#The longer I look at these gifts the more I cannot help but laugh xD

[djfatchip]

Cute. Startin' to wish I hadn't burned all my fan mail.

[twin-books]

👀 plagg (or all kwami, if there's not a lot to say abt him)

Thanks for the ask, anon! And I'm glad you said all the other kwamis so I can knock those all out. But firstly let's just talk Plagg. I still love Plagg. He's my favorite kwami to draw and I very much love cats but I also have my own little black cat. Hilariously, she also tries to eat everything in sight and is obsessed with dairy products. Ironically not cheese. (I am also pretty sure she has a crush on Chat Noir. Shh... don't tell her he's just a human kid in a cat costume). Anyway, so yes, I'm a bit bias. But also he actually helps his kid and when he doesn't it isn't wildly out of character like it is with Tikki. He's also funny which is super great. Also, let's take a moment to appreciate his English VA specifically because that guy goes hard when he voices characters. Max Mittleton is a gift, a treasure. Anyway, he's fun. And his friendship with Adrien is to die for. He also tends to be the character that basically speaks for the audience and I love those characters. XD He's a stupidly adorable, irresponsible but loving, little kitty who I adore. I hated what they did to him in the NY Special because Plagg was pretty much the only character improving and they just went and threw that all away but now in s4 they love to act like that never happened but I remember... :' D So, since there's 19 kwamis (20 if you count Liiri 21 if you count that one kwami in Shanghai which I don't because I didn't get to know them), I'll be rating each kwami out of 20. So Plagg gets a 19/20. Not perfect but I still love the little man. Now let's talk about the other kwamis... You could probably hear me sighing from here. Tikki used to be my favorite kwami (next to Nooroo) but I don't care for her at all now. Especially after Dearest Family. She's now extremely unhelpful, encourages Marinette's bad choices, and apparently can't control herself at all when she gets hangry. Also, yet another adult figure in Marinette's life who has the downfall of hangry for some dumb reason. She's also no longer any fun to draw anymore because I cannot figure out how to properly draw her and make her look more like a ladybug while still keeping the show's style. Still, I hold season 1 Tikki very close to my heart and she's at least not stupidly annoying so... 10/20. Nooroo. I freaking hate his English voice. I don't remember his French one if I ever heard it but hopefully it's better? He also deserved antennas and prettier wings. Anyway, I know he technically hasn't gotten much focus but I do still really like him. Despite his kind of ugly design I still got a stuffed Nooroo and a Nooroo keychain as well as that huge Nooroo sticker. I really like Nooroo. He's kind of my favorite kwami and I feel very bad for him (especially since in the future he is still subjected to the same dumb, horrible fate because I guess the writers hate him :' D). But despite he's my favorite, Plagg is still obviously better so it wouldn't be fair to rate him above Plagg... 15/20. Wayzz was ruined just like Tikki. I miss season 1 Wayzz so much. He's honestly just a 9/20 because his supremely stupid decision to crawl on the ground to try and see Master Fu still makes me laugh at how dumb it was. He's annoying now like most of the kwamis. His dumb little antenna still annoys the heck out of me too because it in no way relates to a turtle and you can't even argue it's a kwami thing since some of the kwamis still don't have those things. Plus his is absurdly thick compared to the others... but he looks so dumb when you draw him without it and that drives me insane. Trixx is okay. 10/20 for them as well. They're freaking annoying but they look better than Wayzz and Nooroo and they're still kind of fun to watch. Plus, Trixx's relationship with Alya I hold very close to my heart. Pollen has no personality really and I actually preferred her concept where she didn't really have pupils or irises. I liked it so much I can only remember her like that even though she's not like that. She also got very annoying like the rest of the kwamis. 5/20 for probably being one of the

least annoying ones... Dusuu is super cute. Haven't seen much of him but he's super precious. (I call the kwamis by the gender I was kind of introduced to them as even if it wasn't the majority choice except Dusuu who I just think should be male because he's designed after a male peacock. Yes, the English dub made me very bitter. I really like animals. XD) I feel super bad for him too and I find him a bit more fun than Nooroo (sadly). I also like that he shifts emotions so drastically. Also his design is perfect and I love drawing him (though I do wish the bird kwamis got like real wings but I know that's hard in CGI so I won't blame them. I also tend to dial up his design a bit by giving him eyelash dots because I can). 17/20. Fluff was fun upon their first introduction. I was also partial to them because of the pastel blue and the time travel. And when I was a child bunnies used to be my favorite animal. I like drawing them with a Wonderlandiful kind of vibe (yes I stole that word from Ever After High and no I'm not sorry). As much as I'm not really a huge fan of the bunny being so heavily modeled after the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland (especially since that was arguably the more down to earth character compared to the rest of them) I still can't say I hate it. They're super fun to draw. Stupidly annoying now though. 9/20. Xuppu is okay? I barely really got to know him. I really need to rewatch Party Crasher in English to truly get it. He's stupidly annoying now though and I really don't like monkeys and apes all that much... I actually have a fear of apes and so that has kind of turned me away from monkeys too, to the point I kind of got them mixed up because my fear made me not really educate myself on that whole animal family. But he's super cute at least and I think kind of funny? Still, s4 really ruined the kwamis for me so... 5/20. Kaalki is a cool idea but I'm afraid I'm just not a fan of the whole pompous thing. I also think it's supremely weird she didn't go to like Chloe or Lila or something? I give them props for trying. Too bad she was ruined in s4 too. 5/20. Mullo had no real personality, or nothing I can remember. They also just became annoying in season 4 but they're at least kind of cute. 1/20. Sass was kind of fun. I find him to be chaotic evil and hilarious. I also kind of like his design. S4 almost ruined him but then went back and made him a tad better again so he gets to sit in 10/20 with Tikki. Longg is pretty much the same as Mullo but I like his design a bit less. I also think something went wrong with his CGI model? Props for finally being a kwami that's actually opposite the gender of his holder in the English dub. 1/20. Liiri means nothing to me but I can at least appreciate she has a decent design where she actually looks like her animal and was kind of cute. 1/20. Alright, as for the rest of them... they supremely annoy me. I can't believe they ruined the kwamis for me. I used to adore those little guys. RIP my love for the kwamis. -20/20 for all of them. I wish Marinette kept them locked in the box since that makes infinitely more sense especially since they all love to be absolute toddlers who disobey her and screw her over constantly. Also, the rooster looks more like a goldfish. There, now you can't unsee it. Thanks for the ask, anon. Hopefully that was an okay answer. I hope you're having a wonderful day, afternoon, evening, night, or whatever time it is where you are. <3 Send Me a Miraculous Character

[iwrestlenow]

Many More To Die - Chapter 4

TITLE: Many More To Die (Chapter 4)

FANDOM: Sanders Sides (Necromancer AU)

SUMMARY: Roman discovers that even the power of a king has its limits--but at least he has the power to help Logan in one critical fashion.

Logan is a needy wreck, and can't figure out which way is up, and as desperately as he needs someone--one man--to hold his hand through it all? It only makes things worse somehow.

Meanwhile, through all of this, another chess piece steps out of the shadows and onto the game board--and he's not going anywhere until he gets what, and who, he came for.

SHIPS: Logince (Logan/Roman), future Moceit (Patton/Janus) and Dukexiety (Remus/Virgil)

WARNINGS: Panic attack, but that’s it for this chapter. It’s mostly me having feelings, being TOTALLY UNABLE TO STOP WRITING WHAT THE HELL SOMEONE SAVE ME XD, and more self indulgent garbage that just felt good to write. So there. :P

Also, no betas, we die like men.

NOTES: This is based on the gorgeous piece of art by @gretacticdraws that can be found here. I ended up writing a ficlet for it, and then my brain got swallowed up. Breathe at me wrong, and I’ll write more…hell, who am I kidding? I’ll write more anyway because this? Is self indulgent drivel. XD

Also located at AO3 over here.

“Lord Janus? I want this man dead.”

“Certainly, Your Majesty.”

“Please—mercy, Your Majesty!”

“Now hang on there just a gosh darn, berry pickin', mother lovin' moment, buster! Janny, if you know what's good for you, you will just stop with this nonsense and put the flippin' sword down!”

Roman would have burst out laughing if he wasn't fighting so hard to keep his composure. It could hardly be helped—Patton came up to Logan's shoulder, but only just, and was standing in his cell with his hands on his hips, glaring at the captain of the royal guard like he was a child being scolded for a broken dish.

Janus hardly looked intimidated—but the fact that he stilled after drawing his sword, leaving a terrified guard trembling against the bars of the cell next to Logan's was telling. Seven years, Lord Janus had served as the head of the assassins' corps before retiring to become the captain of the royal guard. Roman had heard stories, but never met the man until today, which was hardly unusual given that Janus was a drake—the son of a human and a dragon. They were notoriously gifted shapeshifters, even with a handicap like his.

Lord Janus was powerful, deadly, and highly skilled at remaining an enimga...but a hobbled child necromancer in a cell had the power to stay his hand.

Janus raised an eyebrow at Patton, but finally glanced at Roman.

Roman nodded. Janus refocused on the guard, pushing the tip of his sword against the hollow of his throat, hard enough to draw blood.

“Majesty, I beg you! I don't want to die!” the guard begged.

Roman let out a bemused little laugh.

“How strange,” he replied as calmly as he could manage, “I was under the impression you did, given the fact that you refused, a second time, to obey a direct order from your king.”

“The Necromata must be bound! It's the law!”

“I am the law!”

Storming up to the guard, Roman let his emotions fuel him—exhaustion, grief, anger, confusion, and the tearing, unspeakable ache that throbbed through him every time his gaze ventured too close to the open door of the cell where Logan still leaned.

The wail he'd let out when Roman pulled free of his grip to order the cell door opened was going to haunt his sleep. The way he stood now, so carefully still, features so meticulously schooled into calm, unfeeling lines, was going to rob him of that breath of life Logan had only just returned to him.

“I am the king now, and I am the ultimate authority.” Roman spat. “Now, I fully understand the need to shackle a prisoner being removed from his cell, but as far as I am concerned, this man is no longer a prisoner here.”

“You can't--”

“I think you'll find that I can.”

“Your Majesty.”

Roman turned at the sound of Logan's voice, cool and even but too quiet, hoarse and thick with the tears he'd finally managed to stop from streaming down his face.

“The law is such that the king cannot overrule it.” Logan declared with deceptive calm. “The Necromata, once imprisoned by the royal family, can only be pardoned for the crimes of their birth with the blessing of the people. A vote, if you will...and no such vote has ever been successfully passed.”

“How do you know this?”

“I have been here for ten years with little more to do than read. I have the entire legal code of the Kingdoms and the criminal rules of order memorized, along with the family tree of the royal family and all available star maps of the area.”

Roman wanted to scream. He wanted to hit something—for a terrible moment, he wanted to order Janus to proceed with the guard's execution for real, rather than just trying to make a point.

Then inspiration struck—bright, blinding, and blessed as it filled him with light.

“My order will still be obeyed.” Roman announced. “These two necromancers—they may not be pardoned, but they will be imprisoned at my pleasure...and it is my pleasure to have them confined to guest quarters upstairs. Have extra guards posted at all available palace entrances. They are not to leave the grounds until the vote has been passed. Successfully.”

He shot a look at the offending guard.

“And the first person to shackle either one of them without violent provocation will be hung at dawn.”

Janus lowered his sword and slid it back into its sheath—the cane he'd been carrying with him—before moving to Roman's side.

“Bit extreme, don't you think, Majesty?” he murmured once he was close enough to ensure that only Roman would hear him.

“My father is dead, Lord Janus.” Roman shot back bleakly. “I have yet to shed a single tear for him--'extreme' feels like an appropriate response right about now.”

“Touche. Of course—and it has nothing to do with the traumatized necromancer you're apparently well acquainted with?”

Roman didn't answer as he moved towards the open door of the cell. Standing before Logan, he extended his hand...

...then suddenly realized that was a bad idea as he put his hand back down again.

********** More.

Logan could hardly string a single coherent thought together around the constant chant in his mind, his marrow, his soul for the prince to touch him again. He couldn't let him, not when it was so agonizing, fire and pressure and somehow affecting every nerve in his body when it was focused on such a small area...

More. More. More.

He didn't understand why restraining himself was so hard. It hurt, it was clearly doing him some kind of physical and psychological harm...and yet he wanted. Needed.

He couldn't remember ever experiencing the sensation.

It very nearly caused another panic attack when the prince dropped his offered hand—and that was another problem entirely, standing before a cell door standing wide open, and the use of the word pardon being thrown around like it wasn't capable of changing the world as Logan knew it—but the pause that seemed to last for an eternity must have only been a few seconds long.

Because a moment later, the Green Man—the prince—was reaching into his pocket and producing a pair of pristine white gloves. A missing piece of the military uniform, how had Logan not noticed? He usually noticed things like that...

When he finished tugging them on, he offered his hand to Logan again. He said nothing...just waited.

Logan shook with the force of effort it took to reach, slowly, to accept the offered hand. The gloves blocked some of that heat from skin to skin contact—and when he gently folded his fingers around Logan's, barely any pressure, it was still intense...but better.

“All good, Berry?”

Logan looked into his eyes sharply, the name ricocheting around in his skull in a manner he hadn't experienced in literal years—not since he'd first discovered his power was awakening again, all concussive force and electricity crawling against the underside of his skin.

All at once, the years fell away, and he was asleep in his cell that first terrible night, dreaming of every monstrous shadow transforming into a protector as green eyes lit the dark.

He opened his mouth to answer yes, he was fine—then realized...

“I do not know which of the princes you are.” he admitted with a bemused huff.

That got a smile from the other man—too brief, far too brief before it fractured to pieces, a crystal goblet slammed to the floor, raining shards of razor sharp light.

“Roman.” he replied. “Pr—King Thomas Roman II, but you may address me by my name.”

“Hardly acceptable, is it, Majesty?” Janus mused.

“Given that my life is currently in this man's hands—and the future of my father—I'd say he's earned a few niceties, Lord Janus.” Roman announced, raising his voice to ensure everyone within earshot was aware of it. Logan had a strange feeling that Lord Janus spoke up for precisely that purpose, to make his situation known.

Logan's, not Roman's—Logan knew that anyone with a shred of loyalty to the king would probably kill him if given the chance. There was no question that someone would likely accuse a necromancer with ties to the crown prince of the murder. Fear for Roman's safety would keep him protected.

Janus was that kind of man, shrewd and shameless—Logan knew precious little about Prince Roman, but to discover that he was equally blessed with the gift of strategy was...intriguing.

“Lord Janus, see to it that Logan's cell mate is made comfortable, and shown around the north wing of the palace. That is where I would prefer they spend the bulk of their time.” Roman declared. “I will take custody of this prisoner myself. When you are done, I want you, the dungeon master, the head prison mage, and a heart healer in the war room, immediately. Send for my brother as well.”

“Yes, Your Majesty—but I cannot send you alone.” Janus replied. Surveying the guards in their presence, and grimacing with impatience, he finally took a few steps down the corridor and flagged down another guard.

“You! Fetch the cadet from the graveyard patrol, now! I want him on the king's detail.”

Roman nodded his thanks, finally turning his attention back on Logan. Between those green eyes and the warm pressure enfolding his hand, ravaging his nerves and making his chest throb with pure emotion, he wasn't sure he could stand it much longer without losing his composure.

“Are you all right?” Roman asked quietly, stepping closer and into Logan's personal space. Strangely, Logan realized he could feel that as well, radiant heat and buzzing static crawling across his skin, too close and not enough and everything.

More. More. More.

“I am not.” he admitted. “Hardly unusual, given that touch starvation is a common condition among the Necromata, to say nothing of the Claim.”

“The Claim? What's that?”

Logan's mouth snapped shut, very real panic rising in his chest again.

“Whoah—Logan? Logan, breathe. Look at me, you need to breathe.”

The Claim. He knew, knew what Logan had done, was holding his hand and Logan could feel it, but now he'd spoken about the Claim, about his power, and he was going to die this time...

...two...three...four...hold for one...two...three...four...five...

“That's it, Logan. There you go, can you do it again?”

...good job, now again: in for one...two...three...four...

Pressure. Pressure, pressure, pressure, everywhere, pressure pressure unrelenting pressure...

“Hey!”

Logan blinked, attention snapping to the young man suddenly standing in front of him. He was nearly Logan's height, with straight black hair that hung in dark eyes, flinty as stone.

“Name five things you can see.”

“I...what?”

“Do it. Five things.”

Logan shook his head, and almost immediately his gaze was drawn back to Roman.

“Green Man.” he managed to reply. Roman smiled, and Logan felt that mantra start tattooing itself against the inside of his skull, blotting out the fear and panic.

“Okay, keep going. Let's keep going.”

Logan only realized they were moving because Roman still held his hand, was tugging him with the barest of pressure—and Logan's traitorous body followed. Between the cadet, demanding Logan name more things he could see, along with touch, smell, hear, and taste, and Roman's silent encouragement, he found himself moving out of his cell and towards the stairs of the dungeon.

Moving up each stair. Moving through the gate, and into the palace...moving, traveling, with only Roman's hand to restrain him.

Then he was in the palace, above the dungeons...and if he never saw the outside world again, Logan still felt like he could call himself a free man.

********** “Thank you.”

The cadet flinched a little, looking towards the king. “What?”

“Thank you.” King Roman repeated, still crouched motionless by the chair the prisoner had all but collapsed into. He'd basically passed out when they reached the war room, but didn't seem to be in any distress—just exhausted and overstimulated.

“That trick, focusing on his surroundings—it's greatly appreciated.” he went on, his gaze never leaving the sleeping man's face. He still held his hand, like he might vanish if he let him go. “How did you know it would work?”

The cadet had to grit his teeth for a second, finding himself watching the sleeping prisoner despite his best efforts not to. He looked...well, he looked like shit, and it was hard. It was so hard to watch, but he had to do it.

He was finally here, and he had to make sure that he didn't screw up again.

“I have anxiety.” he finally replied, keeping his tone even. “Nightmares, panic attacks, the works. My brother used to help me through them with tricks like that. He'd have me focus on my surroundings, or make me pick out colors—he even made me a special blanket to help me sleep. It, uh—it might be good for him? The guard who got me mentioned that this necromancer can feel your touch? If he's not used to contact, it could...”

“You'd be willing to do that?”

“Of course, sir.”

“Go and fetch it, then.”

“Sir, I was ordered to stay with you.”

“I'm the king. I overrule your orders.” King Roman replied.

The cadet lifted his gaze to the king's face, his stomach sinking when he realized he was being stared at. Hard.

Ohhhhh, shit.

“You don't call me 'Majesty.' Why?”

The cadet tried to be discreet about taking a steadying breath as he shrugged. “You have a pet necromancer now. All due respect, but I don't think you'll have the job long.”

“What do you know about necromancers?”

“I know they're not evil. Only reason I'm still here is that you seem to know it, too.”

King Roman nodded, gaze flicking down before it returned to the sleeping necromancer.

“Cadet...do you know what a Claim is?”

The cadet swallowed thickly. No...oh no.

“It's a binding ritual.” the cadet replied. “The Necromata are capable of manipulating death, but when they can't? They take it.”

“Away?”

“No—into themselves. They take the victim's dying breath, infuse it with their blood, and return it to the person it belongs to. That way, when the victim's time comes, they survive it.”

The cadet looked to the necromancer again.

Gods, Loganberry—what did you do?

“And the necromancer dies in their place.”

To his credit, the king paled, his free hand lifting to touch Logan's hair like the cadet itched to—so close for the first time in ten years, but he couldn't even comfort him.

He had to stay put. By the door, protecting the king and his charge.

After a decade, Virgil was finally, finally within reach of Logan in every way that mattered, and he would die before he jeopardized his one chance to save him.

Virgil was the one who got his big brother caught and imprisoned in the first place—he was damn well going to make sure that he was the one to set things right.

[secret-engima]

AU idea, lobbing it at u. The Ring of the Lucii doesn't take souls, just magic accumulated over a lifetime, & a copy of memories at the end. Nyx Ulric is Somnus reincarnated, & nobody had any clue, until he put the Ring on his /right/ hand & /remembers/. He ignore this revelation for a moment while he takes care of Glauca. Then. He just sits down in the burning rubble of Insomnia & /shakes/. Luna asks what's wrong, & he numbly tells her /everything/ he knows. Cue Roadtrip to F over the Prophecy.

Oh no.

Oh noooooooooooooooooo.

XD

Buckle up it’s time for a ramble and a NEW GLORIOUS AU.

Nyx has always known something was off about him. And not in an arrogant or “I’m destined” way but an uncomfortable, achy way that had followed him all his life. A way that made him reach for something that was never there, like a phantom limb when he was not missing any. A way that made him constantly look to his sides and be surprised-hurt-regretful when they were empty save for Libertus (and he loves Lib, he DOES, but there is something in him that keens still, like Libertus is welcome, but not the one he was expecting or meant to see).

As terrible as the Burning was, Nyx finds that the day he becomes a Kingsglaive was the best day of his life. Because when Regis gave him magic, when magic flowed into his soul and breathed like the air before the storm, Nyx felt as close to whole as he’d ever been in his life. He took to magic like he had been born to it, could warp higher, faster, farther then any other glaive, could summon fire with barely a thought and skate across ice that formed under his shoes, could dance with lightning like he was a coeurl born rather than man.

The glaives laugh and call him Hero.

Libertus looks at his friend and sometimes, when he’s drunk, thinks of him as Twice Born. Because Libertus has known Nyx all his life, has known that Nyx is wounded in his soul and Missing something and that being gifted magic did more to heal it than anything else. Even if it didn’t fix it completely.

Nyx meets Princess and something in his soul screams. He is mourning Crowe, mourning Libertus’s abandonment resigning, his bones ACHE in a way he can’t name and then he sees her, hears her voice and something in him wants to cry.

Aera Aera my friend my brother’s heart and soul and light I’m so sorry I’m so sorry I will never let it happen again I will never let you suffer just please FORGIVE ME

“Sorry,” he whispers past the glass in his throat, “I’m on duty.”

“Then surely there is no safer place for me then right here,” she retorts and Nyx feels a smile pull through the pain in his soul.

This Oracle is different from Aera.

Maybe this one will survive.

But then everything falls apart, and betrayal is like a knife in his back he deserves this he knows what this feels like now oh brother oh Aera please please and they are running, they are fighting and the king is dead and his magic is GONE-GONE-GONE and it hurts but he can’t focus on that right now.

And then.

Captain.

Traitor.

T R A I T O R.

And Nyx- Nyx is angry, Nyx is desperate. He promised to see Princess to safety another Oracle will not die because of him he will not allow it and so he feels no fear as he yanks the Ring out of her hands and slides it onto his finger.

The finger of his right hand.

The same finger Regis had worn it on.

He hadn’t meant to put it on that finger, but some old instinct had slid it there.

The world freezes. Turns dark and blue.

“Welcome back, Kinslayer and Kingkiller.” Say the voices, everywhere and nowhere, a hundred of them at least or more.

He stills, and not just from the pain of his injuries, “What-? Who-?”

“Long have we awaited the return of your soul to fulfill your promise.”

“Rise, Somnus Lucis Caelum from the dust of your forgotten era. All hail the return of the Founder King and Mystic.”

Nyx opens his mouth to say there’s been a misunderstanding, because he is HARDLY some ancient founder king but then the stone beneath him breaks and

he

f a l l s.

Life and death and memories and regret. There is a sword in his hand and blood drips from the blade as Princess-Aera-Princess-Oracle-Aera-AERA goes too still in his brother’s arms and the monster wearing his brother’s skin scrEAMS.

There is a garden and tears, gentle arms wrapping around his shoulders as soft blue eyes watch over him and red-violet hair mingles with his as a chin rests on his head and a voice murmurs, “It’s alright, little brother. It will be alright.”

There is a throne under his hands and back, a crown on his head that feels victorious for all of a moment before the world crumbles and the Astrals appear and say “What have you done, foolish mortal-.” 

There is a brother who loves him always and helps him find his feet.

There is a monster lying chained in the deep.

They are the same thing.

It is all Somnus’s fault.

It’s all Somnus’s fault.

He has to fix this somehow.

It’s all

his

fault.

No.

No, he refuses.

I am Nyx Ulric, he thinks fiercely as he claws his way to the surface of the memories, I am Nyx Ulric, not a kinslayer or traitor and i will not drown beneath these sins.

Nyx snaps awake and magic springs from his fingers as easily as breathing. The shield expands, blocking the blade of the traitor before a flick of his wrist makes lightning blast him away. Nyx stands and rolls his shoulders, feeling injuries knit back together and the bullet slide free of the wound. In another life, Nyx would have smiled and laughed in the face of death.

In another life, Nyx would not be firmly shoving memories of Somnus behind him as he passes the Ring back to Luna and grimly tells Libertus to get Princess out of here.

They hesitate, he snaps at them, the power of a king in his voice, and Libertus looks scared as they run on his order. Nyx watches them go, a shield flaring to life without looking as the traitor attacks again. Nyx turns very slowly.

Inside his armor, Glauca has never felt so exposed as when Nyx Ulric stares him down.

“Traitor,” Nyx hisses coldly, and there is something primal under his words, something ancient and angry, “You will pay for the blood of my kin on your hands.”

They fight.

It is not much of a contest.

Somnus may not have been the better fighter of the two brothers, but he had trained all his life with Gilgamesh.

Compared to his old Shield, Glauca is nothing.

Nyx stares silently over the rubble of his city as the sun rises and feels the weight of a crown that is no longer his to wear. He breathes the taste of ash and blood and daemons as the Old Wall kneel to him and then fade into dormancy, and feels … old. Whole for the first time in this life.

He almost wishes he could go back to being incomplete.

He narrows his eyes as he thinks of the Chancellor of Niflheim that he had glimpsed, of the stories of the Blademaster he has heard since coming to Insomnia.

He thinks of Princess and the great-great grandchild Somnus’s actions doomed to death.

Nyx Ulric, He Who Walks Twice, Founder and Traitor King, clenches his fists tight around his kukri, “I’m coming brother,” he whispers to the sunrise, “I will end what I have begun.” He would end the misery and pain he put his brother through if he had to crack open fate with his bare, bloodied hands.

“Just wait a little longer.”

Then he turns and limps his way out of the city. He has an Oracle to talk to and a great grandchild to save.

(And later, on a Haven, Luna listens in awe and horror at Nyx’s story, at the age in the glaive’s eyes as he effortlessly calls forth the royal armiger. She watches in tense silence as Gentiana looks upon Nyx and calls him “Mystic”, as Nyx looks at Gentiana and cooly asks if she will stand between him and his brother. Gentiana hesitates. Then backs down.

Together, the Glaive Who Was Once King and the Last Oracle set out to destroy the prophecy in its entirety and free the brother he once betrayed and long wronged.

Along the way they stop at the Tempering Grounds, and Gilgamesh discovers that metal CAN cry as he beholds his king a second time. He bends the knee without hesitation, and when Nyx says for him to Come, Gilgamesh rises and abandons his prison without hesitation.

Along the way, Nyx Who Was Somnus But Is No Longer finds that his heart is as willful as ever, and that he cannot help but give it away to Lunafreya, betrothed to Noctis by faulty treaty or no.

And maybe, just maybe along the way, before the end of their journey and the final reunion of brothers, Luna finds herself giving her heart right back.)

[kykyonthemoon]

Prompt: Your OC walks in on their crush having a nightmare.

Where Nightmares met Dreams

KyKy knocked on the door for the third time, there was no answer still. She was rather worried, and decided to turn the knob of the door.

The room was as dark as the sky of Tokyo that night, when rain tore the sky open and poured down so suddenly. KyKy’s eyes gradually adjust to the darkness, and she found a switch near the room entrance, which connected to the lighting in the room. It was much better to see now that everything was covered in soft, golden light.

Eveything, including the figure that was still lying asleep in bed.

“Kazama…?” She called, softly like a whisper.

Kazama had been sleeping for almost a day since her seniors found him, wounded somewhere near Tokyo Tower. They had decided to help him, to protect him from the Hydras who were searching every corner of the city for him.

They said that he was a devil, a Dragon Lord that commanded the Devil Clan. And he was Ruri Kazama, the famous Kabuki actor and host. As the Cassell team had just found out, he was Chime Gen, brother to the Emperor of Hydras, who happened to be hunting him as well. So many identities. So many faces. Like the Kabuki masks.

But while asleep, he was nothing but a mere soul. Lost and wounded; while KyKy happened to be a healer.

Hence, it was natural that she was drawn to him. He once said that the people from Devil Clan were like moths drawn to the light. But what if the light wanted to embrace the moth?

KyKy took a few steps closer to his bed. It was time to wake him up. The boy had not eaten anything. But when she called for him, his eyes were still closed, though he seemed like he was in pain. That was when KyKy realised something wrong.

“Kazama?”

She sat down by his side. He must be in a nightmare. His mind was not completely stable, not after what had happened on that Tokyo Tower. KyKy tried her best to wake him up. She held onto his hand. And when she did so, there was a sudden force that pull her into darkness.

She did not understand what was going on. There were many visions, many voices echoing in the place. After a while, she finally came to realise where she was. It must be Kazama’s nightmare. She thought it had something to do with his power, or hers. He was known to create nightmares, while her gift of weaving dreams was kept a secret, following Principal Anjou’s advice.

KyKy stayed still for a moment. She tried to see all the visions flashing by in his dream. There were ones that were so bright and warm; and there were ones that frightened her. She saw faces of the people she had known and had not. But Chisei Gen’s was dominant.

It felt like walking all alone in a cold, dark hallway, while the pictures hanging on both sides of the wall kept moving and screaming. They were calling her.

But she knew she could not dwell in the place for so long. She must find him. So KyKy started running, towards the sound of jade flute as fast as she could, until she reached a place where it seemed like a ruin; a destroyed Paradisio. Admist the broken pieces of memories, she found him all alone in his stage. The curtains were burning and so did the audience. None of them clapped, for they were nothing but wax, dressed in colorful kimono yet their faces showed no emotion. She was scared to find the people she knew in their wax form; Chisei, Caesar, Luminous, Johann,… The lady who was in charge of Paradisio before it was burnt down sat in the front row, with an empty wide smile on her face. She turned her head to look at KyKy.

“You’re here.”

His voice reached to her and brought her attention back to the stage. Kazama was not… Kazama anymore; he was something… different. He cloaked in a red and white kimono. His face was hiden behind layers of make-up that made him look completely different. And his eyes were glowing in gold.

He was in his Dragon Lord form, just like when their paths had crossed for the first time many dreams and nightmares ago. Kazama floated like a ghost on the stage. He said:

“No one has ever found me here. Whenever they come closer to me, they slowly become what you have seen…”

His head turned to the audience and KyKy did the same.

“But you’re here. Aren’t you afraid, KyKy? Aren’t you scared... of me?”

Her amethyst eyes met his. Who was this person in front of her? He was not the same Kazama that she knew, and she admitted the truth.

“Yes… I’m very scared of you right now… But that doesn’t stop me from coming closer.”

A painful smile cracked on his pale face. “You can’t save me, nor them. This is a nightmare that once you step in, you cannot escape.”

“I’m not here to save anyone.” KyKy gathered all the courage in her to face Kazama. “I’m here because you need someone, don’t you?”

Kazama seemed puzzled, and he failed to hide it behind his make-up. KyKy knew she was right, and it was her only chance to stop this nightmare.

“You can tell me everything,” she continued. “I want to know about the town where you grew up, the people you have met, or the plays you have written… You can perform your Kabuki plays for me.”

She turned to the audience, then back at him. “They don’t talk to you, right? But I can. I can tell you how beautiful the sky is when it’s raining stars. Or tell you the little joy of having a bowl of ramen on a rainy night… In fact, I can even show them to you...”

“I— Enough!” Kazama shouted in anger. “How did you get here? What have you done…?”

KyKy took notice of how the scenery surrounding her changed; the fallen Paradisio slowly faded away, leaving a vast and open field of flowers, lightened up by moonlight and stars. But when she gazed up at Kazama, he was still in the dark, clinging to the stage of his own.

“You can come here and enjoy the view with me.” KyKy reached a hand out towards him. Between them, there was an invisible wall that separated the two visions; one was nightmare, and one was good dream.

“Stop it! How could you alter my nightmare like this?”

KyKy only smiled, “Why don’t you come here and find out yourself?”

Kazama froze for a moment. His expression went from confused and angry to defeated. He reached for her hand and she pulled him into her dream.

He was no longer in his devil form. He was just a clueless boy with a sad face looking at her.

“This place... It seems familiar...” He spoke.

“Mmh. I’m not sure if everything is in its place, since I have only seen it through a flash of your dreams earlier...”

“It’s perfectly as I remember.” He commented and that brought a smile to her face.

“Thank you,” Kazama continued. “But how... How did you manage to do this?”

“I’m an S-ranked for reasons.” She chuckled, “I haven’t told you, nor anyone about my secret power yet... Only Principal Anjou and EVA know. But you can already guess by now, I have quite the same power as yours.”

Kazama was intrigued. The two took a stroll along the hill resembling his hometown in the past.

“It’s the same, yet different. You create good dreams.” He said.

“Yes.”

“And all I can make is nightmare...”

“It doesn’t have to be that way,” KyKy replied. “Our dreamworld is what we want it to be.”

They both sat down on the field, looking down at the peaceful town sleeping by the foot of the hill.

“I’ve been in the shadows for so long. I have forgotten how it’s like to breathe in the lights. There has not a good dream ever since... since that night when my brother...”

He left the sentence hanging. KyKy had known enough to finish it herself.

Kazama then turn to face KyKy and asked, “Have we met before, in the dreamworld?”

KyKy softly smiled at him, “Perhaps.”

“May I stay here for awhile, in this dream?”

“It was made for you after all.”

“Will you... stay too? With me...?”

“Of course. I’ll be here until you wake up. Then we will eat ramen and everything will be alright.”

Kazama seemed like he almost laughed, but he held it in. “I do really admire your optimism, KyKy. No wonder you can create such a beautiful dream, even from my nightmare.”

A faint blush was seen on KyKy’s face. She beamed even brighter than the moonlight, “Then, you know who to find if you have nightmares again.”

“Thank you.” Kazama nodded at her. It was his first pleasant dream after the endless nightmares.

-The end-

-----------

Au’s note: Thank you for such a great prompt. It was something that I’ve wanted to write for my character with Chime Gen for a long time now xD The story is longer than intended, but I hope you guys enjoy it as much as when I wrote it ^^

See my Masterlist here: x

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Three Hundred Thirty-Two: Gateway ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Itachi ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Divine Light ] [ AO3 Link ]

Well...this isn’t how he planned this journey to go, if he’s going to be honest with himself. When Itachi approached him with a plan to make a mountain of gold with what would likely be only average effort...well, he wasn’t about to say no. Sasuke isn’t a greedy young man, but he is a bit desperate. Their family, fallen from grace when he was a boy when their homeland was conquered, are only shadows of their former glory and influence. If they could just get some of their money back...then surely the Uchiha name would have a fighting chance!

But that means earning it. Their new ruling class aren’t too fond of those able to wield the elements...and that’s made things hard. So a job like that Itachi had described - rescuing a kidnapped princess from the clutches of her personal hand mage gone rogue - seemed the perfect opportunity. Their magic would put them on good footing. Add in that it would be two on one, and...surely they couldn’t fail.

Plans, however, have a way of...changing.

Because while they did indeed find the missing princess they’ve been looking for...there’s a slight problem. For Hinata, daughter of the king Hiashi of the line Hyūga, was not kidnapped. Or so she claims, backed up by the woman painted as the guilty party. Oh no...the tale was indeed far more complicated than that.

What Itachi had been told was that a woman - a mage and bequeathed to the princess when they were both only children - had stolen the princess away as a means of leverage for her escape. A citizen of a conquered land, she had been treated as an object, gifted to Hinata as a servant and plaything. The story went that her hatred had grown silently, never shown, until she stole the princess away to ensure her safety until reaching the border.

But...that’s not the truth, or so Hinata claims.

Itachi had held up a hand upon her rather blunt declaration of the true reason behind their being missing. “...your father was going to have you killed…?”

The princes gave a grave nod. “...several weeks ago...he discovered a truth I’d been hiding from him for quite some time. My mother - his first wife - was n-not what she seemed. She was a mage, but kept it hidden from all. My powers woke when I was young, and it was my handmaid who helped me hide it, and helped to teach me.”

The brothers’ eyes had gone wide, exchanging a knowing glance.

Hinata’s eyes dropped somberly to the floor. “...I knew he’d be furious should he ever discover it, but also that - eventually - it would slip. And when it did, he f-flew into a rage. Forbade me from ever using it, and began seeking ways to strip a mage of their powers. It was then we began to plot an escape. But just as we were preparing, my father revealed his own plan: a coverup. He would have me killed, and place the blame on my handmaid: spin a tale of hate and jealousy when in fact...she’s my closest friend.”

“...so when you escaped, he altered the tale…”

“Yes. We’re fleeing for the northern border - the lands Hiashi lost in the last war, and my previous homeland,” the maiden mage then offered, stepping up. “We plan to find asylum there. If we do, Hinata will be safe...and I can try to find the remnants of my people. We just have to evade those like you seeking to take Hinata back. If they were to succeed...I can guarantee she’d be dead within a fortnight.”

Itachi hummed in thought, a hand at his chin. “...might I make a suggestion?”

The women exchanged a look, and then warily nodded.

“First, let me ask: have you any coin? Surely you need it to make such a journey. But I can’t imagine you were able to raid Hiashi’s coffers before you fled.”

At that, Hinata gave a hint of a smile. “...I have my inheritance.”

“What, on you?” Sasuke asked skeptically.

“In a manner of speaking, but...for safety, I can’t really tell you.”

“I see...forgive my brother, he often speaks before thinking,” the elder then apologized, tone hinting at Sasuke to curb his tongue with a glance. “Then perhaps we could make a bit of a deal…?”

“What kind of deal…?”

“Well, when we began this quest, we sought to earn gold for our family by returning you ladies to the king. But now, we can hardly do so and keep our consciences happy. So what if we were to turn our intentions on their heads?”

“...meaning?” the handmaid asked.

“Rather than capture you...we could escort you. We know these lands well, and we are both adept in magic like yourselves. With which we could guide you through the safest routes, and help protect you...respectively.”

While the princess looked hopeful, her handmaid held out a bracing hand. “...why should we trust you?”

“I realize you have little more than our word to go on, but...in a sense, we know your struggle, ma’am. Our family was also assimilated unwillingly when we were conquered. It’s for them we work to refill our own coffers. In truth, we’ve little love for Hiashi...as mages, he sees us as lesser and tainted. By helping you, we could kill two birds with a single stone. Perhaps earn some coin, and also deliver a bit of a blow to the man who reduced our family to ruin.”

“...so you’re loyal not to Hiashi, but to yourselves...and your family.”

“And - out of necessity - coin. Should you agree to part with a small sum of the princess’ treasury, we’ll gladly lend you our aid.”

“And if someone were to offer you more to harm us?”

Itachi gave a wry smile. “Well...you also happen to have the advantage of being an enemy of our enemy. It will take more than that, I assure you.”

“...I think we should go with them,” Hinata had murmured, earning an uncertain glance from her companion.

“But, my lady…?”

“They’re right. We need help. And we have a common enemy.” There had been a small flicker of an emotion across her face at the word none of them could identify. “As far as I can s-see...we’ll all help one another. And it’s safer to travel together. Please…”

The mage sighed heavily. “...as you wish. But your safety is still my utmost priority, my lady.”

“I know.”

It was then, after a few more haggles over details, that the group of four had left the strange cave and took to the road. With only two horses between them, they maintained a slower pace to the next town. The mage had saddled up with Itachi, and Sasuke was stuck with the princess.

Thankfully, she hasn’t said much, just sitting behind him with a careful grip around his middle for balance. Sasuke’s never been too keen on women. Needless to say...he’s a bit unsteady.

“May I ask...which war saw you become citizens of my father’s nation…?”

“...it was when I was fairly small,” he manages to reply, tone a little terse with exasperation at the small talk. “Maybe five or so.”

“I see...the same, then, that I was given my handmaid. Only for the north to be conquered instead by the Namikaze king a few years later.”

“...that’s where we’re headed, eh?”

“Yes. We hope to find safety there.”

“What would they want with a princess no longer tied to a kingdom?”

“Their king and ours have a-always been at odds. My father’s loss to him left him embittered, and there’s been a long-standing stalemate between them. But unlike here...mages are free to live as they please in the north. It would be a personal blow if they played a hand in t-thwarting my father’s attempts to be rid of me. And even if no longer a princess by rite, I still carry royal blood.”

“Hn...never been one much for politics.”

That earns a soft laugh. “Nor have I. In all honesty...I’m glad to be rid of my title. It’s better suited to my sister.”

“...so, she’s a half-sister, then?”

“Yes...my mother died when I was four or so. Father then remarried, and soon had Hanabi. And after all of this, I wonder…”

“...what?”

“...if her death was planned as mine was. If Father remarried and had another child for fear that I would be like her…”

In spite of himself, Sasuke balks a bit in surprise. “...would he…?”

“...I can no longer assume he wouldn’t.”

Unsure what else to say, Sasuke instead looks up as they pass beneath an arch that houses a gateway into their next destination. The women need horses if they’re to make any decent pace. “...well, we’re here. My brother and I will buy the mounts. You two stay out of sight, and do your best to disguise yourselves. Speak to no one, and try not to leave the inn.”

“...right.”

With two rooms rented for the night, they settle the pair in before leaving for the livery.

“We’ll bring a meal with us,” Itachi promises. “Just be patient, if you would.”

“Thank you.”

Glancing to Hinata, Sasuke hesitates a moment. “...keep yourself safe until we get back.”

“...I will.”

                                                         .oOo.

     (This is a sequel to day 321!)       I'm super tired sooo I'll be brief!      More of the old RP-turned-fic...thing. Kinda. I dunno how to describe it xD Fantasy stuff! Mages! Not-so-kidnapped princesses! Evil kings! All we need are some dragons and our checklist will be complete, right?      I dunno if I'll do more of this - I'm...unsure about a lot lately given just how DRAINING and busy life has been (and will be) for...a while. So forgive me with how much I'm falling behind, I just CANNOT keep up. But as always, I WILL FINISH THIS. It's just gonna stretch past.      ALSO! Since we ARE nearing the end, please PLEASE let me know somehow - be it comments here, messages on Tumblr, etc. - your top pick(s) for ideas from this challenge you'd like to see given more chapters! I AM going to take a fairly big break after this challenge cuz OOF, but I DO want to do some short multichap fics once I'm recuperated, so...if you have a favorite, let me know, and I'll see if I can do more with it!      Anyway, I reallllly need to sleep, so I'll leave it at that - thanks for reading!

[maybeawriter6]

Safe Together (Demon!Valerius x Female Reader)

(This is definitely in the running for the most self indulgent thing I’ve ever written, but eh who cares XD

This is inspired by Julian’s reversed ending but I haven’t actually played it, so forgive me if the world I’ve built here doesn’t work the way it does in canon.

Valerius is a full demon here; basically the human parts of his sprite are gone and both sides match now.)

—————————————————————————————————-

Sometimes, you still wake up screaming. Dreams, memories, what’s the difference, anymore? The visions are all horrific, all tragic.

Gentle claws pull you close, a normally cool voice warm with concern murmuring comfort in your ear. “There, there, Darling. You’re perfectly safe.”

You bury your face in the crook of a familiar neck covered in a medley of scales and fur. Your trembling eventually fades as you lie enveloped in faintly wine-scented warmth.

Valerius brings one clawed hand up to thread carefully through your hair. “We’re safe and together, my love.”

Safe and together. The mantra that’s kept you both sane. As long as it’s true, you can convince yourselves nothing else matters. It keeps the bad feelings at bay.

“I saw… him, again,” you whisper.

Valerius frowns, slit pupils narrowing as he somehow manages to hold you even closer. “Don’t worry about him. He promised to leave us alone, remember?”

Oh, you remember all too well. The Devil’s bargain. Valerius’ choice. Lucio’s death. The meshing of the worlds. The end of life as you’d known it. The fusing of this estate with the Hierophant’s realm.

The sight of chains wrapped tight around the man you love. Chains which you know have only gotten tighter, since then.

“Until he needs something from us. From you.” You caress a scaly cheek. “I wish… I wish I could free you from him.”

Valerius swallows audibly, but his face shows only a dismissive sneer. “And let him hurt you? Let him separate us? Never.”

You nod sadly. He sighs, then brightens a little. A claw lifts your chin.

“Besides, I’d have to give up this form, and all the little bonuses you’ve grown so fond of.” A smirk tugs at his mouth, revealing his fangs.

He has a point. Once you finally convinced him that he’s still attractive, like this, a series of extremely pleasurable experiments had followed. There were, indeed, many advantages to his current form.

You give a tiny laugh and settle against him again. “Good point.”

“Of course, it is.” He smiles into your hair. “All of my points are good.”

You can’t know how long you spend like this, curled around each other. A bubble of contentment in a sea of chaos.

Valerius can know, however. His internal clock is still infallible, one of the more stubborn remnants of his humanity. You’re grateful for the sense of routine it provides, but there are times when you could do well without it. Such as now.

“We should get up,” he mutters regretfully.

You whine and tighten your hold on him. “Nooo…”

“It’s almost noon, my dear. We ought to have been up ages ago.”

You’re tempted to protest that your usual activities can wait indefinitely, but the routine is all either of you have, in this upside-down world.

You sit up with a pout. “Fine, but you owe me another cuddle session, later.”

He chuckles, the sound raspier than it was when he was human. “Naturally.”

Breakfast is on the table, just as it always is. It is summoned by your desire to eat, rather than being manually cooked. As such, it always takes the form of whatever you felt like eating. The only catch is that the food tastes like your memory of the original food, so you can’t taste anything new. And if your memory shifts, so does the taste of this food.

You munch a croissant that tastes a lot fruitier than you think it’s supposed to, while Valerius sips his usual glass of wine.

“We need to sneak out into the city and find some food that’s been freshly baked. I heard a friend of mine is keeping up the habit for old time’s sake.”

Valerius nods. “I suppose we cannot content ourselves with ghost food, forever.”

Your thoughts wander back to the days when you and Asra would stop by the bakery. Things were so much simpler. Easier. You miss your old life. You miss Asra and Muriel and all your other friends.

Most of them are hiding in what’s left of the Arcana’s realms or behind their personal doors. You see them very rarely, and when you do… Well, you and Valerius chose your side. They chose theirs. Julian is the only one who isn’t angry or distrustful of you both, as he claims he’d have done the same thing in your place. And he’s usually busy, trying to help the people cope.

Valerius can easily guess where your thoughts have turned, and does his best to change the subject, but things hang unspoken in the air.

After breakfast, you set out for a turn about the estate in a carriage without wheels, pulled by a pair of giant worms. Housewarming gifts from Vlastomil. You aren’t a big fan of the creatures, but they’re gentle enough, and get the job done.

The carriage ride is quieter than usual. You’re still brooding a little, and Valerius seems absorbed in observing the shifting landscape.

“…A penny for your thoughts, Consul?” Pennies no longer have value, and Valerius is no longer a consul, but your phrase sparks enough nostalgia to draw his attention.

He sighs, staring into his wine. “…It’s nothing. I just… Do you think I made the wrong…” He blinks at you, a rare show of vulnerability in his features.

You take his clawed hand and squeeze it comfortingly. “We’ve been over this, Valerius. We both did what we thought was best. You didn’t want to risk the Devil hurting me, and I didn’t want him to hurt you, either.”

He squeezes your hand back. “…You’re right, of course. Besides, what could we have done? It is arrogant folly to suppose we could have saved the world.”

You both suspect otherwise, but neither of you have the heart to say it aloud. To admit you could have stopped the Devil would be to assume a lot more guilt than your fragile spirits could handle.

The evening- or, rather, what Valerius’ internal clock deems “evening,” is spent reading. One of the few things that survived the fusion intact was Valerius’ library. Thousands of books, generations’ worth of collecting, plus many that you and Valerius have bartered for or salvaged from the ever-shifting ruins of the city. You both find hefty novels to get lost in, reading in companionable silence.

Eventually, your focus shifts to Valerius. His monstrous shape does nothing to dilute the old mannerisms of your lover. Everything from the angle of his brows, to the way he sips his wine, to the feigned annoyance in his golden eyes when he notices you staring at him.

“What?” he demands.

“You’re so cute when you read.”

He blushes, his flustered expression every bit as endearing as ever. “I… Thank you, I suppose?”

You laugh as his confused expression and go to him, sitting beside him on a sofa. “You’re cute all the time, to be fair.”

He clears his throat. “Not as cute as you are.”

You’re the one blushing, now. “Oh, stop…”

He chuckles, tilting your face up. “I shan’t. You are ravishing, Magician.”

You smile, and he leans in to kiss you. His lips feel very different, these days, but their intent hasn’t changed. Even scaly and strangely shaped as they are, they’re still soft enough to caress yours. As much as you sometimes miss the old velvet pillows, you’re more than compensated by the gentle nip of sharp teeth.

You sigh into the kiss, scooting closer to Valerius. His hand travels from your chin to your cheek, claws cool against your skin, while the other settles at your waist. Gentle, reverent. Holding you as if he’s never touched anything so precious.

You lick at his mouth and he takes the hint, his long tongue wrapping around yours as your faces press closer together. You climb onto his lap for a better angle, straddling his waist and pushing him back until he’s reclining against the sofa cushions.

Your hands move up and tangle in his hair. It’s longer and coarser than it once was, but your little tugs cause him to moan into your mouth just as easily as ever. Clawed hands hold you close, very lightly scratching the skin under your top.

“Beautiful,” Valerius whispers, nibbling at your ear. “So beautiful. I can hardly believe you’re mine.”

“I can hardly believe you’re mine.” You tighten your hold on his hair. “You’re magnificent.”

Valerius sighs in rapture, his mouth finding your neck. He’s very aware of how sharp his teeth are, never breaking the skin unless you want him to. Never harming you without your consent. He takes such care of you, his priceless treasure.

You gasp as he licks and bites along your throat. He knows every place that makes you whine, lavishing extra attention to the sensitive spot your neck meets your shoulder. You melt like warm butter into his arms, all tension falling from you.

“I believe it’s bedtime,” Valerius states suddenly.

You look at him with a confused frown. “Already? We haven’t even had dinner yet.”

“Now now, my dear, who has the better sense of time? If I say it’s time to go to bed, you should probably listen to me.” There’s a smile in his eyes; you suspect an ulterior meaning to his words.

“Very well, Consul. Let us retire to our room.” You turn and stretch out on his lap.

Valerius snorts, catching the hint. He picks you up as he stands, carrying you bridal style in his arms. The added height and strength of this form allows him to carry you easily up the stairs. You wrap your arms around his neck and grin the whole way, earning yourself an affectionate kiss to your temple.

The room you and Valerius call your own isn’t especially fancy. It doesn’t need to be, as you spend most of your time in other parts of the house. The bed is the exception, the result of your combined willpower shaping it. Sheets of the softest cotton, blankets spun of golden silk, pillows stuffed with the fluffiest down. And it’s huge, big enough to comfortably fit you and your demon lover with room to spare.

Valerius sets you down in the middle of the bed and then climbs onto it himself, looming over you with a familiar smirk. You pose seductively on the sheets, blushing but excited by his hungry gaze. His eyes are half-lidded and smoldering as they drag slowly over your body. As if he’s already planning what he’s going to do with you.

“Something tells me your plans don’t involve sleeping?” You tease.

“Well, technically, I only suggested we go to bed. I said nothing about sleep.” He hardly wastes another moment before leaning down to kiss you.

You hum happily, grabbing his shoulder and pulling yourself up. He deepens the kiss, eyes fluttering shut as he supports your back with a clawed hand. His other hand tugs at the fastenings of your clothes, soon assisted by your own free hand. Together, you manage to fumble your clothes off, his fur tickling your bare skin.

Valerius moves down and licks slowly over the nearest nipple. You whine softly, clutching at his hair. He moves to the other nipple after a while, working it with his long tongue and sucking gently, then switches back. He keeps this up until you can’t help begging just a little.

“Please, Consul.” You gaze at him longingly. “I need more. Please.”

He huffs a laugh into your cleavage. “Patience, my darling.” He moves down, rubbing the pads of his thumbs over your nipples as he licks a stripe down your stomach.

Your dynamic shifted drastically as he changed. Letting him top used to be a rare treat; now you switch it up frequently. And today, you’re more than happy to let him care of you.

Valerius nips gently at your thighs, working his way up to where you really want him. He waits until you start squirming to finally put his mouth on you. You moan, appreciating how long his tongue is as he delves into your depths. Your hands find his hair and sink into it, tugging him closer. He chuckles, his warm breath puffing onto your sex.

“Do you know what ‘patience’ means, my dear?” He teases, sinking a finger into your other hole and very carefully working it, always conscious of his claws. “You know we technically have eternity to do this.”

You whine, pulling him even closer. “When it comes to you? Even eternity doesn’t feel like enough.”

Valerius moans softly against you, relishing both your words and your hands in his hair. He returns to his prior task, working absolute wonders with his tongue, and adding a second finger as you relax. Pleasure rushes through you in tingling waves every time he hits a particularly sensitive spot.

He eventually pulls away, and you pout at the sudden loss of sensation.

“What’s wrong, ma Chérie?” Valerius’ smirk is back. “Do you need something?”

“You know darn well what I need,” you counter, trying to act angry and not laugh.

“You’ll have to be more specific, darling.” His voice is soft but deep, with the slightest growl running underneath it. It races down your spine and causes your arousal to increase just from the sound. “Use your words. What is it exactly that you want me to do with you?”

You whine a little. “I- I need… I would like you inside me. Please.”

Valerius’ expression is a mixture of lust and adoration, wrapped in smug delight. “I thought you might.”

He moves up the bed, flopping against the pillows, then takes hold of you and flips you onto him so you’re straddling his waist. You give a surprised yelp, then shiver at the feeling of something hard pressing into your rear.

“Do you trust me?” Valerius asks quietly, persona dropped for a second.

“I do.” You run a hand through his hair. “With my life.”

“And you’ll tell me if anything hurts in a non-enjoyable way?”

“I promise. Will you?”

“Of course.”

You always have an exchange along these lines before things get serious. It was a comforting habit when he was human, and now it’s an essential step in the process. Context has made it feel sexier over time, and now you’re that much wetter in anticipation.

Picking up the dominant thread where he left off, Valerius smiles lazily at you. “Disrobe me, then.”

You nod and start undoing the fastenings. Unbuttoning buttons, untying ties. Rubbing your butt against his bulge every so often, earning a little gasp each time.

“It’d be faster with help,” you hint.

The smirk darkens mischievously. “Earn your keep, Magician. Prove you really want this.”

You flush and mutter and your fingers fumble, but you eventually get the robes undone. They fall open to reveal lightly toned muscles, covered in broad swaths of fur and scales. You scoot back a little, feeling both of his dicks poking you. Valerius bites his lip, a blush creeping up his neck and blooming across his sharp cheekbones.

“They should be slicker before we start,” he mutters, trying to compose himself. “Think you can help me with that?”

“I think I can.” You smirk as you move down the bed.

They’re both quite large, longer and a little thicker than his original one was, and sky blue in color. They’re flushed purple towards the head, now. Both have glistening beads of arousal at the tip.

You start with the upper one, running your tongue greedily up and down his length. Your jaw automatically rubs the lower one, and you keep it there with your hand. The reaction from Valerius is so instantaneous, the moan so easily escaping his throat and his hands burying so quickly into your hair, that you know he’s been hiding his arousal all evening. You move very slowly, unable to resist teasing him a little.

“Cunning Witch,” he hisses, pulling your hair. “Don’t try to toy with me. I’m in charge, tonight. Are you going to make me prove it?”

You’re tempted to disobey for that exact purpose, but you’ve been denied so long already… You don’t want to risk him extending the wait.

You pull back long enough to whisper a breathless “No, Consul,” then return to your work with an increased pace. Valerius bites his lip, trying to hide how much he’s enjoying this. You switch back and forth between the two, now, always rubbing the other with your free hand.

Your mouth is watering and it isn’t too much longer before he dubs both dicks sufficiently wet and stops you. “That’s good enough, I think. Come here.”

You crawl over Valerius until you’re face-to-face again. He hesitates a long moment without asking anything else of you, caressing your cheek with his claws.

“…Uh, Val?” You tilt your head in confusion.

“Indulge me for a few heartbeats, Darling. I want to savior you, all flushed and eager, like this. What are our lives, now, but a series of moments and memories? I want to keep this one.”

You smile bittersweetly, and lean in to kiss him. He reciprocates with a sort of tender desperation, and you know that he’s thinking those sad, guilty thoughts from earlier.

You deepen the kiss and tangle one hand in his hair, reaching back to rub him with the other. Trying to distract him. It works, Valerius shivering under you with a hissing gasp.

“I’d like to savior you too, Consul.” You grin at him, your expression and tone a challenge. “Do you intend to let me? Or must I satisfy myself?”

Valerius gives you a matching smirk, his mood visibly rising to meet that challenge. “The only satisfaction you’ll be getting will be at my discretion, Witch.” His hands sneak around to your rear and he resumes gently stretching you, the other claws digging into your butt lightly. “I suggest you behave, if you want to earn it.”

You squirm impatiently, but nod. “I am butter in your hands, Consul. Melt me at your leisure.”

“Your pretty words don’t match your wiggling, my dear.” He chuckles, drawing you closer so warm air ghosts over your neck. “But I’m feeling merciful. You have permission to ride me, now.”

“Both, my Lord?” You blink hopefully.

The title draws an extra lustful gleam to his gold eyes. “Start with the lower one. Slowly, now. Don’t get too ambitious.”

You gingerly lower yourself onto him, moaning at how he fills and stretches you. Valerius growls, the sound reverberating in your chest. He shifts a little so he can more easily nibble and lick at your collarbone.

“Go on,” he mumbles into the crook of your neck.

You raise yourself up and sink slowly back down, whimpering. Valerius’ claws drag along your back and sides, settling on your hips.

“That’s it, keep going.”

You set an agonizingly slow pace, whining at the sensations as well as from his mouth on your throat. His upper length is in perfect position to rub your clit as you move, which you suspect was the idea.

Valerius hardly moves, except when he pulls away to sip from a wine glass he procured from somewhere. He’s clearly expecting you to do most of the work, but he’s more than happy to encourage you. “You’re doing so well, Chérie.”

You bite your lip and speed up a little. He watches you with adoring eyes for a few minutes, then gently stops you.

“Good. Are you ready for both?” He smirks, setting the glass aside. “I’m not certain you can handle it.”

“More than ready. Please, Consul. I’ve been waiting so long.”

The smirk softens as he relents. “Then get to it, Magician.”

You reach back to guide him into your holes. All the preparation is suddenly paying off, as you feel almost no discomfort as he slides into you. Just glorious fullness. You whine, your limbs going weak, and it’s a very good thing Valerius is supporting you.

He hisses under his breath, holding you close. “You feel so divine, my love.”

“So do you.” You kiss him, your hands finding their way up to his horns.

They’re sensitive, you know, so you keep your grip light at first. It’s still enough to make him shiver under you, growling as he rakes his claws down your back just hard enough to sting. You give a strangled cry, your grip tightening as you start riding him in earnest.

The noise Valerius makes isn’t human or even animal, but something otherworldly. A strange growl-whine, like a sound from the bottom of an abyss. He’s a creature of willpower and shadow and hedonistic desires in the form of a monster. And he belongs to you. Craves you. Needs you.

He breathes hot air over a pert nipple, licks firmly over it, delights in your resulting shutter and breathy moan. He loves seeing the effect he has on you.

“Valerius…” you whine, gripping his horns like a lifeline. It feels like your whole body is stretching to fit both of his dicks. You never get tired of the feeling, no matter how many times you’ve taken him.

Whimpering your name, Valerius is looking at you as if he’s never seen anything so beautiful. He can no longer resist thrusting up into you. Can’t help gripping your butt, guiding you to a faster pace. In spite of trying to control the situation, he’s losing himself to the pleasure. His head is thrown back as far as your grip on his horns will allow, eyes squeezed shut as he moans.

You tremble, making high pitched little noises as you get close. So close. You just need a little more…

As if sensing this, Valerius moves to rub your clit, expertly keeping his claws away. You moan, releasing a horn so you can grip a handful of his hair.

“Come for me, my darling,” he growls, the sound setting your nerves on fire in the most delicious way.

You tumble over the edge, crying out as a rush of pleasure crashes over you. You clutch at horn and hair to ground yourself.

This, combined with your walls clenching around him, brings Valerius over the edge right behind you. He roars your name, the sound ringing from every corner of the room, while his claws leave red marks on your skin.

You cling to one another, panting for breath, your combined fluids pooling beneath you.

“Ma chérie,” he whispers, his tone awestruck.

You lift yourself off of him with a whine, then collapse next to him on the pillows. He pulls you close and you run your fingers through his hair as you kiss him.

“You did so well, my love,” he mutters when you stop to breathe. “Such a good girl for me…”

“Remember that next time I’m in charge,” you tease.

Valerius smiles mischievously. “I will try, but you mustn’t be surprised if I misbehave a little. I am a demon, after all. It’s in my nature.”

“Well, I happen to like your nature.” You kiss him on the nose, your playful tone turning affectionate. “You were wonderful too, you know. I’m very lucky.”

He’s beaming at you as if you’re his entire world. “I’m the lucky one.”

Valerius wraps you in his warm arms, fur caressing your skin. He buries his face in the crook of your neck and holds you close. You breathe together. Just breathing. Simply existing. A tiny paradise.

It’s moments like this, when you hold each other this close. When all your senses are consumed with love. With him. These moments make it all worthwhile. All the pain, all the guilt, the state of the world around you… None of it matters, right now.

You’re safe, and you’re together.

And it’s enough.

[larissaloki]

sharing is caring 4

man this chapter was just me self indulging in the little moments , that this got dragged on for over 6 pages XD hope everyone enjoys! @schwergaeneuser​ @msmynx​ @im-tops-bottom​ @jacksonfrost24​ @seven-oomen​ @el-rezet​ @thoughtfulbreadpolice​ @cwar1864​ @radiant-gift​ @tonakings​ @starsofyggdrasil​

“Found anything yet General?”

T’Challa approached Okoye slowly, hands clasped behind his back as he surveys the wreck of Stark’s craft. Besides him, Okoye calls out instructions to those investigating the craft; trying to work out just how exactly things went wrong. What caused it to crash the way it did?

The plane is completely destroyed. The beautifully crafted and sleek craft now a pile of metal sheets and sparking wires. The front of the plane is still relatively intact but crumpled from the force of the crash. The pilot that they had pulled free was thankfully still just alive and taken away for intensive care. Not long after they had found Tony. Most of the damage is from the rear of the plane, making it the most likely spot where whatever caused the accident is.

Surrounding the plane is serval groups of a mixture of scientists and the Dora Milaje. Smoothing down his jacket, T’Challa makes his way closer to a group near the back of the wreck who are becoming a bit more animated. Okoye shadowing right behind him.

“Looks like we just did sir”

Taking the lead just in-case, Okoye joins the group that are carefully removing rubble from what was once a storage part of the plane possibly. Using scanners and other various tech that T’Challa hasn’t a clue how to use, and no doubt recent inventions of his brilliant sister; the group scan a smoking black object they found.

Even T’Challa can see that this box must have been the cause of the explosion, the top of whatever this was meant to of been, was blown off. Jagged, black metal warped and split by the force of the explosion that came from it and the intense heat the explosion caused at the time. As it is, there is currently no way to tell what exactly this was.

After a few moments, the team determined that whatever this was, is no longer a danger. With great care, two scientists don some thick gloves incase the metal is still too hot; they carefully pick up and turn the object around. Examining and recording each observation they find.

“Your Majesty, we found something. It’s a logo we think,”

Frowning, T’Challa makes his way to stand by the scientists to see what it is they have found on the item.

Hammer Industries.

T’Challa recongises this logo, it’s the logo of industrialist: Justin Hammer. A man that has been trying to out do Tony’s tech since the very beginning of Tony’s career if he recalls correctly. T’Challa’s not stupid either, he’s read the tabloids and papers, he knows that Tony openly despises Hammer, especially after the whole Vanko incident a while back.

So why was something with Hammer’s logo, be on Tony’s plane?

“Do you think the explosion was intended?”

Recongising the logo herself, Okoye glances up at him with a frown, both know that Hammer’s tech was faulty at best and downright dysfunctional at worst. They have seen the videos; they saw the reports that were kept out of public eyes. They found all this from research after Hammer had reached out to them, not long after they decided to open their borders to the world. To share their resources.

Hammer had not been happy when they had turned him down in favour of working with Stark, the alpha had made a few jokes, but they could clearly see that the man had felt slighted.

“Perhaps, but for Mr. Stark or us I cannot be sure. It could have been something innocent that just happened to malfunction. I’m not sure which idea would be the better option…” T’Challa nods at the scientist that found it. “Please take this to the lab, find out as much as you can about this thing. I must go and Talk to Stark about this, see if he can shred any light on this,”

Confident that everything is in good hands, a few quick words with Okoye to look out for anything more from Hammer that may have been snuck onto the plane.

~ ~ ~

When T’Challa reached the lab, he expected to see many things to be happening in there. Many odd and curious things that his sister had cooked up or wanted him to try out. Yet despite this expectation, he was still not prepared to see what greeted him.

Shuri was stood to one side of the room, her beads activated to record the scene before her, a massive grin spread across her face as she watches the others with pure joy.

The others in question where trying to unlock some sort of Vibranium ball that was shut tight around Bucky’s leg. The ball in question has a series of purple lines over it and looks like a overly complicated puzzle, similar to the Japanese puzzles. Only more Vibranium and made by his delightful sister.

Trying to work out the Puzzle is Tony and M’Baku who are both trying to yank the ball off and hitting it with a club. However, that approach seems to only yield the result of them being flung away from Bucky. Who at this point was starting to look a bit alarmed. Swearing and cursing in his native tongue, M’Baku tossed aside the club he picked up; glaring at Shuri all the while as she laughs at them. “You! the hell kind of puzzle is this?”

“Work it out!” Grinning without restraint, Shuri moves to get a better view to film them. Tony had picked himself up already and was examining the ball closely, his face drawn into a contemplative scowl as he nudges the ball this way and that. While an anxious Bucky looks on.

Shaking his head bemusedly, T’Challa makes his way over to his sister. Seemingly unable to keep his eyes off of the trio, a grin forming on his own face; watching M’Baku trying to pry the edges open. Seeming determined to use brute force to solve this issue.  

“What is that sister?”

“It’s a toy, I came up with the idea for it last week while trying to solve that puzzle Nakia got me. Who better to test it than our guests?”

The cheeky, shit eating grin Shuri has speaks volumes as to how much joy this is bringing her. Watching one of the smartest people on the earth, try and solve something she made. And from the looks of it, Tony seems to be enjoying solving it.

The Omega is grinning as another idea of M’Baku’s fails, meaning that the large alpha will have to bend to the balls will and try and solve it. Already Tony is making suggestions as he converses quietly with the two alphas. T’Challa smiles as he watches before remembering why he came here in the first place.

“I must speak with Tony soon as you guys are finished here Shuri, we found something on the plane.”

“What did you find brother?”

“Trouble I fear, Hammer tech was on board…”

Frowning at that, Shuri looks up at her brother confused.

“Hammer tech? On Tony’s plane?”

Nodding, T’Challa watches as Tony starts to move sections of the ball, lining up the purple lines and pressing grooves to move other parts within. The genius seemed to be doing well at first, confidently moving the ball around. Until Suddenly Tony comes to a stop and looks a bit stumped. His hands hovering but hesitating. Humming lightly, Tony converses with the other two who now seem more focused, all three looking closely as they can at the puzzle.

Watching the trio was giving T’Challa ideas for team building exercise; also, a way to prank Okoye for her antelope in headlights comment.

After a further 20 minutes of watching the trio try and solve the ball; Tony knows he’s close to solving it, he was just struggling to work out the last bit to finally free Bucky from the wretched thing! Shuri finally takes pity and gives them a hint, a gentle nudge in the right direction. “You idiots” Shuri laughs as she walks over to them, “try turning that part the other way and press that symbol…there see! Not that hard!”

Grinning down at the three grown men with wicked delight, Shuri carefully picks up the ball and way from Bucky’s poor legs.

“That is some genius engineering there kiddo,” Pulling himself to his feet, Tony smiles at the teen, he genuinely means what he say and he cannot wait to see what this kid will bring into the future. Dusting off his clothes while M’Baku helps Bucky to his feet behind him, Tony spots T’Challa nearby finally.

“Tony, I would like to speak with you if you are well enough to?”

Nodding in acknowledgement, Tony makes his way over. Unaware of twin looks of concern that follow him out of the room.

Leading Tony to another, more private room, T’Challa gestures for Tony to take a seat at a sleek glass table. Taking a seat next to Tony T’Challa offers the omega some water and food that he had sent to this room before hand for them.

“How are you feeling Stark?”

Puffing out his cheeks as he leans back into the stupidly comfortable chair, Tony takes some sort of sweet bread and takes a nibble. Humming his approval as he swallows.

“These are great! What is it called? Pep would love these,” Taking another bite Tony turns his attention fully onto T’Challa. “I’m not to bad actually, which is nothing short of a miracle if I recall I was in a hell of a lot of pain earlier. When you found me that is. While I’m impressed by the medical care, I really wish I hadn’t been on the receiving end of it”

Chuckling a bit in agreement, T’Challa nods at that, “agreed, we had planned on showing you that stuff but well, I do often hear you like to try things yourself”

Snorting, Tony stuffs another bite down his throat, he likes T’Challa. The guy is down to earth and relatable, not at all stuck up like you would expect from someone from a high standing in life. Like how Tony was in his youth.

Pulling on a more serious face now, T’Challa leans forwards a bit. “Stark-“ “Tony”

“Tony” T’Challa smiles briefly at the correction but continues, “we found something on your plane that we believe shouldn’t have been onboard. I would like to confirm it with you.”

Pausing in his eating, Tony gestures for T’Challa to carry on as he drinks some water. T’Challa fortunately, waits till Tony has put his drink down before explaining what he found. Describing the charred object as best as he can and even brings up a picture that Okoye sent him. Humming contemplatively, Tony regards the object with interest.

“We found something else on this object, a lead.” T’Challa switches the picture to show the logo that they had found.

Hands closing into tight fists on the table where his arms were resting, Tony glares at the image, the all to familiar logo making his jaw clench in anger.

“Hammer…how the fuck did Justin get that on bored?” seething internally, Tony practically spits out Justin’s name as if it was bile in his mouth. “I’m going to need a phone to contact Jarvis or a computer, need to get Jarvis to retrieve some footage so I can find out how exactly that weasel pulled this off,”

“of course,” T’Challa soothes as he gets rids of the images, his voice soft and comforting as he speaks to the upset omega. “Shuri should be able to help you in the lab, if you would like I can have my people review the footages for you? You still need rest Tony, despite how well you may feel. It took a lot of energy to heal you”

Rubbing a hand over his face, its true that despite the amazing healing he had received, Tony was still very tired and starting to get a bit shaky on his feet. His stomach rumbling loudly for food even though food was the last thing on his mind right then.

While Tony so wanted to go through it all himself, he knew that what T’Challa was offering made more sense. Tony needs to rest and heal properly.

Damn, it seems that Tony was finally growing up and accepting help.

Huffing in tired amusement at his thoughts, Pepper would probably have a heart attack if she was here. Tony nods at T’Challa.

“I’ll tell Jarvis to send them to Shuri then, thankyou T’Challa,”

Inclining his head at Tony, T’Challa stands and helps Tony stand, leading him back to the lab where M’Baku and Bucky were still hanging around near Shuri. Both quickly standing to attention when Tony came back and both taking note of how tired Tony suddenly seemed again.

“I shell ask for more food to be sent,” M’Baku murmurs quietly before walking quickly away to the door. Shuri shouting after him to send it to the guest room that has been prepared for Tony.

“You ok Doll?”

Tony peeks up at Bucky, his face drawn up in concern as he takes a few hesitant steps towards Tony. Flashing Bucky a tired grin, Tony nods at him.

“Just need some food and rest Buckaroo, saving your ass from the Vibranium ball was hard work,”

Relaxing a bit at that, a shy grin on his own face, Bucky chuckles at that. “I make a good Damsel though, you gotta admit”

“Eh 6/10”

“As amusing as this is, Tony should rest,” Shuri grins at them, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes. “Tony, your room is right next to Bucky’s. I hope that’s ok? It’s in a private wing of the palace”

Hesitantly Tony seems to mull over something in his mind before quietly speaking, “Are the others in that wing as well?”

The others he’s referring to of course being the rouge Avengers. Steve, Natasha, Sam and Clint and Wanda. The fights of what was dubbed the ‘Civil War’ were still to fresh for Tony, His anger at Steve still to raw.

Tony’s come to understand their view, in fact he pretty much always did, but he could also understand the public’s view. Tony had also had enough time since the fights, to calm down and think more rationally about the Winter Soldier being the one to kill his parents. Not an accident like he had thought.

The anger that was once the forefront emotion whenever he thought about it, had turned to pity and sadness for Bucky. Tony was not proud of how he reacted, being usually so clear headed in battles and able to keep a distance from the situation to not allow his emotions to rule him.

Tony was hoping to bend that bridge with Bucky, if the poor guy was willing to of course.

Understanding Tony’s fears T’Challa shook his head, “The former Avengers have rooms elsewhere. We gave Bucky the area your rooms are in because he asked for a room away from everyone while he still had active triggers. They are, thankfully, gone now. It will just be you two”

Shoulders relaxing minutely, Tony nods at that.

“Care to show me the way Metallica?”

Confused at that reference but deciding not to ask for now, Bucky agrees to show Tony the way. Keeping his strides short and slow for Tony so that the omega isn’t rushing after the Bucky, they leave the room. Leaving the Wakandan siblings and a few working lab techies behind.

[wardencommanderrodimiss]

Chapter five of the Fae AU has arrived! Shoutout to @runningwolf62 for giving it a beta read and assuring me it’s not incoherent. 

[Beginning] [Chapter Masterlist]

“Wright.”

“If you have an objection, it’s ‘Chairman Wright’ to you, and you should’ve brought it up twenty minutes ago while the meeting was still on.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“I know. What’s up?”

“You aren’t really intending to seat a dead woman on your jury, are you?”

“I dug into it seven years ago. There was never any death certificate issued, so as far as the state, and this, is concerned, it’s fine.”

“You know that’s not what I’m referring to.”

-

Apollo cannot decide whether to tell – read: is stalling on telling – Klavier about the contents of his talk with Wright. The back half of August brings with it a few small cases: “Our luck is picking up!” Trucy announces brightly, just a few days before the school year begins again and leaves Apollo alone, rattling around the empty office like the cryptkeeper among the dead. Phoenix is gone, again, as ever, as always, and Apollo starts applying to nearby convenience store cashier jobs, figuring that he can’t actually keep this up much longer. He takes a few days at the end of September to do some research on the country of Khura’in, digging up anything he can find just to remind himself that it is a real place anchored in the mortal realm. It's hard to find much of anything, but he tracks down - written in Khura'inese, of course - an article from earlier in the year, detailing the beginning of the second phase of construction on the queen’s palace of iron, a prohibitively expensive venture when she demands every piece hand-wrought.

Yes, the people of Khura’in are as paranoid and superstitious as any; Apollo suspects there's good reason for that, given how close the name of that country is to the name Kurain Village, said to be where the Fae Court in California sits. It was just Dhurke who wasn’t.

Apollo pushes his laptop away, tries to forget, again, like he does every time when the goddamn cycle of the hazy memories of his childhood wraps back around to this stage; and he grabs his phone and texts Klavier.

I talked to Mr Wright about what you said

The reply is nearly instantaneous, and Apollo wonders how Klavier gets any work done -- and doubtlessly he has work -- if he jumps at every message anyone sends him.

-About the office or about him?

(Maybe he doesn’t actually have that many people sending him messages.)

Him

(Trucy says, from word of the obsessive online fandom and the tabloids, that the Gavinners technically haven’t broken up but there’s been nothing since a statement about Daryan, and the other three have only been sighted without Klavier.)

-Do I have to warn you again how unwise that question is?

(Klavier hasn’t been seen in public at all for a month.)

It worked out fine Especially since he is human

-One day it -What

He told me he’s human Was pretty clear stating so actually

Apollo stares at his phone for a minute and with no response, sets it aside and stares at the stack of files on his desk. He pulled copies of some of Phoenix’s old cases again to look back through -- maybe he can glean something about his history, what could have led him into so many curses -- but they don’t seem especially appealing now. He dug out the first case long enough to recognize the name of his co-counsel, Mia Fey, and that there seemed clear enough corroborating evidence to Phoenix’s statement: young and far too stupid to know better. And maybe he’s a witch, or maybe he’s some sorry soul who got trapped in a deal with no benefit to him, but if one of the fae taught him how to be a lawyer, it would certainly explain -- well, everything about him.

-Did you mention me or just tell him you yourself suspected?

That wasn’t the response Apollo expected after nearly ten minutes. He’d figured it would be something longer. Not less self-obsessed, though. That seems typical.

I didn’t mention you but he figured it out

He has a message typed out about the hellhound and deletes it. Phoenix and Klavier and Trucy can see things that other people can’t, and Apollo isn’t like them -- he should be like Clay, or Mr Eldoon, ignorant of it. He doesn’t want to know if it means something that he sees it, and he thinks Klavier would tell him.

No response. Apollo folds the corners of a sticky note until they tear. How does he miss Trucy’s daily annoyances this much? He goes out to the main room of the office and wonders if any of these props go to a magic trick that is simple enough for him to learn from the internet. He sends another message, one not related to demon hounds.

He said you have something called the sight, or whatever Is that what makes your eyes do that thing 

How have phones not had an unsend text feature develop yet? Apollo thought this conversation was a good alternative to digging around in the memories he has tried to repress, but all he is doing is giving himself some to newly repress.

-Very eloquent. You have some trouble with your rhetoric classes, ja? ;)

At least I know how to stick to ONE language at a time

Apollo can at least be grateful that Clay isn’t here. They would probably be fighting for the phone, Clay having decided that Apollo should respond to the flirting in kind.

- :( -It’s part of my charm, I’ll have you know. 

Answering questions directly is not, apparently

-It would be a very boring conversation otherwise -You want this to sound like a cross examination? ;) 

Implying those ever answer questions directly

-You are as ever correct XD

Even Trucy doesn’t use this many emoticons. What did Klavier call this office -- a liminal space? Apollo certainly feels like he has slipped through to the other side of something.

-I’m quite flattered that you’ve spent enough time staring into my eyes to notice ;)

He really is a fuckboy, but of the most benign sort. (Clay has some horror stories about guys he’s texted with.)

-But yes, that is what that is

How did you get like that Like where does a gift like that come from 

-I wouldn’t call it a gift precisely -If I’d wanted to talk about it I would’ve explained it when we talked - :) -Does that smiley make it read more or less passive-aggressive? -I’m going for less -I don’t think it worked 

He’s trying to be nice, and Apollo thinks he shouldn’t be laughing at that, but he does. It’s ridiculous. There’s nothing about this that isn’t ridiculous. “This is my life now,” Apollo says aloud to the empty, cursed office.

But it is true that Klavier dodged the question at the cafe, how do you know, to the point that it made him seem as suspicious as Phoenix. If there was ever a time to tell, it was there.

It’s fine

Does that seem passive-aggressive? Now’s when he does need Clay over his shoulder.

Does the prosecutors office have as little work as I do or are you just slacking off

This is a good place to lie down and die, right here on the floor of the office. Rest in peace, Apollo: can’t fucking make small talk without sounding like a jerk. There’s a reason that Clay manages to make friends and get dates while Apollo can do neither.

-I’ll have you know I am excellent at multitasking :) -Do you really have so few cases? 

Suddenly Apollo regrets bringing it up. “Buddy, you have no idea,” he mutters.

A whole 0 for September 

- :(

“Apollo, why are you lying on the floor?”

He tilts his head back and sees Trucy flinging her backpack onto the couch and grabbing her hat from the piano. The afternoon has worn on without him noticing and she is back from school, ready to liven up the office by annoying him 

“Changes in perspective help my thinking,” he says.

“What’re ya thinking about?” She plops down on the floor next to him. “Who ya texting?”

“Oh, it’s, uh…” She is already giving him that doubtful look. “...Prosecutor Gavin,” he admits, and her eyes go wide. “I had a question for him about--”

He doesn’t have to try and lie about what they’re talking about -- he could say Machi’s case, but that is months old now, last of the details wrapped up -- because his phone buzzes and her squeal interrupts him. “You have Prosecutor Gavin’s number? Since when? Why did he give it to you? That’s so cool, Polly!”

“It’s really not -- he’s really not -- stop trying to read my messages!”

“Children, children, please.” They both freeze at Phoenix’s voice, and Apollo recovers quicker, yanking his phone away from Trucy and scrambling upright. “If you’re going to kill each other, do it somewhere else, because I don’t want to deal with the hassle of having a murder right here in this office.”

“Daddy!” Trucy cries, springing to her feet. “I thought you were gonna be out late again!”

“So did I,” he says with a tired grin that doesn’t do anything to distract from the lines of exhaustion beneath his eyes. “But my ‘secret project’ is coming to the end of its first phase, soon, and I might have some more time to be around.” He glances about at the mess of the office, a Sisyphean task that Apollo has tried to deal with before only for Trucy to immediately disturb all of his hard work while searching for a prop that he thought he put away in a logical place. “Don’t look so upset about that prospect, Apollo.”

“Wh -- I wasn’t --”

Wright laughs, and Apollo stalks back to his desk, remembering only after a few more minutes that he had another text.

-That office might not be *cursed* but I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve had some prospective clients run far and fast from the doorstep. No slight against you ;) but it’s quite the unsettling place

Apollo sinks into his chair. When he got here, he didn’t have to dust anything in “his” part of the office, though Trucy told him they were basically just using it for storage. Even the back of the piano has never gotten dusty, and while Apollo takes care of the plants now, they were flourishing through what must have been neglect, based on everything he knows about Trucy and Phoenix. There’s a thermostat he’s never thought about touching, his suit jacket flung over the back of the couch that he’s never had to think about wearing.

I’ve never found it unsettling Though that itself was kinda unsettling when I first came here Like it’s TOO welcoming 

-I wouldn’t fall asleep there -Don’t know where you might find yourself if you let your guard down 

Like anywhere’s gonna be much worse than here

-Ja, you say that, and then…

Yeah probably shouldn’t push my luck Since I don’t have much of it in the first place 

-

A week later, Apollo is well aware of his luck.

That old whisper, Gramarye, crescendos. Trucy tells him that Valant is back in town, though she hasn’t seen him. She knows like everyone knows that long-ago name, and Apollo knows that something is stirring. “How much magic was there in the troupe?” he asks Trucy one afternoon, curious himself but also put up to it by Clay, who has wanted to know every detail about Valant’s role in the case at the concert while insisting that the Gramaryes are definitely witches and definitely shouldn’t be trusted. “Real magic, not tricks.”

“It’s all real magic, Polly,” Trucy says, grinning at his sullen look. “Gotta keep the mystery intact!”

“Is that just how you say ‘I was too young to remember’?”

She is the one now frowning at she stares at the old faded portrait hanging above the piano. “No comment,” she says. After another minute, she adds, “No, I do remember it was real. Grandpappy especially. He could do strange things. He gave me Mr Hat, I think.”

“Gave you?” Nothing is given with magic, not without price. Nothing for free.

She nods, her expression still one of pinched concentration, but any further speculation on the matter is undercut by the opening of the door and Phoenix’s entrance. “Hi there, stranger!” Trucy chirps.

And Apollo wishes that he had stayed a stranger, because in just a few minutes, his plans for the day -- nothing, noodles, and maybe Trucy dragging him on a hopeless quest around the city to find and say hi to Valant -- are ground to dust. Phoenix gives to Trucy a sealed envelope to be opened “when it’s time”, and to Apollo the beginnings of a headache and the fervent wish that one day Phoenix would tell him literally anything in advance. He would have liked to know that he would be the Jurist System guinea pig, to have time to learn more about the proposed system than the two-minute crash course that Phoenix gives before throwing him out the door to meet his new client. And the client herself says nothing at all but just gives them the location of the crime scene.

“That’s just how Mr Wright is,” Ema says, leaning up against the shelf of paints in the studio, after giving it an experimental push to test its stability. There isn’t much space left uncluttered by paintings, supplies, or the tools of the police investigation, and it leaves Apollo, Trucy, and the bottle of poison detectant spray that Ema gave them with a lot of ground to cover.

“You could be doing this,” he says, waving the bottle at her. She shrugs. He had complained to her on arrival about Phoenix, to learn that he had told her they were coming. She followed this with nodding and grumbling in a way that Apollo presumed meant she wasn’t listening to his grievances, until she had spoken.

“I tried everywhere -- I want to see if your eyes can find something different.” Ema picks up a small can of paint and examines it, looking bored. “But anyway, Mr Wright, he’s -- it’s probably not you,” she continues. “I mean, it could be. I don’t actually know you off the crime scene. But he doesn’t trust anyone -- he’s got the right idea. I learned that much from that case I worked with him; if you don’t trust anyone you can’t get burned.”

“What a sad way to live,” Apollo says. Her assessment makes sense with what he has dealt with of Phoenix. He glances over at Trucy, who isn’t looking at them.

“Yeah,” Ema says quietly. “Sad. That’s the word. We kept in touch for a year or two after I went to Europe, and that’s how I felt about him. That he’s the loneliest man on earth.”

Trucy yells for them to come look at the traces of atroquinine she found, and they return to rote investigation.

-

“Where did you get that, Miss Trucy?” Valant splutters, reaching for, at the same time Apollo does, the envelope that slipped from Trucy’s pocket. In the midst of the case, and longing for a normal client, he had almost forgotten about Phoenix’s mystery Recycle-Your-Plastics-Day gift.

So much for rote investigation. Apollo doesn’t know why he bothers hoping.

“Daddy gave it to me,” she says. “My Phoenix Wright daddy.”

Valant grabs it from the ground before Apollo can, holding it in trembling hands and squinting, his face gone gray and bloodless. “This signature -- do you not recognize it? It is Zak’s!”

“My -- my daddy?”

Apollo snatches the envelope from Valant. Rude, unquestionably, and probably worthy of a minor curse or two, but he doesn’t trust anything to do with the Gramaryes and he doesn’t like the way Valant was looking at the envelope. “Polly!” Trucy scolds. He’ll worry about it another time. “Daddy said not to open it yet,” she adds, to Valant, and his face falls.

As quickly as he can, Apollo makes an excuse about them having to hunt down the reporter, the witness to the crime -- and they really do have to find him, and that is what they came looking for Valant for -- and drags Trucy away. Maybe Klavier and Phoenix’s paranoia is rubbing off on him. Maybe it’s justified.

Surely it’s justified, by the time they make it back around to the studio -- the reporter is nigh-useless and gives Apollo nothing but insight into the reason that Valant apparently doesn’t like him -- and find that the rough sketches beneath the forgeries -- because the paintings are all forgeries, of course, the victim is a forger, because there are layers of crime on top of crime, of course -- are of Apollo’s three big cases, the three that involved Wright and the Gavins. If he had thought that Brushel, the reporter, was a lunatic before, now he is really feeling it -- he would kill to disentangle himself from this magic madness, and there’s the man chasing Valant for a seven-year-old story.

No, Apollo is probably cursed -- somehow, even when the players in this mess that is his life are human -- and this is what it has left him with.

-

The last thing Vera says before the start of the trial is, “Do they… allow dogs in?” 

Her eyes are fixed over Apollo’s shoulder and he turns, only spotting the feathery fan of a tail as it slips around the corner. After a month of no sightings, trying and failing to tell himself that he could put the matter out of his mind because neither he nor Phoenix has died yet -- here it is, just when he very much does not need to be more nervous.

Prosecutor Gavin seems different -- different from the two other times Apollo has faced him in the courtroom, and very different from their conversation just a week ago. He is ever-quick with objections, but even quicker to snap at and shut down the defense. Apollo doesn’t need any special tricks to see that he has been rattled by something, that he knows something they don’t. At the name Gramarye, he breaks, the last of his faint composure shattering, turning on the defendant with a force and fury that Apollo has never seen from him. Vera shrinks away, almost trying to tuck herself beneath the witness stand, like that can save her.

Like all things, it seems, they are coming back to Phoenix Wright. Wright, his forgeries, and Klavier.

And Apollo knowing nothing, told nothing, left without a clue in the face of Klavier’s snarl. “He’s told you nothing about this, has he? Your soiled, sullied mentor -- nothing?”

Nothing but that he is human, and that had to be pried from him. Apollo doesn’t say anything and lets Klavier explain the evidence, a page of a diary, that seven years ago got Wright disbarred -- the diary page that Vera, the real forger, Apollo’s client (his kingdom for a normal client), created. And she and her father were hired to do that, and their client—

The answer, the final answer, to that mystery of seven years -- did he do it? -- lies at their fingertips. All there is left is to ask. Apollo’s question -- desperate, pleading, “Vera! For all our sakes, who asked you to forge that evidence? Who was it?” -- could end in exoneration or damnation for the man Apollo once so admired.

(It never ends so simply.)

“I remember so clearly,” she mumbles, hugging her sketchbook to herself, swaying slightly in place. Poor girl; she must be terrified. She stops and turns her eyes again on Klavier, like she has before, an unblinking stare while her lips move absently, as though she is talking to herself, trying to understand something. “Who gave me the… the diary. It was…” She wobbles again, staggering and bracing herself with one hand on the stand.

“Is she okay—”

Trucy doesn’t get to finish her question. Klavier is moving from the bench, toward the witness, even while Vera is still, barely, holding herself upright, and no longer looking at him. “It was --” She reaches for her throat, the last words brittle and barely forced from her lips. “It was the devil.”

She crumples to the ground with a last strangled gasp. The gallery bursts into a flurry of sound and activity, the judge adding to it as he tries to yell for a bailiff at the same time as he demands order. Trucy shoves Apollo out to the witness stand, where Klavier has knelt next to Vera, first there because he first moved -- because he moved even before she fell. Like he knew what was coming. He looks up at Apollo and eyes are wild, not flickering between hues but almost cloudy, glazed over, vacant, even though it is obvious that Klavier is, like the rest of them, far too present in this moment. His voice has lost almost all trace of his accent and it sends a shudder down Apollo’s spine. He sounds like Kristoph. He sounds just like Kristoph.

When they leave the courtroom, Trucy again pulling Apollo along with her to see if they can learn what hospital Vera was taken to, they leave Klavier still on the floor, frozen like a statue, and the hellhound circling the stand and him. At first Apollo doesn’t think he sees it -- which doesn’t make any sense, does it? -- but then it bumps its head into his face. He reaches a hand to rub its fur without looking at it, his eyes still fixed on some distant point far above.

-

“Apollo Justice speaking.”

“Mr Justice? This is the Hickfield Clinic. You are the attorney for Ms Vera Misham, correct?”

“I -- yes, that’s me. How is she doing?”

“She is alive but unconscious in intensive care, not to be disturbed for any reason.”

“What happened to her?”

“We aren’t sure yet. It’s going to take some time to determine any more about her condition, because your client, Mr Justice -- she isn’t human.”

-

“Aren’t there privacy laws that telling you that sort of thing goes against?” Trucy asks. They are sitting on the steps in front of the courthouse, watching the extra swarm of police cars begin to depart. They haven’t seen Klavier leave the building, and Phoenix finds the two of them and ushers them onto their feet and away.

“There’s no time to sit around -- you’ve got a case to solve, right?”

“Our client just nearly died, Mr Wright.”

“Then it’s more important than ever that you find out what happened, yes?” Phoenix claps Apollo on the shoulder and pushes some files into Trucy’s hands. “Though, actually, Trucy, can you take those to Edgeworth? And let him know what’s happening down here.”

“C’mon Polly!” she says, about to skip down the stairs, and Phoenix stops her.

“No, Apollo’s coming back to the office with me. There’s some old case information I think he’ll find relevant. Maybe it even won’t be boring.”

“But shouldn’t I get to know it too?” Trucy asks. “I want to know!”

Phoenix shakes his head. “No, you wouldn’t enjoy it.”

Apollo watches for red and sees none. Trucy rushes off ahead of them, leaving Apollo with Phoenix, acutely aware that the last time it was just the two of them was that conversation over Phoenix’s humanity -- and assumed lack thereof -- and the presence of the hellhound. He glances around again, expecting it to have followed him out of the building. “I’m surprised she didn’t see right through you sending her away,” Apollo says. Phoenix snorts. “You could have told me that Vera isn’t human, too.”

“I could have, yes.” Phoenix starts walking again. Apollo wishes he had something that he could throw at the back of his head. “But that wasn’t a relevant matter when this case began.”

“So now it is?”

“There is a lot that is relevant now, Apollo.” Phoenix’s eyes are blue when he turns his head. “And you aren’t close to being caught up to where I am -- and where Klavier doubtlessly is.”

“What do you think he knows?” Apollo asks.

“Oh, almost everything. I’m sure he’s figured out the real killer by now -- I think he would be able to see that.” Phoenix smiles. Apollo wants to scream in his face that a girl is nearly dead and her father is and there is a broken legal system that needs their help and everything is just jokes with him, an empty poker gaze. “You wouldn’t be able to tell from across the courtroom, but I was watching, and this whole trial, he never let up with his Sight.”

“What does that mean?” Apollo asks. “Do you -- you don’t always see that whole magic aura stuff?”

“God, no.” Phoenix laughs. “What you saw through the magatama, what I can see when I choose” -- his eyes flash again -- “no human is meant to stare at that for any length of time. Our brains just aren’t built to take it all in.”

“Then why would Prosecutor Gavin do that, if it’s just going to drive him crazy or whatever?”

“He was looking for something,” Phoenix says. “And he saw it.”

Back at the office, Phoenix unlocks the bottom drawer of his desk. The magatama sits on top of a stack of papers, mostly handwritten, and barely readable. But the date on them is clear: April, seven years ago.

-

“Are you sure you’re human, Mr Wright?”

“I thought you could see that plainly for yourself.”

“You have quite the ‘eye’ yourself, don’t you? Though you should be able to… see that mine isn’t so good now.”

“...”

“I ask because only one man before has ever beaten me in a game of poker, and he was very much not human.”

“And who was he?”

“The man I ‘killed’, of course.”

[shadowofthemoth]

Hello again~! Just out of curiosity, for the ship ask meme, can I say Khadgar and Alieri? ^^ (if not, fresme could be a second choice. ;) )

Hellooooo! Of course you can! ^^ 

Sorry it took so long, I didn’t mean it to, but I’ve been too buzy… Well, here goes!

Khadgar/Alieri:

1.    Who hogs the duvet:

Khadgar.  And he looks so adorable in his sleep when hedoes it that Alieri doesn’t have the heart to object… but she still needswarmth, right? And at some point she just ends up getting her own duvet whichshe keeps under the pillows or somewhere at hand and takes out when Khadgar hasalready cocooned himself into their main one.

2.    Who texts/rings to check how their day is going:

Bothdo it very rarely. Khadgar, because he doesn’t want to overdo it and makeAlieri feel like he’s controlling her; Alieri, because she hasn’t yet gottenused to actually having the right to do it – and she probably never will.Besides, it’s freaking Khadgar, he is the Chuck Norris of the World of Warcraft,there’s literally nothing he cannot cope with.

3.    Who’s the most creative when it comes to gifts:

Alieri.She is the creative one. Khadgar does his best, but he is more likely to choosesomething useful and practical as a gift. He has good taste though, and itcompensates for him being less inventive than his partner is.

4.    Who gets up first in the morning:

Khadgarand his ancient habit to wake up at dawn. He is not an early bird though; it’sjust that he is used to waking up and getting ready to whatever it is that heneeds to get ready for at literally any given time. Years spent at war willteach anyone that. But years at war also mean sleep deprivation; so he can fallasleep in a matter of moments and stay asleep in any conditions, be it in abed, on horseback, ahem, at a boring meeting in Dalaran, ahem, or whenever elsehe has the opportunity to do so.

Alieriis a bit different in this regard: she can go very long without sleep (perks ofbeing a dragon), but when she has the chance to relax – don’t you try to gether out of bed before midday. Khadgar did once, he knows what I’m talkingabout. And he can prove that the wrath of a dragon woken at an ungodly hour ismore horrible than that of the Burning Legion (even in the hour is perfectlyacceptable to 99% of people around you).

5.    Who suggests new things in bed:

Bothdo, but Alieri is sort of reserved and almost shy about this aspect of life,whereas Khadgar is much bolder. He understands and respects her timidity, butagain, years at war mean that you try to get everything you can from life whileyou still can – and that is a lesson he has learned well. So yep, he doesn’thesitate to experiment in bed (and out of it) because why the hell not enjoythemselves if they can?!

6.    Who cries at movies:

Thereare no movies in Azeroth, and I haven’t thought about a modern AU for thiscouple, but… I guess these two don’t cry at movies, they are more likely toinsert sarcastic comments for the whole audience to hear. xD

7.    Who gives unprompted massages:

Khadgar.He uses his hands well (and I’m talking not only about massage now, yeah) andenjoys caring for Alieri, and massage is a perfect way to help her relax and toshow her all his love and tenderness. Alieri herself doesn’t really like givingmassages, mainly because she fears to misjudge her strength and hurt Khadgar(do I need to remind you she is a dragon?)… and also because she isspectacularly bad at them. xD

8.    Who fusses over the other when they’re sick:

Khadgaris the fussy one: let Alieri sneeze once, and he is already running around withhot herbal tea, warm duvets and an (adorably) panicked expression. On thecontrary, when he gets sick, Alieri is calm and collected all the time. No fusswhatsoever. If she panics, then it means Khadgar is as good as dead (and thatshe probably knows whom to ask for help anyway).

9.    Who gets jealous easiest:

Alieri.Because come on, look at that hot man and tell me: how many people would liketo get him laid?.. Yep. Now add his position as Archmage and tell me: how manywomen would like to get themselves such a husband? Exactly. Khadgar isblissfully ignorant of all that (or at least pretends to be), but you see,Alieri has many reasons to get jealous quite often.

10.          Who has the most embarrassing taste in music:

Uuuuhhhh…They both have some embarrassing secrets to tell in this regard, I think, butthis question requires more of a modern AU, so I’m not sure about the detailsyet.

11.          Who collects something unusual:

Alieri.She is a dragon, after all, and hoarding stuff might be an innate need, so tosay. But she is also a mage, so this need is combined with her scientificinterests: she collects magical artifacts of all sorts and studies them.

12.          Who takes the longest to get ready:

Theyboth don’t need much time to get ready, because when they have to get ready, itis usually for battle or journey, not a nice evening at a restaurant. But whenit IS a nice evening at a restaurant (more like a pub though), it is Alieri whofusses over her clothes and hairstyle a bit longer than time limits mightallow.

13.          Who is the most tidy and organized:

Alieri.No ifs and buts, it is her. Even though Khadgar might disagree and grumblesomething under his breath. Something about long red hair on the floor, whichis definitely not his (at this point he may demonstratively ruffle his –short-cropped, silvery white – chevelure).

14.          Who gets most excited about the holidays:

Khadgar:Holidays? What holidays? What does this word even mean? Have res and relax? Howdoes one do that?

AlsoKhadgar: *excitedly packs stuff and plans a trip to the City of Shattrath and avisit to Draenor*

Alieri:*rolls her eyes fondly and proceeds to help with the packing*

15.          Who is the big spoon/little spoon:

Theytake turns. xD

16.          Who gets most competitive when playing games and/orsports:

Oh,Alieri is very competitive. In a modern AU, I imagine, she’d be on some sportsteam. In the reality of WoW, this competitiveness is probably a good help inbattle.  Khadgar is not competitive atall – he might have been at some point, but now he has long gotten over it.

17.          Who starts the most arguments:

Theyrarely have arguments in the first place; but when they do, I guess it’s a50/50 situation.

18.          Who suggests that they buy a pet:

“Let’sget a pet!”

“Youcan turn into a raven, and I am literally a dragon, Khadgar, do you really wantto add a proper animal to this madhouse?”

(later)

“Let’sget a pet!”

“Khadgar,this is a crocolisk.”

“Hey,don’t discriminate crocolisks!”

(later)

“Ican’t believe you have gone and bought another chimera home.”

“Alieri,please, we are in Warcraft, having a hundred pets and several dozen of mountsis a must here!”

“…I’llsee myself out.”

19.          What couple traditions they have:

Do goodluck kisses before battle count as a couple tradition? Also, Khadgar makes it apoint to bring those blue Draenor flowers to Alieri every so often (which isnot too often because the world of Draenor is not always accessible).

20.          What tv shows they watch together:

Noideeeeaaaa, but it would probably be some standup shows of such comedians asEddie Izard etc. Maybe BBC mini-series like Pride and Prejudice, too.

21.          What other couple they hang out with:

Notsure about other couples per se, but when Kraid gets himself a girl, they’ll beinvited to a double date for sure! ^^ Also, their closest friends are Kalecgos(who is a dragon and a mage as well), a Draenei Death Knight Jenerlen (my OC)and a Night Elf Druid Ilmarikki (my OC as well). Jenerlen and Ilmarikki areboth female and I’m not into femslash, but I’ve been pondering on this shiplately.  

22.          How they spend time together as a couple:

Theytalk, they laugh, they make love, they try to get some rest from all the eventsand responsibilities the war throws at them. A predictable answer, yet I canthink of nothing else. They also work together a lot, so I guess it counts asspending time as a couple anyway.

23.          Who made the first move:

Khadgar.

24.          Who brings flowers home:

Himagain. Rarely, but he does his best. Alieri brings magical artifacts. xD

25.          Who is the best cook:

Khadgaragain! Alieri just seems to be really unsuccessful in this area. Potions? Yes.Herbs, artifacts, ancient scrolls and volumes – can do! Cooking edible food?She’d rather die. Or alternatively die of eating the food she had cooked.

[dandelion-girl]

Our first Valentine - Simbar

A/N: Hi, everyone! So to celebrate Valentine's Day, I decided to write a one-shot about this amazing couple! ❤️ It is kind of big because I am not good with short stories xD! Plus I took so long to post because I worse than Ámbar while choosing a drink. But it only 7 pm here so it's perfect to celebrate the evening of this day of love. Hope you like it! Please tell me what you think! Anddd if you have ideas of your own, feel free to tell me! 😉

Ámbar's POV I take another look in the mirror and snort, still not satisfied with how I look. My next step is throwing myself on the bed (yes dramatically). I have tried at least 100 outfits but all of a sudden they seem to have shrinked, gotten baggy, out of fashion or simply make me look bad. Ughhhh, I have absolutely nothing to wear.

I hear a knock on the door and hopelessly shout "Come on in!" I hear the door be opened, then closed and a pair of feet walking in my direction, but my eyes never open. I feel the mattress giving up and check who is here. "Heyyy!" Luna greets me, a strange smile in her face. "Hey..." I whisper, rolling my eyes. "What's happening? Isn't Simón picking you up in a bit?" "Don't talk about it... I think I am going to cancel!" "Ámbar, you cannot cancel Valentine's Day!" She exclaims giggling. I roll my eyes again and sigh, sitting. "I can if the other option is going out naked..." Luna laughs and I shot her a death glare, making her press her lips together, trying to control herself. "I am sorry, Ámbar but that's super super unlikely! You have so many clothes! I am sure there is one you like!" "I do but then I don't and then I like another one and the next second I hate it..." Luna shakes her head and for the first time I notice she is all dressed up. "See! You look amazing! Why can't I look that way?" I whimper, and yes I know for a fact I am being a drama Queen. But I like being a Queen of something. "Ámbar, this isn't about the clothes it's something else. Tell me, what's happening! I am all ears! Or will try!" I sigh and give in. "It's just I am really nervous..." "Okay, I already noticed that... But why? Is something going on?" "Other than the fact that I am going out on a date with Simón to God knows where because he doesn't tell me anything, being our first ever Valentine's Day which means I cannot mess up or be stupid or anything like that because it will completely ruin the whole relationship, and the fact that I couldn't find a gift good enough for him, yup everything is amazing!" "Okay! I see what's happening! Ámbar, Simón loves you, like really, really love you. So honestly he will think you look beautiful no matter what you are wearing. Which means that part is up to you and you only. Don't stress so much, I know you will love what he has planned!" "Oh My! Luna, you know where we are going? You have to tell me like right now!" Luna laughs and shakes her head. "No, way, Ámbar! I promised him I would not tell you!" "Please, I am desperate... I need something to guide me!" Yes I beg, because that was just how much this was affecting me... "Okay. Okay! How about I help you chose your clothes?" "I am not sure that's a good idea... No offense!" We both giggle and she sighs. "I know our styles are very different! So, what about this: I am giving you a clue! You should not wear something fancy, but more like something comfortable!" "Comfortable? Okay... I guess I can work with that." I get up and face my closet again.

Ámbar just make up your mind for once...

I start looking around the closet and after digging on some of my drawers, I feel kind of satisfied with what I have. After putting on my choice I turn to the mirror. I went for a light blue shirt, because I know much he loves seeing me in this color. For the bottom, I chose a silver skater skirt, which actually is a pair of shorts, with a little bow in the front. I added bracelets, earrings and, of course, the necklace we gave me with a piece of amber. I turn to Luna who is now facing me, hands covering her mouth. "Ámbar! You look... Amazing!" "Are you sure? Maybe I should change the skirt..." I start but she shushes me. "Okay, okay. I look at my watch. Just on time then. I only have to finish my makeup." "Great! Speaking of which could you borrow me a lipstick? I wanted to wear a red one but I don't have!" "Sorry! I forgot you had come here with a reason! Of course I can! Follow me! Trying to impress Balsano, hum?" She giggles blushing and we go to my makeup table. I help her give the final touches to her makeup and then finish mine, trying to keep my first plan going, without changing my mind a 1000 times...

When we are both ready, we get up and look at each other. We both look beautiful. Even though she clearly is all dressed up because she knows she is going to an Italian restaurant (typical Matteo) but I only know I should wear "something comfortable". For as far as I am concerned, as long as I am feeling beautiful, I am comfortable, but I know that's not what Luna means. "Any other advice?" I ask, after we made sure we had everything settled for when the boys arrive. "Yes! Relax and enjoy, Ámbar!" I take a deep breath and nod. I am trying. It's just really hard to be calm when the love of your life prepared a surprise for you. I am really not a fan of surprises... Just then, the bell rings and we both get up excited. Thankfully my godmother is away for some business meetings so she can't boss me around about what I can and cannot do. Luna heads outside and I tell her I will be right behind her. I just have to grab my purse and Simón's present. When I get to the top of the stairs there are two things I notice. One: Lutteo is already on fire. And most importantly, two: Simón is waiting for me at the bottom, looking super cute and hot, more than usually because he is looking rather fancy. He has a pair of dark blue jean and button up light gray shirt. Oh he looks nice. I am starting to doubt my choice of outfit, but throw those thoughts to the bottom of my mind. Simón has a smile from hear to hear, his eyes sparkling. I smile back and when we are finally just a step of distance, he grabs my waist and lifts me up, pulling me down in front of him. He picks my hand and leaves a soft kiss there. Oh how I love when he does that. I thenwrap my arms around him and peak him the lips, rubbing our noses together. "You look amazingly beautiful, Miss Ámbar." He whispers in my hear. I smile and whisper back. "You don't look so bad yourself, Álvarez. We match!" I giggle back. He takes my arm and after saying goodbye to Lutteo, we head outside to his car. He opens the door for me and after making sure I have my seatbelt on he says "I need something. I will be back in a minute. Don't move!" I follow him with my eyes and see Amanda handing him something that looks like a bag, but I cannot be sure. He then puts it in the truck and in a few seconds is sitting by my side. I have to bite my tongue not to ask anything. "Where are we going?" I ask, curiosity filling me, when he turns on the engine. "It's a surprise. You will see!" I sigh and roll my eyes. What can I do?

On our ride, we there is no moment of silence ever. Simón is one of those people which always has something to say. He rambled about how the day in Jam and Roller was, and by the way he is talking I understand he is probably just as nervous as I am. I grab his hand and squeeze it, making him turn to me and give another of his glorious smiles, I feel myself blush. He takes our hands to his lips and again kisses my knuckles. Making me smile like a fool. Oh, how I a love him. "What about you, princess? How was you day?" "Oh, nothing special, it mostly consisted in me freaking out about this. Specially because you gave me soooo much information..." He chuckles, while taking a right turn, letting go of my hand. "You did nail the outfit!" He winks and again I smile stupidly.

Is is going to be like this all evening, Ámbar?

"I had a little help..." I confess shrugging. "Well you won't have to wait any less longer because we are a minute away. Because close your eyes." I do as he says and in a few seconds I feel his turning off the car. "Can I open now?" I ask. "No!" I roll my eyes mentally. One second Simón is on the drivers seat, the other he is opening the door for me. He helps out of the car, and for one moment I wonder if I should have chosen high heels. I mean they are comfortable enough... We will see... "I am carry you not, if you don't mind." He whispers in my ear. If I mind him carrying me? Not a chance. I nod and he picks me up, bridal style. I wrap my arms around his neck, leaning my head in shoulder and notice his perfume is rather nice today. He always smells nice, like Simón, like home, but today he is all of that and more. Simón walks with me in his arms for no more than 1 minute and before he puts me down he says. "I am sorry but your shoes will have to go!" "What?!" He giggles. "When can I open my eyes? This is killing me!" "Now!" He answers and I cannot hold one second more. I open my eyes, still in his arms and gasp. We are standing on this cute little beach, so mini it could be a private one. In front of me is a super romantic scenario, one of those which you only see int the movies. There is a huge blanket on the floor, a basket decorated with a blue bow. Behind there is this enormous blue tent, decorated with fairy lights. A few pillows are thrown inside. I fell my feet reaching the floor, touching the soft and warm sand. I gasp and turn around, facing Simón. He is scratching the back of his head, meaning he is nervous about my reaction. I consider for a moment playing and pretending to hate everything but then I pity him. "You don't like it?" He asks, his facing reminding me of the disappointment and sadness it showed when I "rejected" his second kiss on our first date. I throw myself in his arms and kiss his, framing his jaw with my hands. He wraps his arms on my waist, pulling me up, since now that I don't have my shoes, we have quite a height difference. I let go of him and his eyes show that he isn't convinced with my reaction. "Simón? I loved it! Don't look like that! It's amazing!" I pick his hand and drag him with me to the blanket. I sit facing him and he smiles. "I know I could have taken you to a fancy restaurant. To something glamorous and the kind of thing you are used to, and I know you were expecting. But I decided I wouldn't do any of that. Every guy can take a girl out for dinner any where, but I wanted to do something special. Just for you. Just for us." I smile as well and nod, trying to control the tears in my eyes. He comes close and whispers. "Hold those tears, bonita. Don't get emotional just yet." "Now I am going to show what I have prepared for us! So, I have four options of everything from the starters to dessert." "Simón!" I pout, rolling my eyes and smiling at the same time. "Anything for my indecisive girlfriend!" He winks, kissing my cheek. He starts taking things from the basket and he wasn't kidding when he said he had four of everything. We start eating remembering all the good moments we have shared and he keeps making fun of how indecisive I am. "Ámbar, I am telling I counted. You changed your drink 7 times and then Nico, Pedro and I were discussing which one you wanted because you had said something different to each one of us." He laughs and I playfully hit him on the chest. "Maybe I changed my mind a bit but it's not my fault you guys didn't pay me attention!" "Not fair! I always pay the most attention to you! That's why instead of asking you, I just prepare a bunch of choices so that you can really choose which one you want." He says, squeezing my nose and I blush. "And that is one of the reasons why I love you so much!" I admit, giving him a tight hug. "I love you too, bonita! Now, I have a surprise for you!" "Another one? Please don't tell me you want to go to the water!" He chuckles and gets up. "No, no. I just need to get something." I follow with my eyes as he slides inside the tent and comes out with his guitar in his hand. He sits next to me, our legs pointing to the waves, our shoulders touching and he kisses my hair. "Sing with me, bonita?" He asks whispering in my ear. I turn my head to him, locking our eyes. "Always." I give him a quick kiss and then lean my head in his shoulder. "So what are we singing?" He winks and starts playing the guitar. I hear the first moments of the slow version of "Cómo me ves" and smile. He smiles, encouraging me and I start singing, being followed by him.

Lo que quiera puedo ser ¿Cómo me ves? Cuando piensas que me iré Todo al revés

Un espejo, una señal ¿Que pasará? Me preguntas que será Lo verás

Lo que todos quieren ser ¿Cómo me ves? Lo que siempre quieren ver No fallaré

Un espejo, una señal ¿Que pasará? Me preguntas que será

Nada cambiará Esto es lo que soy Mirarte a los ojos sin perdón Mi fuerza, mi destino, es mi canción

Voy a salir de tu espejo Tu voz que a lo lejos me encontró Palabras que envuelven mi corazón ¿Cómo me ves?, soy tu reflejo

Siempre estará en mi tu amor Quiero decirte Cómo me ves, yo soy

Voy a salir de tu espejo Tu voz que a lo lejos me encontró Palabras que envuelven mi corazón ¿Cómo me ves?, soy tu reflejo

Siempre estará en mi tu amor Quiero decirte Cómo me ves, yo soy

When we finish the song, Simón puts the guitar down and picks me up, sitting me in his lap facing him. I embrace his neck and pull him for a kiss. "I love singing with you." He says when I let go of him, still on his lap. "I know. Everyone loves singing with me." I mock, playing with my hair. "But it's with me you  sing..." He teases, placing his forehead in mine. "I do have a favorite singer. And to make matter worse he can play the guitar, skate, dance and prepare amazing dates." "Oh My... He sounds terrible! You should dumb him and stay with me..." "Hummm... No! I can't live without my Simón!" "I cannot live without my Ámbar as well. You know she has the most beautiful eyes in the whole world? Not to mention she is perfect in everything she does even if it's simple being indecisive!" I hit him again. "You were going so well..." "Sorry, sorry! Soooo do you want your other surprise now?" "No! First I give you my surprise!" I open my bag and take out a blue box. Yes blue it's Simón's favourite color. "Open!" I command, a bit bossy because I am super excited to see what he thinks about his present. He picks the box and starts unwrapping it slowly. "Simón! Open it for once!" He takes his hands up in defense and do as I said. When he finally sees what's inside the box, he picks his present and turns it in the air, examining it with a serious look. I am biting my lips, waiting for him to say something, anything. He frowns, and then gives me his golden boy smile. I let out the air I was holding. "Is this what I think it is?" He asks, his eyes never leaving his present. "Do you like it?" "If I like it? Ámbar, I love this so much! Thank you!" He pulls me closer and I hug him from behind. We both look at the silver chain with two blue guitar picks. Each one has the inicial S. and A. in the front. But it's the back that it's the most important part. One of them has written "#Simbar" because that's what they call us on the Internet and the other one has a picture of us, we took on my birthday a month ago. "S and A? Simón and Ámbar?" He asks, turning to look at me. I chuckle. "Actually it was Simón Álvarez. But I guess it can be that too." "I like Simón and Ámbar better!" He admit winking, making me blush. Simón puts the chain on and I nod, happy with what I chose. "I will never take this off!" He promises, wrapping his hand around the guitar picks and bringing them close to his heart. "I hope you do. Because I want to hear you play and sing again." "You know what I mean. Now, it's time for my gift!" He takes a pink box from the tent and I start wondering what else he has hidden in there. "Here. I hope you like it!" Curious, I unwrap the pink shinny paper only to reveal a silver box. I hope it, wishing that it isn't something rose gold and smile. "Simón!" I gasp turning to him. Inside there is a silver bracelet with a single charm, a pink heart. "This has a meaning! The bracelet is our story, so every meaningful moment we spend together, you will be adding new charms to your bracelet. That one is for our first Valentine's day!" "Simón..." I whisper, tears in my eyes and I cannot control myself so I start crying. "You are so good! What have I done to deserve you?" "What have I done to deserve you?" I giggle in the middle of my happy tears and hug him. He kisses my neck and I inhale his smell once again, feeling calmer. His kisses turn to my jaw, my cheeks, cleaning my tears and then finally to my lips. We share a sweet kiss which shows our love for each other. When we separate from one another, Simón picks the bracelet and puts it in my left wrist, placing a kiss there. "I cannot wait for more charms, because that means the future has so much planned for us." "It sure does and right now what the future has planned is for a first for you!" He tells me and I raise my eyebrows, not really sure what he meant. "Hum... Simón, I am not... We are not..." "Okay... Oh, I am sorry. This sounded really bad. That's not what I meant. I don't want that. I mean I want but not now and I was not going to force you. I would never force you. You know that. Right? Right?" He starts rambling, making me chuckle. "Simón, calm down! I know you and I know you would never do that. So what did you mean?" "You know when the guys and I were homeless and you said you had never camped and it didn't sound interesting?" "Yeah..." "Well, I am going to prove you are wrong. You, Miss Ámbar Smith are going to 'camp' with me tonight. Only we are not on the woods, we are on a beach because here there are no bugs, the humidity is way better andddd it's much more romantic?" "What? How?" "Well, Amanda prepared that bag over there for you so you have PJ's and a change of clothes for tomorrow!" "Simón... I can't believe you right now!" "You are staying with me, right?" "Of course, I am silly!" I kiss him and sit in front of him, my back against his and his arms around my waist, his head on my shoulders, kissing me on the neck. We stay like this for a while, not saying anything just enjoying each other's company, admiring the starts. Later that night, after attacking desert and having changed clothes with Simón on the other side of the beach, while I am lying with my head in his chest, and he is playing his the locks of my hair, I smile at how perfect everything turned up. "Thank you so much for everything, baby. I loved it all. Good night. I love you!" "I love you too, bonita. Sweet dreams." I tighten my arms around his dorso and plant a kiss on his shirtless chest, enjoying the warm and comfort of being in his arms. How I love this man... ❤️

A/N: So here it was! Hope you liked it! Let me know!!!

[chom-raaa]

A long winding commentary on Home is Where the Heart Is Ch14 (by setosdarkness)

@athina39 whoops this got really out of hand…

This week a lot of my favorites fics have updated and I’m like hmmm HIWTHI will probably update any time now. I have zero self-control when I read this fic, so I spent my whole break, and most of my commute reading. And most of my evening to write this because I did not expect it  to be so big (^v  ^;)

“…I could hear the number of exclamation points on that. Is that not acceptable?” Tachihara is so adorable, and I love how he’s similar to Atsushi when it comes to Akutagawa, and how Chuuya learned “life skills” from Atsushi lolololololol!! But dammit Chuuya, so clueless, thinking that Tachihara is “such a nice guy” and a “great kouhai” even though he’s acting like Atsushi, even though he knows Atsushi is madly in love. But then I guess Chuuya doesn’t see why someone would love him Q.Q Also, I like the mention of how Chuuya could predict Tachihara’s response “even if he doesn’t have Flawless.” The way flawless and Oda just kind of slip into his thought process kajsdhfajks

I love how Chuuya’s apartment has become all colorful and vibrant with flowers and nice things jdaklhfdkjadshf and DAZAI IS JUST A PART OF IT!!!!

And when the waitress was smiling at Chuuya for dabbing his napkin at Tachihara’s face and he assumes it means she’s approving of that “normal action”, because he thinks it’s normal when Dazai does it. Because apparently he’s not anything special to Dazai so what Dazai does with him is normal, not anything particularly special CHUUYA PLEASE

Also I think everyone reading this fic has adopted Higuchi’s dying seal sound *nods*

Chuuya’s still concerned about his little outing with Dazai after his date awwwwwwww

Dazai knowing Chuuya’s schedule better than him, making all these arrangements for him (“blackout curtains and the hypoallergenic bedding” whooooa), practically managing his life for him what a waifu <3 I also love the thing where Chuuya throws forks and knives at Dazai who effortlessly deflects all the attacks with a spoon, how married they are *Higuchi squealing noises*</p>

YURI ON ICE. YURI ON ICE. That’s all I’m gonna say.

I love love love how Chuuya goes to pray for Dazai’s safety while Tachihara wondered if he was planning sea travel and how it mirrors one of the previous chapters and aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh

ANGST RANT #1

Chuuya feels left out of the loop because all these things are happening without him: everyone on some secret assignment and apparently it’s not important that he knows. “He—he’s useless when it comes to strategies and planning.” And he’s just trying to justify all of it, because he’s just not good enough to be included or something like that (but no Chuuya you’re such a good boss!!!!)

Moving on to Chuuya’s expectations. He can’t seem to expect anything good from Dazai and even when good things happen he just assumes it’s temporary and something else is coming later (poor baby).

“I try not to expect Dazai’s good behavior whenever possible” Because Dazai let him down too many times Q.Q

And how he just savors every moment they have together because who knows when it will all just come to abrupt halt?? Like that scene where Dazai booked a room with only one bed and he just enjoys the moment because “after all, once Dazai decides that he’d like to leave again, there will be no repeat performances of this comforting closeness anymore”.  And when they screw up the ice skating tournament and it was all such a mess but Chuuya saw it as “a chance to dance that closely, intimately, with Dazai, but that’s neither here nor there”. He perceives it as a “chance”, an opportunity, something good that he wants to hold on to. Despite being so involved in each others’ lives it’s like Chuuya is falling the whole time and bracing for impact, preparing himself for the worst, but then it’s only natural.

And once again with how Chuuya rationalizing Dazai’s behavior. “Dazai laughs - but it’s soft instead of grating. Though that’s probably because…” and there’s always a reason because it simply CANNOT be what he wants it to be. All the excuses are better than making assumptions, because look where that got him in the past.

Poor Chuuya just avoiding the route with the greatest potential of pain QAQ It’s so sad that someone who usually takes things head-on would distort his thoughts ignore some really obvious signs because it’s brought him so much pain. 

When Dazai talks about them spending the next New Year’s together “Chuuya smiles, because that kind of promise is nice, but ultimately means nothing. It’s nice, if only in this moment though.” OMG he wants this so bad but he’s so resigned to the fact that Dazai’s just going leave at some point alksdjalksdjf

 -

 I love the texts Chuuya gets from everyone. I love how distinct their voices are <3 Atsushi freaking about chazuke, Aku thanking Chuuya for helping him make chazuke (gimme all the akuatsuuuu). Aku warning Chuuya about Dazai, I just love the way he talks about Dazai now go Aku!! Yosano and Kouyou? Ranpo wants to give Poe gifts akjsdfhkajdshf! </p>

Some notes on Dazai: “Does that guy need anything aside from your company anyway?” *more dying seal noises* I just love the way Steinbeck says that like it’s common sense and that the oh-so-tricky Dazai is so obvious and predictable in his affections. And Dazai always replying to texts if they’re from Chuuya, trying to be there in his own way I guess *cheering Dazai on*

“I am helpless against your beauty and I’ll need your company to cure me of this lovesickness” OMG I almost died of laughter (maybe we all kind of have that feeling for Chuuya tho), but then I read the next part where Chuuya thinks it’s some kind of code and then later: “Did you just fucking imply that my looks made you sick?!” aaahahahahahaha I’m dead XD

  ATUSUSHI SASS APPRECIATION 

“Ah, so the man-tiger really sounds threatening when said by mafia members. I thought it was just Akutagawa.”

 “Do you really want to know what i call him, Chuuya-san?” I love Atsu’s not-so-innocent side

 And when Chuuya denies missing Dazai and Atsu’s all like"Are you excited about Fukuzawa’s return then?“ LOLOL

-

Aku’s "I’m going to the hospital” comment. Period.

 ANGST RANT #2

OK so the mistletoe, which has all sorts of romantic connotation and stuff, sacred plant of a goddess of love, all magical and etc etc, but then Chuuya says “Mistletoe are parasites, pests….They…kill trees. And stuff” as if he’s talking about how loving Dazai was killing him.

And before they have their indirect “kiss” there’s “Because things have ultimately not changed, have they? They can’t change–because that would mean—“ and he’s just not ready to accept that yet. Not an actual kiss. Puh-lease.

Back to my earlier point on Chuuya anticipating loss and disappointment; he knows he wants this with Dazai, he slowed down all of those moments he had to be close to him, but he just can’t see a happy ending. And Dazai just kind of confirms it too, telling Chuuya he’s going to Russia with Mori and Fukuzawa last minute and leaving just like that. Not really telling him the details of his mission.

And “Dazai siphons the life out of him, leaving him with work, work, work. It’s just like before, only with more phone contacts and more Facebook friends, this time. He wonders if he should feel happy for expecting this all along.” Draining him LIKE THE DAMN MISTLETOE.

Dazai not telling Chuuya that he’s really moved in with him. How Atsushi knows, everyone knows, but not Chuuya. Once again left out of the loop.

ANGST RANT #3

“Dazai claimed to never lie on negotiations and what happened back then–was a negotiation, nothing else……Dazai Osamu is a fucking liar” The way he rejects Dazai’s confession, the way he’s forced himself to see their relationships ajkdfhajksdhfkajsh

“Chuuya’s heart beats staccato beats of misery and hurt, as he watches Dazai’s face remain impassive, in control. He hates it.” This contrast between Chuuya’s turmoil and Dazai’s perceived calmness, Dazai sort of making his decisions for him, running him in circles just because he could predict his reactions. How frustrating, how unfair. The table flip was so impactful in this scene. How can he struggle for autonomy against someone who can grasp everything in the palm of his hand?

Dazai’s trying to be careful but his lack of transparency is one of their biggest problems, way to go Dazai. Just because you know he’s going to reject you doesn’t mean that you can just hide things and not let him do it. Let this poor man decide T.T I do acknowledge his effort though.

Chuuya’s three years of trying to be normal falling apart, I love how he corrected it to eight years, because he’s been struggling for so much longer.

(Mori asking Dazai to be the PM’s new Boss? Ouch, OUCH)

“’And I’m just the sharpest tool in your box.’” He’s been holding that one in hasn’t he? The way Dazai was his world while to Dazai he was just an object to be used. 

And holy shit Dazai, telling Chuuya that they can’t have normal things because they’re monsters. Chuuya’s been struggling so long to find self-worth, to finally deserve to live among normal people…I would imagine that he would have these feelings for sure, being such a kind person doing such wicked things, but then it was because DAZAI was the one who said it, who invalidated his feelings, that hurt him the most. *sobbing*

Chuuya’s actually crying now, finally falling apart after keeping it together for so long, but Dazai can’t just kiss those tears away now like he did after his nightmare. Because all of those insecurities and scars are coming right back to reality now.

“Eight years ago and Chuuya would have carved out his own, beating heart, the moment Dazai said that it’s part of the plan.” The way this was written, from the wording to the buildup from the previous paragraphs, was so raw and painful I had to stop reading for a moment because sweet Mother Theresa on the hood of a Mercedes Benz Chuuya needs so much love.

He wants proof, perfectly acceptable because there is overwhelming evidence of Dazai hurting Chuuya. The little bits of him caring for Chuuya are overshadowed by Chuuya’s Dazai-is-pain-I-can’t-come-close-or-I-won’t-be-able-to-bounce-back-again mode. Especially when Dazai is STILL hiding things from him. Still making his choices for him. And despite all of his efforts he feels as if nothing’s changed. Dazai’s still lying, he can’t be normal, can’t escape from the past, “He’s the only one truly disgraced here, tainted with darkness, tainted with the budding light of hope that will never fully bloom.”

Dazai asking for him to just believe even if there’s no proof is outrageous at this point.

But then akjdhfaksjhfaksjadfh Dazai’s all desperate and just pleading for him not to push him away how heartbreaking.

They’re going to need a catalyst to get back together right? Please send help!

Thanks so much for this wonderful update!! So intense adfasajkfhaskjhdjk, I can’t wait to see how the characters handle this. (I did not proofread my comment so sorry if I rambled too much)

[tumblunni]

I wish I could hug y'all!

In fact I think I will make it A LIFE GOAL I really really wanna someday be able to visit all my friends who live in different countries! Its something good to save up for, even if it'll probably take years. So.. lets randomly ramble in a journal about Plans!! IDEA THE FIRST TRIP THE FIRST FIRST THE FIRST: THE SEQUEL I think it'd probably make sense to go to america first, since i have a lot of close friends living there and I don't need to learn another language. (I am notoriously dumb...) But then afterwards I could set another goal to save up and visit another friend in another country! IT WILL NEVER ENDDDDD, THATS WHY ITS CALLED FRIENNNNDDDDD So far all I have confirmed is that two of my friends would be happy to see me if I was able to visit america, @darkeiya and @summon-daze But its not like I've exactly asked everyone else, so I dunno really how many people I might be able to visit. And it depends on time constraints too, i might only be able to spend a full day or two with the closest friends and maybe then if there's more than three of us we could all meet up together and hang out en masse? Depends on how tricky it'd be for everyone to get to the same place! SO! PLANS AND THINGS I NEED TO PREPARE! workin to figure out a precise money goal im gonna save for * Become Fab * no but srsly i wanna look my best if im meeting friends in person for the first ever time. need to acquire Cool T-Shirts * figure out what exactly you can and cannot take on an aeroplane, and how to deal with anxiety if i cant take electronics. Nothing's as distracting as videogames when you're freakin out! * DO NOT SCHEDULE ANYTHING ON THE 11th-14th OF THE MONTH. i have a bad history of my period landing on these days ONLY when i have to do something important. Or when its my birthday :P I dont need even more reason to feel nauseous on a plane! * figure out how many days the stay will be, and how many clothes etc I need to bring. probably a basic thing, but this is my first time going on a holiday alone so i need to write stuff down to make sure i remember! * figure out how long exactly I want to spend with each friend, and how long I can afford in hotel fees. And does a plane ticket cos more if you're staying for longer? * find out what kind of luggages are easiest to carry and how to carry three luggages when i have two hands. Can you tie them together and make a luggages train??? * Find some sort of secure way to carry large amounts of money. I'm gonna have to do that since I need to get all my currency converted before I go. I was thinking maybe a little matchbox tin chained to the inside of my coat or around my neck? Something where you couldnt get it without roughhousing with me, and it'd still be hard to pull it off the chain. Gives me a precious few extra minutes to yell for help/possibly bludgeon a guy with a suitcase * Figure out hotel(s) in different areas of america, depending on how far I'll have to travel. And figure out affordable ways to travel the difference if its not a situation where the friend can pick me up. And make sure they are cool hotels, not just the absolute minimum! i wanna make a fun tourist experience of the hotels!! I havent been in a hotel since I was a kid! * Possibly schedule it like a 'safehouse' thing? Returning to home base! I need to make sure I schedule around the potential anxiety of doing so much travel in a new place. So maybe schedule it out so I have a period of me-time in between visiting each friend? Itd probably cost too much to rent a hotel room for an entire day in between so maybe just schedule it out so I have half a day at least. I dunno if hotels allow you to sleep in all day tho, are there rules about what time you need to be up and out? * I'm kinda looking forward to using hotel beds and showers cos theyre like luxury compared to my house XD man, I wonder if I could get a place with a hot tub?? or the fabled mini-bar?? (which i would drink nothing of, but it would be fun to take photos!) And it'd be so cool to see what american breakfasts are like! And lol all my friends have just been like 'YOU NEED TO SEE OUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS' and im like... dude, i dont need to get fatter XD lets limit it to ONE! * I dunno if my friends would just wanna hang out in their local mall or something, or if I could visit their house and say hi to their family? that might be going too far. i'll still bring gifts they can give to their family tho, i wanna show my appreciation to everyone!! * are you allowed to bring extra empty suitcases onto the plane with you? I'm anticipating that knowing myself im probably gonna buy enough souveniers to need one. I'm planning to basically have half the money be for travel and then half again is just for buying NOVELTY HATS! * need to make sure to finally get a passport, and also consult heavily with my support worker and friends to make sure i have every form of travel documentation in order. I know stuff is... not good, in america right now. Thats probably why it'd be good that it'd take me years to save up for a visit, hopefully i'd be there after the next election. But I need to prepare anyway, in case border control is even more stringent. * Prepare the 'ol misgendering, because getting strip searched and treated as a suspicious threat is a very big reality for trans people. Having the wrong gender marker on your birth certificate is treated as 'this passport must be a forgery' rather than.. yknow.. transgender people exist. And then you need to be invasively handled by the guards to make sure you aren't packing explosives down your goddamn pants, they have to inspect the parts of you that you're most self concious about. *shudder* I've heard a lot of horror stories. I dunno if america is any better about it. But yeah I'm probably gonna have to just pass as female during boarding and hotels and stuff, and not wear my binder til i get to meet my friends. Saves trouble... Man, I might have to even go buy some more cliche feminine outfits or something, to make sure. Itd be fun burning them afterwards, I guess... * BRING GIFTS FOR FRIENDS N FAMILY! Figure out what is and isnt allowed to be transferred between countries. As far as I know I cant bring any form of food or drink right? I'm only allowed to eat the in-flight meals? Thats a shame cos I wanted to bring welsh cakes, theyre the only one of our local delicacies that's not a super acquired taste. (I tried bara bryth for the first time and DIED) And I dunno if anyone would be interested in silly souveniers of my country but I could get a pile of em if you are! Want an eight foot tall lovespoon? Want a giant inflatable daffodil? Want a bazillion ceramic dragons? * I am determined to bring at least one personalized super awesome gift for each person! It might just be an expensive merchandise of their fave show, it might be some form of handmade handicraft of one of their ocs! whatever I'm able to do! ^_^ * BRING SKETCHBOOKS SO WE CAN DRAW TOGETHER. LEARN THE WAYS OF THE AMERICAN MASTERS. * hey does anyone wanna trade trading cards yo. They'd be like the single easiest thing to bring with me, but I only have a handful of pokemon ones and i only really have one friend that I know likes yugioh. (And she's in england) * WE CAN FOOL AROUND LIKE DOOFS. God willing, if anyone wants to join me I will play water balloon tennis or jalapeno roulette or any sort of insane friend activity you can think of!! Gotta make up for the fact im a boring teetotaler. Tho lol I probably already act more drunk than the real drunks at a party XD * TAKE A LOT OF PHOTOS!! And possibly try and acquire a portable video camera? I'd only photo/video anyone if they gave me permission, and I wouldnt post it online unless I also had permission for that. I just wanna make a lot of memories and record them forever! Whenever I feel down, I can remember this amazing trip!!! * remember to get one of those plug adaptor thingies cos american plugs have one less prong. Gotta trade the pokeymons!! I know I can already do that easily online but BATTLING IN PERSON WOULD BE EPIC * ...bring an Ash cosplay? XD * no but seriously if i could schedule this right to coincide with an american convention or something that'd be awesome! EVEN MORE SOUVENIERS! And I could actually try cosplaying!! I'd have to find a character that suits me tho, I dont wanna get laughed at like everyone always does with fat people cosplaying thin characters. (Like... almost every character is thin, yo. let people do what they want) * possible idea: magma admin tabitha from pokemon? he's like the only fave I have who's chubby but not like... inherantly a comic relief ugly guy or a seventy year old grandpa. I wanted to do quina quen from final fantasy 9 but I dont think I have the charisma to pull it off. I'd get paranoid if people just treated the character how they treat the character, my brain would twist everything into an insult on my costume or myself XD also I kinda already look like tabitha, tho I'd either have to go without hairdye or like... wear a wig in my natural hair colour. Also his costume is super heavy and sweaty in a convention setting, according to what I;ve heard from other team magma cosplayers. (Makes you wonder how on earth they all wore it on a volcano!) * WHAT IS AN AMERICAN BISCUIT. They look like savoury welshcakes??? Learn about all the language differences! Man I wish I could bring food souveniers back with me, I'd never be able to try every single different foodstuff in america in one day without DYING. AND DYING AGAIN. * Collect product wrappers and advertisements! Its always really interesting to me to see the differences between countries! A friend mailed me an american cola once and the bottle was a whole different shape??? (he also mailed me a bunch of spent shotgun shells, which was kinda terrifying cos I was currently in a christian homeless shelter and I didnt exactly wanna cause trouble XD Apparantly it is totally legal to own unuseable bullets tho, as long as you dont have a gun.) * I dunno if any of my friends would be equally interested in similar things? i could take requests for weird british stuff to bring with me! * for summon-daze specifically: since we are both cuddly honest goofballs of childlike joy, maybe bring some of my plushie collection to show her? I'd usually just bring one as an emergency anti-anxiety measure. Tho the embarassment from having a full on meltdown in public and having to be seen hugging a plush toy to keep from crying means its not 100% effective. Only works good when I'm with people who arent judgmental. Secret pocket gengar plush is good for other times! (I've been squeezing that thing during doctors appointments and nobody noticed!) * extra reason why I'd love to visit my friends: visiting my friends's pets. I have been absolutely blessed by images of dazy's pet cat Pam, and apparantly her family has a few other cats and a dog! O_O WHAT AN AMAZING LIFE YOU LIVE. I always tell her to give pam a hug from me, and I know pam probably wouldnt like me very much when we first meet cos she's shy, but still I'd love to at least see her. I wish cats could somehow know that they give joy to people through the internet! * ...are you allowed to bring medications across the border? is there a procedure I need to go through to be allowed to bring my antidepressants? Would painkillers be allowed too? If not, is there anywhere I could buy plane-bring-onnable headache meds in the lobby or something? Just anticipating that I might get a stress migraine on the plane, cos it'd be my first time ever flying. * are you allowed to take photos out the plane window, if you use a non electronic camera? i know you cant really see anything but panning landscapes but it still sounds awesome!

[airanke]

XD iwantallforvandobutyoucanjustdotheonesyouwanttoanswerforhim //sweats

@bluedawn-mod

//cracks knuckles

OKAY HERE WE GO, all of the headcanon meme thing for Vando Althil! (All the other ones will be under the cut!)

1. Their physical weak spots

Definitely behind his knees. He’s a big guy, so hitting him there will cause him to fall HARD, and it’s difficult to recover from that when you’re his size. Plus, wearing plate armor contributes, making it more difficult to move - of course, he was a high ranking warrior before he was killed and risen as a death knight, so hitting him there is hard to say the least, but not impossible!

2. Their emotional/moral weak spots

Vando has battle protocols, but when he cares for someone, he is known to break his own rules - he also refuses to admit when he cares for someone, which can really come back to bite him.

3. Scars or painful spots

See the thing is I haven’t actually decided if Vando has scars yet or not. Given he was a warrior in his previously he should have SOME but his closest friend, Rusabar, was a restoration shaman when HE was alive... and ever since becoming a death knight, he’s grown all but immune to pain.

4. Best places to kiss on their body

His fingers, neck, and sternum/upper chest/collarbone area. He’s most receptive to kisses placed there. Biting those areas will make him especially aroused, ngl.

5. Guilty pleasures

Pain. Vando is a masochist (hence why BITING him gets arousal out of him LMAO). He is notorious for getting under the skin of others for the sole purpose of having them physically lash out at him. Naturally, this also means he deliberately takes hits in a fight.

6. Their vices (physical or emotional)

Vando lacks empathy, and to an extent sympathy. He cannot easily process the emotions of others, but at the very least understands when he has crossed a line. Generally, he does not make obvious attempts to amend these moments, due in part to his masochism; if he’s already hurt someone, then it becomes easier for him to entice them into attacking him depending on what he says.

7. Their tickle spots

He’s thick skinned, but if someone runs their fingers up and down his neck - particularly behind his ears - they will get a few twitches out of him, and if they continue, he will eventually start laughing. He reacts the same way if this action is performed on his ribs.

8. Bad memories/experiences

Not long before Arthas became the first death knight, Vando was forced to kill the love of his life. She was a night elf and had been captured by his tribe, and did not want to die at anyone’s hand but his. His relationship with her was not one that anyone knew of - not even Rusabar - but the last kiss he shared with her was filled with nothing but blood (this is also why he hates being kissed on the lips).

9. Humiliating memories

The above also served as a humiliating memory for him, especially since tensions between night elves and trolls were at their all-time high. He was avoided by other tribesmen, with really only Rusabar staying by his side. He takes pride in this moment now. THERE WAS PROBABLY FUNNIER TIMES FROM HIS CHILDHOOD BUT I AIN’T GOT MUCH ON HIS CHILDHOOD ATM, ONLY HIS ADULT LIFE RIP (actually I can guarantee that this man did some DUMB ASS SHIT when he was a child / teenager and you can bet your ass Rusabar will tell stories at length and Vando WILL BE TRYING TO MAKE HIM SHUT UP THE WHOLE TIME).

10. Fears/phobias

He IS afraid of admitting that he cares about others, or that he feels any emotion at all. It does not help that he was a death knight under the Lich King’s control for YEARS until Arthas was finally defeated, and so believes that, as a death knight, he should not and is not allowed to feel.

11. Bad or petty habits

He has a bad habit of not caring who he sleeps with really, due in part to the fact that he stopped caring about himself and gave up his convictions after he was raised as a death knight. Additionally, he is prone to digging his fingernails into his arms, especially when he is in a stressful situation and “needs” the pain to distract his thoughts. He will sometimes draw blood when he does this.

12. Grudges and vendettas

The only time Vando will develop a grudge / have a vendetta is when someone he has genuinely come to care for is threatened. This is especially true if Rusabar is targeted. He does not take well to anyone going after his dear friend.

13. What gets them flustered

If he catches on to the fact that a woman is courting him, he gets flustered very quickly, especially since courting generally falls to the man (not that Vando cares much for traditions. It’s more of a subconscious ‘that’s my job’ thing). Also toying with his hands and offering no explanation when he asks what you’re doing, OR kissing the back of his hand can cause his train of thought to derail. Gentle affection can garner this response too. 

14. Ingrained habits/forces of habit

Because he was once a warrior, Vando tends to assume command or bark orders, especially if the appointed leader is soft-spoken and/or has been injured (or, has already fallen in combat).

15. What it takes to make them cry

Kindness. Vando does not expect it nor does he believe he deserves it, especially given how he treats others. Buying him gifts at any point may also make him teary, but this will especially happen if someone buys him something for his birthday or during Winter’s Veil.

16. Dark secrets/’skeletons in the closet’

Unknown to all (at least, until Rusabar shows up in the story but I digress), Vando had committed suicide shortly after he was forced to kill his love. He had always been teetering on the depressed spectrum, but was kept up by Rusabar. Unfortunately, even the strongest fall, and Vando took his own life when his love’s sister attempted to kill him herself. He only avoided anyone knowing by using her dagger to slit open his stomach and then wedging it back into her hand before he let himself bleed out.

17. Regrets

He could never return Rusabar’s love for him (while he loved and loves his friend, he does not love Rusabar, though Rusabar does love him). To an extent, he also regrets killing himself because Rusabar’s grief over Vando’s death is what ultimately also led to Rusabar falling in battle (his thoughts were all distracted and he wasn’t paying attention until it was too late).

18. Things they’ll never admit

He will never admit that he has a sweet tooth. Nope. Not this man. He will admit that he cries like a baby when someone gives him presents but not that he likes sweets. The only sweet he will admit to like is pumpkin pie. He loves pumpkins.

19. People they’ve hurt or indirectly killed, and how it affected them

Vando is relatively unaffected by death he’s caused, mostly due to the fact that he has lived as a warrior and death knight for so long. One eventually becomes numb to death. The only person he was affected by indirectly killing was Rusabar, as all Vando wanted was to die and stay dead, not cause his closest friend to also die.

20. What-ifs/Alternate Timelines

If Vando had never killed himself, there is a chance perhaps that, in the end, he would have eventually fallen for Rusabar. It would have come far too late, likely after they had both settled down with someone else, but it is entirely plausible to have happened. He likely would have been chilling with Rusabar one sunny day and looked at him and thought “spirits I love this man” AND THEN MAKE A “WAIT WHAT” FACE HAHAHAAHAH. Rue would have noticed and gotten the story out of him, and then they would have both just been hella embarrassed LMAO. Definitely would have both been like “SO WE’LL JUST NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THAT..........................”, man it would have been pretty funny in retrospect XD

Alternatively, Vando could have also not killed his love and instead died at the same time as her. He would have fought tooth and nail to try and keep her safe. Again, though, this would have likely also resulted in Rusabar’s death, as Rusabar would choose Vando over all else, and support him until he no longer could.

21. Turning points in their life

When he cut his way across an entire battlefield to raise Shion from the dead (young troll hunter that Vando takes a shine to, for the fact that Shion is what Vando imagined one of his children to be, if he had had a child). He had noticed Shion had gotten himself into a bad spot, and Vando was able to get to him right as he fell, hence why the death knight was even able to bring him back (I HC that there is a time-window on resurrection, as in the soul has to still be lingering near and/or attached to the body for a resurrection to work. Also yes! Death knights have a spell / ability called Raise Ally! So Vando is able to resurrect his allies).

It was at this point that Vando was forced to accept the fact that he DID CARE about others.

Another turning point in his life was when he met Fayura, but that is another story for another time (let’s just say Vando DOES get a happy ending).

22. People who’ve influenced them greatly

Rusabar mostly. Also definitely his father, who would have been a renowned warrior but would have also likely died while Vando was still young (the tribe had stories though)! And, to a lesser extent, people like Talibah, Thanallian, Eldreath, and Shion also rubbed off on him.

THERE YOU GO BLUE EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BAE--