#did I screw up the hand? pfft no

[justoneenbymess]

Waaaaah!! First time posting my art here! (Why am I so nervous?)

I can't accept prizes but I love these designs so here is my entry for @shootingstarrfish 's DTIYS

It was a lot of fun! :]

[painter-of-the-stars]

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 , 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 . . .

Bleeeeep! The Payphone is ringing ! Requested: can i req a leo valdez x daughter of poseidon reader? <333 ( @bows-and-olivia-rodrigo, Thank you for coming by!)

Or I’ll never give my heart ,And the moment I can feel that.. A Leo Valdez Oneshot!

Leo Valdez is in love. That's all he knows, and all he wants to know. He's always so hyper aware of his feelings around you. Oh, why should such an enchanting girl even exist? One packed with surprises, who loved the ocean, the beach, and most of all, who loved him back.

"Hey! Leo, stop-that-that tickles!" You giggle, trying your best to back away from his hands, which were easily tickling you by making slow circles over your knee. Briefly, you remember it was you who had invited him to try, with a bold statement of: "Pfft. I don't get tickled, love. Such things don't bother me, really."

Oh, how wrong you were. It initiated an attack from the curly-haired boy, his trademark impish grin plastered on his face. "Really, mamacita? Well, I'd like to see."

So here you were, ruining the sheets of your freshly made bed, trying to crawl away. His laughter and yours echo together in your cabin -- both sounds of pure happiness.

His hair falls in messy curls over his eyes, as he tries to catch you again, pulling you gently by the ankle, his nose scrunching up in the way it did when he laughed. Neither of you paid attention to the noise you were making, because who really cared? You were in love, and you were 16 and you were allowed to be crazy. "Thought you said you'd handle it, amor! Or have you gone soft?" he teases, gasping exaggeratedly when you throw a pillow at him. You grin, just as teasing, trying to comb through the mess of your hair. You've ended up beside each other, his hands locked in yours. "Maybe I exaggerated a bit. But for all that trouble, you know what I deserve?" "Hmmm..another tickle attack?" "Absolutely not. I'd like a kiss as a reward, if you didn't mind." "You could ask me for the moon and the stars for all i care. I'll give you anything you want." So, he moves closer, his hand placed gently under your jaw, grin still crooked as ever, face slightly red from all the laughing. You move in, to kiss, and finally the person at the door makes a sound. "You guys do know the door is pretty much unlocked, yeah? Kids these days. So cheesy." Percy Jackson grins, already ready to go spill the beans to the rest. Well, now you were totally screwed.

a/n: first oneshot! It's not great, but I do hope you like it! Feel free to req again, thank you!

Bleeeeep! Insert a coin into the slot to make another wish! Later, reader!

[dandylovesturtles]

uh just a little something because I was thinking of something earlier and idk I like quiet moments of intimacy between people

set in the bad future timeline but like nobody's dying or anything, it's just #autismproblems but also it's the apocalypse

cw in depth discussion of food sensitivities? ig?

~~~

Leo knocks on the lab door before giving his code to the voice lock, just to give Donnie a little warning before he comes in. He's holding a small plate, utensils, and two bowls of stew, which don't smell particularly appetizing, but they have to do what they can with limited rations, these days.

Donnie is hunched over his work table, battleshell off which means he's taken April's suggestion/threat to get a few hours of shell time every day to heart. He's wearing his ragged and dirty hoodie, the one he refuses to part with no matter how many holes it gets, because both the color and fabric are "perfect".

He looks over his shoulder as Leo walks in, then sighs and hunches a little further down. He's tense, now.

"That time, huh?"

"Yep." He sets the bowl down on the desk, along with his spoon. "My suggestion is don't ask what's in it."

"I stopped asking after we lost the greenhouse." Donnie keeps his attention on his work. "Leave it there; I'll eat it when I'm done with this."

"Aww, come on." Leo grabs the extra chair and wheels it over, collapsing into it. "You don't want to eat dinner with your favorite twin?"

Donnie raises his goggles so the look he gives in response is more effective. "Did Mikey send you to babysit me?"

"Whaaat? Pfft. No."

Technically it's not a lie - April sent him.

"Uh-huh," says Donnie like he absolutely doesn't buy that. He's still not reaching for the bowl.

"...Dee," says Leo, his voice going softer. He nods at the bowl. "You gotta eat."

They've all noticed how he's been losing weight - and all of them have lost weight, that's not exclusively a Donnie problem, but Donnie's weight loss has been far more apparent. None of them are getting enough to eat, but Donnie isn't eating enough.

And Leo knows why. The food they're eating now isn't exactly a taste or sensory delight even for him, and he's been known to eat just about any garbage put in front of him. He can only imagine how it is for Donnie.

But he has to eat. He can't just stop.

Donnie mumbles something under his breath, but then he swivels his chair away from the table. He motions to a more clean surface across the room. "Let's at least go over there, if you insist on watching me."

"Let's move over there for our casual family dinner," agrees Leo, and he can't help but grin at the eye roll he gets in response.

They move, and Leo passes the plate and fork and knife off to Donnie. Then he stops staring at his brother for a bit and starts eating his own stew; set a good example. The meat in it is not very good - fatty and chewy, with some gristly bits - but it's protein, and Leo will take what he can get.

When he's almost halfway through his bowl, he looks back and sees Donnie has only managed to suck down some of the broth and not a lot else.

"You can't just eat the broth," he says, and Donnie grimaces.

"I know that. I know this is all we have and that if I want to stay functioning I have to eat it." Donnie hisses an annoyed breath through his teeth. "But if logically knowing things solved the problem you wouldn't be in here babysitting me."

"I'm not babysitting you. Think of me like... your eating hypeman." When Donnie raises an eyebrow at him, he grins and pumps his fist. "Go go Tello go!"

"Annoyed huff, you are the worst," Donnie grouses, but the tension in his shoulders loosens up, just a little. He dips the spoon in and ladles out a smaller piece of the meat, screwing up his face when he looks at it. But he puts it in his mouth.

Just eating that little bit seems like it takes a massive amount of work. Donnie chews for a long time, squeezing his eyes shut and fanning one hand like he's trying to cool himself down. Then he swallows, finally, and it looks like it physically pains him.

But he ate it and didn't cough it back out and that's a win in Leo's book.

He bites back any comments like "That wasn't so bad, was it?" because he knows from the look on Donnie's face it was absolutely terrible. Instead he just asks, "Think you can do a few more?"

"No," he says immediately, and Leo sighs.

"Donnie..."

"I'm trying," Donnie snaps, and Leo quiets. "I didn't ask to be like this. Trust me, I know how inconvenient it is."

And Leo hates this, hates that his brother is talking that way, hates the state of the world is such that he has to struggle just to eat, but he has to choose his responses carefully because Donnie hates to be pitied.

"I know, bro - shit sucks," he says, and puts warmth in his voice to tell Donnie this isn't a dismissal; if he wants to complain the whole way about how much he hates this, Leo will gladly listen. "If you wanna beat up some krang hounds about it later, we can do that."

Donnie actually makes a noise that is dangerously close to a laugh. "And do what, make more stew out of them?"

"This isn't krang hound! I think..."

"You really don't know?"

"I was serious about not asking," says Leo, and Donnie's lips actually twitch up.

He fishes another piece of meat out, sets it on the plate and cuts it up into smaller chunks. Leo knows he feels self-conscious, having to do that. He's hardly the only person in the colony that has texture issues, and Leo knows no one is dumb enough to try to pick a fight with Donatello Hamato over his eating habits, but... some things Donnie feels more comfortable doing only in the presence of family.

If hiding in his lab and chopping all his food up into bite-size chunks is what it takes to get his brother to eat, though, Leo will let him do it.

Donnie takes the small chunks one at a time and swallows them whole, without chewing. His mutant biology makes it easier, and he reacts less visibly nauseous this way.

He gets through two more pieces of meat like that, Leo watching him while he eats his own. He wants to tell Donnie he's proud of him, but then Donnie will definitely feel babied and he'll throw Leo out.

So instead, Leo ladles up one of his veggies (at least, he thinks it's a veggie) and pops it in his mouth.

"Slimy, yet satisfying," he says with a smirk.

"Take your hakuna matatas and shove them up your ass," says Donnie without missing a beat.

Leo doubles over laughing, and when he looks back up Donnie is grinning and over half his bowl is gone.

[umbrellacam]

Post-Knightfall - Batboys and Domestic Chores

aka What To Do When Your Alfred Quits Because Bruce Is A Self-Destructive Dingus With No Regard For His Own Health And So Now You Suddenly Have To Adult All By Yourself

aka despite both being raised by Alfred from roughly age 9 onward, Bruce is still a completely helpless fumbling rich boy when it comes to domestic tasks, while Dick is very much not, lol.

Tim also starts out as a typical sheltered teenage boy who doesn't even know how to fold laundry... But fortunately for him, he has a new older brother to teach him what's what while they're partnered up during Prodigal! :D

...Sort of. Once Bruce is back and he and Tim are on their own, they both still fumble without Alfred or Dick around. Tim's embryonic domestic skills can't make up for Bruce being a sad wet cat re: household tasks, pfft.

In chronological order, starting after Bruce and Alfred have both fucked off and Dick and Tim are holding down the fort in Gotham as Batman and Robin:

DICK AND TIM

Batman #512 - Dick can cook! And he cooks for Tim :) Also, the house-robes are adorable, as always. Tim: "I can't believe you can actually cook..." Dick: "I like to eat." Tim: "So does Bruce - but he had to order Chinese last night." Dick: "That's where I'm one up on him - I've lived on my own without an Alfred. Still miss him, though... He was good for a lot more than cooking and cleaning." Tim: "Yep - but at least we don't have to miss him on empty stomachs."

Batman: Shadow of the Bat #32 - The Manor was thrashed after Bruce's fight with Bane, and was never cleaned up after Bruce's back was broken and Jean-Paul Valley took over as Batman. The Batbros are on the job! Dick (sweeping): "Bruce told me a story once: Two philosophers talked all day." Tim (blithely eating a banana): "And...?" Dick (tossing him the broom): "The mess was still there next morning!" Tim (grinning): "Message received and understood, Captain!"

Batman #513 - Timmy is amazed at Dick's mastery of the household arts! Tim: "Awesome - you can cook and do the laundry?" Dick: "Hey, if there's time, I may even putty some new panes in those smashed windows." Tim: "Blimey - does Alfred the Pennyworth know you've mastered all his domestic secrets?" Dick: "Who do you think taught him?" Tim: "Not to get too serious, Dick, but it's good to see you loose again - and good to see the Manor taking shape, too. Since Jean Paul didn't care about it and Bruce relies on Alfred, it looks like you can teach a trick or two the other Batmen couldn't."

Robin #12 - More Dick handling the laundry, and Dick flinging a towel in Tim's face - er, teaching him how to fold so that he can pitch in instead of sitting on the side and moping. Dick: "Does that mean that things are going smoother between you and Ariana?" Tim (mopily): "Not really. Every time I think we're finally getting along, something happens to change all that." Dick: "Welcome to the opposite sex, Tim." Tim: "Look at you with the laundry. You're going to make some woman happy someday." Dick: "Well, it's about time you learned to fold a towel." (throws one in Tim's face) Tim: "Hey!" Dick: "I can't do everything around here until Alfred gets back."

BRUCE AND TIM

Bruce is back! And he straight up sucks at all this stuff without Alfred, lol, and doesn't have a Dick to lean on like Tim did.

Batman: Shadow of the Bat #35 - Bruce attempting laundry in the washer (laundry strewn all over the room and bubbles ominously emerging from the machine), getting pizza delivery, and asking the delivery boy for limo service recs, lol. Delivery Boy: "Good afternoon, sir. Three-cheese special, right?" Bruce: "You don't happen to know a good limo service? Or anything about washing machines...?"

Detective Comics #685 - Bruce infamously ruining tuna fish sandwiches. Bruce: "Sorry about lunch, Tim. I'm not much of a hand in the kitchen. With Alfred gone I'm pretty much helpless." Tim: "It's okay, Bruce. How can you screw up a tuna fish sandwich?" (takes a bite) "Oh. That's how."

Detective Comics #687 - Bruce attempts to toss an Armani tuxedo in the washing machine because reasons. Tim: "Are you sure you know what you're doing, Bruce?" Bruce: "How dangerous can it be, Tim? Alfred never seems to have a problem." Tim: "Well, he makes everything look easy. What are you washing here?" Bruce: "My summer tux. It smelled like the river." Tim (pulling out the now-tiny tux jacket and smirking): "Guess you didn't know you were supposed to dry clean these things, huh?"

Batman: Shadow of the Bat #40 - The central heating system at the Manor has gone down, and Bruce is aghast that he (a) has to make a reservation with the maintenance man, and (b) it might take him more than a week to take care of it. Bruce decides to just fix it himself - I wonder how that went, lol. Bruce (hand to his forehead dramatically) : "A butler, at butler, my kingdom for a butler!" Tim (coming down the stairs into the basement): "Specifically Alfred?" Bruce: "Very specifically. He'd have had these central heating tyrants fixed in minutes. Losing Alfred has caused me as much pain as anything Bane did to me."

THE RETURN OF ALFRED! Yaaaaay! And more Bruce and Tim.

Batman #521 - More overflowing laundry shenanigans 😂 Bruce: "Not again, Tim!" Tim: "Honest, Bruce - I know I didn't go overboard on the detergent this time!" Bruce: "You mean you added detergent too--? After I already did it?" Tim: "Uh oh. Hey, I was only trying to help..." Bruce: "The mops." Tim: "Yeah...again." Alfred returns to Bruce and Tim both attempting to mop up, suds everywhere, including in their hair. To preserve both his and Bruce's dignity, he's pretended to come in answer to a Help Wanted ad that he himself placed in the paper, for a butler at Wayne Manor. Bruce and Tim both warmly welcome him home.

Detective Comics #689 - Batman and Robin pick the wrong rooftop to talk on, and startle a woman coming up to hang her laundry so badly that she faints, dropping and scattering the whole load. Robin: "She'll be okay. Just passed out." Batman: "I hate when this happens." Robin: "Well, what do we do now?" Batman: "How about demonstrating some of your new skills - the ones Nightwing taught you?" Robin: "Man..." He does, and the woman wakes up to her neatly folded items in her basket, while Bruce and Tim swing away. Tim (indignant): "It wouldn't hurt you to learn how to fold clothes, even though Alfred is back." Batman (grinning): "You know what they say about old dogs, Robin." Robin: "Right."

(All of these were published within a one year span, from November 1994 to September 1995. Very fun little recurring D-plot in the aftermath of Knightfall c:)

[denny-artsss]

Caine: *spawns birth certificate* YOU CAN NOW NAME YOUR CHILD! *hands it to Jax*

Jax: great. *taps the pen* what you wanna name the brat?

Gangle: *thinks* hmm...mey- mey-mey!!

Jax: alright. *writes it down*

Caine: that is such a wonderful name for a wonderful little creature like her!

*later*

*Gangle is painting "Mey-Mey" on top of a crib she just build for the baby as Jax walks in holding both the baby and the birth certificate*

Jax: hah. You wrote her name wrong stupid.

Gangle: *looks at it* no? It's Mey-mey. That's how it's written.

Jax: *sweating nervously and smilling, looking at her, as the baby is pulling on one of his ears* really? Wow..hah..

Gangle: Jax- what did you write in the birth certificate?

Jax: pfft- same thing really-

Gangle: *snatches it from him and looks at it* YOU NAMED OUR KID "MEME" ?

Jax: I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS SPELLED MEY-MEY!

Gangle: YOU ABSOLUTE IDIOT!

Mey-mey: *watching them fight*

Zooble: *walking by* thats gonna be one screwed up kid.

[jev-urisk]

WIP Wednesday: Confession Tag! ✨️

Thanks for the tag @tragedycoded~

I'm posting a confession-vibe clip from my WIP 🌐7 Circles🌐, and there's spoilers and 🌶sexual content🌶 ahead

From Chapter 5: The Pent-Up House

Kazimier barely gives a grunt in response as his finger gently traces a pattern in the plush fabric of the sofa, mind elsewhere. Klaus moves closer, studying his charge, looking at more than just what the shock did to his system- the flush not linked to the burns, the way his hips shift in discomfort under the blanket.

“..So how often are you supposed to feed, then?”

Kazimier’s jaw tightens and he pauses his idle occupation of creating a criss-cross design in the couch's soft upholstery. "Ya' feed me once a week- just what a 'Cubi needs." he offers smoothly, rubbing his design into nothingness.

Two can play at that game. "So, every day then." Klaus says deliberately.

"Pfft." Kazimier rolls his eyes hard enough that his head follows the movement before tipping back to look at Klaus. "Seems like a lot," Klaus says, keeping his voice and face suspiciously innocent. His hands fall to his belt, undoing the buckles. "But what kind of incubus would I be if I couldn't keep up?" 

The implication is clear. And Klaus has every intention of sticking to this ridiculous schedule unless Kazimier answers. Something behind Kazimier’s eyes flashes with the temptation, the hunger. The rest of him lashes out, unable to grit his teeth another time.

"Now Sir," Kazimier grinds out, muscles protesting as he heaves himself into a seated position, "I'm a domesticated mongrel these days, not usin' as much energy as I did in 'the wild'. I don' know why in tha’ four districts you'd wanna screw yourself feedin' me higher than my former rate- three days durrin' workin’ weeks for your damn information, but it ain't needed." he spits out, lip curling. He leans forward, eyes full of defiance and desire in a way that sent a shiver down Klaus’ spine "I can keep on with you slidin’ your cock past my fangs on the weekly for a loong while yet. Sir." He purrs loathingly. They had taken the man out of Du’Preve, but he was definitely 4th class, even here in Nexis.

Klaus should be outraged. He should hit the anadem and send another charge through Kazimier for his insolence. He should beat him. Or starve him. Or something. 

Three days. 

Klaus smiles wide and warm as he delights in the fire he’s uncovered in the hybrid. "Three days then. Easy enough." He responds, fixing his belt. Kazimier licks his teeth, mismatched eyes squinting in contempt as his temper cools and gravity sets in. "So you’re a moxie thing.. ain't ya?" he says, mouth stuck between a snarl and a smirk.  "So I've been told," Klaus says smugly.

7 Circles stuffs taglist: @gioiaalbanoart @biblicallyaccuratefruitbat @katenewmanwrites @pencilpusher1000 @lychhiker-writes @autism-purgatory @wyked-ao3 @cowboybrunch @zackprincebooks @smellyrottentrees @aalinaaaaaa @the-golden-comet @urbiggestfan-01 @quillswriting @nbkuhn @ddgraywrites @desastreus @nbkuhn @theglitchywriterboi @shanakin-skywalker @honeybewrites @sincerelydorky

[polyhexian]

despite Jasper telling Raine not to call him for CATTs business after the finale, I feel like Raine would, indeed, end up calling him. a lot. because, like. there's an entire oppressive government to mop up, and as former Golden Guards both Jasper and Hunter would be a wealth of information.

it's a 50-50 chance whether Jasper will just hang up or whether he'll demand some ridiculous price for his help, but Raine has a dangerous castle full of an evil emperor's secrets to clean up, and the former Golden Guards are RIGHT THERE.

so like…

~

"Whispers, I told you not to call me."

"I know, don't worry, I'll be quick. Is there a backup key to the treasury?"

"I'm sorry, what?"

"We can't find the treasury secretary and the key is gone and we KIND OF need the relief funds - "

"Ohoho you guys are screwed, if you try going in there without the key you're gonna get vaporized by the security system."

"I AM AWARE. Do you know of some other way to get in?"

"Mmm theoretically."

"…What's it gonna cost to get you to help?"

"I've been considering getting my own wifi plan. Could you get the fees waived for, like, forever?"

~

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW TO GET UPPER-LEVEL ACCESS TO THE CASTLE'S CRYSTAL BALL NETWORK?"

"Hello to you too, Whispers."

"YES, HI, WE'RE KIND OF ON A TIME LIMIT HERE, NO TIME TO EXPLAIN BUT LILITH'S ACCESS WAS REVOKED SO - "

"Pfft wait, they actually locked her out? Oh, wait, she was alive when she defected, that makes sense…"

"JASPER PLEASE I KNOW THIS IS A LONGSHOT BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS - "

"Here I'll just text you my username and password."

"…WHAT???"

"Yeah they never changed it, pretty stupid of them. There you go, sent, feel free to use it as much as you like, it's not like I need it anymore. Also stop calling me."

~

"Listen I know you said you don't care to participate in government BUT I'm just putting out feelers so I wanted to know if you had any ideas on how to de-militarize the Emperor's Coven?"

"What makes you think I understand the first thing about political theory?"

"You were the Emperor's RIGHT HAND MAN."

"Haha yeah, doesn't mean I understood anything."

~

"Did Belos actually acquire the XYZ artifact?"

"Oh, yeah, I got that for him like 20 years ago."

"Great! Do you know where he stored it?"

"Not a clue."

~

"Whispers I am marathoning Cosmic Frontier with my kid, this had better be important."

"Sorry, just - quick question, we're trying to clear Belos's wing of the castle and we need to know, how many secret passages are there in this hallway?"

"Well in the hallway there's five, but there's another two in his chambers and one in his study."

"For the love of - "

"Hm? One sec. …Okay, Hunter says there's actually three in the study and seven in the hallway - wait, but Hunter, you never knew about the grimwalker lab? Huh. Okay so between me and Hunter there are eight in the hallway. That we know of."

"Great. Fantastic."

"Also watch out for the booby traps. And now that I think about it, one of the passages in the bedchamber is probably keyed so that only a human can enter, so you might want to recruit Luz for that."

"Is there anything I can do to get you to come help us clear this place?"

"Absolutely not. Wait, let me check - hey, Hunter, want to go back to the site of our torment to help Whispers and Mason do their jobs? Yeah, didn't think so."

"Alright, alright, sorry for asking."

"Oh, but I do claim anything you find pertaining to grimwalkers as, like, reparations or whatever. At the very least there should be a shelf full of journals in the lab. You can give what's left of Caleb back to the Clawthornes, though, he's their graverobbed great-great-whatever-granddad."

"Oh dear titan."

"Going back to our marathon now, if you have an emergency in the next thirteen hours I am NOT answering my scroll. Byyyyyyye."

SO fucking funny. "here's my password have fun kids" and that's how Raine finds out how jasper has known everything always all the time jehshdhdja. THAT SON OF A-

Don't forget jasper loves being bribed. When hunter is busy or at school jasper can be convinced to do stuff. Mostly with food. Food is a great motivator the man is hungry.

Raine: hey... Can you come and break down the wards in Belos's chambers?

Jasper: no

Raine: you want a house

Jasper: what

Raine: a house. White picket fence. Bay windows. Kitchen nook. You want one

Jasper: wh

Raine: mason will make you a house if you will come deactivate these wards

Jasper: why would I need a house. I have a house.

Raine: you live in a cave.

Jasper: I like my cave.

Raine: I bet hunter would like a house.

Jasper: I'll be right there

[oh-hell-help-me]

July 24: Tell An Old Joke Day

For Bowser, it has been awhile since he cracked open his old collection of jokes- metaphorically, of course.

… And maybe physically, but you didn’t hear it from him.

Considering his current status as a dad of eight, it was honestly a Parental Crime to not have cracked a single dad joke after his marriage.

It seemed to be a good day. Hell, it was a good morning to crack them out-

And it started at breakfast.

For whatever reason, Lemmy always instigates his siblings for a new place to play. Today was a ‘middle of the rainforest’ type of proposal, and everyone was understandably skeptical.

“But what if it rains?” Wendy wrinkles her nose, and while Bowser understood that distaste (water and pink bows don’t mix well), he couldn’t help but interject.

“Then you have a shell-ter.”

Ludwig and Wendy are quick to catch it, quietly letting out pained groans as they slump into their seat.

Iggy, on the other hand, hasn’t caught on yet.

“And, pray tell, where exactly would we find shelter? Forests aren’t exactly known for structurally superfluous roofing.”

And Bowser could only grin wider as he gets ready to reply-

“It wouldn’t be too much of a leak in logic to bring an umbrella, no?”

But his husband is quicker, blue eyes sparkling as he watches Iggy’s face dawn in realization.

It didn’t take long for Bowser hear the drawn out, quiet ‘noooo’ as the green haired Koopaling stares at his dads in disbelief.

Morton understandably doesn’t know what is happening, but still has enough observational ability to see that three of his siblings are in exasperated despair.

“Umbrella dumb, why not ship?”

“Well,” Bowser feels his face nearly split by his grin. “if you don’t mind flying, you can get yourself a shellicopter.”

He new that Morton wouldn’t miss it this time, and revels as his son’s face screws up in thought- and then bounces into indignation.

“Not funny!”

“I don’t know,” Luigi delicately wipes his mouth of whipped cream. “I’d say he’s rather punny.”

“Not you too!” It’s Roy who interjects, looking like someone had stolen his favorite dessert.

“It’s too early for puns.” And there’s Junior, clearly still muzzy from sleep as he tries to take a wobbling bite into a strawberry.

“I’m shell-shocked you’re not joining in, Junior!” Lemmy seemed to share his fathers’ enthusiasm for linguistic creativity.

On the other hand, Larry is staring at the three with a deadpan look. “I thought getting married would have made you forget Dad Jokes.”

“How could I forget?”

He hears Luigi giggle. “Knowing your father, he is one the few here to have turtle recall on Dad Perks. And since when did marriage have to do anything with a sense of humor?”

And like a good husband, Bowser agrees wholeheartedly. “It’s the height of humor! With Luigi, I will no doubt see him reach it as well!”

“Mio amore, next to you, reaching your height is but a pipe dream.”

“Pfft. Don’t sell yourself short, love.”

“Please.” It’s Ludwig who whines, already having his ears covered. “Just. Stop. Punning.”

“I can’t, bambino.” Luigi is clearly holding back a laugh. “I sink it’s impossible when my own papa passed the tradition to me and your uncle. I dare say he tortoise well.”

The collective groans inside the Dining Hall was music for the ears.

And it was a morning Bowser will treasure forever.

[hooman-tree]

NoOOOO maybe its a lil silly but its rubi or bee / beescool 😭 promise im not stalking u or nun i literally found u in the comments of a miles fic, gotta say u got good taste lmfaoo.

OMD HI I'M GLAD TO HEAR FROM YA && All these miles fic ARE REALLY GOOD ! I RARELY COMMENT AS WELL , so it's a surprise that you found me but I'M HAPPY ABT IT dw !!

Imma do one now , just to celebrate you sending this message to me 🤩🤩 && AND bc you called me out on looking at miles fics 😭😭

━━━━━━━━ THE CHAOS━MAGNET && THE COMICAL DORK .

━━━━━━ EARTH 1610 ! MILES MORALES && GENDER NEUTRAL ! READER

━━ [ Name ] && Miles both spend the day together by baking something sweet !

WARNING ( S ) ; None , just some fluff && kitchen disasters !

RELATIONSHIP ; ( Hinted ) Romantic , Pining && Crushing , Oblivious + Obvious Trope .

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ MILES DIDN'T THINK OF HIMSELF TO BE IN THE SAME ROOM AS [ NAME ] , AS HE WAS BOUND TO SCREW UP SOMETHING AND ULTIMATELY DESTROY ANY WAY OF HIM EVEN TRYING TO REMOTELY IMPRESS [ NAME ] . The latter teen seemed to not be paying any mind to how Miles was constantly taking prolonged ( and blatantly obvious ) glimpses at them , while he was supposed to keep his eyes on the cookbook .

[ Name ] did pay attention to what was on the cookbook , well they truly did try to . But , as they pressed their lips against a thin line : they ultimately snatched the cookbook that Miles was supposed to pay attention , and they threw it towards a window . However , the window didn't even smash from that impact , as the cookbook bounced off from it and fell down to the floor .

Miles flailed his arms about , standing upright , visibly jumpy and awfully confused as to why [ Name ] even decided to do that .

" Uh ━ Why'd you do that for ? " Miles uttered out the question , his eyebrows furrowed with a heavy amount of concern , keeping his peering look onto [ Name ] .

Without a gasp of a breath , [ Name ] rushed about the kitchen and started to gather out random pots , pans , wooden spoons , whisks and plates .

Okay , the whole rushing thing was starting to freak out Miles , a bit .

Nevermind , it was freaking him out , a lot .

[ Name ] was frantically going all over their kitchen , but they came to an abrupt stop , because of Miles grabbing their shoulders and shaking them ferociously . " [ Name ] ! Are you alright ? ━ What are you trying to do ? "

[ Name ] blinked mildly , surprised by the sudden contact , but they gently pushed down Miles' arms and a small laugh left them . " Don't worry yourself , brochacho ! " With that chilled━out comment of endearing reassurance , [ Name ] brought their hands up and smooshed up Miles' cheeks ━ while holding on a drooped look with a dazy smile of relaxation . Miles widened his eyes involuntarily at this action , an anxious smile wobbled onto his face , that said━face of his was starting to slowly grow warm .

" Woah . . . Your face is sooo warm , dude . " [ Name ] stated in a chilled━out and monotone toning of voice , moving their hands back with bewilderment displayed all over their features . Miles grimaced , embarrassment overtaking himself , wavering his arms in a flurry , stumbling a few steps back .

" Oh , me ? Uh ━ Pfft , well . . . It's just , very━very . . . very hot in here ! Can't just be me , right ? " Miles tried to act all nonchalant and lean back on a part of the kitchen counter to act all cool , but he slipped a bit and folded his arms , squeezing up his face with utter disdain .

[ Name ] raised an eyebrow , but quickly shrugged . " Eh . . . Mkay , dude ━ whatever you say . Anywho , we don't need the cookbook : we can do it all by ourselves and be great at this cooking ━ "

" Baking . "

" Same thing . But , we can be great at it too ! "

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ THEY WEREN'T GREAT AT BAKING WITHOUT THE COOKBOOK . In fact , they weren't even remotely close to managing to bake any cupcakes or cake at all in the course of that day .

Because , now : there was noises of a repetition on freaking out , screaming and running around the kitchen , as a pan was blooming with a fire and smoke emerging from it . Well , only Miles was freaking out and trying to put out the fire quickly with buckets of water .

[ Name ] happened to be the one that was watching the fire with a dazed look , putting on a marshmallow on their fork and holding it near the fire . Their eyes glistened at the flames , but they were immediately tackled down , when the flames were about to start burning them .

[ Name ] let out a pained grunt , landing on their back , still holding onto the fork that had a flaming marshmallow stuck to it . Blinking mildly , their face held a confused look at it being Miles that tackled them down . Once the flames on their marshmallow burned out : [ Name ] took a bite out of it and spoke up to Miles .

" That was a radical tackle , man . Like , something out of a comic or an action movie , dude . But , uh . . . Can you , like get off of me , please ? "

Miles widened his eyes , scrambling back away from [ Name ] and he scratched the back of his neck with a bashful look . On the other hand , [ Name ] stood up and took another bite on their marshmallow , filled a blue cup with tap water and splashed it over the remaining flames .

Miles let out a sigh of relief , rubbing any sweat from his forehead and he stood himself up ( with the help of [ Name ] hoisting him up with their arm ) . The two of them looked at the destruction they both managed to cause , as [ Name ] took another bite into their burnt marshmallow .

" Mmh , these are totally delicious . Wanna try some ? " They nudged Miles , who politely declined .

" No ━ No , thanks . But , shouldn't we clean up this mess , before your auntie and uncle come back home ? "

" Hm , yeah : you're right , dude . What a smart suggestion ! " [ Name ] lifted up their shoulders , as if they had made an airheaded revelation at what Miles said . The corner of their lips upturned into a grin , as they playfully bumped their shoulder into Miles . " Where would I be without my brochacho , huh ? "

" I dunno , brochacho . " Miles countered━back , a grin spreading among his face . And with that , the two of them fell into a bundle of contagious laughter , as they started to get to cleaning up . They were definitely not going to be baking again for a while , now .

But , they got a burnt marshmallow out of it , at least .

[maeswonders]

Zhongli x reader

workaholic reader x Zhongli

busy reader ig idk sorry english isnt my first language

_________________________________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐ you woke up about an hour ago and as right you woke up, you got a letter saying there's a meeting today, so you've been searching for everything you need for the past 15 minutes.

"Hey, did you see my-" You turned the corner of your kitchen, frantically looking for your coat, just to see Zhongli sitting on the sofa as he pointed at your coat which was right behind you, his expression unreadable. "Ah- Thanks!" You said quickly as you rushed out of the door, Zhongli was about to kiss you goodbye but oh well! too late.

You ran to the building where the meeting was supposed to be held, you ran as fast as you could and made it only a minute late, as you peeked through the fancy door you saw that the meeting is about to start, you quietly found your seat and sat down, fortunately, the seat was right by the door so nobody noticed the fact that you were late yet again. Your employer then clapped his hands to get everyone's attention, he was about to scold you for being late again but he disregarded it.

The meeting was about a shortage of materials for an upcoming project because the material management team didn't get the information in time, so your division was supposed to find and get the materials in one day, and of course, you got the most materials to find, as your employer is simply a salty person and has beef with you from the day you got employed, why? He's just like that.

You sighed as you came out of the building, now holding tons of notebooks and papers in your arms, you checked the list of all the things you needed to get. Feeling kind of sick, probably due to lack of sleep.

"Pfft.." Your colleagues laughed at your misfortune as they walked away, knowing the got less materials to get.

You just disregarded it, you get paid more than them anyways. As you checked the list you just now realized how screwed you are, you felt overwhelmed and stressed. "Ah. Lovely." You sighed as you headed to the Liyue harbor as one of the materials was supposed to be located there in a shop.

As you were walking to the specific shop, you realized that you forgot to get the money that your employer gave you to get the items, and you were too lazy to go back now. "I better get paid extra.." You muttered to yourself as you approached the shop owner.......

About MANY hours later, you got all the materials needed, and with debt now you returned to the building where your workspace was located at, after a bit of arguing with your employer you got your all the mora that you spent on the materials back. You were incredibly tired and felt sick, it was about 3pm/15:00 now. And you then remembered. 'Wait, did I tell Zhongli I would be out for over 10 hours?' you asked yourself, now realizing that Zhongli is probably stressed out of his mind as of now.

You ran as fast as you could to your house, you got your keys out and checked if it was locked. It was, meaning nobody was inside. You put your hand over your forehead and facepalmed, Zhongli was most likely outside right now, searching for you. As you turned around you were met with a glare from the one and only, Zhongli.

"I'm so so sorry-" You said but Zhongli interrupted you by wrapping his arms around you, hugging you. You could hear his heartbeat. You hugged back, all your stress was nonexistent at that very moment. As you were about to keep hugging him, Zhongli broke the hug, he takes your chin in his fingers and angles your face and then places his hand on your forehead. "I think you have a fever, go lay down my dear." Zhongli held your hand as he unlocked your house, leading you in as his thumb caressed your hand. "But I have more work to do-" You protested but Zhongli turned his head to look at you, and you realized he was being serious. "Okay!" You immediately said, not daring to say no. He then kissed your forehead and you went to your shared bedroom.

You felt really bad, physically and mentally. "I don't think I'm sick though." You muttered as you looked in the mirror, you looked paler than usual, your s/c skin looking like it was eliminated of all the color, but you didn't really notice that. You sighed as you sat down at your work table. 'If I'm quick enough he won't even notice.' you thought to yourself as you got out all the things needed and got to working.

About 30 minutes later, Zhongli came into the room with tea and soup for you. You didn't notice and kept writing down things, feeling fatigued, your body was practically shaking out of the fatigue. Zhongli then gently put a hand on your shoulder, holding the tray with the tea and soup with one hand, as he leaned down to your ear. "Love. I think it's better if you go lay down instead of working now, okay?" He asked, you could hear his worry and seriousness, yet he said it so gently. You turned your head to look at him as he closed your notebook and took the pen out of your hand. "I'm sorry but- I... I don't know, I feel lazy if I'm not working. I came late today already to the meeting. Please let me finish ..this. I r-really need to work please." You said, trying not to stutter as you felt more and more tired and sick. Zhongli sighed as he placed the tray next to your work, you were about to thank him but instead, he picked you up bridal style and placed you in bed, kissing your cheek softly he then went over to your table and placed the tray in your lap. "I can try to finish your work for you, if it's paperwork." He said, his eyes looking into yours. "No! I don't want you to stress about it, I will just do it as soon as I can-" "No, rest. You will rest." Zhongli interrupted you as you felt upset but you knew he was right. "You slept only about 1 hour yesterday aswell, rest. Your food is getting cold." He pointed out as he took a seat at your desk and got to work as you just got to eating.

After you finished your food, you placed the tray on the night table and then walked over to Zhongli to see him filling out your paperwork, in your handwriting. "Rest, please." He said as you muttered a small sorry. You then walked to the closet and got dressed in your pajamas and went to lay down. "Zhongli, dear?" You called out. "Yes, love?" He asked as he turned around. "Can you please just lay down with me until I fall asleep?" You asked, feeling a bit shy to ask out of nowhere. He nodded and softly smiled as he went in the bed beside you, you lay your head on his chest as you felt his heartbeat, the soft cold wind caressing your body as the window was open.

About few minutes later you fell asleep as you were tired already. Zhongli was looking at you with worry, he carefully got you off of his chest and then placed a soft kiss on your forehead as he tucked you in. "Sleep well, my love." He said as he got back to doing your paperwork

[cainluvr69]

"Special Gifts for a Celebratory Night" Cain SSR Story - The Flowerfall Game Hall, With You ~ Invitation for Cain

Akira: (I wonder where Cain is. If he's not in his room or in the lounge, then…ah!)

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: Are fwe fone yet.

Cain: I just have one more question. You were alone with the Sage inside, right?

Akira: Did I do something?

Cain: Master Sage! How long have you been listening…?

Akira: I only got here a moment ago. I was looking for you, Cain. Are the two of you eating some snacks together?

Cain: Something like that. Did you need me for something?

Akira: Yes. It's almost your birthday, so I wanted to invite you to the Flowerfall Game Hall…

Mithra: Oh, what good timing. Then I will leave the explanation to you.

Akira: Huh?

Cain: !

Mithra: He's been pestering me endlessly about what kind of place it is. He could just ask one of the other--

Cain: Mithra, Mithra! Here, take the rest of my snacks. You can have all of them. Thanks for giving me your time.

Mithra: Mm, thank you.

Cain: …Whew. Sorry to cut that short, Master Sage.

Akira: Oh, no. But if you wanted to talk about the Game Hall, then…

Cain: I heard about it from Arthur, and I've been really curious about it since. It's a miniature garden that one of Shylock's old friends left behind, right?

Akira: That's right. Their magical power is in its decline and it's making it difficult to take care of the hall, so Shylock's been holding onto it and I've been borrowing it. At least, I wanted to ask if you wanted to go to the hall with me to celebrate your birthday?

Cain: Of course. I'd be happy to, Master Sage.

✦✧☾✧✦

And so, the day we agreed to go to the Flowerfall Game Hall together arrived.

Cain: Did you hand-make this invitation? You decorated it with all sorts of my favorite things.

Cain: You really know me well, Sage.

Akira: Ahaha, I'm just happy you like it.

Cain: So by using a little magic, the door to the hall opens, right? Alright… <Gladius Procella>

The invitation began to glow with a gentle light, and slowly, the door to the hall began to open. And we were enveloped in white mist--

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: --Woah, this place is amazing?! This is the first time I've ever seen that, or this over here! And this outfit… If I heard right, this is an outfit that the Hall itself prepared for each one of us, right?

Akira: That's right! It suits you well, Cain.

Cain: Ahaha, I'm glad to hear it. Since I'm getting the chance to escort you today, anything less than the best wouldn't feel right.

Cain's smile was so bright that I started to smile too, just seeing it. But then I straightened my back, trying to be a bit more serious. I'd practiced how to properly escort someone who knew how many times before today. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for that pose, the standard one for something like this.

Akira: …Cain. Allow me to take you to the Hall proper. Please, give me your hamb!

Cain: …

Akira: (…I messed up…)

Cain: Pfft, ahaha! Thank you for the wonderful invitation, Master Sage.

Akira: I want to dig a hole and bury myself in it…

Cain: You can't do that. Then I'd have no one to escort me. So, once again. I'd be happy to, Master Sage.

As Cain said that, he gently placed his hand on top of the one that I'd reached out to him with. His hand was so warm. Warm enough to melt away all my stress and embarrassment from screwing up.

Akira: …Thank you, Cain. Let me show you this area first! First up, this is sort of like a rollercoaster… Umm, I was wondering if you might want to ride this with me. It's like a…ride that goes really, really, really fast.

Cain: That was one I heard about from Arthur, where you go down a fast-moving current of water with a swim ring? It sounded really fun, so I asked him about it.

Akira: That sounds just like you. But this is a different one, where we'll go round and round around a volcano.

Cain: Top speed around a volcano… That sounds super fun!

We walked while we talked, and before I knew it, we were already at our destination.

Cain: A mountain of little flowers…? No, wait, there's flames coming out of the top. Is this the volcano you were telling me about? Akira: Yep! We're going to ride around it in that cart made of woven vines. There's a lot of rides that go really fast, but I want this to be the one we ride first!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: Woah, there's so many hills on this ride! But doesn't that mean it can't go very fast?

Akira: It's probably about to start speeding up! This is actually the first time I'm riding this one too, so I don't know what kind of speed it's going to have.

Well, that's what I said, but I sure do know about this rollercoaster. When Shylock told me that we had one, I thought it'd be fun to take Cain on it, so I didn't really get to do a test drive--

Akira: Gyaaaahhhh!! We're fallingggg!!

Cain: Ahaha, that's one hell of a scream! But yelling from your gut really makes riding this even more fun.

The cart we were riding in hit such a speed that I thought we were going to fall right into the volcano's crater, and we did get close enough that I could've reached out and touched the flames--but then we hit a turn and went back to the mountain's surface. On a normal rollercoaster, you could tell where it was going to go by looking at its rail, but on a magical one that moved freely, it was impossible to tell what was going to happen next.

Akira: Th--that was actually a scream from my heart… But, Cain. You're fine letting go of the vines holding you in place, even at a speed like this?!

Cain: Well, it feels better like this, yeah? Oh, Master Sage. There's a phantom boulder chasing after us now-- Oh, now there's a whole waterfall of magma! A magmafall! Alright, then let me-- Woooooooooooo!!

Akira: Gyaaaaahhhh!!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: Ahh! That was super fun.

Akira: You…were able to ride it ten entire times… That's some energy you've got…!

Cain: Ahaha. If you wanna go again, I'm still good for it.

Akira: (He's so powerful… But, it looks like he's completely satisfied.)

As I was staring at his smiling face, Cain suddenly stood up. And then he looked at me, staring deep into my eyes.

Cain: Master Sage. Could I have a moment of your time?

Akira: ? Yes, of course you can…

Cain put one hand to his chest. It was such a sincere and gallant…and knightly pose. He bowed to me, like a proper knight would.

Cain: Master Sage. I thank you kindly for giving me this wonderful present, this wonderful, unforgettable time with you. Thanks to you, I've been truly, genuinely happy. Which is why I wish to offer you the same favor.

Cain held out a single white envelope. I couldn't read whose name was written on it, but still, I had a feeling I knew exactly what it said.

Akira: Is this…for me…?

Cain: Yes. It's an invitation I've addressed to you.

He knelt down on one knee, and respectfully, almost reverently, extended his hand to me.

Cain: I want to make you exactly as happy as you made me today. So next time, allow me to escort you as best as I am able, so that I may be the one to make you smile.

The expression on his face was a straightforward and sincere one. His words and movements didn't have a single trace of hesitation, and I felt the tension drain from my cheeks.

Akira: (I really am no match for you, Cain…) Please, I would be delighted!

As soon as I said that, flower petals began to dance around us. Cain and I glanced at each other, and then up towards the ceiling.

Cain: It's so beautiful… Is this the sign that it's time to go home?

Akira: Yes. The flowers begin to fall once the wizard that's activated the Hall is satisfied…

Even as I spoke, mist began to cloud over my field of vision.

✦✧☾✧✦

And before I realized it, we were back inside the manor.

Akira: Ah…we're back. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself in the hall, Cain!

Cain: Yeah, it was amazing! Thank you, Master Sage. But to tell the truth, I was nervous the whole time. I kept thinking about when our time together was going to end. Even though I talked to Mithra and the others so I could get a surprise ready for you in advance… Like, it'd be really uncool if you were escorting me and the hall up and kicked us out early, right?

Akira: (Oh, I see… So him asking about the hall was so he could surprise me.)

Cain's smile was lighthearted, like he was joking around, but my chest felt warm. That warmth made me want to do something to make him happy, one last time. I gently took his hand and squeezed it, and he made an odd little expression at me.

Akira: (There are so many things I want to tell him, but…) Cain. One more time, happy birthday! I hope that this coming year is a year full of smiles and happiness for you.

I'd never be able to match Cain, but I still did my best to look cool about it. There's no special power in my words, but-- May these seeds one day bloom into flowers. May magic one day turn plain stones into jewels. May my words one day become blessings so powerful they can protect his heart. With these wishes all wrapped up in my words--

Akira: …That's my final surprise gift for you. Was I cooler than when I first tried?

Cain: … Yeah. You were the coolest, Akira!

Gifts Painting the Future

Akira: Cain, what are you reading?

Cain: Oh, Master Sage. Tada! Check it out. This was a birthday gift from the other Central wizards.

Akira: Wah! Does that mean it's handmade?

Cain: Yeah, it's a story about a wizard that becomes a knight. Apparently Riquet was the one who said they should do this. "This is the Cain of the future," is what he said to Arthur, his eyes blazing with passion.

Akira: You must be so happy to hear that…

Cain: None of them really have much experience with writing stories, so they also drew pictures to make sure the flow of the narrative is properly communicated. Here, look.

Akira: Oh, wow! Would this brave little boy be you, Cain? Who drew this… Could it have been Oz?!

Cain: No, Arthur was the one who drew that. He's super intense and cool, right? And these kind of stiff parts are by Riquet, and the backgrounds are by Oz.

Akira: Ahaha, each part is so them.

Cain: I know right--oh, wait. I need to get going soon.

Akira: Do you have plans later today?

Cain: Yeah. Owen told me to come to his room later so he could give me a birthday present. It's…definitely not going to be something very respectable.

Akira: (Yeah, I don't think so… That's beyond suspicious.)

Cain: But I don't want to reject his feelings, so I'm going either way. So, see you later!

Akira: (…Cain's the kind of person who would go if someone asked him to, even if he knew something bad was waiting…)

[giggly-squiggily]

The Tickle Mobster Returns (Piofiore)

Heyo! Guess who's back to writing her self indulgent fics? This girl! :D

This month turned into Visual Novel month whoops, so I might as well end it with a visual novel fic hehe. This is a sequel fic to "The Tickle Mobster"; Lee!Dante is my weakness and I just needed some familial love from these two cousins. I hope you like it!

Summary: Nicola swore vengeance on Dante, leaving him on edge. Surely Nicola was just joking right?...Right?

Dante was no coward. Whenever a problem arises within or outside the familia, he handles it himself. It would be a disgrace to his honor as a man to do otherwise.

That said…

Daring a brave peek out of his office, he looked up and down the halls of the Falzone manor, his heartbeat accelerating. He usually wasn’t this antsy in his own home, but after recent events…

“His back and knees were bad when we were kids though.”

Nicola’s cries of revenge were swallowed with dolphin-like cackles as he escaped from the scene, leaving his cousin to be tickled to near tears by Liliana. At the time, he felt rather proud of himself- giving Lili a much needed advantage against her boyfriend. Not to mention the deep satisfaction of getting him back for all the chaos he caused months before.

Alas, it all faded far too quickly for the young capo’s liking, leaving him on edge for Nicola’s revenge. The brunette never went back on threats when he made them.

Straining his ears for footsteps, Dante took a brave step forward as he left the safety of his office, creeping along towards the kitchen.

~~~

“Heh…” With a warm cup of coffee in hand, he closed his office door and leaned back into it, safe once more. He didn’t see Nicola at all during his little trip, making him feel both relieved and ridiculous. “Of course he’s not around; I'm just being silly. " He should have known as adults Nicola wasn't going to do anything.

"He's likely off with Lili- I’m happy for them.” He mused out loud, bringing his cup to his lips with a content smile.

“Aww, you’re sweet.”

“PFFT-” Dante choked, sputtering out his coffee with wide eyes when said man appeared from beneath his desk. “W-When did you-?”

“While you were out. What, you miss me that much already?” Nicola grinned as he closed the distance, laughing some as Dante struggled to open the door. “If I’d known how bad you wanted me around, I would have come by sooner.”

“Nicola, don’t you dare-” Finally the damn knob turned. Dante tried to squeeze through the opening, but his cousin had him by the back of his vest in seconds. “Merde!”

“Oo, you said a bad word! I’m telling Giulia.” Nicola teased, flicking the lock on the door so no one would enter. He took Dante’s cup, placing it on the nearby bookshelf before turning to his trapped cousin. “There’s no running from me now.”

Dante looked around, weighing his options. He could put the desk between them, but there wasn’t much space back there. Books? No, his aim was good but his throwing capabilities were lacking! Not to mention he wasn’t actually trying to hurt him…

He could run again, but Nicola had strategically placed himself before the door. He was officially screwed.

“Nicola…as your Capo, I order you to let me go.” He put on a brave voice, steeling his nerves.

Nicola only smiled, raising a brow.

“....Please?” Dante offered, realizing his bluff failed tremendously.

“Sorry, but as your underboss- no, as your family, I veto your order. You know I only listen to them when they're business related, right?” Nicola winked before charging ahead. Dante took one last attempt to escape-

“Gotcha!”

Down they went- a heap of bodies against the carpeted floor with Nicola pinning him. He might have had a small advantage with height, but Nicola was far stronger than him physically. “Nicola, wait! Please- I’m sorry.”

“Sure you are now, but I don’t think you were when you told Lili that little tidbit earlier.” Nicola was all smiles, but Dante could read them like a book. This one dripped with danger. “I suppose it’s fair- I did tell her your own tickle spots recently.”

“Huh- you did what?” Dante couldn’t believe his ears! “Nicola!”

“An eye for an eye. Now- where was I? Oh right.” With that, the older of the two attacked, shooting his hands down and squeezing at the terrible spot along Dante’s lower ribs. “Take that.”

Dante tried his best to resist. He mentally prepared himself for the upcoming tickles well before Nicola touched base. Alas- nothing really could protect him from the actual feeling. “Geha! Haheahhahhahahah! N-Nihiihihicohohoohhola, pleahahhhahase!”

“Huh? Can’t hear you Dante! Whatcha say?” Nicola cooed at him, one hand remaining at that horrible spot while the other moved up to his middle set of ribs, unmoved at the hands grabbing his shoulders. “You’re gonna have to speak up, you've always been so soft spoken.”

“Yohohohou soohohn of ahah-whahahhat the hehehehell doohohoho yoohohohu eehehehven mehehhahahahan by thahahhat? Gehahahaha, gehehhet ohohohoff!” Dante yelped through his laughter, grabbing at the hands refusing to release his ribs. “Mohoohohve sohoohomewhehehere eheheelse!”

“Why?” Nicola grinned.

“Yohohohou knoohohw whihihihy!”

“I do, but I wanna hear it.” The older of the two snickered as he slowly began moving his fingers up his ribs, making his ascent. “Come on, tell me!”

“I dohohon’t nehehehed to-Geahhaah nohohoho! Nohohoohoo, dohohohon’t go uhuuhp! Nihiihicola pleahhahhahse!” Dante’s struggles renewed as he realized just where the older mafioso was going. “Dohoohhon’t yohohou dahhhahare!”

“Or what? What’cha gonna do, Dante?” He cooed at him, tapping his fingers against his upper ribs in such a way that it made him twitch. “Are you gonna stop me? I don’t think you can.” He paused for dramatic effect, watching him with playful eyes. “Ready?”

“N-Nihihicola, please waha-IHIHIHIT!” There was no saving him now. Nicola shoved his hands beneath his arms, going for Dante’s worst spot with ease. “PLEHAHAHHASE WAHAHHAIT!”

“Why? What’s wrong?” Nicola snickered through his own teases, relishing in the snorts and squeaks Dante let out. It had been such a long time- SUCH a long time since he’d got to experience this. Part of him never wanted to stop just so he could burn this memory into his core.

“FIHIHIHNE, FIHIHINE IT TIHIHIHICKLES! HAHHAHAPPY?” Dante cried out, cheeks pink and eyes squeezed shut with mirth as he tried hiding his radiant smile against his shoulder. “NOHOHOW STAHHAHAP!”

“Damn, and here I’d thought you could go longer.” Nicola mock chided as he released him, falling onto his side as he watched him curl up. “Hehe, you’re so cute. Look at you, a giggly mess.”

“Screhehew you.” Dante groaned, making Nicola laugh harder. Lying side by side in this old office, a mixture of good and bad memories loomed around them as they fell into a comfortable silence against the carpeted floor.

“You’re terrible.” Dante decided after he caught his breath, lightly elbowing Nicola’s arm. “Though I knew you were going to do that, so I suppose being angry does nothing.”

“I’m really getting unpredictable, huh? First Lili, and now you’re ready for my pranks.” Smiling, Nicola got comfortable, turning his head to find Dante looking back at him. “I’m gonna have to start changing things up.”

“Even if you did, it wouldn’t matter.” Dante shrugged some, turning back to the ceiling before he spoke. “You’re my..brother. I know you like the back of my hand. No matter what you pull, I can see right through you.”

Nicola’s breath hitched, eyes widening. Brother. Not a cousin, not his underboss. His brother. He only heard it once before but the effect remained the same. “Dante..” He tried to laugh, hoping it’d hide his sudden tears. “You’re truly a devious one, aren’t you?”

“Maybe.” Something soft entered his smile as he gave Nicola a chance to compose himself. “It can’t always be like this.”

“I know.”

“We're older now, we’re been left with the task of protecting the Familia.”

“I know.”

“But…I don’t mind this. Every once and awhile.” Dante huffed, cheeks hot as he looked away completely. “Just don’t make it a habit.” Nicola lit up at the words, his smile warm.

“I’ll try to refrain myself.” He snickered, about to reach out and squeeze his shoulder.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. “Dante? Are you in? I brought you a cafe latte.” Liliana's voice sounded muffled by the wood. Dante flailed to sit up, eyes wide and cheeks hot as he scrambled to his feet. Nicola pressed his arms into his mouth, shaking with barely restrained mirth. “Is Nicola with you? I think I just heard him.”

“He is- erm, hang on.” Dante carefully walked across a still giggly brunette as he opened the door, smiling kindly at the blonde girl before them. “Hello, Lili.”

“Hello, Dante. I brought cake too…” Her eyes widened a bit seeing Nicola on the ground. Then she looked at Dante- from his slightly flushed cheeks to shaky frame as he struggled to subtly catch his breath.

“Heh, Nicola got you too, huh?” She teased as she offered him his treats, taking the forgotten drink sitting nearby on the shelf. “Don’t worry, we’ll get him back together.” She winked before turning to go, leaving both Falzone boys wide eyed with surprise.

“N-Now hold on there! Lili!” Nicola yelped as he dashed after her, leaving Dante fighting down a laugh as he quietly shut the door. Sitting at his desk, he took a small bite of the strawberry dessert Lili brought him, melting instantly at the taste.

“Sweet. Just like her.”

He would gladly take up Lili’s offer in helping with revenge.

Thanks for reading!

[torrtimandi]

Just sharing an old piece of mine, some winter fluff this time.

Pairing: Gaspard and Xavier

Word count: 1188

Forests in winter are so lovely. Just perfect for a walk and even Xavier with his usual hatred towards cold, who was dressed in a thick jacket, beanie and Gaspard's big scarf, had to give in to this statement when he beheld the beautiful sights around. Yes, it was cold as heck, his outfit making it quite obvious. But God... As much as he loved the warmth coming from their fireplace, it'd be a real shame to only stay in the cabin and not appreciate what they had around.

All was white. Covered with soft, fluffy snow, including the branches of mighty evergreen trees that were somewhat bowed, tense with snow that was glittering and shimmering in the sun. The sky was clear and blue, probably for the first time in days after constant snowing. The snow was crunching and creaking under their feet as they walked further into the forest.

They stopped for a moment, Gaspard taking a deep breath of cold, yet fresh air as if he wanted to rest a little bit. Xavier couldn't stop himself from taking a little bit of snow in his hand, screw the fact that it was slightly wetting his gloves. He just wanted to appreciate the sight and he did so, carefully examining the tiny snowflakes, which seemed to be the best work of art of a wonderful master – nature itself. As if some fabulous jeweler masterfully carved these openwork tiny stars...

“It's beautiful.” Xavier whispered under his breath, paying attention to details of snowflakes for a few more moments until he brushed them off his hand. It was beautiful indeed, not only snowflakes but the sight around too, noticing it for another time as he let his gaze wander across the trees some more.

“You are beautiful.” Gaspard suddenly murmured, taking him by surprise. Xavier quickly turned to look at him with a raised brow, seeing Gaspard with a soft, gentle smile, his eyes full of affection wandering over Xavier's face. Xavier sighed softly, Gaspard's words and the way he was looking at him, making him feel a sudden wave of warmth inside him that no fireplace could ever bring.

“Me? Pfft, not dressed like this... I look like a fucking ball.” Xavier huffed out with a light shake of his head, though a little smile appeared on his face. He also seemed unable to stop the movements of his legs. He suddenly approached Gaspard, just needing to be closer.

“Well, it’s cute. This scarf of mine truly suits you. I can lend it to you some more often.” Gaspard mused with a soft expression displayed on his face, moving closer to Xavier as well. Xavier couldn’t help but let his eyes wander thoroughly across his lover, who was wearing quite a similar set of clothes; a thick jacket, accompanied by a beanie and a big scarf as well. Though, these were not such a rare sight on Gaspard, after all. Contrary to Xavier, who usually favored tight clothes. He looked so soft. Very huggable.

“Lend? As if I bothered to ask you which clothes I can take from you.” Xavier teased with a snort, though his face softened even more as Gaspard gently brushed a stray of hair out of his face. He suddenly took off a glove, hiding it in his pocket, and brought his bare hand to Xavier’s cheek to caress it delicately. Xavier softly gasped at quite a tender touch of Gaspard’s chilly hand. Though, soon both of their skin seemed to quickly warm up to each other. 

“Oh yeah, true. You rather steal them... Can't say I mind though. I surely enjoy seeing you in my clothes.” Gaspard murmured with some appreciation, bringing his soft lips to leave tiny kisses along Xavier’s cheekbone. Xavier closed his eyes with a soft sigh, his arms wrapping tight around Gaspard’s waist. “Not to mention your scent left on those too…” Gaspard murmured, burying his face in Xavier’s neck, and a bit in his scarf as well, holding his warmth in and inhaling deeply, leaving a soft kiss or two. Xavier lightly chuckled under his breath and leaned away after a few moments to take a look at his lover, gazing straight into his affectionate, hazel eyes.

“What’s your intentions here, hm? We’re quite far away from the cabin and I don’t plan to run there in this snow only because you’ve got horny in the middle of nowhere.” Xavier murmured with a half-grin, snorting a little bit but still unable to refrain himself from touching his lover. He placed his hands on Gaspard’s face and leaned in, their lips meeting softly. Even though they’d found out multiple times before that sex was an excellent warming up method, Xavier could definitely wait a little bit longer to warm up in the fire of lust. 

“Horny? Who said horny? I’m just appreciating my lovely partner here.” Gaspard mumbled, letting out a little huff, his now quite playful eyes still wandering thoroughly across Xavier’s face, appreciating every feature. “And warming us up too. It’s cold.” He added with a whisper, his mind seemingly not focused on the words anymore. Only touches mattered, his arms tightening around Xavier’s body even more. 

Xavier could only hum when the soft lips of his love were so close. He leaned in, bringing their lips again, though this time definitely deepening their kiss. Both let out sounds of pleasure and satisfaction, and both seemed to nearly melt into each other, completely forgetting about the cold air and the icy ground around them. All that mattered was the touch and warmth of the other, trying to find some kind of tranquility within the embrace in this empty and quiet forest, where all life seemed to sleep covered with a snow-white blanket.

Eventually they broke apart for air, both panting lightly, their sounds in the frosty air seeming to quickly spread to a far distance. Their bodies stayed close to each other, their breaths mingling. Xavier closed his eyes for another moment, a soft sigh leaving his mouth when Gaspard cupped his cheek, caressing skin softly. Oh, that mighty love that he never wished to stop feeling. The most beautiful thing in the world that you can give and receive.

“Actually, maybe let’s go back to that cabin? We’ve been walking for quite a long anyway.” Xavier murmured without much thinking, leaning some more towards the soft touch of his lover. He opened back his eyes only to find Gaspard gazing straight at him, hazel and brown eyes meeting each other again. Thinking of that fireplace and maybe the bed too…

“Yeah, okay.” Gaspard quickly agreed, not even having to think it through. He left another chaste kiss on Xavier’s lips and took away his hands, finally putting the glove on. Xavier lightly chuckled under his breath and grabbed Gaspard’s hand as they began walking back to their cabin, their soft, affectionate eyes meeting every now and then. After all, nothing really competes with the feeling of tender love spreading across your body. Not even a walk through a snowy forest on a frosty day.

[dozenssporks]

Midnight Zoomies

*a click and rustle accompany an image of Vash pulling back from the camera after turning it on. He is wearing sweats with his red coat half pulled on over it, sitting on the floor cross-legged. The room is dark and Vash is holding a small pocket-flashlight under his chin*

Vash, whispering: do yah ever feel the inner pendulum swing upward in the middle of the night and you've gotta do something or you'll bite off your own fingers? Yeah, no, I didn't think so.

*a nasal snore cuts in when Vash pauses for a breath. Vash ducks his head and glanced back furtively*

Vash: my camera guy is peacefully asleep. Jerk. When I tried to wake him up he said he'd shoot me for real this time. So everybody keep it down unless you want me shot. Which a lot of people do so I guess it's good that you're watching this from the future, haha.

*Holding the flashlight in his teeth Vash drags his bag from off-screen and dumps it on the floor in front of him. There's a lot of rattling and something that sounds like a squeaky toy*

*after an awkwardly long time Vash rummages out a crumpled sheet of printer paper and takes the flashlight out of his mouth*

Vash: here it is! Viewer questions she printed out for me! I've run out of things to do so I'll try and answer some of these. I even did the Sudoku puzzles somebody left in a drawer. Before that I picked the lock on the mini-bar and arranged everything by color. I tried to do origami with my sheets. It didn't work.

*the snoring in the background cuts off and Vash quickly covers the flashlight with his hand, an orange glow seeping from between his fingers*

*there's the sound of someone turning over in bed and the snoring resumes. Vash uncovers the flashlight*

Vash: whew! okay, let's get this show on the road.

*smoothing the paper out on his knee, Vash shines the flashlight on it and squints to make out the text*

Vash: this is a question from somebody named 'wormlife4ever'. That sounds like the name of somebody I'm gonna have to fight. Anyway, he/she/they want to know . . . oh, it's not a question. It says: 'meet me under the Eiffel tower for a tail-kicking'.

*Vash tilts his head side-to-side, then tries moving the paper sideways and then upside-down. He shakes his head*

Vash: Yeah okay you're definitely somebody I have to fight. Can't we just get along, brother? Sister? Sibling? Think of love! Think of peace! Think of the cost of catching a plane to France this time of night! S'il vous plaît, pensez à l'amour!

*there is a pause while vash screws up his eyes and looks at the paper critically*

Vash: is it weird to want to crumple up this paper and eat it? It probably tastes like my socks but I reaaally wanna do it and I'm unsupervised . . . oh, but first. Ahem. You think you can kick my tail, wormy? Do you know how many gas station burritos I've eaten? And lived?! I will kick your tail, I will kick your dog's tail, I will take on a nine-tailed fox, I will kick so many tails! Believe it!

*he takes in a deep breath and slumps as he lets it out again*

Vash: expect I won't. Because love. Peace. The dog did nothing wrong. I'm a pacifist! A hunter of the mayfly of love--hang on I think he's talking in his sleep!

*Vash leans to the right with his hand cupped behind his ear*

Wolfwood: eat--eat yer veggie-tables . . . no pudding . . . wanna lose knife privileges? Pfft. Marigolds . . .

*Wolfwood trails off and he starts to make wheezy, not quite snoring noises*

*Vash is shaking and has his hand flat against his mouth but giggles are escaping. He makes a few attempts to talk but is interrupted by snorts and giggles several times before any words come out*

Vash: I got it recorded!! I'm gonna annoy him with this for the next thirty years! Umph! I think I pulled a rib trying not to laugh! I'm dying! I gotta-I gotta go run around the block a few times before I explode! Love and peace, wormy! Say hi to your dog for me!

Wolfwood, indistinctly: Spiky?

Vash: Oh shooot-

*the video ends*

[the-white-soul]

Jack's people

*In the hospital.*

(Jack) "They escaped. *Gets a call.* Yes. I understand. *Hangs up.* I have to go now. The police force wants me for a bit. *Leaves.*"

(Man 1) "Now, what? Do we go home?"

(Man 2) "Yes, he forgot to mention that. Everyone, go home."

(Man 1) "Hey guy why are we doing this again?"

(Man 2) "To lower taxes I'm pretty sure."

(Man 3) "I thought it was to get funding for charity."

(Man 1) "How would that..."

(Man 3) "I don't know. My Mom told me to join this protest."

(Man 2) "Okay let's do a pole, how many of you actually know why we're fighting monsters and were not sent in by a loved one?"

*Half of the people raised their hands.*

(Man 2) "Why don't you all just leave!?"

(Man 1) "We can't just leave! We must continue his marches and scream for freedom!"

(Man 2) "Name one thing he said that we didn't."

(Man 1) "Umm, monsters are bad?"

(Man 2) "Oh my god. You know what screw it, just do what you're told."

(Jack) "Test failed."

(Man 2) "What?"

(Jack) "I faked my call and saw this. Do you all want a copy of what happened before? With six dead kids?"

(Man 1) "Isn't that not a lot. I can confidently say that you've killed many more monsters."

(Jack) "*Stopped everything he was doing and just stared at Man 1.* You think that six lives aren't a lot? Pfft. Well, guess what I can do?"

(Man 1) "Wait! Please I beg of you, I didn't mean it! Please don't kill..."

(Jack) "*He barely even took in anything the Man just said.* Can't wait to see how you feel!"

(Man 1) "Please I'll do anything! Have mercy on me! I have a family!"

(Jack) *Raised out a gun and shot him.*

(Jack) "So did Chara."

*Everyone was just silent, paralyzed by fear.*

(Jack) "Now everyone understands. Let's leave."

[ampheenix]

Sunflower Day 4: Angst

So, then…

This was it.

Omori stood, hair rustling in the cool breeze as he looked down and over the city, whilst the DREAMER made pathetic struggles to regain control. His stony gaze flickered for a second, wincing at the havoc being wrecked inside his mind.

No matter. He would save him no matter what… it was his role, who he was.

If this was the only way left to save the DREAMER from further suffering…

Then, so be it.

…

…It was a long way down…

Did he want to jump?

Yes, Omori decided.

Sunny was no longer thrashing about wildly, and had gone completely silent. Omori could tell he had finally accepted it, and was relieved. Good, he had finally given in, finally understood why he was doing this.

His hospital gown flapped in the wind as he prepared to take a stop forward, eyes on the bright blue sky and fluffy clouds surrounding him-

But all of a sudden, he heard a door slowly creak open behind him, footsteps pitter-pattering behind him on the rooftop, sounding almost tentative.

Well, that could be a problem, Omori thought to himself. Better to get rid of his intruder so that they couldn’t try to stop him.

He turned around with a neutral expression, that flickered when he saw BASIL.

“BASIL! BASIL HELP!!” Sunny cried desperately from the inside, now thrashing against the surface of Omori’s mind again. The monochrome boy’s brow furrowed, what a pain.

 Basil stood completely silent, widened eyes darting from the rooftop’s edge to where Omori stood, uncomprehending. His shaky hands grabbed onto the sides of his blue hospital gown as if to steady himself, blinking away tears that threatened to fall, before he opened his mouth.

“S-sunny. P-please, just… j-just step away from the edge.” Basil’s voice cracked, eyes pleading, and Omori’s eyes narrowed.

“No.” He said shortly, and turned back towards the city. This was clearly a waste of time, and he was running short of that at the moment.

Omori winced despite himself, trying to ignore the headache throbbing at his temples.

The DREAMER was fighting like a wild animal inside, clawing tooth and nail at Omori’s defences with an energy he certainly hadn’t had before. What on earth could have occurred to trigger this-?

Nevermind.

Omori already knew, eyes turning to level on Basil accusingly- before they widened slightly.

Aubrey, Kel, Hero, Mari and Basil ran past the blonde boy in the hospital gown on the rooftop, laughing and yelling at the top of their voices.

“Omori, there you are!” Mari exclaimed with relief, in a gently chastising manner as she put an arm around him. “I was so worried!”

“Hurry up already, you’re taking foreeeever!” Aubrey whined, folding her arms petulantly as Kel did the same, looking impatient. “Yeah, c’mon Omori! We’ve been waiting for ages now!!”

“Pfft, as you can see, Kel and Aubrey are the same as ever.” Hero smiled warmly, before his smile slipped a bit, looking uncertain. “But um, you have been taking your time which is fine, but… y’know, the others are getting a tad impatient…”

Basil gaped at all of this behind them, and Omori turned to look at him with a neutral expression, before it flickered. Omori clutched his head with both hands, willing away the pain, he refused to let the DREAMER be held back by Basil again.

Shoot, this wasn’t good… Omori’s fingernails dug into his skull, drawing blood as he struggled to focus. Mari’s arm loosened and his friends crowded around him, looking concerned. “Omori?”

It flickered again and again and again and-

Sunny gasped, choking out a cough as he struggled to breathe, eyes screwed up as he tried to ignore the agony at his temples.

“B-basil!!” He got out through the lump in his throat, feeling tears sting his eyes as he desperately tried to fight through his friends towards him.

“S-sunny?! Is that you, are you, are you- under c-control or something?? O-oh God, it’s Something again i-isn’t it?!” Basil said frantically, stumbling towards him over the roof despite his exhaustion because fuck, Sunny could die here.

And it would be Basil’s fault, again.

“Omori? Why are you trying to run away?” His friends said accusingly, and Sunny stumbled back as their faces appeared to distort, stretching into sinister glitched smiles as they walked towards him in unison.

“N-no, I, I just… I didn’t, pl-please, stop!” Sunny said, panicked, and his eyes locked onto Basil’s just as he flickered again. Sunny gasped as the sheer pain hit, Omori clawing and stabbing the inside as he attempted to fight back through.

He let out a hiss as his fingers found bloody welts left there just a few seconds earlier, desperately trying to calm down… “Basil… pl… please… h-help…” He whimpered, falling to his knees as his friends swarmed around him, slowly dragging him over to the edge.

“SUNNY!” Basil gasped, desperately trying to stagger over to where Sunny stood- god, curse his hospital-bed-weakened body!! “Just- h-hang in there, I- I’m coming!!” He choked out, feeling tears blur his vision as his voice shook, trying his damn best not to have a panic attack because fucking GOD this was NOT the time. He would not let Something take Sunny away again!

 Sunny Omori inhaled sharply, pulling himself up as he resolutely ignored the pounding coming from his skull. His friends distorted back into shape, kind faces looking worried for him as they helped him to his feet and over to the rooftop’s edge.

Basil blinked back tears, hands shaking from desperation and fear as he shoved his way in-between Kel and Aubrey, ignoring their irritated expressions, before he finally, finally got a hold of Sunny on the forearm, dragging him back to safetywith all the force he could muster.

“Sunny, co- come on!” Basil’s voice trembled, but kept trying to push throughout the bone-deep exhaustion that was weighing down his entire body because this wasn’t about him.

Omori glared at him, trying to pull his hand out of Basil’s vice-like grip before his pinched expression flickered, the DREAMER scrabbling at the insides desperately as he struggled to overtake his alter ego. Sunny took a deep breath, before making a final push through-

“Sunny, pl-please, co… come back!” Basil sobbed, struggling to keep pulling through the bone-deep exhaustion that weighed down his entire body, gripping onto Omori’s hand like it was his tether to life itself. Through his blurred vision, he realised that Something was finally gone, and Sunny’s terrified, pale face was staring back at him.

“Hey, stop that you jerk!” Aubrey said angrily, pulling at Basil’s hands still gripping tightly onto Sunny’s wrist. Kel joined her in trying to pull Sunny away from him, stubborn as he glared, “Omori doesn’t want to come with you!”

Mari’s face distorted, glitching out as her nails dug painfully into Basil’s hands. He let out a yelp, tightening his hands as he stared fearfully into the dark abyss of her eyes. Mari smiled so wide her mouth started to stretch and bleed at the edges, as she said kindly, “Come on, he won’t be happy here! We’re just helping him, can’t you see?”

Hero’s face lengthened nightmarishly, his glitching hands joining Mari and Aubrey’s as they started to drag Sunny further towards the edge. “Are you really trying to stop Omori from what will help him most?” Hero said with a disappointed frown, and Basil shook his head confusedly, tears still blurring his gaze as he screwed up his eyes and pulled.

“St-stop it, just stop it!” He cried, feeling red-hot pain flare up from where his childhood friends were raking their nails down his arm, the hot blood welling up on his arm feeling like a burning fire, turning his fingers to charcoal.

He opened his eyes against his will, and was met with… his own face.

Basil looked at him sadly, colourful flowers moving with his mint-green hair as he shook his head slowly, chagrined.

Basil slowly blinked his blue eyes and tilted his head slightly, as if confused.

“You’re supposed to love this boy, right?” The mirrored version of himself whispered gently, and Basil stiffened completely, terrified as he met the other’s eyes.

“I love him too, so I’m doing what’s best for him.” The green-haired boy leant in closer, a small smile dancing on his lips.

“Seems to me like you’re being a bit selfish.”

Basil froze completely, trembling as the childhood version of himself reached forward to where his friends were digging their nails into his skin, and foolish thought for a moment he would remove his friend’s fingers for a moment, sagging in relief.

Basil met his counterpart’s eyes, and watched as he grinned maliciouslyat him with relish before he lifted his fingers, before raking them down his arms as hard as he could.

Basil let out a broken sob, feeling hot blood running down his arms. He gazed pleadingly at Sunny who was being weakly pulled forwards and backwards like a ragdoll.

Their eyes met, both of them terrified. Sunny tried to say something, looking anguished before he screwed up his face, clearly in pain.

“I… B-basil, I’m…” Tears welled up in Sunny’s eyes, and Basil realised with startling clarity that this was the first time he’d ever seen him cry. A sob forced its way out of his throat, and Basil hopelessly tugged back and forth at Sunny’s arm even as his childhood friends clawed at his fingers.

Their eyes met again, both of them desperate as Sunny spoke for the first time in four years.

“I-I’m sorry.” Sunny choked out, voice cracking pathetically and before Basil could say a word, Sunny’s eyes turned stony. His face slackened and his painful wincing stopped, and Basil knew he was back.

Sunny Omori started pulling with his friends, teeth clenching as he tried to get away from the boy who had caused all this in the first place, who had ruined Sunny’s life before it had even begun. The boy whose existence he had to keep deleting over and over every time he found out the truth, again and again and again.

Omori became ANGRY.

It was all this boy’s fault.

With the help of his friends, he made one final yank, clenching his jaw at the agony assaulting his temples. Ugh, why couldn’t the DREAMER see he was doing this for him?!

Finally free, Omori followed his friends to the edge, feeling a warm fuzzy feeling inside as he looked around at everyone’s bright and happy faces. The pain in his head caused by the DREAMER hadn’t yet abated, but he barely noticed it when he was blinded by the brightness of his friend’s smiles.

“You ready, Omori?” Mari said with a gentle smile, holding out her hand for him to take.

Omori dipped his head forward in assent, taking her hand gently, and her smile widened.

“Thanks, little brother… I knew you could do it.”

“S-SUNNY! PL-PLEASE!!” Basil choked out through the lump in his throat, because oh god oh GOD please let Sunny still be there!!

It couldn’t be too late, it just couldn’t…

Eyes so blurred by hot tears that he could barely see anything, his hands weakly reached out to find…

…

Empty space.

…

Basil glanced around, scrubbing at his eyes because surely he just- he just can’t see him, Sunny, Sunny hasn’t jumped yet, there’s still time-  

And with tears cold on his cheeks, eyes red and unblemished arms burning with phantom pain, Basil’s slowly lifts his head.

Basil’s vision is perfect, as he glances around.

…He’s alone.

No one else is here.

Basil’s eyes are dull, as he walks over to the edge of the roof.

He doesn’t look down.

His tear-stained hospital gown flaps in the wind, as a cream-coloured tulip in his hair is picked up and carried away on the cool breeze…

…

…It’s a long way down.

The world is very quiet, as Basil slowly takes a step forward.

I’m sorry too, Sunny. He thought to himself, exhaling softly as he began to fall. I’m so, so sorry I couldn’t save you.

…

Goodnight.