#(if you don't have friends? well you'll just have to be prepared to die)

[limesnlawnchairs]

Most relatable movie scene is in Electric Dreams when Edgar is like "I need words, what words do I use?" and Miles has to give him a little database of Love Words™

[subfootboii]

"Good morning."

"Is it a good morning, it Saturday I should be at bed not in the office doing extra work."

"Well at least it's just the two of us in the office."

"Lucky me."

Sam is your coworker, he always bullied you at work, and you never stood up for yourself. You enjoyed it especially when it is in front of other coworkers or boss. He is the tall charismatic guy your female coworkers had a crush on. Little did they all know you also did. Another secret was your foot fetish, you've never told anyone or did anything about it, but you fantasized about Sam's size 13 feet and daydreamed about them all the time.

You both started working and he made himself comfortable as he rested his feet on the desk facing you. This made you hard and less focused on your job. An hour in, he was asking you to get him stuff, prepare his breakfast, and clean his dishes. You complied with all his demands with a smile and a node. Halfway through you've barley finished any of your tasks, as his feet were taking all your focus.

"Go get me the stapler from that desk... Heyy buddy I'm talking to you."

He suddenly removed his feet from the desk and you realized what happened.

"Where you looking at my feet?"

"No... what? Did you need anything from me..."

"You freak were looking at my feet. Just when I thought you can't steep any lower."

"Why are you saying that? What do you mean?"

"Cut that bullshit off. I know you're faggot, look at how you'd anything to please me. But a foot faggot, you're so pathetic aren't you."

"No... let's just get back to work... we have to finish everything by today."

"That wasn't a question fag. Come to my side and kneel before me. Now."

You were never this scared in your life, you felt pathetic and worthless, but your dick was just getting harder than ever. You did what he ordered you to without thinking much of it.

"Yeah that's right fag. No need to lie to yourself anymore. I've had a fag in high-school and one in college, I know how to treat you well fag. Now, here's how things will work from now on, every single day you'll finish all my tasks before yours. I don't care how much overtime you work for yours. You'll address me as "Boss" even in front off our coworkers. Now I'll give you my feet to worship, but don't think you'll get them often. I might leave you my socks every now and then if you're a good fag. Now beg for my feet."

You bowed down and begged as he laughed.

"Please boss let me worship your feet. Please boss let be your fag. Please boss humiliate me. I beg you boss. I'm nothing but a lowlife faggot boss. I beg you boss make me your property."

"Pathetic, here lick my shoes clean."

His shoes were so dirty and smelly but that didn't stop you. You licked them both as hard as you can to make sure they're clean.

"Good fag, look at you taking your nutrients, maybe I should let you pass by my place and clean all my footwear. My college fag loved that."

You were so glad to hear that compliment, you made more effort in licking.

"That's enough shoes. Now take it off, I have a surprise for you."

You took his shoes off and he had no socks on, a stinky smell hit the whole office and made you almost faint. He laughed and pushed his foot on your face.

"Yeah I know you like that fag. Now you better clean them, you don't have much time. I texted my friends and they'll come and get me. I still have some tasks be sure to complete them then spend the whole night doing yours."

You didn't miss a second and attacked his feet, they were sweaty and big, his toes were perfect and his soles were soft.

"Well I guess that's it fag they're here, I have to go now."

"But boss I just started with your feet please give me some time."

He struck his foot against your face making you lose your balance and fall.

"A pathetic fag like you gets the opportunity to taste my feet and now you want more time, while fags would die to see my bare feet. I don't think you'll ever see my feet again faggot, and as a punishment I'll have your paycheck this month."

You knelt as he got his shoes on to leave and begged for forgiveness.

"I'm sorry boss. You're right. You always are, a faggot like me is lucky to be able to be kneel before you. I beg for your forgiveness boss."

"Yeah know your worth fag. For now, no foot duties to you. Let's see how good of a fag you are first."

"Yes boss. Thank you boss."

[glacierclear]

Having some mad fuckboy!Leon thoughts rn

After he's unlearned all the stuff he taught himself and is basically done with the whole fuckboy thing oh man he would be SO soft. Holding your hand? Check. Cuddling at his dorm? Check. Being more gentle and loving during sex? Also check.

Also, stealing his hoodies. He'd melt for sure

oh, for sure. healed fuckboy!leon would be a SIGHT TO BEHOLD.

he wouldn't be perfect...

progress isn't linear. he'd stumble a lot. make a lot of mistakes and backward steps. you would need to be patient. you would need to be careful. especially in the early stages. because damn, he's trying. he's trying so hard. and you need to acknowledge the effort, even if it's hard to see, because any praise towards this will mean so much to him.

it'd come out especially on his bad days. he's more impatient. short-tempered. lashes out over seemingly mundane things. you'll need to be firm but not demeaning. catch his tells, his habits, and figure out the real reason he's behaving the way he is.

you'll need to slowly teach him the true depth of his words. that they hurt you just as much as they hurt him. he's unfamiliar with the idea of accountability, so you need to teach him about consequences. let him know you're upset and angry at him. but just because you're upset doesn't mean he's irredeemable. he'll assume any pushback is you ending things permanently. he needs the space to fuck up and forgive himself.

and damn it all, he's the jealous type. possessive. protective as all hell. it's toxic, and you need to teach him boundaries. it'll be tough. he worked so fucking hard to get you, doesn't he deserve to have you the way he needs? but no. you need freedom. he'll learn eventually, but be prepared to send a lot of "im safe and i miss u" texts to him when you're out with friends.

speaking of toxic. the toxic masculinity will be hell to unpack. sometimes it's nice! he insists on you being passenger princess. he insists on picking up the bill (well, once you're actually dating). he doesn't mind taking care of spiders (and fine, just because you asked nicely, he won't kill them). but...the bads get real bad.

displaying any kind of vulnerable emotion is like pulling teeth. when he's nervous, scared, anxious...he'll take it out on others. or himself. early progress will be made when he's blackout drunk and spilling everything to you. he reveals the deepest, most fragile parts of himself on these nights. it's like he's an entirely different person. and the next morning he'll do his best to sweep it all under the rug, but you have to fight for it. accept him and love him despite how "totally fucking lame" he acted (his words, not yours).

that being said. the good parts? oh yeah. Boyfriend Material 100%.

he'd do anything for you. anything. don't even say shit as a joke because he'll do it. at a certain point he doesn't even care if his friends think he's being stupid. you're his whole world. he'd wear stupid t-shirts for you. go to that concert you're dying to see even if he thinks the music sucks. he'll bash his head into a wall and learn to bake french pastries if it'll get you to smile. through hell and high water, he'll follow.

and yeah, he weans himself off social media. stops posting thirst trap photos and cuts ties with his sneaky links. but the lack of external validation is felt, and it kind of falls on you to fill the void. clingy won't even begin to describe what he is. he'll resort to begging. he will. late to work in the morning? that's not his problem. you're staying in that damn bed and you are cuddling him. you think him wearing tank tops in the middle of December is just a dumb mistake, but you catch on quick when he starts to shiver and needs to huddle you for warmth. "you want me to die of hypothermia? c'mon, babe. get closer." and yeah. those ice cold hands are going straight on your stomach. have fun.

part of the excitement will come from truly learning who he is as a person. most of his herculean facade is a persona. he doesn't actually like beer. he likes dry whiskey and refined clear liquors. he doesn't actually enjoy parties. the crowds make him nauseous, and he can always blame it on the alcohol. he's not actually all that into sports. you figure out he has a well-loved public library card and he knows the mystery section like the back of his hand. he's vibrant. shockingly intelligent. gets that light in his eyes when you nudge him about his interests. it'll be hard to get him to admit it, but his favorite part of the week is huddling on the couch watching nature documentaries with you.

and it's a two-way street. he remembers everything about you. early on in your relationship you casually assume he'll never keep track of the important dates. that's the stereotype, right? you couldn't be more wrong. birthdays. anniversaries. doctor's appointments. your fucking dog's yearly vaccine. he won't necessarily go all-out, not until you're more of a long-term thing, but what he does is meaningful. sincere. you won't get $500 of flowers and chocolate for valentine's day, but he'll abduct you from work, drive you out far, far into the countryside. lay out a patchwork blanket and stare at the night sky. he brought your favorite brand of pita chips and sneakily worms a gift box in your hand. it's that stupid $15 thing that's been sitting in your online shopping cart for weeks that you could never justify buying. and yeah, he'd appreciate a blowjob under the stars, but seeing you happy is enough.

and you could never begin to imagine how loving and passionate he can get during sex. it's totally different than his usual flavor. casual hook-ups and one-night stands are merely a fraction of his power. he tends to avoid intimate gestures on those nights. no eye-contact. hardly any kissing. he likes it rough and he likes it fast. but with you? he takes his time. commits your body to muscle memory. his gaze is intense, and he watches every reaction, trying to map out your flesh like a cartographer. he'll happily make out with you for upwards of a couple hours before you even begin the real foreplay. and you always cum first. always.

oh, but if you're not a fan of PDA...he might be a problem. he's proud of you. you're the hottest thing on two legs as far as he's concerned. he'll have no issue grabbing your ass, wrapping a hand around your waist, kissing along your neck, whispering the most obscene things in your ear. it's not even to make a point. there's no rhyme or reason. he just wants to. and you're right there. and what right does the world have to tell him to stop? does it make people uncomfortable? who cares. he'll lay off if it really bugs you that much...but if he catches anyone staring at you too long he'll ramp it up. it's almost aggressive. you turn to scold him, noticing how his eyes aren't even on you. he's staring at someone else. someone who's looking at what's his.

he's a yes man, too. if you need restraint and careful guidance in your life...he's not the one. he'll support any weird, out of the blue hobby you want to pursue. if you even joke about quitting your job he'll egg you on. "i'll drive right up there and tell your boss i'll fuck his wife!" and you have to talk him down. he'll punch the sun for you. he'll be behind every impulsive purchase. every 4am trip to walmart. every instinct to feed your id. any "little treat" you want to have he'll get it. because you deserve the best. if you ever want to have a stable bank account you need the be the voice of reason. because it's not gonna be him.

yeah. he'll have a lot of problems. don't worry about that. but, at least with fuckboy!leon, you'll almost never have any doubts that he loves you. once you manage to pin his heart on his sleeve, it's there for life and it'll always be yours.

[inalandofsadclowns]

Aight, who wants to talk about the theoretically most optimal occasion for Merlin to come out about his magic to Arthur?

I'll go first: 1x10, Ealdor.

In the prior episodes Merlin was basically still getting to know Arthur. For eight episodes he was the brave and noble prince that Merlin had grown to respect, because Arthur apparently did not value his own life any higher than that of a servant, but who was also the son of Uther Pendragon. Arthur would save Merlin at any price, he got to learn that multiple times. But would he save a sorcerer? He couldn't know. (This question remained even when Arthur had lifted Merlin's sorcery allegations.)

But in 1x08 Arthur knowingly broke the law saving Mordred, a druid; he was in fact more devoted to the cause than Merlin himself.

For Merlin to reveal his secret he needs three prerequisites to exist:

To trust Arthur

The opportunity

To be prepared to leave Arthur forever

The Moment of Truth might just be the only episode where all these exist?

Let's look through these points one by one.

1.Merlin had been wanting for Arthur to know since forever. There's nothing he wants more desperately than to know if they're really, truly friends. Once he says to Will, he does trust him.

Will: Friends don't lord it over one another.

Merlin: He isn't like that.

Will: Really? Well, let's wait until the fighting begins and see who he sends in to die first. I guarantee you, it won't be him.

Merlin: I trust Arthur with my life.

And this gem here. The first time Merlin doesn't promise Hunith to keep Arthur in the dark.

Hunith: You can't let Arthur know about your gift.

Merlin: Why not? Maybe it's meant to be this way. And if he doesn't accept me for who I really am, then he's not the friend I hoped he was.

2. Opportunity. They have these several times throughout the series: fights for survival, heated arguments, quiet moments of vulnerability. There are several brilliant opportunities in this very episode.

The armor scene:

Merlin: Whatever happens out there today, please don't think any differently of me.

Arthur: I won't. It's alright to be scared, Merlin.

Merlin: That's not what I meant.

Arthur: What is it? If you've got something to say, now's the time to say it.

Oh. He tried. My boy tried, he was so close...My heart bleeds for him here.

Then, obviously, right after the battle.

Arthur: Wind like that doesn't just appear from nowhere. I know magic when I see it. One of you made that happen.

Merlin: Arthur...

Merlin just so manages to exhale Arthur's name with a so-so painful look in his eyes. Arthur knows what Merlin was about to say. Just for a moment, because Will gets shot saving Arthur.

He even tries to stop Will from taking the responsibility on his deathbed, even though Arthur knew, that the windstorm was conjured by one of them; if it wasn't Will, than that leaves only Merlin.

Will: Yeah, it was me. I'm the one that used the magic.

Merlin: Will, don't.

[Arthur looks at Merlin.]

3. The most important part. The greatest issue for Merlin has always been the threat of having to leave Arthur. But in this episode there is a cause just as important to him as Arthur - his village and his mother.

The first Merlin and Arthur exchange of the episode is Merlin saying goodbye to Arthur.

Merlin: It's been an honour serving you.

Arthur: You'll be coming back.

Merlin: Well, she's my mother. I have got to look after her before anyone else. You understand?

Then he was prepared to come clean for Ealdor's sake several times that day. Merlin is going to fight for his village, he's well prepared to use magic if needed - in front of Arthur, if needed, knowing full well that might be the last time they ever speak or meet. Whether Arthur forbids Merlin from returning to Camelot for Camelot's sake or Merlin's own sake, the result would be the same.

At the very end, even with his magic still a secret, he was going to stay in Ealdor with Hunith, had she not sent him after the others, so he really was prepared to part from Arthur.

[Arthur walks over to Morgana and Gwen. Hunith walks over to Merlin.]

Hunith: You better be going.

Merlin: I don't have to go.

Hunith: Yes, you do.

Merlin: If anything were to happen to you...

Hunith: I know where to find you. You have to go, Merlin. You belong at Arthur's side. I've seen how much he needs you. How much you need him. You're like two sides of the same coin.

That whole episode was Merlin attempting and failing to come out to Arthur.

After this, though, Merlin was too close to Arthur to ever consider prerequisite 3., other than in the form of dying for Arthur.

[mcflymemes]

STAR WARS: EPISODE VI - RETURN OF THE JEDI PROMPTS *  assorted dialogue from the 1983 film, adjust as necessary

i'll not leave you here. i've got to save you.

what i told you was true... from a certain point of view.

you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.

there is still good in him.

you may dispense with the pleasantries.

i'm here to put you back on schedule.

perhaps i can find new ways to motivate them.

we shall double our efforts.

don't talk that way.

you have a power i don't understand and could never have.

i know. somehow, i've always known.

he must be allowed to speak.

it's your choice, but i warn you not to underestimate my powers.

i shall enjoy watching you die.

good, i hate long waits.

doesn't sound so bad.

she was very beautiful. kind, but sad.

so you have accepted the truth?

that name no longer has any meaning for me.

you want this, don't you? the hate is swelling in you now.

it is unavoidable. it is your destiny.

how many languages do you speak?

you are unwise to lower your defenses.

all craft, prepare to retreat.

we've got to give him more time.

it's an older code, sir, but it checks out.

there may be more of them out there.

i have a really bad feeling about this.

it only takes one to sound the alarm.

you cannot escape your destiny.

i can't kill my own father.

why don't you use your divine influence and get us out of this?

i beg your pardon, but that just wouldn't be proper.

you were our only hope.

soon i'll be dead, and you with me.

your insight serves you well.

bury your feelings deep down, [name].

help me take this mask off.

i do believe they think i am some sort of god.

i can't see! what's going on?

i assure you, we are quite safe from your friends here.

i'm out of it for a little while, everyone gets delusions of grandeur.

if you will not fight, then you will meet your destiny.

just for once... let me look on you with my own eyes.

no, you're coming with me.

your overconfidence is your weakness.

you were right. you were right about me.

together again, huh?

i feel the good in you, the conflict.

there is no conflict.

you couldn't bring yourself to kill me before and i don't believe you'll destroy me now.

you've failed.

who are you?

you cannot hide forever.

i will not fight you.

it is the only way you can save your friends.

your thoughts betray you.

when he comes back, i won't get in the way.

it's not like that at all.

i can't do it. i can't go on alone.

i think my eyes are getting better.

there's nothing to see. i used to live here, you know.

how could they be jamming us if they don't know if we're coming.

break off the attack! the shield is still up!

take evasive action!

keep your distance, though, but don't look like you're trying to keep your distance.

i don't know. fly casual.

you can't do this. i feel the conflict within you. let go of your hate.

this is an unexpected pleasure.

you're going to die here, you know. convenient.

tell me. what's troubling you?

you're a jittery little thing, aren't you?

i just said you were a fair pilot!

i'm surprised they didn't ask you to do it.

[abeeratmb]

all my mans hcs

@leleouwu for you

_______________________

Baki:  He likes it when you play with his hair because he feels comfortable.

Or sometimes he makes himself sick just to take care of him, feed him, do laundry and cook because he doesn't know how to cook at all.

He loves when you suggest going out for a picnic, especially in quiet places, or going to a restaurant to eat

And his best part is when you exercise with him and he tries to help you exercise or go for a little run. He loves when you play with a dog, but do not give too much time for his dog because he feels jealous and lonely.

________________________________

Yujiro  :He hates it when you don't take his word for it and when you go out with people he hasn't seen before and call them friends don't ever do that (if you want to be punished then do it).

Loves it when you try to impress your him with your cooking

When you met his children for the first time, it was embarrassing, and it was all because of him, and after you went home and tried to tell him what he did was wrong, he will put you in your place and tell if  you didn't want to be embarrassed in front of others next time, you had to cover your boobs

He doesn't like when you waste his time with silly things.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Jack : it is better for him to die than cheating you

And if you want to sleep comfortably, he is the best bed, and if you sleep on it, you can never get away

And if you want to shop for clothes with him, you will take the whole day and do not be afraid, you don’t  have to carry anything (even when you want to pay)

And it's good that you two train in a private gym because this guy is so jealous

He does not like when you wear revealing clothes in front of others in the beach

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Retsu : He is the best person on earth

Here things turn around, let's be clear, he is better to do household chores like cooking, washing, cleaning at home, and you have to work outside the house

And when you come home from work tired, he will make you some tea

And you hate when he starts to meditate because it takes forever to finish and don't try to seduce him because it won't work.

_______________________________

Hanayama : he is a very dangerous guy and he doesn't want something to happen to you because of him because he loves you so much

He is very romantic only with you

he always gives you expensive things but you always tell him it's not necessary but he just doesn't listen to you and you can't change his mind

And he's very jealous, but he likes to take you to his workplace but he does not like the looks of others

___________________________________________________________________________

Olivar : Oliver loves to surprise you with expensive things

He is VERY jealous and when you meet baki or jun in prison he literally threatened them If you want something, just kiss him and you'll get ten times as much

If you have one child, prepare yourself for lots of children, because this man will not stop You will never be alone because this guy will stick with you

He is proud because he has someone like you in front of others

_______________________________

Doyle : He is a death row inmate therefore he also includes the other death row inmates but not everything went well when the rest see you

he's... INCREDIBLY jealous He's not like he dont trusting you, but he don’t trust others

He steals a lot of cosmetics and accessories just to try on with you

_______________________________

Yanagi : my man is so short that to give you a kiss

Some people give you strange looks when you are walking in the street, in the markets, or in the restaurant, but this does not concern you because you are having a good time

And you were in your school one day, you were walking with your friends, he was there for baki, and you didn't know that he was there, but now you are the most important thing

He is very jealous, and this is because of his old age, but you must assure him that you love him

_______________________________

Spek : He is scary on the outside but soft on the inside

And it becomes more scary if you wake up in the night with the lights off and he is standing for no reason and when you ask what is wrong with him he says he was in the bathroom

If you tired while you are walking, just ask him to carry you up, he will never refuse

If you trying to surprise him with some kind of food while you are on your way, some people trying to harass you on the way home, don’t worry, he will appear directly behind you, but from the other side, he ruin your surprise for him .

_______________________________

Dorian : he always brags that he has the best girlfriend in the world

When Dorian introduced you to those sentenced to death, you felt very uncomfortable

he would give you very, very expensive lingerie, elegant clothes, dresses too and everything you want including food he is the bast sugar daddy

  and if you get sick he would be almost like a yandere, he wouldn't let you go out he would be very overprotective and would make you eat hot things like: soup, rice pudding, tea etc .

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Sikorsky : He enters your house without any permission, as if it is normal

He will help with the housework and the shopping if he wants to stay and if he doesn't he have to get out immediately

He dont like it if you go out without any excuse, especially if you are very late. He will go out to look for you and find you in the club with your friends. First, he will be angry because you did not tell him to come with you. Secondly, he has never liked your friends before.

You just have to please him by cooking some Russian meals, and as they say, a man's happiness is always in his stomach.

[heartfullofleeches]

Scavenger

Reluctant monster darling my love..... (concept/potential series - warnings for mentions of suicide, death and cannibalism)

The monster who never wanted to be....

You thought you'd die the night they grew in. Serrated, needle-point fangs sprouting behind the rows of canines and incisors all your years. You knew this day was coming - someday, but decades of preparation couldn't cushion you from what was to come. The jaw-splitting of each individual tooth tearing through your gums and the floor of your mouth, slowly losing the ability to eat most foods day by day. The cravings.

Your own blood worked for a while. About a month at best. The more you tore open the healing wounds on your arms and legs the deeper and thicker your blood began. Like copper molasses. After that, you didn't know what to do. You couldn't take another humans life - even if you were never one to begin with. You broke into hospitals, blood banks, freshly graves. Your stomach howled at the scraps and rotting flesh you forced into it. With those teeth; those claws, it was clear whatever you weren't designed to live on blood packs and dead meat. You need it fresh. Raw. Live prey. It's everywhere.

No. No!... People aren't food. They're your friends... People you see everyday. They deserve the right to live like you.... Just like you...

And then it happens.

Walking home alone, over a rarely crossed bridge - the smell hits you first. The undeniable stench of blood - the freshest you've ever smelled. Hunger stabs you so deep you check your stomach for wounds. You look everywhere. What's left of your human mind tells you to call the police and run. Someone's hurt. You'll hurt them more. The internal battle is fierce - come to find you had already lost from the beginning.

They were already dead. Dragged onto shore by the lake's current. You had to pray they didn't suffer. You had to pray they'd forgive you for what you'd do. You were starving. It was the only way. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You repeat - but there's no one to listen. No one to witness as you lick their bones clean and bury them in hollow grave. You found no identification on them. Only a letter. You lost the meal that would've keep you full for days as you read it.

You visit that bridge everyday. The sight of the disturbed soil makes you nauseous at first, then you're numb. They were gone, you're still here. That doesn't make it right, but.... but.. It happens again.

There at the shore, a body. Another letter, this time tucked into a wallet. You... Knew this person. Not well, an old classmate or coworker you never spoke to, but you knew. What happened to them since you last saw them. You.. do what you have to - conscious enough to take their meat back home, but after storing it away, you look them up online. Everything seemed fine on the surface - til their water logged phone powers back on.

An alternate account, pleading for help on days they posted pictures with sunny smiles to their main. Questioning their place in life, begging for something anything to make it all worth it. Their pleas went unheard. Every single one, until you found them. How long had they been in pain?

You find accounts on forums for people like them. People with nothing left to live for and waiting for that final push. Easy targets for something like you. You'd never go hungry again - so you reach out... to help.

You know first hand what it's like to suffer. You don't want to see anyone else in pain. You saw a family member of that old acquaintance one day. The grief in their eyes crushed you more than the pains of hunger ever could. You'll atone for your sin of living on by helping whoever you can. When you can't - you'll go out to search for your next meal.

Eventually you began to notice the signs of people down on their luck in your day to day. You tried not to look at others to avoid your hunger flaring, but it's so hard to ignore. You befriend these people. Ease your way into improving their outlook on life, and getting the help you can't provide. People gravitate towards you for your kindness. You see it an expression of your guilt. You try to slip out of their lives just as you came, but some of them just can't let you go. You're an angel. A saint. They want to give back to you what you've given them. They see that same sadness they once had in your eyes and want to do whatever it take all alway. They reach and reach, but you only drift away. They search for all they can find out about you - and one of them finds it.

A journal, hidden beneath your bed. Mere snippets of the live long torment you've endured. They didn't want to invade your privacy, but you left them no choice - and now they see why. Reading your crimes, the reasons you held out your hand to them - it brings them to tears. They truly had met an angel. An angel that needed their help as much as they once needed theirs.

-

A new neighbor moves. Amongst all the pleasant greetings from everyone else in your complex, they visit you of all people first. They bring a big slice out of a casserole they had just made. You politely decline, but they insist. You take a bite. It's good. Really good. Good enough for you to swallow. You can eat this. All the spices and seasonings, you can taste them. Your stomach feels so warm and full from the first bite alone. You're completely stuffed by the time you finish. Licking the plate, you freeze! You..... can eat this.... Why can you eat this? What's going on?

Then you notice the bandages around their arm.

"Hey, Y/n... Did you know the taste of beef is really overpowering? I made beef and pork meatballs the other day, but all I could taste was cow.... Is it the same for you?"

[miss-hyoko]

Privileged One (II)

Character(s): Ruggie, Jamil, and Lilia

Summary: What if you were their childhood friend?

Tag(s) and warning(s): GN!Reader, fluff, platonic but can be read as romantic, reader is NOT Yuu, some spoilers about Lilia's past, a bit depressing for the character's part (not too serious)

Note: When writing Lilia's part, my brain worked so smoothly that it almost crossed the limit I had set for a headcanon. If I wrote a fanfic about Lilia, would anyone be interested in reading it? I need your opinion, please TvT

1. Ruggie Bucchi

You and Ruggie live in a poor area of the Sunset Savanna. There, food is very scarce, so the two of you would usually steal some food from the town market and then share it together with the other kids. Outrageous indeed, but it's better than sitting idly waiting for death. Unfortunately, your feet and hands are not as agile as Ruggie's, so sometimes the seller realizes that you're trying to steal his goods and he tries to beat you up. But right before his hands can touch you, Ruggie will suddenly appear right in front of you and take that hit, protecting you using his body. For little Ruggie, that blow was so painful that he felt like he was going to die, but he stubbornly tried to endure the pain and pull your hand to escape from that seller's wrath. In the end, both of you will come home empty-handed, your eyes puffy from crying and Ruggie with a bruise on his cheek. He will call you a crybaby for crying over his wounds, he thinks it's only natural that he protects you because he's (a little) bigger than you.

When you were both accepted into NRC, you two worked so hard to improve your quality of life. Ruggie works for Leona, while you work at Sam's shop. If the store has a new item that you remember Ruggie needs, you'll save it especially for him. Sam doesn't really mind you doing that, as long as you don't forget to pay for it later.

It's a common sight for NRC students to see you and Ruggie walking around the school looking for anything edible to eat. Every time you finish collecting your food ingredients, you'll hand it all over to Ruggie for him to process it into delicious meals. Between you two, Ruggie is much better at cooking than you because he often helps his grandmother in the kitchen. He's always complaining about how lazy you are because you never cook for yourself and always leave all the kitchen work to him. Despite saying that, you notice that Ruggie still prepares two portions of food, even though you don't ask him to. He's not that evil to let his childhood friend starve, alright?

Fighting over food is something that frequently happens between the two of you. Ruggie doesn't care whether you are his childhood friend or not, if you try to take his food, then you are ready to take him in a fight. Well, you can't really call it a fight, considering what you two doing is just pinching each other and screaming out loud while fighting over the food like little kids. Leona, who happened to be passing by, could only sigh seeing you two stupidity.

Ruggie may not be the smartest student out there, but at least he's pretty athletic. He joins the school's Spelldrive Club and is also a student of Savanaclaw, a dormitory famous for housing natural athletes. So, if you're having trouble with Coach Vargas' class, Ruggie might be able to help you out a bit. But if you're struggling in other classes, don't worry because Ruggie can still help you. How, you ask? Well, he could try to wake Leona up and ask him to teach you? The grumpy Housewarden would obviously chew you both alive for disturbing his sleep, but that's better than failing a class, right?

Every time a button on your uniform comes off or your clothes gets torn, you'll take it straight to Ruggie for repairs. You could fix it yourself, but you prefer to give it to Ruggie to fix because Ruggie's stitches are neater than yours.

If he's feeling down, Ruggie will never tell you. He doesn't want you to see him when he's weak. He was a beastman, he had to be strong. But no matter how hard he tries to hide his situation, somehow you'll find out eventually. You'd show up at his door, holding a box full of donuts from his favorite shop. Ruggie will try to be his normal self, laughing and teasing you about the sudden kindness. But facing your serious expression, his laughter slowly disappeared, and he invited you in. That day, you will spend your time in his room, letting him pour all of his grievances for you to hear while you try reassuring him that he has done good enough. You are Ruggie's pillar of strength, and Ruggie is yours. In this school, you only have each other to rely on.

2. Jamil Viper

Like Jamil's, your family has also served the Asim household for generations. Since your first meeting with Jamil, you've realized that he was far superior to other kids around his age. But because of his status as a servant's son, he always hides his true strengths because he can't look better than his master. You understand why Jamil did all that, but sometimes you can't stand watching him keep giving in to other people. So, you often challenge him in various ways so he knows how great he is. As a fellow servant, coupled with a little provocation from you, Jamil never hesitates to go all out against you. Well, not that you can beat him in anything, though. Honestly, sometimes you wonder whether he's actually human or not, considering there are so many things Jamil can do.

As Kalim's retainer who goes to the same school as him, you and Jamil share the duties of tending to Kalim. But Jamil always takes the more heavy tasks and lets you handle the easier ones. When you ask him the reason why he did that, Jamil would say that he doesn't believe you can finish those tasks better than he does. But as his childhood friend, how could you not realize his kind intention to lighten your workload? Especially, when you clearly see the tips of his ears turn red and he refuses to look directly at you. He really can't be honest, huh?

You know Jamil is stubborn, he won't give you more work even if you beg him. Since he won't let you help him work, then you'll to help him in other ways. Starting from make meals everyday for him, put little encouraging notes on items he often uses, remind him to take a break every once in a while, gift him trinkets that you think will suit him, and so much more. When Jamil asks why you're doing all of this, and you answer that you want to take care of him because he is too busy taking care of Kalim, believe me, Jamil's face will instantly turn red upon hearing that unexpected answer of yours. He'll quickly put on his hoodie and tried to take his leave as soon as possible.

Whenever Jamil makes food for Kalim, he will also make a portion for you. What he makes for you may not be as much and luxurious as Kalim's, but Jamil always makes sure the food he makes for you is healthier, more nutritious, and of course delicious. Also, just for your food, Jamil would personally choose the ingredients himself and buys it using his money.

Because the two of you always look after Kalim and the other Scarabia's students, adding with the fact that you two are very close with each other, there's an inside joke that says the two of you are Scarabia's old married couple. You just laughed at the joke, while Jamil himself was busy covering his face using his uniform hoodie. But since you two have never truly denied the joke, then does that mean….

For Jamil, you're the only person he can consider as a friend. Even though sometimes you are careless and a little stupid, but all of that is very endearing to Jamil. He takes care of Kalim because it's his responsibility, but taking care of you is his choice. Even when he is very busy, Jamil never forgets to make food for you, help you study if you're having trouble understanding some lessons, and accompany you wherever you want to go. If that's your wish, Jamil will try hard to grant it.

As an ordinary human being, there's a time where Jamil feel tired of everything that's happening in his life. You're always the first to notice it, no matter how good the 'mask' Jamil puts on to look fine. When you realize something is wrong with him, you don't ask much and just push him back to his room. Ignoring all of Jamil's protests, you gave orders for him to rest all day in his room until you return, while you yourself will take over all his work while he is resting. After a busy day, you'd come back to check on Jamil and find him waiting for you with a full plate of your favorite food. He'll thank you for giving him a day off, and the two of you will spend the rest of the day reminiscing your childhood together.

3. Lilia Vanrouge

Your first meeting with Lilia is quite memorable. At that time, you were walking around the forest around the Briar Valley when suddenly something appeared just an inch away from your face. Startled, you reflexively screamed and hit that thing with all your might. Turns out, that thing was actually a boy, who's looked about your age, hanging upside down from a tree branch. Your punch just now was so hard it made his nose bleed, so he had to get down from his upside-down position to stop the bleeding. Instead of getting angry, the boy just laughed out loud and started to introduce himself as Lilia Vanrouge.

Since that memorable first meeting, you and Lilia have started to meet and play together regularly. Lilia is an easygoing and mischievous fae. There isn't a day when you aren't surprised by his weird antics. And you're not the only victim of Lilia's pranks, the citizens of Briar Valley are also sometimes become his victims. When Lilia starts to wreak havoc, the citizens there will start screaming your name, hoping you can stop him. Because there are only two people Lilia will listen to, the first one is the ruler of the Briar Valley and the second is you, his best friend.

As he got older, Lilia's pranks started to lessen and he started to become more mature. Even so, one thing that hasn't changed about Lilia is his closeness to you. When Lilia had become a royal guard and started to actively lead troops in war, you who were worried about him, decided to also join the war as a physician. Your friendship that's willing to accompany each other, both in joy and sorrow, was very famous among the citizens of Briar Valley and it later became a legend. When Lilia withdrew from the front line, you also withdrew with him because from the start, your reason for joining the battlefield was to keep an eye on Lilia so that he wouldn't act recklessly. But then Lilia is appointed as a caretaker of Malleus, the new prince of Briar Valley. And since you and Lilia are practically inseparable, Malleus ended up having two caretakers. A royal guard and a physician.

Let's just be honest, Lilia actually doesn't know anything about taking care of a young fae. And since you don't know what to do either, you start asking the parents in Briar Valley how they take care of their faes kids. Even though it's quite troublesome, at least it's better than trusting Lilia's 'nanny instinct', alright? The same thing also happened when Lilia adopted Silver as his son. You will go visit the human country, study how humans raise their children, and buy some books about proper parenting. You're the big reason why both of them can grow normally without following any of Lilia's weird antics.

As long as you are at NRC, or anywhere outside of Briar Valley, Lilia will have some of his bats follow you wherever you go. In Briar Valley, no one would dare to mess with you, knowing how important you were to Lilia, but the outside world is full of stupid people who can't keep their hands to themselves. Lilia knows you can take care of yourself, but he would rather not make any gamble with your safety on the line. Yeah, you could say Lilia is such a worrywart or whatever, but it's better than having to lose you.

At school, Lilia takes on a very youthful form, while you stick with your original form. As a fae, you have this natural charm that makes people attracted to you. But every time they try to approach you, Lilia will suddenly appear and take all your attention away. The poor fellow could only stare at your back as Lilia leads you away from them. When you weren't paying attention, Lilia would turn to face that person, putting his hand around your waist, and smile triumphantly.

Lilia rarely feels down, but every so often he can also feel dispirited. Mainly when he looks at Silver and remembers that his son is just an ordinary human who won't be able to live long. When he starts to feel like that, he'll instantly teleport to your place and ask you to cheer him up. You wouldn't ask what made him feel that way because you also have the same worries as him. So, the two of you would cuddle up on the bed in your room and start comforting each other, promising to look after Silver, making sure he stays happy until the end of his life. Lilia will never show this vulnerable side of him to anyone but you, since he trusts you and you always know how to make him feel better.

[villainessxassassin]

Hello saw requests are open Decided to give it a shot

Can I request the dorm leaders reacting to their s/o pointing their finger at the first years (specifically ace and deuce but it'll be funny if the rest of them are included) and being like

'ya know these nuisances are the reason why I'll probably die early before I even get married to you one day'

sorry if this wasn't what you expected or if you see it as too short for your liking. we have a lot of dorm leaders x reader requests so apologies again for our tardiness! We promise to make the next ones in the future longer!

and I might have misunderstood the ask -kishira

warnings: really short (I'm sorry😭), oh and azul gives you a marriage contract (jokingly), or maybe not👀

"W-Well surely you do not mean what you say—

Ace! Deuce! Cease your trouble-riddled acts or it's off with your heads!

And no I'm not saying this to prolong your life so we can get married!"

Acts cool and composed but his red face contradicts it all. If these nuisances were to be the cause of what you said, then they certainly must be taught a lesson!

"Oh? I didn't think you'd be that weak to have surrendered yourself to these herbivores.

though if you were to make reality what you just said, I might take it back— not that I have any once of faith in it anyways"

Oh he has a lot of faith you'll make it reality, and of course he's not one to voice off his own thoughts, so he settles for a small glare given to the 1st years as they shudder.

"You wouldn't mind binding your words to this marriage contract now would you?

Leaving out the part of you dying of course. A shame it would be to this contract if that were to ever happen you know."

He gave you the piece of paper as a joke, heck it wasn't even a real contract, but he was surprised when you actually signed the thing. Time to make it authentic then.

"Please don't die just yet because of them! If you do then how will we ever get married?"

"Don't worry, I'll be making preparations for when the time comes, so i hope you can handle your 1st year friends with care ti'll then"

You can't tell if he said that seriously or as a joke due to his firm laugh, but unbeknownst to you he really did mean what he said, like he really really meant it.

"I'd appreciate it if you were to not die here in my presence

but this marriage you speak of can surely be arranged, so I hope you're willing to wait for me when the time comes"

The guy looks so neutral you aren't sure how to respond, but vil himself also doesn't know how to respond to what he said, so ya'll stayed there standing while looking each other lovingly in the eye

"Ngl I have to agree, if anything they'd already be escorting you to your death bed-

WAIT! d-did I hear you correctly? surely not! you shouldn't say such things that still have the slightest possibilities of becoming true!

He doesn't know why he's scolding you, but just know he's doing it with a touch of pink dusting his face and the ends of his flaming hair as he scurries off mumbling to himself.

"Quite the bold claim you've made child of man

Although I shall be ensuring what you say becomes reality, I'm hoping you can live long enough to walk down that aisle."

He knows you're not weak to just die because of some trouble making 1st years. Becomes more protective of you while giving the 1st years a close eyed smile with a menacing aura surrounding him.

_________

Request are open until august 20

[fantasyandromancelover]

Princess Bride quotes that I think would suit Hazbin characters.

Alastor: I mean, once word leaks out that a demon has gone soft, people begin to disobey you, and then it’s nothing but work, work, work all the time.

Charlie: You mock my pain!

Alastor: Life is pain highness. Anyone says different is selling something.

Charlie: You mocked me once. Never do it again! I died that day! And you can die too for all I care!

Alastor: As you wish my dear.

Sir Pentious: You never said anything about killing anyone.

Adam: I've hired you to help me start a war. That's a prestigious line of work with a long and glorious tradition.

Sir Pentious: I just don't think it's right, killing an innocent girl.

Adam: Am I going mad or did the word "think" escape your lips? You were not hired for your brains, you reptilian land mass!

Angel: That Adam, he can fuss.

Sir Pentious: Fuss, fuss, I think he likes to scream at us.

Angel: Probably he means no harm.

Sir Pentious: He really very short on the charm.

Angel: Oh, you've a great gift for rhyme.

Sir Pentious: Yes, some of the time.

Adam: Enough of that!

Angel: Are there rocks ahead?

Sir Pentious: If there are, we’ll all be dead.

Adam: No more rhymes now! I mean it!

Sir Pentious: Anyone want a peanut?

Adam: Ahhhhh!

Adam: Inconceivable!

Angel: You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Vox: Surrender!

Alastor: You mean you wish to surrender to me? Very well, I accept.

Husk: That’s s not what he said. He distinctly said "to blave." And, as we all know, "to blave" means "to bluff." So you're probably playing cards, and he cheated.

Rosie: Liar! LIAR!

Husk: Get back witch!

Rosie: I’m not a witch! I’m your wife but after what you just said, I’m not even sure if I want to be that anymore!

Husk: You never had it so good!

Alastor: Give us the gate key.

Tom: I have no gate key.

Angel: Pentious tear his arms off.

Tom: Oh you mean this gate key.

Angel: Hello, my name is Angel Dust. You killed my friend. Prepare to die.

Angel: Offer me money.

Valentino: Yes!

Angel: Power, too, promise me that.

Valentino: All that I have and more. Please...

Angel: Offer me anything I ask for.

Valentino: Anything you want...

Angel: I want my friend back, you son of a bitch!

Vox: To the death!

Alastor: No. To the pain.

Vox: I don't think I'm quite familiar with that phrase.

Alastor: I'll explain. And I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you junkyard faced buffoon. To the pain means the first thing you lose will be your feet, below the ankles, then your hands at the wrists, next your nose.

Vox: And then my tongue, I suppose. I killed you too quickly the last time, a mistake I don't mean to duplicate tonight.

Alastor: I wasn’t finished. The next thing you lose will be your left eye, followed by your right.

Vox: And then my ears, I understand. Let's get on with it.

Alastor: Wrong! Your ears you keep and let me tell you why. So that every shriek of every child at seeing your hideousness will be yours to cherish. Every babe that weeps at your approach, every woman who cries out, "Dear God, what is that thing?" will echo in your perfect ears. That is what "to the pain" means. It means I leave you in anguish, wallowing in freakish misery forever.

[isaacswhy]

friend

isaacwhy x gn!reader (sfw) summary: you and isaac just got into a relationship, you're moved into the big house, but things are new. isaac doesn't know how to talk.

The summer heat was too much for you. It wasn't uncommon that you stayed indoors while the boys ran around outside, just barely avoiding injury. You worried for them sometimes, but everything washed away when Isaac was around. He'd come in early or stay the whole day inside with you, cuddling up with you on the couch.

It had only been a few months since the two of you became official. A month ago, you had moved into the big group house with all of the boys. Nothing had prepared you for this new life, but you didn't mind it as long as you were spending it with Isaac. He was sort of a protector against the rest of the guys. Every time someone made a joke that stepped over the line, Isaac was the one to put his foot down and was willing to kill the mood if it meant you were okay.

The rest of the group had just clamored in from spraying each other with water guns for a video and where sopping wet, which mildly infuriated the two of you.

"Are you serious?" You asked, "Please stop getting everything wet."

Blake laughed. "We forgot to bring the towels outside! Sorry!"

"You gotta be kidding me." Isaac stood up from beside you, "You guys are cleaning up this mess once you're dry."

"Sorry, daddy Isaac," Nick joked.

Isaac just shook his head and took his spot back next to you. The two of you chilled out together as the commotion now in the bathroom continued. He wrapped his arms around your shoulders and held you close, your head rested against his chest. You heard the loud noises of laughter getting louder as the guys poured into the living room once again.

"God, you two are gross," Larry scoffed.

"You just wish you were in my place," You retorted.

Larry shook his head, but a wide grin was across his face. "You got me there. I would die to get Isaac's big, strong arms around me."

"You're fucking weird." Isaac bit back.

"Seriously, though, you two gotta stop clinging onto each other like you'll never see each other again. It's embarrassing to live around." Tanner joined in.

"What? No, we're friends, dude!" Isaac shouted.

"Friends?" You looked over to him.

"Well- you know, we're.." He trailed off, his gaze averting from you.

"Spit it out already, will you?" You said.

"Together, right? We're together?"

You wriggled out of Isaac's grasp and stood up, looking down at him. "I hope you can figure it out."

It shouldn't have been something that set you off, but it did. You stormed back to your room, which you hated in the moment that you shared it with Isaac. You shut the door and locked it, laying on the bed and scrolling through your phone. You wanted to be exclusive and have dumb labels with Isaac, not just be some weird "friends" with him.

It didn't take very long before a knock came and Isaac's voice followed.

"Hey, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't know what to say and.. I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I just don't know what to call this thing between us, you know?"

You sighed, finally standing up from the bed and walking over to the door, unlocking and opening it. You looked up at Isaac with an uninterested look on your face.

"This 'thing' between us is more than a thing to me, Isaac. You're my boyfriend, aren't you?"

"I am! I am your boyfriend! I'm fine with you calling me that, I'm just.. god, I'm screwy with my words."

"If you need help, I want you to be able to ask for it."

"Okay. Um.." Isaac fidgeted with his hands, "What would you like to call this?"

"A relationship. We're dating. I'm your partner. We're together, yes, but I don't want it to be some shaky word that sounds like a 'maybe'. I want it to be us. Okay?"

"Okay. I like that. Dating. Relationship. All that."

"God, you're such a weirdo. Come here."

You embraced Isaac, and everything felt lovely again. Larry was right, his big, strong arms were a dream to be held in.

[starfried]

Through and Through (Part 2)

ACK FINALLY. i wrote this, stared at it, and immediately HATED IT so i deleted it all and rewrote it!! reader and law get to hang out for a little bit. still takes place when law is 13, i don't have a set age for the reader but i'm imagining 11/12. next part will be longer and you'll get to see them actually be friends!

hopefully next part is out on thursday xP

slowburn, childhood friends to lovers, multipart, gn reader, no use of (y/n)/(name).

wc: 2.2k. part 1

After watching Wolf drive away, you anxiously pace around your empty living room. There's still time to prepare for school, but you're too unsettled from last night's events. The seriousness of the situation is beginning to bear down on you. Without the aid of that peculiar group of boys (and a polar bear), you're certain you would be dead and frozen by now.

You sigh, flopping onto your flimsy couch. You hadn't appreciated their efforts enough at the time. You wish you had anything of value to give them as thanks. You could dig through the cabinets and boxes in your home to find something, but you're sure you'd only find trinkets and old clothes. Maybe you could use your grocery budget for the week to buy them something in town. Ooh, there was a bakery that opened up recently! You haven't tried it yourself, but you remember your classmates raving about how good it was.

With a new goal in mind, you put your boots and jacket back on and head towards the door. Despite the ache in your ankle, you don't let it deter you. Remembering Law's reprimand from yesterday, you decide to also grab your scarf. However, as your hand hovers over it, you can't help but hesitate. Is this really a good idea? The boys you're seeking out were quite intense. You have no idea how they will react to you showing up with treats. Despite your doubts, you shake your head and recall your mother's advice about repaying kindness. With the oversized, frayed scarf now wrapped around your neck, you head out with a sense of nervous anticipation.

~~~~~

You sat on a bench outside the clinic, knowing that the boys worked in different places: a restaurant, a salon, a factory, and a clinic. In this city, there was only one clinic, making it the obvious choice. As you fiddled with the end of your scarf, you tried to decide what to say. He was the easiest to find, yet he was also the most intimidating.

"So you do have a scarf."

You snap your head in the direction of Law's voice and immediately find yourself at a complete loss for words. His intense gaze makes you shift uncomfortably.

“…Did you need to see the doctor?”

“No! Well, kinda?”

He raises his eyebrow in response.

“Um. I was waiting for you.”

He seems just as confused by this.

“Why?” He asks. “If you needed medical attention, you should've-”

“I brought this for you. Uh. Thanks for yesterday.” You interrupt him, awkwardly holding the basket out. “Well, it's for all of you guys, but you were the easiest to find.”

His brows furrow together as he looks between you and the basket.

“…I'm good.” He simply says, leaving you confused.

“Huh?”

“I said I'm good.” With that, he continues his trek back to the outskirts of town.

“You didn't even look inside the basket!” You protest, limping after him.

“I don't need to!” He practically hisses out, “I don't want your thanks! I didn't help you out expecting payment! What kind of doctor would I be if I just left you there to die?”

You watch him go, face twisted in frustration. Guess you'll have to find one of the other boys after all.

~~~~~

That evening, Law sat sprawled on their couch, flipping through a newspaper. The rhythmic sound of Shachi chopping vegetables was almost enough to lull him to sleep.

"Is Bepo still not here?" Penguin asks as he strides down the stairs. Law glances up at the clock. Huh. It's pretty late late already.

As if on cue, Bepo comes bursting through the door.

“Guys! I brought snacks!" He chirped. Penguin practically leapt over the bannister to get a better look at the basket of goods. Shachi wasn't far behind him, completely abandoning his cooking.

“Oh, is this from that bakery by the restaurant I work at?" Penguin asks, immediately shoving his hand into the basket.

"I dunno. I didn't buy any of it. It was actually a gift! I ran into that kid from yesterday."

Law practically slams his newspaper down at this.

"That dumbass that fell asleep in the snow?” Law asks through gritted teeth.

"Yeah! They said they had way more than they could eat, and I could take some home for us. Hey, don't take all the croissants!" He directs that last part towards Shachi, who was trying to hoard as many pastries as he could.

Law can't let this stand. He has to return the favor. Not out of compassion or appreciation, but due to his inherent pride. He saw how worn your boots were, how your jacket didn't fit quite right, how your scarf seemed as old as you were. He doesn’t have to get to know you to know you couldn't afford those treats without some kind of sacrifice.

"Weird. There's so much. More for us, though!” Law let out a sigh, leaning his head back against the couch. Of course you had to run into Bepo. He was the easiest to convince out of all of them.

“You guys have off tomorrow too, right?” He asks his friends. “Do you guys want to go fishing?”

~~~~~

The four boys admire each other's haul on the edge of the river.

“Damn. Maybe we should go pro and be fishermen.” Penguin suggests, a smug grin on his face.

“You caught way less than the rest of us!” Shachi chides.

“But I'm the one with the biggest catch!”

Law ignores their bickering, choosing instead to focus on gutting and cleaning the fish in his pile.

“You guys go ahead and head back. I need to run an errand in town.” He suddenly announces.

“I can take your fish back for you!” Bepo offers.

“It's fine. I'll be back by dinner.” The three other boys watch him leave. They're confused, but they shrug it off. Law is just like that.

Meanwhile, you sat in your home, sprawled out on the floor. In front of you were various school assignments, each in varying stages of completion. Maybe skipping school yesterday wasn't the best idea…

As you're nodding off on top of your math homework, the sound of someone harshly knocking on your door suddenly jolts you back to reality.

You wonder who that could be. When was the last time someone knocked on your door? Maybe it was one of your classmates? You trudge towards the door, cautiously cracking the door open.

Despite being the one who knocked, Law seems just as surprised to see you as you are to see him. He shrugs it off, the scowl you know so well returning to his face.

“I don't appreciate you going behind my back like that.”

“…How do you know where I live?” Is all you can think to say.

He rolls his eyes, “I asked around. Anyways, here.” He unceremoniously shoves a bucket towards you, avoiding the contact.

It's full of… fish?

“I figured you wasted what few berries you had on those pastries. Which was dumb, by the way.” He wasn't wrong; you *were* broke for the week.

“Were they good?”

You don't care about the fish. Like Law, you weren't expecting to be repaid. You just thought it was the right thing to do. You just hope they enjoyed it.

Law stares you down, the bucket still in his hand. “I didn't eat any. I hate baked sweet things.”

“Oh…” You try your best to hide your disappointment, but it's obvious by the way your face falls. There was no way you could've known he didn't like pastries. Law’s jaw tightens at your crestfallen look.

“…Everyone else liked them, though,” He admits gruffly. Despite his rough exterior, Law still has a heart. He's far from happy with the situation, but his goal today wasn't to tear you down. His words do bring you some comfort, but you're still torn. You had wanted to show your appreciate to him especially.

A moment of silence washes over the two of you. Tentatively, you open your door all the way, allowing Law a look into your home.

“Would you want to come in?"

“Wh-what?”

“I can cook for us! It’s only fair that you get to eat some too, since you went through the effort of catching these.”

Law lets out a sigh. The whole reason why he did this was because he stubbornly refused to accept your ‘thanks’.

“No, I just-”

“If you stay, I'll consider us even. Then we won't have to keep going back and forth like this anymore.”

He seriously considers your offer. His plan was to just drop the fish off and leave. Part of him feels guilty; he's nothing to you, why are you so determined to do something nice for him? Another part of him is skeptical. Are you just trying to get something out of him?

Ultimately, he chooses to swallow his feelings. He knows if he refuses, you'll be chasing after him trying to give him more gifts. He'd rather go along with your little plan than constantly have to ward off your advances.

“Okay.”

You beam at him. You weren't expecting to actually say yes! You step to the side, letting him enter. He hesitates, glancing inside your home. It didn't look or sound like anyone else was there.

“You can leave your shoes on, it's pretty drafty in here.”

He reluctantly follows you inside, carefully taking in his surroundings.

You shoot him an apologetic look. “Sorry about the dust, there's a lot of empty space in here. Oh, and the papers. I was doing my homework when you knocked.”

“On the ground?”

“Yup!” You take the bucket from him, and practically skip into the kitchen. It's been so long since you've had someone over!

Law awkwardly situates himself at the dining table as you rummage around the kitchen.

“Besides the fish, I only have rice. Is that okay?”

“That's… fine.” Seems his hunch was right; if it weren't for the fish he brought, you wouldn't have anything else to eat. “Do your parents not buy food?”

“Um… my parents aren't around anymore.”

“Oh.” He didn't know what else to say to that. He knows more than anyone how shitty that feels. Still, he didn't feel it was his place to offer sympathies to you. Instead, the two of you sit in silence as you continue cooking in the kitchen.

Finally, you bring two bowls into the dining room. It's a simple meal, just rice and seasoned fish, but it smells good enough. While Law pokes at his portion, you waste no time digging in.

“I never see you at school.” You say suddenly, mouth still full of rice. He decides not to comment on your lack of manners.

“I don't go to school.”

“Really?! I couldn't imagine not going to school.” At one point in his life, neither could he. When he doesn't say anything, you move on to your next topic.

“How old are you?”

“Thirteen.”

“Really?”

“Why the hell would I lie about that?”

You shrug, earning an eye roll from him.

“What about your friends?”

“Is this an interrogation?”

You grin. You push aside your empty bowl and lean onto the table, propping your head up with your hand.

“I'm just curious. I thought you guys were these weird feral kids that lived in the woods, but you guys are actually pretty nice!”

“I'm not nice.”

You raise your eyebrow, but choose not to argue. “Bepo's really nice.”

“I can't believe you tracked him down after I walked away from you.” He would never admit it, but he was a little impressed with your determination.

You chuckle. Of course you weren't going to take no for an answer!

Somehow, you both manage to maintain a steady conversation. You talk about his work, your school, and what you each do for fun. He even tells you a little about his friends!

Eventually, Law is the one to glance up at the clock in the doorway. He has to do a double take when he sees the time.

“Is your clock right?”

“It should be?”

“Shit! I have to go. I should've been back over an hour ago.” He quickly stands up, heading towards the door. You stumble out your chair to follow him.

“Wait! At least let me say thank you for the fish!”

He hesitates at the door. “Y-yeah. Make sure you don't let it go to waste. Oh, and, uh. The food you made wasn't too bad.” That was the closest to a compliment you would be getting from him.

“Maybe I'll see you around?”

“...Maybe.” And with that, he was out the door. You peer out the window and watch him hastily wipe snow off his bike before pedaling off.

Shutting the door, you step over your long-forgotten homework and flop back onto the couch. Today was a good day, you think. Law wasn't nearly as scary as he looked and acted.

You hope you get to see him again soon

[kishiar-la-orr]

in defense of first game kishiar,

turning is a finely crafted story. kuyu makes sure to ground every single one of their characters to the world that they live in, the world the story happens in.

today (as always) i am gonna talk about kishiar, but more specifically kishiar and his relationship to mortality, recontextualizing the things he did in the first game and all. super special humongous gigantic thanks to @kouraissant for helping me with this and bearing with my nonstop kishiar and mortality thoughts!

a lot of the things i'll be talking about also involves a degree of personal experiences and maybe a healthy dash of self-projection. as a disclaimer, you don't have to agree with me on anything and everything, but i'd rather some of the more personal parts to not be responded to rudely or unkindly. i will not tolerate that, sorry.

usual kishiar & mortality tw: canonical suicide attempt discussion, canonical self-harm, canonical death. be wary of spoilers.

1TL = first game/pre-regression/first timeline 2TL = second game/post-regression/second timeline

kishiar is a really fascinating character and his relationship with mortality moreso. a lot of the things that kishiar does, in my opinion, is very much colored by his circumstances growing up, specifically being born with the knowledge that second, third, etc. imperial children tend to be die young as if having 'major defects' be it physical or mental (ch 109) and ended up having no power, remaining unmarried and bowing their heads their whole lives (ch 14).

that is to say, all his life, he surely knows he can die quickly and easily, almost anytime. it's true that for everyone, death does come suddenly, but in kishiar la orr's life, death is like a childhood friend you don't like but are forced to get along with. again, this colors his whole life. this is the kind of circumstances that forces you to mature really quickly, to learn to be expressive and speak your thoughts like it's your last day, but to also learn to hold your tongue and bow down your head because you're a prince and your words still have consequences beyond normal children's would. you're forced to accept that this is the kind of life you will live and the kind of death you'll be documented as. by all accounts, i think that the current kishiar is really good at managing social situations however tricky they are, the fact that he's a rizzmaster, part of all those also comes from being used to having to process things quickly because you don't have the time to even live, being used to having to be expressive because god knows when your last day will be.

given all that as a background information, let's reexamine the conditions of 1TL.

i'd like to first point out that in 1TL, the very health and life expectancy that he used to not have pre-awakening was already given to kishiar during the awakening. i'm not too privy yet with the circumstances during the two years since the fall of the red stone to the cavalry recruitment in early canon, unfortunately, but i'll assume it was also time spent preparing and not just in silence, maybe even preparing for the cavalry to be created or searching for a cure for keilusa as well (though this is just personal theory). even so, two years really isn't that much time? soon after his awakening and tasting good health and better life expectancy the first time in his life, 1TL red stone retrieval mission happened, which forced kishiar to withdraw the divine sword without him meaning to and regained him the same vessel issues he's always experienced his whole life, basically bringing him back to square one after giving him the one thing he's always wanted his whole life. it's like the universe telling him: "look at everything you could have once had. endless possibilities. none of them are yours. not anymore."

to me, after at least 600+ chapters of reading, kishiar's character's basis is his loved ones. almost all of his actions can be traced back to him doing it in alignment with the position he has (being a prince and a duke) and out of the love he has for nathan, keilusa, and other people in his life. to be brought back to square one, struggling once again with the same old vessel issues, except worse this time, because many of the past imperial children didn't even make it to age thirty (ch 109) while he was already 29 and he almost died once already because of this very same thing.

expanding on his past experience with vessel issues and his response to it, from chapter 602 and chapter 160, likely kishiar's condition was so bad he might as well be almost dead before the timely awakening happened and immediately was followed by his second gender manifestation. he probably thought it was for real his death happening, not a surprise. he cleared off everyone and attempted suicide by touching the divine sword. that he cleared off everyone can also be argued as a selfless action, wanting to keep the smallest person possible to witness his impending doom, in order to save his loved ones from the heartache of seeing him suffer, try to kill himself and/or die.

it can also however be seen as selfish. after all, who is it that loves you and wants you to kill yourself?

this is where we will have to reiterate some points: kishiar is someone who's good at processing and expressing emotions. he's also good at knowing how to hold back and when to hold back from expressing said emotions. he's also someone who is logical and reasonable. and i also want to introduce some new points, that is: the universal fact that a lot of mental strain and generally bad mental health often cause irrationality in people, even someone who's perceived as reasonable or someone who's good at emotions. spiralling is called spiralling for a reason.

from the point of view of reason, leaving your cavalry commander mantle to the hyper-competent guy you happen to love to death, watching him get inaugurated, constantly visiting him, and of course, the pethuamet fight (which yuder 2TL classified as kishiar self-harming) are all illogical. kishiar's 1TL actions cannot be called reasonable or logical because they aren't. they are irrational the same way you and i get irrational when we're in extreme emotional duress. can anyone really claim to be logical when the threat of death looms so closely you can't even see it clearly anymore?

let's talk about some more things, like how the commander uniform he personally tailored for yuder (ch 625) is seen as yuder as unnecessary. logistically speaking, it really is unnecessary, it's not like yuder needed a new uniform when he can just wear kishiar's old ones and it'd probably just need some adjusting to fit better? but then it is explicitly stated by 2TL kishiar as 'hoping the person will wear them and think about the person who made it.' (ch 626)

also on the same conversation, 2TL kishiar stated that the strongest fear he has ever felt was during the late emperor's funeral, the feeling of being powerless, how frightening it was to look at the reality in front of him while he could only imagine what would happen to him, keilusa and the country in the future (ch 625). and in chapter further back, he also stated that in the tactical game, in the event that his special piece is almost caught by the enemy before he can use it, he would 'take the initiative and put it out as a bait in front of the enemy' (ch 105).

it paints a picture of this: it's not that he wants to do all these things, it's that who knows how to deal with death and the mental strain that comes with it when there are no actionable steps you can take, nothing under your control? he has a history of harming himself too, as i said, with the suicide attempt. in kishiar's case, the self-harm and the manifestation/post-awakening incident when he tried to kill himself, everything feels a bit more like struggling to feel a semblance of control in a world that is out of his control, when even his body feels out of his control all his life.

really, all of the things that can be deemed illogical, like ruining his relationships with everyone just so they feel less pain when he dies or like selfishly leaving yuder a legacy to care for or constantly visiting yuder even after his retirement, it stems from the selfish and very human desires of wanting to keep the loved ones near while he has time, trying to wrestle for a semblance of control, trying to leave anything useful at all that is within his capacity to give towards his loved ones for when after he's gone, grappling with all of the complicated emotions and love and care he has that he can't even act on. it's made even more complicated when you remember that kishiar isn't even suicidal originally. he's like this because of the circumstances thrusted upon his hands, he's only driven to that point because maybe he too doesn't want to die a dogshit death.

the upside is just because it's illogical doesn't mean it's treated callously or looked down upon. 1TL kishiar's actions are written beautifully by kuyu and never in a negative light. yuder himself has gripes about 1TL kishiar, but never outright insulted or downplayed his influences. if anything, the way yuder thinks of 1TL kishiar's actions, especially after knowing the imperial family's vessel issues, is very sympathetic (ch 293). in the words of our friend baby potat aloo,

like: look at this man trying to wrangle with his own tragic fate as best as he can while people he cares about most and people who care about him are unfortunately subjected to the pain of passively spectating his self-destructive ways of trying to gain some semblance of control (thinking of nathan and uuder) and/or secretive plans that seem like the 'best' choice in his opinion. nonetheless it's still about love.

that has been a long discussion over kishiar and mortality, kishiar and his loved ones as the basis of his motivation for every action. but let's not forget to talk about yuder, the one he has an almost-electric connection, deep and soulful, to. in a way, chapter 291's kishiar dialogue line "i feel like i can live now" can be seen as something he says out of love for yuder, because yuder is one of his loved ones, one of the ones he treasures the most. but also you can see it as another control thing. he's there out of his own accord, he came there through the window without being seen out of his own choice and yuder always 'tolerated' the situation, never reporting it. we can argue these are games and rendezvous they both consented to.

next, let's discuss: this is what he said in chapter 46, right before his death:

"...I wonder where it all went wrong. Thinking about it, it seems like it was when we retrieved the Red Stone." "..." "Yes... That's right. It must have been then that everything started going wrong. But even knowing that, I couldn't stop it. Because I had no other choice."

it rings so much of hopelessness, of someone who can't do anything but imagine a universe where the only thing he wanted in life was ripped away from him the moment it was bestowed. and then immediately dismissing it because it doesn't matter when it's already happened and the only thing he can do now is, just like the dukes before him, bow down his head and await for his death.

in later chapters, we also come to know that he cleared off the entire building and it was nearing his birthday when the assassination took place. we can also argue that this is euthanasia or assisted suicide, the executioner and helper is the one kishiar loves the most, who doesn't even really want to kill him. rather than a dogshit death he didn't choose, 1TL kishiar arranged it so that he dies in yuder's hands, knowing that it'd change his relationship with someone he loved so much, to die like a euthanised dog, spared the pain of unattainable hopes. in a way, it's a curse on yuder's memories, good or bad, of him, in a way, it's an act of making yourself an open wound. this too isn't rational, similarly to the way he leaves a personalized clothing for yuder's inauguration and new status as the cavalry commander or the way he gave him a name, this is a way of leaving behind a legacy, a desperate act of wanting to be remembered by his loved ones.

so, what's the point of all of this? nothing, i'm just a kishiar shooter. but also, everything. because the miscommunication in 1TL isn't one that can be so easily solved by speaking up. it's something that's integral to the story plotline, caused by the story circumstances, it's a testament too to how good kuyu's writing is and the complexity of kishiar as a character. it is, unfortunately, not as simple as just say you love him before you die. that is my conclusion.

some more unrelated, but perhaps also fun points:

i truly think, like a true self sabotage, kishiar's actions as an attempt to feel some semblance of control only works against him, making him feel more powerless and out of control

also this is for sure why he's so invested in healing keilusa

to another degree, cavalry in 2TL becomes his purpose and one of the major factors of his identity (the way it was to yuder 1TL, which is a discussion for another time), so in 1TL, stepping down could arguably also be seen as a loss of both authority/power and responsibility, leading to an even more 'out of control' feeling, even if he was indeed the one to step down out of his own accord, like no one forced him

1TL yuder was looked down on as a male omega leader, not man nor woman, commonborn cavalry commander who slept his way up. a lot of the things he did, even down to his fighting style, was also, to a certain point, a way of fighting for power, to look powerful and gain authority and be feared, if not respected. at the same time, kishiar didn't die instantly. he committed a lot of actions (as said earlier) that felt more like a grappling with control, which is just another form of power/authority. in a way, you can see these two foiling each other at the moment, struggling with power over how ppl perceive you (yuder) vs struggling with power over how you perceive yourself (kishiar). which is also funny because turning is also a story about power to me, what-with the catalyst to all of canon's plot being the red stone, which granted power to the people living in turning's canon universe

thanks for reading!

[memekais]

epic the musical sentence starters. the circe saga. feel free to change pronouns as needed!

puppeteer

i have something that i must confess, something that i must get off my chest. until it is said, i cannot rest.

there's only so much left we can endure.

whatever you need to say can wait some more - of that, i'm sure.

[name], back so soon? where's the rest of your crew?

we came across a palace. inside we heard a voice.

nothing could prepare us for the power that awaited inside...

sir, since we left home we've faced a variety of foes from a wide range of places - gods, monsters, you know the roster, hostile creatures that we could resist.

this was a hell of a twist, cause we are weak to a power like this.

welcome to the best part of your lives.

go ahead and rest wherever you like.

i got you, don't worry [name]'s got you now.

i bet you're tired from the years spent on your feet.

think of your past and your mistakes.. they'll be the last mistakes you'll make.

i got all the power, yeah, i got all the power.

no, i'm not a player, i'm a puppeteer.

they transformed... and it wasn't quick.

this is the price we pay to live.

the world does not tend to forgive.

look at all we've lost and all we've learned, every single cost is so much more than what we've earned.

think about the men we have left before there are none.

let's just cut our losses, you and i, and let's run.

i can hardly sleep now knowing everything we've done.

there's no length i wouldn't go if it was you i had to save. i can only hope you'd do the same.

what if she can't be killed? will you choose to leave?

no one will find their way between my nymphs and i, their loving queen.

it's a game of wits but you don't have to play.

wouldn't you like

i must say what a brilliant speech you gave.

you wanna beat her? you'll need the blessing of a certain god.

[silly little laugh]

wouldn't you like a taste of the power? wouldn't you like to use more than words?

deep in the night the fight lasts for hours.

you can be hurt or you can beat her.

wouldn't you like to have some of thе magic? wouldn't you like your outcome prefеrred?

deep in the night the fight can be tragic.

i'll help you conquer her.

she can turn you into an animal that'll end up on her plate. she can all but make you fall in love like you're on your hundredth date!

she can conjure up a monster that'll grind you to the bones.

she has all the ways to haunt ya when you take her on alone.

here in the root of this flower, there lies such a power to take her on.

don’t thank me friend, you very well may die. haha, good luck!

done for

i sent out some scouts to take a look around through here and they wound up at your door.

through the years we seldom get a warm welcome, so i must ask just to be sure... did you do something to them?

all i did was reveal their true forms.

i don't know who you are nor why you're here but let me make this one thing clear: i've got people to protect, nymphs i can't nеglect so i'm not taking chances, dear.

if you makе one wrong move, then you're done for.

anything i don't approve, then you're done for.

i could put a spell on you and you're done for.

boy, you better run or soon you will done for.

i don't mean to tip your scale but you will fail at placing any spells on me.

you better cower now and flee.

you must be a liar. mortals can't acquire moly without dire consequence.

then i must be a god like you cause i got this root from the ground with my bare hands.

you and i are now evenly matched. our fates are intertwined, they're attached.

i've got people to protect, friends i can't neglect so now there is no turning back.

you've made your one wrong move, now you're done for.

i will be the one to prove that you're done for.

not even a spell saves you, cause you're done for.

the last time we let strangers live, we faced a heavy loss.

you've given me no reason to bestow you with my trust.

everyone's true colours are revealed in acts of lust.

there are other ways

there are other ways of persuasion, there are other modes of control...

there are other means of deceit, there are other roads to the soul...

there are other actions of passion you have so much left to learn.

want to save your men from the fire? show me that you're willing to burn.

who's to say with the mistakes i've made that they will be the last mistakes i ever make?

there is so much power but there's puppet here.

this is the price we pay to love.

i'm just a man, forgive me.

back at home, my wife awaits for me.

she is my everything, my [name]... and she is all my power.

the god of tides is out to end my life.

so i beg you, [name], grant us mercy.

let us puppets leave.

there might be a way to evade him, there might be a way to get home though this other way’s very dangerous.

it might be your one final hope.

i can’t get you home, but I’ll get you to the underworld instead.

maybe showing one act of kindness leads to kinder souls down the road.

i remember actions of passion... i have been in love once before.

maybe one day the world will need a puppeteer no more.

maybe one day the world will need a puppeteer more.

[yandere-fics]

Less dark but still potentially, darling being in a relationship before they met their yans, allready taken :3c

♡ How They React To Their Darling Being In A Relationship ♡

♡ Dealing with a human inconvenience is not hard at all for her, since finding out her soulmate would be human, she had always been prepared for the possibility she would need to get someone out of the way before she could approach you, humans are just so silly, she understands that you don't have a way to confirm you have a supernatural soulmate out there but seriously babe? What were you thinking when you chose this buffoon to couple with. Perhaps she merely sees them as a buffoon because you are truly the living embodiment of perfection and can do no wrong in her eyes while everything they do is completely wrong in her eyes. ♡

♡ She won't challenge them with you around or even introduce herself until they are removed from the picture, she knows how stupid humans can be even when presented with their true love ans while she doesn't think you're dumb, she just thinks you're a bit too prone to human naivities, like for example allowing this person to breathe the same air as you. ♡

♡ She'll have to utterly humiliate them in front of everyone to insure even the friends who were close to them will see her as a breathe of fresh air when she finally introduces herself as your soulmate. You'll accept her immediately as soon as they're gone she sure so yeah maybe she doesn't have to do all this work because she could kill them and her perfect mate would love her all the same, nevermind how delusional she is, but she needs to make sure your pesky friends don't plant any stupid ideas in your head that might make you hesitant to give into your obvious love for her. ♡

♡ She sees you with them across the street and while she would try her best to come off softer to not terrify you, she can't stop herself from rushing across the street and snapping their wrist, the same wrist about to wrap around your shoulder casually introducing herself as your mate. Your partner is smart enough to get the fuck out of there and well that clearly shows they didn't even deserve you in the first place. Why would you even want to be with them when their wrist broke so easily? She could protect you a million times better, she'll prove it just agree to let her court you, please otherwise she might get scary. ♡

♡ If you protest, you know like a normal person who is frightened, then she's gonna get a bit more violent. She was willing to overlook your indiscretion by not waiting for your mate, nevermind the fact most humans don't have soulmates so how would you have known you had one, it's still horrible that you were being so lovey dovey with someone else in front of her, she clearly needs to put you in your place just a little bit. Sorry for this but she's gonna have to be mean until you decide you want her to start being nice to you again. ♡

♡ She'll take you to her apartment and allow you to settle in there for a the night, hopefully hold you in her arms if you aren't too fighty and then as soon as the night comes and you've peacefully fallen asleep on her bed, likely due to exhaustion, hopefully accepting that you and her are in love now, she'll go off to find whatever mongrel dared to put their hands on you and then flee, if they were going to touch something that wasn't theirs then they better at least have the courage to stay and try to fight for it, she would have let them have a merciful death for at the very least treating her soulmate the way you deserve but they ran so they must die brutally. ♡

♡ The moment she lays eyes on you, they have been vanished. You had heard the stories of humans in centuries past who had been chosen by a high ranking demon and their partner been torn to shreds, being lit on fire, drowning on air, but you had never heard of anyone having their partner just disappear. You would have reached out to see if they were invisible or something if you weren't frozen in shock trying to locate where the demon responsible was. Meanwhile Nikki is already headed your way fast, preparing to guide you safely into the abode she's prepared for both of you. ♡

♡ The person has been removed so now your relationship with her should be smooth sailing from now on. What do you mean you're mad she killed your partner? Dearest mate, she's your partner now, she knows this might be a bit of an adjustment but you should be thrilled that someone better suited to you than that weak human has come along, you could have never been truly happy with that person, surely you were just settling, you should be so happy that you are one of the lucky ones who has a soulmate. ♡

♡ Hmm it must have been her getting rid of them that way that made you upset, perhaps you wanted her to tear them apart and prove she's the superior mate. She teleported them to the outskirts of the city which is kind of like a living hell so she can't really bring them back for a fight but she'll remember her mate is a bit of a sadistic thing. Don't try to deny it, that has to be why you're upset, there's no other plausible explanation for you not being pleased with her removing them so suddenly. ♡

♡ The boss didn't bother to check whether or not you were in a relationship before she paired Nora up with you. Nora was also so thrilled when she saw your profile and realized you were the one bright light in her miserable immortality to even consider you might already have had a partner. It is a devastating blow to see your partner next to you on a date as she stalks you one night and it certainly makes her angrier with The Boss but this is just a momentary setback because she's willing to become anything for you and surely they are not that committed so she'll do her best to get you over to her side. She just needs to play the long game and be your friend for awhile and she'll get you. ♡

♡ She says that but the moment the moment the date is over and you two part ways, she finds herself pummeling them to death in an alleyway she pulled them into, too worried that you won't ever pick her if they're in the picture. Afterall she's a mess of a person and is very insecure so why would you ever pick her unless she gets rid of her competition. This works for her better anyways, she can now be your everything and soothe you after your partner was found brutalized. ♡

♡ Now she just has to guarantee you'll never find out she was the one who did that. She'll have to make The Boss give her a couple days off for this since she was also the one who gave Nora a darling, not bothering to check if that darling already had someone. Sure you didn't have a soulmate but you still were with a human, Sawyer really needed to start checking and making sure the humans she chose as her matches didn't have another human in the picture beforehand. ♡

♡ Rudie is freaking out but she has to wait, while the law is on her side and she is allowed to kill people who touch her mate, she can't risk killing in front of people and having people realize the knife wounds are similar to the bodies of the serial killings that have been happening for awhile, the law might allow her to kill this person but she still might get carted away from her darling for all the other killings, though being restricted in a special containment room where her darling is legally required to visit her daily doesn't sound terrible, she would still prefer to be able to hold and keep close tabs on her darling so as much as it hurts her to do so, she restrains herself. ♡

♡ Instead she waits for you two to be separated and then knocks you out and drags you back to her place. The pest can be dealt with later, right now she feels like she needs to completely scrub your skin clean because she can feel their traces all over you and having bits of them in her apartment, her sanctuary, is stressing her the fuck out. You'll probably wake up after having been bathed and fully dressed in her clothing meanwhile your partner is still knocked out and tied to a chair in the corner as Runa gathers the materials to torture them, biting her lip and debating on the merits of killing them in front of you versus shielding you from the gore. ♡

♡ She does freak out a bit because she was not ready for you to wake up, she needed more time to come to a decision and when she start crying she starts screaming and stabs your partner in the leg, waking them and screaming in their face how it's all their fault that you're scared and they deserve everything that's about to happen to them because they ruined what was supposed to be a beautiful moment when she finally locked eyes with her soulmate. ♡

♡ What? Oh the stupid waste of space you're using to fill the void of not having a soulmate? She's not concerned in the slightest. Afterall everything in this city is under her command, is in her debt, so if she tells them to bark, they will, if she tells them to dump their girlfriend of a very long time, they will have no other choice, they're in her debt and so she's free to approach you like she would regularly after you partner completely, randomly shatters your heart. ♡

♡ Pay no attention to the fact that after they shattered your heart, the biggest and scariest supernatural is suddenly approaching you, it's of no concern, there's no correlation, do not worry. If there were a correlation then your ex would be dead but since they're still alive, clearly The Boss has nothing to do with this, don't even stress your pretty little head about this. ♡

♡ Seriously don't. Things will be a lot happier if you don't think about how scary this situation is, it will only get scarier if you say something she doesn't like or try to reject her for that stupid mortal who could never provide for you like she can or give you the luxuries and power that she can. They could never love you like she can, she's your soulmate and she's waited quite a long time, don't upset her by dwelling on your past partner, okay? ♡

[a-very-mere-mortal]

A Review of In Stars and Time

If you're seeing this, you've probably already played In Stars and Time. I'm not exactly bursting with followers from before I became obsessed with it. But this is still worth making, just in case I can convince one person to pick this game up. So, to give you fair warning, there will be some (hopefully) light spoilers in this. If you want the basics, just skip to the last two paragraphs, but if you want an idea of my emotional impression of the game, try this on for size:

In Stars and Time is an RPG about the power of friendship in which you play as Siffrin, a quiet and introspective rogue out to save the country of Vaguarde from the evil King, who seeks to freeze the world in time. With them are their friends Mirabelle, Odile, Bonnie, and Isabeau, and they all draw strength from the wonderful bonds that their little group has. Arriving in the town of Dormont, you and your friends charge up the House of Change to meet the King, ready to defeat him using the magic of...

Uh oh. Something seems to have gone wrong here. I'm pretty sure that you weren't supposed to die this early. If it was the final battle and this was some kind of grand sacrifice I would get it, but as of right now... let's just try this again.

In Stars and Time is a game about time loops. Specifically, the one that you, Siffrin, are stuck in. It turns out you may have been less prepared to fight the King than you thought. Don't worry though; you have all the time in the world to figure it out, even if it's a little more difficult than it first appeared. Just remember to rely on your helpful guide Loop, who's here to help you make it through the best they can, even if they don't know how or why the loop started in the first place. But as if getting through the House of Change wasn't hard enough, what with its traps, locked doors, and vicious Sadnesses standing in your way, you have to manage your party members too. As it turns out, they aren't looping with you. But don't worry! While you may have felt a little lost at first, eventually you discover the perfect things to do and say to make them like you even more than the first time around. With your bonds stronger than ever and your route through the House perfectly memorized, you charge up to face the King in a heated battle with the fate of Vaguarde on the line! It's difficult, but in the end you triumph over the King and head into the final room of the House to celebrate with your friends- no, your family.

That's odd. You've defeated the King with the best possible ending, but there's still another 3 Acts left in the story. What's going on here?

In Stars and Time is just another trash indie game. I'm sorry you had to find out this way, but it's true; this game should be 10 hours shorter and cut right after you beat the King with your family in tow. It hurts to play because now that things have gone wrong, things seem to have gotten worse in your head, too. Where's the resolution to this story? When does it end? You said all the right things, you made all the right moves, and your family members have never been happier! By any other game's logic, this would be the endpoint. You may have struggled to make it through the time loop, but since you managed to keep your sanity intact and be nice to your friends, you get a gold star and the true ending. For some reason, this game refuses to let you have that success, and I'm infuriated on your behalf. I suppose you'll have to keep looking for a solution somewhere within the House, even though I know you're getting a little sick of it by now. Try not to get too frustrated by all this, okay? It would be quite awful if you did something you'd regret because you were feeling...

Ah. Well.

That changes my opinion of things, I suppose. I have no words that could do justice to what we just experienced. What a finale, eh? Let's try this review one more time, with a more...complete view of things. No more of this "describe what happens in the game step by step" malarkey. Everyone knows that's bad practice anyways.

In Stars and Time is an RPG about memory, communication, and the mortifying ordeal of being known. (It'll make more sense when you play it). With a lovely sound track and both beautiful hand-drawn and pixelated artwork, In Stars and Time manages to convey one the best stories I have ever experienced in the history of gaming. If you're the sort that likes comparisons, I would describe this game as a combination of the the humor and surprising depth of the Stanley Parable, the intense emotional characters and tight writing of Undertale, and the incredible worldbuilding of Harry Potter (without having to suffer through J. K. Rowling). I felt genuinely mystified by the unexplained and had a strong desire to learn more about the world during my unfortunately brief time within it.

3 weeks after completing the game, I'm still stewing in the things I felt and the realizations I came to while playing it. This is one of the few games I can say genuinely changed my life; after playing it I found the strength to reach out and connect to the friends I have in the real world on a level I never thought I'd be able to achieve. I feel a moral obligation to recommend this game; if it can do the same things for you that it did for me, it would be evil of me to deny you them. For the incredibly modest price of 20$, you will experience approximately 20 hours of soul-gripping gameplay that might stick with you for the rest of your life. This is something worth your time.