#*for either so i told myself it was fine heehee

[forgottenvalentina]

ok so, based on lizzy's idea of black w snakes, and paired w the fact that valentina's only v distantly related to royalty, this is a mockup i did for valentina's og crest! i went w sable/argent/vert/tawny as the primary color scheme (and am only just now putting together that i think i was really channeling house slytherin but whtever i stand by that we all know valentina'd be a slytherin lsdkfjklsdfkljsdf ANYWAY!! im thinking that the ram/serpent motif is the og royal one but the moline cross and crescent showcase that valentina is descended from the eighth son of a prince who was, himself, descended from the second son of a king soooo yeah, not exactly next in line till roderick decided to change all of that ;DDDD

Serpent: Wisdom, knowledge, defiance; fertility and renewal; medicine

Ram: Authority & leadership; strength, perseverence

Goat: Political ability, diplomat/diplomacy, practical wisdom; persistence and strength

Sable (black): Constancy or grief

Vert (green): Hope, joy, and loyalty in love

Argent (silver/white): Peace & sincerity

Tawny or Tenné (orange/brown): Worthy ambition

Crown: Heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success

Crescent: One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope/ hope of greater glory; service in holy war/House of the second son

Cross/Moline Cross: Service in holy war; faith/House of the eighth son (or, as used in conjunction with the crescent, house of an eighth son from the line of a second son)

Ermine or Fur: Dignity

ANYWAYYYY, when she got married that got adapted, and since she was of royal blood, her kids get to wear the crests of both their parents, perhaps smth...like...this...?

literally just used the first vaguely nautical sigil (since its the riverbend) w the default colors as an example to represent what their dad's sigil might've been, but yeah since their mom, being of royal blood, technically outranks their dad, they would have been permitted to slice their arms to use the sinister (no, really, that's just the word for 'left' in latin -- romans had weird supersticions abt the left and that's why sinister means what it means to us but, anyway, its what the mother's side is called when you get to use that and, obv, it therefore appears on the left -- as assigned from the pov of the person carrying the shield which pov i forgot when i initially made this which is why the words are backwards bc i flipped it since they later changed which side is sinister and which is dexter [right/paternal] lkasdjflkjsdflkj)

so yeah!! that's a mock up and i wondered what you thought? i def think the dad's side needs some work (im actually thinking, personally, that a portcullis could be cool esp bc its symbolic meaning is 'protection in an emergency' and that's precisely what valentina failed to give them aklsjdfkldsjfsdf annnd its what cassimir is sort of promising to eithne so yeah idk thought it had ~meaning but yeah anywayyy alksjdflkjsdf)

anyway!! smth along these lines would've been the family sigil that valentina and her kids would've been entitled to wear from the day of her marriage, so yeah! when valentina married lord m, the stepkids might've either quartered their arms (dad/val/mal/val probs), or they perhaps might've just left it as the above? once they were adopted (or 'adopted' ;D), the stepkids would've been entitlted to wear the malconaire arms. after her marriage, valentina probs took to using a val/malconaire split herself, but whatever her kids wanted to do would be their own call once they're formally entitled to use any arms they want etc. they could also potentially rest a crown over whatever their dad's sigil was to mark that they, themselves, are of royal blood, and valentina would defff encourage this and even more so after the rest of the royal line is wiped out laksjdfkljdsf

(also just realized i used a mullet instead of a moline in the second mockup, so just imagine that's a moline cross not a star on the cresent in the second one laksdjfklsdjafkljsdf this is why i really shouldn't try to do anything after a tag sale day hahaha)

anyway gonna respond to the overarching thing soon but when you set the challenge of 'like valles but not' i was like 'that sounds like fun!!' hahahaha (tho also lowkey hc'ing that they're related to the valles somehow -- we know the ~mega bad news came from house karr anyway soooo i think it works ;DDD)

[sxnyarostova]

heehee modern hadesephone

dumb idiots who can’t communicate with each other, the fic. featuring persephone struggling with pavlova and hades being a big tough looking softie

When Persephone invites him over to her mama’s house, Hades doesn’t think much about it. Friends always hang out at their friend’s parents’ houses all the time; well, that was the case back in primary school, anyway. 

Persephone drops the bomb that Hades’ gut has been subtly expecting when they’re in the car. “Uh, I told my mom that we were dating,” she blurts. “And that you, bein’ the gentleman that you were, y’know, was going to bring dessert.” 

Hades, calm and collected as he is, doesn’t show much of how he’s feeling on his face. “What?” he asks. He suddenly looks a lot more nervous and starts fidgeting with the sleeves of his shirt, smoothing out invisible wrinkles and dusting away non-existent speckles of dirt. “Persephone, I- I don’t quite understand.”

“Look, I’m sorry that I threw this onto you this late,” she says, awkwardly adjusting her tote bag, “but I didn’t know how I could say something like this at, I don’t know, a brunch meet-up. Hey, I’ve told my mom that we’re dating because she won’t stop breathing down my neck in regards to when I’m gonna go out with someone.”

He sighs, and Persephone sees something inside of him shift. “So where are we going to get the pavlova?” he says resignedly, rummaging through his suit jacket for his wallet. “I don’t know any good places for dessert, I’m afraid. Never had much of a sweet tooth myself.”

“Oh, that’s a lie,” Persephone huffs, half-trotting in double time to make up for the big steps that Hades takes. “I’ve seen you eat a stack of pancakes drowned in half a bottle of syrup, Hades.”

“My favorite place is an hour from here by freeway,” Hades says, stopping so suddenly that Persephone slams into his back. “Oof!” Persephone exclaims, stumbling backward a little. “Uh, maybe I could just call my kid to grab a cake from the grocery store?”

“Don’t trouble Eurydice,” Hades says. “The girl’s got enough on her plate already. How hard is it to get a pavlova, anyway?!”

(It is, in fact, very hard to find a pavlova.)

Eventually, the pair of them manage to locate one in the seventh dessert store they visit. Persephone triumphantly holds up the decorated meringue in its paper box, and Hades feels his mouth twitch at the corners.

“See?” Persephone says as the two of them slide into Hades’ car. “It wasn’t that hard.” 

(Hades doesn’t bother arguing with her as he turns the ignition.)

Demeter’s farmhouse is located in a quiet section of town. It’s a big place, with ornate glass windows and a bright red front door that screams ‘welcome.’ Persephone instructs Hades to park in the driveway, which Hades does so easily.

“Okay, here’s the plan,” Persephone says, looking at Hades. Oh no, Hades thinks. Persephone’s plans are never good. Even so, he nods and indicates to his friend to go on. 

“My ma usually doesn’t run background checks on the people that I take home, so don’t worry about that,” she starts. “So long as you can keep a conversation going, you’ll be fine. Oh, don’t bring up anything about the weather lately, either; climate change always gets her in a tizzy. And don’t get her started on Eurydice, because she’ll break out the photo albums and you’ll be stuck here all night.”

Hades makes a mental note of all the information that Persephone has just thrown at him and nods along. “Will we have to hold hands or exhibit any public signs of affection?” he asks, and Persephone bursts into a fit of laughter. “Why did you ask it like that?” she chuckles, running a hand through her scalp. “And no, we don’t. Ma not big on PDA, anyway.”

“What’s PDA?” Hades asks again, and Persephone patiently explains to him what the acronym stands for. “I didn’t know what it meant until Eurydice told me, either, so don’t worry,” she says, jostling him in the side playfully. “We’re both old rocks.” 

Persephone gets out of the car with the meringue in her hands, smoothing out the folds of her chartreuse green dress as best as she can. She’s not nervous, but her armpits are sweating buckets.

Hades stoically walks towards the front door like a man to his death. Persephone would laugh, but she’s still got some sympathy left in her. She feels slightly guilty for thrusting Hades into this situation, but there’s nothing that can be done now, right? 

Awkwardly, Persephone slides her arm into Hades’. “Look the part, boyfriend,” she murmurs, as she knocks on the door. Hades blushes bright red but does as he’s told, putting on a smile that looks more forced than anything. 

“Hi, ma,” Persephone says, greeting the woman who opens the door with a cheek kiss. “Kore!” Demeter exclaims. Hades feels like he’s third-wheeling and interrupting a moment, but he doesn’t say anything, his ‘smile’ never leaving his face. 

“Ma, this is Hades. Hades, this is my mother, Demeter,” Persephone introduces, when she pulls away from her mother’s embrace. 

Demeter turns to Hades and looks the man up and down. Hades stays mostly still as he’s scrutinised, not even daring to breathe. God, what happens when the plan is exposed? Does Demeter know that this is just a ruse that Persephone’s caused? 

Hades’ inner monologue is interrupted by Demeter extending her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Hades,” Demeter says, a warm smile on her face as Hades shakes her calloused hand. “I’ve heard so much about you from Persephone.”

“All good things, I hope,” Hades jokes, and Demeter laughs out loud. Persephone does a silent victory dance with her fingers, for this is going so, so well. Screw everyone who doubted them; they’ve got this.

“Oh, they’ve all been wonderful things,” Demeter says warmly, opening the door wide. “Come on in, both of you.” 

The house carries the aroma of cooking food and the faint scent of burning incense. It’s all extremely homely and comfortable; the environment of Demeter’s farmhouse does wonders for Hades’ anxiety. “Persephone, put the pavlova in the fridge,” Demeter calls, just as her daughter’s about to close the refrigerator door. 

“I’m one step ahead of you,” Persephone says with a bright smile. “Food smells amazing, ma.” 

Dinner is amazing. Demeter’s ability to cook up a storm is otherworldly, Hades learns. He’s on his third plate of casserole now and he’s relatively sure he’s still got room for another. “So,” Demeter asks, mouth full of carrot and potato, “how did you and Persephone meet?”

Hades blanches; the two of them hadn’t gone over a cover story before. “Uh,” he says, stuttering. “We met when I went to her diner for pancakes. I was drawn in by her eyes… they’re beautiful. I fell in love with her right there.” 

(Most of that sentence is true, save the last part. Persephone’s warm, inviting, and brown eyes are beautiful. They’d hooked him in so much that Hades had frozen on the spot when Persephone came to take his order.)

Persephone feels her breath catch in her throat. “Oh, yeah,” she continues. “I heard that deep voice of his laugh, and that was it for me.”

Demeter beams. 

Hades finds that it’s not hard at all to pretend to be Persephone’s significant other. It feels natural to compliment the woman, to exchange loving glances with her. By the time they leave Demeter’s place that night, Hades realises that he’s been infatuated with Persephone for quite some time now; it’s just taken the evening to unearth those feelings of his. 

The drive back to Persephone’s house is quiet. Sometime in the middle of the ride, Persephone turns on the radio. Soft country music fills the air between them, slowly easing the tension between them. “I like this song,” Persephone says quietly. “It’s music to my ears.”

“It is music,” Hades deadpans, prompting a giggle from Persephone. 

“Tonight was...fun,” Hades says, trying to break the silence. “I enjoyed it quite thoroughly.”

“Did you mean what you told my ma?” Persephone asks. “About my eyes?”

“Yes,” Hades says, swerving towards the highway. “I meant it. All of it, Persephone.”

“Do you want to do this again? Not hang out at my ma’s place, I mean, but somewhere else. Somewhere where we can be ourselves and get to learn to be infatuated with each other,” Persephone says, looking out the window. The stars are out, lighting their way home. It’s oddly poetic to be in this situation with Hades.

“That sounds good,” Hades says, stumbling over his words like he’s a pathetic teenager in love. “That- yeah. Let’s do this again. Next week? I can take you to that dessert place I was talking about earlier. Unless you don’t want to go that far? I’ve- I’ve, uh, got other places-”

“Stop spiraling,” Persephone cuts in. “For the love of God, please stop spiraling. I- yes. I’ll go with you next week.”

Hades beams. It’s one of the most genuine smiles Persephone’s ever seen in her thirty-eight years of living. 

(Maybe she’ll be inviting her ma to walk her down the aisle sooner than she thought.)

[pansexualseaanimals]

Chapter 9 Sneak Peeks ‘Cause You Deserve It

Hey guess what? I’m still alive! I haven’t been writing for a while because these past few chapters have kind of been making me face things about my own life that I hadn’t given due time to address and manage (especially Pyxis and Rory’s thoughts on how parents can “love you but not want you”, and stuff said by multiple people in chapter 9, the one I’m still writing) so I kinda just dealt with those thoughts and came to conclusions and stuff in my own mind while I endlessly binged anime and video games. Not that I don’t normally do that, mind you, but I did it a lot more and not much else.

Luckily, I live in a wonderful gorgeous apartment in my favorite town I’ve ever lived in (the only town I’ve ever called home, in fact! At least, in this world!) and it’s super comfortable and I live with my best friend who is way too good of a roommate if I must be frank - I’d rather be Columbia, honestly - and life has been relatively super good, so like. Don’t worry! I’m so happy in my life the way it is! I’m back home in the Midwest, surrounded by beauty and friends who’ve helped me out more than I could ever ask (but I did, let’s not lie lol) and... I still have depression and I’m working on that and planning on getting a doctor soon, but... I’m starting new good habits, getting into things I’ve been wanting to try, and yeah... I’m rambling at this point so I’ll make the rest quick.

I wanted to give sneak peeks because it’s been SO LONG and I don’t know how many people really actually read this thing? Like, “I’m excited that there’s a new chapter” kind of peeps? But no matter how few there are, you guys all deserve something nice, and this was all I could think of. Instead of just posting one scene, I’ll post a few clips from a bunch of scenes. Everything is subject to change as I keep writing, so it might not match the finished product, but... That just means you guys are extra-special! Heehee! ^__^ 

Excerpts are below the read-more cut. Hope it’s enjoyable! 

\/\/\/\/\/

"Oh, I've got twenty-five coins for the sea show clanking in the backseat, whoa-oh. I've got thirty-two seashells lined up in a row..." Caurel happily sang as she covered the turquoise side in pink, pausing and hiding in a corner when she noticed Zebra rising out of the spawn pool. The younger Inkling, hesitant, flung her brush wildly to cover the pink ink and swam forward, repeating the process every few feet. When she dropped down to the valley, she triggered another Ink Mine, this time getting away just quickly enough.

  "Not falling for that again," they sighed... right before Caurel popped out of her corner and slashed her brush at her, sending her floating right back to the spawn point. Unable to keep from giggling, Caurel re-inked the entrance ramp and climbed up to the higher level, brushing quickly down the alley as Zebra respawned again.

  "And I'll swim, swim, swim, to my darling Martha... And let her lay me down in the bay where the warm winds blow~"

  "Are we singing the same song?" Penny shouted from the audience, loud enough to be heard over the stage music.

"'Martha's Bay' by the Seagulls?" Caurel shouted back for confirmation.

"I knew it! Ahhh, I love you!"

"I love you, too, Butterfly!"

"Boooo!" Rocky shouted as he took out Thresher. "Get a room!"

  "But their love for each other is like our love," Ankyr said with a wink.

"You really are a sea turtle."

  "Hey, only Pyxis can call me-" SPLASH! Ankyr fell prey to Bonnet's Heavy Splatling.

"FOR ANKYR!" Rocky jumped up and flung his roller down before rolling toward Bonnet - and getting caught in a freshly thrown Splash Wall.

  "I love it when he does that," Tiger squeaked.

\/\/\/\/\/

"What took you so long? Why did you trade Ankyr for these randos?"

"Rocky," Caurel sighed. "They're the friends we were supposed to meet today, remember?"

"Oh..."

"Guys, this is Rocky, our squad's leader," Pyxis laughed.

  "Nice to meet you," Carina said, stepping forward to shake Rocky's hand. "Don't worry, my 'boyfriend' will be back soon."

  "'BOYFRIEND'?" The entire crowd turned their attention to the charismatic newcomer.

  "It's just an inside joke," Pyxis hastily assured them. "You'd just have to be there."

"Yeah, he kind of saved me a lot of hassle," Carina shrugged.

  "My Sunshine has inside jokes with people I don't know," Moises thought out loud. "Not sure how I feel about this..."

"Well, you know us now," Hans piped up. "She's Carina, I'm Hans, this here is Shera, and the rude guy is Cygnus."

"I haven't said anything rude yet!"

"We all know you will," Shera said as she scooched over to Abbey. "So, what's your name?"

"I'm aromantic," Abbey said between sips of coffee. Their friends howled with laughter in the background.

"Aw, that's too bad... Are you... asexual, too?"

"They're not sex-repulsed, if that's what you mean," Pyxis jumped in. "That's not what asexual means, though."

"Sweet little Pyxis," Cygnus chuckled, patting his friend on the head. "Always here to educate her friends."

"...You mean their friends," Rocky corrected.

  "What? No. You too? Are all Squids okay with the whole fluid-gender thing?"

"You didn't even last five minutes," Hans sighed, covering his face with his palm.

  "Look, she was born with lady-parts, am I wrong or am I right?"

"Here's what I know," Rocky began slowly, stepping closer to the Octoling and staring him in the eye. "This particular group of friends respects what people choose to call themselves. When you're with us, you refer to Pyxis as they/them. If you can't handle that, you can swim back home."

"ROCKY!" Caurel grabbed her brother's arm and yanked him down to sit beside her. "They're our guests!"

"And Pyxis is family," he bit back. "Which is more important to you?"

"Wow, they really worship you around here," Cygnus laughed, turning to leave. "Do they even really know you? Your history? What have you been telling them?"

"Cygnus, get back here and act your age," Carina commanded.

"No thanks, Your Majesty."

  The crowd was hushed for some time, the noises of the audience around them and the battle down below, permeating their silent space.

  "Sorry about that," Carina finally spoke up. "I told him to behave himself. But he's... how do you say... stuck in his ways."

"He's only twenty-two," Shera rolled her eyes. "He's just a stubborn pufferfish."

"You okay, honey?" Hans asked Pyxis, who was too busy processing their own thoughts to realize they should answer.

"...I'm family?"

\/\/\/\/\/

And now, here’s Shera going goo-goo over more Inklings

---

“Vanilla? Is that a brand, or...?"

"Oh no, I just mean, the original one."

"So... Vanilla means original?"

"The basic form of something, yes. Regular. It's just slang."

"Who's the person with the gatling?"

"Ah, that's Pixie with the Zink Mini Splatling. Disruptor and Bubbler."

"Pixie..." Shera turned to where Pyxis was seated. "PIXIE!"

  "Yes?"

"I can never call you Pixie again! That's the name of my new future wife!" Ecto and Thresher couldn't help but laugh.

"...Glad to hear it?"

"She's actually dating Ty right now," Tandy pointed out. "Sorry, you'll have to look elsewhere."

"Darn."

"Great Overseer," Carina sighed. "Why are you so thirsty today?"

"I dunno, Queenie," Shera shrugged and shook her head. "Look. I had no idea Squidlings could be so attractive, okay?"

"I mean, she's not wrong," Hans laughed. "The first time I saw Ankyr..."

"YOU CAN DO IT, GUYS!" Pyxis suddenly stood up and cheered as loud as they could.

\/\/\/\/\/

And now for some good parents! Specifically, Ecto’s dads. Well, one of them. The other is busy playing Pokémon with Caurel and co. in the living room at this moment. They haven’t been mentioned much so far, but they’re great friends with the Waters (Waters’? Waterss?) ever since all the families met, and Rocky and Caurel hang out with them a lot.

---

"That's because you can look back on the past, apply your knowledge of the present, and cook up a better future for yourself. A new happiness. Again, one that won't last forever. And maybe it's not perfect. Maybe you burn your tongue. Maybe you let it go cold without realizing. But there'll always be more soup."

"You just have an answer for everything, don't you?" Rocky scoffed, throwing more tomatoes into the pot.

  "Not quite. There's one thing I've always wondered."

"The secret of life?"

"Nah, figured that out in college."

"What? No. Shut up." The two shared a laugh. Mister Plasma reduced the burner's heat and placed a lid on the pot, before turning to Rocky.

  "Back when you were in Coral Reef's boat... Why didn't you say anything?"

  "Well..." Rocky took a moment to continue. "Figured there wasn't any point, I guess. Can't help it if the person you have a crush on is gay. Like, if Pop was het, you wouldn't have the love of your life."

"Well I'm glad that's not the case," he said with a short laugh, before frowning and patting Rocky on the head. "Sorry, hon."

"It's fine. That's one of those 'just move on' parts in life. So I did."

"Ah..."

"Happened with Ankyr, too. But that was back when we were super tiny. Like.. That's a different kind of love. Baby love, I guess. But then again, we thought Ankyr was a girl back then. That was easier to move on from."

  "You just can't catch a break," Dad laughed. "Anyone on your mind these days?" Rocky thought a while before answering.

"I... Not really. I don't know, Oji. Guess I'm kind of giving up for now. I just wanna cook and take care of the ocean. Those are my loves. Well, I'll never get tired of Turf War either. I guess... that's it."

"And that's A-okay," the adult Inkling nodded, before yelling "COME AND GET IT!" There was a multitude of shuffling sounds from the living room as the young adults made their way to the kitchen. "Come see us any time," he said again. "We'll always be here for you."

\/\/\/\/\/

And that’s all I have for you here today, I wanna stop myself before I give away more than I might have given away... But yeah, working on that slowly but surely now. I was already about halfway-ish done with the chapter before I fell off, I think? Depends if I think of adding any more scenes than what’s already planned. So, look forward to that soon! Catch you on the flip side~

P.S.: As a reminder, this is the second-to-last chapter I’m writing; after 10 is over, we’ll be moving on to the second book in the series, which will hopefully have much better pacing and will definitely be a lot different, but still be about the lives of Pyxis, Ankyr, and their loved ones - that will never change. Some of your favorite characters might not be around as much in book 2, some might get a spotlight where they hadn’t before, and of course we’ll meet lots of new friends, and you’ll just have to decide what you think of each of them. :3 But I hope you have fun. Regardless of anything, thanks for reading. If you’ve read any of Look Alive, Sunshine, you have my Heart Containers, and my eternal gratitude. Please let me know what you think, if you’ve got the time. Love & hugs!

[kuroshitsuji-scenarios]

Hmm since I can't think of any scenario, would it be alright if I just say a prompt one-liner statement? Haha :(( so hmm how about "But we are no longer just 'dating', because I've already committed myself to you." idk maybe modern sebastian and s/o??¿ heehee if that's fine uwu thanks so much!! 💕

This is wildly out of control from the beginning to an end, enjoy my imgination!

The very least thing you expected to see when arriving to the address Sebastian lived at, was to witness the utter chaos and destruction in his apartment. The open front door allowed you to peek inside from the corridor and notice broken furnitures, devastated kitchen counter and the sofa, seemingly cut thoroughly multiple times until the white balls of the filling scarreted around the room like a freshly fallen snow.

You couldn’t truly comprehend what did the image in front of you meant and what could possibly happen there to cause such a huge amount of damage. Prehaps someone has broken in, prehaps they were looking for something particular, prehaps they did not find it and escaped with nothing, leaving the mess behind. Prehaps Sebastian was not there when it happened, prehaps he managed to run away before they hurt him, prehaps, prehaps, prehaps…

Gulping at the ball which formed in your throat, you pushed the door slightly, carefully looking inside the apartment and listening to even the tiniest noises which coud mean that the burglars were still there—most likely dangerous, armed and not hesitating. The silence, though, proved that there was nothing to be afraid of, not anymore, only the peaceful blows of the wind sliding over the broken window, which was partly laying on the carpet in the milions of small pieces.

What if they hurt him—or even worse? You never doubted Sebastian’s abilities to take care of himself, your boyfriend was quite skilled in the martial arts, after all, but they could have guns or knives and he was most likely not expecting to get attacked in his own home. It was supposed to be your evening together, the wonderful time spend in a restaurant on eating delicious food and drinking until you would feel tired. When he was two minutes late, you started to worry. It was not like him to be late, never, and it could only mean that something truly important happened.

Important or terrifying.

Eventually, you decided to check on him in his own home, to make sure that he simply forgot or had some other place to attend to or that it was all just a simple misunderstanding, something you could laugh off soon. And yet, there you were, the dreadful silence from his apartment being more than a proof that it was the latter reason for his absence.

With trembling hands and jaw clenched tightly, you slipped inside the room and slowly closed the door behind yourself, eyeing the interior and looking for the intruders only to find nothing but the leftovers of what was once his property. The books, the magnificent collection of his books was now of the floor, thrown away like a trash, just like the colourful bottles full of various, centuries old alcohols splattered on the carpet. Even the weird but somehow adorable cat figurines, which were once placed on the shelf, disappeared under the overwhelming chaos. Nothing seemed to be stolen, just stepped upon with the complete lack of respect.

You were taking next steps carefully, not wanting to destroy more than the whole apartment already was, noticing the cuts on the wallpaper and the dark stains on it, as if someone was trying to even burn this place to the ground but the fire did not grow fast enough to consume it all. Who could have done that to him? It could not be any mistake and Sebastian, although bringing the jealously in the hearts of many, did not have any foes—or at least none you would know about.

Every step further, your heart was beating louder and louder, pulsing in your ears with the repetitive thought that Sebastian was still there, lifeless in his bedroom with the sharp blade sinked deeply between his ribs or even worse, the bullet in his head or…

Suddenly frightened, you stood still and listened to your surroundings, fighting the urge to cry, scream or puke from the amount of terrible emotions burning your insides. You did not want to witness him dead, laying on the bed of satin with open, dull eyes staring right at you in the very same place you were once making love, where you were sharing sweet kisses and stealing each others’ breaths in the symphony of your beating hearts. It could not be true, he must have run away while he had the time and the apartment was all empty now, not a single soul at the abandoned battlefield.

Sebastian’s bedroom was, too, hidden under the veil of darkness and the first sight was enough to prove that this place was not spared either. The bed was broken in half, the feathers covering almost every surface, so white they were almost glistening in the contrast with the wood. Looking at the tips of your own feet, you noticed that some of them were laying next to you, fluffy and delicate, and just when you were about to rise your head again and move forward to the bathroom, you noticed that one of them was nowhere like the others.

On the contrary, it was as black as the night, that is why you did not see it at first. Intriguing, considering the fact that the white ones were once stuffing the pillows and you have never seen any black ones nearby—especially not as long as your forearm.

That was, when you heard the rustle and immediately looked at its source, only to find a large frame, hiding deep in the corner, covered with darkness like a second skin. The creature, whatever it was, had its back facing you or at least that is what you thought, considering the lack of any visible eyes. Was it the reason of this whole mess and the tears which were now running down your cheeks? Was it the reason Sebastian did not come for you? Did it kill him?

Its voice was quiet and soft when it spoke, not causing you to jump in fear and sounding more like a calming whisper in your own head.

“I truly did not want you to see me in such a poor state, my love.”

You blinked, confused, but before any sounds managed to escape your mouth, the creature continued.

“Actually, I was hoping that I will make it before 8 p.m., just like I promised. Prehaps I am getting old, after all…”

Another flutter and more feathers fell down on the floor, ink black and much longer than any animal you have ever heard of could lose.

“Sebastian…?” you whispered cautiously. “Is that you?”

“Due to the very unfortunate event, yes. And I beg you, for everything dear to you, leave.”

For a moment, you stopped breathing, only to exhale deeply when the first thoughts of this completely surprising evening were starting to get to your mind, processing slowly but surely. Sebastian was safe and sound and it was all that mattered.

“Are you hurt?” you asked, slowly taking a step closer to him, until you stopped in the middle of the track after hearing the hiss coming from his direction.

“Stay back.”

The curtains were flowing on the wind, bringing the smell of the night sky to your nose and reminding you of an upcoming winter.

“Do not come any closer. Please.”

“What is going on…?” All the bottled emotions seemed to start taking over when you felt the warm tears on your skin once again. You could not understand anything what was happening right now and it felt like a horrible, neverending dream, a nightmare you could not wake up from. “Tell me what is going on.”

Sebastian remained silent and it hurt you more than a slap on the cheek. You were so lost, so scared and you needed answers, right now and there. You loved him, after all, and you could never possibly just leave. Building all your courage up, you wandered to him, avoiding the broken glass and the dark feathers, this time not hearing any kind of objections from him. When you were barely few steps away, you noticed that the strange creature disappeared and there, in the shadows, was indeed, your Sebastian, sitting on the floor with a bloody dress shirt and the tie hanging miserably at his neck.

At this point, he was not a lesser mess than his apartment.

He looked up at you when you approached him and slowly kneeled next to him, looking for any kind of fatal wounds.

“I am so sorry, my love” he muttered barely audiably. “I swear I did not want you to find me there, especially not now.”

“Who did this to you?” Seeing his familiar face made you bolder and caused the unknown fear to slowly fade away. “Goodness, you can not just leave it like that, you are bleeding!”

“It is just a scratch, it really is,” Sebastian emphased the last word when he noticed that you were already willing to stand up and call an ambulance. “I will tell you everything if you promise me to calm down and not do anything reckless.”

“Since when is calling the help reckless?” you asked, but his serious gaze was enough to remind you about his words. He was not dying, that much you could tell and if he wanted to explain to you what was the meaning of all of that, then maybe you should allow him to. It is not like you could easily explain this all to the police either.

“Do you promise?”

“I do,” you nodded and the corners of his lips twitched in a faint smile.

And so, he did told you the truth—both about him and the creatures sent to kill him in the name of the almighty. You were listening to him without interrupting, staring at his pale face and lips which were speaking such a weird words. With every passing moment, it felt more like a dream and less like a reality, especially since the time around you seemed to stop only to allow you to listen to him—the real him, someone you had, apparently, did not know until now.

Finished, Sebastian waited for your answer or any kind of reaction. Fear? Disgust? Anything would be better than your blank stare and the dreadful expectation. Prehaps he has made a mistake by telling you all of that, maybe your mind was not ready for all those revelations and yet, it felt right to finally be honest with you. Whatever will you do with this informations was not his concern anymore.

“I should tell you to leave now once again,” he stated. “But goodness, I am so selfish and I can not help but want to beg you to stay. Despite of all you have heard of, stay by my side, because I have never met anyone as significant as you. What I showed you before, since the day we met, was not a lie, not even for a moment, but simply an untruth. And if you were as honest with me, as I am with you now then please, stay with me a little bit longer.”

“Always a silver tongue, huh?” you commented and Sebastian could not tell whether you were mocking him or not. It was the shine in your eyes and your cold fingers, now slowly entangling with his which showed him that you did not plan on running away. “Maybe I am selfish, too, but it seems like now we are no longer just dating, because I have already committed myself to you, utterly, wholly and completely.”

[imagine-a-killingharmony]

Opposite Talent S/O! (V3 Boys)

I just had another random thought. How would the v3 boys be with a fem s/o that has the opposite talent of them. ( example shuichi with ultimate criminal. Or gonta with a s/o that is a exterminator *poor gonta*) might have to do this myself aswell. Please and thank you.

Thinking of... opposite talents took a while, especially for Kiibo, let me tell you I tried to not sound robophobic I swear... but there’s not a way to make most of these completely opposite so I just did my best ideas I had...

Actually... how do you get the opposite of an Astronaut? Or Antropologist? What I did? Well ehe... I literally gave Kaito a underground (opposite of up up above) S/O while making Korekiyo’s S/O study future trends, considering he studies culture.

(Gives each talent an opposite personality straight in return, oh shucks.)

Kiibo (Ultimate Lucky Student)

Your talent? Easy. You had nothing about you that had been interesting at all, you had gained an letter nothing more... such an average person like you had somehow gained the heart of the most abnormal student in your class somehow... “The Ultimate Robot”.

It was... weird, you both hadn’t any “real” talents to discuss anything over, yet he stood above you because of how he was born, while you only gained an advantage recently because... because of pure luck...

Kiibo was... gentle though, even if you were untalented, he had no restounsing features besides the ones built into him, so it was almost impossible to feel beneath him, it helped that Kiibo was a sweetheart who was new to romance just like you...

You made a perfect couple despite that one difference between the two of you, talking about whatever came to mind, no need to worry about who you were or what you currently are...

Kiibo especially enjoyed not feeling rushed with your relationship, despite Kaede’s optimism, Shuichi’s empathy towards him, Miu’s close bond with him with sharing such a closeness to him talent-wise...

He chose you, he admits it proudly that he’d do it a million times over again.

Shuichi Saihara (Ultimate Escape Artist)

Your talent? Heh! Ultimate Escape Artist, you’ve broken out of many sticky situations, picked many locks, it’s impossible to catch you since you’ve currently been on the run your entire life, until Hope’s Peak accepted you... so you didn’t have to stay in jail, somehow you gained the eye of what should be your rival: “The Ultimate Detective”.

You picked your way into his heart, Shuichi couldn’t help it he had fallen in love with you despite how... your title caused such a... crack in most of his beliefs.

Of course... don’t think he’s letting you go free, whenever he catches you do something bad, which is a lot he stops you almost immediately after a second of hestitation.

It’s terrible, you’ve been on a losing streak ever since dating him, he’s always so kind of you when you act all nice and good but whenever you do “one” bad thing he’s all up on your case telling you to try to not do it again...!

Guess his sense of righteousness triumphs over your love, but he always reminds you that he’ll visit you each day after your academy days are over in your jail-cell till the day of your release, that he’ll catch criminals that make you look like a knock-off!

How romantic~...!

Ryoma Hoshi (Ultimate Student Counsil President)

Your the Ultimate Student Counsil President, it’s your duty to keep the school in tip-top shape ever since joining and you’ve done it with passion and vigor! It’s uh- too bad the “Ultimate Tennis Player” refused to join, so you... got close to him in attempt to instill moral justice...

You both fell in love, your talents aren’t anything close to eachother, quite the opposite really considering you place justice and studies above all else while he’s... been arrested, using his brawn.

He tells you he doesn’t deserve you, especially with how enthuastic you are about bringing the class together, a guy like him wants nothing to do with most people, you being an special... exception... who’d refuses to leave...

So... you bring him closer with the rest of your classmates much to his dismay, he doesn’t like it but you force him to get along with everybody so you can have what should be the best damn year of your lives... You even make sure he keeps up on his studies, it’s a real hassle having someone so organized take up on your life.

... he won’t admit it, but he appreciates it.

Kaito Momota (Ultimate Miner)

As the Ultimate Miner you dig deep underground, all there is to it you really don’t care about your talent. It’s tiresome as it is but somehow the “Ultimate Astronaut” thought it be a good idea to boast to you about his talent to you, “both of you were explorerers of different frontiers!”

Yeah right. He got too close, it was stupid. You somehow fell for an idiot who say’d he travel new brand new heights, including you.

He doesn’t know anything about being a miner but it’s not like you ever get to gaze at the stars often yourself, so he usually tells you about how “amazing” it is, thousands of glittering speckles up in the sky that one day he’ll be able to cup thousands of those stars in his fuckin’ fist.

You used to think it was stupid, yet looking at the passion in his eyes, brighter- more beautiful than striking gold...

It paces in your chest, what should be a charred-black coal heart.

Rantaro Amami (Ultimate NEET)

As the Ultimate NEET you’ve... gained your talent from Hope’s Peak really wanting to complete it’s set of Ultimate’s, you hated it too considering your parental figure made you go but you never hated anything more than a blasted “Ultimate” who didn’t remember his own talent who insisted you become his buddy and open up.

As if, until he actually, made you open up, fuck- why did he have to be so suave and cool- wahhh- as Tsumugi would say- damned normie step on a landmind and die!!

You hated it, but he would bring you out daily to make sure you had gotten exercise, even tried to make it so you ate better for your own sake as chips and soda aren’t proper nutrients to substain living.

Going on the longest hikes, the longest boat rides which had you walk around so much as he complimented you for doing your best in the end of it all... it was terrible! Awful even...

So why do you keep doing it...? God knows, but whenever Rantaro smiles at you your heart flutters so... fuck he’s used his playboy magic on your heart!

Gonta Gokuhara (Ultimate Exterminator)

Your the Ultimate Exterminator... you live a fucking lie now, you met the Ultimate “Entomologist” who literally asked if you liked bugs the first time meeting him, you were about to answer but then before you could answer he said he “dislikes bug-haters!” with the most horrifying expression you’ve ever seen... so to keep your kneecaps you lied...

To your now-boyfriend who still doesn’t know the absolute truth, so now you live each day in paranoia at your title- and Kokichi-fucking-Ouma snapping and telling him the truth.

Gonta loves bug- you hate them with a burning passion, that’s the whole reason you got the job, most of them crawl on your skin and- it’s disgusting- but he loves them so you go along with him...!

Gonta is... kind... you don’t want to lose that, not ever, not now, not anytime... but your bound to when he figures it out... so you just try your best to find the perfect time to unveil the news...

Especially with the fact you unconsciously stepped on a few bug-friends he had in his lab, which made you grimace.

Kokichi Ouma (Ultimate Friend)

Your the Ultimate Friend! Ah but you could use the word buddy or pal or chum too, whatever works, you’ve made a whole bunch of friends with your entire school and have gained a weird fan base but all of you are equal, “The Ultimate Supreme Leader” calls you the most gullible thing he’s ever laid his eyes on...

Whatever that means, heehee... he asked you out and your dating now, for some odd odd reason he’s asking for tips on how to easily gain the trust of others which you don’t get... like at all?

But he said in return he teach you how to lie... but you don’t wanna lie, but you didn’t want to hurt his feelings either so you said okay! All you told him was you just be super duper nice to them... promise your loyalty for ever! Like... BFFS!!!

Kokichi squinted at you after you said that, you still don’t understand why he asked you out of all people but... he just tsked as he put on that super-cool cape of his that he kept lying around.

“... It’s fine, I’ll just control your already growing fan base behind the scenes sweetie, mwah.” Kokichi presses a light peck against your cheek, you embrace him tightly and lovingly in return.

Korekiyo Shinguuji (Ultimate Trendsetter)

As the Ultimate Trendsetter it was a basic goal to spread the word upon the newest dads and trends, but there was a certain somebody not quite getting the memo... a “Ultimate Anthropologist” who wore an mysteries mask yet... oddly old clothes...

He needed a gentle push in the right direction! Despite how he told you how his attire was quite “fine” you told him that couldn’t be the case, darling- weird mysterious vibes are sooo last month!

With you by his side he was sure to rock this entire school to it’s core! (He doesn’t want to do that S/O.) it’ll be a guarantee everyone will have his eyes locked on him! (S/O please.)

It’s quite difficult to pay attention to the folklore stories that he tells you but it gives you ideas for the newest fads that might be coming along, kimonos were quite cute- shit let’s bring those back in town-!

Korekiyo... always wondered if sister would find your behavior to be... model or just... unacceptable, he’ll need to pay her a call soon...

[ikesenmotonari]

yay that ikesen oc thing. she’s a multifandom oc but hey im not creative so i might as well JAM her into another universe lets go lads

idk who to tag but if u have an ikesen oc go for it i wanna know bout em!!!

i was tagged by @nyktoon-ikemenlove thank you sweetheart!!!

Age? Height?

“Hi! I’m Melody Wyverne, but my friends if I had any would call me Mel, Mells… that fun stuff! I’m nineteen and I’m five foot two!”

She’s petite, on the curvy side. She’s 5′2″, or 155 cm; she is only nineteen and wants to go home. lmao

What’s your fashion like? [Time travelers – pre & post-wormhole!]

“Er, pre time-jump I was a fan of sleeveless hoodies and high-waisted jeans. I didn’t go out much, so I dressed comfortably. Now I wear kimono and hakama… it’s pretty. I sure hope it didn’t trouble people too much to make these…!“

The top one is an older doodle. thonk emojis

Where are you from?

“I’m from Canada, actually. I lived alone for a bit then my dad reached out to me and asked me if I’d like to spend some time with him in Japan. So uh, I just wanted to talk to him again and thought this would be a good way for me to intern somewhere… it might as well be his business right? Then the storm thing.“

Her mom is French, her dad is English. She’s got a ridiculously high IQ level and no social skills whatsoever, so she knows most Japanese and speaks it pretty okay despite her North American kind of accent. Is that a thing? thonks

Feudal era – pros and/ or cons?

“There are pros?!“ She’s not very happy being surrounded by blood and death…

Pros? Cool clothes. Cons? HAVE YOU MET THESE PEOPLE?!

If you’re not in your homeland/time, do you want to go home?

“Gosh. Absolutely.“

What’s your home life like?

“Well, I’ll run you through a usual day! Ah… well, I’d eat something, then play with my cat, talk to Avery for a bit, then… yeah I’d spend the rest of it at the garage, just working on my projects! It’s… I like working. It’s not healthy, and I’ve been told… but it’s nice, you know?“

Melody doesn’t go outside.

She scarcely leaves her property and the only close friends she has is a cat and a cyborg (a man with no arms). Her parents split years ago and she wasn’t properly socialized as a kid. Being raised as a certified genius? It’s… lonely. She doesn’t know how it’s affected her, but being thrown back in time is forcing her to look at things differently.

You just got your dream job! What is it? / Or, what’s your line of work?

“I’m a programmer on the side, but first and foremost, I make prosthesis for people. I have a background in medicine and engineering I suppose…”

Any other hobbies or skills? Do you use them / how do you use them in the Sengoku period?

“Not really… I can barely take care of myself as is, haha! Erm. I can’t use my skills much at all in this era. Other than some simple automatons, there’s also guns I can piece apart, but I’m more hesitant with those… all I can do is use my expertise in biology I guess. There’s a lot of injuries going around, and I’m glad I’m not completely useless.“

Where is your base of operations? Azuchi Castle? Kasugayama Castle? A pirate ship? Running all over the woods or in a secret monastery? Some other cool place?

“I woke up in a forest near Azuchi and stayed in a neutral tea house for a while before Lord Masamune pretty much dragged me to the castle. So I stayed there for a few months, and the warlords grew on me, but… I… got kidnapped. So I guess my base of operations is a pirate ship.”

Oh?

“…I don’t like it. Don’t get me started on their captain…”

How do you feel about killing and violence?

“I just wish there’s another way past it all. I don’t think I’ll ever understand the logic behind killing someone. I… I’m a doctor. Not a murderer.”

Have you learned to fight? If so, what’s your weapon and/or fighting style of choice?

“Nope, actually. But there’s some good guys on board that might be willing to teach me! At least, I hope so. The only thing I’m leaning towards are guns, unfortunately, but they’re the closest thing to a modern mechanism I can get. Eep… I don’t know how to fight! I don’t want to!”

What are you fighting for?

“Um, my life?!“ It changes. Eventually. ;3

What are your feelings about authority?

“As long as they’re not bullies? Fine.” She pauses. “Lord Nobunaga was different though. I didn’t understand him fully, but he doesn’t really make fun of me or anything. He’s just curious I guess. I don’t tend to question authority unlike some pirates.”

How do you handle someone invading your personal space?

“I just get really uncomfortable and back away if I can. I can’t bring myself to yell at people unless they’ve seriously whittled down on my patience. I didn’t know I had it in me, actually… huh.“

…do you invade people’s personal space?

“Ha…. haha! Yeah, sometimes. I get nosy okay? I didn’t even know what personal space was until I was eleven!”

Are you more open, or more reserved? Are you secretive?

“Avery says I’m an open book. I have nothing to hide, no secrets to keep. There’s not much that happened to me before, so I guess I’m some kind of blank slate? Gee, that sounds so harsh…”

Is this the first time you’ve been truly in love?

 “Love? Have you spoken to these people?”

Eventually? Yeah. Yeah this is her first time.

What’s your style as a lover? (interpret this as innocently or not-innocently as you please ;) )

She’s sweet, affectionate and balanced. She knows when to handle time with her partner and time working on whatever independent activities. Though she’s quite a dense person overall and won’t realize if she’s even fallen for someone, she deeply and wholeheartedly trusts them. It takes a while for her to know this.

Also, she’s 99% submissive and slightly masochistic. As well as a rope bunny.

What are your favorite ways for someone to show you love?

Touches, fleeting ones. Tight hugs, any kind of embrace. Show her something unconditional, undivided. She’s been isolated for so long she convinced herself she won’t have someone to love, so she carries on merrily alone, not knowing how deprived she is of human contact. Hmm.

Take her on an adventure. Bring her out of her comfort zone. Show her what the world could be like… you’ll change her.

Do you use a petname or endearments for your lover(s)?

Not really, she would give nicknames if she could! She already says things like ‘honey’ and ‘dear’, but nothing too mushy unless it becomes super playful and joking.

How do you feel about…

Nobunaga? “He’s such a complicated warlord… I don’t know if I’ll ever understand him. But he’s shown some really keen interest in me. Is it because I’m a Westerner? Either way, Lord Nobunaga scared me and he still does. But after spending months in the castle and talking to him, he’s not actually as mean as I thought he was. I don’t know why he laughs at me though! I guess the things I do seem really silly to him!”

Hideyoshi? “Oh he’s super nice. He taught me how to make tea when mister Mitsunari and I put way too much leaves in. He tends to scold me for staying up though, but I can’t help my insomnia without my pills! It’s really comforting to know that Lord Hideyoshi is looking out for me though. The things he does reminds me of how Avery takes care of me, so I guess he’s like a big brother? Heehee.”

Masamune? “He was the one who brought me to Azuchi castle, and boy is he wild! His energy shocked me honestly, it’s like he never runs out of it. He’s so cool though! He kinda scared me too, and I’m pretty sure he can stab me once told to, but he’s been really playful. I didn’t know I’d have so much fun in Azuchi thanks to him. And he makes amazing food! Though he should stop bugging me to eat three meals a day…”

Ieyasu? “Aw man, I wish I can talk to him without him speedwalking away or trying to avoid me! He’s reading stuff about medicine, right? I’d like to know what he’s learning. It’s no doubt super different from modern medicine. I try to talk to him sometimes but Lord Ieyasu’s always busy… was it something I said?”

You know that question about invading personal space? Melody leans in to peer over at his books sometimes. She’s a bit too friendly to his liking.

Mitsunari? “I relate to him a lot. He’s really friendly and sometimes I’d spend my free time reading with him. Time goes by so fast though and either Lord Hideyoshi or Lord Ieyasu would step in to tell us we’ve missed dinner…”

Literally. They are so alike. They got along swell.

Mitsuhide? “S-Scary… have you heard of those rumors about him? I mean, in person he’s okay, but he’s just tall and intimidating to me. He did take me out to the marketplace once and show me around, which… well, nevermind. I guess he’s nice. Apparently Lord Hideyoshi told him to stop teasing me, but I don’t recall being teased?”

She’s dense. 

Shingen? “Big man. Very tall, and… I think he was flirting with me. Whatever it was, he’s… really.. erm, polite and all, and I met him along with Yukimura and Sasuke at the forest tea house before I was taken to Azuchi. I don’t know him too well, but with what Lord Nobunaga told me, he must be a strong warlord…”

Kenshin? “I never met the guy. With a title like the ‘God of War’, I don’t think I want to…!” Fear.

Yukimura? “He’s… he’s kind of… what’s the word, gruff, isn’t he? I met him along with Shingen and I guess it’s a good quality to be honest and stuff. I think we got off on the wrong foot.”

She spilled tea on him. You can imagine the rest. Sasuke came in clutch.

Sasuke? “He’s super great. I wish I had more time to talk to him! He kinda saw right through my attempt to hide the fact that I’m from the future and he gave me helpful advice on fitting in and staying under the radar. Eep, sorry I got dragged to the castle, Sasuke! We can talk about astrophysics another time…! Seriously, I’m so grateful to him. Without his advice I’d probably be in big trouble.”

Kennyo? “He went near the tea house once and was feeding the fish in the koi pond. He’s scary, but… he’s nice. I served him tea and some dumplings. I had no idea he hated Lord Nobunaga so much…”

Motonari? “Ugh… infuriating. I didn’t know I could be so angry at someone before I met this guy. The nerve he has, to kidnap me in broad daylight, spit on Azuchi defenses, and then use me as his impromptu surgeon for the high seas! Hmph. … I… I don’t know. The more time I spend with him, I feel like I’m not going anywhere - you know, I try to get along, I really do, but I think he’s keeping me away? Like, he just tends to stay shallow with people. As annoying as he can get… I want to know why. He’s shown how playful he could be, and his crew loves him. He gives me the same vibes as Lord Nobunaga, actually… intimidating, but I want to know more about him.”

Any other friends/notables?

“I have a friend named Avery and he’s awesome! He took care of me ever since I was eleven, he was twenty-one at the time and now he’s thirty. He’s like a dad to me. Oh, and this isn’t too important, but he has metal arms. I made those! Er, the updated ones, actually. Just to make sure they’re functioning like real arms and all. The prototypes were made by my mom and he was severely injured, so the surgery took a while. He and I grew really close after my parents’ divorce. He lives a few blocks down, and he has eight dogs. Don’t ask ME why, you should ask HIM. … I miss him. I hope he’s okay.”

She also has a cat named Charlie. He’s a grey ragdoll. That’s… that’s about it.

hooray for my shallow motonari headcanons with trust issues

[eclissy]

10 Days of Heroshipping 2/10

Hero/Villain

Drakath/Ty. My flagship, my first, what I’m more or less known for in the DF fandom. This time I wrote a in-secret-relationship fic about Drakath getting embarrassed over the Hero seeing his baby picture. The feelgood ship day isn’t here yet but it just ended up that way. Even if it is Hero/Villain. 

3105 Words

Other than to steal a good bit of coin, Drakath had his bandits attack travelers and villages for the mere sake of it. Every fire was a reminder that he still existed and that this land belonged to him.

Then there was the third reason; sentiment.

Drakath would lie, saying that what they were taking was valuable before hogging the result of the day’s work for himself. Not to sell or spend on anything frivolous or to meet his ultimate goal.

Just to have.

“What do we have here?” Drakath slowly walked up beside a carriage he and his men had captured, banging his fist on the fine wood as he made his way to opening its door.

Seizing the carriage so close to the walls of Swordhaven was brazen indeed but oh so satisfying, terrorizing a traitorous noble flying the usurper’s colors. The ease of the success added to it.

The Prince, excited to see how fearful the noble would be to see him, threw the door open. If they did not recognize his voice, surely they would throw themselves on their knees beg forgiveness for stealing from the rightful royal family!

A kiss was blown his way instead.

Closing the door, Drakath kept his hands pressed heavily against the handles, glancing back, aghast, at his men.

They were all waiting with bated breath, becoming confused when the Prince stood still, blinking at them.

What was he going to do? Just tell them to go home?

“S-sire?” The closest bandit edged towards him when the carriage’s passenger began knocking on the other side of the window.

Panicking, Drakath threw his back against the carriage door like he was trapping a monster inside.

“Run!” He yelled and all of the bandits strategically bolted in different directions, fear overtaking the suspicion of how wildly out of character it was for Drakath to do something selfless.

Accustomed to how knights and adventurers typically came down on criminals, they disappeared quick, either alone or in pairs to cut losses. No one could catch all of them

But, the Hero already got what she wanted.

Once the coast was clear, Drakath flung the door open and jumped into the carriage. His torso made it to the cushiony seat but his legs hung outside, kicking as he shouted at the Hero.

“What are you doing here?” The Prince, struggling to climb up, scowled as Ty giggled. “Why didn’t you tell me you were in Swordhaven? What would have happened if we torched the carriage? You foolish, reckless, insolent—“

Ty laid herself flat on her stomach across the carriage seat, leveling her face with Drakath’s. It halted his nagging, just about made him swallow his tongue even.

The Prince cursed himself and the bizarre phenomenon that caused him to suddenly become shy in such close proximity to Ty’s plain face.

“Why did you stop?” She asked, resting her chin on her palms. “You’re adorable when you’re worried.”

Drakath clenched his teeth, only able to manage a quiet “Shut your mouth. Why would I be worried? A monster like you has a head made of stones. Nothing could scratch that,” He kept rambling. “Worried! Me? That’s hilarious.”

Sliding out of the carriage for more space, Drakath straightened his clothes. It was far too intimate inside for him to think properly. Ty was about to hop out after him, stopping when the bandit blocked her off.

Without looking at her, Drakath offered her a hand to get down.

“Well, it’s only proper.” He muttered, wondering why he felt the need to do that when his face was already on fire.

Bemused, Ty took his hand and carefully stepped out. Drakath’s shoulders stiffened, hyper aware of himself should he mess up somehow.

“Truth is, I wanted this to be a surprise,” Ty explained, stepping around to the back of the carriage while Drakath pretended to nurse a crick in his wrist. “Of course, I should have known that you’d be on top of this. Then again, I was afraid someone else would try to take them.”

Opening the compartment behind the passenger compartment, Ty revealed a cache of royal heirlooms.

Officially, they were the heirlooms of the former royal family. Mostly dusty robes, silverware, and packaged paintings among other trinkets, none of which Alteon’s family felt comfortable using or having around.

Usually, they were kept locked away though a few officials, thinking their pockets could get heavier, sold them off under Alteon’s nose. The thought of his family’s history getting handled like novelties made Drakath’s blood boil.    

“I’m glad you’re happy.” Ty mentioned offhandedly, noticing how a small smile had spread across the Prince’s face.

Startled, Drakath shook it off and coughed, clearing his throat.

“How did you get these?”

“I bought them.” Ty replied, holding a cape from the seventh King’s time. Such an ancient and hallowed garment demanded a careful hand.

That was suddenly the farthest worry on Drakath’s mind.

“You’re going to get in trouble!” Drakath exclaimed, already glaring at every tree, bush, and pebble hiding a potential spy. “They’ll find out that we’re–” He rapidly pointed from Ty to himself. “—You know!”

“Amazingly good friends?”

“Lovers!” Drakath blurted, instantly regretting it once Ty’s mouth spread into a huge opened mouthed grin. She tried covering it and her laughter, one arm crossed over her stomach and a hand pressed against her mouth.

“Don’t say anything.” Drakath fumed, trying to not rip clumps of his hair out.

“I’m not! I’m not!” Ty waved her hand at him like she was wafting away the jokey mood. “Don’t worry about a thing, Lover Boy.”

“There! You said something!” Drakath tugged Ty over and squished her cheeks with his palms, trying to make her stupid grin go away. “H-how else would I have put it?” The Prince kept viciously smushing her face.

Apparently, the way Drakath spoke was antiquated to Ty, who had to be from some other universe. That was what they were, weren’t they?

Worked up, completely a fault of his own, Drakath shoved her away, turned his attention to the heirlooms, and roughly rummaged through them.

“Ehem,” Ty was already right next to him. “If it makes you feel better, I told the trafficker that I was buying them to lure you out. My daring Prince would dash out, rushing to reclaim his family’s belongings—“ She stepped back and Drakath’s gaze followed her. “—I would make the catch. So…” Ty spread her arms. “Did it work?”

For a good solid beat, Drakath stared at her, nonplussed. The stoic facade erupted into a scowl when he couldn’t hold it back anymore. Very soon after, he kicked and chipped a nearby stump. Miraculously, he didn’t hurt himself trying to do that. The longest sufferable groan stretched on as the Prince slumped over, cursing himself over and over.

Ty expected more of a show from the God of Drama himself, getting tackled off guard when Drakath jumped into her hug, pinning her against the back of the carriage.

“Heehee,”Ty giggled, tickled when Drakath buries his nose into her hair. “I love you too.”

Jostled by the movement, a painting leaning against the compartment’s wall wobbled. The corner of its cloth covering became loose, revealing a silver frame that caught Drakath’s eye.

“Huh?” The Hero felt Drakath stiffening. “Are you alright?”

“One moment.” Drakath broke from the embrace and took the painting out into the sun. Taking care, the Prince stood it on the grass, using the carriage to support its back.

Curious at the sudden shift in atmosphere, Ty watched the bandit pull the corner of the cloth away a smidge farther.

“Could it be…” He murmured, taking a peek inside. His green eyes snapped wide and he slapped the covering back on. “No.” He said. Not the ‘no’ as in ‘no, that isn’t it.’

This was the ‘no’ as in ‘I want no part in this.’

“Is the vermin around?” Drakath asked, getting nothing but a pointedly blank look from Ty. “The dragon,” Drakath sighed and Ty didn’t change. “Lib.” He decided on using the vermin’s nickname.

“Remember that carriage driver?” Ty asked.

“Wait, you’re telling me that the baby dragon wore a human costume that well? I saw him take the horses and run!” Drakath watched Ty blow her cheeks up.

Great, he must have done something ‘cute’ again.

“Magic then.” The Prince saw the disguised dragon in the corner of his eye, walking quite leisurely to his Dragonlord.

“I know it’s a charm and all but when you put it that way,” Ty trailed off, somewhat perturbed at how real the illusion’s lazy eyes rolled at her. “Hmm, I don’t think I’d notice it if I didn’t know. You’re very good at this, Lib.”

The illusion yawned, rippling until it dissipated, revealing the small blue scaled dragon bobbing up and down before the two.

“That aside,” Drakath gazed at Liberta gravely. “Do you want twenty pounds of raw liver?”

Liberta’s groggy disinterest was gone with a snap. He charged for Drakath, circled around his head, stopping next to the prince, nodding.

“Good,” He jabbed his thumb at the covered painting. “Torch it.”

“No!” Ty leaped in front of the painting, her dragon bouncing off of her chest. “Who are you and what did you do to Drakath?”

“Make that thirty pounds.” The Prince ignored Ty.

“You don’t have money to buy that much liver!”

“Ty?” Drakath clasped his hands together. “May I have money to buy thirty pounds of liver?”

“No!” Ty pushed his hands down. “I’d be paying myself anyways!”

“Alright, forget about the raw liver,” Drakath tsked, so intent on destroying the painting that he didn’t notice Liberta tearing the bottom of his cape into little shreds. “Ty, let me torch it.”

“You were going to kill anyone who wasn’t me if they had this,” Ty shielded the painting. “Is it cursed? Is that why you’re acting so—OH what the hell?” The Hero jumped a foot in the air when she laid her eyes on the most bizarre sight in her life.

Drakath sank down on both knees, chin dipped, with clasped hands raised, begging her.

“Please, Ty.”

“Are you dying?” Ty’s face was contorted, amazed at how wrong this felt. “The painting’s killing you, isn’t it?”

“Please. I’ll do anything. Just don’t–”

The Prince clammed up, practically sucking his lips into his mouth.

Unfortunately, Ty caught it, expression going blank again as her hand found its way to the corner of the painting’s covering.

“Please.” Drakath started begging again. “I’m asking, please! I’m asking—NO!”

Ty tore the covering off and Drakath’s life was over.

“Holy!” Was the only word she could come up with at first. “This is holy!”

“Don’t look at it! Stop looking at it!” The Prince covered his eyes, unable to look at the painting directly without gagging. “It’s awful!”

Drawing in a slow gasp, Ty knelt by the painting, eyes shining.

“I think I’m going to cry.” Her hand hovered over the painting’s frame.

Surrounded by the silver border was a portrait, preserved for twenty some odd years. A young boy, spikey hair flattened, and obviously wearing itchy formal garments, tried to stand proudly. What gave him away was the slight wrinkle of the brow the painter must have gotten in huge trouble for. The boy, or the Prince, seemed to have a worry bubbling in his throat. Perhaps the need to call for mother or father? A cry for escape from the foppish cravat?

Every bit of it was perfect to Ty.

“If this had cost a trillion gold and both of my kidneys, I would pay for it up front.” Ty was cooing at the painting and it was killing Drakath.

This painting was everything he hated and more. The painter, who Drakath hoped had been beheaded for the travesty, had captured with skilled brushes, a clear picture of weakness.

He wanted to destroy the boy in the painting; rip the thing into shreds so small that they couldn’t be torn further. Then, set the pile of shameful dust ablaze.

There was nothing more he hated than weakness.

Or, now there was.

Somehow, it burned him even more when Ty could see it.

Putting those feelings so plainly to himself made the Prince sullen. Getting back to his feet, Drakath retrieved the covering and tossed the tarp back over it.

Sensing the change, Ty didn’t stop him. She stayed knelt by the painting while Drakath turned his attentions to the other relics.

“Do what you please with it.” Drakath said, curt and uncaring.  

For a moment, Ty hesitated by the painting. Drakath was very bothered, in a way that put stones in Ty’s stomach. Could she take care of it now?

Judging by Drakath’s stiff, joyless back, not yet.

The idea, however, was forming.

Home was far away, behind three walls and armed knights and adventurers out for his head. Drakath couldn’t come home yet.

Several years were spent returning to a cold tent or a sleepless room in a fortress filled with skeleton shrieks, and even worse, baby noises.

Drakath didn’t admit it to Ty but being allowed into her home was one of the best things that had happened since he had to flee from home. It was the closest thing he had to home. No, Ty’s cottage was his home.        

Just, not this time.

He had walked in through the front door, gone down the hall to find Ty’s bed room, and his past stared at him from the wall at the farthest end. What he had in his arms, a bag of valuables he took as the head of the bandit group’s share, dropped to the floor.

Everything inside shattered and he stomped on it as he burst into Ty’s room.

“A burglar?” Ty, sitting cross legged by her bed with her journal on her lap, raised her brows at him. “Sorta.”

“When I said that you could do as you pleased with that travesty, I didn’t mean hang the thing on the wall!”

“What does ‘do as you please’ mean then?” Ty’s smirk was wry, inviting trouble.

“I see how it is,” Drakath’s eye twitched. He didn’t know why he felt the need to peek into the hall but he did and winced hard. “You’re trying to prove something. Forget about it,” Ty didn’t seem threatened. “Forget about it, now.”

“That’s going to be real hard,” Ty said, flipping to a blank page. “How could I even begin to forget if you haven’t in two decades?”

The Prince took another peek at the painting. Yes, it still made his eyes die.

“Fine. I will be clear,” Drakath said with finality. “Throw it away.”

All at once, the air grew heavy.

Ty’s smirk disappeared but it didn’t fall into a frown; merely a straight line. She didn’t seem angry or sad by any appearance but any idiot could tell that she wasn’t happy.

“I wish I could thank whoever painted this. Same with the person who kept it safe,” Ty hunched over, resting her chin on her knuckles. “Did your father want to keep this?”

Taking deliberate steps, Drakath made her way over to where Ty sat. He was displeased with the Hero sitting there instead of the bed, though he did take the seat next to her despite that.

The answer to Ty’s question came with a sour memory.

Drakath’s father felt exactly the same way he did now. The Prince remembered the deceased King, eyes practically bugging out, jabbing his finger at the painting and the painter.

‘How dare you insult the royal name with such blithering weakness. I will have no welp presented as any blood of mine! Do you hear me, Prince?’ The King had turned to his son with a ferocity that it made the young boy’s throat close. Then, his father’s fury turned into harsh laughter. ‘Do you see this?’ He sneered at the painting. ‘This is no Prince. It is a shame.’

“You didn’t tell me why you hate that painting so much?” Ty glanced at Drakath, expectantly.

What was on his mind wanted to come out. It lay on the tip of his tongue, preparing for a reckless jump that would stop once it starts.

“No.” Drakath bit down on it and swallowed. A hint of worry bit at him when Ty inspected him but she let the matter rest.

“That’s fine,” She pulled her hair over her shoulder. “I might feel the same way if you found my baby clothes.”

“Just baby clothes?” Drakath asked, amusing himself with the idea of baby Ty in a potato sack.

“Just baby clothes.” Ty bit her cheek. “Just baby clothes.” She wrung her head. “Ahhhhhhhh damn it. My mom still has them. When she isn’t looking, I’m going to get Lib to eat them.”

“No.” It came out from Drakath without him realizing it did. He thought on it and found that it had been from reflex.

“So you’re my mom now.” Ty snickered behind her hand. The bandit would have told her to shut it again, if she wasn’t so glum.

Drakath bounced his knee, uncomfortable with how the day had turned out. He was aware that Ty had two mothers in her life and he was sure she wasn’t talking about the one who had her at birth.

“Why shouldn’t I throw that trash where it belongs?” Ty asked him.

“Just don’t.” He had nothing more to say than that.

“Why?” Ty had torn a page out of her journal, rolled it into a ball, and flicked it into a waste basket.

There were many who kept their homes cluttered, citing the reason to keep broken plates was sentiment. It wasn’t something Drakath understood.

Then he pictured a faceless woman, a stand in for Ty’s mother, carelessly tossing her clothes into a river as Ty watched.

“You can see whatever you want in that painting,” The Hero said, stretching her arms. “But I see my lover boy. How could I ever throw him away?”

“Oof!” Ty’s head bumped the side of her bed from Drakath slamming into her. If it had hit the frame instead of the mattress, a big goose egg would have sprouted from her noggin. “You could have killed me there.”

The Prince said nothing, arms hugging her neck tight. Ty couldn’t see his face with the side of it pressed against the back of her head. It was the shuddering that gave him away.

“It’s okay.” Ty leaned into him, the relaxed smile returning. “I love you too.”

[prismatranslates-cue]

Yuzuha Lesson Talk [O.L.] Part 2

Previously: Part 1.

Yuzuha: Hello.

Yuzuha: Yeah, I’m fine. Didn’t we already talk last night?

Yuzuha: Everything’s the same as always over here. Yup. I’m with everyone right now, as usual.

Yuzuha: Yuuki? Of course she’s here too. Want me to put her on? Ah, you sure? Okay then.

Yuzuha: Hehe. Okay. I’ll let them know. Talk to you later.

Yuuki: Eh? Why’d my name come up just now?

Yuzuha: Papa wanted me to tell you he says thank you.

Yuuki: Aw, he could’ve told me himself when we were talking on the phone yesterday.

Yuzuha: Heehee. I’m sure he was just feeling a little shy.

Yuuki: Oh yeah?

Yuzuha: And he’s grateful to the rest of you too, of course.

Chisa: Well, it was certainly a unique experience.

Airi: Ehehe.

Yuzuha: Ah, I don’t think I’ve thanked you guys properly myself either. So thank you, everyone.

Yuzuha: I was sooo happy!

To be continued...in Part 3.