#My cats are useless with the snakes

[stardustedknuckles]

I'm so glad I had a friend with rats that I got to play with. Mice show up in my house and I'm just like "sir you can't be here, outside with you" instead of freaking out while my cats turn into blood-seeking missiles and lose their damn minds. I just go get The Tupperware (I picked it specifically so I could see through it really well and get good photos of what I catch).

(that's not going to cut it if the big black rat snake comes back though)

[0luv9]

forlorn || mattheo riddle

Summary: based on this request.

Beware: angst, fluff, slightly aged-up characters, Hufflepuff reader, sweet reader, she/her pronouns used, mostly in second person, jealousy, mistreatment, a little bit of blood, slightly commanding(?) and intimidating Mattheo.

Words: 7.8k (not beta read)

Note: I am sorry luv, I don't think I did justice to the request. I also apologize for taking so long. I still hope you like it, even if it's just a bit. @cat-loves-music

Mattheo Riddle, son of Voldemort, or Tom Riddle if you will—for a more humane approach. But then, there's no humanity in the way he's treated. Always an outsider, always a monster.

There is wealth to his name; after all, he is the only living heir of Salazar Slytherin. However, his blood is corrupt, shunned by the very people who kissed the steps his baby feet took. Looked down on by the blood supremacists and not accepted by the other side, the "good side."

Even he was tired of the same sob story. He doesn't even need to introduce himself; they already have a preconceived image of him in their minds. He could try to fix his image in an ideal world, but even then, what would he say?

'Hello, everyone, I'm Mattheo Riddle, son of the man who once threatened your lives. Please welcome me with warm hands.'

Too cliché? Yes, but it's true and the only truth he knew.

Riddle didn't even know why the name Riddle was cursed and didn't know what his father did that made everyone's hate transcend generations. What made their hatred justified and his hate a crime? He didn't know until it was too late.

Mattheo was raised by the only living relative of his, his mother's aunt—the one who died recently. The one who kept all this hidden away from him hid all the Hogwarts' letters, raised him like her own, and protected him until her last breath. She loved him but all within the vicinity of the manor. He didn't know the world that existed beyond those walls.

He knew about the world outside only through the books she'd let him read. He thought it would feel liberating to step off the lavish floors onto the rich earth. It was everything but that.

"But Nona, why can't I go outside?" he remembers asking that silly question when he was about nine. What he wouldn't do to get that naivety back.

"Because, my dear, there are people out there who wouldn't like you. There are bad people outside ready to punish you," he also remembers crying when she told him that. He didn't understand why people would hate him. He just wanted to try the chocolate frogs he read about.

He just wanted to talk to all the different animals out there, the same way he could talk to the garden snakes.

"But I didn't do anything wrong, Nona. Tell them that I'm a good boy. I can even give them some of my toys. Will they like me then?" If only it were that easy. His Nona cried for the first time in front of him then, looking at all the toys he had set onto her lap, looking at her with teary eyes, pleading, "I didn't do anything wrong, Nona, I promise."

Mattheo didn't understand her tears back then, but now as he stands all alone, those same tears fall out his eyes. It's useless. "They'll know that someday, moon pie. You aren't wrong. They'll know." They'll know? What a fucking joke.

Mattheo tries to enjoy the view in front of him, you know. But how can he? When his batchmates are out there partying and enjoying life, he's been a lone wolf all his life. Yet in moments like this, he seems to forget his old ways of existing.

There's not much he can do anyway; he's not needed anywhere. In fact, they all want him gone. Finding beauty in small things is hard when misery clings to him. There's self-loathing in the way he thinks about the night and himself. There's nothing positive he can say.

You'd think that he must've gotten used to it all by now. No, he hasn't; it only got worse. At least little Mattheo held hope that people would understand someday or the other. Every bit of hope was destroyed by the very people who would've feared him had his father been alive. In moments like this, he wished he could see the man, live as the son they paint him as.

He'd have someone to lean onto then, someone to call his own. At least his father would've loved him. But this last bit of consolidation too was stolen away from him when he got to know that he was a backup plan for his father. Mattheo Riddle was not supposed to exist. His father wanted to live on forever; he was the last option the so-called Dark Lord had, to produce an heir and have them further his cause, and control his life as Tom lived on his last lifeline.

But all of it died with him. Mattheo promised himself that he would never be the man they all expected him to be, the man they wanted to point fingers at. So, he stayed in line. But then he thinks, sometimes, maybe, what if—you know?

He simply stares up at the brightly lit sky, it's a shame that he's the only one out there to appreciate the scenic beauty because he's physically and mentally incapable of appreciating anything, you can't blame him now, can you?

Cold breeze in mid-August, how fucking ridiculous just like this life of his, so unlike his peers, who were out there partying and having the time of their lives, the music vibrating through the walls was like salt on wounds. He'd like to drink a few and chat with his friends but then again, he hasn't got any. And it's the bitter truth that he's not welcome there, he'd be greeted with nasty looks if he tried to enter any such party, they'd all glance his way like the ominous thing he is. It's times like this when he really contemplates it.

Mattheo looks down from the height he's on, no one would care anyway, the fall will kill him, might just give it an actual try unlike those previous attempts- he's been a coward all his life, never ready to face the extremes of life but he has nothing to protect at the moment, he's come far too long, life was never going to be worth it.

He climbs over the railing onto the brick ledge, sitting down for a moment, to take it all in for the last time ever. Mattheo remembers all the whispers that followed him, the suspicious looks passed along the way, those words of disdain- at the same time the thoughts of a happy life enter his mind, it all feels unattainable, in fact, he's so far gone he can't even picture joy, all he sees is bright colours when he thinks of a happy life.

Mattheo had desperately sought relief all his life, but the pain only worsened with time, it's only reasonable to want to end this feeling of hopelessness. The weight of his family's legacy feels heavy on his shoulders. He slouches over and looks down once again, sighing as his eyes shift to the ring on his finger, the other Gaunt ring, he slowly removes it- a pathetic heir he is, he doesn't deserve it, couldn't live up to the name, disappointing both sides of the world.

Maybe they should have destroyed this along with his father's ring but apparently, his dear sweet Nona thought he could change their fate, change the course of history, change the Gaunt legacy for the better, fuck- he couldn't even try and change people's perception about him. Even in this sense, he's nothing like his predecessors, incapable of leaving a mark, of changing the world, be it for the better or the worse. He's just fucking worthless- he fiddles with the ring as he shifts a bit closer to the edge, ready to let go of it.

"Nice ring," he turns around startled, "Mattheo, isn't it?" not Riddle? He hadn't heard his own name in a long time, no one had directly addressed him in years let alone called him by his first name. It all feels foreign, he simply nods not knowing what to say. "Do you mind if I join you?" you don't wait for a response though and carefully bend and climb through the gaps between the two rails, settling down beside him. "Hi, I'm-" he doesn't hear it, he's too focused on your face, you were dolled up, for the party he thinks, but then why are you here of all places? Was this some kind of prank? He steals a glance back at the entrance and the seemingly empty hallway, to see if anyone is waiting for a reaction.

"You know you shouldn't sit so close to the edge, you might fall down," you grab his forearm urging him to move back, your hand feels warm on his skin, it feels unnatural, his hands are always cold. Even though it's on him for a couple of seconds he can't help the multiple emotions going on about in his mind and before he can sort them out, his mouth decides to act on its own, "Why aren't you at the party?" "Oh-" you look disappointed, and he apologises right away, not wanting to upset the only person who had the decency to talk to him, "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked," he's quick to defend himself, it's a natural response after all but you only seemed amused, "No, it quite alright, I was just surprised by your voice-" "Is it that bad?" "Gosh no! It's just not what I expected, quite rough, it's nice," you are quick to shut him up, "And about your question, I am annoyed at my friends forcing me to try more drinks and all, I just came up here to relax."

"I can leave if you'd like," you add on as an afterthought, but you really didn't want to go, it was the only place with some peace, unlike the loud corridors and dorms, where you were mad at your friends and were in no mood for a party. "No, it's quite alright, I was just surprised," he tries to lighten the mood, repeating your words jokingly, it works, you laugh and properly look at him instead of the waters ahead.

"Haha so funny," you say in a monotonous voice, trying to act like you didn't just laugh but you can't contain your smile, and he finds it quite beautiful. You look down at the ring between the two of you, "it's a beautiful ring I must say," You compliment it again since he hadn't acknowledged it before. Mattheo thanked you quietly trying to think of a response that might not make you run away from him.

It's been only a few minutes and you've said more nice things to him than he has ever heard in his whole life, it's quite ridiculous when he thinks about it, seemingly you find it quite easy to compliment him. He stays quiet not knowing how to take a compliment, but you don't let the silence continue, you look around trying to find something to talk about and soon enough you start talking and he's glad, "You know about those plants right there?" you point to the shrubs at some distance from the castle walls. Mattheo shakes his head unable to recall if he had seen them before. "It's alright but now that you know, you have something to look forward to this upcoming month!" you smile yet again, cheerful that you have something to share.

"What's special about them?" "It's not the plant itself but the fireflies that live there!" Mattheo tries hard to keep up with your energy and pace, "Why aren't they out now? They aren't migratory, are they?" "That's what makes it special unlike fireflies that are present throughout the summer, these ones light up only for the last week of August," "I'll look forward to it," "You should! I missed it last year and then everyone thought I was lying when I mentioned it." Mattheo frowns, "No one knows about them? Not even the professors?" "The professors would know but it wasn't that serious that I'd take it up to them," Mattheo finds it difficult to relate, he always would let everyone know that he was in the right if the facts favour him because no way in hell would he let anyone see him in the wrong light, he couldn't bear to be in the wrong.

And it slips out his mouth, "I would've argued till they knew I was right," "I don't like arguing though, reminds me of my parents, they parted ways because they argued a lot, so I try to avoid it myself," his lips purse trying to think of an appropriate response, "Anyway, you are in Slytherin right?" it wasn't a question, you just knew, "I'm in Hufflepuff, nice to meet you!" you turn towards him and extend your hand with a smile, he can't help but mirror your smile, "Nice to meet you indeed." Your hand feels soft in his, he was finding it hard to let go but you pull your hand back almost instantly- remembering something, "OH right I forgot, do you like chocolates?" Mattheo was quite taken aback by your energetic self, it was infectious, "Of course you do, it's a silly question, I mean who doesn't like chocolate-" you stop midway and fix him with a scrutinising look, "Unless you are some heartless monster-" "Nah I like chocolate alright," "Good good."

You fish through your jacket's pocket and pull out two chocolate bars, "It's muggle chocolate," you place one in his hand, "Muggle? I've never had muggle candy," Mattheo inspects the small sweet in his hand, "You are missing out then!" you chuckle as you take the wrapper off yours, "I'll eat it tomorrow, thank you," He pockets it and looks ahead with a small smile, tonight's beautiful now that he looks at it.

"You are a muggle born then?" Mattheo can't help but want to know more, because how dare his fucking father go after your lot, "Yep, I was surprised you know? To receive the letter, I thought it was some prank but of course, after a few days I realised how real it was, couldn't have been happier, to be away from home." It's funny because all Mattheo wants to do is go back to the gloomy old mansion and here you were saying the opposite, the stark difference between the two of you was obvious to him.

You ramble on and he listens, it's nothing but enjoyable to listen to mundane stories being narrated with such interest, he finds himself smiling a bit too much, to the point where his face hurts but he doesn't care because you are quite the lovely company to be around.

Muggle-born, the same year as him, Hufflepuff, living with your mom- it's not the best back home he gathers that much. You were angry at your friends and were going to hold a grudge if they didn't apologise. He learned a lot about you in that one hour and learned a few things about him as well, he didn't know he had jokes like that OR you were just too kind to laugh at his bad quips, whatever it was he was grateful because you didn't make him feel bad or like a burden. Mattheo was glad that you were the talkative one and that you didn't expect him to share anything if he wasn't comfortable, also the fact that he didn't want to send you running away by talking more about himself.

He admires the fond smile you wear when you talk, the stars reflect a bit too brightly in your eyes, and he inhales breathing in your scent, it's surreal, the moment. Mattheo didn't quite think properly until you left, wishing him a good night, "it was nice spending time with you, Mattheo!" He wonders if you knew how much it meant to him.

...

He finds out your name the next day and sees you everywhere, it's annoying because he was tired since he couldn't sleep thinking all night about you and now he has to see your face again. Now that he knows you, he can't seem to avoid you, earlier it was easy to be blind but now, everything else seems like a blind spot but you. Or maybe it's that his head is not hanging low, avoiding looking up at people.

Mattheo got over the irritation rather quickly, discreetly looking at you, eyes following every movement of yours. But you don't look at him once, he was just like any other guy to you, the realisation both hurts and feels nice, knowing that you don't demonise him but also the fact that he's no one special either. And maybe, he can live with that.

He notices the large number of people you keep around, you are never alone, always surrounded by a group and you are always the one talking, you are clearly popular. How had he not noticed you before? But then again he knew no one in the school apart from the professors, he never tried to get to know anyone because of course his fate wouldn't allow that.

Mattheo seeks out the solace of the library to keep you out of his mind for a while but the plan doesn't seem to work when he finds the chocolate you gave him in his bag. He simply sighs, knowing that there is no escape, unwarps the sweet and pops it into his mouth, shutting his eyes, and recalls your sweet smile. Warmth takes over his body, it feels nice like this, he has to talk to you once again because that can't be the only interaction he has with you, not when it's all he can think about. He breathes out slowly, staring down at the wrapper and mindlessly reading the information on the back, his jaw tightens as he realizes his stupid pathetic feelings. Mattheo puts the wrapper in his quill case and tries to study with a head full of you.

...

Okay, now it was really starting to bother him, he practically couldn't keep his eyes off you, it's like a spell had charmed him in. He wasn't even trying to be discreet at this point, he downright stared at you from a distance, it was creepy, he was aware of that but he couldn't bring himself to give a damn. Mattheo doesn't like this new feeling you've instilled in him, it's sweet and it's fucking uncomfortable. He finds it extremely difficult to get rid of you from his thoughts, so he gives up on trying and lets his mind go on autopilot.

The way you talked to him without any judgement in your eyes that day, the images of you repeated over and over again in his mind. Even when he sees you with someone else he can't help but think you are in front of him telling him a story, with those animated expressions of yours, but then seconds later he comes to his senses and sees the smile that's not directed at him, the one you gave to everyone, him too. He thinks it was your pity, that made you talk to him. He didn't feel like he was burdening you then but now when he thinks of approaching you, he knows he'd be burdening you. Your life looks no different, every day is full of joy, and you aren't smiling any less.

Why would you talk to him of all people? Perhaps, you only talked to him that day because you needed a change of scenery and not because you wanted to, he's wrong in thinking that but he's also deluded. It's the only way he keeps himself at peace, to not see meaning in your words, to not long for your company.

But he's a Riddle after all, some things just run in your blood, he has his eyes set on you and he finds it difficult to look away. New dream of his, and he'd like to have it, no matter how unattainable it feels. Yet he hasn't got a clue, it's all too new, and he doesn't know what to do, he'd like to have a plan but what would the plan even say? Go and talk to her? Yeah, like he's about to embarrass himself in front of her.

...

Your eyes stretch at the sight of him sitting in the library, alone but not in some deserted corner, he had claimed the whole couch in the centre of the room, sitting right in the middle, reading a book leaning back, a frown on his face. He looked intimidating, and to be honest, you were scared of him, the little beer in you that night had given you the courage to approach him, maybe your fate was too kind to let you find him that night but now your nerves were on fire.

It was no secret to you that he had been staring at you the past couple of weeks, but you couldn't understand the look on his face, his jaw was always clenched, eyes narrowed, and not a hint of emotion on his face. Was he mad at you? Was he the planning on-

No. You didn't like to think about it, you didn't want him to be the man they paint him as, he's just a boy, your age, maybe that's another reason why you hadn't approached him. Staying away because you were scared that they'd be right, you'd rather delve into what ifs than actually be heartbroken, your imagination brought you bliss.

But would it really be your mind if it would let you just forget it? You think and think, getting worked up over every little interaction you've had with him. How could he be evil? He talked to you so nicely the other day, even- even though you were a muggle-born, a mud blood. But when you see how he looks at you, you can't help but feel scared.

It really was an intimidating sight, your courage wore thin but you had made up your mind. You approach him cautiously, as you greet him, you start feeling jittery and flushed, "Hey Mattheo."

Mattheo jerked his head up as he heard your voice, surprised, caught off guard in fact, he didn't trust his words just yet so he simply nodded at you, acknowledging your presence, closing the book and setting it aside, all his attention on you. "I came here to study and noticed you," you look around bashfully before continuing, "I just wanted to ask you if you liked the chocolate I gave you the other day, you know the one with dark brown wrapper-" "Yeah I did," He stops you from rambling on, not that he had any problem with it but you clearly seemed nervous, he just wanted to ease your nerves, "Right so-" you quickly pull out a small pack of the chocolate from your sling bag placing it beside him, straightening up, "I'll go then, enjoy-" you are quick to turn away from him, cursing yourself in your mind, blaming yourself for making things more awkward than they already were.

Mattheo stops you in your tracks as he calls you by your name, you turn around, and he speaks in that cold voice of his, "You said you were here to study right?" you nod timidly, clutching onto the straps of your bag, he leans back and with a flick of his wrist, a table and chair are summoned in front of him, "then study," he motions to the chair opposite of him.

You were quite taken aback, you stood there for a bit before actually registering his words, and you quietly sat down, you didn't have it in you to disobey him, he was Mattheo Riddle for fucks sake, he looked and sounded like someone who doesn't take no for an answer.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he watched you carefully sit down, looking down, not meeting his gaze, he couldn't believe it, you obliged his wishes? Mattheo leaned back fully, arms folding as he watched you, brown eyes capturing each detail, amusement crawled over his face as he watched you pull out multiple books all at once, various colourful stationery items sprawled out all over the table. You looked pretty like this, stray strands of hair framing your face, lips pursed in concentration. He knew how creepy he was being, so he opened his book again and tried to read but he simply couldn't not when you were sitting in front of him, he relished your presence and this was so unlike the others, every time he had looked at you- you had been surrounded by people, so it was a sight to behold, only for him to admire. So he did, in secret, glancing up at you, every few seconds.

It's been two hours and not once did he get bored of looking at you, a small smile lingered on his face as you closed your books and looked up at him, "How's that book?" you nod towards the book in his hand- the one he was supposed to be reading, "Good, good" he bites the inside of cheek as he lies through his teeth, "Got everything done?" he sets his book aside, fixing you with a soft stare, "Yes, I just wanted to revise a bit, I forget stuff easily if I don't revise regularly," you tilt your head a bit, his eyes were much softer now, and it made your heart flutter a bit, feeling a lot more comfortable than before, so you do what you usually do when you are comfortable- talk.

"By the way, did you study for the upcoming herbology test?" And before he could answer, you pulled out a piece of paper from your bag, "This is like the holy grail, a senior gave it to me last year, it has all the specifics, of recognising plants and how to make generalised guesses about their uses-" you speak in a hushed voice, slightly leaning over the table, eyes wide as you shared your little secret, "you can have it, I have it memorised haha" You bless him with that pretty smile of yours, pushing the paper towards him, you don't let him refuse the offer and start talking about something else, he gives you a small smile, and it makes your insides turn into mush, you bite your lip trying to contain your smile, eyes shy as you start fiddling with your hands on your lap.

You talked for hours, he was much more open this time, and the conversation flowed smoothly between the two of you, it was you who mostly did the talking but he didn't seem to mind he looked more than pleased, he didn't like talking much, it seemed, so you filled in the gaps, made it look so effortless like it was easy talking to him, maybe it was easy for you but to him, it made him feel warm and fuzzy inside. You two stopped only when the librarian came in and told you it was curfew time, your eyes widened as you turned to look back at him, an amused smile on your face, both of you got up, walking beside each other, not uttering a word till you were out of the librarian's stern gaze.

"I made you miss dinner-" your eyes widened further as soon as the two of you got out, stepping into the empty hallway, "it's alright, I don't mind," you playfully rolled your eyes at him, he chuckled at your antics, "yeah sure, but your stomach would, but- we can sneak into the kitchens, you know, sneak some food out," you wiggle your eyebrows at him with a sheepish grin on your face, he scoffs in disbelief, a fond smile gracing his face, "something tells me, this isn't your first time sneaking around."

"No, it's not," you chuckle a bit before continuing, "So, are you coming or not?" you purse your lips, looking up at him with doe eyes and he questions your motives right then because there's no way you didn't have a clue about what you were doing, "would be an idiot to say no," he muttered under his breath shaking his head, "I didn't catch that-", "Yes, I am."

You give him a pleased smile, you looked so happy at that moment, he was rooted in his position as you started walking ahead of him, he had to look away to catch his breath, "Merlin" he exhaled, a hand reaching over to his chest to soothe his loud thumping heart, and in that moment he knew he was a goner.

"Mattheo-?" you turned around since you didn't hear him walk with you but soon he rushed to your side the moment you looked back, you gave him another smile as he walked beside you, he looked straight ahead then, you needed to stop doing that because no fucking way- would he be able to let go of you.

You lead him to the kitchen, both of you cautious, well just you- he was having the time of his life, getting a detention would be worth it, just a small price to pay. Mattheo repeatedly stole glances here and there, the moment you entered the kitchen, you grabbed his arm and pulled his painfully slow self in, "gosh- you sure do walk slow," you glare at him, but there's no malice in your eyes, instead they are just amused, you roll your eyes when he just shrugs in response, moving over to the tables. Mattheo just looked at you with fond eyes, he was just trying to buy more time with you by walking slowly and he didn't feel one bit guilty about it, he felt a bit too proud. 

You sigh dramatically before returning to him with a small tray in your hands, "I didn't find anything else, apart from these blueberry muffins," your eyes wander around once more trying to see if you missed something, "usually there's still stuff left, that's weird- oh well, at least we have these," you give him a small defeated smile, setting the tray on the table, shrugging as you felt that muffins weren't worth the effort of sneaking around and that you only troubled him further. Mattheo saw through you and he hated that you were feeling that way, "didn't I mention this to you? I love muffins, especially the blueberry ones." he gave you a small smile, picking up the muffin, taking a bite, "yeah, that's good, way better than the dry vegetable and chicken pies they make." He didn't look at you as he said that, but you smiled, realising what he was trying to do, you wanted to cry, why was he being so considerate? You were now beginning to go down a spiral, of all the times you thought of him in the wrong light, how dare you even think like that? 

Mattheo caught you staring and it was hard for him to control the heat that rose to his cheeks, he cleared his throat, "What? You don't like these? Well, guess they are all for me-" he teased, taking the tray in his hand and started walking away, "Hey! No-" you rushed after him with an amused smile, "I want one too," and the tray was shoved back into your hands, "better not eat all of them, yeah?" he gave you a small cheeky wink, leaning against the table, finishing the muffin in his hand. 

Mattheo offered to walk you back to your dorm, he didn't have to insist much, after all, you wanted to spend time with him too, you easily agreed after a couple of tries. You two walked in comfortable silence, as you neared the Hufflepuff dormitory, you were thinking about how you'd part ways, overthinking about what would be appropriate and in the mix of it, you just gave him an awkward side hug, squeezing his arm a bit before mumbling a quick "goodnight" and rushing in. 

He couldn't believe his eyes, were you blushing? No way, he must be imagining things. Mattheo could still feel your warm touch lingering on his side, the scene playing over and over again in his mind, he wanted to scream out of excitement- he was getting cuteness aggression, had to be it, his fists clenched at his side as he stared at the door, for god knows how long, if he could- he would've squeezed you into a bone-crushing hug, but you were quick, left him speechless. 

He walked back to the Slytherin dorm without any trouble, he closed the door behind himself and leaned back against it, he was pretty sure his skin was burning with all the warmth that was flowing through his veins. Merlin, he was embarrassing! Mattheo sighed contently, a big smile on his face as he replayed the whole day, your smile- 

...

The next few days, you guys didn't talk at all, he was back to staring and this time, when you did catch him in the act, instead of pretending you didn't see him, you gave him a knowing smile and a wave. Lingering looks, and subtle greetings, were sweet, Mattheo was now on a new high, he couldn't get enough. But for some reason, he maintained his distance, he stuck to looking at you from afar, it felt comfortable this way, not wanting to taint your reputation by talking to you in front of others, he'd talk to you if it was only you but you were never alone. 

Mattheo starts seeing life for what it is, when he looks at the trees outside, the castle in its entirety, he feels like he is seeing it for the first time. How had he missed this? He finds himself back at the astronomy tower, he looks at the lake ahead, it was a sight to behold, and he is starting to appreciate the view, these days he didn't care about much, you were all he could think about and you were more than pleasant, it was as if the grey lens of his life was replaced with a coloured one, and it would be foolish to credit anyone else but you for it, and he was fucking grateful for it. The reason he was here was, that it was the end of August, and the fireflies you so damn wished to see would be out tonight, he came here just in the hope that he'll get to see you alone. 

He was zoning out when some movement near the edge of the lake caught his eye, it was you- with a few of your friends, his smile faltered the moment he saw some blonde Hufflepuff dude pull you to his side, slinging a hand over your shoulder, you all walked towards the shrubs and didn't have to wait long before the fireflies lit up and started raising above the shrubs. He was about to leave, he was mad for some reason, really pissed- but then he took another look at you. You were standing a bit behind your friends, who had all their attention on the flies ahead, you seemed sad, looking down, messing with the soil beneath your shoe, hands in your jacket. Mattheo could make out the pout on your face, the deflated shoulders, you then turned to look right where he was, and he felt his breath catch in his throat.

Your posture straightened immediately, the pretty smile returning to your face as you looked up at the astronomy tower balcony, having spotted him, you waved at him. Mattheo nodded, forearms on the railing as he leaned forward, a smile gracing his features, the anger leaving him. You excitedly pointed at the sky, and he nodded, you turned back around when your friend called you and he couldn't look away, he was staring at you till you left, Mattheo started feeling the warmth creep up to him when he saw you making an effort to steal back glances at him. He felt seen, fucking special- 

...

Mattheo still hadn't talked to you, he couldn't catch you alone really, it was starting to get to him, he longed to hear your voice, hear you talk to him- and yet, he didn't have it in him to approach you in front of others, it would ruin you, you thrived in the company of others, he couldn't snatch that away from you. Maybe if he was a bit more selfish, he'd do it, snatch you away from others, have you all to himself but he wasn't about that life, it was something his father would do, he's sure of it, go after what he wants, not caring what others would think- 

Mattheo feels like passing out when you deliberately look at him just to give him a shy smile, a flushed look on your face. He walks away because he cannot handle looking at you, the urge is too strong, to just take you into his arms, he walks out to the empty hallway, a hand over his chest- it had become a subconscious habit of his, whenever you gave him that smile, the one that felt like it was just reserved for him, yeah that one, he felt like he was in heaven, you sent his heart rate through the roof when you did that, it borderline hurt him since he couldn't do much to satiate this feeling. 

The longing was etched into his eyes when he looked at you, one thing he realised was, that when he had his head up, no one dared to look his way, he was enjoying that power for some reason, it filled his veins with something dark, he liked seeing people look down instead of him looking down, it felt fucking nice, and it felt even better when the only person that did look at him, was you. People averted their eyes when he entered the room, choosing to ignore his presence but the fear was very much evident, so he knew they didn't see him staring at you but at this point, he really couldn't bring himself to make an active effort to look away even if someone noticed. 

It was no lie, that Mattheo wasn't up to date with all the gossip and news, he just lived life passively but now that he was out there more, he couldn't help but hear the words that fell onto his ears, Yule Ball, huh. WAIT- ball dance? That meant having a date, who were you going with? Fuck his mind was rambling shit to him, he could not let someone else take you to a fucking dance as their date, no, he wouldn't let that happen. He had to get to you before someone else did, it was nighttime, and tomorrow's the weekend, approaching you will be the first thing he'll do after he wakes up, he has to plan shit out, you know, make it special and heartfelt, you deserved nothing less.

But his heart nearly broke when he overheard two Slytherin guys talking about you. The way one of them talked about you made his blood boil, his jaw clenched tight, nails drawing blood from his palms as they dug into his coarse skin, "I told you not to ask her out, plenty of guys tried and guess what? She rejected them all." the guy who was being talked to only scoffed angrily, "She's a fucking slut, that's what she is, leading people on-" the other boy just stopped him and Mattheo exhaled, a bit relieved because if it wasn't for him, Mattheo would've smacked the guy and pushed him to the fucking wall, "dude, come on, that's not true, all she did was smile at you when you gave her your seat, she's a nice girl," these guys were in the fifth year, he recognised that much, "sure, whatever," the guy walked away to his room, making sure to loudly slam the door behind him. 

Mattheo then gets up and walks towards the guy left behind, the one who stood up for you, when he stands in front of him, he sees the dude cower into the seat, Mattheo tries to speak in a polite voice but the anger is still radiating off him, his irritated stare didn't help either, "she doesn't have a date, yeah?" his hands were behind his back, over one another, the blood still fresh, "who-o?" the guy stutters out, looking around for help but no one was there- "You know who," he fixes him with a glare, before uttering your name out loud, "no no, she doesn't, rejected them all." Mattheo then nods at him and leans back, then finally he walks back to his room, allowing the guy to catch his breath. 

Mattheo feels relief wash over him as he lets the information sink in, okay good, you didn't have a date but then again, why were you rejecting them all? What if you reject him as well? Yeah, he couldn't handle that wound, he'd fucking die, he contemplates whether he should ask you or not but he's done fucking waiting, waiting for his fate to fuck things over, if things are going to be fucked, he'll be the one to do it. 

...

Mattheo puts on a black shirt and black pants, not caring to tuck his shirt in, the cold metal ring stings him as he puts it on, the feeling is grounding, he's doing something his dad would've done and for some reason that doesn't feel half as bad, he feels like himself, it was like something had possessed him, the confidence was unwavering, even as he stepped out into the crowded hallway, hands in his pockets, looking ahead, people parted, giving him space and Merlin, did that feel fucking powerful. He rolled his sleeves up to his elbows as he approached the room you'd be in, you always were there on the weekends, with your friends and he didn't think before he stepped into the room, heads turning towards him in shock, even yours but the shock on your face was soon replaced with a smile, quietly waving at him and that right there, fed right into his ego.

He walked over to you in a few quick strides, eyes zeroed in on you, nothing else mattered at that moment, "Can I talk to you?" To say you were surprised would be an understatement, you were ecstatic, you've wanted this for so long, to talk to him in front of others, you never knew if you should because he might've felt uncomfortable, "Yes ofcourse, what is it?" you nod, a smile still on your face, "Alone," his voice was cold, "oh yeah, sure-" you step towards him, thinking he'd lead you somewhere private but he stayed rooted in his place, eyes never leaving yours, he stayed quiet for a bit, taking in your whole self, the bright clothes you were dressed in, the equally bright smile on your face. Then he looked over your head, to the shocked faces of your friends, "Alone." It came out as an order, he couldn't care less. 

Mattheo liked this newfound authority, he also relished in the fact that you were being so compliant as if you wanted this to happen and he couldn't be more glad, "Guys, I'll be back, you can go ahead, don't worry," you explained, seeing their hesitance, his unwavering gaze was back on you, brown eyes were intense. The apprehensive group slowly emptied the room and just went the last person was out, Mattheo muttered something under his breath, and the door slammed shut, locking itself. 

Mattheo cursed that pretty smile of yours before smiling back, "You have a date? For the ball?" you lowered your eyes to the ground at the question, a shy look grazing your features as you shook your head, the more he looked at you, the more positive he got. "Good."  He finally pulled his hands out of his pocket and suddenly there was a bouquet of your favourite flowers in his hand and a velvet box, he wordlessly handed them to you, your eyes were wide, full of amusement, face warm, you noticed how the lights around you got dimmer, the small mock firefly charms that floated in the air, you didn't have a clue on how he was doing all this without his wand but you couldn't bring yourself to think of it, not when you had him standing in front you, in all his glory, about to ask you to the ball, gosh you felt like you were on cloud nine, the guy you were waiting for had actually approached you? You had to be dreaming. 

Then out of nowhere, you hear your favourite song but on strings, you look down at the box curiously- "It's the muggle chocolate you were talking about, the one you said was hard to get your hands on," he shrugged nonchalantly, as if it was no big deal but in reality, he was finding the courage to finally tell you what he was feeling, ask you out. Your brows pinched together, as you noticed that all of it was a muggle, even the flower arrangement- the song, how did he do all of this? You looked up at him with an amused look. "No questions please," he breathed out like he was out of breath, you then smiled at him gratefully, and he quickly averted his eyes, his hand subconsciously reaching over to his chest, "Oh Merlin," he exhaled quietly, not being able to look back at you. 

He then slowly gathered the courage to look back at you, you were just looking at him patiently, the smile still on your face, Mattheo cleared his throat before opening up, "I have never been the one to be graceful but I want to this properly." he inhaled sharply before continuing, "Ever since that night, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you, I think I've gone mad honestly," He lets out a dry chuckle shaking his head, looking into your eyes, "I think I've taken a liking to you, your voice, your smile-" and then he interrupts himself, forgetting the little speech he prepared as he watches your smile widen at his words, "yeah that, more of that please," and that makes you blush, the genuine interest in his eyes, the way admiration shines in his eyes, you are so close to him, that you can hear his heart thumping loudly, "I'd like to have the honour of taking you to the ball," then he says your name quietly, "would you like be my date?" 

"Yes yes!" you couldn't be more excited, you are quick to throw your arms around him, and all the worries leave his body as soon as he is subjected to your embrace, he closes his eyes, pulling you closer, finding everything comfortable in your grip. His heartstrings thrum at the moment, it was embarrassing how quickly you got him flustered but he didn't seem to mind it. He whispered a small "thank you," before hugging you tighter, you just giggled into his chest and Merlin, did he feel like he had just won the lottery.

...

<<prev work: this love || mattheo riddle

[nottapossum]

Itty Bitty Sinners chapter 1.2: The Handler and the Snake

Summery: Charlie and Vaggy start working with Niffty, Pentious, and Husk. Alastor is bring sus. And Angel is tired.

TW: ⚠️TW⚠️: Implied heavy sexual assault, regret, talking about trauma, flashback, keeping secrets, talking about loosing loved ones, unrequited love, feeling useless and like nobody cares. :D Yay?

This is an anthem for the homesick For the beaten The lost, the broke, the defeated. A song for the heartsick For the standbys Living life, in the shadow of the goodbye ~ Battle Scars, Paradise fears

“In what universe is The Radio Demon a little?” Vaggie asks as she and Charlie walk throug hthe hotel.

“He has to be messing with us.”

“Don't jump to conclusions, Vaggie.” Charlie says. “We don't know that.”

“Don't we?” Vaggie asks. “I mean, being a little, we kinda have a sixth sense when it comes to identifying other littles. Sir Pentious? I can see it, Angel is probably a little too, I could even see Niffty being one. But, Alastor?”

“He's… okay, he's a little complicated but-”

“Complicated? He's a murderer and a soul stealer.” Vaggie says.

"Yeah, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's not-” Charlie stops once she sees Alastor heading towards the door.

“Ooo! Alastor! Hey!” Charlie got his attention.

Alastor stops and turns to them. “Greetings and salutations, Ladies. Can I help you with something?” Alastor asks, wearing his bright cheshire cat smile as he always did.

“Well, we got the results in, and your test was a little, well…” Charlie hesitates.

“Ridiculous.” Vaggie finished for her.

“I was gonna say surprising.” Charlie says.

"Your results made no sense, and when we tried to look over your answers ourselves, your test was blank!" Vaggie explains.

Somehow, Alastor smiles brighter. “Hmm. How fascinating.”

“We know you lied on the test to mess with us, just admit it!" Vaggie demanded.

“I will do no such thing.” Alastor says. “Would I really take such a preposterous test and waste my time to scheme up all the perfect answers to get a little classification, just to get under your skin?” He asks.

“Uh..yeah!” Vaggie answers.

“That is something you would do.” Charlie says at the same time.

“Well, this was fun.” Alastor says.

“Anyway, I should be going. I have errands to run.”

Charlie reaches for Alastor. “Wait, Alastor you haven't-”

“Farewell.” Alastor says before exiting.

“Well?” Vaggie turns to her girlfriend, arms crossed firmly.

“Yeah, he's messing with us.” Charlie finally agrees.

“Let's just get back to the others.” She says.

Vaggie agrees, taking Charlie's hand and heading back to their office. 

~~~Niffty, Charlie, and Vaggie.~~~~

“Niffty, your results were a little inconclusive.” Charlie explains. “But in any case it does say you’re fifty percent Handler. So, while we don't have any pet regressors, we do have plenty of pets. And we were wondering if you'd like to get your own.”

“Really?” Niffty gasps. “A pet of my very own!!?”

“Of course!” Charlie smiles. “According to the manuals, Handlers need pets in their life to feel fulfilled.”

“But, if I'm already a pet, can I still have one?” Niffty asks.

Charlie was a little confused by the statement. “You're a pet?” She asks.

“Well, yeah! Alastor has my soul." She says.

“Right, yeah.” Charlie kinda forgot about that.

“Look, just because he has your soul doesn't mean you're his pet.” She says.

“Pretty sure it does.” Niffty says.

“It doesn't.” Vaggie adds.

“It's complicated, but you're your own person with your own feelings. He doesn't get to decide that for you.” Charlie takes Niffty's hands.

“No, He does.” Niffty says.

“We'll work on that later.” Charlie says. “In the meantime, Vaggie will take you to the petstore!” She says enthusiastically.

“What? Why me?” Vaggie asks.

“Because I'm working with Pentious next.” Charlie says. “Please?” She asks, eyes getting wider.

Vaggie sighs. “Okay, fine.”

“Thank you!” Charlie hugs Vaggy, then kisses her.

Niffty picks up Vaggie. “Okay, let's go!!” She shouts.

“Put me down.” Vaggie tells her as she's carried out of the room.

~~~Later, Sir Pentious and Charlie.~~~

“Pentious, thank you for meeting with me.” Charlie says happily.

She asked Sir Pentious to meet her in her office to talk once Vaggy and Niffty left.

“I just want to say first that I don't know what Angel told you. But, HE sstarted it!” He defends.

“Uh. This isn't about Angel, this is about the results of your test.” Charlie explains.

"Oh, good. So, what did it say?” He asks.

“You are fifty percent neutral and fifty percent little. So-”

“That can't be right!” Pentious insists. “I am a super villain! Not some child-thing!”

“Well, anyone can be a little. Good people, morally complicated people ...Even disturbed people… maybe even especially.” She mumbles that last part, thinking about Alastor and wondering if he might actually be a little.

“Regression is just your mind protecting you. Allowing you to feel safe and comforted when it was easy, or attempting to heal that child inside you.” She explains further.

“So, I can be an evil genius while also being a neutral little?” He asks.

“Of course you can!” Charlie says.

“Ah. Good. I ss-suppose.” He says. “I still don't understand why it matters. Why is it important to know?” He asks.

“Well, I was wondering how you would feel about regressing on purpose.” She says.“On purpose?” Sir Pentious asks. “You're pulling my tail- why in hell would I do that?”

“Yes, to help heal that inner child and make you feel safe.” She explains. “It may help you with rehabilitation, going back before things got so bad and changing your upbringing.”

Sir Pentious crosses his arms. “I don't even know how I could do that.”

“I can help you…if you want.” Charlie says.

“I don't know.” He says. “It ss-sounds sort of…humiliating.”

“If you're uncomfortable, I totally understand and I'd never pressure you to do something so vulnerable. I'm a little too, I wasn't comfortable regressing around anyone before Vaggie.” She says. “But I'm here for you. If you'd like to give it a try.”

Pentious shifts slightly. “If I agreed to let you…help me. Would you tell the others about it?” He asks. “Would they need to know?”

Charlie shakes her head. “Nothing regarding the tests leave this room.” She promised. “In fact,” she takes Pentious's hands. “Nothing we talk about will leave this room. We would never expose anyone like that. You're safe here.” She promises.

Sir Pentious nods. “That's…good. I believe you.”

Charlie smiles. “If you want, you can take some time to think about it. Or, if the answer is no, you don't have to be afraid to tell me that. This is a very sensitive and intimate thing, I would never pressure you or make you feel bad about it. And, if you change your mind, you can.” She says.

“I…do trust you.” He says, letting go of her hands to hold himself. “But, I am nervous.” He says. “What if it turns out that-” He takes a breather.

Charlie tilts her head. “What is it?”

“What if you find that my child isn't…worthy of any kindness?” He asks.

“Did someone tell you he wasn't?” Charlie asks.

He couldn't answer that, Sir Pentious just looked away sadly…

Charlie got her answer.

“According to the results. You regress from age four to age six.” She says. “Did something happen to you around that time frame?”

“You mean while I was living?” He asks.

Charlie nods. “Yeah, a littles age sometimes has a specific meaning. I was just curious.”

His eyes start to water. “My…my parents died around that time.”

“Oh.” Charlie frowns.

“Up until I was eleven I was living in an orphanage, after that I became an apprentice to…someone.” He says, sounding confused. “Nicholas…something.”

“Is it hard to remember the details?” Charlie asks.

“Ss-sometimes.” He admits. “It was so long ago. He taught me how to weld and build. Eventually I wanted to prove that I was worthy of respect…it never worked.” He admits. “Not even here, but I never gave up!”

Charlie takes his hand again. “I'm so sorry that happened to you.” She says. “You deserved better than that. You deserve love and respect. You're worthy of kindness.”

Sir Pentious wiped away a tear. “I've never told anyone about that…no one has ever asked.”

“I'm so proud of you, Pentious.” She says. “Thank you for trusting me.”

He nods. “Thank you for giving me a reason to.”

~~~Vaggie and Charlie:~~~

Vaggie walked back into the hotel with Niffty.“Oh, Vaggie! How did it go?” Charlie asks.

“We were there for ten hours and she didn't even pick one out.” Vaggie grumbles.

“The cages were dirty, so I helped clean them up!” Niffty says proudly.

“That's…great!” Charlie says. “How about this… you can take care of Razzle and Dazzle for a while until we find you a pet of your own?”

“Ooo! YESYESYESYESYES!“

"Be strong.” She whispers to her beloved pets. “I'll check on you later.”

Vaggie smiles at Charlie. “How did it go with everyone else?”

“Great! Sir Pentious made a breakthrough!”

“That’s great!” Vaggie says.

“Yeah! Husk wasn't really interested.” Charlie says.

“Yeah, that makes sense.” Vaggie says.

They walk over to the bar as they continue to talk.

“Also, Angel still hasn't returned, I'm starting to worry about him. Have you heard from him, Husk?” Charlie asks, turning to their bartender.

“Why the fuck would I hear from him?” Husk asks.

“Because he likes you.” Charlie says.

Husk's ears drop in embarrassment. “No, he doesn’t.” He mumbles.

“Okay..” Charlie tilts her head. “But, have you-”

“I haven't heard from him!” Husk shouts. “Let me work!”

“Okay, I was just asking.” Charlie says.

Vaggie takes Charlie's hand. “Come on, babe. I think you earned a break. I'm sure Angel will be back tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I guess you're right.” Charlie says.

~~~Husk:~~~

Husk wipes down the counters as both Charlie and Vaggy walk away.

Once they're gone, he checks his phone again to see if Angel texted him back…

He didn't.But he saw the text…

Of course he didn't reply…Why would he?

Husk sighs.

He probably had better things to do…

He promised himself he would stop caring about people, and this was why!

Damn it!

He pushed back the thoughts of worry that crossed him…

Angel better be okay.

~~~Angel:~~~

It was a horrible fucking night…

“Angel.”

His head hurt…everything hurt…

“Angel, baby.” The voice purred, trying to pull him back into his afterlife.

He doesn't want to get up, doesn't want to open his eyes…

‘Anthony, are you okay?’ A familiar voice asks.

‘I don't know…’ He answers.

‘Got banged up pretty bad this time, huh?’ His sister asked him.

‘Yeah… I guess. But, I'm fine.’ He reassures her. ‘If Johnny can take it, I can too.’

‘He's not as hard on Johnny.’ Molly says, touching his face to look over him.

Angel takes Molly's hands. ‘Hey, I promise I'm okay.’ He says. ‘Don't worry so much about me.’

‘I am worried, Tony. You take too much, and your ‘coping’ is worse than that. You have to quit before-’

Anthony stands up. ‘I told you I'm fine!’

‘Tony-’

'I don't need you to fix me. Okay? I'm fine.’ He says.‘Anthony…’He walks away.

‘Anthony…’

‘…Anth…ony…’

‘tony…an-’

“ANGEL!” The voice gets demonically loud.

Angel's eyes open and he sees Val in front of him…Molly's gone…

No, Molly was never here.

“Angel, you look tired, baby.” Valentino says. “Are you tired?”

He was. He was so tired…He nods.

Valentino tuts. “Well, that just won't do, will it? I need you bright and early tomorrow. You have lots of work to do. Don't you?”

Angel pants heavily. “Yes, Valentino.”

“I suppose you earned a night's rest.” The moth says. “Of course it's a long walk back to that wretched hotel. Why don't you stay here with me tonight, pet?” He purrs in his ear, lifting him from the ground. “I'll make it worth your while.”

Angel nods, not having the energy to do anything else.

As he laid in the soft bed…

The month's arms trapping him…

He could practically feel the chains around his wrists and neck…

He doesn't really remember much of what happened earlier…what made him so tired.

He was just so sore and powerless.

And the worst part is…he doesn't care. Nobody cares.

Even those who pretend to care couldn't possibly.

Who could possibly care about him?He was nothing.

Only Vals stupid toy to mess with whenever he wanted.

What would they think of him if they knew where he ended up?

Notes:Hope ya'll liked this chapter! If you did please comment/like/leave kudos. Whatever you do here 🤷 Tag: @todayimfour

[ph0bianf]

I love your c!dream design!!! How did he go from human to a snake hybrid?

RAYHh TY FOR THE ASK

So basicly, hes a shapeshifter blob and in my AU, blobs take the appearance of what being they see first when they appear- Dream was just a little blob at first, and obviously, saw a snake- blobs can start shapeshifting as they get older, at first only partial (like the snake form) and then fully human as they reach teen age. Since hes a shapeshifter he can actually control which snake part shows and which doesnt, for example if he wants to keep the sharp fangs but not everything else he can.

Some fun facts about the snake form:

He has a snake tongue, which makes his s prolonged in a Word (potatoesss)

He has sharp fangs instead of teeth, tho a few of them got removed during the torture

He used to have sharp claws until Q cut off the first digit of each of his fingers because he got annoyed at Dream scratching him, which Dream replaced post-prison with prosthetic claws (along with his missing index finger on the left and his ring and pinky finger on the right)

His scale paterns go from his feet, hands, shoulders and face (tho we cant really see it well)

He can swallow stuff whole. His. His jaw extends

He can contort his body in many ways which is both creepy and useful, which he keeps in human form all the time

He can make snake noises like hissing

His pupils dilate and contract kind of like a cat depending on his emotions, and he can also make them go fully green with a spiraling motion hypnotizing kind of deal (like for example the snake in the Jungle book )

He doesnt often keep his tail as its 'useless' to him, tho he does make it appear when he talks to snakes

Thats pretty much it! Ty for the ask :3

[kurosstuff]

Cassandra x reader: Spider

Summary: Cassandra is totally not scared.

Warning(s): Cassandra being Cassandra

Take this as a practice writing for me being back? Hope you all enjoy this short fic

There's not alot that can terrify Cassandra- she's the one that strikes fear in those around her not the other way around. She's a cold sadistic person who without fail can and will traumatize you just for breathing wrong- Cassandra is not soft. Nor is she a scaredy cat.

She's not

She's really not at all.

Not even with those beady eyes watching her from the ground as she sat safely above the cabinet. Unblinking at the preda- small bug. A useless insect that if she wished she could just stomp on it until she was sure it was gone.

Not like she would anyways- she's much safer away

Yeah sure spiders kill and eat flies. But this is Cassandra. The one everyone fears. The one who has punished those for just standing in a place she didn't like. Cassandra will 100% kill this bu-

...Where'd it go?

-

A loud yell and crash indicated to you there was some trouble going on. Putting the duster down you quickly followed the sounds of crashing and cursing. Hoping to stop whatever bloodbath was going to happen now.

Rushing down the hallway it became clear on the voice belonging to Cassandra- yelling out curses of all sorts furrowing your eyebrow you picked up the pace. What If it's something serious. Opening the door you stiffened a laugh Cassandra sat on a table holding the chair like a weapon twirling in circles screaming for an unknown reason

"Lady Cassandra what are you doing on the table?" She stopped. Turned and looked at you the unusual fear in her face was gone in a blink of an eye. As if she wasn't just waving a chair like a manic. Like she isn't scared'

An odd thing to have seen on ANY Of the ladies. Your not to sure how to make of it

"Nothing maid" Cassandra snarled out putting the chair back tense. As if caught red handed "what are YOU doing here?!" She roared out the usual flare gone. Now it's come clear something. Is wrong. Something has spooked her. With how her eyes watched all around her as if.. looking for something

You hummed bowing carefully to her as you have practiced before dealing with her and her.. quirks. "I heard a scream. I came running incase you needed my he-" "HELP FROM SOME MAID?! YEAH. ME. IM FUCKING CASSANDRA DIMITRESCU. I NEED NO HELP" she cut you off

Squeak

Blinking, you watched in awe as the once fearsome woman who harmed you and everyone else for anything, even as small as a cough. Squeaked. Cassandra Dimitrescu squeaked. And to almost completely ruin the image, you knew of her clung to you. A maid. As if you were to protect her... but from what?

"DON'T JUST STAND THERE. KILL THE FUCKER" she snarled in your ear cowering behind you face pale of fear or embarrassment? You weren't to sure- eyes following to where she pointed you blinked now utterly confused

"..a spider?" You hummed without a thought kneeling down to the little creature, allowing it to climb your hand, ignoring the uttered gasp of horror behind you. "..my lady. To dispose of this, you'll need to open a window for me, " thanking Mother Miranda for the hot weather. Letting it free you turned watching her over exaggerate how you 'touched the disgusting monster '

"I..didn't expect you to be afraid of a spider.." clearing your throat straightening once you saw her all to familiar glare "its alright to be.. I mean. I'm the same way with snakes.. scary creatures.. its normal"

Cassandra was quiet for the longest time before grumbling, "Tell no one. I'll gut you if you do." She snarled out face would flush if possible. "..yes.. I am, " you hummed in thought once more. It made sense to you. Giving she can turn to little flies which spiders? Eat

"I won't tell a soul~" bowing once more to her before being shooed off by her. You almost feel closer to her in a way. But you won't let your guard down of course. It would but a end to you.

[fireflyfish]

The Weather Forecast is Cloudy With a Chance of Rocks

Listen... The only thing I really have to say about the Kenobi series besides DROP THE AO3 HANDLE DEBORAH is this...

Darth Vader is only terrifying because we've spent the vast majority of his screen time murdering the crap out of non-Force Sensitives. When Order 66 went down he went to the Jedi Temple with half a legion of brain-washed genetic super soldiers and flung them at the occupants like cannon fodder so he could take his time leisurely killing children.

The minute any well-trained Jedi I am so sorry to read you like that Kanan. You deserved better my precious baby. It's not your fault and Mummy Depa and Grandpa Mace are very proud of you and Ezra show up like Ahsoka or Obi-Wan, Vader gets his ass handed to him on a plate. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan both OBLITERATE Vader. Ahsoka JUMPS OFF OF HIM LIKE HE'S A BARSTOOL AND SHE IS A VERY ACROBATIC CAT WHO JUST SAW AN IMAGINARY SNAKE. Granted it took Obi-Wan some time to get his groove back but once he's gone full It's HIGH General Kenobi thank you very much Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, Vader is TOAST. It is both a testament to how badly he is injured and is unable to heal because healing and admitting you were wrong is so not in season for Sith Lords but also to just how useless the Dark Side truly is.

Look at all the things Anakin sacrificed and the only thing it has earned him is pain, anguish and a loneliness so profound Yoda can feel it on DAGOBAH the galactic equivalent of the heart of the Amazon. No unlimited power. No preventing Padme from dying OR bringing her back from the dead. No ruling the galaxy. It's only misery and servitude.

That's all the Dark Side is.

Pain. Anguish. Isolation.

This is supposed to be the Empire's elite enforcer? Against who? Luke Skywalker? Who's had like two, maybe three weeks at Camp Jedi and goes off half-cocked because his friends are in danger? Against Kanan Jarrus who made it to Jedi Middle School and then watched his new clone buddies murder his new adopted mom?? Ezra Bridger who is Doing His Best Okay and had the balls to even attempt to stand up to Vader??

None of these people are on the same level as a fully trained Jedi Knight.

Darth Vader is a sad man in a suit who chose to become a bully when he could have been the best of us.

[kimberly40]

My Southern Appalachian Family often used phrases such as these:

Well, I swannie.

Drunker than cootie brown

Meaner than a striped snake

Tighter than bark on a tree

Hotter than blue blazes

Busier than one armed wall paper hanger

More nervous than a longed tailed cat in a room full of rockers

Lookin at “whatever” like a mule lookin at a new gate

D-umber than a coal bucket

A hit hound will holler

Don't chew my cabbage twice

Don't jump out of the skillet and into the fire

Useless as a side tit on a boar hog

That dog won't hunt

Can't tell his a*s from a hole in the ground.

She's got the short end of the stick this time.

He's a-right smart

Git down yonder right quick-like

Yuns git yuns a chur (chair)

He ain't got a lick of sense

Somebody beat him/her with an ugly stick

So good it will make you swaller your tongue

My rear end would make her a Sunday face

He come over to holp (help) me

Rather be in Hell with my back broke

Ill as a hornet (mad)

Poor as Tom's turkey

Soap Sally's gonna gitchee

Your daddy pitched a drunk last night.

Lord willing and the Creek don't rise

[otomeheadcanonical]

Things I learned from the Piofiore blog that change my headcanon game(but they’re not really that surprising)*contains spoilers*

Yang likes spicy food and can cook really well.

Dante is practically useless at cooking and gets sick really easily.

Nicola is flawless at housework, but gets sick easily like Dante. (not as much tho)

Yang and Orlok actually know how to handle guns, they just choose not to.

Gilbert is equally useless at cooking like Dante, but doesn’t get as sick as him.

Yang caught a cold once and it was described as a “demonic disturbance”.  relatable 

Orlok can hold his liquor better than Yang (first off, who’s giving the baby alcohol?)

There is no embarrassed sprite/CG for Yang because it’s “useless”. Yang simply does not feel shy.

Nicola likes fish more than meat...*insert dirty joke*

EVERYONE IS EQUALLY JEALOUS/POSSESIVE, THERE IS NO NEED FOR RANKING. however, who’s more likely to kill the protag or others from their jealousy is up for debate.

Yang’s flower motif is oleander which symbolizes seduction and bewitching desire.*insert dirty joke*

Like Yang, Nicola also wakes up in a bad mood in the morning. Leo is terrified of waking him up.

Orlok’s mother and father were 26 years apart in age. If you know, you know

Emilio is actually kinda cruel, don’t be fooled by his sweet façade. He’s also around my height and that intimidates yet inspires me.

*side note before continuing: someone sent a letter to the blog about how yang was their favorite character from the get go and that Piofiore was their first otome game and the creator was slightly concerned for them*

Yang likes any alcohol that is strong.

Dante likes white wine.

Orlok doesn’t like alcohol, but he prefers strong liquor.(stop giving this baby alcohol!)

Yang’s tongue is actually sensitive to hot food because he wasn’t used to eating warm food as a child. 

Orlok is weak to tickling.

Orlok smells like soap.

Dante has a foot/leg fetish...

Orlok has a hand fetish *cries in vanilla*

Yang...likes ass. *cough sirmixalot cough*

Gilbert likes bitties.

Nicola likes the nape of the neck. *I kinda understand why there is so much vampire fics of him.*

For how physically weak he is, Dante actually has really good eyesight.

Yang’s eyesight is slightly better than Gilbert’s but worse than Nicola. *why the old men gotta be so blind*

Yang is a dog person mainly because they have more meat on them to eat than cats. *cries*

Nicola and Gilbert are dog people.

Orlok and Dante are cat people.

Yuan has tiny red dots under his eyes and his motif is a snake. *insert dirty joke I made on twitter* *also, i want more yuan content*

Yuan is the most powerful of all the sub characters in Piofiore 1926

Orlok is the most powerful person in the first game, but because the protag is his weakness, he can be defeated somewhat easily.

If Orlok and Yuan were to fight, either one has an equal chance of winning. 

If Yang and Orlok were to fight in the sequel, Yang might win by a little.

Henri can fight, but he chooses not to. He can kinda beat Dante’s ass by a lil bit.

In terms of creating art, the love interests are as ranked Gilbert > Nicola > Orlok > Dante > Yang=Henri

Dante makes boring art and Yang and Henri never had opportunities to create art so its not that they’re bad at it, they just...don’t.

Orlok doesn’t really have a sense for aesthetic.

Yuan initially took care of Yang because he thought they were similar. However Yang is capable of creating his own entertainment and Yuan admires that part of him so he kept Yang around for that. 

Nicola and Yang don’t get along at all. *but like, that’s obvious*

And that’s it for me. There’s some more but I only picked the ones that really interested me.

[out-of-users]

HELLO LADIES, LORDS, AND NON-BINARY ROYALTY!

I’m Coming out of my hole of just occasionally reblogs to give y’all a quality post, because if you’re reading this, you deserve it.

I believe you’ve heard enough of me, so let’s get into it!

Some (Random and Useless) Facts about my KNY Hashira god! AU

Note: there’s only one fact per god, and maybe, just maybe, some about the shrine keepers and other entities-

Tengen doesn’t have a favorite number, and if he does, it’s always shifting. You could ask him any time, any day, and one day it might be 4, the next? 404,236. He thinks it’s flashy.

Giyuu often saves drowning people. He never thinks much of it, thinks it’s an “act of service and protection”, and he doesn’t like to see sufferers. That plays into it much more than he knows.

Sanemi likes to summon things to fight. There’s been occasions where other gods have walked into his domain to see a wind monster running rampant, and Sanemi beating the everloving hell out of it.

Shinobu literally cringes when people don’t take her medical advice seriously. It’s downright horrible to look at for her, and finds herself ready to lose it when they come back to her shrine saying “My lovely goddess, it has failed me, the knowledge you have bestowed upon my shoulders.”

Rengoku (tengen, muichiro, and giyuu alike), prefer being talked to casually, instead of fancy words. It seems more welcoming, and a simple “good morning! How are you?” Is always better than a “how have you been faring on this fine date, my lord?”

Mitsuri has tried to play matchmaker with some other gods between themselves, and has also tried to get some of the shrine keepers together, it doesn’t end like she planned-

Gyomei puts divine blessings on stray cats to keep them out of harm’s way, it honestly works really well. Tanjiro watched a boulder fall only 1/8 an inch from a cat, leaving it shocked but unharmed.

When it comes to Obanai, when people (or gods *cough*Giyuu*cough*) Piss him off, he uses a trademark insult: “If you sssay one more thing, I will kill you with my snakes and watch you die.” It’s super effective!

Muichiro forgets a ton of things, but in his domain there’s a special mist that makes you forget things slowly, until you leave. It confuses everyone when they forget what the mist does, though they know they’ve been there before.

Tanjiro has a scar over his right eye, though it doesn’t affect him at all. “Just like a decorative object.” He says. Apparently he got it from an accident as a kid.

Nezuko likes to be in the flower garden of the shrines, and will pick flowers for the shrines, to put down.

A/N: HOLY FUCK, WHY DID THIS TAKE SO LONG!? TY @zofi-persson FOR GIVING ME THE MOTIVATION TO FINISH THIS, UR AMAZING!!! (´,,•ω•,,) Chapters may not be as frequent, I’m so sorry!

See ya,

-Roman!

[aguinhaac]

The power system of miraculous sucks

Today I wanted to talk about something that deeply annoys me in miraculous, and I know I'm not alone on this one. The power system, my feelings about this are all over the place so I'll try to organize it, you can leave your opinions in the commentsI would love see it, so y'all get ready to spend 10000 bucks in an the asylums bill cause we're gonna need it, and let's do it.

Unoriginality And Copying

Miraculous is extremely unoriginal with it's powers and here's why.

First, I don't think is wrong for any show to get power ideas from elsewhere, that isn't considered copying as long as you do your own thing with it. The problem is, with every new miraculous presented, the writers eventually runned out of ideas on what to do next. Which is something that would happen eventually, 20 miraculous, it was gonna happen, which is why they should have looked into it before making this decision.

we started to see the ideas ending in season three, this is where we got miraculouses like the monkey, a miraculous that can mess up people's power and has a staff, not only did it copy the Weapon from the black cat but it also is just a pretty useless power against anything that isn't magic.

And it goes on this too every hero of season three, their weapons are shit, their powers are either useless (snake, monkey, horse) or don't make sense (dragon,bunny) and this problem of the show copying itself just gets worst in season four, we have the tiger being a copy of cataclysm, the pig being one of the bee, the goat being a copy of the ladybug, ASTRUC, YOU'RE NOT A MINECRAFT YOUTUBER, STOP COPYING YOURSELF, and all their weapons are shit cause the miraculous crew can't get good toy looking weapons when even a 12 year old Steven universe fan can.

Way before in season two, the bee the fox and the turtle were so creative, There's this thing is animation which makes so that the friends of the main hero tend to have supportive powers instead of actual powers,

In miraculous season two it felt like all the miraculous could be the miraculous worn by the main characters, actually, they were even better than the main character's they had personality, were strong but not too much, the costumes were cool, so in season three astruc, the creator of miraculous, went back into the writing team, as the creator of the show he surely will bring us awesome miraculouses, right?

Useless miraculous

Miraculous has so many powers that are stupid it pains me, they have no reason to exist or are just overall the worst powers I've ever seen a superhero have, and more than half of them is caused by there having one miraculous that is better than it, as time went on the writers became tired of coming up with concepts for superheroes and just took the most basic ah power inspired by some of the stupid background character "personality" and made a miraculous, not caring if they would actually be useful, interesting, or that aren't a copy, what proves this is things like the dog miraculous, not only dog holders have the most terrible disgusting designs I've ever seen, but it's power is to throw a ball, and now you can teleport stuff to you, wanna know what other thing teleports stuff? THE HORSE MIRACULOUS.

Take the queen's jewelry for example, the bee miraculous has a nice design, a cool ahh power, A top that can be used like a slingshot, a kwami with a unique personality that completed their holders character, perfection.

Now that all the team miraculous is gonna be active at the same time soon or later people are gonna realize that some miraculouses are useless when there's a guy the same job but better.

the monkey is fucked if anything that doesn't have powers show up, the ox has invinsibility for 5 minutes which either, all villains that can teleport you somewhere (which is something miraculous loves doing) are now powerless, or the akuma could do a ancient technique called fighting without superpowers, throw a car at him and he dies. The dog, pig, tiger, and goat are there just for show when we have their much more powerful contraparts, the horse can teleport people, the bee makes it so you have no chance to "wake up" the cat can actually destroy stuff, and the ladybug who we will talk about it later don't you worry.

But remember that thing where the horse is better than the dog? it's also ruined cause it and the snake were ruined by the one thing worse than a useless superpower

Overpowered Miraculous

Ok, I know you all want to hear my thoughts on the bunny miraculous so let's get this out of the way, THIS MIRACULOUS IS ABSOLUTELY STUPID, IT'S THERE ONLY TO SELL TOYS, MAKE FAN SERVICE EPISODES THAT GO LITERALLY NOWHERE, AND TO FUCK UP THE TIMELINE OF A SHOW THAT ALREADY HAS A FUCKED UP TIMELINE, BUT NOT ONLY THAT, IT ALSO RUINS BOTH THE SNAKE AND HORSE MIRACULOUS CAUSE WITH THE GOD THAT IS FLUFFY CAN SHOW UP ANYWHERE YOU WANT AND YOU HAVE MORE THAN 5 MINUTES TO FUCK UP TIME.

AND DONT YOU FUCKING DARE TO TELL ME THAT MESSING WITH TIME CAN FUCK UP EVERYTHING AS WE CAN SEE IN CHAT BLANC AND TIME TAGGER WE SEE THAT THEY HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO FIX UP IF THEY DO SOME BULLSHIT, IT IS THE WORST MIRACULOUS, AND IS THERE JUST TO FUCK THINGS UP, JUST LIKE WHEN ASTRUC DESIDES TO WRITE AND EPISODE.

With my anger out of the way let's talk about it. The overpowered miraculous are few but they exist and annoy me and a lot of people.

Overpowered superheroes are not necessarily bad, we have great examples of overpowered superheroes, I'll talk more about it later but to do a good overpowered hero you need to have good writing, do you see the problem?

You have to make a hero/villain that is on the same level as the villain, otherwise it will look stupid when one of them loses, and in MLB it happens so much…

In miraculous we have things like the rooster miraculous, the miraculous of plot convince

"but aguinha you see, in destruction we see that the rooster isn't that powerful, he can't grand wishes or-

No, it is the miraculous of plot convince, it just has this rules when it needs to have this rules, at the same time it can't reveal a hero secret identity, it can grant you the power to travel through multiverses, so no, it doesn't have limits, it just has rules when the writers need it to.

And the Ladybug miraculous is so stupid, she has the literal power to create anything, magic or not, out of her imagination, but she doesn't, guess she's just lazy to search up more on her powers, and she's not only stupid cause she doesn't want to do anything with her powers, but that she gave up on the power that would make every single fight she can have with an akumatized end in one second, the eagle.

For those who don't know let me explain, imagine you are home and your mom tells you to do the dishes and leaves, you want to do the dishes but the holder of the eagle miraculous takes a feather (very original) and it flies into you, the holder can now say "I free you from your responsibilities" and now you won't do the dishes anymore, your mom then comes home and Beats the shit out of you, that's how this miraculous works.

If ladybug had two brain cells she would get this shit to herself and every time a akuma spears she would just go there, use a feather and say I release you from evil, the person gives up, the akuma is automatically purificated, everything is fine and the show fucking ends, but ladybug has -2 braincels so no, this show has to keep ongoing until either all the writers finally go to an asylum or all the remaining fans from themselves of a cliff.

This is why overpowered heroes are detrimental to your story. You have to think about which power to give to which character because otherwise shit like this is gonna happen, and your audience will point it out.

Again it's very possible to make a story about an overpowered hero be good, but it needs something that the writers didn't care much about.

Limitations

Limitation is something Every character needs even if they are made to be overpowered, and it is an important part of writing a character. overpowered or not, limitations are what makes a hero/villain be equals with their rival, Superman might be extremely powerful but Brainiac is nearly indestructible, it is what makes a fight fair, so how do they handle the superhero limitations in miraculous? Like they did it with their fucking asses, it's broken, lazy, and doesn't make sense.

But first let's see the limitations of the heroes.

The first one is the rule that after using their special power in 5 minutes they are gonna detransform they want it or not, which I honestly think is a pretty good way to keep the fights fair and interesting, they can't just spam cataclysm or lucky charm, BUT THEN ADULTS CAN USE IT AS MUCH AS THEY WANT AND MAKES IT LOOK FUCKING STUPID, cause it makes the choice of using teenagers look even more dumb, "oh but hawkmoth wouldn't be able to talk to them" I think that the akumas fighting in their style would be better but if that's the problem MAKE IT THAT HAWK MOTH DETRANSFORMS AND TRANSFORMS BACK LATER, it's stupid to make that hawk moth doesn't need to transform back cause not only the whole thing of detransforming in 5 minutes was because the kwamis got tired, but it seems more stupid why hawkmoth doesn't akumatized 9 people at once, but it gets worst, in season five the heroes """"""grow up"""""" and now the rule doesn't apply to them anymore, infinite cataclysm and infinite lucky charm, how is Lila supposed to fight them again? This shit is worse than recent Dragon Ball power levels, and I won't even talk about the thing that now the rule of "they will transform back they want or not'' can actually be broken by the holder, with no consequences cause in re-verse we see nothing but some cracks that don't even seem to hurt.

And do I have to say anything about the ladybug creation power? She can create anything, magic or not, a charm which can literally stop another kwamis power, but no let's not use it to try finding monarch.

Upgrades

I made my own category for upgrades cause I think they are the most stupid part of the show and I wanted to go more in detail about it than to just put it in the limitations, the upgrades in miraculous are stupid, and I mean extremely stupid.

In miraculous there are three types of upgrades, the potions, the permanent, and the fusions, so let's first talk about the potions first shall we?

I overall like the idea of the potions, you can get an upgrade by having you or your kwamis eating a potion, but you can't just use it every single fight because as fu said, those motions take multiple ingredients to brew, I think it's a good idea, the problem is that this concept wasn't introduced thinking about giving th heroes an upgrade to make their battles more interesting, it was introduced thinking about how many toys they could sell, and what proves this is how specific they are, ladybug but she has a space suit, ladybug but she is Elsa, ladybug but she's a Mermaid, ladybug fire edition, and there's still three more to go, those are way too specific to actually be useful, aqua bug for exemple, she's only used when the villain happens to be water themed, or they have to swim for some reason, not only it doesn't make sense, for literal minigods to have a water upgrade, not only it would be better to see the two idiots use their brains to try figure out a creative way to defeat the motherfucker of the week, BUT THEIR WEAPONS CAN MAKE THEM BREATH UNDERWATER, it's stupid, and I hope they don't introduce the other 4, cause the last upgrade we got was able to totally destroy the use of the horse miraculous, and I wish Marinette had never learn how to brew this things.

The permanent upgrades are somehow able to piss me of even more than the potions even only showing up two times in the show, the first one was with ladybug and her magical charms, if we forget how she made those, I was happy about their existence, no more reusing villains, just new designs with cool powers like a superhero show should be, of course it wasn't perfect, everyone was wondering why ladybug just didn't made a bunch of those and gave one to everyone in Paris because the writers forgot to flash out that they are made by the akuma dust, and had to say it on Twitter later, but even so, new villains, except not as shadow moth also got an upgrade in one episode with 0 buildup, WHAT? why would you ever do that? Actually I know why they did this, it's cause most cartons have a continuity director, but I think the one for miraculous took a vacation, and the writers forgot that Mr pigeon would later become Mr rat, and he now had a magical charm, so he couldn't be akumatized, just kidding it was to save money, so miraculous introduced a concept, just so in the same season, it became useless, but actually not cause in confrontation we find out that they can create a shield if a bunch of people help you. And I wanna throw myself off a bridge-

Now let's get to the bottom of the barrel, fusions, I'll make this one quick, fusions are in my opinion are in top 5 more stupid things miraculous ever presented, back in season one fusions were seen as a big deal, but as time went on they became jokes, first you can now fuse and not become an all powerful magical being, and that this was just for the black cat and ladybug, and already, why give unexpired people miraculous if you can just fuse? But then came kwami buster and evolution, so now you can use infinite miraculouses with 0 consequences cause we never see anyone going insane like fun said they would. Do I even have to say anything else? It's stupid, world breaking and

It's lazy writing, but really, that's exactly what miraculous is.

Conclusion

In conclusion, miraculous power system is a mess, and it's funny that it's a mess, in season 1-3 it was organized, not the best but still fun and enjoyable, but when the writers tried to add an actual plot to the show, when they tried to make the power system more complex, they fucked up everything, and they will keep on fucking everything up until the end of time, but that's all I wanted to say, this is already massive enought, if you got this far, thank you for reading and I'll see you in the next post

[anonymousewrites]

One Hell of a Love (Book 2) Chapter Twenty-One

Sebastian Michaelis x Demon! Reader

Chapter Twenty-One: One Hell of an Identity

Summary: The battle converges into a single room with humans, demons, and reapers pitted against each other and the reanimated horde.

            “Back off!” shouted Edward, monitoring the boarding of the lifeboats. “Women and children first! Just look at the sight of you! How can you call yourselves English gentlemen?!”

            “Edward!” cried Elizabeth upon seeing him.

            “Lizzie!” He embraced her as she ran to him. “I’m so happy to see you well!” He glanced at the sword at her side. “It must have been hard for you.”

            “Forgive me,” said Ciel. “It was entirely due to my helplessness.”

            “You said it,” huffed Edward. “But fine, my lecture can wait. Now you two get on a boat, quick as you can—”

            “Edward, I have a favor to ask of you,” said Ciel. He gestured to Snake. “Put him on the boat in my stead.” Snake and Ciel’s eyes widened. “I can’t get onto a boat yet.”

            “…Alright. I’ll take care of him,” said Edward.

            Elizabeth moved forward urgently. “If Ciel is to stay, I shall stay t—!”

            Sebastian gently struck the back of her neck, and she collapsed, unconscious, into Edward’s arms. “I beg your pardon, sir,” said Sebastian.

            “Butler!” exclaimed Edward.

            “It appeared that convincing Lady Elizabeth would take some time, so I resorted to a rough measure,” said Sebastian. “Please mete out whatever punishment you see fit at a later time.”

            “No, you have my thanks,” said Sebastian. “It’s possible for me to attack my sister from behind.”

            “My Lord, the ship’s listing is worsening,” said (Y/N) to Ciel, keeping their balance as easily as a cat.

            Ciel nodded and looked to Edward. “Its foundering is but a matter of time. Please leave the ship and get as far away from it as you can. And take care of Lizzie and Snake. Let’s go, Sebastian, (Y/N).”

            “Yes, my Lord,” said Sebastian.

            “Yes, sir,” said (Y/N).

            “You don’t need to come back, you know!” shouted Edward. “I’m perfectly fine with not having to give away my adorable little sister’s hand!” Beneath the harsh words, however, there was something of concern as if Edward was challenging Ciel to come back, even if just for Lizzie.

            “I shall return, I assure you,” said Ciel, accepting the challenge.

            And then they were heading once more into the belly of the beast, braving the halls of the ship as walking corpses, flooding, and listing threatened their wellbeing.

            Near the First Class hall, however, they came upon someone else who wasn’t trying to escape. (Y/N) cocked their head in surprise.

            “The Viscount of Druitt?” said Ciel in surprise.

            “And who are you?” said Druitt. “How do you know who I am?”

            (Y/N), Ciel, and Sebastian deadpanned. (Y/N) glanced down at themself. They hadn’t even really made a disguise during the Aurora Society’s meeting, and they looked the same. So either blood on the skirt really changes an appearance or he’s just a self-obsessed idiot. (Y/N)’s money was on the second option.

            “Well, I suppose it is indeed difficult to not know of me as I’m celebrated in society circles for being the personification of beauty,” sighed Druitt dramatically.

            It’s definitely the second option.

            “With all due respect, what are you doing in a place like this Viscount?” said Sebastian. “The walking dead are ambling through this vessel as we speak.”

            Druitt smirked and gestured behind him. Four people carrying a large device turned around the corner behind him. “There’s something here that I dare not leave on this sinking ship, even if it means exposing myself to mortal danger. To begin with, those corpses amount to nothing more than useless dolls to me—Oh, dear.” He smiled. “I’m nattered on for too long. If you’ll excuse me.”

            (Y/N), Sebastian, and Ciel exchanged looks. They knew what they had to do for his trust.

            “The eternal flame in this breast,” said Sebastian.

            Druitt perked up and turned to them. “Cannot be quenched by anyone! We are—”

            “Phoenix!” All four spoke and posed together.

            “Ah!” said Druitt happily. “So you were comrades! Speaking of, I do get the feeling we’ve met before.”

            At least he hasn’t started the poetry session, thought (Y/N).

            “That contraption! Can it perhaps stop the movements of those corpses?” asked Ciel quickly.

            “Where did you learn that?” said Druitt somberly.

            “I knew it,” said Ciel. “Then you’re—.”

            Druitt turned before Ciel could continue. “If you wish to know, follow me. I shall allow you to bear witness as well. To the advent of a new aurora by way of medicine, that is.”

            “Shall we take it by force?” murmured Sebastian as the followed Druitt and the device.

            “No, we don’t know how to use it,” said Ciel.

            “We have to wait until he activates it, then,” said (Y/N).

            A familiar giggle filled the room. One of the men holding the device turned and grinned at the group.

            “What the—Undertaker?!” Ciel fought to keep his voice down, but Druitt was too busy daydreaming about his own greatness to notice him. “What are you doing here?!”

            “Hiiiya!” said Undertaker. “I was told to help carry this as I was in the middle of running for my life, you seeeee. Then I caught sight of the Earl hollering ‘phoenix’ once more, and—”

            “Wipe that from your memory at once!” shouted Ciel in embarrassment. He lowered his voice and whispered, “But more importantly, do you have a clue as to how to work this thing?”

            Undertaker grinned. “Can’t say that I do? I wonder if something like this serves any useful purpose at all, you know?”

            (Y/N) cocked their head, and their nose twitched. What type of a statement was that?

            The group arrived in the lounge, and Druitt had the device placed on landing of the staircase at the head of the room.

            “Be very cautious with it. It is worth more than your lives,” said Druitt.

            “Will you start it up now?” said Ciel.

            “Not yet,” said Druitt. “Our cast is still one player short.”

            “One player?” said (Y/N), raising an eyebrow.

            “Ah!”

            Everyone turned to the terrace seating above. Stoker stood beside Ronald and Grell and glared down. “You rat!” shouted Stoker. “Why did you steal the device?!”

            “Hello there, Rian. I’ve been waiting for you,” said Druitt. “This day shall mark the fall of your empire in one night, as Pompeii once fell, and the day my new empire was born! With the power of this device, I shall build a new empire!”

            “Come again?” said Sebastian, Ciel, and (Y/N) incredulously.

            “He who possesses eternity shall rule with immorality and decadent beauty!” Druitt extended a hand to (Y/N). “All the beauties in the world shall serve me so I may only stare into the face of divinity equal to mine! Yes! All beauty shall be mine!”

            An irk mark appeared on (Y/N)’s forehead. “He’s crass and insane. May I kill him?”

            “No, though I understand the urge,” said Sebastian.

            “And it shall be called the Aurora Empire!” declared Druitt.

            “This all seems to have gone kinda pear-shaped, huh?” said Ronald in confusion.

            Grell’s chainsaw revved to life, and she put a foot on the banister of the balcony. “I’ll make that cad the reddest of reds in the blink of an eye!”

            “Easy now!” said Druitt. He tilted his wine glass over the device. “Don’t you care what happens to this machine?”

            “Hey, Miss Sutcliff, time out!” Ronald grabbed Grell around the middle before she could do anything rash.

            “This is what is called ‘true power!’ I can stand victorious against you all with nothing more than a single wine glass!” Druitt laughed proudly.

            “This sense of irritation just grows and grows,” said Sebastian. “May I kill him, Young Master?”

            “No, not yet,” said Ciel. “Though I understand the urge.”

            Crash!

            All the windows and doors of the First Class Lounge shattered as hundreds, possibly thousands, of reanimated corpses jostled to enter and get at the people within.

            “Hey! Just look at these numbers!” said Ronald, pulling back.

            “Viscount, start the device! Hurry!” cried Ciel.

            “Non! I am no longer a Viscount!” declared Druitt melodramatically.

            “…Eh?” Everyone blinked.

            “ ‘Kaiser!’ I shall start the device if you call me that! You, with the mouth like a robin’s, and you, with the smooth voice of a raven! Call me ‘Kaiser’ and I shall start the device!” said Druitt, winking.

            “Let’s kill him now, after all,” said Ciel.

            “Please wait, though I understand the urge,” said (Y/N).

            The corpses lunged, and battle began. Sebastian dodged and fought while keeping Ciel in his arms, and (Y/N) kept any from getting too close to them. Stoker cowered behind Ronald and Grell as the reapers slashed and sliced.

            Druitt…daydreamed. And monologued. “Ooh! Ooh! Gladiators, who put their flesh and blood on the line, whose lives scatter like so many fallen petals! This place is just like a corrupt coliseum! Gazing out as I sip my wine, I truly am just like Emperor Nero!”

            As someone who has fought in a coliseum, they are all corrupt, and Nero was overthrown, thought (Y/N).

            “Can we kill him now?!” said Ronald in frustration.

            “Let me get this straight, you just stopped me, didn’t you?!” Grell huffed and glared at Druitt. “Hey, you! Get a move on and start that thing up, would you?!”

            “Very well. The time for the founding of my empire is upon us at last.” Druitt raised his wine glass. “Now, then. All of you! Show me the dance of the phoenix in pledging your allegiance to your Kaiser!”

            “Never mind, let’s kill him,” said (Y/N), Sebastian, Ciel, Grell, and Ronald.

            Undertaker giggled from the side of the landing. “Dear, dear. But if he’s dead, you’ll never figure out what that mystery contraption can do.”

            “What is it?! Come on now!” declared Druitt.

            Every person in the hall swallowed their pride and resigned themselves to humiliation.

            “The eternal flame in this breast cannot be quenched by anyone…We are the new phoenix!”

            They posed in Druitt’s variation, even more ridiculous than the first.

            “Well played, comrades!” said Druitt in satisfaction. “Now I shall show you the army of death that bows before me!” He pressed a button on the side of the device.

            …Nothing.

            Everyone turned blank as they watched the device do…nothing.

            The growl of the horde of reanimated humans broke through the silence. Ciel, Sebastian, and (Y/N) turned to the approaching group warily, and Ronald and Grell lifted their Death Scythes again. Undertaker rolled around on the ground and laughed hysterically while Druitt stared at the device in confusion.

            “What are you playing at?!” shouted Ciel, glaring at Druitt.

            “Why, Rian!” exclaimed Druitt. “The device you crafted is useless!”

            “I-It can’t be!” cried Stoker.

            “Weren’t you the one who made this thing?!” demanded Ciel.

            Druitt blinked innocently. “There’s obviously no way I could build a contraption liket his.” Undertaker’s laughter grew louder again.

            “You bastard! Did you deceive me?!” demanded Stoker.

            (Y/N) glanced up at him as they smashed another skull. Who was he talking to?

            “Hah! What a farce this is!” Grell vaulted over the balcony. She tore through a group of reanimated corpses.

            “Yeah, he really is something else—!” Ronald’s eyes went wide in panic. “Hey, wait, Miss Sutcliffe, ma’am!” Grell lunged for Druitt, her chainsaw whirring to life. “We reapers shouldn’t be goin’ ‘round killing humans, remember?!”

            Grell slammed her Death Scythe down on Druitt’s head.

            Clang!

            The Death Scythe hit an obstacle and stopped. Everyone’s eyes widened in shock. That was impossible. A Death Scythe could cut through anything.

            Undertaker raised his head from where he held his cloak up, obscuring whatever he had that blocked Grell’s Death Scythe. “Hee, hee!” He grinned as he watched Druitt faint. “It’s been ages since I laughed this hard. In my humble opinion, losing such an amusing chap would amount to a loss to this world.” His grin turned to a smirk. “Wouldn’t you agree with me, hm? My little Grim Reapers?”

            “The blade of my Scythe won’t cut through…?!” said Grell.

            Undertaker whirled, pushing Grell into the air and revealing he had a collection of sotoba in his cloak. His top hat fell from his head, and a chain of lockets flew around his neck. He grinned. Undertaker threw his arms out and sent several sotoba into Grell as she fell through the air. The reaper was propelled backwards through the glass ceiling of the lounge. Shards fell like rain through the room.

            “Young Master!” said Sebastian, covering Ciel. On the same base instinct, he reached for (Y/N) and pulled them to his side, though both demons were cut as it fell.

            “Ahh…” Undertaker sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “How said it is—" He pushed his bangs back. “—that laughter should vanish from this place.” He peered out at the group with sharp, green and yellow fluorescent eyes.

            “Undertaker?” said Ciel as he looked up over Sebastian’s shoulder.

            “He masked his presence most skillfully,” said Sebastian. “His eyes have always been hidden as well, so it escaped me notice.” He narrowed his eyes.

            “And he kept himself around death to mask that part of his energy,” said (Y/N), nose twitching in furstration. “It was masterfully done.”

            “Same here.” Grell pushed herself to her feet and adjusted her spectacles. “He fooled me good.”

            “Miss Sutcliffe, ma’am! Those eyes!” Ronald’s eyes widened.

            “Yes,” said Grell. “That chartreuse phosphorescence, without a doubt, can only belong to…a Grim Reaper!”

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[ghostclangen]

“It’s gorgeous in here.”

Waterfur’s awed voice reverberates off the glistening crystals that line the cave walls. Delighted at the echo, she calls, “Hello!”

Hello, hello, hello! the night whispers.

“How’d you find this place, anyway?” she asks, turning to her companion. “I thought it was just a myth. I heard about the Cavern of Souls from my mom when I was a kit.”

Sweetfern shrugs and says, “I have my ways. I like to think I’m pretty clever.”

Waterfur bunts her head against Sweetfern’s shoulder and says, “You’re very clever, dear.” 

Sweetfern purrs and gives the top of Waterfur’s head a lick. “Why, thank you. It’ll come in handy when I’m deputy.”

“Hm?” Waterfur peers at Sweetfern, suddenly uncertain.

“Well, because you’ll choose me as deputy when you become leader, right?” Sweetfern says, and flashes her an award-winning smile.

“Ohhh, right. Sorry. Silly of me.” Waterfur shakes her head, then turns away from Sweetform to focus on the path in front of her. Small crystals jut out from the ground, and she doesn’t need a pierced paw to ruin her night. “Yes, you can be my deputy, dear. You know, if Moorstar doesn’t die before I do.”

Sweetfern snorts. “Wow, Waterfur, that’s brutal.”

“Kidding, kidding. You know I love that old bitty.”

“Uh-huh.” Sweetfern cranes her neck to see past Waterfur and grins. “Wait, Waterfur, over here! There’s a path that leads to a waterfall. It’s beautiful, you’ll love it.”

Waterfur’s tail twitches with excitement. “Lead the way!”

Sweetfern pushes gently past her and guides her to a small gap between two giant crystals, ducking so as not to hit her head. Waterfur follows obediently, and in a few minutes, they’ve arrived.

It’s just as awe-inspiring as Sweetfern said. The stream snaking through the cavern shimmers in the light of the crystals, making it look like a river of silvery-blue light. To her left, a small waterfall descends gracefully from a ledge in the rocky floor. The roar is soft somehow, a delicate, melodious sound that fills Waterfur’s heart with wonder. 

Even with the softness of it, it covers up what Sweetfern says next.

Waterfur tears her gaze away from the scene ahead of her and turns to Sweetfern, equally as gorgeous. “Sorry, what’d you say?”

“I said,” Sweetfern says, the smile falling from her face, “I really did love you.”

Before Waterfur can question her, Sweetfern’s claws flash in front of her, glinting in the crystals’ glow. It takes a few moments to register what she’s done, but there’s warm blood on her throat, and it’s become hard to breathe. “What?” she asks, her voice clotted with the taste of copper. “Why?” She wobbles for a second, then falls to the cave floor with a grunt. Through half-lidded eyes, she catches Sweetfern in her blurred vision, though she can’t make out her expression.

“Why do you think?” Sweetfern answers. “You were in the way. Don’t get me wrong, Waterfur dearest, you were a good mate … but I have other priorities.”

Waterfur summons the last dregs of her strength to call through a mouth full of blood: “Help? Help…!”

Sweetfern laughs and shakes her head. “You can’t seriously believe someone will hear you. Give it up.”

Waterfur tries to spit out a retort, but finds that her mouth won’t open. Her consciousness is fading into a dissociated mess of feelings—rage, for one, and pain, and sadness, and finally, an overwhelming tiredness that finally lulls her to a sleep she never wakes up from.

She wakes up in one piece. On wobbly legs, she stands up and looks around. There’s the crystalline stream, and over there is the waterfall. Which means …

Hesitantly, Waterfur looks down, then flinches at the gruesome sight that greets her. She—well, the cat she was—lies on the ground, dried blood stuck on and around her throat. A streak of red trickles out of her mouth, and her eyes are dull, unseeing, useless. She gasps, then begins to pant, her chest rising and falling sharply in panic. She turns away and retches, but nothing comes out. Naturally. 

Before she can get her bearings again, her surroundings fade, and soon, a field of lush, silvery grass surrounds her. Silverpelt. She didn’t expect to see it so soon. Oh, StarClan, why is this happening? she thinks, closing her eyes tight. This has to be a dream…

“Waterfur.”

Her eyes open again, then widens as she realizes what’s happening. “Dad? Dad!”

Ahead of her stands a tom with silky ginger fur and a gentle—though sad—smile on his face. “I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.”

“Neither was I,” Waterfur breathes. She stands there in shock for a moment more, then bursts out of her shock and runs up to nestle her head into the crook of Shiningfur’s neck. “I missed you so much. It’s been so long, I don’t—everything is … Sweetfern, she …”

Before she can get the rest of her words out, an odd sensation stirs in her chest. It’s not like anything she’s experienced before; it’s as if she’s being dragged backwards, like something has a grip on her heart and is pulling her towards it. “What …?”

Shiningfur stares at her, wide-eyed in confusion and concern, and Waterfur realizes that she’s not just feeling pulled by an unseen force, she’s actually literally being pulled toward something. She staggers backward, and in a choked voice, she cries out, “Dad! Dad, help, please help …”

Shiningfur rushes toward her, but it’s too late; before she knows it, a void fills her vision, and she falls into oblivion.

[batlleonafc]

Nati total inteam

translation:

Fabi: Do I need to read it out loud?

Alisha: Sorry, I can't read it.

Luana: Shit, can I restart?

Ana: I don't want to answer it.

Luana: Can you cut it?

Alisha: What can you do better with alcohol than without?

Ramona: first of all, I don't drink much alcohol because I don't like it.

Alisha: I would say you're just more relaxed and talk more.

Ramona: But I can definitely Dance better with alcohol, or I'm just better at everything.

Luana: This is macabre. What would your last meal be if you were on death row? If there's something I can't do without, it's my mum's lasagna. It's by far the best lasagna.

Ana:  I would need to be a mix of many things. I love Sushi, I love burgers, and I like Mexican food. It would need to be a bit of everything. That would be my last meal.

Viola: What Animal are you scared off? I don't like cats, but I wouldn't say I'm scared of them.

Fabi: Spiders and creepy crawlies in general.

Viola: I would say Snakes

Seraina: Spiders

Rachel: What is the most useless thing you've ever bought? I've bought so many useless things. I've I had invested the money. I would be a millionaire. Guys don't buy so much stuff. Minimalism is the key. Sadly, I haven't understood that myself yet.

Lia: For what do you not have enough time? Good question. I would say I don't have enough time for my friends and family in Switzerland. I might have the time to call them on Facetime, but I would like to be around to celebrate a birthday and just to be able to spend more time with them.

Ana: Do you have a recurring dream, and what is it about? I'm one of those people who always dream but never can remember what the dream was about. I can maybe remember a dream once or twice a year. This is super annoying because Lia always comes down for breakfast and talks about what she dreamed about, and I'm always jealous of her.

Coumba:  Lifting the world cup trophy. I've had this dream since I was little, and hope it can become reality.

Ramona: What's your favourite pregame song? I don't have a specific song, but I like listening to house music. I like the beat. It motivates me before a game.

Alisha: What is something you're better at than your teammates? My best friend and I like to write songs and rap them when we're bored.

Behind the Camera: You can sing if you want to.

Alisha: no, no, no.

[wakatshi]

❛ THROUGH THE LATE NIGHT ❜ USHIJIMA WAKATOSHI

previous ⩇⩇:⩇⩇ masterlist ⩇⩇:⩇⩇ next

⩇⩇:⩇⩇ PLOT — getting your hookup’s phone number —an easy task, although being high gets you the wrong number and a stranger’s confusing answer. ushijima wakatoshi, billionaire. how’d you end up texting him from all people? he’s a man of a few words. a man who’s too busy to reciprocate your useless flirting attempts, too busy to concern himself with relationships. you can’t see through him. he’s stern and harsh. too stuck up for you.

curiosity killed the cat. it didn’t kill you, but it sure got you caught up in the middle of something far more dangerous than you could’ve ever expected. the streets of tokyo hide dark secrets and the city you once knew turns into a long forgotten memory.

⩇⩇:⩇⩇ PART V — where’s my lawyer?

⩇⩇:⩇⩇ WC — 2.5K WORDS / WARNINGS — very brief mentions of drug & human trafficking, kidnap.

“where are we going?”

“wakatoshi’s office. don’t worry, miss. he won’t murder you! probably.”

truth be told, you’re mortified. you feel like puking, like curling up on the elevator’s floor with anxiety and pure dread stuck down your throat and staying there for eternity. nothing can describe your feelings more than a punch in the stomach. you were hit so hard and you can’t move, nor breathe.

you should’ve run. you should do it right now. the thought hasn’t left your mind since tendō picked you up. (kidnapped) when he opened the door, you thought of sprinting away. but you didn’t. instead, you kept glancing at the tall glass building standing imperiously in front of your very own eyes.

wakatoshi is a stranger and nothing more. you know nothing about him except for the articles you’ve angrily scrolled through on your iphone in search of a concrete answer. who is he?

the CEO of a major real estate company and part of the ushijima clan. but you already knew that.

and the ushijima clan? they’re involved in politics, law, business and real estate plus several other industries.

you’d think they’re normal. but there is no such thing as normality within a clan with such an absurd amount of power and influence. at a second glance and after further investigation, you’ve found out few of them have multiple fraudulent charges. involvement in human and drug trafficking— illegal activities, guilt by association and connections with the mafia.

although a huge majority faced no consequences, useless trials and accusations. they’re all free and roaming around the streets of tokyo with their hands stained.

the media doesn’t cover their corrupt practices enough and you can’t expect less from a clan as powerful. not that you would know. you’re not familiar with clans, nor their activities. but bribing and manipulation– they’re perfect examples of privilege and power. like the snake’s apple rotten to its very core, putrid and flawed just like you would expect it to be. corruption feels like a temptation they were not able to resist and you wonder how many victims their vice and greed have caused.

the very difference is ushijima wakatoshi keeps his life away from the public eye. it feels like he’d been completely excluded and excused from the sins of his clan. a nature he got himself rid off. in appearance, perhaps— and you remember the comments he made yesterday. his past is clear and so is his impeccable public image. no charges stain his reputation and strangely enough, a part of you wishes wakatoshi was nothing like the rest of his clan.

corrupted. dirty.

a man whose morality would cause nothing but destruction and suffering. a complete monster. and a horrid taste of repulsion fills your mouth at the mere thought. it runs through you and you fear its contamination would sicken you to death. but wakatoshi said it himself. his clan has a different approach.

what’s his approach then? when your entire family is so obscenely rotten, how do you become a different man?

the more you think of it, the more nauseous you become, so you stop and you hope tendō can sense your sarcasm.

“good to know. i’m relieved now.”

“relax,” he pats your shoulder a few times, an attempt to ease you off, “i’m just kidding. wakatoshi would never hurt someone like you. unless you really piss him off. which you won’t!”

you’re reminded of the many, many times you got on ushijima’s nerves. bullied him. called him an old man— such insults you deemed justified at the moment, but now, looking in retrospect, messing around with a man like him was not a brilliant idea. at all. but then again, being picked up (kidnapped) by his assistant was not a thing you expected. a real life encounter was not in your schedule.

you let go of the air stuck in your lungs as soon as the elevator doors open, you exhale too fast, maybe too audibly and you hope tendou didn’t hear you. he leads you to a tall, dark door at the end of a corridor in front of which two men are standing, both carrying ar-15 rifles. the freedom you were praying for was just an illusion.

amazing.

tendō is quick to notice your increasing panic “they haven’t used them in a week. only for emergencies, you know.”

“good morning, tendō, miss. put your personal belongings over there. your phone included.” one of them proceeds to body check you.

“what’s all this fuss about? ” you ask and he replies with a dry “microphones.” he opens the massive door and a man so intimidating reveals himself you’re weak in the knees.

“good morning.”

you gulp.

ushijima wakatoshi is an elegant man. you wouldn’t call yourself poor– no, you aren’t. but two worlds separate you and it’s more obvious than ever.

his voice sends shivers down your spine, deep, he stands imposant in front of you, tall and broad, he molds the atmosphere into something intimidating and quite dark.

in a navy suit, ushijima leans against a desk, arms crossed against his chest. he watches every single move you make. you’re a prey caught in the middle of something far beyond your control, a gazelle if you want; and he’s the lion preparing to feast on you. an eagle looking down at its prey.

he looks flawless. he exudes wealth our of every single pore, he’s well-groomed, shaved, he sports a wristwatch on his right hand. the suit, the navy necktie and vest, the white button up hiding underneath— all seem tailored for him, they fit him almost too perfectly and his shoes are polished impeccably. he has the mannerism of an educated, wealthy man, yet natural as if he’s been born to do this. but he’s rather stiff and you can’t help but notice after staring at him with dread in your eyes for a few moments.

his office is of the same refinement, very few baroque paintings decorate the dark walls— a brown, long desk is placed in the middle of the room and behind it, the stunning view suprises you— the sunrise, the skyscraper, the beauty of a city seen from afar. a table coffee made out of dark wood, a brown leather couch and two matching armchair and carpets; a couple of bookshelves and a newspaper abandoned on his table next to a cup of coffee. despite the lack of colour, it’s not as cold as you’d expect it to be. and ushijima looks like the missing piece of a puzzle, he fits perfectly in the middle of the office.

“you seem to lack basic manners. you are supposed to say it back.”

how rude.

“my sincere apologies , mr ushijima. i’ve been too busy preparing for my sentence.” you gulp again, and you hope he’ll spare you the scolding.

“what exactly are you talking about?”

“i’m joking. unless…. you’re actually planning to behead me.”

“i do not have a beheading scheduled for today. have i not told you i do not plan to harm you?”

scheduled. beheading. there is no way he’s being serious.

“before you kidnapped me.”

“i did not kidnap you.” his seriousness is baffling, “i requested your presence.” he argues, convinced he didn’t kindap you. or maybe he’s just incredibly bad at convincing people.

“i think you have no idea what a request means. you kidnapped me. and stalked me.”

“have a seat.” he glances at the nearest leather chair.

“why am i here?”

“sit down.”

“why am i here?” you demand again.

“i need your help.”

“my help? me? from all people, a mere citizen of tokyo, helping you, ushijima wakatoshi?”

“your social position does not equate to your qualities and worth. you underestimate yourself.”

was that a… compliment?

“have i not made myself clear when i told you to have a seat?” he pulls out the chair and this time you listen, “you must sign this non disclosure agreement. you are not permitted to share any of the information i will be telling you today. under no circumstance.”

you feel his gaze piercing through your body like a bullet even when he’s behind you, but he moves immediately. it was enough to be aware of his cologne, the sensation of his body being merely inches away from yours.

“where’s my lawyer? i need a lawyer”

“a lawyer? your demand is completely understandable, but it is just a confidentiality agreement.”

“it was a joke, mr ushijima. what if i did, though? what if i told my dad?”

“i will be adding two beheadings to my schedule.”

is he trying to make a joke?

“he’s not being serious.”

“it was a joke.” he looks at tendō as if he’s waiting for his approval, as if he’s never made a joke in his entire life.

“it’s not funny when you do it.”

“but you should not be signing important contracts without a lawyer.”

almost twenty horrendously slow minutes have passed since ushijima opened his mouth and you dread each second and clock ticking, as if he’s going to erupt, pull out a handgun and shoot you.

tendō left as soon as his boss begun his speech. instead of looking at ushijima, you keep staring at the clock on the wall, tick tock, tick tock, each sound feels heavier than the previous and so do you in that leather chair, your butt hurts and you’re sweating profusely.

never has he raised his voice at you— although intimidating, ushijima’s voice feels plain with almost no inflections. deep, thick and indifferent, direct and lacking emotions, but more empathetic with the minimum of politeness when he offered you coffee— which you hoped was not drugged or poisoned, but you threw a couple of sugar cubes in there and enjoyed it nonetheless instead of refusing. enjoyed is maybe an exaggeration, you tried to accept it while your leg was bouncing, betraying the confidence you presented yourself with.

ushijima wakatoshi needs a girlfriend. a fake girlfriend.

he didn’t shy away from explaining his plan in great detail. being part of a clan is an inescapable obligation and his public image is a weight ushijima holds on both his shoulders now that his family has fucked up (he did not use those exact words) he, on the other hand, prefers to keep his affairs private. and never has ushijima been more concerned, given it’s something he isn’t good at. he confessed in the exact same tone he’s spoken with, flat and unbothered.

he sits in his leather chair right in front of you, forearms on the surface of his desk: beautiful arms and hands with long, thick fingers. well manicured, calloused with a few scratches and almost unnoticeable scars here and there.

ushijima is a very handsome man. tall and masculine, you have the feeling there’s a lot hiding underneath his suit– obviously, his muscles, his sturdy body and, well, something else. it would be a shame not to think of it. and who are you to not surrender to your rawest desires? to think of him shirtless and-

“is there anything wrong with my pants?” he asked at some point and you, caught right in the act reply swiftly, “no, sorry. i was just zoning out.”

“while looking at my pants?”

“i’ll make sure to look at your wristwatch next time, it looks expensive. how much? one million yen?”

“seven.”

why would you think of ushijima shirtless? he’s not your type. he’s too stuck up. but is he handsome? absolutely.

restoring the image of his clan is a task he’s been assigned with. somewhat bothersome, in his opinion— but then again, it’s his responsibility. there’s a certain ounce of respect he keeps in his tone while talking about his clan. after everything they’ve done, he still respects them?

ushijima has been sent a dozen of profiles and he cannot recall the last time he went on a blind date. he is simply too busy. he said he’s not interested when you accidentally texted him and you’re relieved for some reason. that he chose you? maybe. he thought of you as the perfect candidate, of course, it was tendō’s idea and he pondered it for two days.

also he is part of the mafia. and he mentioned it briefly.

as if being part of the mafia is unexceptionally boring and again, no inflections seem to expose his emotions. the company is a façade for his clan to control, own and monitor the tokyo estate industry better and closely. ushijima is not a ceo as much as he is an actor. a part of a ploy which benefits about 90% of his clan and their affairs. he occupies himself with other important matters. (such as?)

he’s become an eligible bachelor, and in his family’s opinion “a (fake) partner and perhaps a future wife would benefit us greatly.” and distract from the ongoing stratagem and boost their image. outside and inside the mafia world. mostly outside.

his clan does not associate itself with the mafia. his family is the mafia. together with very few clans, families and men and people whom they collaborate with. you’d be shocked to find out how many people have come to them in need of help, for them to do the dirty work. their business has rarely been divulged with the outside world. secrecy runs deep within, contracts, bribery, threats and murder keep them hidden under the rug.

that’s why the media rarely talks about his clan if you were to ignore the rumors and gossip. it’s a game of control, if you want. though some people know, they would never open their mouths. if they do, death follows them.

ushijima will give you a contract and a week to read it and make a decision. tendou will be a bodyguard until then and you will live in a temporary apartment. if you sign the contract, you’ll be moving in and live with ushijima.

“i don’t know what to say. will you kill me if i say no?”

“no. you will be free to go. however, if you divulge any of the information i shared with you today, there will be consequences.”

you don’t plan to ask him what consequences, but one can imagine what punishment they will receive for divulging top secret information after signing an NDA with ushijima wakatoshi.

“there is a phone in this envelope. encrypted, a sim card, the contract and a credit card. if you refuse to sign the contract, you can have it back. until then, use this phone. for the sake of your own safety.”

“a credit card?”

“i thought it would be an appropriate gift after today. spend as much as you want until next week. tendō is waiting for you, you should go. have a nice day.”

“will you leave me alone if i don’t sign the contract?”

“yes.”

⩇⩇:⩇⩇ NOTE — almost 2 months later, i’m FINALLY back with part 5 </3 this mafia is very different from the typical yakuza, i’ll explain everything soon !! i loved writing this chapter and i’d love to hear your thoughts <3

likes, reblogs, comments and feedback are all very appreciated 🤍

[hualianff]

10 examples of HC’s cat, E’Ming, being a brat:

1. Pushing things off counters such as his keys, hand towels, paperwork, and hair ties - especially when HC is looking directly at her.

2. HC suddenly fighting for his life in the middle of the night because E’Ming decided to plop herself right on HC’s chest, staring at him with owl eyes, daring him to push her off.

HC does. Except this continues to happen numerous times throughout the night. HC gives up and goes back to sleep with shallow breaths.

Then wakes up at 6 AM sharp to E’Ming violently making biscuits on his tiddies, reminding him it’s breakfast time.

3. E’Ming randomly nipping him when he’s just trying to pet her, damn it! But during the times HC is preoccupied, E’Ming yowls like she’s paid to get the neighbors to call animal services on them!

4. Walking all over HC’s keyboard when he’s trying to work. Sitting on the exact papers he’s trying to look at. Chewing on his fancy pens.

5. Being a PICKY eater.

6. Perching menacingly on the bathroom counter while he showers, staring directly through the glass door.

7. Escaping once a month, also known as giving HC a heart attack once a month.

8. Weaving through his long legs to the point HC trips when trying to avoid stepping on her.

9. E’Ming pawing at the bead in HC’s braided hair.

HC: “NO-“

E’Ming: “MREOWWW!” *bites on the braid*

10. E’Ming scaling HC’s back when she wants to be held, ripping the back of his shirts in the process.

***

1 pro that makes the previous 10 things less insufferable:

1. E’Ming is a Gege-attractor.

***

1 con that cancels out the previous pro:

1. E’Ming is a Gege-hogger.

[extra: E’Ming is a blue-baller.]

***

1. E’Ming wiggling her way between gege’s legs while Hualian make out on the couch…

HC: “DAMN IT NOT NOW-“

XL: “hi sweet girl~”

2. E’Ming loafing on XL’s chest as he lays on the couch. HC comes to join but as he leans forward to kiss XL, E’Ming places her paw on his lips-

HC: “the audacity of my fucking cat- MOVE-!”

Before HC can pick E’Ming up, the cat has wrapped her body around XL’s neck, purring up a storm. XL laughs in delight. His hands gently pet E’Ming’s black, soft fur.

XL: “my noble, gracious protector” *kisses E’Ming’s fur*

HC: 🧍‍♂️

3. E’Ming appearing out of nowhere to aggressively bat HC’s head as he’s about to enter XL-

HC: 😑

Thus, Hualian end up closing HC’s bedroom door every time they need alone time. Sometimes, they put on a playlist to block out E’Ming’s tantrum.

After they’re done. XL goes to let E’Ming in. But before she enters, her nose scrunches up.

She sniffs a couple times. Then glares at HC.

And sprints away.

***

Miraculously, XL has a sixth sense in catching any item E’Ming decides to sweep off the counter.

It’s their thing because E’Ming always tries to be unpredictable but somehow XL IS ALWAYS THERE!? HE’S ALWAYS READY??

IS HE STALKING HER???

XL, catching all the mail E’Ming flung off in succession: “aiya, stop! you know it‘s useless. i’ll just keep catching everything you drop.”

E’Ming: [annoyed] “mrreow!!”

XL: “keep dreaming, kitten” :)

E’Ming: [jumps off counter and retreats to HC’s bedroom]

HC, watching from the side, starstruck: “I think I just fell deeper in love with you, Gege.”

***

No matter what HC claims, he still loves and cares for E’Ming immensely. He actually spoils her to bits by buying her the tastiest food packed with nutrition and the most addicting catnip toys that she could play with for hours.

HC is also in the process of installing high ledges on the wall to create an elevated cat jungle for E’Ming to play on. When he mentions this to XL for the first time, XL raises an eyebrow and smiles, amused.

XL: “she has you wrapped around her sassy little tail, doesn’t she?”

HC, in realization: 🫠

***

When Hualian decide to move in together, XL brings his pet snake, Ruoye, to HC’s apartment.

E’Ming’s fur poofs up in defense when she first spots the long, pale creature behind the glass tank. When Ruoye’s tongue flicks out, E’Ming books it out of the living room.

Absolutely terrifying, she concludes.

But as the months pass by, E’Ming comes to accept this foreign thing must stay. It doesn’t stop her from staring at Ruoye for long periods of time, or from trying to intimidate the snake with a front-row-seat to her wrestling a stuffed animal frog WWE-style.

But they manage to get along. Eventually, it will be safe enough that XL can take Ruoye out and hang her on his neck while he completes chores and E’Ming will insistently tag along.

Plus, all the dead mice that E’Ming proudly drops at HC’s feet can contribute towards Ruoye’s food source.

***

XL’s moving in also means a boost in social events HC is a part of. Not that he minds too much because most of the time it’s people both he and XL are familiar with.

If E’Ming can be a total brat to the one who puts a roof over her head and food in her bowl, then she can be satan’s literal spawn to humans in every other category. (Excluding XL, of course.)

Cue HC subjecting his devil cat to certain somebodies during their Chinese New Year dinner.

E’Ming actually doesn’t mind HX. For years, HX looked after her when HC was away, and she quite likes HX’s scent for some reason…fishy.

But HX, in his all black attire, steers clear from the black furball who will bite him if he doesn’t feed her the special treats he usually has and currently doesn’t.

MQ and E’Ming have glaring contests. Every time. E’Ming looks like she’s preparing to attack MQ’s leg? Go on, he seethes with his eyes. I dare you.

E’Ming stalks away with her chin tipped up.

MQ is also the only one who can stop E’Ming from pushing things off the counter with one tongue-click.

However, no matter how hard MQ tries to prevent it, E’Ming always squeezes her way in to watch him go to the bathroom.

FX high-key really wants to pet E’Ming but he doesn’t stand a chance.

MQ to FX: “you know, it doesn’t help that you have dogs”

FX: “s-shut up”

E’Ming walking by…

FX: “hiiii, hellooo sweet thing!”

E’Ming: 👁👁

FX: “…pspspsp-“

E’Ming hisses, then trots away.

Right into YY’s arms.

Because for some reason, E’Ming LOVES YY. She always greets him at the front door with a soft “mrrrp??” and then rub her cheek on his legs until he picks her up.

YY holds her like a baby, rocking slightly. E’Ming immediately begins purring loudly, slowly closing her eyes.

HC: “you know you’re stuck with her for awhile now?”

YY: “yeah” *heads to the chair in the corner*

If you listen closely, you can hear FX sobbing in the background.

***

w/ @no-one-says-hi

《2》

[just-another-linguist]

House of Finarfin pet headcanons

Finrod: We all know he had snakes. Its the number 1# headcanon going around on silm tumblr lately. It's fanon at this point. I agree to this headcanon and I have nothing else to say except FINROD WITH GIGANTIC YELLOW PYTHON MY BELOVED.

Galadriel: Doriath's most popular pet songbirds. She loved to keep canaries and finches as pets. The feanorians were pissed because she didnt even try to set her birds free, although finches and canaries were native in Doriath and most birds were not bred but caught from the wild and then kept in cages. This was considered unorthudox later on and was banned during the long peace. Also, birds are considered tame and not dangerous in elven society, but every bird owner knows they're fucking maniacs and will try to make your life hell, which kind of reminds me of Galadriel. Looks harmeless from the outside (to elves, not to hobbits or men), but is completely unhinged on the inside. In Valinor she didn't keep any pets of her own, but sometimes she tended after her brother's snake.

Angrod: Didn't keep any pets and thought them quite useless. Loved horses tho. Especially those the Feanorians stole from them :) ...

Aegnor: rabbit/bunny person. Had four bunnies/rabbits in Valinor, but he didn't brought them with him to Beleriand. Also had two chinchillas in Valinor, but only because he was royalty. Chinchillas were normally not kept as pets in Valinor, but the Valar allowed it because of him being partly vanyarin (line of Indis favouritism). Earwen took care of them while he was away. Loved horses like his brother. Was quite upset when the feanorians took them.

Bonus: Finrod's pets in Nargothrond

Finrod of course didn't take his python with him over the ice. Reptiles needed a warm enviroment to survive and the ice was freezing cold. He didn't keep any pets until the making of Nargothrond. The men of Beor kept many dogs, but they didn't gave him any of their dogs or puppies. When Curufin joined in Nargothrond, he brought his cats with him, which was quite a surprise. Cats were not often kept in elven society. There are two options what happens when someone does something rather unusual or new: 1. Discrimination and opression and 2. it becomes a trend. Both options are not moral ways to look at change. In this case, it was the latter. In only the span of several months almost everyone in Nargothrond owned a cat, thanks to Curufin Feanor Junior 2.0, who inherited the skills of his father in convincing large crowds of people to do exactly what he tells them to do. Curufin and Feanor would have been great influencers and politicians in real life, methinks. Now Finrod, Curufin's self-diagnosed rival, did not approve this, mostly because it gave Curufin more political power and this was his kingdom and not Curufin's. If anyone is a trendsetter in Nargothrond, it's the high king Finrod Felagund and not Feanor Jr. So what did King Dunglalef do? He tried to set a trend too. Tried.

It ended in a disaster.

Mr. Eldest Son Of Finarfin was the elv who bred the first Welsh Corgi. A round of applause for Findarato here. There are two ways a trend can end: 1. It dies, but it had an significant impact and 2. It dies, but it had no significant impact whatsoever and the trend only lasted, for like, a week or something. In this case, it was the latter. At first, the whole plan worked. The people went on from Curufin's cat trend to Finrod's welsh corgi trend. At this point, Curufin's cat trend lasted for about two years, which was quite a long time for a trend to live. Cats were not looked down upon anymore and much, much more people owned a cat and cared for it then before. Finrod Felanop, of course, hoped his welsh corgies would spread the same way and their popularity would rise. This worked at first. However, people were still affected by the cat trend and a lot of people genuinely did not like welsh corgies, so the welsh corgi hype lasted for about two months and then died down.

If you need real life comparison, It was kind of like goncharov and zepotha, for example. Or the rainbow flag and the straight flag. Or the Fall Guys hype, the Wellerman hype and the World's smallest violin hype.

So yeah, Finrod is a terrible trendsetter and the Welsh Corgi pet trend was terrible. He did own Welsh Corgies, tho. Men loved them, dwarves found them lame.