#The Promise Of A King

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

The Promise Of A King Pt. 6

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Word Count: 4k

Warnings: still nothing really lol

Genre: mostly fluff

Summary: When your parents surprise you with the news that you are going to marry one of Asgard's princes you're not exactly thrilled. It's not made any better by said prince giving you the cold shoulder from the very moment you arrive. Now, not only do you have to worry about acclimating to an unfamiliar place but you must do so while preparing to marry someone who seems to absolutely detest you before you've said five words to him. You know you're duty-bound but why does it have to be so difficult?

***

When you return to your bedroom, your maids begin preparing you for dinner. Lily insists you change after being outside all day, so you let them swap your clothes and change your hair and makeup to match.

"So how was your tea with her majesty?" Ella asks as she fixes your hair.

"The queen has decided to take my relationship with Loki, or lack thereof I suppose into her own hands." You say.

"What do you mean?" Anne asks.

"She set me up on- essentially a blind date with him. Blind-sighted us both actually."

"Really?! Did you have fun?" Anne asks.

"Fun might be too strong a word Annie dear." You chuckle.

"What happened?" Lily asks.

"Well I beat him to the gardens so of course when he arrived he was not happy to see me. We argued, unsurprisingly but the guards were told not to let us leave for an hour. Everything I do seems to agitate him." You frown. "Oh we did have a moment- I said I wanted a pastry to be warm and he warmed it with magic. It's the only kind thing he's done for me since I got here actually. I was surprised."

"Oh that's cute." Anne gasps.

"So did you argue most of the hour other than that?" Ella asks.

"Actually most of the hour we just sat in silence, but when we did talk, it was definitely a back and forth. I called him some names I normally wouldn't use but he's just so rude- most of the time."

"If you were only required to spend an hour together what did you do after that?" Lily asks.

"After he left I walked around the gardens with one of the guards for a while."

"Which guard?" Ella asks.

"Sir Ulf!"

"Oh he's so hot!" Anne gushes.

"Annie!" Lily tsks at her.

"Yes he's- attractive. He's also very sweet."

"Most of the guards are really kind here." Ella nods.

"Agreed."

"You should head to dinner before you're late." Lily says.

"You're correct. I'll see you girls in the morning."

"You don't want us to wait for you to return to help you to bed?" Anne asks.

"You don't have to. I'll get myself ready tonight thank you. Enjoy your night girls!" You say as you leave the room. When you enter the dining room queen Frigga smiles at you before you even sit down.

"Lady y/n! Hello!" Thor says cheerily.

"Hello Thor. How are you today?" You ask with a smile as you begin eating.

"I'm great. I didn't see you at all today."

"Oh- were you looking for me? I was in the gardens most of the afternoon."

"In the gardens? By yourself?"

"For a spell." You nod.

"Did you enjoy your time in the gardens child?" Frigga asks with a smile.

"I did. Though I might be alone in that opinion."

"Who would disagree with you?" Thor frowns. Loki lets out a clearly frustrated sigh.

"Speaking of, mother, I would appreciate it if you didn't meddle so heavily in my affairs." Loki says.

"These affairs you're speaking of, I'll remind you Loki, do not just affect you alone." Odin says.

"I'm definitely missing something." Thor mutters.

"I don't need you setting up playdates for me like I am a child." Loki grits out.

"It was afternoon tea, not a playdate Loki." Odin rolls his eyes.

"Your parents surprised me and Loki today by arranging for us to have tea together in the gardens without telling either of us." You say to Thor when the frown of confusion on his face deepens.

"Oh! Now I understand. Loki doesn't want to go on dates with you." Thor nods.

"In no uncertain terms, that is correct." You manage a chuckle even though Thor's declaration does cause a light pang in your chest. After all, it's not easy to know that your husband to be has absolutely no desire to know you.

"I didn't say that." Loki snaps. "I said, I don't want our parents setting me up like I'm a child. If I want to go on dates I can manage to do that without help." Loki sighs.

"But you've made no attempt to do so with Lady y/n and she's to be your wife. So- you don't want to go on dates with her." Thor says.

"This is not about if I want to or not it's about mom and dad and their meddling."

"You've made it clear you don't want to Loki. I don't know what you're bothering to argue with Thor about it. Your Majesties, I know you're well-intentioned but there is no benefit in forcing Loki to interact with me, all we do is argue if we bother speaking to each other at all. We will get married as intended, we don't have to like each other to do it." You say rubbing your temple slightly.

"Y/n-" Thor frowns.

"If it's alright with you your Majesties, I'd like to be excused." You say, refusing to look at Loki.

"You're excused y/n. I'll send for you later this evening. If you're up for visiting me tonight, please come." Frigga says with a softness in her eyes.

"Yes your highness." You nod and leave. When you enter your room you sigh. You almost wish you hadn't dismissed your ladies so early, it'd be nice to talk with them after that. You draw yourself a bath and take your time undressing and undoing your hair. You sink into the water of your bath with a relieved exhale. The water is warm and you poured your favorite essential oils into it. It's a knock at your room door that finally pulls you out of the bath, thoroughly relaxed and skin clean. You open the door to find one of the queen's ladies at your door.

"Sorry for disturbing you Lady y/n, Queen Frigga would like to see you in her chambers, but only if you feel up to it. You are allowed to decline." She rushes out.

"Tell the queen I will join her shortly. I just need a moment to get ready." You say with a small smile.

"Of course." She nods and leaves the room. You rub lotion into your skin and put on one of your nightgowns, covering yourself with a long silk robe that has a feather trim. The sleeves are large and the end of the robe trails behind you slightly. You make your way to the queen's chambers and when the doors are opened she greets you with a hug.

"Hello my child, I'm glad you came!" She tells you kindly.

"Hello your highness." You say.

"How are you feeling?" She asks.

"I'm alright, I was just enjoying a bath before I came here." You tell her.

"And your tea with Loki this afternoon?" She smiles and the glint in her eyes when she does makes it clear that Loki takes after his mother in many ways, his taste for mischief included.

"It was fine Queen Frigga, though like I said at dinner, Loki and I either argue or simply don't speak to each other. I don't think your plan really helped with that. But I enjoyed my time in the gardens."

"Yes, the gardens are lovely, aren't they?" She hums.

"Absolutely." You nod.

"You seemed a bit stressed at dinner, I wanted to check on you because of it."

"Just- I know Loki doesn't like any of this, which is fine- it's just tiring. I'm alright your highness, thank you for asking though." You nod.

"I know you've resigned yourself to Loki's coldness but I think he will come around. It may be hard to believe, but I do."

"I admire your optimism, your highness."

"But you don't believe me?"

"I want to! I barely know Loki and he is your son, if one of us could guess what will happen it's more likely to be you. It's just that- save for one moment this afternoon it's hard to believe he cares for my presence at all."

"There was a moment this afternoon? What happened?"

"I mentioned I wanted one of the pastries warmed and he warmed it with magic that's all. It was following a string of contentious conversations though, everything I do seems to bother him. Even my friendship with Thor." You shake your head.

"That one- well without getting into too much detail, Loki has always felt in competition with his brother. Perhaps your friendship with Thor makes Loki feel like he has one more area to compete in."

"The irony of that is Thor's kindness to me is a direct response to Loki's lack of it. I'm sure Thor is friendly with everyone but he's obviously trying to make up for Loki's coldness by making me feel as welcomed as he can manage. Besides, Thor would never try to take something from Loki or anything."

"We know that- though truthfully Loki has trouble believing that anyone is looking out for him, besides me and himself. Of course that is not your problem and you always have your get out card." Frigga says.

"I know you said you wouldn't allow me to walk down the aisle until Loki was kinder to me but I don't know how beneficial it will be to delay the union indefinitely. Even if Loki doesn't speak to me at least I know his harshness will not go beyond words and I worry if my parents set another match for me I won't have that."

"Your standards are a man who won't hit you?" The queen looks shocked at your concession.

"When I have no control over the kind of man my parents choose for me to marry, that's the only thing I can hope for." You shrug.

"My dear child, we have every intention of seeing you become part of this family. I just want to see a smile on your face when you have to walk through that great hall."

"Even if my marriage is not one from fairytales, I will be content having you to call a mother and Thor to call a brother." You tell her, and you truly mean that.

"Now it is my turn to admire your optimism." She chuckles.

"We can move forward with the ceremony whenever you and king Odin see fit. You have my go-ahead. I don't need Loki to love me."

"A loveless marriage can be a painful one."

"There are many things I can love even married to a man who can hardly stand the idea. I intend to find them all." You hold your head up high as you speak. "I've already found plenty. The library, the gardens, laughing with Thor, the music room-"

"You play music?" She gasps.

"I do." You nod.

"You'll have to play something for me one day."

"Of course your majesty." Queen Frigga glances out of an open window momentarily before turning back to you.

"I've kept you for quite some time, my dear. I'll let you go now, please rest well." She smiles.

"Goodnight Allmother." You say leaving her room. You make your way through the winding halls of the palace, humming quietly to yourself as you return to your room. Your chats with the queen are another thing you've found to love and you hope to have them with her often.

~*~*~

"Lady y/n!" Thor's voice booms through the library where you've curled up in a chair with a book. You stand and walk out of your corner to where Thor can see you.

"Hi Thor. What brings you here?" You smile at him.

"Well I was looking for you and your maids said I could find you in the library."

"Yes, I'm here pretty often when it's empty."

"When it's empty?"

"I've noticed Loki also has an affinity for the library so I plan my visits around his."

"That's actually what I wanted to talk about."

"Me avoiding Loki in the library?" Your brows pinch together.

"Well no- not that particularly but your relationship with him."

"Oh Thor- you are your mother's child." You muse.

"What do you mean?"

"She asked to see me last night to talk about Loki too. You're both so thoughtful."

"I worry about you, about how indifferent you act to his coldness. Asgard has been hard enough on you without Loki being so unwelcoming." Thor frowns.

"I appreciate it Thor, I really do. You don't have to worry though. I'm not so easily shaken that Loki's misplaced resentment will keep me up at night."

"I know you mean that as a comfort but that is exactly what worries me. You're his bride and you both seem so unconcerned with each other."

"I'm going to marry him because that's what I've been told to do. It doesn't matter if we are concerned with each other at all. In truth, I would like us to at least get along but this is an arranged marriage so- I'm not so foolish that I'm holding out hope that this will be my happily ever after. Like I told your mother I will find ways to make the best of things."

"If you want to get along why not make more of an effort to do so? You avoid him. How will that help things?" Thor asks.

"I avoid him because he's rude and cold. I'd like to be friends but not at the expense of- well anything really. Why should I have to force him to talk to me? We're getting married and he can barely stand to be in the same room as me. It's embarrassing. I won't make it worse by begging for his kindness Thor."

"I don't recommend doing that at all. I do think Loki just takes a while to come around so- maybe don't give up on him yet. Okay?"

"I have to marry him Thor, I won't subject myself to emotional damage but we do have a long time if he ever decides to sort out whatever problems Loki has." You shrug.

"You can always come to me- you know if things get any worse. You'll always have my support."

"Thank you Thor. I know." You smile.

"Good. I'll leave you to your reading then. See you at dinner."

"Of course. Enjoy whatever you do this afternoon." Thor shoots you a smile and leaves the library. You return to your corner quickly, not noticing someone entering as Thor exited.

"You spend far too much time with him." A voice calls as you disappear behind a bookcase. You back up and find Loki striding towards you.

"What?" You frown.

"Thor. You spend too much time with him." Loki says. You roll your eyes and return to your large chair as you respond.

"I can spend my time however I want to Loki. Especially since that time isn't yours." You open your book.

"Who said anything about it being mine? There are simply better ways you can spend your time." He shrugs.

"Thank you for your worthless input that I did not ask you for."

"Are you angry with me?" Loki smirks.

"And why would I be angry with you?" You ask flatly, focusing your eyes on the pages of your book.

"Because you know I'm correct."

"You are so insufferably arrogant. I don't think you're correct I think you're annoying. My friendship with Thor is very important to me, so spending time with him is invaluable to me despite your- difference of opinion."

"Invaluable." He chuckles. You huff and stand up, intent on ending this conversation by leaving. "Wait-" Loki says before you can even round the corner and despite your instincts, you stop. "You don't have to leave." He sighs.

"I don't want to hear you pass judgment on the ways I pass my time here. I'm alone in a foreign place and besides your mother, Thor has been the kindest to me since I arrived. You can turn your nose up all you fucking want but you have no idea how isolating this is for me." You point at him with the book so aggressively for a moment he thinks you might hit him with it.

"I'm sorry. I know what isolation is like."

"Do you now?" You scoff, putting your book back on the shelf. You're not in the mood to finish it.

"I do." He frowns, frustrated that you seem unbelieving. "But you don't believe me."

"To feel isolated in a world that's meant to be your home is something I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for you to understand."

"Meant to be your home?"

"I'm going to marry you Loki. Asgard is your home and therefore it will be mine. I'm obviously not welcome here by anyone except for Thor and your parents though I'm sure Odin is only interested in the political benefit of my being here. The point is- it is easy to pass judgment from your position of comfort but I am a stranger here, a fact you confirm every time you look at me."

"Do I?"

"You don't want me here. You make it clear. How am I supposed to feel as though Asgard is my home if the man binding me to this place doesn't even pretend to welcome me?"

"Every time I think I'm beginning to understand you- you throw me for another loop."

"If you only ever pay attention to one thing I say let it be this. I am not a piece of artwork that you can dissect by simply staring at me from afar. If you ever want to 'understand' me at all, Loki of Asgard, you will have to take a more involved approach."

"What?"

"Your typical passive observation will not help you."

"How do you know I-"

"At the ball. You talked to very few people and your eyes were everywhere. Watching without engaging."

"You seem to do the same."

"I do, you can learn much by watching- as long as the people you're watching remain unaware."

"What do you mean by that?"

"When people know they are being watched they are usually not themselves. You can't learn anything from people who are performing the version of them that they want to be seen."

"I suppose you're right about that." Loki muses. "Is that why you say I can't learn about you from watching? Because you know I'm watching?"

"Not just you. I am not comfortable in Asgard so I am hardly ever going to be myself when others are present."

"You seem comfortable with Thor."

"More so than I am with most here. Thor and the queen, they- create spaces where I feel something akin to comfort yes but even they are... unfamiliar to me. I am most at ease here in the library. Alone of course. And in the gardens."

"Alone there as well?"

"Maybe- though it's easier to find myself completely alone here than outside." You shrug.

"I too prefer my own company." Loki offers after a moment of silence.

"Is that why marriage doesn't appeal to you?"

"Bold assumption." He smirks.

"Yes well, we're finally having a conversation. I'm taking advantage of that." You say.

"Smart girl." Loki comes off the bookshelf he was leaning on to sit in the chair beside yours. "It isn't that marriage doesn't appeal to me- it's that this- is growing increasingly out of my control." When you don't say anything Loki continues, "I didn't mean to upset you, with what I said at dinner."

"What?" You blink at him.

"The thing about going on dates- you seemed upset by my addressing my parents, and arguing with Thor."

"I wasn't. I knew you had no interest in being in the garden with me. The conversation was just growing tiresome the longer it went on and I wanted it to end. Even if I wasn't personally hurt by your comments it's not exactly fun dinner talk to hear your betrothed complain about spending time with you." You muse.

"That wasn't the issue." He says softly.

"I don't need your explanations."

"Maybe not- but I offer them anyway. Like I was trying to explain to Thor, we're not children. We don't need meetings to be orchestrated under false pretense."

"Loki, it's clear to everyone in the castle that you have no interest in us having meetings of any sort, orchestrated or not. Why go to such lengths to defend your decision to avoid me? Nobody is asking for your justification and honestly it feels like you're just doing it to get me to care about how little you want me here. Just so we're clear I do get that you don't want me here but I can't change anything so I won't cry about it. You can stop telling me you only hate me because of our circumstances. I don't care."

"I don't hate you."

"I'm being hyperbolic. Don't get so caught up in the verbiage Loki. My point still stands."

"I don't know how to make you understand how I'm feeling- I don't hate you, I don't dislike you. Gods I don't even think I want you to leave. I hate feeling like none of this was my choice. I hate that you feel trapped here, trapped with me. I hate many things but you are not one of them. Honestly, if it weren't a union forced by my parents I would be excited to have a life with you but I thought- perhaps, with enough obvious dissonance my parents would be convinced this union was a bad idea and call it off but no matter what I do you grin and bare it. You scold me and I feel bad for being an ass- a girl I hardly know makes me feel guilty for being rude- trying to free her from a union she's already decided would be an unhappy one! It's- bewildering."

"I wouldn't feel so trapped if you had been nicer when I arrived. Or even if you had been honest with me. Instead I was met with cold glares and indifferent silence from the moment I got here- of course I expect an unhappy marriage- you wouldn't even speak to me." You frown.

"I'm sorry- I thought we'd both be better off if I could get this whole thing cancelled, even as a grew to admire you."

"Your mother offered me a way out. I don't know how easily she would've convinced the king but- she told me once if things got any worse that I should tell her right away and she'd call it off."

"Ouch- no confidence there." He half jokes.

"I think she knew you were treating me coldly as a form of protest, and I think she feared you were more committed to your protest than to accepting me. I guess she hoped my sense of self preservation would kick in if it got out of hand, but she did want us to get along and- I guess she thought if we just spent time together you would quit protesting so hard."

"Hence the surprise garden date."

"Exactly."

"Did she tell you all this?"

"In many more words, it was implied. Although she didn't tell me the garden date was going to happen. She told me she had a plan and would alert me when it was time. When her servant came to call me to the gardens I thought she'd be telling me what she planned only to instead trap us for an hour."

"You seemed quite alright with that."

"Well, I had tea, and flowers, and pastries- and sometimes your frustration is amusing."

"I can't believe my mother did all that to try and put a stop to my very genius plan."

"Did it work?" You ask before you can talk yourself out of it. Loki is quiet for a long while before he answers you.

"I think it did." He nods.

"You'd never know from your reaction."

"Yes well, I spent the first thirty minutes mad about it- I couldn't quit then."

"Ah- is that why you warmed the pastry? Like a little tsundere."

"A what?" Loki blinks at you as if you've grown another head.

"It's a Midgardian thing. A Japanese character type- angry and mean on the outside but very soft on the low for their person."

"Well I'm certainly not that." He crosses his arms.

"I didn't say you were I said that moment was akin to one from what I've read."

"Do you read a lot of Midgardian literature?"

"When I can. Also, your plan wasn't genius at all, quite the opposite actually."

"It would've worked if you weren't so- outspoken."

"What?" You chuckle.

"Very few people would scold the prince, or call him names for that matter on multiple occasions. You're much more resilient than I would have expected."

"Disappointed?"

"Pleasantly surprised actually. After all, the wife of the silver-tongued prince should be able to keep up with him no?" Loki smiles standing from his chair.

"All of a sudden you're much more open to this." Your eyes narrow at him.

"I think this has been a valuable conversation. I will see you at dinner, my bride." He nods to you.

"For all your shit I've put up with I expect at least one grand gesture of an apology you asshole!" You call after him as he turns the corner.

"Anything you'd like lady y/n!" He laughs as he disappears. You sag into your chair once you hear the large library doors shut. Loki is a complex and confusing man. How do you differentiate this open and communicative Loki from the cold stares he gave you before? What changed? And will it change again? 

***

Part 6/???

Tagged Users: @moonlightreader649 @crimson25 @kaogasm @just-someone11

[abisalli]

social media shenanigans with young justice

social media AU part 6

[20th-century-man]

Jayne Mansfield / King Donovan’s Promises! Promises! (1963)

Released as the Hays Code (aka the Motion Picture Production Code) began to be applied erratically and before the MPAA film rating system was introduced in 1968, this film was the first mainstream Hollywood film of the sound era to feature nudity by one of its lead actors.

[sadmitskifanatic]

i don't know how to express just how much i love this episode and especially the guest animator's bit so have some more screencaps

[starry-bi-sky]

There are two things that Damian knows that he knows Father doesn’t.

He has an older brother

He was dead

(And a secret third thing: Damian was glad he was dead. They did not get along.)

Well. No, correction, they were two things that Damian knew that Father didn't. Past tense. Strange magic swirled through the air and created a mirage before his eyes, and immediately a scowl forms across his face.

The mirage shifts and shimmers like the light hitting a slowly turning prism, and then it settles into a memory. One that Damian does not recall. Like looking into a tv screen, it shows, faintly, a room, with most of the magic going into the image of a crib.

His mother was standing on one side, and next to her, standing on his tiptoes was a small five year old boy looking up at her. With dark hair and skin that was only few shades lighter brown than Damian's, the little boy's resemblance to Damian was undeniable.

However, his eyes were blue. Not green. Damian's scowl deepens, and he sinks back. "Danyal." He mutters, and feels eyes turn on to him.

Danyal Al Ghul. Damian's older brother. A prodigal swordsman like Damian, and five years his senior. He'd be fifteen if he was still alive. His memory of the last time he saw his brother was still clear in his mind.

(A sword to Danyal's neck. Stars were glittering through his window. Damian was five, Danyal ten. He is not sure why Danyal had snuck into his room, all he remembers is hearing a sound and on instinct reaching for his sword.)

(His brother had intercepted easily. But had not shoved the sword away. Moonlight hit his blue eyes, and Damian remembers seeing the pupils shrink to let the light in. His eyes looked almost silver.)

(His brother bares his teeth at him. Damian wants to slice his neck more than anything, and he bares his teeth back. "Good." Danyal says, his voice low in a hiss, "Your reflexes are good, little brother.")

("Of course they are," Damian remembers snarling, and presses the sword closer. But it does not budge. "I am an Al Ghul.")

(Something unrecognizable passes through his brother's eyes, and his mouth twists into something like a smile. "I know." He says, and tilts his head downwards at him. "And you will be great.")

(His brother shoves the sword back, causing Damian to stumble. And like the wind, he is gone.)

(The next morning, he goes on a mission with mother and a few others. Mother is the only one to return with Danyal's sword, and a red-eyed look in her eyes. Damian does not mourn. Now there's only one of them.)

"Momma." The little Danyal-mirage speaks, a furrow between his childlike brows as mother lowers a bundle into the crib. His blue eyes watch her, and lifts onto his toes to peer into the crib as she sets the baby down. "Who is this?"

Their mother's hand comes to rest along his back. "This is Damian, my son." She murmurs, voice low. "He is your little brother. Protect him well."

Damian scoffs internally -- not likely. He remembers every spar he ever had with Danyal, every harsh word and insult. His pushing, pushing, pushing for Damian to get up. To try again. Do it again. The only kindness he ever showed him was when his fingers bled. And even that was harsh, firm. Rolling gauze around his wrist and scolding him, telling him how to wield his weapon better.

(It was the same as everyone else, but somehow it hurt worse coming from his own brother.)

But he watches his older brother's youngest self tilt his head to the side, and then reach his chubby hand through the crib's bars. He runs small, blunt fingers over the baby's arm, and the baby jerks. Through the crib's bars, Damian sees himself grab Danyal's fingers.

And he scowls even deeper.

And Danyal's eyes... widen. He lets out a little gasp, and a small smile Damian's never seen him wear tilts at the corner of his mouth as he looks up at their mother. "Mother," he whispers, "he grabbed me!"

Damian... his scowl falters, for a moment.

He doesn't wait for a response, he looks back to the baby with sparking eyes. His expression melts like sugar as he bounces the finger being gripped tight by the small hand. "Hello, little brother." His brother says, voice its of usual firmness, but there's more fondness underlying it than Damian's ever heard. "My name is Danyal."

The mirage shifts before Damian can comprehend his older brother's voice. It shows the crib again, appearing as if a few days had passed. There is night lilting through the nearby window, and a creek of the door. The baby doesn't stir.

Danyal sneaks in, still wearing his training clothes and a sword strapped to his side. Damian's scowl returns, watching him creep over to the crib. Of course -- the last night he saw his brother wasn't the only time he'd snuck into his room.

Would he go so low as to attack an infant? Damian wonders, watching his brother cross the room to his crib. But while his fingers rest against the hilt, they never curl to unsheathe.

His brother peers into the crib again, and there it is again, that smile wider in the corner of his mouth. It's not a full one, but its as uninhibited as it gets. Dripping honey-sweet with awe. "You are so tiny." Danyal whispers, and pokes a finger back through the crib. It wriggles, then pokes Damian's cheek gently. "Was I as small as you when mother gave birth to me?"

There is no response from the baby. Not a coherent one anyways, the little thing snuffles and turns his head, mouth open to latch. Danyal stills, his eyes grow ever wider again.

Danyal says nothing else, just rests his cheek against the crib and watches the baby sleep in silence. The affection never leaves his young face.

Damian feels unsettled. Off-foot. This Danyal is foreign to him... He wonders what happened to have changed his brother's mind on him.

There's a scuffle, quiet, but there. Danyal picks up on it just as Damian does, and his head pricks up like a deer, head already turning away from the crib. The affection leaves his face, falling away like water into something serious. His blade is already slightly unsheathed.

Two assassins, belonging to grandfather, burst out of the shadows. Their swords swinging into the air and ready to strike.

Danyal kills them both, his back to the crib. It's not without struggle, and when the two assassins lay dead on the floor, the baby is wailing at the top of his lungs. Danyal has a laceration cleaving down diagonal of his cheek. It's close to his eye, just barely missed blinding him.

Damian never knew how he got that scar. He does now. (He doesn't know how to feel about it.)

His brother clutches his bleeding face, sheathing his sword as tears well up onto his face. But he turns towards the crib, and hurries over. "You're okay, you're okay, you're okay." He hushes rapidly, the League-drilled seriousness fallen away to reveal a panic-stricken five year old. He sticks one hand into the crib, the one not clutching anything, and grabs little Damian's hand.

Their mother comes bursting in that moment, and Danyal turns his head towards her. "Mother." He says, his voice cracks un-wantingly. Their mother steps over the bodies of the assassins easily. "They tried to kill Damian."

"But they did not." Talias says, kneeling down next to the crib to inspect Danyal's face and Damian's well-being. When she finds nothing of concern beyond the injury, she continues. "You killed them before they could, Danyal. Well done."

The mirage of his brother nods, his eyes teary and red.

Damian... is discomfited. he never thought Danyal would kill assassins for him. He would have thought his brother would sooner look the other way. The mirage shifts again, and it quickly shows time passing.

Danyal sits in Damian's nursery every night, after that. He lays at the foot of the crib with his sword, a pillow and a blanket with him. Some nights there is nothing but peace -- or as close to peace as a baby could achieve -- and some days assassins break in.

Danyal kills each one.

The mirage shifts again, and it shows more memories of Danyal interacting with Damian during his youth too young for him to remember. His first steps, his first words.

"Danya." The small toddler of Damian says, arms reaching for Danyal.

A frown curls across Danyal's face, and pulls Damian into his lap. "No, no, little brother." He scolds, voice firm but.. softer. "It is Danyal, Damian. Danyal."

"Danya!"

Damian's brother sighs, but there is that same-small tilt at the corner of his mouth. A glimmer in his eyes. A glimmer... that Damian is finding he recognizes.

(He always thought his brother got that look in his eyes when he was mocking him. Was he wrong?)

The mirage shifts again, and this time it shows only mother and Danyal, alone. Danyal is older, taller. Seven, if Damian had to guess. Mother has a stern look on her face, her hands tight on his shoulders. "Damian will be starting training soon, my son."

Ah, then close to eight then. Training starts, always, at three years old. He watches Danyal nod, his expression mimicking their mother's. His arms are folded, always folded, behind his back, always neat.

"You can no longer have the relationship with your brother as you did before." Mother says.

Danyal's expression... falters. It shifts, it fluctuates. He looks surprised, thrown off. Like he isn't quite sure he heard what mother just said. His brows furrow. "What... do you mean, mother?"

"I mean what I said, Danyal." Mother says, stern, "Ra's will be keeping a closer eye on Damian now that he is of age to begin his training. He will not like if he sees you both getting along."

"I am sorry, my child. But your relationship with Damian ends here. You are rivals now, not brothers." In a cruel form a gentleness, mother raises her hand and tucks a stray curl out of Danyal's face.

Of course. Damian never had a relationship with his brother because of Grandfather. Of course. No, he's not feeling a little bitter. No. There's not an inner child that still, like a candleflame, wishes that he'd had a bond with his only flesh and blood.

Danyal is dead now. So it's not like it matters. He's happy about this.

Danyal frowns, and he steps back. He looks lost in thought. "We are still brothers, mother," he says, argues, and looks up to meet mother's eyes. "Let me train him, I will make sure he gets the skill he needs. If we must be rivals, then I will teach him how to defeat me. If he can defeat me, he can defeat anybody."

Their mother, and Damian, both blink in unison. Then mother smiles something sharp, calculated. She folds her hands behind her back. "Then do it. But you will make him hate you."

"...So be it."

Damian.... Damian is silent. His world axis has been tilted on its head. He is sliding, and sliding, and sliding down. Spinning. Many things click into place at once.

More memories from the mirage show. It shows Danyal training Damian. It shows their arguing, their bickering. It shows Danyal going to their mother to praise Damian and his skills, how fast he is picking up on the sword. How one day he will surpass even him.

It shows Danyal sitting outside Damian's bedroom door every night, listening in for anyone who dares to break in. His knees drawn to his chest, his sword at his side. Sometimes he sneaks in, sword drawn, when he hears a sound.

Some nights, Damian wakes up. He remembers those nights. Danyal standing over his bed with his sword unsheathed and tight at his side. He remembers the instant terror as he immediately reached for his own weapon.

His brother always scolded him for his lack of vigilance. That had he been anyone else, Damian would have had his neck cut. He would've been dead already. It only made Damian's hatred of him grow.

But he understands now. Because there were assassins in the room that Damian, four years old, three, did not notice. Not until later. He always assumed the attacks on him after Danyal's death had been because now there was a new heir to target.

It had been the only lesson he'd been even somewhat grateful for.

Then finally the mirage shimmers, and it shows Danyal, ten years old, in one of the training rooms, mid-spar with Mother. It's fast, sharp, impressive and like a blur. Damian is unsure if at ten which one of them was the better swordsman. Some of the assassins who have never met Danyal said Damian was, but the ones who had said it was Danyal. He'll never know.

In a lull in the fight, when their swords are crossed, mother speaks. "Ra's wants you and Damian to fight." She says, teeth grit into a deep scowl. The cross breaks and Danyal jumps back, he frowns.

"We have fought, mother." He says, and dives in first, swinging for mother's feet. Mother dodges, and slices at his arm. He swerves out of the way, twisting on his feet like a dance. "We are always fighting, doesn't he see our spars?"

"Not a spar like that, my son." Mother says, a snarl in her voice. She lunges, and Danyal blocks her blade. "A fight to the death. Father has grown tired of having two heirs."

That gets Danyal's attention -- or, more accurately, it distracts it. His eyes widen, and his sword lowers for a single moment. A mistake. "What?" Is all he gets out before mother has him on his back, her blade pressed to his throat.

He freezes. As does Damian. Danyal's brows furrow, then unfurrow, only to knot up again. "Mother, what do you mean a fight to the death?" He flips to his feet when mother removes the sword. She walks over to grab her water.

"Must I repeat myself, Danyal?" Mother snaps, rubbing her forehead before swigging from her canteen. "Father wants to find out which one of you is the stronger heir, and so you will fight to the death after your training in a few days."

Danyal's tan face loses a shade of color, he looks ashy. "There must be some mistake!" He exclaims, his arms gesturing out as he peers around mother. "There is a five year disparity between us, Damian has only just started training two years ago. It would be an unfair fight!"

"Do you think me unaware?" Mother whirls on him, and there is a grief-stricken look on her face. Like she is already mourning Damian's death. Damian feels ill. "Your skill is far beyond what Damian can accomplish right now, and there is nothing that I say that can convince Father otherwise."

Danyal wears an expression like he is scrambling for answers. A white knuckle grip on his weapon. There is a long silence, and his lower lip curls up. His throat bobs, he swallows. "Is there really nothing we can do?"

Mother makes a frustrated sound, pushing her loose hairs out of her face. "Not unless Father changes his mind, or I send one of you away. But Father would surely send someone to look for you or Damian."

"What if one of us faked our death?"

Mother stills. As does Damian. No, he thinks, stiff as a rod, no way. These mirages were lying, nothing but figments of an imagination. Of some quiet what-if that Damian had not yet stomped out.

Mother's expression shifts, and then turns contemplative. Danyal notices, and keeps pushing, he looks as hopeful as he could get beyond his usual unwavering, stone-like expression. "One of us could go to father--"

"No." Mother cuts off, voice sharp. Danyal wilts, confusion flittering across his face. Damian, from the corner of his eye, sees Father tense as stone. His white-slit eyes have not left the mirage. Nobody's has.

"Father will undoubtedly check there first, it would not be a good idea. You or Damian will have to go somewhere where he would not think to look. Someone unaffiliated with the League."

Danyal's face falls, shutters, and then closes up again into stone. Mother begins to pace, and Danyal's blue eyes follow her. "So a stranger?" He asks, and there is disgust lilting into his voice.

Mother nods, and she looks just as offput as Danyal.

The mirage of Damian's brother rolls his shoulders back. "Then I will do it, mother." He says, voice unwavering. There is a stubborn note behind it all, one that Damian recognizes. "I will fake my death, and Damian will stay here."

Mother's eyes turn sharp on him, and she stops in her spot. She pivots. "Are you sure?" She asks, eyebrow raising, "There is a chance you will never meet your Father if you leave. Nor will you see I or Damian again, if you do this."

Something like fear flickers across Danyal's face, eyes widening momentarily -- as if that very thought had not crossed his mind. But then it smooths over to sharp determination. He nods. "It would be the same for Damian if it was him instead. I will do it, Mother."

Damian feels ill again. Father has a strong set in his jaw, his teeth grinding.

Mother stares at Danyal, and then her expression softens. And like before, it is grieving. "In a few days time, I and another member of the League will be going on a mission to the American States. I will tell Father that you will accompany me, once there we will dispose of the other member and then orchestrate your death."

The American States. Danyal was here, in the country. He was out there somewhere -- but no this was fake. It had to be. Danyal was dead. A fool who got himself killed on a mission with mother and left the title of Heir to Damian.

Or maybe it had been his plan all along. His and mother's both.

...Was mother ever going to tell him?

The mirage of Danyal nods, sharp. Understanding. There is a gleam in his eyes that is not pride, it is tears. And when Mother leaves the room and leaves him alone, the stone-like expression on his face crumbles and falls.

His brother, ten years old, curls up his lip in an ugly way. It wobbles as the tears in his eyes do, and he brings up his hand to slam it over his mouth. And sinks to his knees, a yell-like sob muffled behind the skin.

His brother, ten years old, looks smaller than Damian remembers him being, and cries.

Damian has never seen Danyal cry. Not once in the mirage of memories, nor in his own.

The memory holds for a minute, and then disappears. And no new one shows up. The magic is gone, and it leaves a silence in its wake. Heavy, staticky, and full of revelations.

So there are two things that Damian knows that his Father now knows too.

He has an older brother

His older brother is alive.

(And a new secret third thing: Damian wasn't sure how to feel about it.)

[cyanide-sippy-cup]

I think my favorite thing about Fionna and Cake has to be how unapologetically queer it is. In every corner, whether it be a cameo appearance from the gay couple,

a quick visual cue/reference to the pilot,

a questionable line from Brian David Gilbert of all people,

[img: Winter King (on the right) saying "Don't think it hasn't occurred to me!" This is in response to Cake suggesting he kiss Simon (left)]

or actually being integral to the primary or secondary plot.

Seeing such a casual yet important and beautiful inclusion of queerness in this show fills me with such indescribable joy. Without even trying, without even stepping away from it's own story, it's making a statement.

Without going out of its way, it's teaching genuine stories while saying "We are here, we have a place, we have a history, and we're here to stay."

[readerconfused]

several people in my post about Hades PJO saying that they would gladly accept the juice and snacks because they love Hades and the underworld

Persephone will come home in the fall and there will be a thousand teenagers living with Hades she will be like "wtf? i only left you alone for six months"

[mariposiel]

Here’s some more LMK meme drawings because apparently, I have no self control LMAO

[nothatsmi]

"A hundred and one. Going on a hundred and two." "You're a terrible liar."

He lived,,

I'm beyond the point where I can use words to describe them anymore.

Just know that I drew this instead of working and I'll probably keep drawing them more even tho the work's piling up-

I'm not even kidding, it's terrible how much they invade my brain, like I'm always either thinking about them or drawing about them or saving pins on Pinterst about them (the board is getting pretty stuffed), everything i see is ORANGE at this point (it's my favorite color fortunately so I don't mind).

Still not done with the third book btw. I try to make it last as long as I can but I constantly want to read so the end is getting dangerously near...

Next I'll probably draw Dan and/or the other foxes, cause let's be honest they're all so cool...

[starflungwaddledee]

he does this every single year 🍰🎉

[flamingpudding]

I'm back with a part 4 if you want to do it it's kind of more of a crack write I just need Klarion trying to explain the family tree

But not explaining how he was made at all So Young Justice and the Justice League are now convinced that a the Ghost King was a teenage parent who is now 27 years old and just passed college with a degree in astronomy and machinery

Klarion's other parent is a a crazy fruit loop 64 year old millionaire who went to college with Klarion's Mom parents who had an emotionally unhealthy obsession with his mom's mother and then it passed on to his mom.

And he has an older sister who is technicality a clone of his mom but also has the bastards DNA so fundamentally making Ellie Vlad Master and Mom's first born kid but there's six other siblings that Klarion had that died back a while back but Mom got granddad who's apparently the time lord AKA Cronos which is a whole another long story to go back in time and save those kids get them fixed up and now Klarion technicality has seven older siblings which all do their own things

And then he starts mentioning his uncle who is a 9 ft yeti his technicality auntie who is a medieval ghost princess who can turn into a dragon his auntie Pandora and his his grandfather cronos

My names for the six other clone children are Donald (he/him), Cecelia (they/she), Bartholomew(Them/They), Kyle AKA Bite(He/It), Brutus(He/They), and then there's Danna (She/Her) who actually really like the name Dan and asked Klarion if could have it when Klarion changed his name

Sorry if this is a little bit too much I've just really been thinking about au for this after the last part you made I hope this helps you with your writing or at least makes you laugh but I really love the idea of Danny's AKA somewhat clone children and finding their own personalities and and fighting themselves out of just being failed clone of their mom also I love the idea of Danny going back in time to save the rest of the clone kids cuz now he's a mature adult who wants to save their lives and wants them to grow into their own people.

(⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

I probably did way to much research into all the fandoms I am in to see what I could tie into this... And yet this feels shorter than it should but I also currently lack the time to add more. But for now I hope this will be satisfactorily.

Also this family tree idea especially the part of saving the melted clones. LOVE IT!

So even though it took me a while! here is Part 4 you inspired! Thanks so much for the ask!

------------------

"Dude, you are making us only curious!" Impulse spoke up as he sat down next to Klarion who had his head in his hands. "Like you and your mom can't just drop your family lore like that!"

The witch boy on the other hand looked up with narrowed eyes at the speedster. "What lore?"

"Let's see, the part that apparently a Vlad tried to kill your Grandpa to make friends several time. That your mom is 'ghost' adopted by the lord of time Cronos and Pandora, which makes us family too by the way, and that you have a sister that apparently is even crazier than what we got to know of your family so far." Wonder Girl counted off her fingers next to him grinning as she mentioned the part of probably being a part of his 'crazy' family too. Which hell yea, that sounded like a lot of fun to be explored she would have to talk with Wonder Woman about that as soon as possible.

"Also..." Red Robin added as he flipped through the photo album that apparently no one remembered he had. He was turning it around and pointed at a particular photo with a wild bunch of people in it that varied between more human and well... less humanoid people. One of them definitely was a Yeti and there was also what looked like living armor as well as Teekly (they knew that demon cat at least), a giant green dog and for some reasons there was a green aggressive looking Octopus in the background too. "...how are you related to a Yeti?"

"Hey that man there and those other teens in the picture actually have some resembles with you! Do you have older brothers too?" Superboy additionally asked as he moved around Red Robin to see the photo better pointing at a man that appeared to be in this late twenties, blue eyed, black haired and a little on the buffer side. If he didn't know any better and the fact that he should keep his mouth shut about their actual identities he would have jokingly asked Red Robin if his family would like to add more kids considering Klarions family apparently had a bunch of black haired blue eyed members too, judging by the photo at least.

"What are you talking about. That man is my mom and yes the others are actually my older brothers and that Yeti is uncle Frostbite who also happens to be the best medic in the Infinite Realms" The four teen heroes looked stunned at the picture and then back at the Ghost King that was smiling at them, still seated by the dinner table with their mentors. Who by the way were now perking up at the change of topic and the information they could gain with it, well Wonder Woman was more interested in the apparently extended family she had.

"Oh I remember we took this photo last year, it was such a hassle to get everyone into one place with them all being busy doing their own things." Danny mused for a moment, remembering fondly how he had to literally drag some of the kids home through a portal.

"It was more annoying than anything too since I was declared to be the youngest...." Klarion muttered also remembering that day not as fondly as his mother.

"Wait, wait, wait! That is a picture of your family? I need an explanation buddy!" Impulse cut in without shame, quickly removing the picture from the photo album to get a better look at it before holding it out to Klarion so he could explain all the individuals. "Plus why does your mom look soooo.... human?"

The witch boy on the other hand stared at him for a couple of seconds before looking over towards his mother as if waiting for something. After a moment the teen heroes as well as their mentors saw Danny nod with a little smile. "This dimension doesn't have the GIW so its fine, the Justice League Dark won't be a problem either, right?." Constantine flinched at the smile the Ghost King was giving him, muttering something under his breath as he had hoped his presence had been forgotten.

"Since mom is giving his okay...." Klarion mutter sitting crosslegged on the ground as he snatched the photo album from Red Robin and flipped through it. "Lets start with the easiest stuff to explain."

Danny chuckled noticing that not only the teen heroes but their mentors as well showed an interest. He choose to stay quiet letting the adults listen in on the kids, and if things went bad he would just ask Clockwork if they could revert time back to this moment and he would change his nod of permission to a shake of denial.

"Okay first of, this is my mom and his sister Jasmine, this is Danielle my older sister and that hulk with flaming white hair and blueish skin is me. That was before I got deaged because of destabilising." Klarion explained flipping to a photo of him, Danny, Jazz and Danielle. "Mom was around fifteen, Aunt Jazz about seventeen and Ellie should have been about a year old but she was aged up to twelve. They look human in this one because well they are. Mom was originally human and became what you call in this dimension a Meta through an accident."

"Wait... that would mean your mom... How could he have two kids at that age of fourteen? You look like an adult and your sister was aged up?" Wonder Girl couldn't help but ask as she looked from the photo and back to Danny at the dinner table again.

"That's cause Vlad was a fu-"

"Language Klarion!"

"Vlad was a fruitloop. That photo was taken shortly after Vlad and I sort of redeemed our selfs. Plus, mom didn't really have my sister and me willingly.... we were kind of forced upon him in a way." Klarion explained shrugging. "Old Man Vlad had an obsession with his mom that then turned on mom, which resulted in my oldest sister Danielle first. Actually, a lot of my elder siblings resulted from that, but they didn't survive it the first time, Mom got Old Man Clocks help to save them once he got used to being the Ghost King. I got added to the mix shortly after my sister, but... i wasn't in the best state of mind at first, kind of went through a redemption phase in which mom had to fix the timeline of our original home dimension, too."

Danny chuckled again at the disturbed looks the teens were giving his son as well as the looks their mentors sent him. He probably should correct Klarion's wording... but being one of the gremlins of his family he just smiled on, not commenting. He really understands now why Pops Clockwork liked watching the chaos he used to cause as teen, and still sometimes causes as adult.

"Klarion... how old is this Old Man Vlad?" Red Robin asked grimacing as his eyes under the mask flicked up to the Ghost King and then back to the witch boy both seemingly unbothered by the disturbing information they were sharing.

"In human years... probably around 67? You stop counting age at some point if your a halfa." Klarion shrugged, not noticing the grimaces of the teens around him. "Anyway, Ellie is sort of the first born. I came in after that, with my core being a mix of Mom and Vlad. Not DNA wise though since I came to be because of their ghost cores. That's why I look like that in this photo. Though human DNA wise I am probably now mostly Moms, we never bothered to ask the old man."

Danny muffled another chuckle, coughing as Superman sent him an incredulous look of shook while he felt Batmans burning gaze on him.

"You... mentioned more siblings?" Red Robin asked carefully sharing a look with his team, feeling like there was a whole lot of trauma in Klarions family he wasn't sure they should address or not. So asking after his siblings was probably, hopefully the safest option. They didn't know that while there was trauma in the witch boy's family it was not the kind they were imagining.

"Yea I got a bunch more brothers, Vlad was a evil crazy fuitloop, before he redeemed himself. They all kind of melted in one timeline but mom and Grandpa Clock found a way to save them." Klarion nodded flipping to another photo containing him, as he looked now, and all his siblings.

"So, Ellie you know about already. The one with the sunglasses and died hair is Bartholomew, second oldest. They made themselves a home in other dimension, barely at home cause he has to much fun messing with something called a 'Starstream' by being a 'Constellation' and throwing gold coins at 'Incarnations'. Don't ask me what that means, I barely pay attention when he gushes about his favorit 'Incarnation'. They spent like all their money and pocket money there. Aunt Jazz thinks he might develop a gambling addiction if we don't stop his spendings." The teen heroes eyed the teen that looked like a young adult grinning in the photo as the witch boy pointed at the one next to them. "The one with the vile is my elder brother Bite, most responsible one of this bunch. Mom even allowed him to take care of a couple of dimensions by taking the role of being their God of Death. I think he messed them up more than helped but he is doing a somewhat good job, even if he is sort of obsessed with making some red head his saint or something..."

"One of your sibs is a God?" Impulse gabbed and Klarion just blinked at him with a shrug. "My Grandfather is the ruler of Time, your point is? Wonder Girl is also related to a God of your dimension."

"Never mind him, moving on." A yelp resounded as Superboy pushed Impulse head down leaning in more to see the photo better. "You got one emo looking brother there!"

"Oh that's Yamikumo, he is like a year or two older than me right now, in human years. He barely got any of mom's powers so he choose to try to life a somewhat normal life but weirdly enough he choose a dimension that is ruled by people who have powers and abilities, you know like the Meta Humans of this dimension. Now that I think about it, he is also the only one who actually is studying on how to be a Hero."

"Do you end up fighting with him if he studies to be a hero?" Wonder Girl whisper asked him with a quick glance towards their mentors, to which Klarion shook his head. "As long as we leave the dimensions one of us choose to live in alone we usually don't fight about stuff like that, aside from the usual sibling fights that is. Then again I do have some siblings that like to make bets like who is better at ruling as demon lord, or who can safe a dying timeline quicker."

Danny chuckled again as he watched the kids, Klarion had definitely caused some misunderstandings with his wording. Then again it wasn't like Klarion said anything that wasn't true, but then again his son loved chaos. So there was a suspicion that Klarion intentionally choose the way he worded the explanation about how he and Ellie came to be as well as the rest of siblings.

"So....." Superman slowly started wondering how he should bring up the topic. "...you became a mom at 14?"

"Say Danny is there a way for me to meet this Vlad? You know since we are family." Wonder Woman also asked smiling in a certain way that reminded Danny of Valerie when she was mad but didn't want to show right away how mad she was, to which the Ghost King on reflex could do nothing but gulp for a moment. Not noticing that a green post it note appeared on the table before him.

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

The Promise Of A King Pt. 7

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings: none here

Genre: very fluffy lowkey

Summary: When your parents surprise you with the news that you are going to marry one of Asgard's princes you're not exactly thrilled. It's not made any better by said prince giving you the cold shoulder from the very moment you arrive. Now, not only do you have to worry about acclimating to an unfamiliar place but you must do so while preparing to marry someone who seems to absolutely detest you before you've said five words to him. You know you're duty-bound but why does it have to be so difficult?

A/N: now I don't make it a habit to do dedications but tbh my favorite part of uploading this story has become this person's comments on every single chapter so I just want to say thank you to @kaogasm and let you know I very much appreciate all of your comments, they always make me smile <3 (don't feel pressured to leave them though I just wanted to show gratitude)

***

Sitting on your balcony with a book is something you don't do nearly enough you realize as you enjoy the weather of the late afternoon.

"Lady y/n?" Lily pokes her head out to call you.

"Yes Lily? Is everything alright?" You ask.

"Everything is fine- prince Loki is here to see you." She says with a smile.

"Prince Loki?"

"Yes. Shall I let him in or would you prefer not to speak to him?"

"You can let him in." You nod. In the last couple of weeks Loki has really made an attempt to be kinder to you, spending more time getting to know you and telling you about himself.

"Of course." She nods and walks off. A few moments later, Loki joins you on the balcony.

"Hello Lady y/n." Loki says.

"Hello your highness. What brings you here?"

"Are you busy?"

"Just reading. Why do you ask?" You look up at him from your seat.

"I'd like to show you something if you can spare the time." He holds his hand out to you.

"What is it?" You tilt your head curiously, glancing at his hand and then back up at him.

"I understand it may be too soon to ask you to trust me, but I swear to you it is something you'll enjoy. At least I very much hope so." Loki says. You take his hand and allow him to help you out of your seat.

"You speak with so much conviction you'll make it hard to manage expectations." You tell him as he leads you through your room.

"Good, that means if I manage to impress you, I'll have earned it." He says and your maids barely manage to hold back sighs as the two of you leave. You giggle to yourself at their reactions.

"If you manage." You hum. Loki shoots you a wink as you walk. Loki leads you through the winding halls of the palace silently. "Where exactly are we going Loki?" You frown.

"You'll see." He says with a mischievous smile.

"I've never been to this area of the palace." You say as he leads you up a winding staircase.

"Probably because it's mostly unused." Loki eventually opens a door and ushers you into the room. It's dark so you stay close to Loki as you walk inside.

"Loki what is going on?" You frown, waiting for your eyes to adjust to the lack of light.

"One second." He says quietly and a moment later the room lights up with a gentle glow. You glance around as stars twinkle against the walls and ceiling.

"Woah- what- wait how?" You gasp.

"I've basically turned this room into a planetarium. I find stars fascinating." He tells you, his voice is only a couple levels above a whisper.

"It's beautiful." You say quietly.

"I thought you'd like it."

"I'll admit you did manage to surprise me. This is wonderful." You tell him. Your eyes flit around the ceiling, looking at the various constellations projected onto it. Loki clears his throat behind you, prompting you to finally turn and look at him only to find him on one knee. "What are you doing?" You blink at him, confusion on your face as he grasps your hand.

"I know I've been... an asshole-"

"Understatement." You scoff.

"I do hope to one day earn your forgiveness because you're more lovely than I could have possibly asked for. I know we're barely weeks away from it but y/n- I'd like to ask you to marry me."

"Why in all the nine realms would you ask me to marry you? We're having a wedding in less than two weeks." You laugh.

"Because I want you to know that even though we didn't choose to be married I do want to marry you."

"So you decided to propose to me?" You chuckle.

"Perhaps it's silly since even if you say no to me right now we'll be walking down that aisle but I thought you should know that I'm sorry and not marrying you because I have to, I do genuinely want to spend my life with you and I couldn't think of a better way to show it." Loki says, looking at you.

"If I say no to you right now? I'm meant to answer your proposal?"

"Of course you're meant to answer. Is that not what is expected when a question is asked?"

"Some questions are rhetorical."

"This one isn't. Will you marry me?"

"Yes Loki, I will marry you." You chuckle. "I was- only half serious when I said I expected a grand gesture of an apology for your asshole behavior." You tell him as he stands with a smile.

"Half serious is more than enough. I owe it to you."

"Well, I won't argue with that." You shrug and Loki laughs.

"You're so very good at that though." He jokes.

"I assume so are you." You say, sitting on the floor. Loki hums in response as he sits facing you. "Loki, I have a question."

"Yes?"

"Do you- do like anything about Asgard?"

"I love Asgard- it's my home. Though it hasn't always felt like it."

"Really?"

"Yes." He nods.

"Why?"

"Without going into too much detail, my relationship with my father hasn't always been great. It often feels as though he favors Thor."

"Is that why you were being so weird about my friendship with him?" You ask, pulling your knees towards your chest and resting your chin on them.

"I don't like where this is going." Loki says.

"Loki we're going to be married. Stop being weird."

"Fine. It- is. Kind of. Thor is good at making people like him. Even though I tried to make you leave I guess I was annoyed by the idea that you'd like him more than me."

"So- instead of being nice to me you decided to, try and trivialize my friendship with Thor?" You laugh.

"It wasn't the best course of action but I was trying to do conflicting things. I wanted you to like me more than Thor but not like me enough to stay- it was stupid."

"At least you know I suppose." You shrug. Loki opens his mouth to protest but just laughs at himself instead. The two of you spend the next couple of hours talking to each other about whatever comes to mind.

~*~*~

You stand in front of the mirror as your maids help you into your wedding dress. Your hair and makeup are already done it's just the gown that needs lacing and your accessories to put on.

"How are you feeling y/n?" Anne asks, helping you with the white satin and lace gloves that cover most of your arms.

"I know I picked it but this dress is- insane." You chuckle as you attempt to gather the skirt of your ballgown wedding dress.

"It definitely didn't look like this much fabric before we put it on you but it is your wedding day." Lily says as she finishes lacing it in the back.

"It is my wedding day." You say.

"Nervous?" Ella asks.

"I don't think so." You shake your head. Just then, Thor comes in with a loud greeting.

"Lady y/n!"

"Prince Thor! What if she hadn't been dressed? You should've knocked." Ella admonishes with a frown.

"I apologize. I assumed she'd be ready because it's about time for her to go, but you are right. One should never enter a lady's chambers without knocking first." He nods.

"It's alright Thor, we're just about done now. How do I look?" You turn towards him.

"Like an absolute vision." Thor says. "Now, let's get you to your groom so the ceremony can begin!" Thor announces, holding out an arm to you. You loop your arm through his and use your other hand to gather your dress's skirt as you let Thor walk you to the hall where your wedding is being held. The large gold doors are opened for both of you and Thor passes you to Loki before joining their mother near your parents at the front.

"Wow." Loki breathes quietly as he takes you in.

"Loki." You whisper.

"Yes my love?"

"We need to start walking." You tell him when he continues to look at you as if you are the center of the universe. Your words seem to snap him out of it and he holds out his arm to you for you two to walk down the aisle. Truthfully, you don't remember much of the ceremony, there was a lot of talking from Odin, eventually, you said your vows and everyone cheered as Loki kissed you. The kiss was soft, almost shy with how gentle it was, but no one seemed to notice how reserved he was with his touch as you left the hall hand in hand.

"You look amazing." Loki tells you once you've left.

"Thank you. Though- your speechless staring earlier already gave me the impression you thought as much."

"I apologize for that." He frowns.

"It's alright, it was cute- the silver tongued prince at a loss for words." You smile slightly. "I have to change now for the rest of the festivities. Will you be joining everyone now?" You ask him.

"I will, when you enter I will come to get you and bring you to the front."

"Alright that's fine." You nod. You rush back to your room where your maids are waiting.

"You looked amazing during the ceremony!" Ella says as soon as you walk in.

"Thank you Ella." You smile.

"Did you see the way prince Loki was looking at her the entire time?!" Anne sighs.

"We need to change her into her reception dress." Lily says already starting to unlace your wedding gown.

"Is the prince coming to take you to the reception?" Ella asks, grabbing your reception dress.

"No, he's already there. I'm going to go to the reception and Loki will meet me at the entrance." You say. Your dress for the reception is green with gold detailing and a belt. It's fitted at the top with a flowing skirt and a cape that clips like a collar on your neck. The girls change your hair and jewelry to match your reception attire.

"You look amazing." Anne says.

"You guys are absolutely irreplaceable honestly." You tell them as you look over yourself in the mirror.

"We're just good at our jobs." Lily says.

"Don't sell yourselves short I don't know what I'd do without you. Really." You say looking at them seriously.

"Not to break up the sentimentality but you should get going. You are the guest of honor after all." Ella says.

"The guest of honor is never late, everyone else is just early." You wink. "If you girls would like, please feel free to stop by the reception. I'm sure it'll go on until the early hours and you deserve to enjoy the festivities." You tell them.

"Thank you y/n." Lily says with a slight curtsey as you leave. You make your way through the palace until you arrive at the room chosen for the reception.

"I invited my maids to the reception, if they show up please make sure they're allowed in." You tell the guards at the door when you walk up to them.

"Of course your highness." One of them nods.

"Your highness-" You blink at him.

"You've married a prince, you're a princess now and thus- you're highness." The other guard says.

"Right- that... will take some getting used to. Well, you can open the doors now please." You smile at them. They each offer a slight smile back before they push the doors open, bringing the noise in the room to a halt as you stand in the entryway. You aren't sure where Loki emerges from in the crowd but as he walks towards you people clear his path to meet you. Loki holds his hand out to you when he reaches where you stand. You take it and allow him to lead you to the middle of the crowd. The band begins playing a song and Loki pulls you flush against him.

"You look marvelous." He says quietly in your ear as he waltzes you across the floor.

"Thank you. We match." You whisper.

"Of course we do. From now on we are two sides of the same coin."

"Two sides of the same coin. I don't hate that." You muse.

"Well don't get too excited the night's just beginning." Loki says sarcastically. You throw your head back with laughter as you dance with him. "I do hope someone caught that." He says.

"Caught what?" You look at him with a frown.

"That moment- your laughter, I want pictures and videos from our wedding to reflect that glowing expression on your face."

"Well sometimes you're funny." You shrug. When the song ends, you allow Loki to walk you up to where the king and queen are sitting, near the front of the room.

"Congratulations my dear!" Queen Frigga says first, standing up to wrap her arms around you.

"Thank you, your highness." You smile at her.

"Yes, congratulations you two." King Odin nods.

"Now that you're here we should address everyone!" Queen Frigga says.

"Alright." You nod. Odin silences the band with a wave of his hand and everyone quiets quickly.

"Today is a momentous occasion for Asgard! My son, prince Loki has married the wonderful Lady y/n of Alfheim! Tonight, we commemorate this union! Eat! Drink! Dance as we celebrate the happy couple!" Odin booms to the crowd that erupts in cheers. Frigga pulls you closer to her to speak in your ear.

"How are you feeling?" She asks.

"A bit overwhelmed honestly, but in a good way." You smile.

"And about your marriage?"

"I'm- more hopeful than I was the last time we spoke about it."

"I'm glad-"

"Y/n, my love, would you like a drink? Or something to eat?" Loki asks placing his hand on your back.

"A drink would be nice thank you, Loki." You smile.

"Of course darling." Loki nods, walking away.

"He seems attentive." Queen Frigga smiles.

"Yes- he's been very sweet today. Perhaps it's the significance of the day."

"Perhaps." She muses. "Enjoy the party dear. Mingle, eat and drink. Have fun."

"Yes your highness." You nod. You bid the king goodbye before making your way into the crowd.

"Congratulations your highness!" Colden grabs your attention.

"Colden! Hi! Thank you. How are you?" You smile.

"Cannot complain. How are you? Adjusting to Asgard?"

"Well since we last met I've managed to see most of Asgard courtesy of Thor. It really is beautiful."

"Isn't it? I'm glad you've had a chance to see it."

"There you are, my love. Here's your drink." Loki says, wrapping an arm around you as he hands you a cup.

"Thank you, Loki." You smile.

"You're welcome, darling." Loki says.

"Oh! This is Colden! I met him at the ball a few months ago. He encouraged me to explore Asgard." You introduce the two.

"Your highness." Colden bows.

"It's nice to meet you." Loki nods.

"Colden! I thought I'd never find you in all these people!" Isla rushes over.

"Isla- hello." Colden says.

"Oh gosh! Your highness. Hello." She says with a bow.

"Hello." Loki nods.

"Congratulations on getting married." She says.

"Thank you." He nods.

"I was just talking to my friends about how surprising it is that you didn't marry an Asgardian." Isla says with a smile. You force yourself not to react even as Colden glances at you.

"What do you mean?" Loki frowns.

"Well many of us expected that the princes would marry an Asgardian as opposed to an outsider."

"An outsider?"

"Don't get me wrong I'm sure y/n here is wonderful but- she's a stranger to us. A stranger very close to the throne."

"That is Princess Y/n. Address her properly." Loki's eyes narrow.

"Of course! That was an honest mistake. I'm sorry your highness." She shakes her head.

"Loki." You place your hand on his that has tightened at your waist.

"Isla! Let's go get some refreshments hm? Are the others here? We should find them." Colden says. "It was nice to see you again princess. I do hope marriage is good to you." He adds as he practically pushes Isla away. You let out a breath and sip your drink.

"A stranger? Who does she think she is." Loki scoffs. You shrug knowing this won't be the last time you hear something like that tonight. "Dance with me?" Loki asks.

"Again?" You ask with a slight smile.

"Why not?" Loki spins you to face him.

"I had no idea you liked to dance so much." You muse as you let him dance you around.

"I like dancing with you." Loki shrugs.

"I'm flattered." You smile.

"Hey y/n?" Loki asks after a few minutes of silence.

"Yes?"

"When should we move you?"

"Move me?"

"Well, yes. Married couples usually share a bed chamber. Your current one is on the opposite end of the palace. I'd at least like you moved into the one next door."

"Fine- I can move over the next couple of days." You nod.

"Brilliant." Loki nods. You spend the night dancing and talking to people you've never seen before until your social battery can handle no more. When you return to your bedroom you’re beyond completely drained, but the smile refuses to leave your face as you end the night.

***

Part 7/???

Tagged Users: @moonlightreader649 @crimson25 @kaogasm @just-someone11

[cherrirui-official]

"You know... You didn't have to take that with you."

"But I promised him I'd take him out to see the ocean one day."

[20th-century-man]

Jayne Mansfield / King Donovan’s Promises! Promises! (1963)

Released as the Hays Code (aka the Motion Picture Production Code) began to be applied erratically and before the MPAA film rating system was introduced in 1968, this film was the first mainstream Hollywood film of the sound era to feature nudity by one of its lead actors.

[kingzombear]

can u please draw more ragapom?? ur my fav artist on here like deadass.

AH SHUCKS, YOU HUSH <3 tysm hon

I lost the ask but someone wanted me to draw @nebulaickiwi 's Singer x Bartender AU sooooo, happy post-Valentines yuri 💘

Drunk Rags is a fliiiiiiiiiiiiiirt

[nelkcats]

Found Family

John Constantine fucked it up, Clockwork is happy with the result.

It's no secret that John Constantine sells his soul a lot, and that he's made dubious deals, it's his specialty after all. So it was no surprise when he offered his first born child to multiple entities as part of various deals, in his opinion there was no risk, it was impossible for a baby to be born because of him.

So when Clockwork witnessed a drunken Constantine offer up a newborn as payment for breaking the rules of time travel he just shrugged, he knew the British wouldn't even remember that specific deal and his job was to find the better timelines, the Flash Family sure is going to be his future headache.

Clockwork was pretty sure a child wouldn't be born anyways, the chances were too small; For once, Clockwork was wrong, he didn't know how to feel when little Daniel was born to one of Constantine's many exes, the woman seemed honestly devastated, she wanted to give the child a good life but didn't know how.

It seemed that she was about to call John, her hands trembling as she tried to remember the number, but before she could break the news the baby disappeared from her arms, vanished as multiple laughs were heard in the hospital room. The woman immediately understood and started cursing the bastard of her ex for being so stupid as multiple contracts with the idiot signature materialized in her hands.

Clockwork began to consider his options as he stood in the center of a room with all the contractors, he could fight for the baby, he was an Ancient, but what was the point? He looked at the baby, waiting for a signal to tell him what to do; the baby stopped crying and looked at his multiple watches, laughing with joy.

And then he saw it, the possibilities that before were almost zero began to show themselves, the multiple futures of the boy: celebrations, tears, laught, the painful part? Clockwork was in all of them.

Even when he didn't directly raise him he was always there, he could see that the boy loved him and he loved him back. Time made a mistake and fall in love with the concept: permanence, family, home, that baby was everything so he made his decision.

Without much trouble he fought against all the entities, many could call him a cheater but he didn't care, time was his domain.

With Daniel in his arms he carried him to his haunt, avoiding the gaze of the observants, the baby laughed as his core purred "Welcome home, Danny" he whispered watching as the blue eyes fixed on him.

It didn't take a couple of days for Clockwork to decide to break his contract, he couldn't care less about Constantine and he hated the idea that Daniel belonged to him like an object of some kind, however he couldn't destroy the damn thing until he was sure that all the other contracts were burned (and he made sure of it)

At the end of the week his baby officially belonged to him, Constantine was really an idiot for giving the precious boy in his arms to the worst people. Frostbite and Pandora approved but they were worried.

"He is a human child Clockwork, you know we don't doubt you, but he can't grow up in the realms, you can't run away from the observants and steal human food forever" Frostbite told him.

"He is officially yours, but you need to let him go until the right time" Pandora said, she knew she might be sounding harsh, but she needed to make him understand.

Clockwork was very aware, every time he pointed out a star to Danny from his screens, every time he wrapped his cape around him, every time he kissed his forehead, he knew he had to let the baby go, that the Fentons had lost a baby and would be willing to take care of him.

Hell, he knew he could take care of the child and infiltrate the damn house but how long would it be until he could hold his baby again? hug him? it was undoubtedly painful to know the future but to live in the present, having to do the things that hurt most.

So he did, leaving Daniel (Danny, he'd like to be called Danny in the future) with his star blanket wrapped around him, he kissed the boy's forehead, and placed a bright green note in his basket "His name is Daniel, take good care of him please, and take him to the moon since i couldn't do it -C.W", with one last look he sighed as he returned to the Zone

"Everything is as it should be" he said, watching Daniel with his time screens.

He didn't leave it like that, the Fentons were honestly very distracted, pretty bad parents if he was being honest but for some reason he knew Danny would love them.

So he took it upon himself to fill in the missing details: an anonymous birthday present, a hot meal, a recipe book, glowing stars, little aids that only the children noticed. Jasmine was quite grateful to him for that.

What if there were nights where Danny fell asleep with a voice singing to him? Or if the sound of the clocks calmed him down? It was his business at the end of the day.

The years passed, inevitable things happened that the master of time himself refrained from preventing (His baby had to die, fate was very cruel to return the boy to him in that way).

Clockwork congratulated himself for not speaking to the boy until he overheard the Observants talking about killing his son and panicked, eventually introducing himself and trying to stay calm while helping with "The Dark Dan Incident"

It was a tough trip, filled with many cardiac attacks and the desire to choke ghosts (but he had to remember that Danny needed those experiences, it was for the best), there were also threats towards Frostbite when he saw the rural paintings, at least both the Yeti and the Goddess kept quiet about the adoption.

He really didn't want to scare Danny by saying "Hey, your biological dad sold you to me and I owned your soul until I decided to adopt you but couldn't talk to you until now, surprise"

So he maintained his cryptic attitude towards the boy until much later (he also enjoyed being cryptic), when he nearly fainted upon realizing that Danny's core had adopted him as a mentor and father. The guy himself was embarrassed to admit it confessing asking Frostbite about it.

To explain it better he advised Danny to ask his parents about his adoption, the boy seemed confused but agreed. Clockwork wasn't surprised when the boy appeared in the tower a few hours later, teary-eyed and a familiar green note in hand.

You see, contrary to popular belief Danny was aware that he was adopted, his parents didn't try to hide it, quite proud of that fact, but whenever he asked about his biological parents they shrugged without knowing what to say.

Clockwork's request was strange so he decided to ask one more time, his parents told him again about the night they found him, when they took out a green note claiming it came with his basket; he took it in hand, the color, the letters and the writer of the note were obvious, but his parents affirmed they had no idea who C.W was.

With a thank you and a farewell he returned to the realms, the note trembling in his hand as he asked for answers. And he received them, Clocky looked heartbroken by his distrust, but he explained everything that happened from his birth to the present.

Suddenly everything made sense to Danny: the watches, the food, the gifts his parents claimed they hadn't bought, the singing; Clockwork had taken care of him the best he could, but he couldn't do much trapped under the observants control, he frowned at the last part but ended up hugging his father.

Ironically, that was also the day Danny decided to hate his biological father, John Constantine was a bastard who would only give him paperwork, and he had sold him! To multiple entities! If it wasn't for Clocky he'd be even more dead!

When Danny finally turned 18 and was officially declared Ghost King, his life became a thousand times easier and a thousand times more difficult.

On one hand he had managed to remove the observants who now worked for Walker, and he had managed to free Clocky, on the other hand, he had a thousand responsibilities fallen on his shoulders and he felt tired just thinking about it.

Declaring Clockwork his adviser was a good idea, although he always ended up pouting when he asked him if he wouldn't wish to be king in his place, Clocky was the king's father, shouldn't he be king instead? The master of time just laughed and shook his head, telling him to go back to his paperwork.

The days locked in his office with the thousands of papers in the name of John Constantine only increased his resentment towards his biological father, months in which he had to request a time out just to review a specific section.

————————

It was a normal day after a routine visit from Jazz and Dani when Danny was summoned, his pleasant evening with Clocky (and yes, he could call him dad many times but the nickname just stuck) was interrupted when he felt the summon, he gave a sigh of suffering asking his father if he would come along, he just shrugged as Danny disappeared.

On the other hand, the Justice League was tense, someone had warned about the release of Kronos in the world and Diana couldn't be more worried, they contacted Justice League Dark and they confirmed the presence of multiple gods of time being released.

It was Constantine who offered the solution to summon the Ghost king, if many of those entities were "dead" he should have control over them; And since it was rumored that he was a new king, they might have a chance to strike a deal.

The problem was that the result of the summon was a boy with Lazarus green eyes who stepped out of the circle, directing his hateful eyes towards Constantine, Danny would recognize the bastard anywhere, he had asked his dad to show him.

At first Batman assumed that the color of his eyes meant that the boy was induced by the same anger as Jason, this seemed to be reaffirmed when he spoke trying to remain calm "Why did you summon me, father?" was the boy's cold question.

Constantine seemed to be going through eight stages of duel in seconds as the League came to a standstill, Zatanna shot an incredulous look at her partner as a crown of ice and a white ring materialized on the boy, who crossed his arms.

The objects at least affirmed that this was the king they were looking for. Danny sighed and managed to calm down, this really was an unpleasant revelation, out of pettiness he cast his icy gaze at Constantine, freezing his feet to the ground.

It was then that Wonder Woman stepped forward, Batman was evaluating the entity next to her, even though he was calm his eyes remained the same, he had to reconsider his initial observations "Your Highness, we are here for a request"

"And what would that request be?" Danny questioned with boredom, once he had decided to ignore the Constantine in the room he simply put his mind in treat this as a business meeting.

"We have heard rumors about the release of Kronos along with multiple time entities, we fear that he is planning something against you or us" spoke the princess "We wanted you to confirm those suspicions and if they are true, help us stop them"

Danny frowned "His release doesn't concern you, even less if it's in my domain" he spoke seriously, he remembered that Clocky had told him that his lack of "management" by the observants could be read badly for the other realms, he knew that could include being confused for different entities, his father had many names at the end of the day.

"Your Highness, excuse the rudeness but I don't think you understand the seriousness of the matter" Diana said annoyed by the lack of reaction.

Danny just sneered "I think I totally get it, your sources are wrong, if they are free or not, they are not planning anything"

"I don't think it's your place to make such statements." Superman frowned.

"Oh really? I think it's my place to know if my dad is planning something" he let that revelation stay in the minds of the heroes, he wondered how many times they would be surprised in a day

"Sorry, I thought Constantine was your father?" Flash asked, sounding concerned.

"Constantine is my biological father, yes, however Kronos or whatever you call him is my adoptive father, he taked care of me since I was a baby" the halfa rolled his eyes.

"That's not possible, Kronos has been dead for a long time" Zatanna was worried by that new information.

"You have a God on your team and you wonder if it's possible to totally kill them? Because most of the time the answer is no" Danny shrugged.

"But he was trapped" Diana was sure of that.

"Yes, he was" Danny spoke, resentment ringing in his voice "I released him"

"Are you out of your mind!?" Green Lantern yelled, forgetting he was in front of a King "He obviously planned that, he probably plans to conquer the world!"

"Have you considered that he might be manipulating you?" questioned Batman with a soft voice.

"He's not manipulating me and he couldn't care less about the world, if he really wanted it he'd have it in seconds" Danny bristled at the calming victim tone and the sad eyes around him, honestly they were stupid, If Clocky wanted to rule the world, he would let it be instead of looking for a better future for everyone.

"Okay, everyone calm down, it's obvious that if he've been with him since he was a baby his influence has reached far, we should try to separate them and connect him with his biological father, everything will be fine son" Superman nodded.

"My son isn't going with some idiot wizard with no appreciation for his own soul" the topic of conversation in question appeared next to Danny, at the most dramatic moment possible.

Danny was about to yell at the heroes to stop treating him like a victim or a child when his dad put a hand on his shoulders, clearly trying to calm him down. He sighed and lunged at Clocky, hiding inside his cloak.

"Kronos what are you planning?" Diana spoke resentfully "manipulating a child is going too far"

"I was planning on enjoying tea at our house before some idiots decided to play being God" Clockwork rolled his eyes "And as much as it pains me to say it: Danny stopped being a child a long time ago, in case you forgot it he's a king, the king of all the dead and a god of his own"

"Is this your plan? become the King of the dead? Because you're not going to get away with it" Diana asked, suspicious.

"Do you have selective hearing? Cause I would love for dad to be king in my place but he really doesn't want to" Danny snorted "And since you're not going to treat this meeting seriously we're leaving, as much as I love the space this is really ruining it for me"

"You can not go away! You have to let us help you" Flash yelled worried.

"No, you don't have the right to decide that, so I'm going to go back home, drink my tea and make cookies with dad while you guys figure out how to thaw that bastard over there" Danny finally pointed at Constantine shivering in the cold as he looked at him in shock, Clockwork laughed at his side.

"I'd say it was nice to meet you, but it wasn't, don't expect much help from the dead, we're really not in the mood; go over tips on treating royals properly next time" Clockwork said a last goodbye and left.

Both the King and the God of time disappeared with the circle, along with the materials to perform the ritual; it seemed like they really didn't want to be contacted again

"That really didn't turn out as we expected" Billy muttered, he hadn't wanted to talk during the meeting because he didn't consider that either of the two beings was lying. They looked like father and son, just tired and fed up.

"We will have to evaluate this new threat, it is impossible that his words were completely true, Constantine, find out why that boy hates you so much" Batman ordered.

"I sold him" The hellbazer whispered.

"Sorry, what?" Zatanna stopped what she was doing.

"He hate me because I sold him" John passed his hands over his eyes "I didn't even consider this possible, I'm not supposed to have fucking kids, now it makes so much sense why she's avoiding me"

"She?" Superman asked

"Yeah, one of my exes tried to kill me, she keep yelling about me being an idiot and underestimating the consequences of my acts, I thought it was something normal, you know? I should have known better" He shrugged, the ice had melted but the cold stayed in his bones.

Batman took a deep breath, trying to calm down and not kill the man on the spot. "Who did you sell him to?"

"Many entities" Constantine bit his lip, embarrassed "could have sold him to Kronos for everything we know"

"You are a complete asshole and I understand why the boy does not want to see you" Zatanna spoke completely tired.

"So Kronos can own him for all we know? that's just awful" Diana was disgusted.

"It wasn't supposed to happen, evading contract liability is my specialty not dealing with the consequences" Constantine was stressed.

"This got much more complicated, we'll see how to break your son's contract and separate him from Kronos, maybe you can fix things after that" The dark knight spoke, he hated magic.

Billy refrained from mentioning that Kronos and the King didn't seem to be under a contract, or whatever his teammates were thinking, they looked like family, which for an orphan is pretty obvious.

But he knew that his companions wouldn't take his remarks seriously, so he just sighed in resignation. Maybe the League will remember that those two were from another dimension and royalty that they shouldn't anger, he really hopes they will remember soon.

For their part, Clockwork and Danny returned to their Tower now located next to the palace, deciding to prepare cookies for the visit of Sam & Tucker, one of the time screens was next to them, showing the League discussing the supposed problem.

Danny was quite annoyed that they were deciding things for him and calling his father bad but Clockwork brushed it off, they wouldn't get very far with the palace guards if they even managed to find a portal to the Realms, or even get to the palace itself.

"It's fine Daniel, everything is as it should be"