career had you ever been in such a situation like this. And now, you're going to be with this guy until the end! Making pastries and goodies, giving them to hungry customers, and... Oh Hell no, donating them to orphans in need! Oh the torture, the humanity!

"Oh, I can just imagine it now! Just the two of us, making cookies for children and birthday cakes for parties! Oh, and also! I was planning on doing a whole batch of Brimstone Brownies since they're becoming really popular." Chef Saltbaker rambled, as giddy as a schoolgirl, "And... Well, maybe when we're alone... We can have ourselves a nice picnic."

Oh no.

"Admiring the sunset on the horizon..."

Oh FUCK no.

"Cuddling together..."

No, please stop!

"And maybe... Hold our hands together."

H-holding hands?! How lewd, how perverse! Chef Saltbaker is truly a crazy-ass bastard!

Chef Saltbaker let out a hearty laugh as you felt your face grow hotter, your cheeks bursting with color as you blushed hard. Your heart throbbed like it was going to burst out from your chest.

You were trapped. Trapped by your own target. And it seemed like there was nothing you could do...

At least he's kind of charming.

[f0point5]

"so rub some whiskey on his gums and put him to sleep and come down and play with the grown ups"

Christian said 'it needs more salt 🧂" 😭😭😭😭😭 atp i feel bad for elliot tho. but like he didn't really expect garages of racing cars with working v6 engines to be quiet did he?? 🙄🙄

Well he probably didn’t know how loud it would be. That or he’s too scared of Jos to go back 👀👀