#because while the land has definitely fallen

[hzdtrees]

Sight-sea-ing, pt. 1

[a-hazbin-reader]

Just had a fun idea but like, what about hcs on how the others would react upon realizing s/o has feelings for Alastor? Like out of everyone they could've fallen for of it HAD to be him kjbgbkjs

Thanks for the consideration and take care of yourself op! Drink water, eat food, and know ur favs adore you!

Everyone finding out that wifey is married to Alastor??? 👀 That's what I heard-

Alastor X Reader Headcanons

✅️Romantic

❌️Platonic

TW: A little suggestive in the middle bit? Angel helps wifey buy lingerie

Description: ☝️⬆️

You meet everyone at the hotel separately from your husband, so they never make the connection until they actually see you two together

Except Niffty, Alastor just had her trailing behind him one day

"Niffty! This is my darling wife! She is the lady of the house!"

"Neat! I'm gonna go find some bugs!"

"...she's cute, Alastor."

"She's a menace in disguise, my dear~"

When you first met Husker, you were playing cards when he suddenly saddled himself next to you with the kind of confidence that only an overlord has

Luckily, the game was only for fun, the two of you competing against each other in friendly competition

It's a good time between the two of you, you're charming and witty, Husk just eats it up and keeps asking you to play another game

"You're pretty good at this aren't you, beautiful? Do you gamble often?"

You simply hum and politely sip your drink, carefully thinking about how you're going to turn down the overlord

"I don't tend to frequent these sorts of places but my darling husband and I are celebrating so it's a special occasion~"

"Husband?"

"Oh, he's harmless! A real romantic...~"

He deflates a little at the mention of your husband but moves on like nothing happened and that's the last you see of him for a couple of months

That is until Alastor comes home one day looking exceptionally pleased with himself as he sweeps you up into an impromptu dance

"Alastor~! What's gotten into you~?"

"Another victory under my belt, my dear~! You know how you've been saying you always wanted a cat?"

"No?"

"Well, I went out and got you one!"

You barely have time to ask him what he means when suddenly Husk is standing in front of you, looking shocked

"Oh Alastor...tell me you didn't go after him just because he flirted with me a little.."

"Of course not, darling~! I did it beca-he did what now?"

Husk looks around in bewilderment before his eyes land on you wrapped in your husband's arms, pointing at you accusingly

"HE'S YOUR HUSBAND!? You need to look up the definition of HARMLESS cause he ain't harmless!"

You meet Charlie because she quite literally runs into you, tears in her eyes and obviously upset

"I'm so so SO sorry! I-"

"Hey hey...what are you sorry for? Are you okay, my dear?"

You can't help but mother her, wiping away her tears as she tries to excuse her tears as nothing serious

"Would you like to talk about it? I can't just leave you crying out in the street like a lost baby, now can I?"

She sniffles pathetically and nods, letting you guide her somewhere more private

"Y-yes please..."

"Come now, we'll make some hot tea and you can tell me what's got you so worked up..."

You two grow attached to each other after that and make time to meet with each other at least a few times a month

She gets anxious when she hasn't heard from you in a while and calls you whenever she's upset about something, seeking your opinion

You listen to Charlie's problems and try to offer her advice or do what you can to help her feel better, sometimes she just needs a motherly hug

She tells you about her hotel and whether you believe in her dream or not, you support her because she obviously needs it

Other times, you two talk about your respective partners and gossip

"Your husband sounds so sweet! I've got to meet him one day! When he comes back, of course..."

You laugh at her enthusiasm, gently patting her hand to calm the excitable young woman down a little and trying to quell the sadness of his absence

"And this girlfriend of yours sounds like she really cares about you, I'd love to meet her."

You feel compelled to look after her, and Charlie sees you as a source of comfort if not a mother figure to her

So she eventually introduces Vaggie to you because you've been asking to meet her, Vaggie is just excited to meet the famous Y/N

She's heard so much about you from Charlie that she had to see if you were genuine, she had to make sure you weren't using her girlfriend

Only to be taken aback by just how much she ends up liking you, looking to you for advice just as Charlie does

She's geared up, ready to fight, when one day you two are suddenly cornered by thugs out on the street, only to be baffled when you take them out with ease

Just how powerful are you?

"Wait wait wait-how did you pull off that move? I've been trying to learn how to do that for months!"

You're casually fixing your clothes and rubbing your wrist, completely unfazed by the ambush

"It's just a little something I learned from my husband~ Would you like me to teach you?"

"Y-yes! Please!"

She readily accepts, and soon she's just as attached to you as Charlie is, looking forward to the times you agree to spar with her

Her and Charlie talk about how much they love you one night before they go to bed

"So....she's great right?"

"Charlie, I fucking love her."

"Right!?"

You meet Angel at a clothing store, the two of you shopping in the same section when you catch him staring hard at the gloves

"You should try this one, the color compliments you really well, and they're made from a good material."

He jumps in surprise, obviously startled by your sudden arrival, but does genuinely seem to look at the pair of gloves you're pointing out

Angel picks them up and tries them on, seemingly more than pleased with your picks, whatever thoughts that were weighing on his mind momentarily forgotten

"Thanks..! Uh, maybe I can help you pick something out?"

He gestures to the many different lingerie in your basket, you're obviously having a hard time deciding which one to get

You have the decency to at least look a little embarrassed, a soft blush taking over your features and making you look innocent

"Would you? My husband is back, and I just want to show him how much I've missed him..."

Angel guides you to the fitting rooms, obviously excited to be of help, he could be saving a marriage for all he knows!

"Sure thing, doll! You put on each one, and Angel Dust here will tell you which one will knock your man off his feet! If I know anything! It's how to turn a man on!"

Normally, you wouldn't even THINK about showing another man your body in lingerie, but hearing that and having an inkling of who Angel is, you trust him

And it's surprisingly fun! Angel helps you narrow it down to three favorites that are sexy and comfortable, it never once feels creepy or uncomfortable

"Now pose like this when he comes in! Yes! Just like that! Your hubby is gonna lose his mind when he sees you!"

You can't help but laugh, not at all feeling ridiculous but enjoying Angel's antics and enthusiasm

"Thank you, Angel. We should go clothes shopping together again sometime, I had a good time today."

He winks and holds out his phone to get your number before walking away, no longer seeming so...depressed

"And you'll have an even better time tonight! See you later, doll~!"

You two shop together on the regular after that, greeting each other with air kisses and judging people together

"Ugh, do you see the hair on that gal? What an absolute wreck!"

"That hairstyle wasn't even popular when my husband and I were alive...ugh..."

"When am I gonna meet this man of yours anyways?"

"When he stops going to a tailor and agrees to come shopping with me~"

You're laying in bed with Alastor one night, nuzzled under his chin and cuddling in his arms when he suddenly speaks

"You know that little...project I've been working on?"

You're nearly asleep, the feeling of his thumb rubbing your arm soothing you more than he realizes

"Mhm..."

"Well, I was thinking maybe I could take you with me tomorrow...everyone there has been dying to meet you."

You open your eyes to look at your husband, smiling at him as you lean up to kiss him softly

"More people who don't believe that you have a wife? I'll be happy to set the record straight~"

He chuckles and rolls you two over so that he's on top of you, kissing down your neck as his hands push up your nightgown

"I can't wait to show you off to everyone~"

The next day, Alastor takes your arm in his and leads you inside, you're more than a little surprised to see that his project is a hotel

You're a bit shocked to see so many familiar faces in front of you, Niffty running up to hug your leg and Husk giving you a lazy wave

Charlie, Vaggie and Angel are all staring you like you're a ghost, eyes slowly moving from Alastor to you over and over again

Charlie drops her tray of snacks in surprise, rushing up to give you a bone crushing hug while Vaggie stands in front of Alastor as if to protect you

"Y/N! What are you doing here!? Are you here to give redemption a try? Oh, I knew you would come around!!"

You laugh and hug her back while patting her head, gently prying her arms off of you so you can pet Niffty

"It's good to see you too, my dear princess, though I'm here with my husband."

Vaggie's jaw drops, and she whips around to look at you, jabbing a finger at Alastor as you see her trying to digest the truth in front of her

"You! A-and him!? The Radio Demon?!"

Alastor takes the opportunity to pull you back to his side, a loving arm around your waist as you happily lean on him, hand on his chest

"Everyone! This is Y/N, my lovely wife~! Y/N, please tell them all that you're here of your own volition and that you are happily married to the most wonderful demon in all of hell!"

You hear Angel trying to hold in his laughter, obviously flashing back to the many conversations he's had with you about your mysterious husband

"Yes yes, I'm happily married to him and I'm not under any mind control or deal or anything else like that~"

You can hear Vaggie's soul leave her body, Charlie's delighted squeal and Angel's uncontrollable laughter at the sight of you and Alastor rubbing noses in an obnoxiously cute manner

"This is the guy you've been buyin' all those sexy clothes for!? Oh my fuck!! This is too good!"

"I can't believe Alastor was your husband this whole time!! I knew he was secretly a big softie! Oh my gosh! You should hear how he talks about you it's so cute!!"

"...I don't get what you see in him..."

"I don't either, you know that when I first met her, she called him HARMLESS? She's delusional."

"He's a bad boy and she LIKES IT~!"

Your husband looks at you in confusion, gently stroking your cheek

"All this time I spent singing your praises to earn you a decent reputation around here was for nothing? I should've known you'd have stolen their hearts already~"

You smile and kiss Alastor's palm sweetly, earning a chorus of cooing and disgusted noises from your audience

"Actually, I've met everyone here before, darling... it seems we've been unintentionally been keeping our a marriage a secret from everyone!"

Charlie is just so enamored with the way you two interact as a couple, her eyes sparkling whenever she watches you two together

Vaggie is just disappointed in your taste in men and shakes her head whenever you two are affectionate, secretly she thinks it's cute

Angel gets a kick out bugging Alastor about the clothes he helped you pick out, always asking him if he liked the lingerie

Husk is just thankful for the distraction you prove to be for Alastor because then he has more time to himself, encourages you two to go on a lot of dates

Niffty is just crazy as always 😜 She likes you two together though and will stab anyone who tries to separate you two

This one took so long!! I hope you like it!!

[katsukiizmoon]

bodyguard or bestfriend! katsuki who practically lives in your personal space, he's only "looking out for you" and "making sure you're okay" he definitely isn't dependent on feeling your warmth against him, he definitely doesn't get antsy when you're not near him, not at all

Second time writing this, tumblr ate it the first time 🥴 but no because I bet he leaves his shit there and then forgets.i have so many thoughts on this

Katsuki has practically raided every square inch of his apartment. He’s checked every basket, drawer, nook and cranny of the place— and he’s found four pair of boxers. Total.

There’s no way.

A frustrated groan leaves his lips when he notices missing sweatpants. His face twists into a scowl while he shoves the last of his dirty laundry into the washing machine. He snatches the detergent and tosses it in, pressing the button and turning on his heel.

He storms out of his apartment and shoves his keys into the door, locking it. And you know something’s off the moment he arrives. He huffs and puffs like he’s going to blow your house down. All the while, you sit perched on the couch with a basket of laundry and a no-brain-needed show on.

“I’m goin’ fucking insane.” Katsuki grits, carmine eyes peering into your ceiling.

You hum and toss a pair of panties into a nearby basket. A sigh leaves him as his chest sinks beneath the black tank top.

“You always are— but why now?” You raise a brow at his glare, resisting a snicker.

Your fingers lay purchase on a pair of his sweats. Effortlessly, you begin to fold and separate the rest of the laundry. Another pair of his sweats are in your hands as you pause to look at him.

“Searched the damn place top to bottom,” a sigh “- can’t find my shit. Got four pair of boxers. I’m losing it.” He grunts with an exasperated groan.

Katsuki peels his gaze from the ceiling to meet your own. You begin to chortle and snort.

The pair of sweatpants in your hands meet his face with a dull thud. Without thinking, katsuki yanks the offending fabric away and growls.

“Oí, asswipe-“ The second pair meets his face before he can finish and it takes all of three seconds for it to register.

“.. why d’you got my shit?” He takes a deep breath, just like his therapist told him to, trying not to jump to conclusions.

“You always leave your shit here— I’ve got an entire drawer. You’ve even got a toothbrush and face razor in my bathroom.” You challenge, holding up a pair of boxers you’ve just found in the basket.

Katsuki blinks. He has been over a lot. But it’s only because you can’t take care of yourself— you’d die! The blonde runs through memories of cup ramen and expired snacks in your fridge and pantry. His eyes roll.

“Well, I need my shit, brat.” He chooses to say instead.

You glance at the TV to see two of the girls arguing over what food to have at a party. Typical, there’s always that one bitch who wants fruit at a candy land themed party.

“Go for it, it’ll end up back here anyways-“ you chortle and toss a pair of clean boxers his way “-you’re over five days a week.”

Ruby orbs narrow, brows furrowing as he takes playful offense to your statement. A grin plasters across his face and he leans in.

“Wouldn’t have to if a certain shithead could take care of herself, now would i?” Katsuki taunts and assumes victory. He looks proud of himself.

Your brows shoot to your hairline and you laugh wildly. The task at hand half forgotten, fingers reaching into the basket to grab a random article of clothing and throw it at his head.

“Oh please, you come here for back rubs and head scratches.” The teasing tone of your voice has his eyes rolling. Hard.

Katsuki looks down at the fallen fabric and snorts. Big hands put the pink, scallop trim panties in the basket to your right while he formulates a good answer.

You’re not completely wrong.. but you can’t know that.

“Nah I c’mere cause’ you’ll get a scurvy if I don’t.” He lies, grabbing a towel to fold.

Banter continues on and off through the night. He talks shit on the show you’re watching but gets invested anyways. Like always. A plate of steaming curry is served for dinner and afterwards you show him to the stash of his items stored away in your bedroom.

He grumbles and flushes a peachy tone, throwing most of the items in his bag. He leaves two or three pairs, though.

You get lectured again on groceries even though he’s the one that cooks. And, now? There’s a grocery list on your fridge that says “k: bringing order on Monday” in not too-pretty handwriting.

Katsuki finds himself basking in the warmth of your hands later. Pretty fingers rub his taut muscles and tug at the roots of his hair. Nails drag up and down, up and down his shoulder and back casually. He’s out like a light in minutes.

He wakes up and chooses to ignore that he’s already left another set of clothing in your laundry basket.

[mellowwillowy]

Jade had always been fascinated by you, a beautiful siren. With the tail illuminating the dark sea, you wrapped it with his and Floyd's.

“𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬”

Yan! Octatrio x Fem Reader x Yan! Prince Riddle

Enchanting yet deadly, Jade remembered your voice well. Floyd was none the wiser as well for falling for you. But who wouldn't? The three of you used to play together, tail and tail. It was an innocent crush but when one matured, things no longer stayed the same.

It was around the time Azul had started to be prominent with his magic that you proposed the idea you wanted to live in the land. It came off as an unpleasant surprise for the three of them.

To live in the land? What luxuries could you not afford in the sea to the point you wanted to live in the land?

The Leech family had always had your back, supporting you, a lone siren, financially and mentally.

If he had to put it in a word then it would be ungrateful.

A selfish and foolish decision. It didn't take too long for them to pry out the true answer to this idea.

Because you had fallen in love with a prince you saved.

Two of Azul's hearts broke, one from a heartbreak and one from shock. Floyd was enraged by the idea of you going up there alone without their supervision while Jade remained indifferent on the outside.

But deep down, his mind swirled to something.

Sister has grown out of our confinement.

You were no longer compliant with Jade and Floyd. You were no longer the siren who had no curiosity whatsoever beyond the landscape that they constructed for you.

When did it all go wrong? Jade thought he had 'raised' you well within his terrarium.

One thing for sure was that once the terrarium had shattered, you could not restore it.

You left them three without notice or trace, either out of fear they wouldn't let you go or you were too blinded by love. No matter how hard they sang or called out to you, they could never see you anymore. Weeks turned into months and months turned into years.

Their tails and arms grew larger and longer but they could never wrap it around yours.

The three sea creatures would cry, either tears or pearls, longing for your return.

Floyd had always enjoyed playing with you or sleeping with your lullaby. You were his accelerator and brake and your existence made his days.

Azul had always been in love with you the moment you and the Leech brothers approached him. You didn't bully him for being a crybaby and only teased him. It was surprisingly a childhood crush that lasted until he was an adult.

Jade. Jade was pained but could anyone see it beyond his exterior? Weren't you supposed to be his? Either as something he raised or as something he would mate. To lose your mate out of a sudden with no trace of whatsoever, what else could he do? If anything, he was your first and you were his first.

He befriended you first. He gave you friends, Floyd and Azul. He convinced his parents to sponsor your life. He never did anything out of hand to you. What more could you have wanted? What more could that human you fell in love with have?

And apparently, that prince had nothing. He was incapable of going against his own mother's 'absolute' words. He was a spineless man.

Riddle Rosehearts. The crown prince to the Queendom of Roses, a kingdom ruled with an iron fist. It was merely a coincidence when Jade suddenly heard your voice, a barely audible voice. But he knew it better than anyone it was your voice. Your voice was like music and a mantra for him, it was only natural it was etched in his skin and heart.

When peeking up from the sea, he could see you who had matured to perfection along with a rather short red-haired man near you. His primal instinct was telling him to swim to you and yank you down, nails and teeth digging into your flesh and legs. It would definitely feel better to relieve his stress this way than beating the hell out of those scoundrels right?

But he knew it was impossible. There was magic wrapped all over you, presumably cast by the red-haired man.

"Time to go back, dear. You might catch a cold if we stayed up too late."

You looked at him from your shoulder and stared into the distance again. The sea reminded you of home, but Riddle was also your newfound home. You nodded at him and walked to his side. Walked. That was his first time seeing you walk. It did have its own charm but he preferred you underwater where he reigned best.

At that point in time, Jade decided to hang around the sea you were nearby while tracking down Riddle's identity and information. He took note of when you were allowed out near the sea when you were allowed out of the palace, and when you were out singing on the balcony.

In his mismatched eyes and ideologies, you looked like a lonely, frail maiden. Were you forced to stay with him? If so, why did you comply with Riddle but not him? On what basis could he not have what Riddle had? Because Riddle was a beautiful man while he was a sea creature? A moray eel bound in the sea? Because you had sated your curiosity with him and decided to move on?

Unacceptable.

His eyes and mind were clouded with false judgments and illogical accusations. He had buried his feelings for so long, never expressing his disdain to others. Just like a whale, he exploded, exposing guts for the seagulls to feast on.

Would you weep if he really did explode? Or would you be too focused on Riddle?

Either way, he was determined to drag you back to the sea, either with legs or a tail.

— # —

To be Riddle Roseheart's wife was to bear the humiliation of his mother, the Queen. A nobody who expected to marry her son, the crown prince? Fortunately or unfortunately for you, Riddle was really in love with you to the point he staked on everything just to have you right next to him.

But he didn't have enough to bet on and could only win half the pot. You remained next to him not as his wife but as his lover. His mother and wife were against it but seeing the amount of suitors swarming at you made him break a nerve or two. Either from miracle or deception, he had you take the position of the crown prince's lover, unknown to the public but a well-known secret to the higher-ups.

One of Jade's father's colleagues was a human from the Queendom of Roses, a higher-up. It wasn't hard for him to obtain all sorts of information when that was the case.

You were so pitiful yet you still complied with him. It was because of the magic that restricted you from escaping right?

But the way you kissed and hugged him told him otherwise. How could someone be blinded by love to this extent? Did you lose a screw? Or did he mess your brain up?

— # —

"Siiiiiiiisteeeeeerrr~"

A distant voice called out to you. You looked around and saw something poked from the sea. Teal-colored hair with a streak of black hair. Looking at those droopy eyes, it was unmistakenly Floyd. You immediately approached closer to the sea but not close enough to walk on the sea.

"Floyd!" You called out to him happily, waving your hand to him. Floyd observed your surroundings one more time, Riddle was nowhere to be found. As planned.

He swam closer to you and you crouched down to his eyes level, he was careful not to splash any sea water on you.

"It's been so long, sis. Where have you been? I miss you so much~"

You giggled at his remarks, clingy as usual. Webbed hands holding yours in place, he laid his head on your chest.

"Sis, are you married? What's the ring for?" He asked as he felt the metal wrapped around your finger. Delicate and intricate, a ring befitting of a maiden in love.

"Uhm, not really...? Maybe yes, maybe no."

"Why's that?"

"Because my lover has been officially married to another woman." You spoke with a subtle frown on your face. No matter how much you were conditioned by Riddle, a heart could never be tricked huh?

"Sis, I also love you! Let's get married for real then!"

His words caught you off guard and you started clearing your throat out of embarrassment. Just as you were about to shrug it off as a joke, his tone dropped an octave.

"I mean it. If you are unsure, come back to the sea and we'll talk more about it."

You shivered at his words. Sea. Sea. Painful.

You instinctively pushed Floyd away from you with a yelp, hands wrapped around you while trying to regain your composure. Floyd crawled toward you and his webbed hand grabbed your ankle, dragging you to him, "I mean it."

"N-no! No! Stop! Help! Someone!"

Perhaps it was your pleas, perhaps it was the magic detecting your distress that had knights running to your aid. The numbers were still within Floyd's ability and he took them all down without any help. The more you struggled, the closer you were to the sea. The boiling seawater. With each flick of his long tail, the sea water hit your skin and you cried out of pain.

Floyd laughed out maniacally, "It seems like Jade was right. Sis, you were wrapped with this sick magic that won't allow you to swim back to our home!"

It didn't take a long time for Riddle to come with more knights at such a convenient time. Not that Azul couldn't handle. His eight arms swat everyone away from you yet Riddle was a persistent prince. Fire shot toward everyone but you, either from Riddle's magic or Floyd's.

"Riddle! Save me! It hurts!"

Seeing you crying for help from your captor was not a pleasant view for Floyd, evident from how deep he dug his nails into your ankle. Your shriek pierced through his eardrums and all Riddle saw was red. Even when more help came, you were still on the land. They could have yanked you down but they didn't. As though they were waiting for the finale.

"What are you bastards doing?! Secure her and capture these scoundrels now! Do it right now if you don't want your head rolling!"

This time, all of the knights charged forward and Floyd tossed you toward Azul's embrace. And right next to Azul was Jade with a dagger held at your heart.

"HALT!" Riddle yelled atop of his lungs. His eyes widened at you and Jade's hand holding a dagger so close to your life force.

Jade snickered at his pale face before starting his speech, "I guess you have no intention of letting her go no matter how many men have fallen."

The blade slowly tugged your dress down, "I was kind enough to wait for a change of heart from you,"

Lies. He just wanted to see your distressed nature and they just want to get back at him.

"But you left me with no choice but to do this. If we can't have her back in the sea, then we surely can have her body."

You squirmed beneath the tip of the blade and Azul's embrace. You could have sworn you felt him lightly nip at your ear as though trying to calm you down.

But who could be calm when death is this close?

"J-Jade... please..." Your voice came out hoarser than you expected. Your lips were trembling and so was your body. Ah, you were finally crying for help to him.

"What do you say, Crown Prince Rosehearts? Undo the spell and we will let her live safe and sound under the sea,"

There was no such thing as a sea witch benevolent anymore. No contract or anything. Just pure threat. Your brain could not think of a solution any of them could come up with yet you wish Riddle would find a way to save you. He would save you because he loved you, right?

Riddle mustered himself for his final call,

"Capture or kill these three sea creatures and bring me back my lover, dead or alive in their hand, I want her body back."

If your heart had not sunk from the arrangement you were in, it surely had the moment you heard his order. Just before you could say anything, Jade plunged the dagger deep where your heart was supposed to be. Seeing your dying state, Riddle held nothing back and cast more spells that were harmful to you and Azul. He had nothing to lose anymore.

He didn't mind turning your body into ashes if that would mean they couldn't retrieve your body as well. If he couldn't have you, no one could as well.

— # —

The outcome was that Riddle was left kneeling by the sea. He staked everything and lost everything while Azul did not lose even half his pot.

All sort of spell is bound to have a roundabout weakness to it. Just how many times must Riddle stake everything for something he could never have completely?

The moment Riddle’s magic hit you, it reacted with the dagger’s drug, immediately undoing the spell he cast on you.

Azul was wagering on whether you'd live or not while Riddle was wagering on the retrieval of your dead body.

Ironic. Azul wagered on his drug and dagger that was aimed at your very life yet miraculously or by fate, he won the gamble.

Just how many times must Riddle lose to miracle or fate? No matter how much or what he staked on, he couldn't win.

He couldn't win from the wager he had with his life.

He couldn't win from the wager of crowning you.

He couldn't win from keeping you out of the sea.

He couldn't win from the three sea creatures.

Whether you died or not, it was not something he would ever find out. Whatever that happened to you, either you turned into foam or survived with a pair of legs or tail, he'd never know.

Just when Riddle tried to walk into the sea, his skin burned against the sea water.

Riddle scoffed, “Phah! It's that stupid Moray with the dagger’s work, wasn't it? He waited for me, not for her sake.”

As expected of a Moray.

— # —

[sixosix]

YOU MUST LIKE ME FOR ME | LYNEY

notes wc 3.5k, for readers keeping up with the updates as they come, it’s been a while since the last update! so for the sake of understanding this chapter, please reread the previous one !!

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You were starting to regret ever opening your mouth and letting Aether blackmail you into helping him. Maybe if you had insisted on cooking dinner and Rosalie took over the counter, none of this would’ve happened. But what’s happened has happened—and you have a feeling that you would’ve ended up here regardless because fate hated you.

Lyney emerges from the shadows, sliding into the spotlight as if he was born for it. Meant to be there in the middle of the stage with all eyes on him and nowhere else. He has his arms spread wide open, fully welcoming the elated whispers of the audience.

“Welcome, one and all, to Lyney and Lynette’s magic show!”

His voice echoes throughout the opera house, nearly drowned out by the roaring cheers that follow after. Lyney then grins, bowing with half of his body.

The way he moves across the stage—it’s hard to imagine it’s the same guy who stumbled over his steps to make you notice him. It seems like the roles have reversed. Now, the audience is watching each move with bated breath, on the edge of their seats, watching him.

“Please, let me also welcome my sister and my assistant, Lynette!”

Lynette steps onto the stage, her tail flicking at the noises. You swear you heard a kid whisper wildly to his mother that it was a part-cat human, maman! Why is Mr. Lyney not also one if they are siblings, maman?

Lyney may not have the ears and tail, but you remember the way his eyes followed you around like a cat tracking its prey, seconds away from pouncing. He resembled a cat more than Lynette at times.

“Hello,” Lynette says to the crowd and leaves it at that. The crowd loves it anyway.

Lyney grins. Something about it feels so different. He was cute as a kid, but now, with all teeth and sparkling eyes, he’s like a dream far out of reach.

“Are you okay?” Aether whispers. You almost jump out of your seat, breaking from the trance. “If you keep digging your nails in like that, you might rip the dress.”

“Ah.” You haven’t even realized. “Don’t worry about it. First-show jitters or something.”

“You’re not the one performing?”

“Or something.” you insist. Aether laughs under his breath and, thankfully, leaves it.

Back when you were at the House, Lyney could only do simple tricks. Plucking cards from his sleeves or hiding them in between his fingers. He was clumsy with making cards float, revealing doves from his hat, and producing flowers in a snap.

It seems to come from second nature for him this time. He flicks his hand, and a beautiful Lumidouce Bell materializes on his palm. Lyney throws it to the crowd; it lands by your feet.

“Wow, that was so cool!” Paimon gasps as you move to pick it up.

You remember now. This was the only flower Lyney used for his tricks, as they come in bundles when found. Often after dinner, Lyney would perform to practice for the other orphans, and it ended with a mess of these flowers scattered across the ground or left unattended by their beds after presenting it to them.

“Hold on,” Paimon says, “Is he looking at us? Did we miss something?”

Lyney is definitely looking in your direction. He has fallen silent, frowning. You start wishing that he is staring, not because he recognizes you but because you’re drop-dead gorgeous or something.

“Y/N?” Lyney says, his soft voice loud in the pin-drop silent auditorium.

Well.

“Mr. Lyney?” One of his assistants on stage asks. “What’s wrong?”

The crowd starts to murmur; then their fervent whispers grow in volume until everyone is talking loudly. Another accident? Mr. Lyney looks terrified! Aghast! Meanwhile, Lyney stays frozen in his spot; he doesn’t look like he’s breathing. It was the same look he gave you that night. Maybe his face hasn’t changed that much, after all.

“Lyney?” Lynette asks from the side of the stage, her face poking out. Then she follows his gaze, and her eyes widen as well. That’s when you knew—

“Shit,” you mutter, clutching the flower and springing up from your seat. You can’t have this happen while an audience is watching. That would totally ruin the whole point of laying low.

It was definitely not because you’re drop-dead gorgeous, but the fact that he still recognizes you has to mean something, right? Something that you don’t want to think about at the moment. You hurry to the exit, ignoring the dirty looks you get as you brush past.

“Did that girl do something?”

“Where are the gardes?! She must have done something to make Mr. Lyney chase after her’”

Seriously? You cast a glance, and Lyney’s scrambling down the stage, his assistants yelling after him and demanding for an explanation.

“Wait, no!” Lyney exclaims in response to the audience reluctantly getting up from their seats and reaching out to you. “Ah— Not to worry, everyone! I just have personal matters to attend to. Please, just stay—”

Idiot, you want to scream, it’s not so personal if you’re chasing after me in front of all of them!

The Melusine guarding the entrance seems oblivious to the ruckus inside. She blinks up at your haste and asks, “Is the show over?”

You say, “I have an emergency. Uhm—I, uh.”

Her face turns serious. She nods. “I see.”

“What— what are you thinking? it’s—” Your ears pick up on Lyney’s steps, and you wisely decide that it is not the time to save face. You give the Melusine a wave. “Thank you!”

You take a swift, sharp turn once you’ve reached the end of the stairs, stumbling into a dead end, and you don’t get very far.

You wonder if Aether and Paimon chased after you or if they’d pretend not to know you for the sake of the mission. If you die, you hope they would at least still pay you for compensation, and the money would go to Rosalie. Or maybe she would be enraged when she finds out you’re a Fatuus and doesn’t take it. Maybe your story of deceiving Rosalie would make her customers flourish, buying flowers to disguise the intent of asking about the liar residing in her home for years.

“Caught you,” Lyney whispers, his firm grip around your waist. The rushing water is noisy, but his voice is clear to your ears.

Hearing his voice up close is a problem. “Whoever you think I am, you’re mistaken!”

“Then why did you run?”

“You—” You had that look on your face I didn’t want to see again “—I forgot to lock my door. I don’t want my house to be robbed. Which might be occurring at this moment the longer you have me like this.”

Lyney laughs. It sounds like music that has haunted you for years—and with a new one playing, it’ll torment you for years more. He loosens his grip but keeps you caged in, still. You’re twirled around to face him, and something about his expression has you swallowing thickly.

“You’re even more stunning than I remember, ma chérie.”

Your face burns. “Thanks, but I don’t even know who you… ugh, stop looking at me like that…” Lyney’s smile, looking so fond, doesn’t falter in the slightest as if he expects that you would say that word for word.

“You think I’d mistake someone else for you? You’re the only one who runs from me like this,” he murmurs. His gaze feels heavy. 

“Mr. Lyney,” you sigh and turn away. You can’t bring yourself to look him in the eye when he says shit like that.  “Please. I didn’t show my face around anymore for a reason. A good reason.”

“I don’t trust your judgment to believe that.”

“Don’t talk as if you know me. We’ve been apart longer than we’ve been together.”

“Still, your words are as hurtful as ever,” Lyney says with a sad smile. You stiffen when he cups your cheek and touches you, his gloves rough on your skin. “You’re alive.”

You scowl. “Have you such little faith in me? How many times have I beaten you again?”

Lyney laughs again. Somehow, this is much worse than him killing you on sight. 

Lynette appears in your line of sight from behind Lyney, with Aether and Paimon trailing after her. Her steps are slow. Aether has that expression on his face that says, don’t react!

Luckily, Lyney takes your hitch of breath as embarrassment at having witnesses. He tears away but promptly reaches for your wrist as if a leash for a dog. You tug, but nothing happens. For someone who looks so delicate, he has quite the strength.

“Hello, Traveler, Paimon,” he says pleasantly. “Sorry to interrupt your show.”

Aether shakes his head. “I just wondered if something went wrong.”

Does this not look wrong enough for him? You hurl him a blank stare.

Lyney follows Aether’s gaze and glowers. He jerks you to his side and stares at Aether pointedly. Aether looks at you, confused. You don’t know what the fuck is going on either.

“I didn’t know you were familiar with Y/N,” Lyney observes coldly.

“I don’t,” Aether says easily. “I came out here to see if you were okay.”

Still, Lyney doesn’t loosen his grip.

“Y/N,” Lynette says. She interrupts whatever dick-measuring contest is brewing with a small smile on her face. “You’re here.”

“I am,” you wheeze out, still trapped in Lyney’s arms. It’s a little difficult to be anywhere else with your current predicament.

Lynette clears her throat, giving her brother a look. You recognize that one—it’s the one she uses when Lyney is embarrassing her and would give him a stern word about it later. Lyney grumbles and sets you free.

“Traveler, I have something to say to you,” Lyney says, his chin high and his stare cool.

“Alright,” Aether says, brows furrowed. He casts you a glance that Lyney watches carefully. “Come on, Paimon.”

Lynette fixes your sleeves as the boys leave for somewhere more secluded. You follow them until their silhouettes disappear. “How have you been?” she asks.

“I’ve just been in the low, but I’m doing fine,” you say, feeling a little shy. Lynette has grown up as nicely as her brother. Her hair is tied up now; you remember that Lyney used to beg for Lynette to use the hairclips he’s bought, but Lynette insists she doesn’t like them. You offered her a hair tie that day. “It’s been really stressful and all that. Sorry to ruin your show.”

“Don’t worry about that. Or them. You’re here—that’s the most important thing on Lyney’s mind at the moment,” she says, and at the face you’re making, she adds: “And you can’t tell me I’m wrong. You know I’m not.”

“Haha.” You don’t know what to say to that.

Lynette hums. “Are you carrying out missions?”

You start thinking about the danger of confessing to present-fatuis that you are no longer one. As much as you trust them, you don’t trust they hold you to the same level. They have complete faith and loyalty towards The Knave, which you abandoned long ago. The orphans’ trust ran deep, and no one—not even you—could fuck with it.

You nod. “Yes, which is why I’ve been too busy. I’m— you see, I work for Lord Tartaglia now.”

Lynette looks stunned, speechless. Lyney has words to say, though, coming back at the perfect time. You take a peek at Aether, but it seems that he hasn’t followed Lyney back.

Lyney hurries to your side. “Master Childe? Is that why you’re here? We saw him around yesterday… Was it yesterday?” He turns to his sister, who nods.

Just your luck. Of all the Harbingers you thought of, it’s the one currently in Fontaine.

You’re losing confidence, and you hope it doesn’t show on your face. You used to look at the orphans in the House of the Hearth and think that you can beat them easily, without a sweat—right now, it feels as if they’re miles from your reach.

“Is this where Mr. Lyney went?” you hear from afar. “Perhaps they went back to the city!”

Lyney and Lynette’s faces turn exasperated. Lyney drags you further to the corner of the wall, and Lynette has her eyes peeled, scanning the path that leads here.

“Listen, I have to go. I can’t stay here for long.” They report everything to her; you know that well enough. “The— ‘Father’ already knows I’m here, so there’s no need to talk about me.”

Lyney stares at you for a moment too long. “Why?”

You wrack your head for something the twins wouldn’t be able to push. “I’m ashamed to see Father while I’m like this. After our fight, she had to transfer me. My pride and all that, you know?” You put on a timid expression. “Please don’t push.”

It works seamlessly. Lyney’s face falls. “Are you going to run from us again?”

“She might make me leave if she finds out I was talking to you.”

Lyney looks angry. “I’ll make sure she won't.”

“Don’t push,” you remind him softly. You’re a little stunned that he’s going this far. “I thought you hated me.”

“I could never hate you to the point of letting you slip from my grasp again.”

Hmm. That’s a strange way of phrasing it.

Before you can look into it anymore, Lyney takes your hand. “You said to me my loyalty is my worth. Well, by that logic, I’m nothing but valuable to you.”

“…Right,” you murmur, facing away from him and turning to Lynette for help, but she’s looking off to the side as well, still watching out for any gardes, yet her ears are pointed here. “I know that.”

“Y/N?” Lyney’s smiling when he forces your attention on him once more.

“Hm? What?” You need to look for Aether fast. Maybe tell him of the events that transpired and convince him that this was a terrible idea and Aether can arrest Lyney for all you care.

You do care. That’s the whole reason you’re doing this in the first place.

“I’m happy to see you,” he says.

“...I’ll see you around, Miss Lynette and Mr. Lyney.”

It wasn’t difficult to look for Aether and Paimon. You found them easily because you wanted to go there yourself: Hotel Debord.

Paimon’s wolfing down a plate of cake while Aether idly sips on his drink. Aether notices you first, waving you over. You find it strange that as soon as you pad over, Aether gestures to the stairs. You three climb up and find a place at the furthest table in the far corner.

“Lyney performs here sometimes, I heard,” Aether says as you settle in on a seat.

“Let’s hope he doesn’t strike this place with a surprise one while we’re on the most conspicuous seat,” you grumble. Paimon hands you her drink as comfort.

“I’d say that was a success,” Aether says, grinning. “Heartfelt reunion and rekindled feelings— I’ve never seen Lyney like that.”

“Like what?” Remembering Aether’s fixation on insisting on a blossoming relationship between you and the man you can’t even look in the eye, you immediately say, “Never mind. I don’t care. I ruined the plan.”

Aether laughs. “You didn’t, trust me. I learned something valuable today.”

You sip on the teacup. It’s Fonta, and it’s as unbearably sweet as the look in Lyney’s eyes as he talked to you. You’ve had enough of that for today.

“You can never hide it in your face when you care for someone,” Aether continues.

“You have that look on your face,” you say suspiciously. “Don’t tell me you’re also going to blackmail Lyney?”

“What? Of course not. That’s what I blackmailed you for.”

You snort. “And the Outlander reveals his true colors. You seriously still don’t believe me?”

“I still don’t have the information I want to have,” Aether reminds, stealing a piece of Paimon’s cake. She grumbles but doesn’t say anything else. She’s surprisingly compliant when there’s a plate before her. “That’s what you’re also here for, remember?”

“I don’t know, Aether,” you lament, sinking into your seat. “It feels like I made everything harder for me. “Do you still not trust them?”

“I think I blew it, too,” Aether laughs sheepishly. “I don’t think Lyney trusts me anymore.”

Paimon snorts, then quiets down when Aether shoots her a look.

“What did you and Lyney talk about?”

“It was a bit weird,” Aether confesses, then blushes at his drink. “I think Lyney was threatening me. He told me he saw me with someone by an alley.” At your confused look, Aether clarifies, “Doing something scandalous, I mean.”

You never thought Aether was the type, but that’s none of your business.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Aether sighs. “Of course I wasn’t up to anything of that sort. I’m still figuring out what he meant by that.”

“Maybe it’s a metaphor,” you say.

But Lyney doesn’t go lying about things like that. He may have a roundabout way of talking when he’s feeling playful, but ruining someone’s reputation is far too serious for that. And Aether never told you that Lyney was hostile around him—none of this just makes sense.

“All I remember was…” Aether’s gaze cuts down to your waist, and then he falls silent.

You frown. “Aether?”

Aether sighs. “I blew it. It’s up to you now.”

“Do you still see them as a threat?” you ask.

“It’s not that I see them as a threat. It’s just that… if they’re an obstacle I have to overcome between me and my sister, then I will do what it takes.”

Of course, you’re still stuck handling a pair of identical siblings. You could never understand the bond between them, but you have to admit, it’s interesting to see two sides of twins. One still together and one apart.

“Oh, right. Hold on,” Aether mutters, swiping a hand in the air. You watch in fascination as a bag materializes on his lap. He draws out a letter. “Lyney wanted me to give this to you, too.”

You read the contents. Aether asks, “What is it? A love letter? Does it have hearts drawn on it?”

“Stop that,” you say. “It has an address, no hearts.”

Aether gasps. Even Paimon pauses from her feast. “An address,” they chorus.

“It says meet me tomorrow.”

Aether hums. “Maybe this isn’t turning out so bad.”

Lyney’s soft expression flashes in your mind—the flower, the arm around your waist, ma chérie— Seriously, who told him it was alright to go around seducing women like that? You groan, your face falling into your palms. You both blew it. Maybe Paimon has a better chance of retrieving information than either of you.

“You must’ve really liked the Fonta,” Aether says, gesturing to your empty cup. “Want another one?”

You don’t hesitate before saying yes.

The flower Lyney threw you has already wilted by the time you return to the flower shop. It’s past midnight, yet there is still a dim light washing over from outside. You spot Rosalie seated by the chair behind the counter, her posture straightening as the bell chimes.

“You’re back!” She grins, though her eyes look heavy and a little red. She must’ve been sleeping deeply.

“Rosalie,” you greet, a little fond, a little exasperated, “did you wait for me?”

“I told that Outlander boy to bring you home before ten,” she huffs, ambling over to you. She pats your dress and sighs dreamily. “Did you enjoy Mr. Lyney’s show?”

There was no show to begin with. “Yes. I did. It was splendid. Cut a bit too short, though.”

“Were you chosen as a participant?” she asks, hopeful.

“No,” you say, laughing a little. Although Mr. Lyney did chase after me. You wonder what kind of face Rosalie would make if you told her that. She wouldn’t be able to sleep if you did; you’re sparing her quite nicely.

Rosalie smiles. You like her smile; it’s all soft and fond, and she’s always smiling, leaving smile lines on her face. If you got caught earlier and she found out about your true past, would she still smile at you like that? “You should get some sleep. You look tired.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re so cute, mon ange. You look like you’re glowing!” Rosalie squeals, pulling you in for a hug that smothered your face on her neck. “You should go out more often!”

“Glowing?” Rosalie’s hug has your words come out all fucked up. “If anything, I’m drained— maman, your hair is getting on my mouth, please. And I still want to work here, okay? Don’t kick me out so suddenly.”

Rosalie’s frozen, her smile wiped off her face. You look up and blink at her curiously. “Rosalie?” you ask.

She stammers, “Oh—ah, it’s nothing. I just thought— Oh, you’re right. I’m tired, too. Don’t stay out so late next time if you don’t want my face having eyebags!”

As much as you hate to admit it, seeing Lyney and Lynette did feel a bit nice.

notes !!! new chapter yay :D lmk what u think !!

akagi back at it again with giving us bangers like its NOTHING. look at this scene of lyney recognizing reader in the audience!! the details... aughhh + THE EXTRA ART IS SO FUNNY

PLUS PLUS LOOK AT AKAGIS ART OF LITTLE LYNEY AND GROWN UP LYNEY AAAHHH

TAGLIST.

@thenyxsky @aeferkssr @1mewo1 @lacrimae-lotos @meigalaxy @hyacinth-daze @miwafei @popochakku @svasilios @heyhazelnut101 @kruinka @waveto-earth @superstar-ethereal @mxplesyrvp @achilleas-dream @episodecete @jellifizz @auranny @motherscrustytoenailclippings @iawaaaaaaa @rionah @cherryig @kzhwaif @mystiquemare @unknownlololol @sanluvssu @blvdmrcnry @kascar-chronicle @idontevenknow129 @tarathecogsci

[wheredidhiseyebrowsgo]

Do you have any fics where either Derek or Stiles live in a cabin in the woods? Bonus points if they build it themselves.

Thanks!!

Definitely.

Magically Yours: The Sun, The Moon, The Truth by Akinasky

(1/1 I 925 I Teen)

Stiles and Derek go away to a cabin to celebrate their one year anniversary and Stiles uses his abilities to mark himself as Derek's partner, forever.

Snowed In by rororowyourboat 

(1/1 I 4,258 I Teen)

Stiles and Derek get caught in a blizzard while hunting a monster in the Preserve. Their options are trekking a few miles back through the snowy woods in inclement weather while exhausted and injured... or spend the night in a random cabin.

They choose the cabin.

Baby, you should stick around by ElisAttack

(3/3 I 9,543 I Teen)

Derek's driving along a stretch of highway when an unusual sight makes him slow down, the engine of his old pickup rattling in protest.

There's a kid standing by the side of the road.

It's the middle of nowhere, the goddamn apocalypse, and this kid is standing by the side of the road with his thumb pointed skyward. Like he's playing at being a hitchhiker.

Or the one where Stiles thinks he's all alone in a post-apocalyptic world, until he meets Derek.

(Welcome To) Far Far Away, or The Tale of Wolfskin and the Fox Prince by scarlettletterr

(4/4 I 14,716 I General)

There's a wolf sleeping in the cabin on the outskirt of Beacon Hills, and a fox in the Prince's chambers. This is a tale of magic, of lemon cakes, and oblivious idiots falling in love in the country of Far Far Away.

Abominable by Revenant

(2/2 I 20,272 I Teen)

Where Derek buys a secluded cabin halfway up a mountain, meets a yeti and falls in love with Stiles, but not necessarily in that order.

A sacrilege to keep it a secret by babisays

(1/1 I 21,275 I General)

Stiles has a secret he's been keeping from everyone his entire life. But Derek is starting to notice the fact that he'll never go near a body of water when other people are around and he keeps saying that he's really bad at swimming. Derek knows that's a lie because he was able to hold him up in a pool for three hours straight. Stiles knows his secret is a ticking time bomb and at some point, everyone will know it. But he quite likes being the human of the pack. Even though Derek and he know that he isn't. Derek just wants to figure out exactly what he is.

Retreat by words_in_starless_skies (orphan_account)

(12/12 I 43,889 I Teen)

Stiles is not okay. He struggles with the aftermath of being possessed by the Nogitsune. Alone. A worried Derek invites him to his cabin in the mountains, which he shares with Cora and Peter. Stiles is totally on board with getting as far away from Beacon Hills as possible, especially when it means he gets his own comfort wolf.

Move Inside Of Your Light by sterekhale

(17/17 I 73,510 I Mature)

After fleeing from hunters Derek found refuge in a small Wyoming town. For almost ten years, he lived alone in a cabin among acres of land, until one night he stumbles upon a car accident near his place. When the driver comes to with his friendly smile and beautiful brown eyes, there’s no way Derek could’ve predicted the next three weeks.

Stiles is a hunter who can’t go home and the alpha of the fallen Hale pack is his Hail Mary. What he didn’t expect to find was a gentle and broken man in place of the so-called mighty alpha. Despite the pressures from back home, Stiles keeps putting off what he has to do, while falling for the one person he’s not supposed to.

Mating Moons by skinsharpenedteeth (Skinsharpenedteeth)

(15/15 I 85,268 I Explicit)

Stiles just wanted to get Derek's attention. Derek had seemed so distracted as the full moon approached and Stiles was feeling pretty neglected as a friend. Next thing he knows, he's magically bound to a cabin in the mountains with Derek all winter long and they have to figure out whether they want to be life mates?

[zizzy-rie]

Another AU I've been thinking about for the past several days now

Here are some close ups of the second pic

More info under the cut

Lucifer Morningstar

His main job is creating toy designs and inventing them. Despite what people might think, he actually comes from a very wealthy and famous family, having owned several companies and lands in different parts of the country. Even though he has his wealth, Lucifer chose to live far from his family and start a life on his own, much to the disappointment of a lot of his relatives. From time to time, he does contact his father and siblings to catch up and know that they're okay.

Lilith Magne

She is a famous fashion model. Not much is known about where she came from as she rarely speaks about her past. Some say that she's bossy and unapproachable (men) but others see her as soft spoken and understanding (women and children). No one in society knows what she does behind her fame, except those powerful syndicates from the underworld. Lilith is a seductress killer who targets men as her victims. She lures them during huge gatherings and parties, wearing a purple gown paired with a black mask over her eyes. She leaves nothing but a black rose on the scene of the crime.

Alastor (??)

He is a radio host from an obscure radio show. Not many know who he is, much to his delight, as he prefers not being traced back to the monthly deaths happening in the city, most of which was his own doing. Alastor is quite organized with the way he chooses his prey, to the way they should be killed. In the underworld, he is well known, both by amateurs and by powerful and huge syndicates, yet no one dared to touch him or report him to authorities (they know what happens if they do, or even try to).

Relationships

Radioapple

No one knows how Lucifer and Alastor met, not even their close friends and family. One day, Lucifer was just suddenly seen arguing with Alastor on the street while holding some plastic bags filled with different things. Complicated is what can be described about their relationship. One minute, they're arguing and trying to hit each other with anything they can hold on to, then the next, you'll hear them cackling at each other's corny jokes. Their relationship got more complicated when the two got drunk off their asses and swore off and made a bet to make the other get laid.

**It would probably go something like this: Alastor and Lucifer, both very drunk and incomprehensible to anyone eavesdropping on them, somehow talking about relationships and partners (how their topic of conversation led to that is up to everyone's own interpretation).

Lucifer: Pppfft- I'm definitely a whole package! I mean just look at me! Charming, rich, handsome, great with the ladies~ Who wouldn't want that? Ehh? Eh?~

Alastor: Well, I don't see anyone hovering around you like an annoying pest now, do I? I guess you're not as charming or great as you think you are, sire.

Lucifer: You're one to talk! You've never even been on a date once!

Alastor: That's because I chose not to, Lucifer. Relationships are messy, and only complicate things. I have no time dealing with such feeble emotions such as love everyone oh so desperately craves. That is clearly not my cup of tea.

Lucifer: Pft, bet I could find you a partner that matches you.

Alastor: oh? Is that a challenge I hear, sire?

Lucifer: oh! How about this? you find me a partner to date, and I find you one as well. If one of us gets to find a match for the other in a matter of 6 months, then the winner gets to receive a reward. Sounds good?

Alastor: hhmmm, tempting, but what would be the reward, sire? If I may ask.

Lucifer: the winner gets to choose his reward, how about that? Doesn't that sound nice? Hhmm?

Alastor: Alright then, challenge accepted Lucifer. Although you're only making this easier for me, as I have never ever fallen for someone and I can assure you that it will never happen. Good luck with finding me a partner.

Lucifer: oh I definitely can, just you wait.

The current situation on their challenge so far: difficult is one word to describe it. No one has found a suitable date or partner for the other yet. [Until Lilith comes into the picture]

Radioqueen

Lilith is a witness to one of Alastor's murders. While disposing of the body, she had accidentally walked into the scene, much to Alastor's disappointment. This is their first meeting with each other, although they have heard rumors about the other from amateur criminals and rookies. Alastor, not wanting to kill Lilith because of his moral code of not killing women and children, bribed her into getting a date with one of the rich and chivalrous men in their city, Lucifer Morningstar, in exchange for her silence. Pleased with the idea (and perhaps another prey to feast on), Lilith agreed. The two exchanged contacts and have been in touch ever since. They are acquainted easily as the two share sentiments on not harming women and children in their murder spree. One detail Alastor forgot to take notice though is, Lilith's victims are men who she had a date with before their deaths.

Lucilith

The two bumped into each other in a cafe. Lucifer was getting a latte for himself, stressed out on the list he is making (names of random people he has heard of who he thinks are the type of people Alastor would go out with). Lilith was getting coffee, just finished from her modeling job in a nearby building. Their meet up was merely a coincidence, which was a delight for Lilith. This way, she could gain more information about who the person Alastor is setting her up with. Lucifer, mesmerized by her voice and stunned by her brilliance, tried to ask for her name. Unfortunately, he blurted out a different question as he was mulling over other problems in his head, such as the list for Alastor's possible dates. Asking someone to date their friend is not the kind of question anyone should be asking to a stranger, and yet it still happened to Lucifer, no less. Being possibly one of the most socially awkward people to exist, he could only sit on the ground and hide his face in shame and horror. Lilith, not expecting this kind of behavior from a rich and supposedly charming man, had found him quite cute and endearing. This is when she decided to leave her original plan of killing him, and instead vowed to marry him someday in the future.

[chuubian]

Midnight pearl

Tags Pirate Chuuya x gn mermaid reader, mermaid courting ritual, Chuuya is perpetually confused, hunting, trafficking (just talking about it not actually doing it), dehumanizing language, reader is kinda feminized? like there's a bunch of pearls and traditionally feminine things they wear and own, the flags are happy and alive

Summary While swimming peacefully in the ocean, you're suddenly caught in a big net. Pulled out of your reverie, you're hauled onto a big ship and stuffed into a tank that can barely fit you. The captain of this uncivilized group of pirates is Chuuya. He had first planned to sell you, but over time his heart softened until one day he realizes he's fallen for you.

A/N this is the last part of this mini series. if im ever inspired to add onto it i might but for the most part this is where the plot ends :)

Part 1 Part 2

An overwhelming warmth was surrounding your body. It was like being stuck in quicksand. Quicksand that  was super cozy and… hairy..? When your eyes finally snapped open you were met with a mountain of copper-toned hair, covering Chuuya's face who is, of course, snoring loudly. His head is resting on your chest, leaning into the comforting heat radiating from your skin. Your heart jumps into your throat. Breathing is a laboured effort- all the air has been stolen from your lungs at the sight of him.

Shifting, you look around the room, trying to free his arms from around your waist but his grip is too strong, so you resign to your fate. The room is luxurious, filled with intricate woodwork, white silk drapes around the windows, and expensive jewelry hung up on display. To others, the bed would probably be the most eye catching thing in the room- with its beautiful burgundy canopy and fluffy, no doubt expensive, snow white covers. It screams ‘I'm rich!’ But the thing that drew your eyes was not the extravagant decorations. It was Chuuya.

It's like he can feel your eyes on him, because when your eyes glance over him- taking in his soft pink lips, the slight flush high on his cheekbones, the little bit of drool dripping down his chin- he wakes up. His eyes meet yours. They're such a deep blue. They remind you of the sea. Of the dark abyss that used to be your home. It's comforting in a way. He definitely wasn't the best person, but he held you so sweetly just a few hours ago. Maybe at the bottom of his heart he was a good person. He just did what he had to, to survive.

“Hey.”

If you couldn't tell Chuuya had just woken up from the creases on his face and his disheveled appearance, his low raspy voice would give it away. Still half-asleep, he pulls you closer, unconsciously leaning into the warmth, chest pressed against yours. Suddenly, a realization comes over him, face reddening, he scoots away, attempting to separate the two of you despite the thin sheen of sweat gluing your skin together. Eventually, he manages to free himself, settling on the other side of the bed.

“Sorry… I was just cold.”

“Really? You look sweaty.”

He scowls, turning even more red.

“No I don't!”

He mumbles to himself for a few seconds, chewing on his nails, eyebrows furrowed deep in thought. It made you smile to see him so thrown off balance, especially when he's usually in control of every situation.

"Whatever, It's almost dinner time we need to go eat."

Chuuya threw the covers off himself and climbed off the bed. He walked over to your side of the bed, floors creaking painfully.

"Do you want your tank or are you okay sitting with us?"

The question made you stop. Staying in the container would mean being in water, but it would also mean being isolated. Again. you had grown used to being around Chuuya. It was a bit fast- yet something drew you to him. He was the kind of person that's utterly captivating. Where one meeting with him, by chance, would keep you thinking about him ten years later. On the other hand, you've been on solid land for almost the entire day. You were starting to miss the moisture on your skin and the full feeling in your lungs from familiar ocean water.

Chuuya’s eyebrows furrow, noticing how serious you've gotten. He puts a hand on your shoulder, snapping you out of your thoughts.

"Hey, you okay?"

Nodding, you glance up into his blue eyes. it's easy to make your decision when he looks at you like that.

"I'll eat with you."

His lips quirk up into a pleased grin.

"Good, I was hoping you'd say that."

He reaches down to rip the toasty covers off you, exposing you to the horrible freezing environment. Whining, you lean into his touch. It's a welcome respite from the world outside.

"It's so cold."

He chuckles, low and deep. The vibrations reverberate through your chest, making your heart beat faster.

“I know, I know. Let's go.”

His strong arms slip under your back and tail, picking you up bridal style. It's a wonder how a man so short and small is so well built. The room was near the top deck of the boat, making it much easier to follow the hallways that had confused you so much a few hours prior. The wooden floors and walls here have less mold growing on them than the floors lower down. It's been cleaned thoroughly but they still couldn't seem to get all the fungus off. It was practically a permanent fixture of the ship. Destined to be there forever.

Once outside, you watch the sun start to hide, tucking itself under the horizon. It paints the sky with gorgeous yellows and purples, staining everything in its path with a golden filter. The sun is no longer searing your skin, instead it's moderate. More reserved than it would be at noon. The bright red ball of fire is starting to give way to the moon, concealing itself, letting another celestial body have its time to shine. Unselfishly.

Chuuya bounces as he walks with you to the top floor, setting you down next to him at the table. His arm is still wrapped around your waist, pulling you close until your tail and his thigh are pressed together. When you turn to look at him, you see he's already got his gaze focused on you. Chuuyas arm tightens around you slightly, his other hand coming up to play with the collar of his linen shirt nervously. He glances back down to the arm wrapped around you.

“I-its so you don't fall…”

You nod, accepting his answer and turning back to the table. The crew starts pouring in, fighting over seating and making comments about you. The same woman that smells nice from a few hours ago sits on the other side of you. She doesn't seem to like it when her kimono brushes up against your skin, scooting away.

“You're going to make my clothes smell like fish.”

Before you can speak up, Chuuya cuts in.

“Be nice.”

She huffs, head held up high, not even having the decency to look at you instead of the space across from her at the table.

“I'm just saying. I don't want my clothes dirtied.”

“Then why did you sit here?”

You finally speak up. She turns to look at you, eyes narrowed in discontent.

“None of your business. You should learn to keep your mouth shut, you have no use here other than to be sold.”

Chuuya chips in.

“Ane- san, there's no need for so much hostility. They're here now and they'll be here for a while. And Aren't you the one always telling me not to start fights for no reason?”

She glances over at him, lips pursing together.

“You've gotten too soft, Chuuya.”

After that, they both stay silent. The awkwardness is heavy in the air. Looming over you and sinking into your bones, making your muscles feel restless. Time moves slowly, oozing like sluggish drops of foul slime. Sticking to everything and everyone in the vicinity, ruining the festive atmosphere that had once filled the dining area- staining it with a somber, dreadful aura.

When the food comes, people start muttering softly among themselves, not wanting to face Chuuya or the woman's wrath. The meal itself didn't seem bad, their plates were full of dried fruits, chicken, cheese and bread that was well-seasoned. Probably to mask the flavor and smell of decomposing meat. For you, the only thing served was more clams, mussels, oysters, and seaweed. Thankfully they looked fresh unlike most of the crew's food. As you started eating- breaking open the shells, and scraping out the soft inside- you felt something hard. It was round and smooth, like a rock. Without thinking, you spit it out onto your hand and are met with a precious little white pearl. The people all around fall into silence once again, staring and the jewel in the palm of your hand.

“WHAT?!?”

Albatross’s shout pierces the quietude resonating in the air, breaking people out of their stupor. The unruly group of pirates swarm towards you, blocking all exits and your line of sight. You hold the pearl closer to yourself, hand clenched around it tightly, scowling.

“Alright! Alright everyone! Settle down! They found it, it's theirs to decide what to do with it!”

The air you had been unconsciously trapping in your lungs was finally let out, tension leaving your body as the crowd cleared out. The crew was still talking excitedly, expecting you to give them the jewel or at least sell it for money. Albatross was eagerly trying to convince you to hand it to him.

“I just wanna look, I swear! I'll give it back! I promise!”

Chuuya sighs, exasperated at his friend's weak attempts to trick you.

“They're not stupid… give up.”

“Aww come on Chuuya! You can't seriously be on its side!”

“Their.”

The blonde man's face sours- somehow more than when he ate the nearly rotten meal a few seconds ago.

“Huh?”

“Their. They're not an object. Speak properly next time.”

Albatross crosses his arms, eyes narrowed.

“I thought it didn't matter, weren't we gonna get rid of them anyways?”

He spits it out, stressing it like there's something inherently wrong or dirty about the word. He doesn't even treat his moldy meat this way. somehow treating you like a human being was one of the most vile, disgusting things he could do.

“It doesn't matter. I'm your boss aren't i? do what i say or else.”

At Chuuya’s biting words, Albatross backs off, mumbling under his breath, eating quietly for the rest of the meal. His head is hanging low, like a humiliated dog. It's uncharacteristic of him, he's usually so rowdy and loud. Chuuya's words seemed to be taken as gospel in this place. It was odd how much power he held over everyone.

The big pile of clams and kelp on your plate slowly disappear, leaving behind empty shells and a small pile of little multi-colored pearls. It's a miracle you found so many. Not all of them are perfectly round. Some have little blemishes and spots- or pieces that stick out, almost like a little tail. Despite not being flawless little gems, they glow just as brightly as the rest of them. Catching the attention of anyone who passes by- tempting them to swipe it off your plate and hold them hostage, away from you, for themselves.

After you've finished your food, you hold the little pearls in your palm, swirling them around and admiring the sparkle they give off. It's hypnotizing- the way they bounce off one another and clink together, glittering under the soft light. When you hold one up, next to the moon, you could almost confuse them for each other. Both creamy and comforting, reflecting the light off something much bigger than itself, but still enchanting in their own way.

"You really like them huh?'

Nodding, you look over at Chuuya, he's smiling down at you, eyes filled with warmth. The passion in his gaze wraps around you like a blanket- Protecting you from the harsh environment outside of your little bond. You lean closer, for some reason an overwhelming urge comes over you to feel his skin on yours. It's so smooth and well taken care of. Nothing like yours, which still isn't used to being in fresh air instead of salty sea water. His breath catches in his throat, grip tightening around your hips.

"You can have them."

You hold out the small handful of pearls for him. He blinks, shocked.

"Why? They’re precious, you should keep them."

Shrugging you pry his arm off from around you, forcing him to take the jewels. When his hand brushes against your lightly a tingling sensation travels from the tips of your fingers to your heart, causing it to speed up, and butterflies to form in your stomach. Chuuya seems to feel it too, gasping softly, hand clenching around the tiny pile of gemstones.

"Well...if you want me to. I'll take good care of them for you."

Chuuya admires the pearls in his hand for a few seconds.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?"

Albatross shouts from across the table, furious that he didn't get his 'fair share.'

"Why not me!?"

He starts fake sobbing, rolling around on the floor, and pulling on his hair dramatically. Groaning, Chuuya rolls his eyes.

"Did you seriously think they would ever give you these?"

"No but... I wanted them."

Albatross sticks his bottom lip out, pouting and trying to seem as cute as possible. It's fooling no one.

"Sorry for him boss, he's just being a little... theatrical."

The handsome man with blonde hair and blue eyes who was sitting next to Albatross speaks up. Chuuya grunts quietly, agitated.

"That's one way of putting it."

The man grabbed Albatross’ meager braid, dragging him away as he continues writhing around. He keeps a gentle smile on his face despite Albatross hurling insults at him and shouting.

"Lippmann! This is humiliating! Let me go! You can't do this to me!"

You can hear the man's voice get fainter and fainter as he's forced to rub against the floor- hauled across the decaying wood, getting small splinters along the way to the crew's quarters.

Chuuya relaxes once he's gone, tension leaving his shoulders, unfazed by what just happened. He quickly moves on, holding up one of the pink pearls with a little section that sticks out like a tail.

"This one looks like you."

You grin, his comment makes a weird sensation pool in your stomach. Settling heavy in your gut and spreading all around the forgotten recesses of your mind. Taking over your body completely.

"Does it?"

He nods.

"Yeah, it even has a little tail, see?"

You chuckle, looking down at the rest of the pile.

"And this one is you."

You hold up a little black pearl with a small extrusion coming out of the top.

"It looks like your hat."

He chuckles, putting the jewels in a compact pouch.

"I'll cherish these forever."

He glances up at the sky, breathing in deeply. You do the same. Strangely, you don't feel as suffocated by dry air anymore. You've become used to the bare feeling on your skin and the empty sensation in your lungs. The sea was cold and lonely, unlike being on land here with Chuuya. A peaceful quietness settles over the two of you, steadily tugging at you, pulling you closer. He breaks the silence.

"Uhm... can we talk in private?"

He looks around the dining table. People are still hanging around, talking and drinking, being tumultuous and causing chaos all around them.

"Yeah we probably should."

Chuuya stands up, strong arms picking you up once again.

"I'm sorry you have to keep carrying me around."

He shakes his head, finding it silly.

"I don't mind, I'm strong. Plus it'd be stupid if I was upset with you for trapping you here."

He walks with you in his arms toward the edge of the ship, seating you down on the chair he had left here a few hours ago when he was letting you look over the sea. Sitting down across from you, he crosses his legs. You find yourself missing the sensation of his skin against yours. It's far too frigid without him near you.

"What did you want to talk to me about?"

He looks up at you, expression serious.

"I wanted to let you go."

You feel your heart jump into your throat, blood running cold.

"... What..?"

This is what you had been waiting for, a chance to leave this place behind. To go back home. The man who had ripped you away from your habitat was offering you the chance to do the thing you'd been longing for. But somehow you found yourself dreading the idea. Would the water hug you as tightly as Chuuya did? Would the environment be as welcoming? You didn't have friends or family anymore. There was no reason to go back to the freezing sea. Chuuya had treated you kindly, defending and sympathizing with you. He wasn't even as bad of a person as he seemed at first. His willingness to let you leave proved that.

"You can go back home."

You tense up, looking out at the ocean. It's glittering beautifully. The water at night is such a familiar sight, it's hard to not miss it. The waves crash against the side of the rickety old boat, soothing your ringing ears. An ache in your heart longs to be back there, in a place you can move freely, but the dry air feels much more freeing than the pressure of water all around you. Especially when you get to be around someone.

“I… don't want to.”

His eyebrows furrow, baffled.

“Huh??? Why not?”

In spite of his questioning, a seed of hope is planted in his heart. blossoming under your attention. Blooming at the warmth and care radiating off you. He would do anything to keep you here, but at this point, keeping you hostage is too far. He doesn't want to trap you, he wants you to be happy.

“I just dont… I have no one to go back to and… I like being here.”

“On land?”

“Yeah, it's not so bad here.”

He pauses, reading your expression. He cant find any signs of lying, only a sincere look on your face.

“Well… if you want to you could stay in my room.”

“In the bed?”

He raises an eyebrow, lips quirking up smugly.

“You want to stay in my bed?”

Your cheeks turn hot. Humiliated at the implication that you enjoy being in the same bed in that way. Even if it was a little bit true.

“It's cozy!”

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

He looks back out over the ledge.

“Are you positive you don't want to go back?”

“I'm completely sure.”

He smiles softly, pleased with your answer.

“Let's go then.”

Chuuya gets up, gathering you in his arms once again and leading you back down to his chambers. There's a fuzzy feeling developing in your brain at the feeling of his muscles against you. He's so firm in all the right places. His footsteps are heavy, banging against the weakened wooden planks as he makes his way through the hallways.

The door to his room creaks open, swinging onto the wall beside it. The view of his quarters once again steals your breath away. It's pure luxury like you'd never seen. Chuuya sets you down on the edge of his bed before walking towards one of his cabinets, taking a few tools out and sitting beside you.

“What's that for?”

“I'm making something.”

He takes out the bag he had put the pearls you gifted him in, methodically drilling small holes in each one. There weren't many pearls to begin with but he took his time with each one, making sure it was perfect. Once that was done, he started weaving silk cord between each one, fingers deftly creating knots between each one to ensure that  they stay safe. The process takes a long time but watching him work with the concentrated glower on his face makes everything more enjoyable. Neither of you speak during the process, enjoying the comfortable silence that descends over the room- only the sound of pearls clinking together and the drill permeate the air.

Once he's done, he holds up the necklace. It's full of disfigured pearls. The pattern is inconsistent with pink, white, and black pearls littered throughout. It's chaotic. But Chuuya made it with his own hands. From the gift you gave him. The imperfections only make it more eye-catching. Why would you ever want a boring white pearl chain when Chuuya created this?

“I put ours together, look.”

He holds up the bottom of the necklace so you can see easier. At the center, the one you said looked like his hat, is next to the one he said looked like your tail. Your eyes are stinging, gasping for air, you reach over to grab the necklace from his hands.

“Are you okay?”

He looks so concerned- eyebrows pinched together, his hand comes to rest on your shoulder reassuringly.

“Yes… I love it.”

You try to catch your breath but it's been punched out of your lungs painfully. Your chest was struggling to expand, not used to the great deal of emotions you had been put through recently. Has Chuuya ever been so sentimental? It's such a sickeningly sweet moment that you can feel your stomach churning- struggling to process everything that's happened.

“Here, let me put it on for you.”

He gently takes it from your hands. As he clasps on the string of pearls, his calloused fingers brush against the back of your neck, sending a jolt of electricity down your back. Your heart is racing once again, adrenaline pumping through your veins until Chuuya starts scooching away.

“It looks lovely on you.”

Your cheeks burn under his attention. Chuuya is like the sun as a person- bright and warm, he helps those around him to grow and become better people. But he can also scorch everything in his path, annihilating everything that gets in his way. Around you, he tends to be more nurturing, you bring out a side in him that's softer. You wouldn't judge him for being tenderhearted. Instead, you indulge him. Letting him express his emotions freely.

“Thank you.”

He doesn't bother changing out of his clothing for the night. Deciding that he's too tired, he puts the tools he used away in his cabinet, before crawling back into the lavish sheets. He helps you adjust your position to a more comfortable one where his arms are wrapped around you. He tucks his head over your shoulder, breath fanning over your skin. Your nerves were alight, tremors traveling throughout your body. How was Chuuya so calm under these situations?

As the hours passed by, Chuuya fell asleep but you were still wide awake, thinking of what to do for him next. While your mind is wandering, the rocking of the ship against the splashing sea and sound of waves crashing is enough to lull you into a peaceful slumber. Slowly, the sounds and sensations take over your mind, surrounding it in a snug blanket of serene fuzziness.

When your eyes open again, bright sunlight is pouring into the room. Chuuya is still pressed against you. His hair is tickling your face, you try to move around but it only makes him hold on tighter. You put a hand on his shoulder, shaking him awake.

“Chuuya.”

He groans, rolling around, his mind is refusing to let him awaken. You only shake harder.

“Chuuya! Wake up, there's a fire on the ship!”

This makes his eyes spring open, immediately getting up in a panic.

“WHERE!”

“Nowhere.”

You snicker at him, amused at his immediate response to fake danger. He doesn't seem to find it as funny.

“You really shouldn't joke about that, you know.”

His hands are on his hips. You're still smiling at him, it was too fun to mess with him. He made it too easy.

“Fine, fine, I'll never joke about that again.”

You're lying.

“Can you help me up to the deck? I wanted to do something.”

He sighs, picking you up easily and carrying you through the hallways. They aren't as confusing as before, the layout of the boat was becoming more and more familiar as a concept- no longer the mysterious phenomenon that it used to be. The hot sun hits your eyes and skin as you reach the top floor, rays beaming down in brutal beacons, burning everything in its way. Chuuya sets you down on the ledge.

“Why did you want to come here?”

“I wanted to go back in the ocean, but only for a little bit, i just need to do something okay?”

Chuuya nods.

“I'll anchor down then.”

He turns to the rest of his crew that's bustling around, instructing them on what to do. Before he can get back to you, you've already dived back in. The water is freezing, seizing your muscles and shocking your system. How could this possibly be the way you had lived before? All the colorful corals underwater were washed out by a blue hue. It was so empty. Almost no life for miles. Nothing compared to the rambunctious crowd on the ship. The quiet stillness was unsettling now. It used to ease your nerves, relax you, but now it's not enough. It's eerie.

You ignore the dreadful feeling in your stomach, swimming around- you gather various things like sea pickles, red shells, pretty pieces of seaweed, an urchin, and some sea stars for good measure. Your tail was finally moving again, it was starting to get restless after spending so much time inactive. When you come back up to the surface of the water, you look up at the deck. Chuuya is watching you. Your heart jumps into your throat, making it hard to breathe. Or is it just the fresh air again?

The crowd of pirates helps you get back up to the ship, much more gently than last time, helping you sit on a chair again. When Chuuya sees what you have, he raises an eyebrow.

“This is the important thing you needed help with?”

“Yes.”

You hold up the red shell to his hair.

“See? this matches. It's for you.”

You hand it to him, going through a similar process of explaining each item and why it fits him well before handing it to him.

“So… why are you giving me these?”

You tilt your head, staring at him incredulously.

“For our wedding.”

Everyone surrounding you two bursts into chaos, filling the air with boisterous chatter and gossip. Chuuya's cheeks redden, he tries hiding his face with his hand but it does nothing to conceal the embarrassment.

“WHAT?!?”

“Our wedding. I gave you the gifts I needed to, we have to have our wedding soon.”

Chuuya is sputtering in shock. Albatross in the background is crying real tears. The woman in the silk kimono whose name you never learned is stunned.

“That doesn't mean we're married!”

“Yes it does. We even slept together last night.”

Everyone's eyes widened, silence falling over the room. It's like the calm before the storm.

“CHUUYA?!?”

Someone shouts out to him before everyone joins in, gossiping and making jokes loudly. They start crowding closer, surrounding the both of you.

“WAIT! WAIT! GUYS IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!”

It's futile, Chuuya knows it is, but he tries to defend himself. Unfortunately, no one believes him at all. Albatross instead starts chewing his hair, berating him for being a ‘nasty, nasty little man.’ Chuuya tries to push him off but everyone else starts mocking him too, it's a never ending cycle. one person backs off, here comes another. Once everyone finally calmed down, Chuuya feels like he can breathe again, turning to face you.

“Look… just because your kind does it that way, doesn't mean that we do too.”

“But I like you… I thought you liked me too…”

Chuuya flushes, redness spreading down to his neck. He looks around the ship nervously.

“Can you guys stop staring!?! Get back to work!”

Everyone scatters, going off and pretending that they aren't watching intently.

“I-i do like you but… we can't get married just yet, it's too soon.”

Your nose scrunches, face twisting.

“Fine, we don't have to. But I really meant it. I've never felt like this about anyone before.”

“I know, me too. But we have to take it slower… Okay?”

You nod, discontented that you can't get married just yet.

“Okay.”

He wraps his arms around your waist, sitting you down on his lap. You can feel the tension settling between you. Your muscles are heavy, weighed down by the pressure filling the air. For a moment, everything went completely still and quiet. The sensation in the pit of your tummy only got worse, like bees were trying to break out through the stomach lining and skin. Chuuya's eyes were on your the whole time, only glancing down for a second to your lips before looking back up again. Before you notice it, you've started leaning closer- breath brushing across his face, lips barely inches apart.

He leans in the rest of the way, catching your lips in a passionate kiss. Chuuya’s hand comes up, cradling your jaw, pulling you impossibly closer. His tongue is hot against yours, brushing against your bottom lip, deepening the kiss. Your fingers curl in the fabric of his shirt, holding on for dear life. During these few seconds, the outside world seems to melt away, becoming a forgotten past. When you pull away, you're both panting. You stay close by, ready to dive back in before he holds you back with a hand on the shoulder.

"Are you sure about this? You don't have to stay forever."

"I'm sure."

He appears to be thinking, contemplating if he really believes your words.

"What about when I retire and can't be on the ship anymore? When it breaks down, and I have to live on land. Permanently."

"Then you better get me a bigger tank."

[shankss-magnificent-ass]

i keep laughing when i read the dnd campaign with the beast pirates-

now i need to see how it would go with shanks and his crew

Imagine DND game night with the Red Hair pirates

Yassop: *the reluctant DM* All alright, so you've all fallen through a sinkhole and landed in the goblin King's throne room. Benn's paladin lands directly on the heir to the goblin throne, dealing *rolls dice* 17 points crush damage, and you killed him.

Benn: oh come on, I didn't even do anything.

Yassop: the goblin king, with his too-tight pants, ruffly white shirt, and long blond hair, launches himself to his feet. And in a booming voice, he yelled out, "These outsiders have murdered my son! Throw them in the dungeon!"

You: but it was Benn's fat ass that did it! Why do I have to go to the dungeon?

Yassop: The goblin king pauses, clearly thinking it over, after a moment he says, "Fine, that one's excused," before yelling, "but the rest go to the dungeon!"

Lime Juice: fuck me.

Shanks: what the fuck, we just broke out of jail less than three in-game hours ago!

Yassop: *definitely not punishing them for murdering an important NPC, and is trying to buy himself time to figure out what to do* Huh, I hadn't noticed...

Lucky Roux: For the love of god!

Yassop: Anyway, the entire party, minus (y/n) Dragon born, is taken to the dungeon. The goblin king turns to your dragon-born and looks you over, "Now, what shall we do with you?"

You: I'd like to roll a perception check, I'd like to know the vibe of the goblin king's court, from the nobles to the servants. *Rolls a D20* Fifteen with my plus eight modifiers, so twenty-three.

Yassop: Both groups, nobles, and serfs, are terrified of their king. You can see that a servant in the far corner has bandages under his shirt. It appears that he's been flogged recently. You notice, the nobles' eyes darting nervously as they mutter to one another.

You: I'd like to offer my services to his majesty, as a bard.

Yassop: The king scoffs, "I have plenty of bards, I have no use for another, you shall tend to the hearths of my castle. Go, start with the kitchens." You are taken to the kitchens and see it's dark, humid, hot, and crowded. The servants are wary of you, you see many of them are injured, and gaunt. The châtelaine approaches you and hands you a large rusty ring of keys and a map. She tells you your responsibilities are to make sure all the fires in the castle are lit.

You: and how much am I paid?

Yassop: she scoffs, "Your pay is food in your belly, a roof over your head, and clothes on your back. Now get started." And she leaves in a huff.

You: I'd like to persuade the servants to work together to overthrow the Goblin King because they deserve fair wages and safe working conditions.

Lime Juice: *chortling,* of course, unionizing them is your first move.

Yassop: *frustrated,* roll a d20.

You: *rolls* nat twenty, let's fucking go!!

Yassop: you inspire a popular servant to take the lead, and they overthrow the goblin King. The servants beat him to death. *Rubbing his temples in irritation*

You: I free the group from the dungeon while the servants deal with the king, using the keys and map the châtelaine gave me.

Shanks: Before we leave, can we look for treasure?

You: .... let's only take a reasonable amount, we wouldn't want to make them our enemies.

Benn: very wise.

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[makkir0ll]

setting the past (part two)

ukai x reader

wc: 1.8k

synopsis: you coach a volleyball team, one of the best in the country known for having mostly recruited players. you take pride in the fact that you have led your team to win a national championship title. And with the news of the rising team karasuno, your interest is piqued, mainly because that was your old school. you had known that they were nicknamed the "fallen crows" and such, so hearing about their fast improvement you decide you want to see it for yourself. you call up the school and takeda picks up. you organize a practice match for later that week.

but what you don't realize is that their coach is your highschool ex.

a/n: me when i post a part two after a month. sorry guys i was battling depression, school, and writers block but we survived and now i give you this. shoutout to @cottonlemonade for listening to me rant about this fic for hours.

part one. masterlist

the aura in the gym is awkard. everyone can feel it. and they sure don't miss the way you and ukai keep sneaking glances at each other while the teams warm up. ears turning red when you guys make eye contact.

he's just observing your coaching style he says to himself. but he can't help but notice how pretty you are. your hair tied up so your neck can remain cool in the hot and humid gym. the sweat beads that drip down ur neck and onto your chest. he's starting to sweat a little and not because of the heat anymore.

and you surely think he's changed a lot too. the blonde hair definitely suits him, compared to his buzzed hair in high school (that you helped him with in the bathroom of the sakonishta store). and you for sure don't miss the two silver piercings on his left ear.

but your thoughts are interrupted when your team captain comes up to you "we're receiving first." you nod your head in acknowledgment, pulling out the whiteboard and giving the team the game plan.

"we're going to start out with haru, yoshi and kyo in the back line, for the best defense. and we'll have our tallest in the front." you point to the whiteboard. "remember that no matter what keep-"

"keep the ball in play" they all cut you off. you're surprised with that. do i really say that everytime you think to yourself.

"well since you already know the drill then. go and have fun. don't worry too much since this is just a practice match." you say smiling sitting back down on the chair as you watch them line up.

as the game starts nothing too interesting has happened yet. until you see a ball getting slammed to the ground out of nowhere and you look to see a jumpy first year land back from his spike. your team is frozen in their spots, they turn their heads to you and you turn your's to ukai. he just gives you a smug smile and shrugs his shoulders. clearly he likes to show off.

"don't mind it, get the point back!" you yell at them, as karasuno goes to serve. what the fuck have they been working on?

the game continues as your team slowly becomes accustomed to the first year's insane quick attack. you end up winning two straight sets but the points were really close throughout.

as you pack up your things you see a man with glasses approach you. you assume he's the one you talked to on the phone to plan out this match. you turn your body to face him and he holds his hand out to shake.

"thank you so much for coming all the way here, it must've been a long drive." he starts, still shaking your hand.

"oh it's no problem, thank you for having us. i know it was very last minute so thank you for being able to accommodate us." you reply, releasing your hand from his and bowing down slightly. "i think our bus driver is here, so we'll head out. i hope you see you again."

you hoped to see everyone but your ex, you lied to yourself. but deep down you couldn't help the butterflies in your stomach that would erupt whenever you would catch him glancing at you.

you and your team are walking back to the bus, they are eager to get home and you can see it on their faces how exhausted they are. you told them that you'll stop for food on the way back home and you're going to keep your promise.

once you counted fourteen players on the bus, you reach into your pocket for your phone, except you couldn't find it. with a sigh you turn to the bus driver, " i'm so sorry, but i think i left my phone back in the gym. i'll just go grab it really quick." you explain with an apologetic look on your face. he tells you it's no problem and to take your time. meanwhile he'll turn on the air conditioning because it's hot.

you turn around to walk back to the school, the smile on your face turns irritated. you really didn't want to run into ukai again. how emabrassing would it be to walk back in the gym. he would proabbly say some bullshit like "oh back so soon", with that stupid smirk on his face you thought to yourself. you really liked his stupid smirk.

your thoughts are interrupted when you hear your name being called out. you look up to see the fake blonde running towards you, your phone in his hand. you roll your eyes. of course this would happen to me of all people, this somehow seems worse.

he stands in front of you now. you take notice of how he's grown a couple of inches since you last saw him in highschool. "is this yours?" he asks, holding your phone out.

"yes, thanks." your tone is still sharp, you're really annoyed now. you would've rather just slipped into the gym quietly to grab your phone, not be face to face with your ex.

you grab your phone out of his hand, but your fingers ever so slightly graze each other and you feel his calloused hands from the years of volleyball. i wonder if they- NO NO NO STOP THINKING THAT.

once the device is in your hands, you begin to walk away, pulling up your friend's contact so you can update her on the absolute shit show that happened today.

"i saw they used your little trick back there," ukai says. it makes you stop in your tracks and you slowly turn around.

"what?"

"in the game, your team, they used that trick of yours from high school, right? the one where you would hit the block on purpose to get a rebound?" he explains to you, crossing his arms with that stupid smirk on his face gracing his features.

"so? it's a good technique. and since when were you this observant?" you question. ukai had never really been the one to know techniques, let alone remember yours. it might have made your stomach erupt with butterflies at the comment but you tell yourself its the anger bubbling up. with your frustration growing and all you wanted to do was go home, you turn around. "i'm going now, bye."

"you haven't changed a bit, y'know" he makes you stop, yet again. ukai couldn't help but admire how your passion for the sport never left. the way your eyes lit up everytime your team got a point was the same look that you had when you were in highschool. the way you spoke with so much thought and intent during time outs made him smile.

though you didn't think he meant it in that way. you thought he still thinks your the same dumb girl from highschool. you have changed a lot. you've grown as a person. you are NOT the same person from highschool.

"whatever ukai." you emphasize the use of his last name, walking away back to the bus as you ring up your friend. she picks up asking what happened.

"you will not believe the shit i just went through."

------

"and then get this, as im about to leave he goes 'you haven't changed a bit y'know' like what the hell is that supposed to mean?" you say to your friend who's on the other end of the phone. for the past twenty or so minutes you've been debriefing the utter chaos that happened today, what you don't realize is your team in the background quietly eavesdropping on your conversation trying to put the pieces together.

"i dunno y/n? but anyways why does this matter he is your ex from highschool," she emphasized the last word, "it shouldn't matter now, unless, y'know, he's a good fuck? is he?"

your voice goes to a whisper "i dont see how him being good in bed is related to this?" you know your team is listening to the conversation, they’re not slick about it and you can't have them hear you talk about things like this.

"because! maybe you'll meet again and have some hot makeup sex, and trust me it sounds like you need it." she explains, you cringe at her words trying to not imagine the scenario (you do later that night)

"anyways, i wouldn't know either way. we never got that far in highschool." you explain. you did all the other stuff though, just not the main act.

"what a shame, he sounds like he'd be good too."

"can you please not imagine my highschool ex in bed." you bring your fingers to smooth out your furrowed brows. you don't want to have wrinkles before you hit thirty. "anyways i have to go now we're back at the highschool, i'll talk to you tommorow." the bus comes to a stop and the team stands up to walk out of the vehicle. when they all step off the bus they thank the driver in unison before turning to you to hear any last minute annoucements.

"good work today," you start off. "i know it must've been a long drive but thank you for cooperating. i hope you enjoyed the game." they all nodded their head yes, too tired to express any other emotions. you could tell that they just wanted to go home and sleep. "alright then! go home and rest a lot, make sure you're eating enough and staying hydrated, because next week we're going to the summer training camp. that's all i have to say for today, i'll see you tommorow, goodnight!" they all reply with a tired goodnight mumbled under their breath as they make their way back home while you go towards your car.

once your in the tiny vehicle you immediately crank up the ac because although it is night your car still feels somwhat warm from the summer heat. as you're waiting for the car to cool down you're checking your email, and you see one from coach nekomata, the coach from nekoma highschool who invited you to the tokyo training camp. his email is answering your question that you asked a while ago about the teams that are going to be there.

Hi Y/n! Sorry I got back to you so late. I am still figuring out how to use this phone. But here are the list of teams that are attending the training camp:

Fukurōdani Academy

Nekoma High

Shinzen High

Ubugawa High

Karausuno High

Kozue High

you re-read the list of highschools again, making sure that you read them all right. karasuno high. you read the two words over and over again, rubbing your eyes to make sure you weren't hallcuinating. with a groan you slump into your car seat.

"of course this could only happen to me"

[qdbs-writes]

RE bois with Zombie!Reader that just wants to live in their tiny house in peace? Please?

RE Lads Reacting to Chill-Zombie!Reader

Leon Kennedy

You could have all the warning signs and barbed wire in the world around your little zombie house and Leon would still manage to bumble his way through your front door, yelling at you like you're the reason he's there.

He'll see that you're a zombie and instinctively round-house kick you into your tiny makeshift kitchen. He's about to rip the basil you were growing out of its pot when he notices how nice your little zombie house is. It was definitely better than his ratty apartment. Leon will have a small crisis of faith as he finally considers getting a bed frame.

Chris Redfield

Sees the words 'DON'T OPEN, DEAD INSIDE' on your little house and takes that as some kind of challenge. Surely whoever wrote that warning didn't mean him, what's the worse that could happen if he kicked in the door?

Off the door comes from its hinges, while Chris sweeps your one-room home with the barrel of his gun. He can't help but think to himself that this is a suspiciously nice zombie house. As his gaze reaches the last corner of your house, he spots you perched on your neatly made zombie bed, crocheting a little zombie blanket (even dead people need hobbies). When you continue to crochet awkwardly, albeit a bit slower than before, Chris decides he's made a terrible mistake, and backs out nervously, attempting to put the broken door back in its place as he leaves.

Carlos Olivera

He'd read the warning on your house as 'DON'T DEAD, OPEN INSIDE' and would still be like "This sign can't stop me; because I can't read!".

Deciding that the door would be too obvious of an entryway, Carlos instead sails through your window, knocking something over in the process. When he gets up, he sees you, a little zombie, sitting at a small breakfast table, watching the news on a grainy, antique TV. Carlos follows your gaze to his feet, where he sees the now-destroyed pie you had left to cool on the windowsill. Carlos is heartbroken as he remembers the pies his Abuela used to bake. Saddened at seeing your hard work go to waste, Carlos jumps into action. "Don't worry," he says "I can fix this!". He gets to work in your little kitchen and in no time at all, a new pie is in the oven. Afraid of breaking anything else, Carlos apologises one last time before he leaves, and you smile delightedly back at him.

Albert Wesker

For whatever bullshit reason he has to hide somewhere and decides the little, highly-defended cottage you live in would be perfect.

He slams your front door shut behind him, huffy and sweaty before he notices a surprisingly well-kept zombie nestled in an armchair, reading a book. Enjoy a healthy dose of silent, prolonged eye contact, until Wesker takes a look around the quaint, bombed-out hovel that you've made for yourself. Assuming you can speak, he's gonna have a lot of questions. They mostly center around if you would like to kindly enter this luxurious iron-barred box he keeps at all times... No, it's not a cage, it just looks like a cage! And no, the armed men with tranquilizer darts aren't here to hurt you, he promises!

Ethan Winters

Considering this man's luck, he'd probably come crashing in through your ceiling, groaning and cussing as he lands in a heap on your threadbare carpet.

Ethan sees that he's just fallen into your zombie house and wonders for a moment why bad things only seem to happen to him. But he struggles to get up after landing on his ankle. Steadily, you pull up a chair for him and make him a coffee, which was probably the most appetizing thing Ethan has had shoved in his face lately, so he drinks it. And it's not bad coffee either, maybe you used to work in a Starbucks. You and Ethan sit in amicable silence while he finishes his drink, thanking you quietly before hobbling out the door. He turns back as he leaves your garden and you send him off with a little wave. You were definitely a nice zombie.

[breedtheseed]

Hear me out

Big useless dick Adam, like it's so big and thick and any size queen would want it. However Adam secretly doesn't want it but he has to keep up appearances because who would want to top you when you have such an amazing dick to ride.

Adam sat in the meeting room tapping on the table and shaking his leg, he was supposed to meet with Lucifer but the guy was late. It was particularly annoying considering Adam had a particular date with his hands that evening. He had the idea to sneak into hell and buy a few toys which he had done successfully, only objective now was to finish the meeting and go home.

When the doors finally opened Adam was surprised to see Lucifer looking like he just ran there in the hell heat. His face was red his suit was partly opened and his eyes were sharp, it made Adam want to whimper.

Appearances

Adam laughed and pointed at the short devil: You look like shit!! Did you seriously just run here like that!!

Lucifer didn't answer as he pulled a chair, it scrapped against the floor with an angry screech. The sound made Adam wince and looking back at Lucifer the guy really looked like shit, his hair barely managing to stay out of his face along with his outfit looking out of place.

Lucifer sat down and snapped his fingers, a pile of documents appeared: I'm in rut, you remember that stupid hell curse you came up with.

Lucifer growled and Adam had to squint to remember. When Lucifer and Lilith got banished Adam had the brilliant idea to curse the damned with heats and ruts, but it was random and no one knew what they'd get. Adam had originally thought of it as a joke that the sinners would basically become animals during that time.

Adams smile widened: aww is someone in heat and wants a fat knot inside him *he said with a high voice, mocking the devil's pain*

The attempt did work but not in the way Adam was hoping or maybe it was? Adam only knew that he was pinned against his chair, the devil had grown a few feet to the point of towering him. The white and red wings spread all around him while his horns framed a singular flame that raged, Adam gulped feeling hot all over.

Lucifers voice rumbled and rattled as he spoke: shut your fucking mouth bitch, or you're going to be the one I'm fucking knotting

Lucifers eyes widened when Adams voice cracked and a whine escaped him, his eyes traced the angel until his gaze landed on a very hard very obvious boner. A dark mischievous look appeared on the devil's face before his finger traced the growing wet spot.

Lucifer purred: maybe that's what you want hmm, me knotting you like a bitch in heat.

Adam gasped which Lucifer did not miss as he grabbed Adams hulking size and began pumping it, the angel was weak in seconds his hands going to his holographic face trying to hide the expressions as pleasure coursed through him. Adam was hot he needed to take off the mask, but if the fallen angel saw he'd most likely laugh at the brunettes state.

Adam whined: Don't stop

Lucifer only leaned closer till he was under Adams arms and kissing at the angels neck: take off your mask I want to see your face when my knot knocks you up.

Adam practically came at the words, his hips spasmed and he moaned high like he'd never cum before. It was definitely the situation that really had Adam going, especially when he'd never bottomed before but fantasized about this.

Lucifer kissed Adams neck as he pulled off the angels mask, the cool air making Adam gasp. Lucifer nibbled at his ear and licked up his jaw till sharp teeth teased at his chin hair.

Lucifer pulled back and looked down at the man, his smile wide and eyes red as his demonic tone dripped into his words: now we're getting somewhere, why don't you bend over this table for daddy

Going into this meeting Adam wasn't actually planning to get fucked till he actually thought he'd get pregnant, or how him and Lucifer would set something up. It just wasn't something the first man ever thought would happen and yet that's exactly what happened. His big useless dick being teased every time him and Lucifer would fuck and Adam loved it.

(don't mind the bad grammar it was just a random idea, I do love Adam with either a big useless cock or a tiny useless cock. They are great and yummy)

[jangmi-latte]

I don't usually simp for Lilia because the game has made me look at him as our friendly neighborhood grandpa, but like.... imagine meeting General!Lilia while he's on duty- and maybe he helps us with something or we help him out- and from there on a romance slowly blossoms? Just... active duty Lilia who's yet to become Lili-pa and the whole 'waiting for my friend who I want to be my lover to visit me during his break from duty'

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD GRANDPA

good riddance mid-war/military romance?!?!? sign me up!!?!?? my brain has been going from camp-healer reader or to villager reader or subordinate reader or even agent reader (captain america and peggy carter type of romance)??? the possibilities are endless but since you emphasized helping we're going with villager who's also a healer reader.

/this can be descriptive and damn has it gotten long.

you can think of this being either fae or human reader but when you mentioned help, seeing an injured lilia who had to limp away from the camp after checking if his men are okay. so, he's in the middle of the woods hissing and sitting against a tree while lifting his clothing to see that big unhealing slash across his abdomen. the blood has already clotted but it's still dangerously huge and dirty and he's trying his best to heal it with his magic but it's concerning how he still feels the pain. plus, he needs to rest both his mana and body.

he will definitely try heating up one of his daggers to press on his wound but before he could even press the searing metal on his skin, that's when a hand stops him and pull the dagger away. it was a surprise, most especially for someone like him to be conscious of every single element around him.

you definitely look like a land of briar resident with your clothing. however, you look absolutely distressed and you're sweating so much it looked like you haven't bathed in days. he'd ask what are you doing but you keep your mouth shut and kneel down beside him. only then did he notice the belt strapped around your hips filled to the brim with antidotes and potions.

he's astonished, to say the least. he was in a daze while you're speaking and he was brought to his senses when he felt the burning sensation of liquid hitting his skin. it's literally smoking that he had to bite down on his gloved wrist to keep himself from screaming. his back arching off the tree while he's gripping your wrist. it hurt but hey, his wound his tingling and healing.

that's when he felt oddly...captivated by you. and as the old fae tradition goes, to he who was serviced must return the favor. he's just staring at you while taking deep breaths and you're looking around as if you're being watched. he assured you that you're safe with him and asked what do you want as gratitude for healing him but you just shook your head. stating that YOU are thanking him for defending the land.

all goes to say, he'd go to the said forest every now and then after you both departed, half-expecting to run into you. there were occasions he would see you crouched by a bush and plucking berries and herbs. he'd strike conversation, often surprising you with his silence and stealth. but eventually, you're warming up to him. he'd give you herbs you've mentioned needing that's only located across the other side of the land.

your presence was calming; during a war, peace was a far-fetched dream for a soldier, a general. when he's stressed, lacks sleep, and just exhausted he'd seek refuge in that very forest. he'd snap at you when you greet him but somehow, you're not affected. scary, yes. but you've known lilia from the constant meetings that you've brought some bottled mist that you claim can calm him down and give him a leveled-head again.

when he suddenly snaps his eyes open, that's when he realised he has fallen asleep without even noticing that he's definitely nonplussed. only then does he notice that he's laying on your lap while you're reading a book. he's bombarding you with questions but needless to say, he's really thankful.

baul would even notice lilia departing from the camp during breaks instead of eating with them that he's tempted to follow the general.

what can he do though? the general can find refuge somewhere else. more like...someone else.

to say he's catching feelings was questionable. other than malleficia, levan, baul, or mallenoa, he has never felt entirely close to someone outside of the royal guards or royalty. instinct driven need to protect you is there — that's what he feels towards the townsfolk anyways, that's what he tells himself.

just what have you done to the general...

might become a fic though 🫶🏻

[mysticstronomy]

IS TIME INFINITE IN BLACK HOLES??

Blog#365

Wednesday, January 10th, 2024.

Welcome back,

The singularity at the center of a black hole is the ultimate no man's land: a place where matter is compressed down to an infinitely tiny point, and all conceptions of time and space completely break down. And it doesn't really exist. Something has to replace the singularity, but we're not exactly sure what.

Let's explore some possibilities.

It could be that deep inside a black hole, matter doesn't get squished down to an infinitely tiny point. Instead, there could be a smallest possible configuration of matter, the tiniest possible pocket of volume.

This is called a Planck star, and it's a theoretical possibility envisioned by loop quantum gravity, which is itself a highly hypothetical proposal for creating a quantum version of gravity.

In the world of loop quantum gravity, space and time are quantized — the universe around us is composed of tiny discrete chunks, but at such an incredibly tiny scale that our movements appear smooth and continuous.

This theoretical chunkiness of space-time provides two benefits. One, it takes the dream of quantum mechanics to its ultimate conclusion, explaining gravity in a natural way.

And two, it makes it impossible for singularities to form inside black holes.

As matter squishes down under the immense gravitational weight of a collapsing star, it meets resistance. The discreteness of space-time prevents matter from reaching anything smaller than the Planck length (around 1.68 times 10^-35 meters). All the material that has ever fallen into the black hole gets compressed into a ball not much bigger than this.

Perfectly microscopic, but definitely not infinitely tiny.

This resistance to continued compression eventually forces the material to un-collapse (i.e., explode), making black holes only temporary objects. But because of the extreme time dilation effects around black holes, from our perspective in the outside universe it takes billions, even trillions, of years before they go boom. So we're all set for now.

Another attempt to eradicate the singularity — one that doesn't rely on untested theories of quantum gravity — is known as the gravastar. It's such a theoretical concept that my spell checker didn't even recognize the word.

The difference between a black hole and a gravastar is that, instead of a singularity, the gravastar is filled with dark energy. Dark energy is a substance that permeates space-time, causing it to expand outward. It sounds like sci-fi, but it's real: dark energy is currently in operation in the larger cosmos, causing our entire universe to accelerate in its expansion.

As matter falls onto a gravastar, it isn't able to actually penetrate the event horizon (due to all that dark energy on the inside) and therefore just hangs out on the surface. But outside that surface, gravastars look and act like normal black holes. (A black hole's event horizon is its point of no return — the boundary beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape.)

However, recent observations of merging black holes with gravitational wave detectors have potentially ruled out the existence of gravastars, because merging gravastars will give a different signal than merging black holes, and outfits like LIGO (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) and Virgo are getting more and more examples by the day. While gravastars aren't exactly a no-go in our universe, they are definitely on thin ice.

Originally published https://www.space.com/

COMING UP!!

(Saturday, January 13th, 2024)

"JUPITER HAS A LARGE MAGNETIC FIELD THAN PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED??"

[pennyserenade]

PEDRO PASCAL MASTERLIST.

( spotify playlist ) 

one shots:

woman taken by the wind ( e )

desire is a delicious thing.

foreigner’s god ( e )

screaming the name of a foreigner’s god, the purest expression of grief - hozier

( spotify playlist )

one shots:

take me where your heart is  ( e )

even in a big world, there’s not much else to do but be fascinated with one another.

flesh & blood ( e )

javier peña has never been the best at deciding what’s good for anyone but sometimes, just sometimes, he can figure it out for himself

i remember you well ( e )

there are memories that haunt and there are memories that merely linger; what they were that one summer is the latter to Javier.

life could be a dream ( e )

to outrun being human is not sensible. its their constant state of being and something that they are reminded with frequency. so, they’ve stopped trying at that. instead, javier and this woman have decided to embrace the pain of being human together. its a wicked game, sure, but no worse than realizing separately that they are one lonely drop in a big ocean.

series: 

scenes from a marriage ( finished ) ( e )

javier peña is a dea agent naively navigating his way through life in colombia. as if life is not complicated or risky enough while he partakes in the search for the infamous pablo escobar, javier has decidedly fallen in love. these are the scenes from his marriage, full of trials and tribulations, set in colombia, circa 1979–1993. anthology series, but definitely better if read in order.

drabbles:

time of the season ask ( m )

( spotify playlist )

one shots:

ungodly hour ( m )

‘til the cows come home ( e )

jack daniels is the sort of man lucky enough to happen upon beautiful women’s windows, and she is the sort of woman unfortunate to want men who do that. it’s been working beautifully ever since he did.

series:

his girl friday ( on-going ) ( e )

when agent jack daniels discovers that his partner alicia fitzgerald (better known as pinkie to jack, because of her preference for pink champagne) is to be married, he decides he must do his very best to save her from the life of the mundane. 

( spotify playlist )

series:

losing dogs ( on-going ) ( e )

frankie morales knows he isn’t the most perfect man, but he’s found someone who cares for him despite it. a friend. a lover. this is a collection of one shots about the same couple, but they can all be read separately.

( spotify playlist )

one shots:

it’s never over ( m )

dieter asks you to go to the opening night of his play and you do. for this he rewards you handsomely.

only backwards ( e )

it has been 6 months since you last heard from dieter bravo. this time he comes back to you with a black eye and he asks for too much. it is just like always.

you can(t) always get what you want ( e )

your relationship with dieter (albeit the very loose definition of the term) has finally landed you in the tabloids. he attempts to make it up to you 

three’s company ( e ) 

the world is slowly descending into madness all around you, so you decide to give in and go with dieter to his latest poor decision: a franchise movie filming in england. one night while there, you both sweep another into this odd half-hearted, life-long tryst you've got.

the hollywood hedonist method ( e )\

dieter's movie is bad and he looks to you for a quick fix to a long problem.

[green-eyedfirework]

Slade waits none too patiently in the foyer, documents in hand, waiting for the steward to fetch his master.  He’s not quite sure if this is a jest or a trap, but he’s in no mood to be diverted.

When he’d first received the letter, he assumed it was a rejection.  A late one, especially since his suit was no doubt rejected on sight, but with Wayne travelling, Slade merely presumed it had taken some time to get through all the paperwork.  He had not, in his wildest dreams, expected an acceptance.

“Lord Grayson is ready to receive you now, sir,” the steward remarks, tone curt.  Slade is well aware that these aren’t normal visiting hours, but he’s in no mood to wait for afternoon.  He will get to the bottom of this, and now.

To his surprise, he isn’t led to the parlor but deeper inside, to an office.  Slade opens his mouth to ask—he was under the impression that Wayne hadn’t returned from his trip, and the acceptance was signed in Grayson’s hand—but the steward opens the door and announces, “Lord Wilson.”

It’s not Wayne waiting inside.  It’s Grayson, sitting at his father’s desk, pen in hand, papers strewn about, the very picture of an overworked lord.  “Lord Wilson,” Grayson greets, standing with a smile.  “Please, come in.”

Slade arches an eyebrow at the omega and takes in the clearly commandeered space.  The sense that he’s missing something grows.

“Lord Grayson,” Slade says, ignoring Grayson’s smile and taking a seat without being offered one.  “Or is it Lord Wayne?  I wasn’t aware that you were master of the house now.”

Grayson’s smile doesn’t falter at the jibe.  It’s too even, a careful mask.  The trepidation grows.  “I am merely taking care of business while my father is away,” Grayson replies.  “What brings you here, Lord Wilson?”

Slade stares back, unamused.  He tosses the letter of intent and its corresponding acceptance on the desk.

“You know very well why I’m here.”

Grayson finally reseats himself, reaching out to the papers with polite curiosity.  He glances over each one quickly, clearly familiar, and looks back at Slade.  “Everything appears to be in order,” he says.  “Is something the matter?”

Definitely a trick.  This is quite far to play a jest, even for an omega barely an adult.  Grayson has to be aware of the consequences of Slade taking him seriously, which means he truly intends the courtship.

“You accepted my suit.”

“Yes?”  Grayson has the temerity to look confused.  “Were you not serious about the offer?”

No.  No, Slade was not.  Not because he doesn’t want Grayson—any alpha with eyes would want Grayson and having only one hasn’t stopped Slade from noticing Grayson’s fierce charm.  Putting comeliness aside, Grayson is the eldest child of the richest man in court, has a title and lands of his own, and is well-educated.  He was no doubt inundated with courtship offers the moment he turned eighteen.

And Slade expected his offer to be buried amidst the rest.  There was no way Wayne would seriously consider an alpha his senior for an alliance with his son, not with so many other available options.  Slade’s offer was perfunctory.  An expected suit, not one to be taken seriously.

“Stop prevaricating,” Slade snaps back.  Something flashes across the omega’s face before it settles back into placid blankness.  “You know full well that my offer is not the greatest of the untold number you’ve received.  And yet you choose to accept it?”

“You do yourself a disservice, Lord Wilson,” Grayson replies shortly.  “You have many fine qualities and—”

“Oh?” Slade leans forward and watches the omega swallow.  The desk is large, intended for an alpha to command across, and Grayson, for all his posturing, is not an alpha.  “What qualities are those?  Previously married?  Nearly thrice your age?  With near-adult heirs?  You cannot tell me that your father’s fortune has fallen so low that he’s resorted to selling his children.”

Slade offered a substantial bride price—high enough to be insulting.  Slade married into nobility and the court never lets him forget it, so Slade ensures that they never forget how far his fortunes have swelled.

“If the bride price is point of contention,” Grayson seizes upon the distraction, “then we can surely renegotiate—”

“Grayson,” Slade cuts him off.  “Enough.  Just tell me why.”

Grayson colors slightly and opens his mouth again, but thinks better of it at Slade’s hard glare.  The silence stretches and Slade makes himself comfortable.  He’s not leaving without answers, no matter how long it takes.  Desperation practically wafts off of Grayson, and Slade wants to know why.

The omega finally straightens, albeit with hunched shoulders, and meets Slade’s gaze.  “Lord Wayne is missing.”

“Excuse me?”

“He hasn’t replied to letters in a few months and attempts to reach him have gone astray,” Grayson repeats.  He looks drawn and wan now that he’s confessing, the smiling façade faded to leave lines of stress and tension.  His scent, earlier pleasant and welcoming, has turned faintly sour.

“And that connects to the offer how?” Slade asks.

Grayson draws himself up again, a touch of fire in his gaze.  “I have reached my majority, but my siblings have not.  They will be remanded into the custody of our closest alpha relative until Damian comes of age.  The prospects for said guardian are unideal.  However, if I marry, then my husband can act as regent for House Wayne.”

“So you decided to choose me,” Slade drawls, more than a little incredulous.

Grayson takes it as a question.  “You have a title of equal stature.  You manage your businesses well and will not drive us into ruin.  You have raised two children—” Grayson politely sidesteps the matter of Slade’s eldest child—“and you are a respected member of court.  No one will challenge your claim as regent.  And,” Grayson exhales, “you are a man of your word.”  His blue eyes are wide and guileless.  “I trust you to keep my family safe.”

Slade leans back in the chair to think.  Grayson…is not wrong.  If Wayne truly is missing—he needs to put out feelers to check—then the Wayne pups would be shuffled off to their closest alpha relative.  Slade doesn’t know who that is off the top of his head, which means a custody fight.  A messy affair by all accounts.  The youngest one is the only alpha, which would leave the others at the mercy of their guardian’s whims and Grayson helpless to stop it.

In that regard, Slade is definitely a better option.  Grayson is right—Slade would be able to assume control of the regency.  No one would dare to cross him, as they might for a younger or less powerful alpha.  Slade has his own lands and children to manage, he would be less inclined to steal from the Waynes.  And Slade does pride himself on his word—promise or threat.

But it still smells off.  The Waynes have many friends in court.  Slade surely cannot be Grayson’s first option.  And that last statement reeks of manipulation.

A lesser alpha might’ve fallen for it.  Slade looks Grayson in the eye and says, “No.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You’re lying to me,” Slade leans forward, letting his growing anger waft out into the room.  “I don’t know about what or why, but I don’t take kindly to manipulation, Lord Grayson.”  Grayson opens his mouth, but Slade talks over him.  “I have never before given cause for enmity between our families, but I do not appreciate games and trickery.”  He hardens his expression and his scent.  “You will tell me the truth, or you will be unable to hide your father’s disappearance for much longer.”

Grayson gapes unflatteringly at him, scent completely soured.  It appears he was telling the truth about Wayne’s disappearance, or at least partially, because desperation and disbelief war on the omega’s face.  He looks like cornered prey and no small part of Slade wants to close in for the kill.

“You can’t,” Grayson bleats out.

“I very easily can,” Slade retorts.

“You—you have no proof!”

“I don’t need proof,” Slade replies.  “All it takes is a few words in the right ear.  You bear the burden of proof.”

Grayson opens and closes his mouth a few times.  He’s beginning to look distraught.  Something in Slade’s chest twinges, but he ignores it.  “You can’t,” Grayson repeats, but quieter.  Less a rejection and more a denial.

“Just tell me the truth,” Slade sighs.  “Tell me why you accepted the offer, and I swear I won’t breathe a word of this entire conversation.  It will be as though it never happened.”

There’s a flash of anger despite the stricken look.  “How can I trust you?” Grayson spits back.

Slade arches an eyebrow.  “I thought I was a man of my word.”

Grayson flushes.  For a moment, he looks ready to lunge across the table, and Slade can feel his interest swell.  But Grayson manages to compose himself, scent locked down, face rigidly displeased, fingers white where they clench at the table.

“Very well,” he says, clipped.  He’s looking over Slade’s shoulder instead of at him.  “The truth is that I chose you because you already have heirs near their majority.  The truth—” he swallows, jaw going tighter—“the truth is that I—I am not untouched.  And such, I chose a partner that might not require that of me.”  He exhales sharply.  “I see that I’ve erred.”

Slade stares at him.  Grayson does not meet his gaze.  Instead, he stands, movements jerky, and Slade can tell this audience is at an end.  “If I’ve satisfied your curiosity?” Grayson says acerbically.  It is very much a dismissal.

He gets up without protest, but he can feel Grayson’s gaze boring holes in his back.  The steward escorts him to the door with stiff, unsmiling courtesy, and the door slams shut behind him with resounding finality.

Slade realizes he left the papers with Grayson, but decides to leave it.  Grayson can shred them at his leisure.

~#~

Slade really does put the conversation out of his head.  He sends out his own trackers in search of Wayne to verify what Grayson told him, but otherwise he leaves the situation behind him.  Grayson is not the first omega to fool around without thinking of the consequences.  Or to dally with an alpha and realize too late it would make an unwise match.

Either way, it is not his concern.  Slade thinks no more of it for weeks, until he hears Grayson’s name at a party and his healing involuntarily sharpens.

It’s at Luthor’s, so the general vibe of sleaziness has deepened as the evening stretches into night and the party segregates.  The parlor is full of alphas and, as tends to happen in such puffed-up, posturing company, they’re all trying to outdo each other with boasts.

Desmond’s speaking the loudest, flush with wine, expression twisted into gleeful satisfaction.  “—swear on my mother’s grave it’s true,” he says, grandiose.  “You never met an omega so desperate to be broken in.”

“Wayne keeps them all locked up tighter than his vaults,” one of his companions scoff.  “How’d you get your hands on the boy?”

“Wayne’s been gone a while and he’s left the coop unguarded,” Desmond laughs, imperiously beckoning for another cup.  Slade realizes he’s drifted closer to the knot of leering alphas.  “A couple of glasses of wine, maybe a little extra, and the boy was practically falling into my lap.”  Even the skeptical alphas are leaning in as Desmond continues, relishing the tale, “He cried so sweetly when I took him.  So defiant—at least until I got a knot in him.”  A round of laughter.  Something smells sharp and smoky, like building rage.  “And, gents, you cannot imagine the flexibility of the little whore, why, you can practically bend him in half—”

Slade tastes blood in his mouth.  Desmond is on the floor, splattered in wine, wide eyes around the ruin of his nose.  Slade can smell nothing but the scent of his own vicious hatred.

“Slander Lord Grayson again,” Slade growls before Desmond can do more than splutter, “and you will lose your tongue.”  He’s unleashed his scent, dark and furious and possessive, and several alphas in the vicinity back away in the face of the challenge.

Desmond, however, is too stupid or too drunk.  He staggers upright, sneer in place as he tries to stem the blood from his broken nose, and retorts nasally, “It’s not slander, and none of your business besides.”  His free hand drifts towards his side, perhaps a concealed weapon.

“It appears you’re dangerously misinformed,” Slade says sharply.  He doesn’t need a knife to intimidate.  “I’m courting Lord Grayson.  It is my business.”

Desmond lurches forward and Slade holds his ground, hands still fisted tight—

“Your beau is a two-bit whore,” Desmond whispers harshly, smelling like blood and humiliation and rage.  “Cheap and used.”

Slade is interrupted from Desmond’s imminent strangulation by the arrival of Luthor, who appears to have finally noticed a disturbance in his domicile.  “What is going on here?” the host demands as he marches towards them, the others gladly getting out of his way.  Through the French doors, Slade can see the rest of the party peering curiously.

“Desmond slandered Lord Grayson,” Slade spits out, just barely resisting from tearing that sneer off of the alpha’s face.  “And I take insult on his behalf.  I presume you have a suitable venue for a duel, Lord Luthor?”

Luthor is clearly delighted at the prospect of a show during his party and quickly shuffles them off to a courtyard.  The rest of the party begin to ring the yard, murmurs rising to chatters as rumors spread.  Desmond, Slade is pleased to note, is starting to look shaken.

“You choose the weapon,” Slade calls out.  Luthor’s set up a table with blades and guns from his collection.  Desmond glares at him as he shuffles over.

In the interim, Slade is found by a familiar face.  “What are you doing?” Grayson hisses the moment he reaches him, face remarkably pale.  Slade can only guess what version of the truth reached him.

“Defending your honor,” Slade replies flatly, because Slade isn’t expecting gratefulness but Grayson’s tone is all accusation.  “Desmond—”

“You’re causing a scene,” Grayson hisses at him, his scent sour and sharp.  “And you have no right to call a duel on my behalf!”

“You accepted my courtship offer,” Slade reminds him.  While Grayson stands there spluttering, Slade plucks his handkerchief free and tucks it into a pocket.  “Thank you for your favor,” Slade says pointedly.  The longer Grayson argues with him, the more tongues will wag.

Grayson flushes and steps out of the dueling area, though not before throwing Slade a poisonous look.  Desmond’s glance over is equally venomous, though his is tinged with fear, not worry.  “I’ve chosen pistols, Wilson,” Desmond calls out.  “This is your last chance to bow out gracefully.  I will accept an apology for your assault.”

The alpha is too cowardly to face him in bladed combat.  Unluckily for him, Slade has kept his shooting skills sharp as well.

“Pistols it is,” Slade accepts easily, looking over Luthor’s selection before making his choice.  He tests the weight of it and checks the cylinder.  “Unfortunately, you already had a chance to back out.  I will not give you another.”

Desmond growls and Luthor looks delighted.  The crowd is loud and anticipatory.  Slade doesn’t trust Luthor as far as he can throw him, but with a whole party of witnesses, Luthor has no choice but to be impartial.

Even in a fair fight, Slade can best Desmond.  With the man drunk and injured, there is simply no chance.

The courtyard is cleared for them to stand, back to back.  Luthor counts them down.  The crowd waits with baited breath.

Slade reaches the last step, twists, and pulls the trigger.  Desmond falls, dead, before he can loose his shot.

The vicious thrum of satisfaction is only tempered by the sight of Grayson’s pale, stricken face.

~#~

“Grayson,” Slade calls out rather louder than he’d like, but his quarry is stalking away from him and not inclined to slow down.  “Grayson.  Wait.”

Grayson does not wait.

“Richard!” is loud enough to be heard by any stragglers in the garden, and the omega finally turns, whipping on Slade with intent.

“Leave me alone,” Grayson snarls, voice low but no less venomous for it.  “I have no wish to speak with you.”

“I don’t understand why you’re so upset,” Slade says, bewildered and annoyed, the gleam of victory fast fading.  “I defended your honor—”

“Oh, is that what you thought you did?”  Grayson laughs, high and sharp.  His expression is strangely fractured—an imitation of his earlier composure, but shifting too much to be real.  “Well then, my many thanks to my noble savior!”

He turns on his heel, but doesn’t get far before Slade grabs his elbow and wrenches him back.  Irritation has tipped over into anger and the first flickers of fury lick at him.

“What in God’s name are you crying about?” he snaps, boxing the omega against a nearby tree.  He modulates his tone lower at the sound of twitters in the distance—he is not in the mood for any interruptions.  “I killed Desmond for what he said about you.”

Slade should’ve taken his tongue, but the alpha is dead and the matter moot.

“After ensuring that everyone at the party heard of it!”  Grayson angrily shakes off his grip, glaring back just as fierce.  “Thanks to you, my reputation is now mud.”  He ducks out from under Slade’s arm.  “If you’ll excuse me—”

Slade blocks Grayson from walking away.  “I shall challenge anyone who dares to repeat it,” he promises, blood singing at the thought.

It’s been far too long since he’s had a good, hard fight and while he isn’t in the habit of charity, this could be a most amusing diversion.  He has to admit, he does enjoy the omega all fired up and it clearly pricks at his pride to be rescued by Slade.  If he gets the omega hot and bothered—well, chastity is undoubtedly not one of his virtues, and Slade can be a far more thorough lover than Desmond.

“For how long, my lord?” Grayson hisses, voice breaking in what Slade is startled to realize is a hitch.  “How long before you end a courtship you never actually started?  How long before the rumors swirl that you cast me aside because there was truth in Desmond’s slander?”  In the moonlight, his eyes glitter like sapphires.  “What a pretty tale, that you defended my honor.”

Slade is taken aback.  “I wasn’t—”

The first tears spill down the omega’s cheeks, but he doesn’t take notice of it.  “You force me to divulge my secrets, you use that information to destroy your enemies, and you have the gall to demand I be grateful?”

“Grayson—”

“Good bye, Lord Wilson.”

Slade stares, stunned, as the omega stalks away.  That was not the outcome he was expecting.  Grayson is not entirely wrong—Slade has to admit that he wasn’t thinking about the consequences of his decision prior to making it, he only remembers wanting Desmond dead, but the sheer sharpness of his dismissal is both abrupt and cutting.

He narrows his eyes as he watches Grayson leave.