#and I love and despise him in equal measure

[undermine-the-instinct]

HE'S DEAD!! HE'S DEAD HE'S GONE

[memecatwings]

sorry i feel the need to clarify. i think its funny that bakugo is dead. he's my favorite and im laughing at his funeral i can do both

[suntoru]

❝ I'VE LOVED YOU BEFORE, I'M SURE OF IT!❞

— SYNOPSIS: eons ago, the king of curses lost his lover. you're gone, you have been for years, so why is it that you're standing right before him?

— WARNINGS: reincarnation, death of servant, your death mentioned, blood, swearing, angst, fluff, ooc sukuna?, he's downbad, 3k words

— AUTHOR’S NOTE: HELP MY FIRST TIME WRITING FOR SUKUNA IF U LIKE IT PLS LMK AND REBLOG!!

a face so familiar that in a sea of people, he'd recognize it instantly. he could paint a perfect picture from memory alone; how could he ever forget you? the only person he's ever grown accustomed to loving with every fiber of his being. the only person who's ever made the very king of curses feel weak. so then, why... why are you here once more?

impossible. it couldn't, shouldn't be you. he watched you slip away, felt your last breath against his skin, cradled you in his arms as your life ebbed away, the haunting reminder of the day he lost you. so why, against all reason, are you standing before him?

he can't deny the reality that it's truly you standing there, amidst the blossoms, with those delicate features that outshine even the brightest stars in the sky. the very essence of innocence radiates from your being, reflected in the purity of your gaze as you remain unaware of his presence, lost in the simple joy of picking dainty flowers from his meticulously tended garden. it's a scene so achingly familiar, yet impossibly surreal, as if plucked from a distant memory and brought vividly to life before his eyes.

his naive little lamb, blissfully unaware of the danger that lurks just beyond the edges of his meticulously guarded property. anyone could sneak up on you at this very moment, and you'd remain oblivious, lost in the gentle warmth of the sunlight as you hum a soft melody to yourself. do you not realize the trespass you commit with every step, the audacity of encroaching upon his domain?

for if you were anyone else, the ground beneath your feet would surely be stained crimson, a stark reminder of the consequences of such brazen intrusion. he scrutinizes your every movement, his gaze lingering on each delicate gesture as if committing them to memory. it's the first time in what feels like an eternity that he's experienced a semblance of peace.

sukuna, the embodiment of strength and power, finds himself perplexed by the profound comfort your presence brings him. he detests his own vulnerability, despises the notion of being beholden to anyone or anything. and yet, in the quiet moments spent observing you, he can't help but entertain the fleeting desire to hold you once more like the days he once treasured with you.

the fleeting moment of vulnerability dissipates in an instant as one of his ignorant servants, a mere fool in sukuna's eyes, rudely intrudes upon his garden sanctuary. with careless disregard, they trample over the delicate cecilias, the very flowers you were delicately picking.

"m-my lord, my humblest apologies," they stammer, their voice trembling with fear. "i don't know how an intruder got in, but i promise to dispose-" before they can finish their sentence, their head is swiftly separated from their body, the soft thud of impact echoing in the garden as it rolls to the ground. red oozes out, staining the grass crimson red as he stares at the body indifferently. tch. incompetence is met with swift and merciless retribution. how weak, how utterly weak. not only had that feeble intruder disrupted his tranquility, but they had also brought undue attention to his secluded sanctuary.

his gaze sharply turns towards you, contemplating whether you had noticed the disturbance, only to find your eyes innocently peering back at him. a surge of something unfamiliar courses through him as he meets your gaze. there you stand, so delicate and unassuming, clutching those flowers, studying him with a curiosity that unsettles and intrigues him in equal measure.

would you scream? run for the hills? yet, there's an underlying fearlessness about you, a quality he's always admired. part of him yearns for the recognition in your eyes, the acknowledgment of his presence, a desire for you to step closer, to nestle into his embrace and play with his hair, as if it were an annoyance he secretly craved, so long as it was from you.

"…would you like a flower?" you beam up at him, your smile radiant enough to rival the sun itself. holding it out to him, your eyes sparkle with genuine delight as you offer the delicate blossom. "it matches your hair. pretty." for a moment, he hesitates, towering over you with his imposing figure. yet, you show no fear, not of his unusual features nor his intimidating presence, not in this life and not in your past one either. with tentative movements, his rough, calloused hands brush against yours, accepting your gift.

he observes with a quiet fascination as your smile widens even further, a sight that warms a part of him he thought long dormant. almost instinctively, he restrains the urge to brush back a stray strand of your hair, watching instead as you take care of it yourself, a soft frown forming on your face as it catches in your lip gloss.

"it's funny," you begin, a playful lilt to your voice as you gently tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. "everything here seems so familiar. tell me, have we ever met before? i feel like i know you from somewhere," you muse, studying his features with a curious intensity. there's a certainty in your tone, a sense of recognition that stirs something deep within him.

"no. that's stupid," he gruffly replies, brushing off your inquiry with a dismissive tone, though he can't ignore the flicker of amusement in your eyes. "ah, you're right. that would be impossible, wouldn't it? perhaps it was just déjà vu," you concede, your smile widening ever so slightly, there's a sincerity in your gaze that leaves him unsettled. he hates the way his heart stirs each time you do that, that... that thing with your face, he's seen it a thousand times before, that stupid smug smile. it's been a millennium since he's last seen it, and he finds himself silently admitting that he's missed it more than he cares to admit.

the one who shattered his harem, the one he believed he had lost forever. over the years of your absence, he had convinced himself that it was foolish to love a mortal. loving you was a mistake, he told himself. there was no void in his heart because of you; it was there to satiate his hunger for bloodlust.

yet, the mere sight of you right now, skin kissed by the sunlight shattered those self-imposed barriers, your voice carrying on about the flowers you held. peonies, daisies, lilies, roses—all growing in a small, vibrant garden. they were your favorites, adorning the white fence so beautifully. although he'd rather be caught dead then admit it out loud, it was dedicated to you, a silent tribute that reminded him of your presence.

in moments of turmoil, he found solace here, secretly seeking refuge amidst the blossoms, gazing up at the stars as if searching for your familiar constellations. what were they again? he had almost forgotten, and somehow, that notion was more unsettling than any sorcerer he had ever faced.

"oh, i almost forgot to ask, what was your name?" you giggle, looking up at him with an air of innocence. do you really talk to random strangers like that? you still are such an airhead. it seems you have no survival skills, but perhaps that's why he's always been so protective of you. "i am the king of curses, sukuna," he states, glaring down at you. it irks him, slightly, that even his name has been wiped from your memory. you really, don't remember, do you?

"sukuna... i'm calling you 'kuna from now on, 'kay?" you beam, and he lets out a weary sigh. how unoriginal. you used to call him that too, but anything else sounds quite strange coming from your lips.

"why are you here?" he grumbles, the question weighing heavy on his mind, not just in this moment, but echoing through the centuries. he wants to know why you've returned, why you've chosen now to reappear in his life after so many years have passed by. are you taunting his only weakness? how infuriating. you remember his old nickname, the flowers you once adorned his head with, but not him. is this some sort of game to you?

"i don't know," you answer simply, adjusting the crinkles in your dress. as the sun begins its slow descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the valley, you find yourself standing there, amidst the beauty of the landscape. "i just happened to stumble upon here," you murmur softly, your gaze fixed on the horizon, where the sky meets the earth in a breathtaking display of colors. the grass sways gently in the breeze, whispering secrets of days gone by, while memories of laughter and joy linger in the air like a bittersweet melody. his nose crinkles. what do you mean you don't know?

"what are you doing?" he hears your voice, sweet and soft like a distant echo from the past, a time when things were simpler, when you were by his side, filling his days with light and laughter. it's been hard without you, he realizes, a pang of longing tugging at his heart as he watches you standing there, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

he wants to reach out to you, to tell you how much he's missed you, how much he's longed for your presence all these years. but instead, he remains silent, a silent observer of the moment, as the memories of days gone by wash over him like gentle waves, leaving behind an ache in his heart.

"you're trespassing," he grumbles, his voice carrying a weight that extends far beyond the boundaries of his garden. it's a warning, a silent one for you to stay away, to spare him the agony of reliving the memories that threaten to consume him. but even as he speaks the words, he knows deep down that it's not just his garden you're trespassing into— it's his heart, too.

sukuna does not wish to love you, loving you hurts, it makes him what he hates the most, it makes him weak. once, long ago, he was foolish to love you. he never uttered those words aloud, but the way his gaze softened in your presence spoke volumes. you were the only one who managed to carve a place for yourself in his heart, a place he thought was forever closed off to the world.

he doesn't want to care about you. to him, you should be nothing more than a passing nuisance, easily disposed of if it serves his purpose. yet, as he gazes upon your innocent face, memories long buried begin to resurface, tugging at the frayed edges of his carefully constructed facade.

sukuna despises what you evoke within him, a vulnerability he thought he'd long since buried beneath layers of ruthlessness. as the sun caresses your features with its gentle warmth, he can't help but feel a pang of longing deep within his chest. it's a sensation he's tried to suppress, to bury beneath the weight of his power and dominance. after all, he's the feared king of curses, not some lovesick fool. but even he can't deny the allure of your presence, the way you effortlessly weave your way into the recesses of his darkened heart.

in the depths of his being, sukuna knows he shouldn't miss you. he shouldn't yearn for the days when your laughter echoed through the corridors of his mind. yet, despite his best efforts to cast you aside, a part of him remains tethered to you, unable to sever the invisible threads that bind him to your memory.

your love, once radiant as the sun, pierced through the darkness shrouding his heart, illuminating corners he never knew existed. it was pure, untainted, a beacon of hope in his desolate existence. even in his darkest moments, he couldn't bear to extinguish your light, for fear of losing himself entirely. but then, like a flickering flame snuffed out by a sudden gust of wind, you were gone.

the memory of holding you close as you slipped away, your warmth fading into cold nothingness, still haunts him to this day. yet amidst the pain, there was a promise— a whispered vow that one day, you'd find each other again. and somehow, against all odds, you did. but fate had robbed you of the memories that once bound you together.

he watches you now, your smile as bright as ever, oblivious to the love you once shared. it's a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that you'll never remember the depth of your connection, the intensity of the love that once burned between you. forgotten memories of your presence flood his mind, stirring emotions he thought long buried.

he should be able to snuff out your existence without a second thought, should revel in the sight of your blood staining the verdant valley, your cries piercing the tranquil air. but as you stand before him, oblivious to the darkness lurking within him, he finds himself paralyzed by indecision.

his soul screams at him to act, to rid himself of this weakness once and for all. but his heart, that traitorous organ, refuses to comply. how can you, with your pure heart and untainted spirit, still evoke such conflicting emotions within him?

sukuna prides himself on his selfishness, on his willingness to betray and manipulate to achieve his desires. and yet, in your presence, he finds himself questioning whether his desire to hold you close once more is too selfish, whether his darkness would tarnish your purity.

and a part of him wonders if you'd fall in love with him again, wonders how you did the first time. would your hands feel the same, tracing the contours of his face with that delicate touch? would your lips still taste as sweet, brushing against his with that familiar tenderness?

"'kuna?" you murmur softly, looking up at him to see if he's paying attention. and for a fleeting moment, he's transported back to a memory he holds dear, etched into the deepest recesses of his heart.

"'kuna?" you had called out one day, perched elegantly on his lap, nestled against him as if you belonged there. his hand, protective yet tender, rested on the small of your back, ensuring you remained secure in his embrace. your legs were tucked into his, absentmindedly toying with some strands of his hair. "hm?" he responded, his gaze half-heartedly softening as he met your doe-like eyes, a hint of amusement dancing within their depths.

"do you think in every universe, we're together?" you inquire, your voice tinged with a hopeful innocence that tugs at his heartstrings. he let out a scoff, a familiar gesture masking the warmth that blooms within him, his fingers instinctively threading through your hair as you playfully swat them away. you're so naive and innocent, believing in such stupid things.

"that's absurd," he retorted, though the corner of his lips quirked upward in a ghost of a smile, unable to deny the affection that lingers between you. love, he once believed, was a fleeting illusion, a mirage in the desert of existence. he scoffed at the notion of eternal love, dismissing it as a fanciful delusion born of naive optimism. how could love endure when humanity was plagued by sin, disloyalty, and obstinance? it seemed absurd to place faith in something so fragile, so easily shattered by the harsh realities of life.

"hey..." you pouted, your bottom lip jutting out in a playful display of mock indignation, your eyes sparkling with mischief. "well, i believe we are," you declare, a stubborn determination coloring your words as you stick out your tongue in defiance.

"such a meanie," you'd muttered under your breath, though your protest is laced with affection as he pulled you closer, enveloping you in the warmth of his embrace. and he's snapped out of his thoughts once more when he hears your voice cut through his memories.

"ah, i'm sorry," the present you sheepishly mumbles, catching yourself mid-ramble and rubbing the back of your head with an embarrassed smile. "i'm boring you, aren't i? it's getting late; i should be going."

with a resigned sigh, you glance up at sukuna, feeling a flush of embarrassment color your cheeks. you hadn't meant to prattle on to a stranger, especially one who felt so oddly familiar and comforting, like a warm, fluffy blanket on a chilly evening. as you start to move away, ready to bid your unexpected companion farewell, one of sukuna's arms shoots out, gripping your wrist firmly and halting your departure.

despite everything, you're still here, standing before him, a familiar presence that refuses to fade into oblivion, and he finds himself unwilling to sever the crimson thread of fate that you once fervently believed bound you together. he's unsettled of the idea of allowing himself to love you again, yet, at this moment, his greatest fear is not in loving you, but rather in the prospect of forgetting you altogether.

confusion flickers across your features as you look up at him, but he refuses to meet your gaze, his expression unreadable. the soft hues of the pink sunset cast a gentle glow over you both, and in that moment, you could swear you see a faint flush tingeing sukuna's cheeks.

he still considers you foolish for believing in an everlasting love. and yet, as he looks into your eyes, he doesn't believe an eternity with you would be too bad. in fact, he wouldn't mind it at all. he mutters gruffly, though his voice betrays a hint of annoyance, and yet, inexplicably, your heart leaps at the invitation.

"speak."

and with that stupidly charming grin on your face, you do.

© SUNTORU 2024. do not copy, repost, or translate any of my works on any platform.

[darling--angst-archived]

Yan!Doa and Reader who's two faced—highschool au

Pairing: Nikolai, Fyodor, Sigma x Reader (separate)

Type: Headcanons

Genre: Yandere???

Warnings: Yandere themes, manipulation, unhealthy relationship, stalking, obsession, invasion of privacy, mentions of blackmail,

Synopsis: The new semester started and a new batch of students come to Yokohama International school after JHS, that included you. However, you caught the attention of the top members of the student council

A/n: I took a break from making your oneshot requests because I'm hesitant to make one where Ranpo has an s/o who uses drugs, mind you I have no knowledge in drugs whatsoever. I literally made this a week before my semester starts.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

He is popular among all the years whether it be the seniors or the juniors.

He was what people call the perfect student.

All his grades are perfect, and he was handsome, he's also the president of the student council

Face of the council

He won many awards throughout every year.

Represents the music club with his cello

Though, he finds praises meaningless, after all they are just empty words.

He saw himself as the saviour of all the pathetic and imperfect humans.

At first he loved how when he walked in the hallways everybody would turn their attention on him and sang praises.

When he sees a new student, his first move is to make an impression(which he thinks as too easy).

He was quiet, he never got involved in trouble, he 'helped' those who asked.

He saw himself as an incarnation of an Angel, the path to salvation from their sins.

But he eventually got bored, then you came in.

He first thought to play you to 'save' you and then, he grew realize that you aren't a simple sinner but something else..

He saw you as his 'equal', and plans to have you one way or another.

Saw your true face while reading a book or smth

He'll make the first move and confront you abt it.

Will blackmail you with that information if needed only you refuse to be his.

Nikolai Gogol

He's mostly loved by the juniors but at the same is weirded out by him.

Most seniors think of him as a laughing stock

He's part of the student and always takes a seat next to Fyodor

(it means that his position is next to Fyodor's, making him the second highest in the student committee)

Which many finds shocking

He is academically gifted, when he's not paying attention and a teacher asks him to solve something, he'll joke abt it first but solves it with no struggles whatsoever.

Probably still a clown

He likes messing with Sigma.

He pranked him while sleeping one time and dear lord everybody knew what he did.

Loves to prank teachers, juniors, senior, anyone, no everyone.

Almost got expelled for a reason nobody knows

Most thinks he bribes the teacher that's why he gets top grades.

Can be smart if he wants to.

You can ALWAYS find him inside detention, the bathroom, or teacher's office.

He would go on measures just to make sure you aren't with anybody else.

Def would use the security cameras to see you.

He saw your true face because of this and he never loved you more. (He hated manipulative people but not you since you aren't manipulating them, kinda??)

Will use the information to his advantage

If you started dating someone, he'll blackmail you.

He loves the way you think and your view of the cruel people around you.

He would play along with your act.

Sigma

He's timid

Many saw him as a sweet individual who's willing to help others

He's loved by all the teachers and juniors because of how kind he is.

Loved by most of the student council.

Def has a lot of junior fangirls

He despises dislikes Nikolai Gogol. He would definitely avoid him.

Manages the complaints of the students or the internal affairs teachers are too lazy to do.

Has to clean up after Nikolai because Fyodor ordered him to.

Knows something is wrong about Fyodor but can't figure out what.

He thinks of you as an innocent angel who he has to protect.

He once saw your true face but thought that it's normal to get angry.

Hates when Nikolai touches you/is around you.

He'd be clenching his fist when monitoring things during break time.

Will never try to hurt you in anyway possible like the other two.

Nikolai's number one prank victim. Some even pity Sigma.

One time in JHS, when he was sleeping his hair had bubblegum in it(Nikolai did it) so Nikolai suggested he cut it.

...he did.. and that's the origin of his bad double bowl cut.

Would treat you to lunch on whatever you want.

Rich.

A/n: I'd make a oneshot/series about this, maybe.? Whichever you guys prefer I guess...

[unclejezzzy]

I Despise My Jealous Eyes (And How Hard They Fell For You) Part 4 of I Despise My Rotten Mind (And How Much It Worships You)

It’s 1990. Eddie Munson is trying excruciatingly hard not to fall in love with Steve Harrington whilst he’s living under his roof. Despite all his best efforts, not even he is immune to Steve.

OR: Eddie’s in love with Steve but thinks Steve went on a date with someone else and it’s just chaos and angst because Eddie can’t communicate his feelings.

Eddie didn't play along. He couldn't play along. Because it wasn't a game anymore. It was real and dangerous. It made his palms itch and his legs bounce and his stomach unwillingly lurch if he so much as thought about it.

And truly, Steve tried everything to get him to cave.

If they were passing each other around the apartment - Steve would linger that extra little while longer in front of him, blocking his path with shuffling feet and a saccharine smile.

He would wander aimlessly around after a shower, toweling off his hair whilst the one around his waist would dip just below the crevices of his pelvic bones.

He would bend over in his running shorts whilst he pulled his sneakers on at an agonisingly slow pace, angling himself just right so Eddie had the full view.

Eddie just resigned himself to sitting firmly on the couch biting down against the plastic of a ball point pen whenever Steve decided to put on a show of frankly torturous proportions.

He used drastic mental measures to shake the shape of Steve's ass from his mind that seemed to have permanently embedded itself behind his eyelids.

Which mainly just included cold showers and watching the news. Worldwide tragedy always seemed to do the trick.

And Eddie was trying his hardest not to think about sex.

Or rather, he was testing the waters of not seeing sex as this all encompassing thing when it came to Steve.

Eddie realised shortly after finishing himself off under his sheets the other night - biting down against the back of his hand until his teeth formed mounds within the flesh, that maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to be seen by Steve.

That maybe it could be soft and tender, with quiet moments where they were both equals and are just enjoying each others company. And that maybe he could be all of those things too.

Except, he couldn't really find the words to say. And his body language wasn't all that much to go by either.

And sure, there were lots of things that Eddie wanted to say. None of them sounding remotely like him in any sense or even sane. Because romance was an entirely foreign thing to Eddie.

He'd never really needed it to get by or to get what he wanted. He'd never had to go on dates or lay his jacket down over a puddle for a fair maiden. And it's not exactly like he could have dated anybody in High School.

He didn't have that much of a death wish.

He didn't go to the club that weekend. Instead, he ushered Steve out of the door for his shifts armed with ample excuses as to why he wouldn't be going out that night.

And the night after that.

And the night after that.

Eddie had done enough imaginary overtime to be carrying the entire company on his back.

Instead; he trawled through every movie, soap opera, and ridiculous Hallmark movie that he could stomach on TV.

It all came so naturally to them. I mean, sure they were acting. Eddie knew that.

But the words just rolled right off their tongues with so much ease. Like they've known what they were going to say this whole time. Like it was sitting under their tongues just waiting for that moment. And that must just be how it is in real life too.

You just say what you feel.

And Eddie didn't have any of the words for the feelings he had. So he was reduced to saying nothing, lest he make a fucking fool of himself.

And he didn't even know if Steve wanted romance. The buying flowers, cooking dinner and slow dancing in the kitchen type of romance that made Eddie's throat constrict.

He was right back where he started.

He was right back at his desk at Hawkins High. Sat at the back, pretending to be remotely interested in whatever Mr Moran was saying in Science class whilst carving blasphemous phrases into the wood with the sharp end of a compass - staring at the back of King Steve's head wondering how he got his hair to do that.

He was back under the bleachers, smoking a pack of Camels whilst skipping gym and watching King Steve run in those tiny satin running shorts. Wondering how great life must be to just have his undivided attention for just a second. Because it must be worth something, right? To be touched by Steve Harrington.

Those girls flocked around him like they were watching him turn water into wine right in front of their eyes in Chemistry class.

And Eddie was always there, out of sight, burning pieces of paper against the low flame of a Bunsen burner. Wondering why life had to be so unfair and mentally cursing God or whoever for giving him the short straw in terms of physical allure.

Because Eddie was irrevocably and unforgivingly in love with Steve Harrington. And there was not a single thing he could do about it.

Continue reading on AO3:

[nordickies]

I'm interested to know how you view Nordics and their relationships with each other: What kind of dynamic do they have? ty!

Sure! I have some thoughts. This family is an antisocial mess filled with sibling rivalry, and I love it. You cannot convince me Norway and Sweden aren't the types of siblings who only share their food when it's cut equally with measuring tape. Norway will get mad if you take his stuff, and Denmark is the sibling who comes to annoy you but claims he's not in your room. Then he puts the lights off before leaving!

• • • • • • • • • •

Denmark & Sweden

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have a brotherly relationship. They may not be biological brothers but have been raised as ones and definitely act like so too. Denmark and Sweden have a rival relationship; they have always had one. But their rivalry is not hostile, at least not anymore. Their different personalities, goals, and perspectives caused them quite a deep rift in the past, but they have never despised each other. They're two brothers, always competing about everything, and it's something they have been taught from a young age. They both want to be the strongest and the best because they both think they know for sure what is right for the family. While Sweden thinks Den is too boisterous and a know-it-all, Denmark doesn't think Sweden has what it takes to keep their family safe in every situation. They both want to take the leadership role and have conflicting ideas. While Denmark was left in charge when they were kids, Sweden grew rebellious of it over time. Denmark didn't take Sweden seriously, taunted him constantly, and judged everything he did, making Sweden bitter. On the other hand, Denmark saw Sweden as unnecessarily stubborn - a younger brother who thought too highly of himself and was too self-centered to care about the family. They have been through a lot together and seen the other's worst side, so they know each other better than anyone else. They have no filter when critiquing the other's actions. They're brothers who test and provoke one another on a regular basis. But even with all the fighting, they have a deep unspoken trust and care for the other; they're just pissed the other doesn't see this! With the modern age and a lot of self-reflection, they have calmed down immensely and have forgiven each other's pasts. But the arguing and wrestling still remain. Nowadays, they talk about their roles as parental figures and share advice and tips with each other, which others find lame.

Sweden & Norway

Sweden and Norway consider the other as a dear brother but also as the sibling you just love to hate. They criticize each other constantly, calling the other names, telling cruel jokes, and complaining about how the other person speaks their language totally wrong. But that's just talk because they would do anything for each other if needed. If the other calls and asks for help, they would instantly come, but not before making a joke on how they need a "real Scandinavian" to help them out. And by the end of the day, they sit down for drinks and chat. They rely on each other heavily and can be considered the closest of the Scandinavians. Denmark and Sweden have fought over Norway countless times, and it's best described as best friend jealousy. They both want their brother entirely on their side, to be their ultimate best friend, while Norway would prefer to be on his own for a change. Because Norway was always so antisocial and behind the rest of the world, Sweden thought he needed to help him do everything. Sweden's constant tendency to get into Norway's business and calling Norway slow annoys him greatly. There's also a shared sentiment of jealousy. While back in the day, Sweden was the wealthy and influential brother that Norway envied, nowadays, it's Norway who has it easy, and Sweden feels jealous. Still, while they like bragging about their successes and superiority, they wouldn't want to humiliate the other. Because what's the fun of competing if you don't have equal chances? If they both want something, they'll have to fight for it. When they were kids, they let Denmark be the boss of the house, while Sweden and Norway went out and brought their share to the table, which they often made into a competition. And you can still see this competitiveness in them today. When Sweden and Norway start debating, they ask for neutral Finland's opinion, who hates having to pick sides. Norway is the person who keeps Den and Swe in check, but when Sweden and Denmark start talking about dad stuff, Norway leaves the conversation quickly. The idea of fatherhood is undesirable to him. The union was an awkward time for both Sweden and Norway, but somehow, they made it work. No matter how much hatred Norway felt towards Sweden for not letting him have his independence, Norway lifted Sweden up after he lost Finland. And that's why they rely so much on each other; They're both stoic and have difficulty processing their emotions, so they know how to comfort the other at their lowest. During the union, they matured and realized it was time to build the family back up together. Because at the end of the day, what else do they have then each other. Only they could possibly understand each other's struggles and growth. The only people who will be with them till the end. Their union ended peacefully, and Norway has been persistent in keeping his own freedom ever since. After convincing Denmark, they built the Nordic family back together as an extensive alliance - getting Iceland and eventually Finland on board too. So while Denmark thinks he's still the big brother of the house, it's actually Norway and Sweden who run the operation.

Denmark & Norway

Denmark and Norway still to this day share an emotional bond that's special to them. They can talk about their worries openly and offer advice to each other. Denmark definitely relies more on Norway and views him very highly, while Norway has an indifferent opinion about him. Denmark finds Norway admirable, someone he wants to keep by his side, but Norway sets up his boundaries clearly. Sometimes this can make Den a bit self-conscious because he doesn't want to bother Norway (so he goes to tease Iceland instead). Denmark knows he didn't treat Norway the best in the past, so he's chill when Norway mocks him; it's kind of deserved. But Denmark still won't let Sweden mock him without bullying him back. Den knows Norway has a tendency to suppress his emotions and get depressed, and it's something he's constantly worried about. He feels a need to always be cheering Norway up and giving him a positive outlook on life. Norway thinks Denmark's way of doing things is odd and stupid. The man is hopeless when faced with "real winter," so Norway has a good laugh when he puts Den on skis. Denmark is just happy to be entertaining. Denmark can sometimes be in his little bubble and unaware of his surroundings. He forgets things and loses his thoughts often, so Norway follows and cleans up after him as he has always done. He knows Denmark isn't bad by nature; he just has an annoying tendency to go head-first without consulting others. In their childhood, Denmark was left in charge of the whole family while he himself was just a kid as well. Den never got a chance to be a vulnerable kid, so Norway knows Denmark has just grown up to take the protective leadership role in all situations.

Sweden & Finland

These two have a long and confusing relationship. Sweden is oblivious to Fin's underlying resentment towards him, while Finland is clueless about Sweden's clear affection towards him. He has a special soft spot for Finland and lets him off the hook very easily, while Fin hates how much more successful Sweden is at everything he does. Sometimes Fin feels lacking behind, stupid, or even immature compared to him and thus shows bitterness. Fin takes any opportunity he can to beat Sweden. And if Finland even once wins something, he will keep reminding Swe about it decades later. Sweden gets annoyed about Norway or Denmark's boasting but lets Finland have these moments because they make him (oddly) happy. Finland likes to be vocal about how much Sweden annoys him, but if Sweden says Norway or even Denmark are closer friends to him than Finland is, he'll get disheartened; he thought he was Sweden's number one guy! They were together for 700+ years, so they naturally gravitate toward each other. Swe feels like Fin has always treated him with kindness and genuine interest, something he lacked back in the day with Denmark and Norway. Losing Finland hit Sweden hard, and it took him a long time to get over it. After this "break up," he had entirely reevaluated his life and decisions up to that point, and he changed into a very different person. For the most part, their relationship was positive, but after Finland's independence, some issues emerged. Eventually, they got over that, and nowadays, they are known as the pair who always share their work and make big decisions together, even when the rest of the Nordics don't agree on them. That's why others might tease them and call them a married couple, which Finland finds ridiculous, but Sweden finds it awkward.

Denmark & Iceland

Iceland has a huge need to get away from Denmark and appear as independent as possible. Denmark has always acted like Iceland's guardian and still has difficulty trusting him with adult responsibilities. Ice thinks Denmark can take his role as a former guardian too seriously and fall back into the overprotectiveness he used to have. To Iceland, Den can appear very pigheaded and forgets Iceland has been independent for a while now and has his own culture and life. Den calls Iceland all the time and makes sure he's okay, which Iceland finds condescending. But, when Iceland needs "dad's help" with something, he's immediately calling Denmark in panic. Denmark can be pretty playful and teases Ice a lot (and bores him with dad jokes), but he's just proud of the kid and sees Ice as a competent adult. Den knows Iceland can be cautious when trying things out of his comfort zone, so he pushes him to new situations for better and worse. The Copenhagen nightlife was more traumatizing than fun for reserved Ice, so now Denmark opts for simple board game nights at local Icelandic pubs with him. Ice gets self-conscious when visiting Denmark, fearing he will somehow embarrass himself with how he speaks or dresses up. In return, Denmark gets very defensive if someone is making Iceland feel uncomfortable (which Iceland sees as another form of overprotectiveness). But as long as Denmark doesn't come to tell him what to do, Iceland doesn't mind him. Growing up, Denmark was always the father figure young Iceland so desperately wanted. So he has to take Den's fatherliness, in both good and bad.

Denmark & Finland

Denmark is someone Finland has known for a long time. At first, Denmark questioned bringing a complete stranger (who didn't even speak the language) to the family but eventually warmed up to the kid, like bringing a lost puppy home. Fin thinks Den is fun and views him as an older brother figure who can cheer up anyone's day. Denmark finds Finland hard to approach and doesn't know what to discuss or do with him; they can be polar opposites in many situations, like summer and winter. It also doesn't help that Denmark thinks Fin can be intimidating sometimes, which Finland doesn't know. But give those two enough beer, and they'll talk and party through the whole night. They're the only members of the family who can let loose on the spot and jump into any activity without hesitation. Finland has recently started teaching Denmark some ice hockey, and he's getting pretty good at it. Finland has a lot of patience and lets Den be annoying to a certain point, but when Fin has had enough, he needs to say so only once, and Denmark doesn't dare to do anything for a month (which Swe and Nor think is a weapon that should be utilized more often).

Sweden & Iceland

While historically they have been pretty distant, Sweden has always worried about the kid and ensured that whatever dispute and fighting happens, it doesn't directly affect little innocent Ice. During union times, Iceland was a bit scared of Sweden, but Sweden managed to get on Ice's good side with various toys he carved for him. I can imagine a little Ice guiding practically blind Sweden around and telling Denmark to stop bullying Swe. Iceland and Sweden have gotten closer during modern times, and Sweden usually takes the mentor role. Whenever Ice has a problem that he will definitely not bring up with Nor or Den, he'll go straight to Sweden. Iceland is always welcome at Swe's place, and Ice can always call for any troubles or issues he might have. Ice never says it out loud, but he does appreciate this. Sweden isn't pushy or obsessive about it but rather a trustworthy adult he can rely on. Sweden actually listens to him and offers some genuine advice as he trusts Iceland's ability to make decisions himself. Swe is always happy to see Ice, makes him his favorite foods, and offers him a room to stay. Ice can become a bit uneasy when with Sweden because he feels Sweden does so much for him and never expects anything back. He'll start working and cleaning around the place to show gratitude, and Sweden tries to stop him. Lately, Sweden has taken time to teach Iceland skills, like cooking, and they're slowly getting somewhere.

Norway & Finland

Norway and Finland get along great. Finland hasn't done anything to annoy Norway and vice versa. They even have a lot of common interests, like sports and music, which they talk about a lot. All kinds of winter activities are their specialty, and they do a lot of teamwork by the northern border. They have a winter cabin over there that they share (with Sweden). Norway is very generous towards Fin and lets him borrow his stuff - something Den and Swe find unfair, as they haven't been given such privileges. Norway thinks Finland is just more trustworthy than those two. Norway is still upset his constitution didn't allow him to give Finland a mountain as a birthday present, but Finland thought it was too much anyway. Nor and Fin have no energy for useless fighting, so Sweden and Denmark's constant bickering gets tiring. They just sit on the side and talk over a cup of coffee. Finland feels secretly a bit jealous of Norway and wishes to be more like him. Growing up, he always viewed him with admiration and wanted to get closer to him. Norway likes listening to Finland's senseless stories and finds his strength and durability against cold amusing; he sees Finland as the badass friend he would bring into a fight.

Finland & Iceland

Finland and Iceland have the most distant relationship out of all the Nordics since they are on opposite sides of the region. Ice finds Fin cool and the only one who doesn't treat him like a baby, which he appreciates. Finland is always lending a hand to Ice when needed. Iceland likes Moomins and asks Fin to bring him a new mug when he visits. On the other hand, Finland admires Icelandic nature and wants to try all the craziest activities (like having a barbeque on lava). Finland can relate to Iceland and bond over the fact that they're both considered strange within the family. They both have a morbid sense of humor, which the others sometimes find a bit concerning. During the union times, Finland was left out of discussions and decision-making, and he had to spend time working or taking care of the youngest members, like Iceland. I imagine Finland was a skilled young horseman and taught Iceland a lot about horses. Nowadays, they go camping occasionally, which is a lot of fun, and they always say they should hang out more often (but they never seem to have time to do so).

Norway & Iceland

Norway has never been good at parenting or taking responsibility for others, so he has a lot of regrets concerning Iceland. He has always known Iceland is his biological brother but has never been able to connect to him. That doesn't mean he doesn't care about the kid; he absolutely does, but Nor just never found a way to claim that big brother status. They're very similar in nature, but that also means they're both bad at communicating and preferring to keep everything in. Iceland can feel insecure with Norway - like he needs to prove himself and his capabilities to get his validation. He's afraid to ask for Norway's help in case he appears weak or Norway would somehow judge him (which he of course wouldn't). Norway's attempt to reclaim their lost bond is sometimes irritating to Iceland, even though he knows it shouldn't. He has lots of disappointing memories when it comes to his brother, which is the reason for his underlying insecurities. He fears Nor will abandon him once again. Norway has always given Iceland the freedom Denmark never knew how to give. He took Iceland on long trips and taught him necessary life skills. Iceland adored Norway growing up, always choosing him over anyone else. He even got jealous if someone else took his brother's attention. When Iceland was nervous or unsure as a child, Norway would tell him fantastical stories and restore hope in him. Norway sees a lot of young himself in Iceland. He wants to make sure Ice has everything he needs and the tools to do better than he did in the past. Norway has difficulty putting his love in words, so he keeps buying Iceland stuff and asking if Ice has always got what he needs, which Iceland insists he has. Norway feels terrible that he wasn't there for Ice when he was still a small child. Instead, he was left alone on a small harsh island. But Norway himself was a teenager. He wouldn't have been much of a parental figure even if he had been with him. He still feels a sense of failure in this and tries to make it up for it nowadays. In order to build their relationship, they go camping and fishing together whenever possible. They tell stories and talk about the past. Iceland is fascinated by his roots, and Norway tries to help to the best of his abilities (but the fading memory isn't helping). They both have regrets and disappointments regarding their shared past, but they will always have that unique family bond no one can take away from them.

• • • • • • • • • •

TL;DR: Denmark is the reckless oldest sibling, who has the leadership role purely out of birthright. Sweden is the rebellious middle child who makes everything into a competition. Norway is the free-spirited middle child who can't really take responsibility. Iceland is the youngest and most sensitive one, who is always viewed as the baby. And Finland is the adopted weird sibling, who is usually left out, but he's happy to be part of the family nevertheless.

[nunalastor]

Possible Counter to Eve/Roo

So, aside from the imagery of a black branching root or tree or hand something reaching and clawing around the world, we're guessing that the red eyes seen all over Hell symbolize Eve/Roo's influence--and are also probably partly the essence of Exorcized souls-- so, since we've got an idea of what She/They/It? take form as, what do you think would be possible protection against the Root of All Evil? Easy, what's one of the opposite colors of red, that would likely represent Heaven? Blue. What's a charm that does exactly the job of protecting against "evil eyes"? We've actually got something for those, the TMA (The Magnus Archives) fandom might be familiar with it- because I'm totally not thefting[fondly] the idea from one of the fanfics, A Break in the Clouds, which has it be used to protect against The Beholding-

If the whole of religion and culture is to be seen as our oyster for theorycrafting, I propose that a good contender to oppose Roo, possibly even represent Hazbin Hotel's God him/themself, would be

The Nazar

or, Eye Beads

Evil eye - Wikipedia

Okay so the "Evil Eye" - the belief in a malevolent look people can instill in one another, to curse or wish them harm- is a concept that's spread and brought about in like a lot of different cultures. Usually a thing borne out of jealousy and ill will- [envy], or just general ill will- it's an interesting thing that for many of the cultures the charms that were made against the such evil tended to implement eye imagery and the color blue. [definitely the more popular kind- actually, this emoji 🧿 is the nazar!]

Anyways, basically just. That. Roo would be the Evil Eye in this case, and Her influence was felt on Earth enough that it became something known to have to protect against, inverting the red eyes a bit as repulsive measure. Or maybe a living human had seen the Eyes of God--or been shown a nebula like uh the Helix Nebula maybe we call that as the Eye of God apparently-- and then thought to take inspiration from the design. Or maybe the plans would have been leaked to Earth from Hell, either being the work of Lucifer [because if anyone in Hell would know about the Root of Evil it would be him, plus potential angst at him having tried to help throughout history] or from the Lust Ring [mostly because of the Blue, but also because of Love and Affection being the not-quite-opposite of Hate, and so would similarly have you pinned under gazes so different but equally strong], or maybe even from Envy [because out of any Ring's people, they would be the ones to worry about the eyes the most, and so crack the code or at least create that superstition, painting imagery of evil eye protection]

Point is, I think that we might be able to use the evil-eye-protection stuff Evil Eyes [you know what I'll just call them Evil Eyes for simplicity, the charms usually get conflated with being called what they're protecting against anyways- or maybe they are supposed to symbolize the legit evil eye and it's like like magnets repulsive to each other, I dunno, I get confused- so calling them imagery or at least bastardized imagery in possible lore context might be okay too.] as protection against Roo.

It's not really a specific culture's thing, the Evil Eye concept, I am only slightly obsessed with Nazar and its variations. 🧿 : r/Witch (reddit.com), so it's a whole thing to dig into. And also they can be used to represent God.

[also this would make this the safest Alastor to have ever been conceived] [place heaps of amulets on Alastor like leis, blue eyes litter his arms as corsages do or drawn on doodles- that man would despise how it ruins his color palette we gotta save him from the ordeal of being known/perceived but like the actual bad kind]

On a sidnote, if Roo and Hell[or Void?] are the naturally-occurring red eyes and God and Heaven are man-made [read: actively made with effort and trying] blue eyes, do you think they'd fight over dominion over Googly Eyes? Or maybe it'll be funnier if that's purgatory's thing.

👀

[mousy-nona]

All of God's Angels p. 3/5

I think you will like His newest creation, Gabriel mused. I’ve foreseen a challenge for you. An equal. A partner, tall and beautiful and terrible, and crowned in red. // Or Lucifer tries to save a life, and ends up making a deal instead.

All parts up on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53800450/chapters/136173307

Contrary to popular belief, Lucifer hadn’t always hated humans. Truth be told, he still didn’t. He was disappointed in their bloody, chaotic, meaningless choices, but he didn’t think they were all bad. 

Humans fought. They felt. They changed. They dreamed. Angels, on the other hand, were like static figurines, perfect from inception, nothing but boring old tools meant to forge the Father’s holy vision. 

Was it little wonder why he was so drawn to Alastor? On the outside, the demon was everything he despised about humanity. He was cruel and sadistic to the extreme, selfish and cutthroat. Hell had been made to contain sinners like him. He was exactly why Lucifer regretted setting Eve free — the embodiment of greed and pride and pain for the sake of pain.

But he was also everything Lucifer loved about humans. The ingenuity. The ambition. He could sing like the goddamn stars and whip out a sonnet or two after. He was genteel and sophisticated, with a quick wit and a silver tongue sharp enough to cut the Devil. And he was already starting to change – not a lot, not at his core, but the gentle atmosphere of the hotel and Charlie’s endless optimism were softening his hard edges. 

A monster and a gentleman. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, for the price of one. Had there ever been a more fascinating man? 

He could not die. He could not die. Not now, not when Lucifer had just found him. 

But oh, Death was close. Lucifer could feel his scythe trembling nearby, ready to swing. This injury…even in the dim light of the fireflies, he could see it ran to the very heart of Alastor. Literally. His chest gaped open where Adam’s blast had run him through, exposing him down to his very bones and his twitching cardiac muscles. An inch to the left, and he would have never walked away from the battle. An open heart, flayed open for all the world to see! 

Good Lord, the strength it must have taken to walk around as if nothing was wrong. Lucifer shuddered, blanching at the mere thought. If their positions had been reversed, would he be able to do such a thing?

(No. He wouldn’t.)

“This isn’t a freak show, my good fellow,” his radio static came from the darkness, somehow, impossibly, still measured and even. “If you’ve got an opinion, now’s the time to share it.”

“Y-y-you–” Lucifer shook his head, annoyed at the stutter. How was he the one showing weakness when Alastor was laid up in bed with his chest carved in half? “It hasssn’t healed at all!”

He stopped abruptly at the hiss and felt his tongue. It was forked. What the Hell? Slowly, he reached up and felt his head…where twin horns protruded from under his hat. 

He’d transformed? When? 

With an effort, he managed to shrink himself back to his normal shape, puzzled at his complete lack of control. That kind of behavior was unlike him. 

“I assumed that’s what you were here for,” came the exasperated reply. “Considering angelic power is your area of expertise, not mine.” 

“I’ll need to come closer–” 

“No need. You can see perfectly fine from where you are.” 

“I can’t help you if I can’t see!” Lucifer snapped.

“Then leave.”

Static and green symbols flashed across the room. The muggy warmth of the bayou turned ice cold as a surge of shadow swept the door open. It banged mournfully on its hinges, letting out a ghostly wail of protest. 

Lucifer straightened, feeling his own fire flicker in response. “Do you really want to die so badly? Why are you being so goddamn stubborn?”

“Why. Are. You?” 

Twin radio dials lit up the far corner with a hellish red beam. Lucifer could see Alastor’s face in full for the first time – and it scared him. 

He wasn’t scared for Alastor. He was scared for himself.

Alastor was grinning. It was the smile of the void, the smile of the shadow and the dark and the monster beneath your bed a second before they struck. It was the smile of a Dealmaker, right before they revealed their hand. Somehow, impossibly, it was Alastor that held all the cards – even though it was Alastor who was knocking on Death’s door. 

How? How the Hell was he doing it? 

And maybe something was deeply wrong with Lucifer, but he found himself leaning forward, a shock of affection washing over his long-dead heart. This was what it meant to be human. This is why he gave Eve the apple. 

All that potential. Finally realized.

Then Alastor said it. Those famous last words. “Let’s make a deal, shall we?” 

Lucifer gulped, his heart beating double time. He was sure Alastor could hear it. “A deal? For my soul?” He was torn between laughing incredulously at Alastor’s sheer gall and fighting the urge to finish the job Adam had started. Did he even have a soul to give?

(Why was he even considering it?)

“Why no! Why must everyone jump to such severe conclusions?” The fucker sounded downright jolly. “Just a gentleman’s agreement, that’s all. A promise for a promise. No souls involved!” 

“And why should I agree to that? I’m trying to help you.” 

“Yes, that’s true. But you seem rather…insistent on this healing business. And while I must admit I’m in a hurry to, ah, be whole again – I’m in no hurry to do it your way!”

Lucifer gaped. “You must be joking. You’re bleeding out in front of me!” 

“A small miscalculation. I’ve gotten out of worse scrapes before, I assure you.” 

Was he bluffing? Was he serious? Try as he might, Lucifer couldn’t get a read on him. Alastor was like this – always half-there, a shadow that flitted away every time he tried to get close, defying reason, defying explanation. 

Would he really risk death – just to one up him? 

Lucifer didn’t know. And Jesus flipping Christ , why did that excite him so much?

There was no reason for him to play the Radio Demon’s games. He could leave. He could leave right now and he opened his mouth to tell that smug, no-good asshole exactly that –

But what came out of his mouth was, “What kind of a deal?” 

The air turned hot and sticky. Shadows swirled around him, barely-there faces licking their chops in anticipation. Alastor’s voice seemed to grow and deepen, his presence so thick it was a wonder Lucifer didn’t choke on it. “Like I said before, just a promise. You get to heal me, and I – well, I haven’t quite decided what I’d like to receive in return.” His smile was neon green and eager. “Perhaps you’ll take a carte blanche?”

The bastard wanted a blank check to cash in on a rainy day. That was dangerous. Lucifer would basically be handing him the keys to the castle. He couldn’t agree to this. 

“There must be something you want,” he tried to reason with the beast. “Power? Wealth? Your enemies destroyed, in a matter of seconds?” 

But Alastor, that black-hearted creature of the deep, shook his head. “My bargain, my terms, your Majesty . What do you say? Do we have a deal?”

He should leave. He needed to leave . But he could still hear Alastor’s lifeblood drip drip dripping away on the floorboards – see every beat of the man’s heart pulse against the muggy bayou air – sense Alastor’s power ebbing at the edges, being spun away into nothingness that even his jovial facade couldn’t hide…

Alastor had upped the stakes with his life. And Lucifer wasn’t quite willing to take that wager. 

“On one condition. I choose the method of healing. You aren’t allowed to fight me on it.” 

Alastor pondered those terms for a minute, then held out his hand. 

“We have a deal.” 

[playlistashton]

Hiii! So 12 and 25 for Aegon, 7 and 8 for Aemond, 1 for Alicent.

Hi! Thank you for the ask!!☺️

ALICENT

1. Why do you like or dislike this character?

I’m not sure how to explain it but I like how complex she is and how complex her relationship with others are. She is a victim and she is also holding the knife. She sees clearer than most and yet is still blind. She loves her children more than anything but she doesn’t like them. She hates and loves Rhaenyra in equal measure. There’s so much more and I can’t really put it into words but her complexity (and the hate she got for it) is why I loves her so much.

AEMOND

7. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you like?

8. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you despise?

I’m gonna answer this question at the same time because different parts of the fandom do different things with him and there’s a lot of discourse about him.

But I love the humor there was for this character with all the Aemond communist and demented grandma Vhagar jokes there was. I also love that the fandom makes him a mama boy and the n1 alicole fan.

I hates that a big part of the fandom seem to make him more ambitious than loyal to Aegon and that his main goal is the throne. I also despise more than anything the theory that he is Jaehaera and Jaehaerys father.

AEGON

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

Oh my favorite headcanon about him is that he is not the most present father but he loves his children and Jaehaera is his favorite. Jaehaerys and Maelor are boys and his heir and so there’s a lot of complex feelings there but Jaehaera as a girl is kind of separated from the pressure.

I also think he can be a very shrewd politician when he wants, he can be very convincing and manipulative he’s just to lazy and drunk to do it.

And I don’t know if that counts for an headcanon but the Aegon in Tom’s head is the real Aegon.

25. What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

My first impression was actually fire & blood and I thought he was kind of a badass. (Spoiler) he fought Meley solo for some time before Aemond arrived, he had the idea for the gold of Kings Landing, he survived for so long even though he was horribly hurt, he convinced the guy in dragonstone to betray Rhaenyra for him, his bond with Sunfyre (who is also an absolute badass), etc.

And now i see him as a pathetic little mew mew that i kind wants to see cry (Tom´s acting did wonder for my view on him😂)

[redrascal1]

In Disney romance is dead.

My advice for anyone who loves a good romance - you won't find it in Disney.

They are known for making some of the most romantic animated films of all time - Beauty and The Beast (90s version) is a classic example.

But recently Disney have been pouring cold water on romance in their movies.

And, believe it or not, the rot began waaay back in 2010 with of all things Alice in Wonderland.

It was a delightful film. Most of all I loved the chemistry between Mian Wasikowska's 'old soul' Alice and Johnny Depp's charming but tormented Tarrant Hightopp (aka Hatter).

I was saddened when at the end she returned to 'real life' and to a life without romance, but heartened when they announced a sequel...only for Alice to once again leave Wonderland, this time for a reason I found appalling - to look after her mother, an unpleasant woman who showed little affection for Alice - and she also had another daughter she was much closer to.

Any reason to keep Alice and the Hatter apart for ever.

And please - don't start with the 'Johnny is too old for Mia' crap, because this isn't about Johnny and Mia, but Alice and the Hatter, and Alice was the more mature one!

But, since AiW I have noticed bit by bit romance in Disney productions is dying.

Mulan - the live action version removed the romantic lead.

Star Wars - Han and Leia's relationship had come to an end. Finn/Rose is quashed in TROS.

And of course, 'Goddess of Jedi Dogma Rey'......doesn't need a boyfriend. Doesn't need anyone and anybody, apparently.

Now it has happened with Loki.

Loki, Thor's tormented God of Mischief, will spend eternity trapped in a tree with no one to love him. Because these days it seems that there is no redemption but death.

Waaaay back in my 20s I was an avid reader of the Dragonlance books. My favourite character was Raistlin Majere. Physically frail but incredibly strong willed and powerful, I pitied and despised him in equal measures when I first started reading the books, but my opinion changed dramatically when he did one thing.

As the heroes were escaping danger Raistlin suddenly went back, to his friends' chagrin, and returned with - Bupu, the little gully dwarf who had been their guide. And who the big, strong men - had completely forgot about. And the only one willing to risk his life to save her was Raistlin.

I started to love his character then.

Probably one of the most tragic figures in fantasy I desperately wanted Raistlin redeemed. Don't get me wrong - he did some terrible things. But, it all came from a place of pain. And I wanted him to get a 'happy ending'. Because this is fantasy folks - and if you can't find happy endings in make believe, where can you find them?

But ultimately....he didn't. I was devastated.

But, there was always Star Wars.

Not anymore.

The Skywalkers are all dead, along with Han Solo. And apparently Adam Driver confirmed in a recent interview Ben aka Kylo...was never meant to be redeemed. That he was meant to die evil.

And also...Harrison Ford actually didn't want Han to die in TFA. Despite years ago wanting to kill his character off, Ford over the years mellowed a lot to him.

Abrams wanted him to die at his son's hands so we, the audience, would hate Kylo. That we would cheer his death. That we would embrace Rey as his replacement.

But they made a drastic mistake.

Because Rey - is a bore.

She may tick the boxes but she is frankly utterly unmemorable as a hero. She's an archetype.

The most memorable character was Kylo. And the 'reylo' romance was the highlight of the ST. No matter how much Finn fans moan. No matter how much the 'woke' criticised it. Because Rey was at her most interesting when interacting with Kylo.

And it wasn't just we fans of it who noticed it - Rian Johnson did.

And the critics did.

But, Disney refused to listen and gave us TROS. Now they intend to continue with their soulless heroine in a new film, or series of films, whilst removing the prince from their forthcoming LA Snow White.

Why?

To satisfy #metoo, who apparently were the 'consultants' on the LA Little Mermaid? Which underperformed at the BO?

Frankly, to quote Rhett Butler ....I myself don't give a damn.

Bad enough that Raistlin had a sad ending. Bad enough Loki did. But Star Wars, the film series that had at its heart a message of hope - sorry Disney, SW was the last straw. I loved it for forty plus years. I was 12 when I first saw it. I was 54 when I watched it die with TROS.

Disney turned Lucas's saga into a horror story. And it was meant to be a fairytale.

Fairytales have happy endings. Real life is often heartbreaking and disappointing. Fairy Tales are our escape.

Disney, once the master of fairtales....have completely crushed them.

No romance. No love. No forgiveness.

No redemption but death.

If all someone can expect is that....why bother 'turning good'? Why bother at all?

[someone-took-lost]

here they be! the redesigns of my cast from my in the works comic, gatekey. for those who don’t know, gatekey is a story about witches who destroy monstrous creatures called sprites. and along the way, they pave the path for a new tomorrow for the upcoming generations. and while doing so, they uncover many secrets about their society in which they seek to change or learn more about.

and now, meeting our cast members… from the left to right~

grimoire of rosebone valley (she/her)

the curious human from a small city in the valley, grim is a wizard who seeks to bring the world of magic to her fellow humans who seem to despise it. she’s an ambitious little spark, who has a fiery streak that might burn you on the way out. and albeit, a little arrogant and short sighted--grim does seek to better the world around her. she‘s just eager, and has difficulty seeing the other side of the issues. so at times, she can get caught up in her own head. but she swears that one day, she’s gonna show ‘em all what’s what! and that magic is the way of the future!

the lockheart witch (she/they)

with a stink-eye that even the thickest of heads would notice, lock is the dark loner of the group. she’s quick to distrust, and very protective of what she deems hers. and her alone--which tends to be a lot of things. lock is a determined witchling who just loves fiercely, and has a strong entitlement to the idea of equality. but unfortunately, due to events out of her control, lock has had a hard time being able to measure up to and with her fellow witches. and this has stirred a bit of an inferiority complex that she struggles to keep under control most times. she is a studious little witch, and a brilliant one at that, but her goals can have a tendency to get in the way of what means the most to her.

the gatekey witch (she/her)

our lead, our shining star, our brightest flame. key is the pillar of hope and optimism of those around her. she’s an excitable witchling, who dreams of becoming the strongest of them all. and to one day stand among her peers at white tower, the capital of witch society. and she’s ready to do whatever it takes to get there! but despite her bright eyes and even brighter spirit, key does have a habit of not thinking things through. and though she does believe in everyone to do the right thing, her naïveté tends to cause her to realize things a bit too late. she’s a bit of a troublemaker, but hecate above, she is going to make her way to her dreams! with her friends at her side, and a fist full of ass kicking--key will sure as the havens above that she will take on anything that challenges her!

the harvest moon witch (he/they/she)

self proclaimed “cool guy” harvey is the laid back, easy going witch of coven 3 who seems to find more reasons to not care than to ever come up with a reason to care. in fact, he’s spent more time napping in the shade than ever in the library. harvey is the challenge to his friend, key’s ideals, and seeks to mess in every possible way with those he cares about because,,, well. it’s just fun, ya know? harvey’s spent a lot of his life not caring, and it seems he’s going to spend even more of his time that way. as he readjusts his shades, and leans against the wall. but perhaps, that competitive spirit, and affinity for cunning will bring him a reason to try someday? who knows. but for now, i think it’s rest time-

the huntsman witch (they/them)

shadow of the executioner, fang of white tower, child of the whiteout. the huntsman witch,,,really likes reading and petting dogs. oh yes, this intimidating little guy i promise is in no way any sort of threat to--honestly, anyone really. unless ordered to, hunter is a gentle spirit, who adores dogs and reading. but tends to have trouble telling anyone about it. they’re extremely shy, and prefer to not say anything, as they feel there isn’t a lot for them they feel needs to be said from them. and even then when they do feel as though they’d like to say something,,,there never seems to be anyone willing to listen. but that’s okay! they’re okay with just listening in the end, ya know? sweet little guy with a hardened, trained, and sharpened exterior.

and that’s all of my little guys for my original comic!! let me know if any of you have questions, and i shall answer to the best of my ability. <3

[aerodaltonimperial]

"I love you" response #12 for 💚🧡 please 🤭

💚🧡

There are a lot of things that Hook will take to the grave before he tells his dad: how he actually didn't go to prom his senior year but had sex with his date in a hotel room booked under her mom's credit card, how he was absolutely still high that time he met them at church after an all-nighter and they got stuck manning the offering plates, how he cheated off Matt Jensen's test his freshman year of college in Word History 104 because he'd completely forgotten the exam existed until ten minutes prior.

And this, now—laying next to Jack in a queen-sized hotel bed, covered in sweat with his heart slow to return to normal rhythms, with the FTW belt Jack took off his damn shoulder crumpled on the carpet near Jack's half-open luggage. His dad would never understand this, would never even try to comprehend what's going on between them, and Hook can't even blame him, because he's not really sure he knows, either.

Hook stares up at the ceiling as fingers trail along the inside of his arm, feather light. "You good?" Jack asks, quietly.

"Yeah." No, Hook is a fucking mess.

"You want me to leave?"

"Up to you." Please fucking stay.

Jack falls quiet, and then says, "I love you, you know?"

"Do you?" You have a funny way of showing it.

"Yeah." A pause. "Hook, do you—"

"Jack, what are we doing?"

There's a terribly long period of quiet. Neither of them moves, and Hook isn't even sure he still remembers how. His legs have jellied, all post-coital calm siphoned away. He'd thought when everything shook down, all he would feel would be rage; instead, it was all the opposite.

"I don't know," Jack finally answers. It's a far cry from his new, douchey confidence—this is the old Jack, the Jack that Hook knows so well. The Jack that's never been sure about where he stands.

Jack's fingers find Hook’s hand, tangles their digits together, and Hook doesn't pull away. He lets Jack slip his fingers between.

"What do we do now?" Jack asks.

"I don't know," Hook replies, and he's never felt so adrift in his life as he does now, anchored to this man he fucking adores and despises in equal measure, the last eight months strewn around their feet like the debris from a homemade explosive device they built together and then detonated.

[solradguy]

GG2OMC (ENGLISH): KY - JUSTICE FOR WHO?

Word Count: 1,699 Warnings: Pregnancy (no birth) Chapter Index & Credits Page・ Mobile Friendly Version Archive.org download page (.PDF + uncompressed art scans)

Gears are mindless biological killing machines created by mankind. However, among such abominable bio-weapons, a kind-hearted girl was born. She was the Half-Gear offspring of a human and a Gear, and was a charming young woman with a gentle and compassionate heart. Despite her peaceful disposition, for the sole purpose of being a Gear, she was hunted by humans and her life was constantly threatened.

Ky Kiske, the former leader of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights, a group specializing in warfare against Gears, had his first encounter with the Half-Gear two years ago. For Ky, who had engaged in mortal combat with Gears on the front lines, the encounter with a gentle Gear that despised destruction and carnage was both new and strange.

After that, through several reunions, the existence of the Half-Gear woman gradually transformed into something to be protected in Ky's mind. If one were to define the beginning of their love, it would be this time. Ky decided to offer her safe harbor and defend her.

He knew that this was a rebellious act against the justice and humanity he believed in.

They began to live together. Ky, a public servant, worked diligently to fulfill his official duties, while the Half-Gear waited for Ky to return home and did her best to take care of the household. It did not take long for the two of them to develop a bond of mutual trust and desire for each other's presence. Ky loved her with all his heart, and she sang to and loved him in equal measure. Ky could no longer hide his true love for her.

Since she had no nationality and no family record, the Half-Gear could not legally marry. Ky, knowing that she wanted to propose, asked her to marry him first. The two exchanged vows of eternal love without public recognition. Tormented by guilt…

The two spent a year or so in happiness, which gradually faded away that sense of guilt and immorality that had been nagging at the back of Ky's mind. However, something happened to reawaken those feelings: his wife became pregnant.

As a young couple in love, this result itself was not surprising. They were delighted when the doctor, one of the few people who understood the couple's situation, told them the news, hand in hand.

However, the changes to her body caused by the pregnancy were different from those of a human’s. Her abdomen had swelled to the size of a human halfway through pregnancy in about a week. Her growth was much too rapid. Ky was once again confronted with the fact that she was a Gear and that the child in her belly was also a Gear. The sense of guilt that had been lying dormant in his heart rekindled at once, and the doctor's report was a dark cloud hovering over Ky's mind.

“I can't see the fetus. It appears to be encased in a hard shell.”

"…I don’t… What does that mean?”

Ky asked, feeling his eyes darken as he started to lose hope.

“Gear… Pardon me… Your wife seems to be oviparous…"

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

The long-standing Crusades, the name given to the war against Gears, had left devastating damage to major cities around the world, leaving many people without a livelihood. But still, people had to live. The ultimate concern for many was simply "to live." People at that time avoided the ravages of war and worked together to develop new land and rebuild cities.

As their efforts bore fruit and the reconstruction of the city progressed, life became more stable, and problems that had remained hidden until then began to surface. The community that had been formed to focus solely on "living" had become a melting pot of many different ideas, philosophies, and religious beliefs. Ironically, it was not until the reconstruction of the city that people became aware of this abnormal situation. Fortunately, the people of that time, who were painfully aware of the bitterness of war, did not engage in major conflicts, and those who shared a common ideology and religious beliefs naturally diverged and re-formed their own societies.

Under these circumstances, officials from the United Nations invested vast amounts of capital to support the communities that were being formed. As a result, they gained a powerful voice and influence over these communities, and eventually succeeded in gaining control over the whole of Europe and western Eurasia.

Thus, the world became polarized in terms of the structure of governance: the power of the United Nations member states versus that of other states and municipalities.

In recent years, seeking to further strengthen their control, the United Nations embarked on a national restructuring. This was a major transformation of the system, in which the national government they controlled was divided into three regions, each ruled by its own king. To date, two kingdoms have already been established, with only one remaining: Illyria, where Ky lived. When this country, which had already been named the United Kingdoms of Illyria, was born, it would only be the second largest in the world in terms of total area, but it would have the largest commercial market in the world. There was no doubt that it would be the center of humanity’s reconstruction.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

On the same day Ky learned of his wife’s condition, he accepted an invitation to appear before the United Nations. In a small, gloomy, conference room, he was surrounded by people representing the Senate of the United Nations. He wondered what the sudden order to appear meant. If it had been discovered that he was harboring a Gear, they would not have summoned him with something as leisurely as a letter. He could surround his home with a large army if he had to, but he could not let his guard down.

“International Police Force Captain Ky Kiske, reporting for duty.”

“You have been called in here today for one reason: to ask for your cooperation.”

Ky was relieved; it was not about his wife. His mind regained its composure.

“I am a public servant under the jurisdiction of the United Nations and will not disobey a proper order. However, do you have the authority to issue such orders to me?"

It was a check and balance. At the same time, it was also an attempt to discover the true nature of the organization known as the Senate.

“This isn’t an order… it’s cooperation. As I said a moment ago, did I not?”

“Understood. Then, what is it you need my cooperation for?”

A moment of silence. The man with the low voice coughed before he spoke again.

“I want you to be the king of the Kingdom of Illyria.”

Ky was surprised by this unexpected statement.

“The Kingdom of Illyria will be born soon. At the beginning of the new year, a referendum will be held to choose the king. I would like you to run in this election.”

“You are a hero. You’re a genius in swordsmanship and law, and at a young age you became the leader of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights. In addition, you are a handsome man.”

"Indeed. You will be quite popular with the people.”

"We promise to support you to the fullest extent of our ability. If that sounds appealing to you. What do you think?”

Ky hesitated. In fact, he had seriously considered running for king before. Becoming king meant that he would be able to change the world and gain real power over it. For the sake of his suffering people, his wife and unborn child… he wanted to change the world, and this was the perfect opportunity! But what was the Senate's true intention? Ky decided that he should wait and see before giving an answer.

“I am honored by your nomination, but I am a military officer. I don't think I can engage in politics…"

He chose his words carefully and reserved his attitude. He did not expect a straightforward response.

“That’s alright, you don't have to play politics. You can sit on the throne in silence.”

There was no better response; Ky understood completely. They wanted a puppet… an ornamental king who would do their bidding. What was frightening was that they didn't even try to hide it. It was a sign of their confidence, and they had already decided that he was someone they could play with. Ky needed time to think now.

"…I can't make an immediate decision. I'd like some time to think about it.”

"Hmm… Well, that's all right. You may have some time to consider our proposition.”

“Thank you…”

"By the way… Your common-law wife is terribly charming, isn’t she?"

"…What?!”

“I remember seeing your wife somewhere. Now, where was it..?”

A high-pitched voice spoke, the words coming from a grinning mouth. Ky shuddered. They probably knew everything.

"I'm expecting a good answer.”

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

That day, Ky Kiske went to his familiar church early in the morning. In front of the statue of the Virgin Mary, he placed his sword beside her and dropped to one knee as if in a crumpled heap. The days of suffering were a staggering burden, weighing down both his heart and body.

The answer was still not clear. There were many different threads of justice to choose from. In the past, he had the courage and pride to fight for the justice he believed in. But now…

Where is my justice? Who is my justice for?

Can I build such a world where humans and Gears coexist?

Am I qualified to lead the world with my many sins as I have..?

Ky kept asking himself these questions. He lost track of how much time had passed before he heard footsteps behind him.

It was rare to hear footsteps at that hour. When he turned around, Ky saw the man whose face he wanted to avoid seeing the most.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

This story connects to Sol's: UNPARALLELED CONFESSION.

Chapter Index & Credits Page・ Mobile Friendly Version

[anitaaro04]

Larry Oneshot???

This is my first time finishing and publishing one of this “stories” sooo i’m giving this a chance.

Enjoy! :)

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

"Harry?" The voice, eerily familiar to Louis, echoed in his head. "Harry!”

Harry jumped from his seat on the velvet-draped couch, a furious blush darting across his cheeks as he realized what he had been doing. Holy shit he thought, his eyes widening as he stared at his best friend's dressed-up form. The attire suited him too perfectly. The dark material of the shirt hugged every muscle of his arms, while the shoulder pads gleamed in the faint light from the window. The white pants fit his thighs and arse nicely. Harry simply couldn’t look away. Which…

What the fuck.

He let out a gasp, covering his eyes with his hands. A crimson red coated the entirety of his face and neck at this point. Summoning courage, he peeked between his fingers. The bewildered look on his best mate's face, glancing from his pedestal where the tailor took the suit measurements, would have been the funniest thing Harry had ever seen. He would've laughed, but too fucking confused and embarrassed.

He had been checking his best friend out.

"What the fuck," Harry whispered, he had never done that before. Harry and Louis had been friends since they were three and five. They grew up together, Louis being the crown prince of Estibria and Harry being the son of the King’s right-hand man, the duke of Ivena. Queen Johanna was more than enchanted that Louis could have a friend close to his age, especially since his sister, Charlotte, was just a babe so they couldn’t play together. ("No, mamma, I will not play with my baby sister because she is a baby.”) They were partners in crime, creating havoc in the hallways and chaos in the kitchen and library. Louis was the troublemaker of the two, always involving innocent Harry in his shenanigans, not that Harry was as innocent as he claimed himself to be. A menace, they were. Inseparable, like salt and pepper, the perfect combo, the dream team.

"Haz, mate, you’re worrying me," Louis's voice cut through his train of thought. Harry blinked himself awake. The couturier was removing the small sewing pins from the prince’s body so he could change. Harry cleared his suddenly dry throat.

"I’m fine, just peachy," He choked. He was freaking out on the inside. How could he explain to his best friend that he had been ogling him? Louis let out a small chuckle, lowering himself from the pedestal once the couturier was done, adjusting his cuffs now that the fitting process was over. Harry followed Louis with his eyes as he walked across the room and settled on the couch next to him, swallowing nervously at the proximity. He met Louis's curious, piercing blue eyes with unease. A spark of amusement danced across them.

"Who’s the lucky girl?" Louis asked, stunning Harry's racing mind, probably trying to guess friend’s nervous breakdown. Louis rested his face on his palm, looking through his lashes. Harry realized with a start that Louis did this often, looking through his lashes, perhaps subconsciously.

"No one," Harry choked again, unable to maintain eye contact. Instead, his eyes darted around the room, searching for an excuse to change the subject. The resting room was impecable as always. The white, tall walls with gold trims. Paintings portraits of past royals, and hanging candles filled the spaces in them. The high ceiling and golden chandelier that lit up the center of the room, with equal golden trims with beautiful designs. The tall windows were covered in golden curtains that let the natural sunlight sip through, illuminating most of the room. In the center of the room, an old rug filled most of the room’s floor, a monogamy table filled with Louis books and forgotten papers stood on top of it. Besides the door sat a tall grandfather clock, a relic Louis insists he despises, but Harry knew the boy loved secretly.

Before Louis could answer, his mouth hanging open, the wooden doors of the room opened, revealing Queen Jay and her best friend Lady Anne (Harry’s mamma) laughing between themselves. Both boys stood from the couch and bowed to the royal. It was a tradition they grew up with, it didn’t matter who the royal was related to they always needed to be bowed to. Louis did it with his parents but with no one else. Anne tried to inculcate Harry to bow even to Louis, but it was in vane when Louis insisted countless times for Harry not to bow to him. They fell back into the couch with a sigh when they saw both women turn back to their conversation. They looked at each other before bursting out laughing. Harry saw Louis’s corners of the eyes crinkle, blushing lightly. He was beautiful.

“Harry, dear, did you decide what to do for your twentieth birthday?” the Queen’s voice snapped Harry out of his daze. He blushed again, this time a little mortified, when his mum looked at him with knowing eyes and a subtle smile. He shook his head at Jay’s question. He opened his mouth to answer but Louis cut him off.

“Haz here said he wanted to spend it with just close friends and family, which boring” Harry snorted, rolling his eyes at his friend’s antics. Jay let out a sigh, a small chuckle escaping her lips.

“Boo bear, stop bothering poor Harry.” a small grumble sounded in Harry’s right at the nickname, it made Harry snicker. “If he wants a small thing he shall have it. However, I must agree with my son on this. This is your first official exposure to society as a man of your class and future duke of Ivena. You need to start getting more serious on what you want and who you will marry, son. We also need a bit more fun around here. Since Louis’ twentieth second birthday, the castle has felt a bit grey.”

Harry felt a shiver run up his back. Marriage has always been a topic nobody chose to discuss so outwardly. Louis always complained about his mother’s insistence for him to marry a girl someday, but no one has asked Harry anything about marriage being in his cards. He always assumed that when the time came, his mum or the Queen would have the lucky girl waiting for him. He had never thought that he had to chose someone one day. To be fair, now that he thought about it, he never even pictured himself with a girl by his side. When he thought of spending the rest of his life with someone, he thought of Louis. Harry felt himself blush once again.

“He’s been doing this all afternoon. Honestly, it’s starting to get really annoying.” Harry felt pairs of eyes on him when he blinked himself away. He cleared his throat, then he realized what his friend said. Swallowing the small pang of hurt, he pushed his friend aside, standing up upon telling the time from the grandfather clock.

“Ladies, I must excuse myself from the room. Annieth must be waiting for me in my room and I cannot leave my lady hanging.” Harry bowed to them, ignoring Louis’ protests. He walked towards the door, not before hearing his friend huff.

“A cat is not a lady, you moron. You barely even are.” Harry turned around to find him rolling his eyes, a playful smirk adorning his pink lips. For the nth time of the day, Harry felt himself blushing. He rolled his eyes back, turning back around and showing the finger in his friend’s general direction. He heard his mum and Jay protest and Louis cackle behind him as he left the door.

Shit he needed to find a solution to his Louis problem and quick.

[onceuponarewatch]

I'm laughing so hard right now. I'm simultaneously listening to the new episodes, as it is exactly where I am in my rewatch, and all the back episodes on binge. I just got to the intro to August, and I am laughing my ASS off. I have the exact same loathing for this character. LMAO. I despised him for the moment his stupid face appeared on screen, and it only got worse. Loving the podcast. I definitely appreciate that the love and hate are doled out in equal measure. I love that you see the show with all its flaws, but disparage the lazy writing and worn out tropes more than the characters. 💜

You know how hard I, Narrator Chael, love you Mrs. Stiltskin <3

Thank you SO much for listening! August is truly a nightmare.

When I went to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, the first thing my friends and I did was catch the noon parade. Can you imagine my horror to see Pinocchio leading one of the floats?

"Fucking August," I muttered under my breath.

[loveoaths]

👀 “are you really giving me the silent treatment right now?” anadin? 🙏💋

Set in the In the Shadow of the Valley padawan!Din AU. Summary: When young force-Sensitive Death Watch assassin Din Djarin fails his mission to kill jedi knight Anakin Skywalker, he expects the jedi to kill him. What actually happens is far, far worse: Skywalker makes Din his padawan.

Afterwards — after the sweat and the slick and the giving and the taking, after the kisses slow and the euphoria fades and the drunken afterglow fluttering beneath his skin withers and dies — Din cannot face what he’s done, and so, like a coward, he doesn’t. He rolls over, feigns sleep, and hopes his master has the decency to read the stiffness in his spine and leave him alone.

Unfortunately, Anakin Skywalker has never been interested in decency, and he has no plans to start today.

“Are you really giving me the silent treatment right now, when you were so loud a minute ago?” Anakin’s flesh hand strokes down Din's naked flank, and Din has to sink his teeth into his bottom lip to stay silent, to fight the urge to press up and back into large, rough palms scored by a constellation of burns and scars and a lifetime of war. A war they shared on opposite ends of the galaxy, in different lifetimes, yet their bodies bear the same burdens. Din tries to remember them all: the curdled whorl of a blaster burn on his right shoulder blade sustained by friendly fire; the delicate vibroblade cross-hatching the inside of his bicep, courtesy of the Death Watch instructor who despised the boy from Aq Vetina for his soft voice and angry eyes; the keloid thunderbolts cupping his ribcage, a parting gift from an airdrop gone wrong.

For his entire life, Din believed he was nothing more than bone and scar tissue held together by vengeance masquerading as duty. That there was no softness in him, no tenderness, no joy.

And then Anakin took him in, made him his padawan, stripped him of the armor that is his true face, reached behind his ribs and buried himself to the hilt in the pulsing wet heat of his body, and subsequently warped him into this: a needful creature with his heart in his mouth, as desperate to be touched as he is terrified.

Mandalorians do not cry. Jedi do not want. Yet Din's eyes burn and his cock throbs in equal measure, red-hot and pathetic, when Anakin — his enemy, his friend, his master, his mentor, his everything — leans over him and licks a long, wet stripe up the boiling river of Din’s throat, his boyish chuckle darkening into a moan at Din’s startled flinch. 

“Pretty,” Anakin mumbles, lazily licking down into the valley between throat and shoulder, and through the ebbing haze of orgasm Din wonders what he tastes like — salt, maybe, and skin, and heat, and pure metal, and enough shame to hold it all together. “You’re so kriffing pretty, you know that? I used to hate that helmet,” Anakin snorts, rubbing his thumb in slow circles against the swell of bone before drifting down to trace the divot between thigh and pelvis, “But now I’m thankful. No one knows how pretty and soft you are under all that beskar, but I do.” Something rumbles deep in Anakin’s chest and his grip tightens, digging into tender tan skin just this side of bruising, “Say it. Say I’m the only one.”

Din’s jaw clenches. He shouldn’t say it. But he wants to say it — because want is what brought them to this moment, this cavalcade of shame and desire: Anakin needs to be needed, Din needs a purpose, and they both hunger for proof that every terrible thing that they’ve done and will still yet do was for a reason, even if that reason is an ill-advised first fuck while on medical leave. But Din knows his master, too — knows that under Anakin’s fragile skin and golden curls lurks a predator with fangs and claws and a taste for destroying the fragile things it loves, and Din may be young, but he is old enough to understand that he is but a fledgling in the mouth of the beast, pretending these teeth are a gilded cage. This is a matter of survival.

(But there's more to it than that, isn't there? Din is a hunter, unafraid of the wild and excited by the untamed, but when they're together the roles reverse and suddenly he is the prey, and though the clenching teeth caged around him promise death, the fact of the matter is that when he is alone with Anakin, Din finally feels alive.)

So he says, “You are the only one,” and tries not to hate himself for the quiet animal sounds he makes when Anakin’s hand slides between his legs and squeezes around him in reward.

Cold durasteel skitters across his jaw. Din jerks away from the touch, so cold and unnatural like a droid’s, but synthetic fingers click-lock into place and hold him steady. When Din’s eyes snap open, devastating blues stare back. “Again.” Anakin strokes the back of his durasteel hand against Din’s jaw, eyes crinkling with amusement at his scowl, then desire when Din obeys the silent command and does not fight his grip. “But say it right this time.”

“You are the only one… master,” he murmurs into Anakin’s palm. When Anakin smiles, his teeth cut the light like a blade, and the shame in Din’s belly sinks straight into his cock. A Mandalorian would not submit. A Jedi would not give in. But the twining of their bodies has stripped both identities from him, leaving him to cling to the only thing he has left.

Just as his master intended.