#and it strikes me right now that this is odd. for most people this much writing is odd.

[rubberbandballqueen]

people are always surprised by all the various things i do (read, write, press flowers, watch anime, scanlate manga, etc. etc) and like yeah it's the adhd, but like also, i feel like not enough people let themselves, like, have hobbies or anything. no one seems to know where to find hobby groups to keep them going through community bonding-- and in their defense, i certainly don't either!!-- and i can't help but to feel like a lot of people would find themselves less listless if they, like, knitted a sock or something.

[not-an-alien-scientist]

Barometric Pressure

Kay: *rubbing some gel onto her wrist and hand*

Si'miel: Kay that is quite a strong scent, I thought most humans preferred their "perfume" to be only slightly noticeable

Kay: Huh? Oh, no, sorry, this is just a painkiller. Smells funky but works decently well

Si'miel: *pales a little* pain ...killer?!

Kay: sorry, I'm out of sorts right now, its a pain reducer. Can you do me a favor?

Si'miel: Oh yes, I will gladly help you in your time of pain *feels slightly honored most humans simply tell one 'don't worry about it' and never consider one's ability to help*

Kay: Alert the ship's maintenance engineers that the atmospheric pressure is dropping

Si'miel: . . . Kay I'm certain the sensors would have alerted them to that!

Kay: *slips on an odd black device that covers her wrist and partially her hand* Well the sensors are faulty. My joints are all messed up but especially my ankle and wrist. So I know.

Si'miel: *alarmed* We must go to the infirmary immediately!

Kay: nah I used my gel med and splinted my wrist so it can't move mu- -

Si'miel: You've immobilized your own body?!

Kay: *deep sigh* Si'miel us humans sometimes have bad joints and when atmospheric pressure drops the pain in our joints increases. My right wrist is just slightly worse than the others, so making sure it doesn't move around as much prevents an increase in pain.

Si'miel: You..... you just walk around with your joints hurting? It...it can detect pressure changes? How? Do all humans have such a skill?

Kay: Bad joints are bad joints not much I can do about it. And no, not everyone can, I'm so envious of people whose joints haven't gone on strike. Anyways we have no idea... well I have no idea why, but I can just feel it. The ship's atmosphere is definitely dropping. *sad smile* haven't felt the awful sensation it gives since I left Earth, I just really want to go have some soup and watch whatever dumb movies we got recently, so can you let the engineers know?

Si'miel: *nervously twitches their front appendages worried for their human crewmate* I will let them know .... are you sure you don't need the infirmary?

Kay: Yeh definitely sure, had this issue since I was 21, sucks but hey thats life. Thanks for letting them know, I knew I could count on you *heads off*

___

*Si'miel walks into the main work station of the ship maintenance engineers*

Engineer 1: *looks up* do you need something?

Si'miel: I do not wish to insult your work but a human crew mate informed me that the atmospheric pressure of the ship is dropping. I'm certain you would know if such a thing were true but.... the manual on humans says we should not ignore them when they use the phrase "I can just feel it/ I can just tell" so I thought I would alert you to her statement

Engineer 1: Thats not a possibility our signals would have gone off, but *sighs* new protocols state that we can't ignore a human's warning *rolls two of their 4 eyes... an odd expression they ironically picked up from humans*

Engineer 2: I'll check manually *heads down the corridor a bit and after a few minutes*. . . Activate protocol 651!!!

Engineer 1: W-what?? thats not possible

Engineer 2: *running back to the work station* just do it! Another hour of the pressure dropping will make the system go critical, we'd have to emergency land, and we'd both lose our jobs now do it!

Engineer 1: *hurriedly gets to work*

Si'miel: interesting so it is tru- - -

Engineer 1 & 2: Be quiet!

Si'miel: *startled and heads away without interrupting them further*

___

*Si'miel finds the lounge Kay decided to relax in, an empty soup bowl on the table next to the lounge chair, the TV being the only source of light in the room*

Si'miel: *takes the seat next to Kay* Kay, when you say "hey that's life" what do you- -

Kay: *snores*

Si'miel: ah *takes the blanket draped on one of the the other chairs and lays it across Kay's body* With the pressure fixed you may feel better.... sleep well human friend...

[autisminabox]

I’m going to be discussing spoilers from the new update, specifically entailing Eddie. Spoilers are below the cut, so, like. Spoiler alert

One thing that stuck out to me right before Eddie “goes to Toyland” (which is what’s implied to happen) is the anger he felt. To me it felt incredibly out of place. Out of place for what’s supposed to be a children’s show, and out of place for Eddie.

We’ve seen Eddie in situations substantially worse for his staying focused on the job than people not having any mail. We’ve seen people jump at him, get pressured into literally lifting other people (and possibly a fucking house), and was too nervous to speak up for himself. We’ve seen him take a lot of shit from both Howdy and Barnaby in the audios, and he more or less took it on the chin. Julie overwhelmed him with her business game, and instead of getting frustrated, he just kind of… curled up.

So this strikes me as particularly odd. There are two explanations I can think of to explain why it happened. The first is a theory I’ve seen floated around about the puppets slowly deviating from the in-universe writers’ design. We see this contrast between how everyone acts in the books and ads and how they act in the bug audios; Barnaby had a twinge of meanness, Julie had a personality beyond being ADHD incarnate, Frank expressed kindness. It’s not out of the question. The second theory is based off of a few observations from earlier on: Eddie is notably from out of town, and is loosely implied to have moved in last out of the main cast. It wouldn’t be absurd to say that this leads him to being “not with the program”, even if him being the newest addition is only in-universe for the show (as opposed to him being literally constructed and written last)

The second thing that was prominent to me was Home’s response to Eddie entering Toyland. This is quite plainly conspicuous and intentional, but I wanted to bring attention to it because of the interesting implications of it. First off, Home is pretty much confirmed to be sentient now. I’ll be damned if there’s any coherent counterargument that doesn’t boil down to going “nuh-uh”. Second, Home is at minimum recognizing that something is happening to Eddie. It’s not clear whether Home is aware of what specifically is happening to Eddie, or whether or not Home had a hand in setting off the incident, but the fact that home recognized that something was happening to Eddie nearly instantly solidifies how intelligent and aware Home actually is. This isn’t inherently surprising, since we’ve already gotten word-of-God confirmation that Home has repeatedly beaten Frank at chess, however, this is the most pointed and direct example that we’ve seen in the actual project.

Third, the fact that Eddie specifically had The Horrors™️ enacted upon him first specifically (at least, as far as we’re explicitly aware of; It’s unclear whether Wally counts as having experienced The Horrors™️ or if he is the arbitrator of them. More on that later) lends to some very interesting suggestions. Five possible explanations I can think of work as follows: One, he knew too much about either the nature of whatever specifically is weird about Home (town), whether that be Home (house), Wally, another character, the monsters of the night, something else about the night, or he knew too much about his nature as a fictional character. There is some speculative support for this; first, the aforementioned outsider angle that he’s been played with, and second, his parallels to the scrapped character Sunny. Sunny was the most recent to move in within the beta continuity, he was the love interest for Frank, he was smart and likely knew too much, and he disappeared first. Two, his outburst earlier in the day proved to be too out of character and thus a risk and liability to whoever was in control of what happened to him. Aside from my above breakdown of that scene, and from the fact that there’s very prominent examples of Playfellow and Marlo (or perhaps Wally, if for whatever reason Evil Wally ends up being true) blatantly straightwashing characters and possibly suppressing free will of the characters, assuming that’s what we’re meant to take away from the bug audios. Three, Eddie realized the actual absurdity of the Pea On A Plate and “woke up”, lucid dream style. I don’t really like this interpretation, since the fact that it’s in several promotional materials and companion merchandise suggests that it was an absurdist humor bit in-universe, which isn’t farfetched considering how children’s shows tend to be. Four, there’s another reason that’s yet to be revealed as to why Eddie got selected first. To be a total Devil’s advocate, we’re still relatively early in what’s looking to be a very slow-paced story. We’re not gonna have all the details, and red herrings are going to pop up, intentionally or otherwise. Five, Eddie was selected randomly or with no actual reason.

There’s also a few possibilities for who sent Eddie to Toyland, which is interesting to me. First, it could be Home. It wouldn’t be surprising considering its mysterious and noted uncanny nature, and its prominence during that scene. Second, it could be Wally. While I personally don’t find it to be the most reasonable, since something of this magnitude being perpetrated by a character we have a face to would likely involve that character, there’s enough evidence of Wally acting aware and generally odd where it isn’t completely absurd. Additionally, it’s entirely plausible that Wally’s conspicuous absence during the entire arc is indicative of some sort of guilt. Third, the show writers, someone at Playfellow, or another party along those lines somehow caused it, either by technological or supernatural means we don’t know about or by some accidental bout of supernatural fuckery, such as rewriting something and it having bizarre effects on the characters. It’s out there, but not out of the question considering the weird shit they’ve done. On top of that, it’s not impossible that another entity or force somehow caused this that either hasn’t been revealed or explained yet.

As to what Toyland actually entails, I’ve concocted a few theories. One, he literally got up and mentally teleported to a land of giant toys. Two, it’s full Star Trek mode and there’s Horrors™️ so mentally stimulating that the only way it could be perceived by either us or Eddie that that’s all it can be perceived as. Three, Going To Toyland is some sort of initiation, rite of passage, or method of psychologically controlling the cast that everyone else either doesn’t realize is happening or has their memories of it forcibly suppressed. This could be supported by the aforementioned “Eddie is an Outsider” and it’s possibly his first Homewarming since moving to the area. After all, a housewarming is a celebration that welcomes and initiates someone to the neighborhood; would it be that odd that Homewarming is a twisted version of that?

Anyways. Those are my observations and a bunch of interpretations. Part of why I love this project so much is how mysterious and unclear the exact details are, creating excellent suspense and a drive to theorize, and leading up to a truly gobsmacking reveal or conclusion. This update certainly delivered. Whatever the answer is for any of the branching paths I described, it’ll almost definitely reveal how truly fucked up the perpetrator is (or, alternatively, how utterly fucked up the situation is in general, if there ends up not being an instigator) for, y’know, doing that. Clown and Co., you’ve certainly outdone yourselves, and the wait was worth it; this speculative theorycrafting this update has provided is absolutely incredible.

[worriedvision]

Right place, wrong time - Sunday

Gender neutral reader, angst lol. Soulmate au.

--

Reading the words on your arm, you immediately knew who your soulmate was based on the fact there was only one man who took the job of "judging" peoples actions - how, you didn't exactly know. You did, however, know he was a very important man. Being a bodyguard working under Gallagher, you doubted your skills in relation to being worthy of association with Sunday.

Gallagher was a supportive dad to you - when he sensed you were off, he made you a drink on the house and had a conversation with you. When you show him your arm, he lets out a hearty laugh before beginning to pour himself a drink.

"It wouldn't hurt to strike a conversation, right?" He asks. "He probably also knows your first words, and he'll most likely believe you when you explain the arm."

"But what happens afterwards? It's not like he knows who I am, and he isn't really supposed to. It's kind of the point of these confession booths..." You trail off, taking a sip of the drink you have in hand. It is an odd mint taste - almost synthetic, this could be due to a herb thats also been thrown into the mix. It's...strangely clarifying, yet still you are left with questions.

Gallagher prepares a shot for you, almost like he knew this was going to happen, and he slides it over. Turns out, he decided to hydrate you with this shot. You down the show before rolling your eyes.

"Could you give me a glass of water next time?" You ask, Gallagher smirking as he pours some water for you.

"Here ya go, kiddo."

---

"Welcome to the confession booth. Please state the purpose of your confession, starting with the most pressing sin." Sunday asks, how looking down at your arm as you see the words glowing as he states them.

"This may sound strange...but you appear to be my soulmate, but I don't know what I can do with this information." You scratch the back of your head, Sunday pausing in thought.

"...I suppose this was going to happen at some point." He sighs out longingly. "Given my position, I'm afraid my responsibilities do not allow me the opportunity to indulge too much in relationships."

"I knew that - I'm surprised you didn't tell me to get out by now." You laugh, Sunday pausing once again.

"...I suppose you know more about me than I do if you. How about we spend this time we have to find out about you?" Sunday asks, a smile evident in his voice.

With a smile, you reminisce about general information about yourself - your career, your favourite things, your family, anything Sunday asked about you'd answer. Sunday seems to enjoy the conversation, throwing in his little parts here and there as well.

By the end of the conversation, you both round things off with a laugh before you both remember you likely won't see each other again. Hell, he's never seen you!

"I'm sorry fate has tied us together. Please proceed in your life knowing that in another life, perhaps we would have been very close." Sundays smile drops. "I'd like to ask your name, however due to anonymity I am not allowed to ask this. I wish you the best - if you find a special someone, don't wait for me."

You open your mouth to tell him off for telling you to move on, but then you realise you're asking him to prioritise you in the future.

So, you leave without another word, leaving Sunday to stew in his misery as you go to Gallagher to cry about it.

[phantomwitch16]

Hazbin Hotel Theory: Lilith

I had never posted about Hazbin Hotel before, but I came across a theory about Lilith that I wanted to discuss. I’ve only seen clips, so correct me if I'm wrong. So, anyone who hasn't watched anything or hasn't caught up yet, WARNING: SPOILER ZONE.

At this point, everyone is quite aware of the Lilith/ Eve Theory, where Lilith left or was kidnapped by Eve to explain her disappearance for most of the show and what she was doing in Heaven. I think the theory has some promise, but some things don’t feel quite right.

In the episode where Lucifer first appears, we learn that Lilith and Lucifer seem to have split years ago. We don't know how long ago or the circumstances of the separation, with it pretty much up in the air.

It could be possible that Lucifer’s depression could've gotten in the way of their relationship (similar to his relationship with Charlie), causing some friction. This obviously would give Lilith a lot of responsibility, likely to raise Charlie and inspire the denizens of Hell by herself. We don't know much about what Lucifer does most of the time other than making ducks, keeping Lulu World running and wallowing in his depression.

I don't think that they split up, at least I don’t think that’s the whole story. There have been some odd details regarding Lilith and a few other people within the series that do add to the theory. While it's possible things might have changed during the development of the series, Viv has previously stated that Lilith and Lucifer were a very lovey-dovey couple and I doubt that she would change it. While I think their relationship would have its faults, obviously with their history and trauma, yeah, that was going to happen, but not the stereotypically 'my partner hates me' bs.

Even if they had split up, I doubt that Lilith would have just up and left Charlie without saying anything.

But anyway, since her appearance on the beach with Lute, there have been several theories about Lilith and whether she would be an antagonist or the main one. I disagree, but given how she's been pretty much a mystery for most of the series, with not much being said about her, it’s understandable most would come to this conclusion. But I doubt Lilith would be because Lilith was the one to instil Charlie to help the denizens of Hell so for her to come to disrupt her progress with the Hotel.

This obviously leads to the Lilith/Eve Theory people have come up with by what people have seen and picked apart from the show and the cards that people received before it aired. Now people who have watched the show and been on Twiiter/X or any other social media probs already know the theory, but I'll spell it out for those who don't.

Just before the show aired, people received cards on each character and a few select items in the series. Of these characters was Lilith, but there was something off with it. Instead of seeing a revamp of her original design in the pilot, it's just a close up with her face shadowed.

The image above has Lilith or who we think is Lilith sitting with her hand over her lips and a shadow over her face, only showing a sinister smile. The one thing strikes me about it was the was almost like she know that we know there was something wrong with the image and was telling us to be quiet.

So far in the show, we've only seen her in the portraits that are decorated around the hotel and in Lucifer's ducky workshop. She makes a brief appearance in Charlie’s flashbacks where we don’t even see her face, though this is largely because the attention was focused on Charlie and Lucifer. Here it shows that even her look has remained largely consistent since the pilot.

What truly defines Lilith design is her long wavy hair. But despite it, there is something different about it in the card. It's very long, obviously but as it gets closer to her face, it starts to look more uneven. Or jagged.

But what grabs the attention in the card is the smile. It looks very sharp and angular, very different to the smile that she has in the portraits and in her depiction on the storybook in the first episode.

But we've already seen it somewhere. Just not on Lilith.

Obviously, this isn't a new take. This is a very popular take that nearly everyone has heard.

I like to think that with the reveal, we will get a more factual retelling of what happened when Lilith and Lucifer rather than what came out of the story book Charlie was reading, likely something her mother made for her when she was growing up. Mainly what happened to Eve as they cleverly avoided it. While we don't know if they're going to tackle it, it's likely that they will discuss Eve's life after eating the fruit and her very long life. I think that while Adam was sent to heaven to become one of the exterminators, Eve became one of the first original sinners sent to Hell.

There are several ways they could handle it with it's possible the Eve is starting a little bit of chaos using the knowledge Lilith and Lucifer gave her. With Lilith attempting to stop her alongside Lute and the rest of Heaven.

For what reason? She could've taken up a new identity after death. that identity being called Roo. Or more specifically, the Root of All Evil.

Roo is someone that's been known for since 2019 and someone Viv is excited to introduce since she first drew her, calling her a looming threat amongst the series. Hints of her appearance have been placed throughout the pilot on the tower and on the show. I believe that Lilith, Lute and Eve are working together with Heaven to track down Roo to destroy her hold on Earth or to prevent her from doing something to Hell, Heaven and Earth.

It's also likely that she is the demon Alastor is chained to. Why her specifically and not Lilith? Besides the timeline matching, there is very little opportunity for them to meet. Even though Alastor has made a big name for himself in the Pride Ring, Lucifer has not heard of him, so why would Lilith? But that just might be a Lucifer thing, they probably could've met after one of Lilith's shows or something.

Knowing Alastor as a person, he would've been in a very desperate situation, or maybe he was too cocky like with Adam and picked a fight with her, thinking that she was some random Overlord or low ranking demon who knocked him down and stole his soul. With her having control over him, then he is willing to do anything to get out of their agreement. Whether its to play around and isolate the princess of Hell from her support network, to make her hopes and dreams crumble to dust.

It could be possible Lilith left Charlie and Lucifer to focus on Roo, with it likely that Lucifer knows what's she's up to and tries to shield her from what's happening. But as the hotel gets more popular, Roo's attention is directed to it, thus putting Charlie and all three realms in danger. Lilith would come to Charlie, try to sugarcoat it as best as possible before revealing Roo as a threat. Then when she comes there, Alastor betrays them, but as he is free, has a change of heart and attempts to help.

That's what i think anyway.

[nyx-is-missing]

SUNSET PART 1

Or early summer!

Clarisse La Rue x Cassandra De Young (oc! Apollo's kid)

Summary: When Cassandra gets involved in a scandal early in the day, she goes to camp early.

Warnings: men....thats all i could think of actualy.

First read this!

Part 2 is here!

Cassandra De Young

Im fucked.

That's it, that's all i can say.

I knew it as soon as my hand reached his face and stinged, as soon as i heard a camera's flash, and as soon as i stepped into my mom's apartment.

Let's just rewind a bit, okay?

My family own a big business, that you already know by now, the thing is, when they reeaally want to do business with someone they go extreme, the most common technique is to get on the good side of everyone in the family, everyone.

They research, pretend to have things in common, to like the same things, to have the same views of life, and to make it more believable they always go for the person who is closest in age with them.

Usually i dont get involved in this situations because im younger than everyone else, the only teen in the family.

The thing is, this family also had someone around my age.

A 18 year old guy.....eighteen.

Let me tell you, i really wasn't going for trouble today, i tought he may be a normal guy, just with a little money, someone i could have a conversation with, drink some coffe, laugh and go back home and think "hey, not so bad"

He.was.not.

All he could talk about is how much money his family had, where he went for winter break, his pure blood horse, that only ate (attention to this one) IMPORTED GRASS.

Overall a huge dick.

But that i could handle, i've met people like this, i could handle a shitty talk for some hours, what i could not handle was having to go through all this with his hand on my knee bellow the table.

And here i was, spending one of my last days of spring being tortured by the fates.

"You're not paying much attention to the conversation are you?" He said, and gods that accent was almost making me want to jump out of a cliff, or push him out of a cliff, both would work.

"Oh sorry i was-"

"No need to apologize, people get bored i know" Not that he did something criminal by not letting me finish my sentence but, my gods every action coming from him its making me want to die right now "Its okay, i could find some way to make you focus"

Okay, im done

"Im gonna need you to stop saying odd shit" I looked him dead in the eye with a bothered look, and by the surprised look he gave me back i was 100% sure nobody ever told him to shut up when he was saying nonsense.

"C'mon, dont be like that-" he said trying to get his hand a little but upwards, and i only realized i slapped him when i felt my hand burning.

"Oh my gods im sorry i-" And then i heard the camera flashes.

Im going to need you to imagine the scene, my hand was still up, his hand was till on his cheek, and he had a scared look in his face, as did most of the people at the fancy coffe shop.

Do i smile now? Strike a pose? This one is definetly getting front pages at every place.

I chose the safest choice, got out of that straight to my house.

No..i did not payed the bill.

The whole way home i was trying really hard to think of something to say that was not going to make my family mad, especially my grandfather, but considering whe has always mad with something, that felt like a impossible mission.

First thing i saw when i opened the door of the penthouse was my mom, standing in front of the television, and sure enough, my face was on it.

She turned to me, but before she could even say something i started to explain myself.

"Its not what it looks like mom, i swear, i didn't do it on pourpose, let me explain please-" i couldnt actually read the look on her face, but she didnt say anything, so  i took that as a go ahead.

When i explained her what happened her face relaxed a bit, but not completely, and she had a look that said your grandpa is getting in my nerves because of this.

"I'll talk to your grandfather about this, but you need to know that the way you acted wasn't appropriate, there is cameras all around and you need to be careful...lets just thank the gods you didnt pulled out a dagger right?" She walked closer to me, and i knew she was trying to comfort me, its a pitty actually, i knew she didnt wanted kids when she had me, i knew how grandpa treated her when he found out, to me, it was enough that she at least tried to love me enough.  "You already have your things packed to camp right? I know you have some more days of school but ill call them and tell them you are sick, its best for you to leave earlier this year, then your grandfather wont talk your ears out...you okay with that?"

"Yes mama, ill just finish packing some small things...do i leave today?" I felt her hands on my shoulders, and heard a silent im sorry.

"Yes, but dont be like that, think that you at least wont have to see the news talking about you..youll just be there, with your siblings, eating strawberies and..whatever else demigods do daily, right?"

Like i said, it is enough to me that she tries, even when she isnt great all the time, i know people who dont even have this.

I nodded and went to my room, making sure not to accidentally hit a new sculpture, placed in the corridor.

I didnt wait for her when i finished packing.

I knew she wouldnt be the one to take me there, she never is, she has things to do with the family business, its what ive always heard.

So when i got to the underground garage with my bags i automatically searched for one of the family drivers, sure enough, he was there.

He was a nice guy, but quiet, i knew that he probably had orders not to talk to the family members unless spoken to, grandpa did this with all of them, i also knew he never actually knows where hes been taking me, he takes me there almos every year, but always stops at the road in front of the forest, maybe this sad look he has on his face its because he thinks he is taking me to one of those crazy wilderness therapies as a punishment.

Granpa would absolutely do that if he hadnt had to live with a great public appearence.

"Miss? We are here" He looked at me in the rearview mirror, i only realized i had doze of when my eyes met his and i blinked. "Hold on tight, im going to help you with your luggage okay?"

"Oh..thank you mr bell" He opened the trunk, and then the back door for me, extending his hand to help me get out of the car "thank you, again"

"Sure miss, just let me take your bags out and we are all set okay?-"

Another car dor noise made us both look to the right, to find Clarisse La rue, closing a taxi door, with just one big suitcase in hand.

Now, my story with Clarisse is kind of complicated, i've met her when he were, eight i guess, her family bought some shares in the family business and we saw each other very regulaly, and ever since then everything everyone told me about her is that she is a troublesome girl, that i should stay far.

But she was the one who realized i was a demigodess, and took me straight to camp when a monster found me, and she was the one who, many times when we were little, comforted me when my family made me cry.

It seems like she forgot all of that because she never even looks at me.

If you ask her, she has never even met me at all actually.

"Clarisse, you're early"

"Cassandra, you too-"

"Cass actually, i prefer cass" i corrected her, to wich she just rolled her eyes and muffled a whatever. "Thats all you are taking? One suitcase?"

"And you are taking all that? How do you plan on walking the whole way with all that? Im assuming he wont go with you" she said looking at mr bell, and its true, he could not walk the whole way with me, and i could not walk with all that alone...fuck

"....you could help m-"

"No, dont even think about it"

"C'mon Clarisse!" She didnt even answered me this time actually. "Arent you a Ares-" i looked at the driver taking the suitcases out. "A ares...type of kid? You will pass on the oportunity to demonstrate your muscles or whatever?"

She started to walk away with a bored look, did i already said fuck?

"C'mon ill do whatever! I- i dont know.. 20 dracmas!, no?, ill help you with the cleaning duty you'll eventually have when you fuck it up? I..ill do that AND ill cure you anytime you want, everyday, no matter the time!"

She stopped walking.

Yes! I knew it, one of the many problems clarisse had its that she likes to go out at night to train alone, and when she gets hurt she cant ask anyone to help her, because she would get caught

"Give me those suitcases already and shut up-" she was interrupted by a very happy me hugging her.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyouclarisse!"

I felt her hands on my arms and realized she was going to push me away, so i took a step back

"Geez Clarisse, you could've just told me to back off, dont be like that... just take these and ill take those"

I said pointing to the suitcases, and saying goodbye to mr bell.

Can i already welcome summer and his crazy energy? No? Okay.

[inviisiiblelee]

Alastor & Rosie in a tea party setting, gossiping about anything really up to you, please!

REQUESTS OPEN

———

Rosie was always an incredibly gracious hostess, as far as Alastor was concerned. Before his disappearance, they'd often meet up just like this, Rosie having put together a little table by a window for people watching, tea glasses and pot ready and happy to share. It had been so long, and after the events of recent times, he really wanted to feel a sense of normality again. He arrived right on time, as always, and Rosie welcomed him with a big smile and open arms. They shared a brief hug, before the both of them settled themselves.

“Alastor, it feels like it's been ages!”

“Believe me, Rosie, I feel exactly the same. It's good to have real company for once.”

“Oh, you. Please, help yourself before we really dig in!” And he was happy to, finger foods galore and with the most pleasant of crunches. Nothing quite like a little bone marrow for lunch, indeed. She poured him a nice cup of tea, and he added a dash of cream to it before leaning back. 

“So, tell me, honey, how are things?”

“Insufferable, as usual,” came Alastor’s response, with a widening smile. 

“Oh, do tell, darling!”

“Things at the Hotel are just as miserable as you'd imagine! Charlie is just as fervent as ever, trying to get new patrons, and now that Lucifer is there—”

“So that really was him?”

“Yes, yes, he's chosen to stay there for the time being while he helps. Not that he's doing that much, anyway.” 

“He does seem a little empty-headed, doesn't he?” Her comment earned a laugh from Alastor, and some of the tenseness in his shoulders slipped away. 

“I am so glad you agree, Rosie. I've been doing my best to curb them all, and they're all terribly intrusive. Even Husker has been acting quite clingy."

“Really? He's always been a little protective, but clingy?”

“Exactly! After the end of the battle, he insisted on following after me and staying far too close. Even striking out didn't really deter him.” 

“You poor thing, you deserved plenty of space and rest on your own time!”

“Precisely my thoughts. I am fine, but he even sent Charlie checking up on me. It's been such a nuisance! So it's much nicer to be able to come out here.”

“Well, I am always happy to have you, you know that, Alastor! We all love you around here.”

“Oh, I know. If I could spend more time here, I would. But, please, enough of my silly tirade, how are things in your realm?” Alastor took a long drink of his tea, a delightful chamomile. Rosie grinned back at him, taking a drink herself.

“Things are lively as ever, of course. Susan has been less of a pain, all things considered, you might even be so lucky as to avoid her on your way out. The folks here are fairly happy, although there has been some talk of visiting the hotel from some, they've taken nicely to Charlie, as expected.”

“Naturally. I'm sure she'll be happy to have them in any case.”

“There have been a few sightings, though, of Vox and Lucifer both around these parts.” Alastor raised his brows. “They're both taking to spending an odd amount of time with Susan, I think she's developed some attachments. Whether she likes either of them, I have no real idea, I avoid them all.”

“That's probably for the best. Lucifer is infuriating to share breathing space with, and Vox has become quite the nuisance.”

Rosie peered at him for a long moment, but she brushed on to a new topic. “People have been saying something interesting, though, about someone unsavory coming in!”

“Oh? That sounds interesting, who?”

“Well, you didn't hear it from me … but they're saying it's you!”

The two laughed together happily, and Rosie shared more mundane little stories for his entertainment. She had many from the last several years that he hadn't heard, and he found himself happier than he'd been in some time.

[rpg-elf-girl]

I have a lot of thoughts right now about the latest episode (14)

Here's your warning to watch the episode before reading the post:

Okay okay okay

So I went back and watched the sequence of the whole Ace body discovery to try and see if there's anything there after the whole tape debacle this episode.

Here's a little recap of what happened for reference (episode 6 ~ timestamp: 18:36-21:55) :

-Teruko and Eden go to the workout room and see Nico over Ace, They run off

The tape is clearly by Aces feet here and remains there for some time

-The girls have a talk about the situation, Eden freaking out, and Teruko suspects Nico

-Teruko starts investigating, & Eden says she needs to process what just happened, Teruko tells her to sit down and not to touch stuff

-Teruko does her investigation she points out the tape here

-Eden comes over and offers to help after a little bit of this

-Teruko starts to investigate Aces body

-Ace gets up screaming and knocks Eden down

(it's about here the tape dissappeard)

-Eden gets up, surprisee Ace is alive

-after some more screaming Ace bolts out of the room and after Nico

-MonoTV promptly kicks everyone out

Okay, so I have some thoughts about all this. Character and story wise I have a hard time believing Eden did this but I don't think it's possible for Ace to have stolen the tape or mimicked the crime.

I can get behind him killing motive wise, but not with the method presented here.

The mans been scared to death since the start, got even more paranoid after the first case, literally everyone shits on him, he overheard Teruko saying he'd probably die, theres Veronikas whole disection of him in the cafeteria fight scene, and now he's nearly been murdered. So him getting paranoid and desperate isn't too far off. Also, him having nothing to do with Arei would be a good cover for him, so I don'treally count that as a defense of him.

That being said according to Nico, he woke up mid murder and fell unconscious again. How much of the method could Ace have possibly seen? Also, something that strikes me as odd is something in this image:

Ace's hands are covered in blood, so even if he theoretically grabbed the tape, wouldn't there also be blood on it? How would he hide it when using it for Arei's Murder?

Also the minute he woke up he was the center of attention, so I highly doubt he would even have time to properly hide the tape from both Teruko and Eden, or that he'd even be thinking of that the second he wakes up from nearly dying.

So because of all that, I don't think it's possible for him to be the killer here.

Opportunity wise, Eden has the most chance at staying undetected, seeing as she was on the floor around when the tape disappeared. She also had the opportunity when she was resting to observe the crime scene so she could more easily figure out and mimic the murder method.

That being said, Eden as a killer confuses me so freaking much, I feel there has to be some curveball here????? Like she'd have to have a pretty clear head directly after seeing a whole ass body so?????

I get Arei said she's likely not as innocent as she appears, but this feels like a bit much. Unless she's being blackmailed leading to some traitor reveal? It's really hard to say.

Anyway, that's my two cents here.

The two people I thought would least likely be the killer are the two main suspects, and now my brain is soup.

[jojo-schmo]

Beauty and the Beast, but it's Metadede?

Ohohoho-!! This one really got me thinking!! :D If I had unlimited emotional bandwidth and time this could be a fun concept to explore a BUNCH! I'm a sucker for fairy tales! I'm not capable of fully developing this idea right now, but I did brainstorm a little bit!

There's some aspects of that story that I just can't think of good parallels for (Like Gaston, Belle's dad, Belle's character motivations and such). So this is more Beauty and the Beast inspired than being a perfect retelling.

Anyways, ENOUGH TALK. LET'S GO.

So when I read this ask, I immediately got slammed with a very passionate and explosive Brain Blast: Dedede as Beast!! BUT he's got an appearance inspired by King D-Mind (And Dark Mind by extension) and a beastly demeanor like his Primal form in Forgotten Land. So this is not Shadow Dedede!! Important distinction!

Like Dedede's personality in early Kirby games, he would be selfish and arrogant enough to be cursed by an Enchantress to find true love and compassion. (So the rose and its petals are still connected to this curse's time limit.) But at his core there is a being capable of love, compassion, and self-sacrifice! It just takes a bit of character development to get there!

Meta stumps me a bit more. He doesn't strike me as the kind of guy singing about how "there must be more than this provincial life..." And who would Gaston even be?? Beats me.

So instead of being a damsel from a small town with big dreams, maybe he's some kind of traveling knight or mercenary who has always worked alone. He's got a stoic demeanor that can even come off as cold since he doesn't make many meaningful connections with others. But those walls he's put up over his life are indeed capable of coming down with a little care!

You'll also have to forgive me for how little I changed Meta's design... I did this during my lunch break and all I could think of was adding some gold flourishes to his outfit- but there is definitely more potential there than I came up with!!

Why would he get stuck being Dedede's prisoner? Perhaps he bartered someone else's imprisonment for his own. Or he found himself in debt by chance to the King, or accidentally disturbed/destroyed/or damaged something important to him and has to pay with a prison sentence.

Whatever the reason, he's truly stuck living there. And they super do not get along at first. Dedede's fiery temper and Meta's colder exterior would be at odds a lot of the time.

Jumping ahead a bit, here's that scene from the original where Beast defends Belle from a bunch of wild wolves (but here they're Primal Awoofies!)

And from there, the character development continues.... Meta warms up a little and shows more emotion and vulnerability than he ever has before. Dedede cools down in turn and learns that he is worthy of affection and genuine connection... And so on and so on~

As for the supporting character roles filled by "Beast's servants," I figure most of Kirby's allies could be in this role! I just only explored Bandee and Kirby to start with.

I had trouble coming up with household object forms for them (granted I didn't invest that much time into it). So I thought about another time-sensitive form they could take that is high-stakes enough that they'd want to turn back to normal and break the curse. So I came up with the ghostly angel form that happens when you get knocked out in Kirby Fighters. :)

So there you have it! A few days worth of daydreaming for a metadede Beauty and the Beast-type story! Hehe. If anyone happens to find themselves inspired and wants to develop this further as an exercise in AU writing or just plain having fun with it, DO IT! This is my donation to the internet, lol.

...Just please share it with me. I love reading people's stories. <3

[meowcatsposts]

Better [Werewolf bf]

╰► warning: mentions of stalking and kidnapping

Overview

You get kidnapped by a werewolf, basically

(But don't worry, he has your best interests at heart)

“You deserve better,” he murmured, rough voice raspy from the lack of use. His copper eyes bore into yours, so icily striking yet fiery warm. “You really do.”

Argos was his name, you learned–the hound-human who captured you. He had an unruly and dark but smooth mane for hair, and his complexion was rather pale, like white lilies under waning moonlight. Ropes of lean muscle undulated beneath his milky skin as he scrounged for something in a heap of bones. He kept his “treasures” hidden there.

From the ghoulish pile he produced yet another skull–a dog skull. Hollowed dead eyes stared back at you as he put the piece of bone in front of your eyes, and you suppressed a small scream. Were you going to end up like this?

“You’re scared,” Argos said, dark eyebrows drawing together. “I didn’t mean to do that…” 

He paused to look you in the eyes once more, as if checking a wounded bird. Then he continued–after encapsulating your hand in his larger, rougher one. They were warm, like a hot cup of tea.

“This could have been me, a long time ago,” Argos trailed, rotating the dog skull and tilting his head to see its void eyes, too. “Neglected, starved, dead…” He set the skull down with a soft clunk. “I’ve watched you, and I see it in you, too. The people around you don’t see your worth, do they? They treat you like vermin, from what I see–something to never befriend, something to never worship.” Suddenly his eyes burned dark, a moon in a solar eclipse. A guttural growl escaped his parted lips. “And I’ve seen you cry by yourself…with no one to cry on…”

Then, gazing into your eyes like a pet who lovingly sidles up to its owner, he asked, “Was it lonely?”

You hadn’t noticed the hot tears searing your eyelids nor the blurred Argos in front of you, who held both of your hands in both of his. It was so unnerving and creepy and freaky that a hound-human like him stalked you, but at the same time it was so fuzzy and gentle and warm that it made your heart clench. Oh, how you wished for a genuine connection–a connection of trust and love and nothing else. But alas, thick ropes of human connections strangle you, leaving you breathless and choking, raw and bruised. 

Did Argos understand? Perhaps he did, because with a small smile he wiped your tears away with his thumb, murmuring soft ‘it’s ok’ s, or ‘I’ll be with you now’ s. 

“Yeah…it was lonely,” you croaked. “How do you know?”

Argos said nothing, just held you close. 

You had just returned from a hangout, rather large, consisting of several friends. A part of you was happy you went, but another whole was glad to be far, far away from that suffocating setting. Sure, everyone was cordial and bubbly and kind, but they knew each other more than you did. So you were left to drift by yourself most of the time, left to gaze upon tightly-knit trios and duos who were talking and smiling. One, as a joke, called you something foul–but apologized later on for potentially hurting your feelings. 

Minutes dragged into hours, and you soon grew exhausted by the continuous chatter that you couldn’t keep up with–or really be a part of. It was an odd number of people anyway, you told yourself. It’d be natural for someone like yourself to be floating. So you excused yourself, before you grew too sick. (Not like the others really cared, right, though they waved and said cheery ‘bye!’ s to you.)

Currently in the shower, fresh tears streamed down your wet cheeks. Why were you crying, again? Was it relief? Was it hurt? What was it, anyway?

All you knew, though, was that it felt good to cry.

Argos heard your soft sobs and whimpers bounce off the ambient shower walls. 

Every. 

Single. 

One. 

Heck, he even heard you blow your nose every so often, probably because you were crying so much. His sharp ears flattened on his head and he prowled around in endless circles, large paws making no sound on the prickly grass. His tail dangled limply and his thick fur bristled against the chilly fall breeze. 

Why did your outing have to turn so bitter? he wondered. Why did you always have to end up like this?

Argos saw how bright your hopeful eyes looked, only for it to drain drain drain away until your once beautiful eyes turned nearly dull. It reminded him of when he was infested by maggots–lying limply on cold stone, life slowly draining from his eyes. It took all of his resolve not to whisk you right away, into his humble little shack. At least he could provide you with warmth there. He would protect you–love you–unlike those unappreciative posers. There were too many of that kind, he thought bitterly.

Argos gazed blankly at the dimly lit road. It was good that it was dark; he melted into the shadows. No one to see him. No one to hear him.

“Argos, do you think I’m selfish?” you asked the now-hound male, whose large head was on your lap. Argos rumbled his throat as if to say, ‘No, you are not.’

Your fingers glided through his dense, black fur. It had been quite a while now, since he claimed you as his. Perhaps it’d been a few months now, maybe more. And your former home? Argos told you not to worry about it–apparently it’d been taken care of. How, though, you didn’t know. 

Argos treated you quite well; you were his royalty, after all. He fed you your favorite meals and snacks, gave you space (to some extent–you couldn’t leave the premises), and drowned you in his affections. When he was a wolf he licked and nipped gently at your skin, and provided you with his fur to play with. When he was human he embraced you and napped with you, and loved to kiss you–sometimes on the forehead, sometimes on the lips, but mostly on the neck, right where your heartbeat was. His kisses were usually light and sweet, a stark contrast to his brooding eyes and glacial complexion.

“Mmh, Argos,” you mumbled, resting your hands on his lean pale arms. 

Argos, on the other hand, was resting his hands on your hips, caging you between his body and a wall. His lips trailed up and down your neck, peppering it with sweet kisses. His copper eyes smoldered with heat, and his body was no different; you thought you would burn under his touch. You knew you couldn’t escape, either, since he was so big; he made you feel so small, somehow, like prey caught by a predator.

“You’re not telling me to stop, are you?” Argos stated; the way his voice lowered by octaves, clearly, it wasn’t a question.

As your breath hitched in your throat, he chuckled, eyes fluttering up to meet yours. They really looked like melted copper now, dissolved by his primal instincts–to press you into the wall…pin your wrists above your head…ravage you until dawn. But somehow, he managed to push them back to the depths of his hungry core, sticking to pressing soft kisses all over your exposed skin.

Feeling a little awkward just standing there, you slipped your fingers through his dark hair and played with the thick strands and massaged his scalp. Argos groaned faintly, just under his breath; you felt it on your skin–hot and needy. 

Getting a surge of confidence you murmured in his ear, “Do you like it?”

Argos just pressed you harder against the hard wooden walls, eliciting a cute squeak from you. (He made sure not to hurt you, though, because he knew just how easily you’d break.) It wasn’t the first time he tossed you around like a ragdoll. He loved how your eyes widened with fear, how your lips parted, how your breath became ragged and uneven; it made his blood burn with adrenaline. 

“I do,” Argos replied gruffly, “but let’s not forget about who’s pinned against the wall, now…”

Sometimes, you hated the man for his cockiness; it dripped off of him like a pungent perfume. 

But he was all you could ever ask for…

So why not stay with him?

yellow dividers from: firefly-graphics

[running-with-kn1ves]

Too Close For Comfort

Male! Co-worker X GN! Reader

A/N: Turns out you can write so much when you have free time :0 Anyway I spent way too damn long on this so… here we are! I hope yall enjoy :’) (There are so many things wrong with this piece which is EXACTLY why you do not procrastinate, kids.)

TW: christmas/holiday themes, sour mood on the holidays, drugging, forced kissing/ touching, yandere themes, alcohol/ intoxicated characters

Synopsis: Feeling like an odd one out at your office’s christmas party, you find an overly eager co-worker to spend your time with-- who seems to prove that no company may be better than bad company.

Word Count: 3300

When most thought of the winter holidays, great cheer and comforting cold weather took priority. Whether it was staying inside from the bitter cold with a cup of warm tea, or decorating with shining lights and pine tree scents, there was always fun to be had. Even the music was jolly, no holiday song consisting of a sorrowful melody when it came to the season.

However, you unfortunately did not share the same holiday spirit as most during December. Those who had fun on Christmas or their yearly holidays usually had someone to spend it with, a person or people to keep them company from the windy chill and the loneliness of solitude. You had no such company; your family was unable to make it this year for the holidays, and you had yet to find a spouse that could enjoy the Christmas spirit with you.

You tried not to bring your disheartened attitude in with you today at work, but it was a real struggle when it came to watching your co-workers mingle with one another. You had yet to make any stable friendships since you started your job, which your huddling form in the corner showed quite obviously. 

With eggnog in your hand and an ugly sweater covering your chest, you couldn’t help but frown at the floor as you listened to the sound of jingle bells and Michael Bublé for the 100th time this month. You desperately wanted to go home, to cry to a hallmark movie and down 3 cups of hot chocolate before passing out on your couch. But your boss insisted that everyone in your office stay for the christmas party else they’ll have to stay late on new years. 

You didn’t have any particular plan for new years other than your yearly ritual of drinking your sorrows away while the clock strikes twelve, but it would be nice not to spend it in the office with a bunch of people you hardly knew. So, you stayed. You listened to the bad karaoke and watched as your co-workers got slammed on spiked eggnog.

A particular person who displayed such a description was your boss: a man in his 40s, currently ‘busting it down’ on the makeshift dancefloor to some holiday rap. 

“He’s having a bit too much fun, wouldn’t you think?” A voice said next to your ear. 

You turned to find one of your co-workers faces right next to yours, his hot breath ghosting over your ear as he grinned. You jumped at seeing him so close to you out of nowhere. 

“Sorry, I just thought you wouldn’t be able to hear me over the music.” He apologized.

The man’s flurry of bright blonde hair and fair skin seemed to appear out of nowhere, his face flushed with a slight pink that must’ve been from the cold.  

“No its alright. Klaus, right?” You asked. 

“Yeah,” He laughed and rubbed the back of his head. “I’ve actually been standing behind you for a while now.”

You raised an eyebrow at his words, not expecting his choice of words.

“I mean-- I’ve seen you around the office quite a bit, but haven’t gotten the courage to talk to you ‘til now.”

You almost flushed at the sound of that. Someone had noticed you, and was really that afraid of talking to you? You had thought no one batted an eye at you after the first day of your arrival. 

You remembered seeing Klaus around the office a few times-- he always seemed to be nearby, never doing anything important but never so visibly available that you felt confident enough to talk to him. He seemed very popular with your other co-workers, always chatting it up with someone and getting a giggle out of them. Sometimes you’d make eye contact with him, but you turned away too quickly out of embarrassment to let it linger any longer. 

“Actually I’ve been standing here for 10 minutes hoping you’d notice me.” He bashfully admitted. 

Oh. 

“What really? I’m so sorry--” You tried to apologize, feeling yourself grow hot at how oblivious you were. 

“No don’t worry. I’m just glad I’ve finally caught your attention.” He gave you a small wink, leaning in closer to make himself more hearable. 

You widened your eyes at that, surprised at his forwardness-- you couldn’t remember the last time someone came onto you so obviously. Or rather, at all. You had been sort of avoiding the dating- slash- hookup scene ever since you moved for your job. 

“O-oh.” You weren’t exactly sure how to respond, taking another large gulp of your drink. 

“In fact, I thought you were looking rather lonely over here.” Klaus said, moving forward closer to you. You stepped backwards in time with his movements, afraid of getting too close to him. He didn’t seem to mind, keeping eye contact with you as he licked his lips and smiled. 

“Oh, really? Well… I’m, alright. Don’t worry about me.” You laughed awkwardly, caught completely off guard. 

He placed a hand on the wall behind you, standing beside and yet in front of you, in a non-threatening but trapping manner. Taking a sip out of his own drink, he watched as you fumbled to fill the silence he seemed so comfortable with. 

“Hey everybody! A shrill voice called. “Guess who’s under the mistletoe!”  

One of your female coworkers pointed towards you and Klaus in a drunken stupor, her dark skin flushed from the alcohol and showing mischevious excitement. 

You looked up to see a hanging green plant, ripe red berries intertwined in its leaves with a red bow holding it from the ceiling. Klaus didn’t bother looking up, continuing to stare at you as you admired the greenery. 

It wasn’t until a chant brought you out of your thoughts did you feel your stomach drop. 

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” Your female coworker started, shaking her fist in time with her intoxicated slurs. She stumbled and clapped her hands, the rest of the office following suit. Your boss even chimed in, becoming the loudest with his tie tied around his forehead and his shirt unbuttoned. You hadn’t realized how unraveled the party had become until all the attention was on you. The chant got louder as more joined in, Klaus looking at you for your reaction. 

You looked back at him and to the crowd, unsure of what you should do. Klaus looked prepared, trying to appear casual yet undeniably eager. 

“Should we give the people what they want?” He asked, though you could tell what he was hoping for. 

Yet, you hardly knew him! This was your first time talking to the man, and he was your co-worker-- someone who you’d have to see day in and day out 5 days a week. The world of problems this one kiss could bring, was a risk you weren’t sure would be worth it.

Despite knowing that, you began to lean towards him. Maybe it was the eggnog or the fear of disappointing the party attendees, but you kept moving forward as he grinned a bit too excitedly. 

Immediately Klaus’s hand shot to your back, pulling you so the inside of his thigh warmed your knee. His hand on your back pressed against your sweater and gently moved to support you, the other coming up to cup your cheek. You expected the kiss to be a short peck-- enough to satisfy the drunken herd, but Klaus’s movements read romance. 

His hands were warm, likely from holding his hot drink of choice all evening. He smelled faintly of snow and hot chocolate, his breath hitting your nose as he stood over you, waiting to get closer. His fingers fell to your chin as his pointer and thumb gripped to pull your face towards his softly. You let him take the lead, holding onto his cold jacket as he pushed you up to meet his height. 

You could feel the burn of a hundred eyes on you, all staring; watching, anticipating. 

Klaus’ lips touched yours, his mouth parting just slightly for yours to fit in like a puzzle piece. He didn’t dare shove his tongue down your throat or slime you with saliva like you bet half of the drunks here would have, instead squeezing his lips around yours with a hand on the back of your head, deepening the act of affection as if he waited a millennium to give it to you. 

 Thankfully, cheering commenced from the boisterous crowd, though you couldn’t hear it from the blood rushing in your ears. Neither you or Klaus wanted to let go-- though for vastly different reasons. Hands rushed to pat you and your male counterpart on the back once you forced yourself to break away. Klaus still held onto you, moving his hands to hold your waist as the crowd trickled closer to congratulate. The music got louder, a shout of more drinks being poured gaining another cheer from the crowd.

They all shouted words of praise and excitement, some more inebriated than others, but nonetheless all happy and excited with a holiday glow in their eyes and cheeks. 

Once the drinks were poured and called to be given out, the attention on you and Klaus was gone. The crowd moved away, diminishing all to go back to partying and their own groups of familiarity. Though Klaus still hadn’t let go of you. You looked at him, awkwardly shuffling backward as he let go reluctantly. 

The music had somehow gotten louder, though the attention was now pulled back to your tipsy boss making decisions he’d surely regret in the morning, and everyone else focusing back on their own groups. You felt out of place again-- though now with a partner instead of alone. You weren’t sure if that as any better though, since now it was two all alone rather than one. 

“Do you want to go somewhere more quiet?” Klaus asked, leaning once again uncomfortably close to your face. “Somewhere with less, you know, people?” He put a hand to the small of your back, hoping to gently push your decision.

“That’d be great.” You sighed with a smile, glad to be escaping in some way, even if it meant spending time with an awkward acquaintance. 

Klaus grabbed your hand with his, bringing a comforting warmth to your chilled fingers. He slid by the twinkling christmas tree, pushing past people with an urgency that would’ve concerned you if you weren’t so eager to leave yourself. You almost tripped over the small presents meant for white elephant underneath the tree if you hadn’t watched your step, trying to move carefully as Klaus lifted your hand to make it easier.

“Thanks,” You said, though you doubted it could be heard over the loud chatter and high note from Mariah Carey on the radio.

 You realized Klaus had been leading you back towards your desks, into a small hallway that only held your bosses office and a small janitor’s closet. People still paraded around the office everywhere you went, a few couples making out in their cubicles with the only light source coming from strung up christmas lights on the walls. You squinted your eyes, unable to see in the dark except for Klaus’ shoes in front of you. 

You bumped into his back as he suddenly stopped in front of the closet, letting out a small ‘oomph’ into his thick jacket. 

“Sorry..” You mumbled, though he only seemed to let out a small, teasing laugh. 

Opening the door, he led you into the closet. You gulped, thinking this was a strange place to gain privacy. You thought perhaps the two of you would go outside, or maybe head back to one of your cubicles, even if it wasn’t the best way to be alone. Yet, you still followed him into the closet, hoping maybe you could take a breather without hearing incessant jovial laughing or wet drunken kisses from your co-workers who couldn’t keep themselves off each other. Hoping in, Klaus shut the door with a ‘click.’

There was no light in the closet, and no switch to turn on even a hanging light bulb.

“Well, here we are.” You said, hoping to lighten the thick air. 

“Yes.” Klaus said, his body in front of you though you couldn’t see it. You shuffled around, trying to get comfortable despite unknown items at your feet and on the shelves next to you. You stood in silence, soaking up the fact that there was no distractions to remind you of your loneliness. And, well, you weren’t alone. Atleast, not right now. 

Klaus’ breathing got heavier, loud enough to fill the silence of the closet. 

“I can’t believe…. We’re alone together.” He exhales. 

“Yeah….?” You say, unsure of what he means. 

Though the hands on your shoulders seem to put forth his meaning more clearly. 

“I thought we’d never be able to get away from them.” He chuckles, pressing his chest against yours this time, pulling you into a hug. “Though, I didn’t think the mistletoe would go that smoothly.” 

Klaus rubbed your back with a sensuality you didn’t expect, humming into your ear as he embraced you moreso than co-workers-- or even friends should. 

“I can’t say I expected you to kiss me so easily..”

He let go of the unreciprocated hug to cup your face with his soft hands. 

“So, does this mean you have feelings for me…. too?”

“W-what?” You back away from his hands into the supply shelf. “Klaus, uh,” You chuckle for a moment, trying to come up with an answer. “We’ve only talked once, and that was 5 minutes ago!” 

You tried to keep your tone light, giving a small laugh to hide your nervousness.

“But our kiss,” He argued. “Our kiss. Didn’t you feel something from that?”

He huffed and brought his hands down to your shoulders. 

“Not only that--didn’t you feel any sparks when we made eye contact last tuesday? When you brushed by me in the break room? Come on.” He spoke as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, shaking your shoulders and pressing the toe of his shoe against yours. 

“I’m sorry, I don’t even remember that--” You tried to find his eyes in the dark, but could only make out vague shapes of his face. “I thought that kiss was just-- peer pressure.” 

Klaus went silent. His hands limp against your shoulders, the male hung his head in defeat. 

“....Nothing? You haven’t… noticed me at all?” He sounded pitiful, voice cracking ever so slightly. “And our kiss, was just an act to you?” 

Klaus bit his lip to stop himself from letting out a sob, his worst fears commencing together to build a crushing momentum. 

“I’m sorry… I didn’t know, it meant that much to you. I don’t know you that well, so I really don’t have any room to say I share the same feelings.” You sighed, patting his hands sympathetically. 

Well, that was certainly a turn of events from what you expected. 

Yet, Klaus perked up at hearing you.

“But that doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility, right? You could still… find yourself falling for me-- potentially.”

“Klaus, I don’t really think--” 

“It’s possible, with enough time, with enough-- convincing.” He interrupted. 

You were about to refute his rationalization, trying to let him down gently. That was until the feeling of familiar lips crashing onto yours came, devouring you faster than the first kiss had. Klaus shoved you against the supply shelf, forcing your head back with his as his nose bumped into yours. Tight lips wrapped around your mouth as the man desperately tried to convince you. 

“Klauth--!” You tried to muffle out, feeling your struggling hands forcefully pushed against the shelf.

“No--! Just let me--” He huffed between kisses. “Give me the chance to convince you--! I’m worth it!-- I promise--” 

Thumps could be heard outside the closet, cleaning and old office supplies falling off the shelves as the two of you danced in a struggling fashion. 

You let out a series of noises against his mouth, mostly poor attempts at trying to tell him to stop, to get off of you, all of which were futile compared to how overpowering Klaus’s desperation was. He was determined, and there was little that could stop him. 

Though with a rightly timed shove and a bite of his lip, you managed to push the man into the door. It let out an echoing clatter, Klaus being unable to catch himself beforehand. 

“What is the matter with you!” You managed to huff out, balling your fists up. 

Klaus ignores your upset expression, wiping his lips. 

“I’m really not a bad guy, you know. I don’t use things like chloroform or handcuffs.” Your heart dropped, panic beginning to set in. “I didn’t even really plan on bringing this with me tonight…. It was just a precaution. So I hope, you won’t think different of me.” Klaus frowned, coming closer to you with heavy footsteps.

“What are you even on about!” You tried to back away, about to tell him to stop once more. The more he came closer, the more worried you became. Clearly, there was something wrong with him on a level that you couldn’t understand, and you weren’t waiting to find out what it was. 

But before you could react, a pinching feeling was running down your thigh. Something stabbed into your leg, unwavering as Klaus’ hand covered it. His other arm moved up to shove against your mouth, your teeth biting into his arm as you tried to struggle away. He spun around, pushing you against the closet door as you tried to frantically get free. Klaus thumbed the end of the syringe, making sure the entirety of the sedative entered your system. Once he felt it hit the bottom, Klaus pulled the needle out of your leg and threw the syringe to the floor. He used the rest of his weight to keep you steady and silent. 

You tried to scream against his arm once you realized what he had done. You didn’t know what he had just injected you with, but it certainly was not something benign. Your arms tried to flail but could only wiggle within Klaus’s grasp as he held them down. 

Only a mere few seconds passed before you felt something strange occur within you, a limpness in your limbs beginning as your eyelids lowered. It was small at first-- just a nagging tiredness in your body. But it soon grew to a point that you could no longer counsciously comprehend, your mind flatlining.

“You’re so much work,” Klaus said with a struggled laugh, trying to keep you down while brushing a stray hair away from your slowly relaxing face. “But worth it. I promise, I’ll prove myself to you. I’ll make you beg for me.” 

You could feel your spit drool down your chin from Klaus’ sleeve, your attempts at biting and removing his arm leaving you a mess. It didn’t take long for the tranquilizer to work its effects, your eyes having gone hazy and body nearly falling to the floor. If it wasn’t for Klaus’s reaction time you would’ve slammed against the door, which would’ve been preferable when it came to Klaus’s intentions. Instead, he caught you with his arms, fighting to keep you upwards. 

“You’ll be convinced before new years, sweetheart.” Klaus planted a small kiss to the side of your mouth, cleaning the drool from your face. “Merry Christmas, my little present.”

[oftenwantedafton]

stay - dave miller x female reader

words | 3k

rating | explicit

cw | sex, breathplay, implied/referenced abortion

ao3 link

They call it La Verkin Motel, but the residents living there call it Last Chance Motel, because that’s exactly what it is.

The last place the unwanted dregs of society end up, the last stop on the road to hell. You don’t think it’s entirely fair you’ve ended up here because of one mistake, one error in judgment made in your youth, but that’s the way the world works and you’re mature enough to accept that now.

Your next door neighbor in the cheap housing is a man named Dave Miller; at least, that was what he calls himself. You think it’s an alias, like most of the names the folks around here use. Still, that’s the one he’s chosen and that’s what you address him as, when you have the occassion to, but that doesn’t come right away.

The man keeps odd hours, sometimes working during the day and sometimes in the middle of the night. Nothing too unusual about that either. It’s an expensive life, even for one as cheaply priced as this. Many of you work two jobs, minimum. You divide your time between waitressing and cashiering at the local mom and pop grocery store. Dave is employed at an auto body shop and pulling security duty at the restaurant one town over, that children’s place with the creepy robot animals that could talk and sing and move. It’s closed now, after so many kids had gone missing on the premises. A lot of people in that Southern Utah community seemed to think the owner was behind it, even though no evidence of foul play had ever been found. Not a single trace, just like all those children who had vanished into thin air. It doesn’t entirely make sense, paying someone to look after a shuttered building, but apparently the guy who owned it just wasn’t willing to part with it. You don’t have much of an opinion on it either way. You’d never been there. Now you never would.

You first speak to Miller not at the motel, but at the mechanic’s. Not everyone living at Last Chance is fortunate enough to even own a car, so although yours is no prize, at least it’s transportation. Unfortunately someone had hit it while it was in the parking lot outside the grocery store you work at. You’re not fussed about cosmetic damage, but there are other things that need mending, namely the shattered headlight and the bumper that has been partially knocked loose.

You watch the man run his hands over the damaged vehicle and it strikes you how large they are, yet how elegant his fingers look, even caked in motor oil. The estimate sounds reasonable and you agree to the price. At least your insurance was footing the bill.

Dave pulls out the more minor dents and fills the larger ones, repainting the touched up spots. The bumper is repaired and the light replaced. More than you’ve asked for, but you’re not charged any extra. The job is so neatly done you can barely tell anything untoward had ever occurred. There’s a flicker of pride in the man’s eyes when you return to pick it up, taking the city transit to get there. That’s when you first have the sense that this man, this tall, slender creature with his dark messy hair and piercing gray eyes, had been something more once; much more.

“I heard you work at Freddy’s, too,” you say by way of making small talk as you pay at the register, the envelope of cash from the bank just picked up on the way over after you’d cashed the check from the insurance company. Miller’s eyes lift and he studies your face. You feel yourself scrutinized so intently it actually makes your skin itch and burn.

“Yes,” he replies. He punches some keys on the cash register and the drawer slides open.

“They say it’s haunted. Is it true?”

“People say a lot of things.” He drops your change into your waiting palm and shoves the drawer shut. “Only by me,” he adds, answering your second question.

***

It’s hot in La Verkin; hot and dry, like everywhere else in Utah.

You sit outside at night after work, hoping for a breeze, for something to cool you down after a soak in the tub. Your neighbor is home this evening, wearing long sleeves despite the weather. This has become a routine of sorts for the two of you. Sometimes you’ll sit and have a drink or smoke a cigarette. Dave doesn’t talk much, so it’s on you to keep the conversation going. More often than not you just sit in amicable silence.

You can’t tell it when he’s wearing his work clothes, but his regular ones do not fit him well. They are overly large, baggy. You think he must have lost a considerable amount of weight. He was certainly thin now, with that sharp nose and chin, those gaunt cheeks and lean frame. Was it poor finances that had unintentionally aided him in shedding extra pounds? He looks like he could do with a good meal. Many good meals. Perhaps you’ll offer to cook for him, one of these nights.

You’d brushed his hand by accident once, passing over a cigarette, and he’d actually flinched like a whipped dog expecting to be beaten by a cruel owner. Unused to human contact. Or shunning it. You understand. You’d changed, too, after you’d given up…you don’t want to think about that tonight. No maybes to consider. You’d made your choices; made your bed and now you’re lying in it.

But old habits die hard. That curse of your species, the need to seek companionship, still taints you. Someone had left behind a case of beer in one of the rooms before they’d moved out (or gotten evicted, more likely) and that’s not the kind of free gift you squander. Dave clearly isn’t accustomed to drinking this much, or perhaps it’s because of his new physique that he’s more of a lightweight. In either case, the man becomes a lot more talkative. He loses the southern drawl and you hear a different accent layered beneath. He mentions being married once, having children. He says their names and digs the heel of his hand against his eyes. A bit weepy. You scoot closer. There is no patio furniture here. It’s the cement slab you both occupy, cracked and dusty like every other miserable thing here. Broken, like this man sitting beside you.

Your hand settles on the middle of his back, finding it damp with perspiration. You can feel the actual outline of his vertebrae through the thin material of the shirt. He’s wearing long sleeves as usual. He doesn’t push your hand away, just looks at you with those intense, pale eyes, and you find yourself lost in them, drowning, welcoming that descent into the abyss.

Then he lurches to his feet and returns to his room. You tip your head back and sigh. You’d crossed a boundary you shouldn’t have.

Back inside your own room, you’re reminded of just how stuffy and sweltering it is. There is a soft knocking at the door. You’re in your pajamas now. Camisole and shorts. Faded and threadbare. The cheap fabric pilling. Not something you’d normally choose to have someone else see you in. You crack open the door, the chain restricting it from opening all the way.

It’s Dave. One arm is braced against the outside door frame. “I wanted to tell you,” he begins. His voice is very soft. You have to strain to hear it. “What this is, and what this isn’t.”

You shut the door and slide the chain across, then reopen it and step back, gesturing for him to come inside. He shuts the door and locks it. No one living here would dare leave their doors otherwise. Too many thieves. Shady, unsavory people. You fold your arms across your chest, waiting for him to continue.

“I haven’t…been with anyone in a long time,” he begins hesitantly.

“Neither have I.”

“I don’t want to feel…don’t want to hurt you…” The words come out in fragments, his thoughts splintered. It’s difficult for him to express his feelings, you think. Not just stumbling because of the alcohol. He’s not used to confiding in anyone. Trusting anyone. What happened in his past, to make him this way?

“I don’t have any expectations. You’re not obligated to say or do anything you don’t want to.” You respect his privacy. You won’t push him to reveal his secrets. You don’t want to divulge yours, either.

You hear him sigh, a heavy, relieved sort of sound. He’s made no movement once he’s locked the door. It’s up to you to close the distance between you.

His hair is greasy and he smells like sweat and that unmistakable masculine tang of musk that stirs a memory you don’t want, pushing you closer than you might otherwise have moved. You touch his pale cheek, tracing along the arch, following it down to the corner of his jaw. There’s a kind of stark beauty in his features, as harsh and sharp as they are. Something almost otherworldly and ethereal in his aura. His generous lips compel you to stroke them, your thumb dragging across the plump bottom of that pairing.

His head bends and you stretch to meet him, suddenly on tip toes, a little off balance until his arm curls around your waist to steady you, dragging you against him. Your mouths greet each other politely, at first, tentative kisses that grow more confident, more heated. He tastes of ash, the sour tang of fermented hops. There is a needy sound in the back of Dave’s throat that plucks at your core.

He pushes and you pull and he ends up on top of you on the bed. Lying horizontally, but you don’t think it matters much. There is still weight to him, a heaviness from being male, naturally comprised of more muscle, pressing along your soft curves. You like the crush of his body, of his mouth on yours. His hands fumble beneath the waistband of your shorts. He does not linger on your sensitive bud, instead seeking your entrance. Searching to see how prepared you are for him, how wet. Perhaps not quite slick enough. You’re nervous.

He slips his fingers—the same pair that has just been teasing the opening of your pussy—between your lips, urging you to suck, to coat them with saliva. They taste like metal, like the oil he seems to be permanently stained with. They reach far back across the carpet of your tongue, nearly gagging you. His eyes never leave yours, watching you work your mouth over his offering. In a joint effort you manage to shove your shorts and panties down, leaving them dangling from one ankle in your haste while he unfastens the fly of his pants. You try to divest him of more of his clothing, reaching for the buttons of his shirt but he halts you, pinning your wrist near your face. At last he withdraws his saliva coated fingers, smearing the clear fluid over his cock—you’ve only caught a bare glimpse from this angle, and it looks large, intimidating—and then he wedges that same hand between your legs, indicating he wants them parted, opening yourself up to him.

He thrusts inside of you in one go, slamming right to the hilt in a single breath stealing push. You have not been filled in a very long time, and never this full. Dave stretches your canal, reshaping it, forcing it to accommodate his prick. You pant, little punches of air expelled from your lungs each time he thrusts, mercilessly driving back inside over and over. His eyes are still locked with yours. It hurts, yet it feels good. Mingling somewhere on that pleasure-pain border. You feel raw. Aching. You’ve never orgasmed from intercourse before but you know you’re going to now. His hands shove your thighs back further and he somehow manages to penetrate you even deeper. He grinds you into the mattress and you roll your hips along his. Your nails dig into his shoulder. There is a vein standing out at his temple, pale blue and kinked, pulsing beneath the skin. “Where do I…”

You somehow understand what he’s asking. “Anywhere. I can’t get pregnant.” His lips dip to capture yours in what almost feels like an apology, an exhibition of sympathy, a tenderness at odds with other parts of his body. He keeps kissing you, each one wetter and wetter until it’s like a dam bursts inside of you. You shake violently, a shallow cascade of fluids leaking out of you. The briefest look of surprise, Miller’s lashes lifting before his fingers clamp like a manacle around your wrist at his shoulder, shoving it towards the midline, to the throat exposed above his fastened shirt collar. He grits his teeth, growling until you comply with his request, the fingers pressing into yours guiding you, demonstrating what he desires. You squeeze around his neck with no further prompting and his hand falls away. You feel the struggle of the cartilage beneath, the wad of spit he’s attempting to swallow unable to travel down his esophagus, hear the harsh whine of air that whistles through his compressed trachea. The hand still clenched around your wrist pinned to the bed mirrors your movements, growing tighter and tighter. You think it might snap, your bones shattering into splinters. There is a thin trail of saliva leaking from the corner of his mouth. You want to stop choking him, and yet you can’t. You can’t until he finishes; until he fills you up with that same fluid that ruined your life all those years ago.

Miller’s eyes roll back and he bites his bottom lip and he cums, hard. You feel the blast of it, molten, a great quantity of it, shot deep inside. Your fingers instantly loosen their grip, aching and cramped, and he inhales deeply, like a drowning man seeking air after being submerged underwater. You’d thought him damp before but it’s nothing compared to the sweat that soaks him now, saturating his skin and clothing.

There is that awkward moment that comes immediately afterward, when the merged intensity experienced moments before suddenly shifts into hasty withdrawals, into regretful partings. At least, that had been your previous experience. Dave does not look remorseful. He looks sated, satisfied. He drops down beside you, his long legs dangling over the edge of the bed, and rakes a hand through his damp hair, wiping the sweat he collects on the front of his shirt.

You stare at the ceiling, at the brown stains that speak of water damaged tiles, and recover your breathing. You tentatively flex the wrist he’d pinned down so harshly and find it’s not broken after all. Very red, though. You’re willing to bet there will be bruises there come morning.

Residual tremors still course along your thighs. You can feel the older man’s seed leaking out of you. You want another bath, and you’re willing to take it alone, but you want to invite Dave to join you. Still curious about what’s hiding beneath those clothes.

When your eyes shift to his face, you find him watching you. He’s quiet again. It will take effort to pull more words from him. You touch his cheek. “Want to take a bath with me?”

He nods, surprising you. “Okay,” you say, shifting to kiss his mouth gently.

***

You see the reason Dave has shielded his body the instant his shirt is removed.

He’s covered in faded pink scars, strange markings that seem too stylized and symmetrical to be entirely random. They cover him from the base of his neck all the way down to his ankles, sparing only his sex organs.

You try not to stare, but it’s obvious in the air between you. “Accident at work, a long time ago.” The only explanation he offers, and you accept it. It’s none of your business. Not really.

You sit at the rear of the tub and he sits in front of you, between your legs. There isn’t a lot of room but you make it work. The cool water feels soothing. You use a plastic tumbler to wet his hair, lathering shampoo into it and then bidding him to close his eyes before you repeat the process to rinse the suds away. There’s something comforting about washing the man, gentle strokes of soap and douses of water, your lips pressing kisses along his shoulders, at his neck. Your breasts press into his spine as you reach around to wash the front, stroking over the sparse patch of dark hair on his chest, following the trail that leads to his groin. You wash that, too, a brisk scrub over softened member and scrotum and he makes a little huff of sound. Still sensitive. You wrap an arm around his shoulders and pull him back as you recline, the soapy water sloshing around in the tub, some of it spilling onto the floor. Your fingers comb through his hair and you enjoy the silence between you. You’re comfortable, content. Maybe you would have been a good caregiver after all. A decent mother. But it’s too late to decide that now. Much, much too late.

You remain in the water until your skin is macerated, your hands pruning up, shriveling. Dave towels you both off, ending on his knees in front of you, making sure your feet are dry, sopping up the water you’d spilled earlier. He looks up and you look down and you wonder if this is how it was, all those years ago, when he’d proposed to his wife. If there had been tears of joy and radiant smiles and a breathless yes of acceptance. What had life done to him, to make him this thin apparition of a man, scarred inside and out, yet still starkly beautiful, with his shadow smudged eyes and his pouting lips and those clever, deft fingers?

He’s dressed again, the symbols marring his skin obscured from view once more. At your door, now unlocked and open, and even though you’d said you’d had no expectations, that there were no obligations, you cannot help but want more. You clutch his sleeve and he looks at you. Looks into you with those glacier orbs and you find yourself falling deeper and deeper.

“Stay,” you implore. You do not want to sink down into that mattress again, alone, with only the memories of him to comfort you.

You see the hesitation. The want. Conflicting emotions. Was it kinder to leave? Crueler to indulge you? Or were

those reversed?

“Please stay.” Your hand slides from his arm, dropping down, defeated.

Dave shuts the door and locks it, the chain sliding into place with a sharp snap before he turns back to you, gathering you into his arms.

[linksthoughtbrambles]

What To Expect When Fetch-Questing

A silly totk fic for Linktober 2023 Day 9 prompt: Deity. 2000 words.

Link sped up the steps, damp but no longer dripping from his hail-hylia plunge into the lake beside the plateau’s Temple of Time.  He’d prayed incessantly to hit the water right (and not break his neck) and not hit lake-bottom (and once again not break his neck).  One mostly injury-free neck later, here he was planning to pray yet again.

He’d planned to sprint all the way to the Goddess Statue’s feet, too, but all at once his stamina gave out; he gripped his side, panting, forced to a measly jog.  This curse had to go.

He lurched toward Hylia’s likeness in a much less dignified manner than he’d have liked.  She still smiled at him.

Well.  She was a rock, so that was to be expected.

“Goddess Hylia,“ he panted with his final step, “I’m sorry to ask so much- my strength got cursed right out of me, and-“

A sound issued like the echoing moan of deep water in a cavernous dark.

Link stood silenced.

The echo coalesced into a voice- distant and vague.  “I am trapped…”

The Goddess?  Trapped?

“Under the water…”

“…Uhh-“

“Behind the stone gate…”

Link spun around despite knowing there were, in fact, no gates anywhere near him.  “What gate?”

“Of the great plateau…”

Link made a face.

The echoes faded.

“You can’t possibly mean the gate damming the plateau’s entrance.”

A bird twittered somewhere in the rafters.

“You’re… Hylia.  You can’t get trapped in a flooded staircase.  Right?”

Link stared at the statue’s cheery face.

“You are not stuck in a staircase.”

He folded his arms.

“This is silly.”

He unfolded his arms.

“It’s a test, isn’t it?”  He ran a hand down his face.  Of course it was a test.  This was Hylia.  He didn’t have any mummified-monk spirits with him this time, did he?  Maybe she wanted to see if he still had what it took to be the hero of Hyrule.  After all, maybe she could zap someone else’s endurance up a few thousand percent.  Didn’t have to be him, did it?

He rolled his shoulders and walked out at a brisk pace.  No time to lose.  He could run a staircase-cleansing errand for the Goddess.  Maybe she wanted it to be easier for people to visit the temple again.

Yeah, that was probably it.

---

Link did a little more praying at the gate and a lot of kicking himself for not blowing it up when he still had all those remote bombs.

He did… HAVE some bombs.  They were a lot scarier and trickier than the Sheikah ones.

Link prayed some more.

---

Four time-bombs and one singed toga later, Link’s sandaled feet spattered him with muddy water step after step in the long, water-logged slope back up to the plateau’s great height.  Hylia sure didn’t seem to be there.  Neither did the original steps.  Most of the fish had ended up on the road at the foot of the Forest of Time.  Plenty of rocks, though.

One such rock had an odd, pointed shape.  Its large size became more obvious as Link approached, as did the carvings of four eyes, a mouth, and a pattern—a beard, maybe?—in its surface.  Link slowed, wondering.

“You who hear my voice.”

“H- FFF-?” Link snapped to a fighting stance, arms and legs spread wide, ready to grapple, draw, or strike.

“Come to me…”

That was not the right voice.

“In the Temple of Time Ruins… “

“You’re in the temple?”

“Up the road on the plateau to the south…”

“Yeah, I know where it is, thanks,” Link said as he broke into yet another sprint.

What had he done?

---

He had stitches in both his sides when he returned to the temple statue’s feet.

“You who hear my voice.”

Oh no.

“As a result of you draining the water from the gate, a part of me has been freed.”

Oh NO.

“You have earned my gratitude.”

He’d screwed up and screwed up big.  What was the matter with him?  Of course Hylia wasn’t stuck in some hundred-year-old flood!  She was the Goddess, and at the utterly-most-minimal-absolute-least she could swim.  He hadn’t done an errand for her.  He’d helped some statue-stealing trickster.

“I speak to you now from the Depths below in the guise of this statue…”

Link’s eyes went wide.  “You speak from the what?”

“You who hear my voice.”

“Nooo no no, we covered that part-“

“I direct you to the four chasms across this plateau.”

“…Let me guess.  The horrible, seething red pits?”

“Each has one of my eyes nearby.”

“Because of course it- your EYES?”

“Drop them into the chasms.”

“You want me to chuck your EYES into chasms?!”

“Then deliver the stones to me, who dwells in the Depths below this temple.”

“To I who dwell. Or- wait-”

“Do all of this and a reward will be yours.”

“No no, it’s ‘to me, I who dwell’ – yeah, that’s it.  I think.  It’s confusing. Oh- wait, unless ‘Who Dwells in the Depths Below this Temple’ is your name.  That could be your name.  Is that your name?  Like, you’re nameless but that describes you so you call yourself that?”

Link sniffed.

He shifted from foot to foot.

He almost rolled his eyes.

“Eh.  You don’t care, do you?”

Wind ruffled Link’s bangs.

“Yeah, I don’t care, either, I guess.  About your eyes, I mean.  You hijacked a Goddess statue!  An effigy of Hylia, herself!   You think I’ll just fetch your eyes and jump down some glowing meat-holes in the ground to deliver them to you?  What am I supposed to do, stick them in your face?  That doesn’t work.  Someone loses an eye, you can’t just pop it back in.  Well, you can.  But it isn’t helpful.”

And whether Link’s eye-fetching quest would be helpful was hardly the point.

“What I’m- trying to say is you’re clearly not to be trusted.  I’d have to be a complete idiot to do this.”

Link’s pronouncement made no obvious impression.

Which… he should’ve expected for a rock.

He sighed.

“Not doing it,” Link said.  He turned and stalked out, determined to find himself a horse.

---

Link tossed and turned in a bed beneath Lookout Landing.

Stupid statue.

Stupid statues.  The horned one AND the faker in the Temple of Time.

They could both rot.

---

Link stared at the ceiling in New Serenne stable trying to listen to the frogs and crickets.

He kept picturing some random old lady poking a big eyeball with a stick.

“You who hear my voice,” it would say with a squelch.

She’d hop into the pit with it in her arms like a wet stuffie.

Link rolled his eyes at himself.

---

His reward would totally be to get eaten, right?

Right.

---

“I can no longer sense the mother statue in the temple,” the statue at the Spring of Courage said.

Link blanched.

It was spreading.

---

Link found the eye within an actual stone’s throw of the chasm closest to the four-eyed rock which had spoken at the plateau’s entrance.  He should’ve seen that coming.

He also shouldn’t have taken things quite so literally.

Eyes made of stone were much less disturbing than giant, living eyeballs.  He’d take it.

…He still didn’t want to touch it.

He ultrahanded it into the pit, took a deep breath, and jumped in after it with yet another prayer to Hylia.  He liked his new pants and had no desire to see them ruined.

---

The eye slid into place with a distinctive hum and a flash of light, leaving no trace of a seam.

“You have returned 1 of my eyes to me thus far.”

“You surprised?  I am.”

“After you have found my eyes on the plateau above, each of them near a chasm… bring every last one here to me.”

Not ominous at all.

Link exited the abandoned structure the steward constructs insisted was a mine.  It didn’t seem very mine-like to Link.  It did seem creepy.  And he did feel crazy for putting eyes in the face of a hundred-foot-tall statue which so obviously was going to try and swat him like a fly the instant he did the fourth one.

---

“You have returned 2 of my eyes to me thus far.”

“Thanks for keeping count.”

“After you have found my eyes on the plateau above-“

“You already…”

“-each of them near a chasm…”

“…covered… that…”

“Bring every last one here to me.”

Link tamped a shrug and walked out.

---

“You have returned 3 of my eyes to me-“

“Are you-“

“-thus far.”

“-kidding me?”

“After you have found-“

“Look, dubious colossus-“

“-my eyes on the plateau above-“

“I can see how may eye holes are left!”

“-each of them near a chasm…”

Link’s shoulders slumped.

“Bring every last one here to me.”

One of his eyebrows rose like molasses flowing backward.  “Got it.  I see a hole, I fill it.”

He made it most of the way over the bridge before cringing.

---

The fourth eye hummed and Link braced himself, tensing as all four eyes burst with blue light in the same instant.

This was it.

He could see the statue’s giant arms in his peripheral vision.  He’d have warning if they tried to give him the old bug-squish.  His heartbeat rushed in his ears.

“You have returned to me my eyes, the vessels of my spirit.”

Link’s sword-hand gave a slight twitch.

“We can now speak properly.”

Link blinked.  “Speak…?”

“In ancient times, my eyes were stolen and sealed away.”

Laying around on the ground in plain sight didn’t seem very ‘sealed’ to Link, but what did he know?

“For eons, I have awaited one who would hear my voice and return them to me… And here you are.”

Yep, here he was: shark-bait.

“As promised, I will repay your kindness by bestowing good fortune upon you.”

Okay—this was it.  It was about to say, ‘I’ll make your death merciful’ or ‘You’ll have the honor of being my first meal since Rauru imprisoned me here’ or something like that.

“What do you desire?”

Link waited.

Nothing moved (except him—he was breathing, of course).

That sound of the blood in his ears seemed to echo throughout the truly massive chamber dedicated to this statue.  It was every bit as tall if not taller than the great statue of Hylia in the Forgotten Temple.

Link heard the forge construct beep somewhere far above him.

He shouldn’t relax.  The moment he did, it might strike.

“What do you desire?” it asked.

Link blinked.  “…What are my options?”

“I sensed you approached my counterpart with a desire in mind.”

…He had.

“I have the power to restore some of your body’s vigor.  Do you wish for more resilience against harm?  Or perhaps you prefer to improve your body’s ability to exert effort.”

Link shook his head, still eyeing those two utterly unmoving stone shoulders.  “You can just… do that?”

“Yes.  What do you desire?”

Link shifted his gaze to each of those four eyes in turn.

He had to say something.

It was either say something or walk out.

He thought of his abortive run up the temple’s steps.

“I desire more stamina.”

“The strength that you have chosen will be yours.”

A light washed over him, and as it filled him—and as it scoured some of the evil magic from his body, visible as red and black tendrils evaporating from him—he relaxed a fraction.

“Your wish is granted.”

Link stared at the statue, nonplussed.  “I expected you to be evil,” he said.

“Good… Evil… That’s the futile perspective of narrow-minded beings… There is no such distinction in wandering spirits.  Visit me again when you have an abundance of them.”

---

Epilogue:

“What do you mean you can give my old tunic back?  How did you get it?!”

[jellieland]

Cub is starting to feel like he isn’t a very popular person at the moment.

It’s odd. People give him wary looks, and step back when he steps closer, and politely end conversations with him. But everyone seems very hesitant to actually say anything about whatever it is that’s bothering them so much.

It's true that it is, on occasion, a little difficult to concentrate on what people are saying. His hearing has been a lot sharper recently, especially with the extensions of himself that he’s placed around the server to help spread the skulk. But unfortunately, given how widespread they are now, it has become quite difficult to concentrate on any specific sounds – even, on occasion, those being made right in front of him.

Still, even without any specifics, he’s been starting to get the feeling that he isn’t exactly… welcome, here.

He’d seen False, the other day, in Hermitopia. As far as he can tell, she’s appointed herself as protector of the hermits. He doesn’t think she’s consulted anyone else about this.

Not that he needs any protecting, obviously. Why would he? He can take care of himself.

But that… look that she’d given him. He’d almost turned around, at first, as though she might be looking at someone behind him.

There was no need for that, though. If there was someone behind him, he’d have heard them.

False, though. Back to False.

He’d never seen her look at him like that before. Not even in the worst moments of the Convex.

It was a calculating look. As though every moment, she was considering the best way to strike, and weighing it against the danger of overextending herself. The kind of look you might give an unnervingly powerful mob, perhaps. But one he'd never seen her give to Doc, or to Cleo. The kind of look you give to something other.

“Hey, False!” He called, and smiled.

Her eyes narrowed. “Hey Cub.” Her voice was controlled and level. “What’s up?”

“Oh not much, not much. Just the usual – spread the souls, spread the skulk, you know how it is.” He held out a few skulk catalysts. “Care to join me?”

“I… No. No, I’ve got- other plans, sorry.” She took a step back, but kept her eyes fixed on him. “Why don’t you… go do that, then.”

He shrugged. “Sure. Let me know if you change your mind.”

“I won’t.” It was harsh. Sharp. After a moment, she seemed to realise this. “I mean- fine. I’ll let you know.” It was less a peace offering to a friend than it was a deliberate concession to an enemy. He knows how to tell the difference.

“Good, good. That’s good to know.” Just because she’d decided she didn’t like him anymore for some reason, didn’t mean he had to follow suit.

She watched him from a distance, eyes like ice, until he left.

She watched him like a tightly wound spring, like a coiled snake.

But she did not strike.

So, yeah. That has been a little odd.

He thinks that if it weren’t for his newfound lease on life recently, that incident would have rattled him. So it’s a good job he doesn’t have to worry about that.

It still seemed worth investigating, though, if it made people less willing to embrace the skulk as they should.

So then, there was the incident with Xisuma.

This one, he thinks, was the most confusing of the lot.

There were some more looks – some from Jevin, Oli and Sausage as well – when they fought the withers together.

He was fairly confident that Xisuma wasn’t the biggest fan of the skulk. At least – he had been fairly confident.

But it wasn’t Cub who suggested trying to spread the skulk further in the End with a sweeping edge sword and some endermen.

And even after that, he’s pretty sure Xisuma’s been removing a fair amount of the skulk around Hermitopia.

There had been Impulse, too, unnerved and wary, asking Cub to dispose of parts of himself safely, rather than taking them and doing it himself.

And with all this came a growing… not discomfort. Why would he be uncomfortable? More a curiosity. How, after all, was he supposed to change their minds if he didn’t know their minds?

Joe- Joe was his friend, he had thought. Joe would get it.

And then he did.

It felt a little like missing a step, although to be fair that wasn’t necessarily uncommon in interactions with Joe.

He hinted, and Joe nodded and went along with it and was appropriately impressed.

Later, he was sold back the parts of himself that Joe had unearthed, both of them quite clear about where they had come from, and told that he could do whatever he liked with them as long as they didn’t end up back in Pix’s area.

He shouldn’t be surprised, really. Joe did tend to enjoy seeing where the chaos went. Why would he even want to intervene?

But then there are still sometimes those looks. When Cub is adding more skulk catalysts around Hermitopia, and Joe is quickly ducking in and out of the place because it’s not one hundred percent clear whether he's still an enemy of the state at this point or not.

When they’re doing that.

Sometimes Joe looks at him like he wouldn’t mind it if none of the Hermits told Cub when they left.

Sometimes, when he forgets himself a little, Cub wonders whether any of them would, anymore.

It seems like a double standard. There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation, he’s sure. He hasn’t found it yet, though.

Why, if he didn’t have the skulk to keep him company, he might even be feeling a little hurt lonely irritated.

It takes Xisuma replacing the entire floor of the tower for him to start to understand.

They say they hate it. Oh they say they hate it. Not out loud to him, most of the time, but they do. But they never get the roots.

They clear it away, and they leave the surface clean and new, or they leave it unrecognizably maimed by the scars they made themselves. Some of them even dig up the catalysts. But none of them get the roots, because Cub is still here, and so it will always come back.

None of them have even tried.

So that can’t hate it that much, can they?

They just don’t want it near them.

Well, he thinks.

Too bad.

He’s not very good at giving up.

[regularme12]

Fairly Odd Parents Tickle asks

I'm so sad there really isn't much tickle content out there for this show, so I'm making some.

1. Who's the most ticklish character?

I gotta say Cosmo. I mean, look at him. He's so cute, bubbly, dorky, ticklish!! Canonly too. Ofc he's gotta be the most ticklish, he basically asks people to tickle him because he enjoys it all too much.

2. Who’s the character that most people would assume is ticklish, but actually isn’t?

Wanda. She's powerful, and strong, but isn't ticklish. She's always the ler to, Poof, Cosmo, and Timmy, never the lee. Which they all hate, well, minus Cosmo, he doesn't really care unless he gets his fair share of tickles.

3. Who’s the character that everyone gangs up on and tickles?

Timmy, between him Cosmo and Wanda, he's just a kid, and have the best reactions, not like Cosmo don't. So them two likes gaining up on him, esp when he makes them do hard wishes exhausting them later on, and when they calm down, they strike. Timmy hates being tickled, and he's canonly ticklish too, so anyways he hates when ppl tickle him.

4. Who’s the character that somehow knows everyone else’s tickle spots and reveals them to others?

I was gonna say Mr. Crocker because he's so observant, so he would observ other people and tell others about it, but who's he gonna tell? The dude's a loner. So it's gotta be Vicky, she always tickles Timmy, not out of the kindness of her heart, she knows he absolutly hates it. So she would tickle him till he does something embarrassing, like, snorting or pissing, or passing out, no idea. She does this infront of his parents too which is way more ebarrassing since it's his parents for the love of God. Also when his friends come over, she takes it out of her way to tickle him to death in front of them, and when she has enough, she'll leave causing Timmy to have another round of tickle torture between A.J and Chester, because they find his reactions adorable.

5. Who’s the character with one specific tickle spot that only one other person knows about?

I know how I said Wanda isn't ticklish, that's bc no one but Cosmo knows that if u tickle at this one specific spot behind her ear, u'll get her laughing hard. So technically she isn't ticklish to other ppl but Cosmo. Still, Cosmo is way more ticklish than his wife.

6. Who’s the most likely to win gang tickle wars?

Between A.J., Chester, and Timmy? Gotta be A.J, he's really not ticklish but one spot, which is his sides, still, he's not bad there just a couple of giggles. But, between Cosmo, Wanda, and Timmy? Defo Wanda, again, not really ticklish, even if Cosmo does tickle that specific spot, she'll just go for under the arms. And he don't go for that spot unless it's just a tickle fight between them two, minus Timmy.

7. Which character has a kink for tickling?

None, I'd like to keep this cartoon rated PG, lol, sorry😭

8. Which character didn’t even know they were ticklish until another character tickled them?

Tie between Chester and Wanda. Again, Wanda. Her and Cosmo was kissing, and he brought his hand up to pull her hair back behind her ear, until he hit a sweet spot right behind them, making her squeal back holding the attacked spot. Cosmo was grinning ear to ear now, "Huh, I thought you weren't ticklish. Guess we know new things." And Wanda just retaliated by, "I swear, tell anyone or tickle me there at any time, I'll tickle you to death, and I mean it. I'll be writing your obituary." Cosmo eventually agreed. Now, Chester. He was too busy tickling Timmy, and sometimes A.J. just to hear giggles here and there, if Timmy's not there to "play", then they got fed up with his relentless attacks, so they teamed up and tickled him to peices, realizing he may be a lil more less ticklish than Cosmo, so like the second most ticklish. It's so cute. So A.J and Timmy tickles him all the time. And he does NOT like it, one bit.

9. Which two characters have tickle fights all the time?

Cosmo and Timmy, and ofc Cosmo always loses, bc he wants to and he's just so ticklish.

10. Which character only let's one specific character tickle them?

Timmy only let's Trixie tickle him, and he's not talking about reducing him to hysterics, that's just too embarrassing, he means like a couple of squeezes and pokes. Since she told him she likes his little giggles and laughs, he let's her more often now. Even go as far as to provoke her into giving him a few pokes.

[blackbutlerfandomnerddomain]

So I edited some of the Lost In The Book With Stitch event with some headcanons

I always headcanon Riddle being ftm transgender-nonbinary (he/they) and while his mother sucks and doesn't support she allowed him take top surgery just didn't give him the emotional support afterwards in a way of "If you're enough to make big decisions in your body than you're old enough to not ask for mummy's cuddles" kind of way

This event helped him the most finally find peace with himself, yeah he felt comfortable with himself after the surgery but for some reason he felt more free here with these people he wouldn't be on a vacation with in the start with this odd fluffy creature

I have a headcanon he has a tooth gap still growing from Ace's punch in chapter 1 that he secretly likes

He started collecting sea shells after this

Lots of freckles

Kind of realizes his crush on this trip, he had it for a while obviously but this made him realize "Oh shit-"

My sister says she can see Riddle's whole reaction to his crush on Floyd like Moana's poll to the ocean and I can see it

Ftm transgender (I grew with that headcanon) and got his top surgery right before attending Night Raven Collage

Lots of freckles

Kind of wishes he stayed just cause he adored the feeling of being there so much

Knows now he would be a good dad

After this his mood with his friends became different, he became more chill and nicer to those he isn't too, even Riddle after they kind of talked things over by the water

Has lots of scars over the years

Thanks to the Twitter @gay-salt-amber showed me, he had piercings and tattoos he hid for the sake of being a father and student, biggest tattoo is on the back of his thigh that was made in honor of one of the solders in his old Army who died

Nonbinary gremline

Sung with the ukulele during a beach campfire

He feels like he gets Stitch the most out of the whole cast

Vows to hopefully bring Silver and everyone else there

Lowkey wants more kids

Literally almost cried when leaving

I always think the Octa-Trio get some traces of their merform, so the Leech twins has a teal-greenish undertone under their skin when that becomes visible when exposed to water and if you look closely their toes get webby kind of

LOTS OF FRECKLES

Has a tongue piercing he sometimes takes out

Had the most fun being in his dream element, especially when Azul and Riddle there!

So I know I didn't edit their cards cause they honestly didn't strike editing art on them but I'll add Jack and Azul!

Really enjoyed the sudden change of pace and weather

Didn't like the beach life at first cause the salt water was knotting his furr and the sand did not help the idea, but he quickly grew adapting the idea of it and even enjoyed the knots and combing them out

After this he set up a vacation to the beach with his siblings

Fell in love with the scent of the beach

Was super self conscious about taking his shirt and being in the water and wouldn't have done either if it weren't for Floyd threatening to throw him into the ocean and Grim's teasing

Calmed down after a while and relaxed enough to just enjoy everything

Let his merform out during the night when it's too dark to see when Floyd joined in, did the same, and Riddle joined it but wasn't scared which amazed and calmed him more

Got inspired for profit but just inspired in general as he spend those days enjoying everything all together, swimming in the water, eating food, running and rolling in the sand

He also has freckles but they're small and light

Because of his bright mood after he was extra nice which freaked people out

He surprised the Leech twins with a dish of their favorite foods but didn't tell them how he managed to cook that stuff being he's, well, a octopus merman

Doesn't believe in gender but doesn't want to think about his own

Lowkey wants kids now

They all got closer after the whole thing

They all shared things of their pasts, with choices of being vague to some parts and areas for obvious reasons on Azul's and Lilia's part

As soon as Yuu mentioned a store that sold Stitch plushes, they got one right away

Lots of lowkey romantic tensions for whoever you want to say, Riddle x Floyd, your favorite ship, any of the cast with Yuu/You

They visit the Mostro Lounge every time they have free time or after a dorm head meeting, bring along people from their dorms as well

And in tradition of every Twst event so far, there's a playlist I made