#dragon quest smile slime

[theyshapedlikefriends]

Dragon Quest Smile Slime - Bendable Healslime by Square Enix

[daily-plush]

2016 Smile Slime Dragon Quest Shell Slime Plush

[liquidmetalslime]

THIA IS NOT A DRILL, THEY SELL SMILE SLIME MERCH ON NA SQEX STORE

They currently sell the new fans and chopsticks 👀

[rocproductions]

I got these good slimes today :D <3

[shadowjackery]

The Gladdest Thing Under the Sun

I honestly thought we were supposed to wait a couple of days after the zine’s release, but, heck, everyone else is doing it, so here we are: My contribution to @gensokyozine​ . I’ve wanted to do this story for a while, so I hope you enjoy!

Descriptive text for the visually impaired or for easy quotation:

PAGE 1

Title: "Shadowjack presents: The Gladdest Thing under the Sun"

Yuuka Kazami, a youkai woman, climbs the cracked stone steps to the ramshackle Hakurei Shrine. She carries a parasol. Up the wooded hill, through the pines, stand the shrine gate and two guardian komainu -- one of whom, Aunn, is alive and waving cheerfully, tail wagging. The plum and cherry trees atop the hill are in bloom. Dandelions sprout as Yuuka passes.

PAGE 2, PANEL 1

Title: "Yuuka Kazami, Flower Mistress of the Four Seasons"

Yuuka wears a summer outfit that evokes the mid-20th century: a vest over a short-sleeved blouse with a necktie, a knee-length pencil skirt, hose and heels, a handkerchief neatly folded in her vest pocket. She also wears glossy leather gauntlets and tight sleeve garters. Her hair is bobbed and curled in 1930s fashion. Her eyes are slitted, like a snake's.

She rests her head on her hand and gazes up at Reimu, rapt. A cat with black and white fur, spotted something like a yin-yang ball, lies nearby, watching her carefully.

PAGE 2, PANEL 2

Title: "Reimu Hakurei, Mysterious Shrine Maiden of Paradise"

Reimu, a human woman with a long ponytail, looks down at Yuuka, sweating slightly. She says, "Um... you know..."

PAGE 2, PANEL 3

Reimu wears her usual red-white shrine maiden robes and ribbons, much patched and threadbare. She is barefoot on the porch, holding a broom.

Reimu: "When you look at me like that, I get the feeling I'm about to be CUT and PRESSED."

Yuuka is shocked. "Oh, my! I would NEVER. A wild flower is best viewed in its natural habitat, always!"

PAGE 2, PANEL 4

Reimu, smiling: "I'm a wildflower?"

Yuuka, grinning: "One of the best!"

PAGE 3, PANEL 1

Reimu greets Yuuka at the entrance to her residence. Yuuka bows formally. She has brought a package, wrapped in cloth with a floral pattern.

Yuuka: "Ojama shimasu."

Reimu: "Hai, hai."

Reimu: "Everything is flowers with you, isn't it?"

Yuuka: "It could hardly be otherwise, dear! I am what I am."

PAGE 3, PANEL 2

Yuuka takes off her shoes, while Reimu places the parasol on the weapons rack by the door. The top shelf holds scrolls, boxes labelled "needles" and "seals", and one Mk 2 hand grenade.

A large sign by the rack says in printed text, "Check ALL weapons before coming in! Including but not limited to: Swords, Axes, Bows, Spears, Guns, Wands, Staffs, Parasols, Lasers, Bombs, Poisons, Curses," and so on.

A handwritten post-it note has been tacked to it, saying, "SEIJA -- Do NOT obey this!"

Another, ripped and faded sign has been taped by the list, adding, "MARISA -- Whatever it is now: NO. I mean it."

There is a bullethole next to the sign.

A different yin-yang cat watches Yuuka.

Reimu says, "So what kind of flower is Marisa?"

Yuuka: "She reminds me of pampas grass."

Reimu: "?"

Yuuka: "One of a few varieties of cortaderia, somewhat resembling susuki."

PAGE 3, PANEL 3

The two women go inside where there's more shade.

Yuuka: "It's a fast-growing, invasive species that can contribute to rat infestations and dangerous wildfires."

Reimu, laughing: "A WEED!"

Yuuka: "But charming in its way."

PAGE 3, PANEL 4, OFFSET

Somewhere, Marisa sneezes.

PAGE 4, PANEL 1

In Reimu's kitchen, the two together prepare afternoon tea, while two different cats beg at their feet. Reimu pours hot water from a large kettle into a cast-iron teapot. Yuuka takes down bowls and cups, and opens up the Japanese-style lunchboxes she brought.

Yuuka has put on an apron that parodies the "piyo piyo apron" worn by Kyoko in the manga "Maison Ikkoku", but instead of a drawing of a baby chick on the chest, it has a drawing of a Dragon Quest slime, saying "suu suu".

Reimu: "You aren't bothered she stole the Master Spark from you?"

Yuuka: "Oh, Marisa didn't steal it from me! She bargained for it fairly."

Reimu stops what she's doing to turn toward Yuuka. "Bullshit."

Yuuka: "It's true! I was curious to learn a little magic, and in exchange for lessons I agreed to trade her a cutting."

Reimu: "Huh!"

Yuuka: "I don't mind helping another gardener to improve their art. She makes it bloom well, doesn't she?"

PAGE 4, PANEL 2

Yuuka carries a tray of sandwiches and snacks out of the kitchen.

Yuuka: "Besides... to cast it ONCE, she needs a device."

A surprise second Yuuka, with long hair, and wearing trousers instead of a skirt, whisks the teapot and cups from Reimu's hands, leaving Reimu with nothing to do.

Yuuka, the second: "But I by myself can cast it TWICE."

PAGE 5, PANEL 1

Only one Yuuka again. Yuuka and Reimu kneel on the veranda to take their tea. One yin-yang cat nearby sprawls asleep in the sun, an orange tabby circles curiously, and a third cat sulks by Reimu.

Reimu: "Okay, then how about... Alice?"

Yuuka: "Ohhh... Alice is special. With her pride and ingenuity, she bears the seed of great potential for power."

PAGE 5, PANEL 2

Yuuka beams with enthusiasm. She says, "Why, if one could but prune away a few of her mortal failings -- such as 'restraint' or 'mercy' -- she could make a truly MARVELLOUS youkai!"

We can now observe that Yuuka's necktie is not knotted, but instead held by a silver woggle marked with a "lily of the valley" emblem.

PAGE 5, PANEL 3

Yuuka blushes happily. "She might even be stronger than I. Wouldn't that be an interesting day?" A heart floats in her words.

Reimu tries to hide her concern. She thinks, "Ganbatte, Alice-san..." But only says out loud, "...er, uh... and Yukari?"

PAGE 6, PANEL 1

Yuuka grins wolfishly. "Yukari and I have an arrangement: She doesn't meddle in my garden, and I don't BURN DOWN hers."

Reimu: "Isn't it weird that a youkai of FLOWERS is so good at fighting?"

Yuuka: "I'm surprised to hear that from a Japanese!"

Reimu: "You say that like you're not."

PAGE 6, PANEL 2

Yuuka: "I am known in many lands, by many names, wherever flowers grow."

Yuuka narrates the scene from the foreground, wearing a woman's kimono and lacquered okobo sandals. She carries now a Japanese-style paper parasol. Her hair is tied up in a bun with a cherry-blossom kanzashi, and she wears a sunflower hair ornament. She is surrounded by flowers: chrysanthemum, hollyhock, and birthwort, and above her spreads blooming sakura.

Yuuka: "Did not your own samurai describe themselves as cherry blossoms, and fight for emperor and shogun under the banners of the chrysanthemum and hollyhock?"

In the midground, two armored samurai clash. The lower-status one has fallen to the ground; the richer has a bloody slash across his left eye. He swings his sword and chops the grounded man's spear in two, but the other is undaunted.

In the background, an army of horse and foot mounts the top of the hill, banners billowing.

PAGE 7, PANEL 1

Now Yuuka narrates wearing a huipil dress with embroidered shawl, and simple leather slippers. Her hair is done in buns, with a Mexican sunflower by her ear. A hummingbird flies near her. Growing around her are Aztec marigold, dahlias, banana yucca, and Mexican hat flowers.

Yuuka: "Across the sea to your east, the mighty Mexica gathered their 'hummingbird' soldiers to send to the 'Flower Wars' (they named them) to gather honor, blood, and sacrifices."

In the midground, the fighters are now two Nahuatl, one poor, one rich with a slashed left eye. The poorer one wears only a loincloth, and has a shield slung over his shoulder. His shield is painted with a hummingbird design, and from it hang a few feathers. The richer soldier wears a full-body jaguar costume, and wields a macuahuitl war-club. The poor soldier leaps to his feet and tackles his enemy, disarming him.

In the background, an army of Aztecs battle below a stepped pyramid and high mountains.

PAGE 7, PANEL 2

Now Yuuka narrates wearing men's doublet and hose, embroidered with fleur-de-lis and tulips, along with knee-high riding boots and gauntlets. Around her neck is a sunflower pendant. On her shoulder perches a falcon. About her feet, and entangling the narration boxes, are red, white, and yellow roses.

Yuuka: "And to the far west, the lords of the English struggled for a choice of kingly roses, red Lancaster or snowy York."

In the midground, the fighters are now two Englishmen, again one poorer, the other richer with the eye injury. The poorer soldier has some mail pieces and a simple brimmed helmet; the richer has plate armor, a full helm, and a shield. The rich fighter is overthrown, his foe about to stab him through the visor with his own arming sword.

In the background, mounted knights charge a line of archers behind wooden stakes. A church or fort stands on hills in the far distance.

Yuuka: "Flowers and War have always been intertwined."

PAGE 7, PANEL 3

We return to Reimu's veranda and cherry trees.

Reimu: "You've seen so many strange places... Do you have a favorite?"

Yuuka: "...it was in the west, in Flanders, perhaps a hundred years ago."

PAGE 8, PANEL 1

Yuuka invisibly narrates: "Such a war, Reimu! The men burrowed like moles, or took to the air like kites."

Above barbed wire, two airplanes spit tracers at each other. It is World War One.

PAGE 8, PANEL 2

Yuuka: "They plowed the earth with cannon, night and day."

Shirtless German artillerymen fire their gun amid sandbags. Something explodes close by.

PAGE 8, PANEL 3

Yuuka: "They slew by shot and poison, fire and blade."

A gasmasked French soldier, armed with pistol and entrenching tool, cautiously moves down a trench. An unseen enemy waits around the corner with rifle and bayonet.

PAGE 8, PANEL 4

Yuuka: "And for no purpose that I could see, no treasure nor slave."

Barbed wire and ruined buildings.

PAGE 8, PANEL 5

Yuuka, narrating: "The destruction was so maniacal it seemed no tree, no blade of grass, would ever grow there again. I thought you humans had gone absolutely mad!"

Yuuka, wearing colorful hat, coat, and umbrella, stands on a windy no-man's land, surrounded by dull mud and broken pieces. Tracer fire crosses the sky, coming from a distant machine-gun nest. She notices, but does not bother to avoid, the few bullets that land near her.

Yuuka, narrating: "But it was I who did not understand your passion. When I learned your true intentions, I was deeply humbled."

PAGE 8, PANEL 6

Yuuka, narrating: "Did you know, Reimu? You can find graves in the wild by how the flowers grow. (Bone meal makes such good fertilizer.)"

The corpse of a soldier lies upon the ruined earth. But near his outstretched arm, a single bluebell, and a few patches of grass, have sprouted.

PAGE 8, PANEL 7

Now there are no bodies, but grass and wildflowers and bumblebees cover the ground. A shattered helmet has a flower growing through the holes.

Yuuka, narrating: "I tell you that after this great war, those fields FLUORISHED with color. Rainbows spilled on seas of green grass!"

PAGE 9

Yuuka, narrating: "And ever after, all through those lands, the people wore blood-red poppies, to remember and give thanks to their kindred who slept below, for this sight they had worked so hard to create."

Yuuka wears early-20th century men's hunting clothes: a sturdy jacket and breeches with knee-high boots and gloves. Her curled hair is in a loose pompadour. As ever, she has a parasol. The sun shines warmly. The hill Yuuka walks down is covered in grass and bright red poppy flowers, stretching on forever. The plants almost completely cover a few remaining pieces of military hardware: a broken machine-gun, a lost helmet, a twist of barbed wire. Yuuka smiles.

Yuuka, narrating: "Tens of thousands of men willingly buried themselves for nothing better than the GLORY of FLOWERS!"

PAGE 9, PANEL 2, INSET

We return to Reimu's veranda. Yuuka clutches a handkerchief, almost overcome with romantic tears.

Yuuka: "It was the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen!"

Reimu stares at her and says nothing.

PAGE 10, PANEL 1

Yuuka says, "Excuse me!", wipes her tears, and takes out her compact to redo her makeup.

Reimu thinks, "Yuuka is one of my oldest friends, but she really is a monster, isn't she? I don't even know how to BEGIN to explain the truth to her... or if I even should."

PAGE 10, PANEL 2

Title: "FLOWERS appearing in this story."

Many cut flowers are arranged on a wooden surface, with identifying captions. In no particular order, they are: primrose, fleur-de-lis (yellow iris), common sunflower, anemone, dandelion, Mexican sunflower, tulip, rose, cempoalxóchitl (Aztec marigold), dahlia, banana yucca, Mexican hat flower, pineapple sage, bee orchid, celandine, Flanders poppy, lily-of-the-valley, bluebell, daffodil, kiku (chrysanthemum), aoi (birthwort), hollyhock, ume (Japanese plum), and sakura (Japanese cherry).

PAGE 10, PANEL 3

In a simplified art style:

Reimu pats Alice on the shoulder and says, "Alice, we sure attract some weird ones, don't we?"

Alice wears her usual workdress and hairband, but also has sturdy explosive ordnance disposal goggles and gloves. She is inserting a stick of dynamite into the back of a Hatsune Miku doll. Other dolls and marionettes (and one teddy bear) fill the room, all with visible dynamite fuzes sticking out of their heads, and all with glowing eyes.

Alice says, "Don't disturb me when I'm setting the explosive charges! If they went off, they could hurt the dolls."

Reimu: "...This is why she likes you, you know."

Alice: "?"

END

[sadlyiamgay]

Yandere Genshin Men Brainrot

Im going fucking insane. Anyways have any of you guys played silly or furry wisher? It's like a cute and funny genshin ripoff, a little boring at times but I enjoy clicking away in slime valley. While playing though an idea popped into my brain, "what if the real genshin characters (that's hopelessly inlove with you) finds out the reason why you haven't played genshin in a while? Only to realize that you're playing a genshin meme game" And then these men go and hack the shit out of the game because monika vibes I love. Uh might update from time to time, thie will only include Zhongli and Neuvillette (they're literally the only well built 5 stars I have. How the fuck do we build genshin characters I'm so confused)

By the way check out the games (Silly Wisher, Furry Wisher). It's fun and amusing

--ZHONGLI: His reaction to the realization of you playing an.. Odd ripoff(?) Game was one of pure amusement, the Geo archon couldn't blame you either, I mean, your poor little head couldn't handle the amount of unfinished and WAY too hard quests, he thought you were taking a break, but after a while (when you eventually and finally returned) he finds out pretty quickly from your small mumbles and comments that he oh so always adores, and out of pure curiosity decided to break out of the game codings and go through your apps, seeing two new odd games on your phone, Silly wisher and.. Furry.. Wisher..? Of course he broke in the new favorite games you had in your device, and cooing at the fact that you *still* main and favor him even in these joke games. He also quickly realized that he could easily possess the John Lee (he was a little offended by the name, but quickly laughed along when he heard you wheeze everytime you played the game) as well as Meatball. Quickly making both the characters extremely and suspiciously.. **Overpowered.**

"... Wait. Since when did Johnny do 100k damage??? Is this what happens if you level them up to level 15??? "

- YOU, mumble, absolutely amused and still giggling after listening to Dr. Snek's voiceline. Zhongli smiles, happy that you were enjoying your gameplay, he felt grateful, even though he was a little upset that you decided to play some ripoff game instead of properly spending time with him, Zhongli was happy that he didn't have to hide his lovestruck and flustered face, in the real game he always tried his best to mess with the camera so that it would never face him, he used to be able to hide his true emotions, but overtime it got harder. Extremely, harder (haha that's what she said). So it was a breath of fresh air on seeing you without you yourself seeing him, letting himself indulge in fantasies that he could never think of whenever you were around. Especially with the other game too. He could stare at you all the time, and you'd brush it off. Each time Meatball came around and jumped into the screen you'd coo, making him fall harder (down the stairs of) inlove with you. Each time you needed a copy of him for the whole "gene splicer" He'd come home willingly. Hell, there was a pull you did once that consisted of him and only him. He of course didn't question the fact that the dog version (that sounds so wrong) of him has alot kids. But he brushes it off. Replacing the thought of his genetics being merged is weird, into a fantasy where all those merged, genetically made kids were yours and his.

Congratulations, you gave this old man wattpad fantasies. Fucking hell, he wants to pull you into the game to do that. Though, that thought can and should wait. For now, he wants to watch and stare at you longer. *Just* a little longer.

--NEUVILETTE, the hydro dragon was always a man with (questionable) morals. But even he, the mascot of Justice has his limits. He was upset at the fact that you weren't as active as before, sure he sympathized with your overwhelmed situation (especially since it was he who activated half the quests), but that mean you can literally just leave like that. It wasn't his fault that his curiosity about the game you kept mumbling about made him break out of the game he's bounded in. What was his reaction to Hydropump Judge and Judgy Cat? Well, he laughed. Not because he was upset, but because he was *still* favored. He was still your main. Even if there was no differences in attacks when it came to grinding in slime valley. So he rewards you with extremely overpowered and multiple copies of him, it also doesn't help the fact that he could literally also just stare at you for hours and hours. And you still brush it off. You weren't weirded out. You weren't reporting to the game developers. Unlike when you felt uncomfortable when he forced the camera to not be able to move and freezing the option to switch through the characters. Just you and him. Eye to eye.

"Man I wished you had a voiceline, Neuvi. I mean, your banner description in this game is absolutely hilarious, but I genuinely want another funny audio. Aside fron Dr. Snek"

-YOU mumble as you kept spamming the attack button, watching your highscore be passed, you questioned why the character was able to hit high numbers, but you didn't question it, you never did. Brushing it off and thinking that it must be because he had the highest level out of everyone. Neuvillette smiles. Happy, satisfied and lovestruck at how calm and adorable you were. He loved your expressions, all of it. But he *adored* your relaxed state. Since it was rare to see you like this. He wished the Fontaine update and his banner came earlier when you joined the game.

...Maybe he should lower the world level himself? He wants to see you in this state more often. He wants to see you happy and carefree, proud that you finally finished your quests. He thought of this as he kept staring at you through Judgy cat. You had fallen asleep, not minding the fact that he was on screen a while ago. You didn't question it, since it was part of the games anyways. Seeing you in such a state makes him want to break out of your damn electronic and drag you with him. But that can wait, for now he should think of a way to make you play genshin more often.

[astraechos]

Lucas’ Magical Uses

Synopsis: Home from saving the world the first time, Lucas had been ‘discovering’ what his magic can do for him. Magic aint all for fun, not for sexual pleasure. So, maybe he meeds some help and dad saves him from the confines of external sexual pleasure.

Tags: multiple orgasms; black tentacles (not the slimy kind, the good kind); magical mishaps; masturbation(?); Dad saves the day; somnophillia; anal; sex; aphrodisiacs; demons; needles; dungeons and dragons

A/N: To be fair, who hasn’t thought about pleasuring themselves if they had magic?; GIF unrelated

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Just under a week had passed since Lucas returned home from his lengthy journey. Obtaining The Sorrow’s Tears had turned into a year-long quest to annihilate the Void in the town of Bottom, an endeavor filled with excitement. Along the way, he encountered numerous fascinating individuals, delved into his family's history, and gained valuable insights into himself. Despite initial reservations, his father Alistair had become more open and supportive following Lucas's pivotal role in saving existence alongside his unlikely companions. Lucas also discovered his own unique magical abilities during this odyssey, which he now pondered in his room.

Contemplating the limitations and potential of his powers, he mulled over whether shadowspawn could manifest sexual tendencies, grappling with the stark duality of their emotions—Fear and Frenzy—both predominantly negative. Despite mastering the Arms of Hadar, he yearned for greater challenges. As he sat, thoughts swirling, he found himself yielding to the urge pulsating within him, his hand instinctively reaching for the source of his desire. Moments later, lost in sensation, he continued his introspection, his mind consumed by a myriad of thoughts and uncertainties.

Evard’s Black Tentacles... a form of restraint to start with. Hunger of Hadar, too, with their formidable strength and the remarkable mucus they produce... both would serve to restrain effectively, especially given my level of control over them...

A smile played on his lips as he continued, the surge of arousal clouding his judgment. It was a heady sensation, dulling the rational thoughts he would typically entertain to avoid future complications. A twitch of anticipation ran through him. He knew that if he didn't act on this idea soon, he might not act on it at all. Rising from his chair, he retrieved his chalk and placed his tear inset gem nearby. Shedding his shirt and extraneous robes, he recognized they would only hinder his movements.

With deliberate strokes, he began sketching circles and laying down ring wards for the creatures these tentacles would originate from. The rings, crafted from a pitch-black material, were now in place. With graceful hand gestures, he began weaving his chosen spell mixture. As he traced the air, his unique twist of power rendered the casting almost painless.

Surrounding him, the dark ebony tentacles emerged from the rift in space, their glossy black surfaces glistening in the sunlight, exuding a repulsive slime. As the viscous substance oozed onto the ground, its milky white hue stark against the darkness, he recoiled when it brushed against his face, hastily spitting out the intrusive fluid.

"I remember now why I sympathized with those who endured this," he muttered, grimacing at the unpleasant taste lingering in his mouth.

Inspecting each tentacle nervously, he acknowledged that while the Arms of Hadar were familiar, this manifestation was entirely different. With a telepathic command, he manipulated them, closing his eyes as they coiled around his limbs, lifting him gently into the air.

"Good. No signs of harm... everything seems in order," he reassured himself, the anticipation mounting within him.

Swiftly adjusting his position, he found himself suspended upright, limbs bound and on full display to any potential onlookers. Tension coursed through his body as the tentacles slithered up his thighs, securing his waist with an almost possessive grip.

Despite the revulsion he felt at the slimy residue trailing down his skin, there was an undeniable allure to the sensation of restraint and the otherworldly nature of the mucus. It ignited a primal excitement within him, evident in the arch of his back and the involuntary moan that escaped his lips as one tentacle encircled his chest, pushing him closer to the edge of ecstasy.

His arousal surged, his cock twitching impatiently, yearning for contact. Precum dribbled down his shaft, evidence of his heightened state of desire. With each movement, the tentacles slithered further up his back, their length never ceasing to astonish him. Urgency compelled his hips to thrust forward, craving more as the tentacles continued their ascent. Gradually, his mind relinquished all other thoughts, consumed by the intense focus demanded by the intricate spell weaving before him.

A tentacle encircled the base of his shaft, exerting pressure and leaving a trail of its mucus along his length. Despite the initial discomfort, he emitted a soft moan, finding the sensation tolerable as the tentacle wound its way up his shaft and around the head. With a gentle squeeze at the base and head of his member, the tentacle maintained a light grip, its slimy touch simultaneously repulsive and strangely pleasurable. It was an inexplicable sensation, yet he found himself enraptured by the tender caress of his own magical creation.

They slithered up his back, their slimy trails dripping down. Despite the grossness, he found the restrained sensation and the way their otherworldly mucus slid off him oddly arousing. His back arched as one wrapped around his chest, eliciting a small moan as he neared climax from such a seemingly insignificant touch.

Lucas moaned, his cries overpowering any other thoughts as the sensation of his shaft being stroked vigorously brought him immense pleasure. His mind grew hazy as the sensitivity of his back, a familiar sensation, was heightened by the slick slime. With a sudden thrust of his hips, his body jolted involuntarily.

"Aahn~!" He moaned, the sound escaping slightly louder than intended. His body surrendered to the pleasure, each twitch of his cock accompanied by the release of another rope of lust onto the tentacle coiled around him. Suspended in the air for several minutes, he panted as he struggled to collect his senses. His mind felt shrouded in fog, making it difficult to focus. He remembered he was supposed to assist his dad with a mission tonight but couldn't recall the details or the agreed-upon time. Glancing out the window, he tried to gauge the hour.

"It's already four, huh...? What did Dad need my help with again?"

Satisfied yet tired, he withdrew his arms from the tentacles. He was fortunate the spell didn't leave any residual mucus on his body; otherwise, he'd smell for a week. Attempting to pull his arm away again, he found the grip tightening instead.

"Oh, perhaps I can just dispel the spell. It should be fine. It's just magic."

Calmly, Lucas closed his eyes and gradually released his concentration. When he opened them again, he was still suspended in the air, supported only by his arms and waist, his legs firmly ensnared. Panic began to set in as Lucas struggled to figure out what to do next.

"Hey! What gives?!" he exclaimed, confused as he tugged at the tentacles. Though they had a slight give, they refused to release him. Despite feeling the source of his magic still under control within him, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.

Lucas struggled desperately to break free from the otherworldly entities he had inadvertently summoned into the physical realm. His eyes widened in horror as more ebony appendages emerged from the void below him, each one unfamiliar. One resembled an open flower pattern, another was rounded with a small feeler, while another took the shape of a cup with a tendril at the bottom.

His gaze fixated on one tentacle resembling a needle, its shiny contents swirling inside. Lucas swallowed nervously, his apprehension growing as it lunged towards him with surprising speed, jabbing into his side.

"That hurts!" he exclaimed, his body already sensitive from previous sensations. As the liquid drained into him, a searing pain spread throughout his body. Lucas recoiled, but the needle continued to squirt its contents, splashing onto his skin and even into his mouth, tasting sweet like sugar.

Panicked, he watched in horror as the liquid seemed to invigorate his body, his soft member rapidly stiffening to an uncomfortable hardness within seconds. Despite the pain, his arousal remained intense. Lucas sat there, bewildered and frightened.

"What the fuck was that? What the hell was just put into me? What in the—"

Suddenly, his mind and body began to relax involuntarily.

"Aahh...whatever it was..." he mumbled, his speech slurring as his vision blurred rapidly. "It sure feels good..." With that, his consciousness slipped away, his head drooping as his mind shut down completely.

———

Awakening later, Lucas found his head cradled by a smaller tentacle, its slimy counterpart inside his mouth, squirting an unknown substance into it. He swallowed as it filled his mouth, rendering him unable to speak. The taste was bitter and salty, reminiscent of a ration he once had that didn't sit right. Despite the discomfort, he slowly swallowed the rest of the substance, his head still foggy from the nap he had taken.

As his eyes adjusted, he could finally see the scene before him. The ebony-black tentacle in his mouth had rounded out and was now dripping with white mucus, retreating into the void below. He coughed, clearing his airways as a wave of pleasure washed over him all at once. "H-holy shit~!" he exclaimed, feeling waves of unbridled pleasure coursing up his spine, each pulse of ecstasy originating from his hips.

Glancing downward, he noticed himself encased within a cup-shaped tentacle. It completely enveloped him, with his underwear draped over its base. A smaller arm wrapped tightly around his balls, applying pressure and preventing them from slipping off. Lucas moaned loudly as his hips involuntarily thrust into the cupped arm, intensifying the sensation as he climaxed once more. It felt as though he was being milked of every drop he could provide. Gasping for air, his vision obscured by his hair, he attempted to pull his arms free but found them firmly held in place. With a stronger pull, he was yanked back into position. Whatever was happening, it was far from over, and he had no control over it.

His body craved more, his hips moving beyond his control as the cupped appendage brought intense pleasure to his sensitive cock. Unsure of how many times he had already ejaculated before waking up, he noticed it was now dripping with another white substance, likely his own.

"Aahh fuck-! N-Not again!" he stuttered, his body heaving as he released another load, sending ropes of himself into the dripping tentacle once more. His balls were quickly squeezed by the smaller appendage, intensifying his climax. Every fold of the tentacle seemed to lovingly caress his cock as it twitched for several minutes, each twitch accompanied by another small squirt. Lucas' body slumped, exhausted from the numerous climaxes he had experienced in one session. His glasses slipped from his face, clattering to the floor below, leaving him with limited visibility to only what was nearby. As he felt sure he was now producing nothing but water, he suddenly felt a stinging sensation on his side.

"Oh...that good feeling stuff..." he murmured, his body stiffening once more as the tentacle resumed squeezing and rubbing him. He writhed in discomfort as he was injected once again. The burning sensation returned, but this time he wasn't as fortunate to dislodge it. Held firmly in place, he could do nothing as it emptied its contents into him. A warm sensation spread throughout his body, restoring his energy and strength, though he knew what would follow once he fully recovered.

The tentacles holding him shifted, maneuvering him onto his back in midair. His arms were held above his head, and his legs were spread open, leaving his bottom exposed. Despite his efforts, he pulled against the tentacles once more, only to find himself gripped tighter as he struggled. "Please just let go! I'm tired! I can't give you anymore!" he pleaded, desperate for release. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him, his throbbing length yearning for respite as it was kept forcefully erect.

Somewhat annoyed, a tentacle covered in his own cum shoved its way into his mouth, silencing him. The taste was sweet yet watery in its viscosity, and he pleaded with his mouth full as he was compelled to swallow every drop. Another tentacle then penetrated his body, coated in mucus, eliciting a whimper of pain from Lucas.

Tears streamed down his face as he winced in agony. His body felt vulnerable and exposed as the tentacle writhed inside him, exploring every inch of his being. Its smooth surface followed the contours of his muscles, its suckers grasping at the inner walls. In the mirror, he could see its form settling on a spot not too far inside him. The slimy arm rubbed against something, something pleasurable. He moaned, attempting to form words but failing as the pleasure overwhelmed him. Whatever it was that the tentacle touched, it elicited an incredibly intense sensation. His body arched involuntarily as the tentacle squeezed, triggering another climax. He released even more of his seed into the tentacle with full force, cumming harder than he ever thought possible.

His thoughts drifted as he felt utterly helpless, at the mercy of whatever entity he had summoned. He was plagued by questions: how had he done it? What was it? What did it want with him? And most importantly, how could he break free? Was it deriving pleasure from this?

Yet, despite the overwhelming sense of dread, there lingered a disturbing thought in the back of his mind: why was he enjoying it? It was an unsettling sensation, one he knew he should detest... and yet, he found himself inexplicably drawn to it.

Spitting out the tentacle in his mouth, he braced himself as the one inside him began to thrust in and out of his body. It was painful, his muscles tensing with each movement, but gradually, the pain began to subside as he relaxed.

"T-that's not exactly good..." he moaned, voicing his concern. "Can you go a little faster...?" he requested, surprised when the appendage complied. With increased speed, Lucas's cock throbbed with pleasure as it was sucked and squeezed by the eager entity.

"T-that's it... that feels wonderful...!" he moaned between heavy breaths, his enjoyment evident even as he subconsciously struggled against the tentacles. Despite his internal conflict, Lucas found himself relaxing, his mind and body now pursuing separate goals. Another wave of pleasure washed over him as he surrendered to the sensation, releasing another load of cum for whatever demonic entity held him captive.

"Ah... more please! Give me more of that wonderful aphrodisiac!" he begged, his voice filled with longing. A sharp stab in his shoulder signaled the draining of more substance into his body. This time, upon completion, Lucas's body arched as he released what he counted as his fourth or fifth load into the tentacle. He had finally surrendered to the overwhelming pleasure.

Feeling his mind going blank, Lucas succumbed to the numbness of pleasure, his thoughts of escape fading away. His senses were overwhelmed by dopamine, oxytocin, and testosterone, leaving his brain feeling dull and his body overly sensitive.

"Yes! This is what I wanted! To feel like this! Don’t stop! Please, you can have as much as I can give!" he moaned, oblivious to the volume of his voice.

The entity, sensing Lucas's complete surrender, intensified its efforts, fueling his pleasure to new heights. With each movement, Lucas's body quivered with ecstasy, every touch sending shivers of delight coursing through him.

Lost in a haze of euphoria, Lucas's consciousness slipped further away, consumed by the overwhelming sensations. His mind, once filled with thoughts of resistance, now surrendered completely to the blissful oblivion offered by the tentacles.

As his moans of pleasure echoed through the room, Lucas relinquished any remaining semblance of control, giving himself entirely to the entity's desires. In that moment, all that mattered was the intoxicating pleasure enveloping him, drowning out any lingering thoughts of escape or resistance.

With each passing moment, Lucas descended deeper into the abyss of pleasure, his body and mind consumed by an insatiable craving for more. And as the entity continued to feed on his essence, Lucas found himself willingly offering all that he had, his desires merging seamlessly with those of his captor.

"Lucas?" a voice called out, the door creaking open slightly.

Lucas didn't bother to glance down at his father, who had evidently heard the commotion and come to check on his son. Alistair Len stood in shock at the scene unfolding before him.

From Len's perspective and knowledge, this wasn't merely a magic spell gone awry. This was something far more sinister—an actual demon. While Len was familiar with succubi, this entity was something entirely different. Its true name remained unknown, but it was undoubtedly under the influence of Asmodeus, Prince of Demons. One tentacle bore his mark—a whale—an indication that it belonged to the fifth circle, a realm accessible only to the most powerful and malevolent entities.

Asmodeus must be in need of offspring if he was dispatching a creature to harvest. Len speculated that there must already be an egg from a hapless woman, long gone by now...

With this chilling realization, Len understood that this demon would mercilessly pleasure its victims until their demise, consuming their bodies afterward to nourish the fiendish offspring it created. The demon required humanoid sperm to birth a monstrous entity—one capable of manipulating its form and wreaking havoc at will. It was a horrifying prospect, one Len dared not dwell on any longer.

"Dear mother earth... Lucas! What is this?! How did you summon it?!" he exclaimed, demanding answers from his son. Lucas disregarded his father’s words, his eyes rolling back as Alistair heard a voice pull at his mind—tired, desperate, and strained in its tone.

"Dad! Help me! I can’t control my body anymore! I’m so tired... I kinda want to go to sleep," pleaded Lucas.

"I’ll get you out of that thing. I’ll be back, so keep using this to talk as much as you can. Don’t fall asleep! How long has this been happening?" Alistair responded, determination in his reply as he hurried out of the room to search for a solution.

Len rushed downstairs, frantically searching and opening the bookcase's entryway in his haste.

"I-I’m not sure... I remember..." Lucas struggled to keep his thoughts coherent.

"Listen to me. What do you remember?" Len asked urgently, his panic growing as he searched for his powders.

"I remember... waking up after some time, the first time I was injected with whatever it had. I think maybe three hours have passed...? I lost count of time..." Lucas admitted.

"Okay, and how did this happen?" Len inquired, his mind racing as he tore apart his brewery in search of his precious powders. As he frantically searched, he realized that while the demon possessed formidable abilities, it was ultimately dependent on external sources of power. It functioned more like an incubator than a true demon, reminiscent of Praetor Variants in terms of its circle. Finally locating a bag of exorcism powder, Len coughed as its contents flew into the air. He knew this was exactly what he needed. Turning around, he rummaged through the nearby desk and found a piece of blue chalk before swiftly making his way back upstairs.

There was a long pause before Lucas replied, his voice filled with unconscious moans of pleasure. "I think I summoned it... God, this feels fantastic!"

That was the last thing Alistair wanted echoing in his mind.

"Lucas, focus for me. How did you summon it?" Alistair pressed, trying to maintain his composure.

"I mixed two spells to, uh... use for my own benefit," Lucas admitted, his tone somewhat flustered.

Len sighed heavily. He regretted not discussing these matters with Lucas sooner, instead confiding in Santiago or even Emily. He had already been concerned that Lucas might knock up his girlfriend unintentionally.

"Yeah, you’re at that age, Lucas. You shouldn’t use magic for sexual satisfaction. It can go haywire when you're distracted from controlling it, especially with your kind of magic," Len cautioned, his words laced with worry.

Returning to Lucas's room, Len was met with the distressing sight of his son ensnared in tendrils, tentacles, and covered in mucus. It was a sight he wished he hadn't seen and never wanted to witness again. Despite his apprehension, Alistair steeled himself. He had to find a way to free Lucas from this predicament.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Alistair approached Lucas cautiously, his mind racing with thoughts of how to break the spell. He knew he needed to act quickly before the situation escalated further.

“Lucas, listen to me carefully,” Alistair said, his voice firm but gentle. “I’m going to try to break the spell, but I need you to focus and help me, okay?”

Lucas nodded weakly, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and relief at his father’s presence.

Alistair retrieved the bag of exorcism powder and the blue chalk from his pocket, his hands trembling slightly with the weight of responsibility. With deliberate movements, he began to draw intricate symbols on the floor around Lucas, forming a protective barrier. As he worked, Alistair chanted ancient incantations, channeling his energy into breaking the demonic hold on his son. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he poured every ounce of his being into the task at hand.

Suddenly, there was a faint tremor in the room, and the tendrils holding Lucas began to quiver and retract. He scattered handfuls of powder on the floor within the circle, focusing mainly on the edges of the opening. Next, he carefully placed the inky black rings amidst a mound of golden powders, ensuring they were thoroughly coated. With determined motions, he liberally sprinkled the powders over the tendrils ensnaring Lucas and over himself.

Returning to the smaller circle he had drawn, Len settled back down to commence the ritual. Seated with his legs crossed and hands clasped together, index fingers pressed against each other, he closed his eyes in deep concentration. Beneath his breath, he muttered incantations for minutes on end, his focus unyielding even as the house began to shake around them. Alistair remained steadfast, continuing the ritual as his son announced his seventh climax.

As the circles shimmered with an ethereal blue glow, a sudden flash of light filled the room, casting everything into temporary stillness and silence. Alistair's eyes snapped open to find his son lying naked on the ground, surrounded by lifeless tendrils and tentacles. With a sense of urgency, he approached Lucas, lifting him gently from the circle. Striking a match against the bed frame, he ignited the scattered powder with a determined flick of his wrist.

A horrifying, otherworldly scream pierced the air, causing Alistair to instinctively cover his ears in agony. The sound reverberated through the house, sending shivers down his spine as it rattled his eardrums. As the mass of limbs began to burn, consuming the chalk on the floor with fierce intensity, Alistair reached into his pocket and hurled a handful of golden powder into the air.

"That should purify the room now. No more demonic tendrils, and the connection to the realm and its portal has been severed," Alistair declared, retrieving Lucas' glasses and underwear.

Taking a moment to assess his son's condition, he noticed dark bruises and marks scattered across his body from where the tendrils had grasped him. While Lucas was still partially coated in drying mucus, it seemed to be flaking off in thin sheets. With gentle care, Alistair dressed Lucas in his underwear and placed his glasses back on, watching as his son gradually regained consciousness upon being laid on the bed.

"...Dad?" Lucas asked softly, his voice worn out. "What happened?"

"Well, Lucas... to put it simply... you summoned a demonic aberration by combining two spells, and that aberration was going to kill you by giving you immense sexual pleasure," Alistair explained bluntly. Lucas froze in shock.

"And it almost did," Alistair added with a sigh. "I was scared, you know, to lose you for the second time."

"I-I'm sorry," Lucas apologized, his voice raspy from the ordeal.

"Yeah. Don’t do that again. You might have the power to manipulate spells, but it doesn't mean you should use them for sexual pleasure, Lucas," Alistair admonished.

"Besides, there’s such a thing as birth control and your girlfriend," Alistar joked.

"I wouldn’t do anything like that with Emily unless she asked or made it obvious that's what she wanted," Lucas replied, looking over at his father.

"Wait... don’t encourage that, that’s terrible parenting!" Lucas laughed, his voice interrupted by a cough. Despite his weariness, he managed a bright and cheery smile.

"For now, you should get some rest, Lucas. You are probably very, VERY tired," Alistair advised, rising from his seat and making his way to the door.

"But don’t we need to hunt today? A banshee, was it?" Lucas asked, his voice weak.

"It can wait a few hours," Alistair reassured, tossing Lucas a vial of something as he headed out the door.

"Right now it’s underground, probably enjoying its unfortunate last meal. You should drink that, rest up, and we’ll head out," he instructed before leaving the room.

Lucas stared down at the vial, recognizing it as one of his dad’s peculiar potions known for their potent restorative properties. The liquid inside was a light, translucent purple, shimmering with magical energy.

"I hate it when the grape juice is useful," Lucas remarked, downing the vial in one gulp. He settled into his bed, his body aching from the ordeal. Despite feeling embarrassed and sore, he couldn't deny the soothing effects of the potion as it clouded his mind with pleasure and lulled him into sleep.

"Next time, I’ll just use what I know works instead of that mixture... I’d like to be around longer than nineteen years," Lucas mumbled to himself as he finally drifted off into a much-needed rest.

~~Masterlist~~

[alefgardtravelguide]

here are our main team members! transcription of the images is under the cut!

📝【Team Introduction】 🗺 Greetings from the fanbook's main team!! 🥳 On top of their roles, my teammates also work on a division I call mental support

Name: Kairi Vocation: Administrator @/konoha_kairi on Twitter & IG

"This project has taken me places, a lot of them being real close to hell. Please look forward to it!"

Inventory: Plumberry x10, SMILE SLIME plush x4, Gold x0, Wrist brace x2

Name: Nathan White/N8 Vocation: Editor + Loremaster @/Neifiris on Twitter, n8storefront@gmail.com

"It's me, the editor and self-proclaimed Dragon Quest 1 Historian! I've been passionate baout the first Dragon Quest for years - which I'm told makes me the weird one. Regardless, this project has been wonderful to work on! Please look forward to it!"

Inventory: (E) Red Pen x1, Espresso shot x9, Magic Key x6, Unbuilt model kit x2

Name: Caeri Vocation: Artist @/caerilorem on Twitter and @/caeri.lorem on IG

"Hi! I'm Caeri/Vin. I love drawing plants, flower, grass etc :> I also enjoy seeing small miniature things, they're so smol lol"

Inventory: Tissue x100, Special Medicine x5, Elfin Elixir x10, Sapphire x1

Name: Vi Vocation: Artist @vidramon on Twitter, IG, and Tumblr

"I like to draw happy, colorful slimes & other favorite DQ monsters, though sometimes I draw people, too. Kairi keeps threatening to eat my slimes, but I guess that might be on me for making so many of them dessert themed."

Inventory: Earth block x99, Magic key x6, Crochet Malroth x1, Sketchbook x12

[201xs]

I'd fuck the shit out of a dragon quest slime you see that goofy ass smile they got if one winked at me my balls would explode

I GET YOU!!!! slimes are so hot and cute. something about a translucent or semi-translucent body is so hot but opaque slimes have their own unique hotness too. i love gooey from kirby cos he has that cute tongue too, i think more slimes should have sticky tongues

[shoppncarticles]

The Grimer Family

Hell yeah!!! If you’ve got any taste, you ought to know every game series out there, nay, any media franchise on Earth ought to have at least ONE funny little slime creature somewhere in its deep, rich catalogs, and Pokemon was smart enough to knock that requirement out in the first generation. We were lucky enough to be blessed with Grimer, an oozing pile of toxic sludge with a big smile and almost manically small pupils in its eyes. Pokemon could’ve done anything with its first slime monster, maybe it would’ve gone for the far more basic water-based jelly ball, like Dragon Quest (no disrespect to DQ Slime of course!!!), but no. Pokemon makes absolutely sure to remind us that Grimer is pure filth. Several Pokedex entries make note of it eating raw sewage and garbage and drinking rancid wastewater. One claims that Grimer was born from sludge settling at the bottom of a seabed - delightfully making it a marine Pokemon by association! - but another explicitly mentions that it was brought to life by X-rays from the moon touching a rank stream. HUH??? How’s that even work??? WHO CARES!!! Moon magic is real in Pokemon, baby!!!

I know I throw the word around a lot in these reviews a lot, but there’s just something innately charming about Grimer’s huge smile and goopy arms. It always looks like it’s having the time of its life, which is an excellent personality for a terribly disgusting slime monster to have. There’s always gonna be horrid sludge somewhere, Grimer is never truly alone!

Special mention goes to one of the major cities in the original Kanto region which has a small pond which the player can ride their Pokemon in. Usually, water will give way to encountering various Water-type Pokemon, but this little pond? 100% Grimer. A nasty little still body of water in an urban city, a perfect playground for everyone’s favorite little sludgy buddy.

Once Grimer’s spent long enough sipping up some especially sickly sludge, it becomes Muk, an even larger pile of ooze with a particularly pained and pitiful expression. It lacks the pure glee and delight that Grimer had, but misery works just as well for this shambling heap of waste and excrement. Make no mistake, by the way, both Grimer and Muk are constantly rippling, oozing to the ground in a continuous flow wherever they go. The dripping string across is also an excellent touch, and really does a lot to sell that whole goopy globular monster look Muk’s got going on here.

Surprisingly, Muk was chosen as one of the few Pokemon that main character Ash caught and used at some point during the anime series, featuring as a member of his team at various points and even used during some of the tournaments that he participated in. Muk was also portrayed as being especially affectionate, out of all things. It’s probably a joke about how the last thing you’d want to cuddle with is the living pile of polluted water, but making Muk just as sweet and lovable as any other Pokemon is something I wouldn’t have expected to see, especially on top of giving it billing as one of the main hero’s few teammates. It shows that every Pokemon is worthy of love and kindness, even the thing that’s probably going to give you 30 diseases if you let it touch your skin.

And guess what?? We’re not done yet, because Grimer was lucky enough to also get an Alolan form! I really dig the sunken eyes the Grimer now has, and the toothy rocks it’s gained give it such a charmingly dopey appearance. Apparently, Grimer were imported to Alola to help cut down on waste, since they consume it and all. They began eating solid garbage, and all the various germs, poisons, and toxins they ate crystallized and hardened in their bodies forming the teeth they now have. 

This is emphasized by Grimer now learning a variety of biting attacks. Just in case you didn’t think the living sludge pile was bad enough before, now it can bite you and get its poisons under your skin. Admittedly, the teeth don’t look too impressive on Grimer, but once we get to Alolan Muk…

Now, I know some people aren’t immediately captured by big slime monsters in games, but let me tell you Alolan Muk is absolutely fantastic. Solidified toxic crystals now decorate its body all over, as well as giving it a snaggly set of teeth and even claws on its arm to boot. Muk keeps a sunken in, now more menacing eye, and now also sports a devilishly vibrant striped color scheme. This is an especially monstrous design, helped by Muk’s artwork keeping it so only one side faces the viewer. It feels very animalistic, almost snarling with that expression. Where normal Muk looked pained, Alolan Muk looks pissed.

Also, drawing attention back to those colorful stripes, they may seem pretty odd at first, but once you recognize what it is it becomes a bit more clear what Muk is going for.

Alolan Muk is meant to resemble what it looks like when oil touches water, resulting in a  shimmering rainbow-colored surface that is quite surprising to see the first time. It’s easiest to see in parking lots during or after rainfall, thanks to oil that manages to leak out of car exhaust pipes. It fits well with Muk’s new island home, likely rife with liquid waste and runoff due to being so close to the sea. Those colored stripes also continuously flow down Muk during its idle animations, just in case you forgot how oozy Muk is.

Also, if you know anything about me you know I have to mention this, but ever since it was first revealed Alolan Muk always reminded me of the icky, paint-like Goop which is such an important part of Super Mario Sunshine. I know that Muk has nothing to do with it, but both are multicolored, oscillating, stripey oozes which characterize excessive pollution, especially in tropical island environments! The resemblance is just uncanny!! Sunshine is such an important game to me, and having the ability to control and command a monster in a game which so closely resembles the Goop from that game is so incredibly appealing to me, you have no idea. No one can stop me, I will take this parallel to my grave!

Also, before wrapping up this review, I absolutely have to draw attention to this Alolan Muk card. It captures everything wonderful about this lump of sludge.

Score: 5/5 - PERFECT!

Grimer and Muk do not disappoint the universal requirement for all franchises to have funny slime guys somewhere in them. They are without flaw.

[Gen 1 Archive]

[game-boy-pocket]

So, I have been to Universal Studios in Hollywood, which includes Super Nintendo Land, so I have to talk about it... or I'd like to, but I didn't have a good experience. It didn't have much to do with the park, it was mostly my family. I don't need to get into that though. But I only got to experience about 5/6ths of what it had to offer.

Most of what I did experience was cool. But most of the flash was in the lobby and the 2nd half of the line for Mario Kart. The first half of the line is based on Yoshi's Island of all things, but there's very little to look at until you reach Bowser's Castle proper. The ride itself was actually kind of mid. There's an instruction video, but unlike most of the other rides, there is no voice over for the instructional video you watch before the ride. Just a slide show and a Lakitu that doesn't talk. The ride is pretty slow for a ride based on a racing game. I think they could have sped it up a bit and had it do 3 laps, like a normal Mario Kart game, but it was still fun for what it was. I would have liked the AR goggles to be bigger so I could see more. I managed to do alright anyway, 126 coins.

As expected, it's not really a Nintendo land so much as it was a Mario Land. The only thing not Mario related was a few hidden Pikmin. There was no Wario or Waluigi material at the park. The Koopalings are only represented as baddies in the Mario Kart ride. And I think the only Daisy representation is one of the wrist bands you can buy. I may have missed something though, I didn't get to see everything. But you can see that even their Mario representation is very selective.

I got a few souvenirs though. A dancing piranha plant that wiggles in response to music or sounds when you turn it on, a very soft Mario cap which is now sitting atop my Dragon Quest Slime plush, plus a Yoshi shirt... don't normally go for Yoshi these days, but the shirt seems to be using his Super Mario World design for some reason?? I adored Yoshi in the SNES days and he still makes me smile when he's drawn in 2D and kind of resembles SMW Yoshi, so I picked that one..... that and my brother said he was thinking of getting Bowser. Otherwise I would have got Bowser... and of course, he didn't get Bowser in the end. But oh well. Maybe if we come back in a few years, I'll get Bowser, and hopefully have a better time.

[justiisms]

"Little Koko, are you in here? I just wanted to tell you that dinner is almost-!!" *and within the span of a second ichiban has gone from sticking his head into the tiny detective's room to standing right in front of shinigami's slime hat!! his eyes are practically sparkling as he looks it over without touching it, the man on the verge of vibrating with pure excitement!!*

"I didn't know you were a fan too! Which one is your favorite?! I've only played up to to the sixth one so far, but I know the others will be just as good! Oh, but there's so many spinoffs too, I don't know if I could choose a favorite myself, hehe~!!"

"Ah, yes! Thank you, Uncle-!!" Yuma blinks in surprise when suddenly seeing his Uncle Ichiban enter his room in a flash!! Though as he sees him stare at Shinigami's slime hat with so much excitement, he can't help but smile~ And Shinigami, of course, huffing proudly since it's her amazing hat!!

"Heh heh, a nice hat, right? Y-Yeah, I guess you could say that! Ahh, I see... you truly are a die-hard fan, Uncle! N...No kidding, I was shocked to learn just how many there are, main series and spin-offs and all... s-so yeah, it's hard for me to choose a favorite, too! The ones I'm familiar with, are all pretty great, too. But I still wouldn't call myself an expert at the series so soon, so I'll definitely be curious to learn more about it from you or watch you play some of the games, Uncle...!"

("It's thanks to yours truly that you even know anything about such a glorious series, kyahaha~ Hmm, I miiight just have a fun new target to possess for next time... it wouldn't look out of place for him to burst about his love for Dragon Quest, after all~! And then sometime, I wanna play with him! I've found my fellow Dragon Quest enjoyer, after all!!")

("Y-Yeah, it really is thanks to you, Shinigami. W-Well... I guess it's better than you trying to possess Uncle Pikachu... but even if you do decide to play with him one day, still don't use him, please!! Uncle Pikachu, that is... just use my body, instead.")

[rocproductions]

Got my new King Slimes in yesterday! I'm reaching maximum slime in my room lololol

[tharglet]

Smile Slimes! - Dragon Quest

Here are a couple of Smile Slime items. I’ve not played Dragon Quest, but I have a soft spot for these squishy fellows.

First up, a magnet set:

Their cute faces have been done well, and I love the translucent effect.

Back:

These flat backs stick to surfaces well. Have had them stuck to various radiators in the house, plus they just about fit on the Detolf handles. My favourite one is a tie between the purple one (on account of being purple) or the blue one, as the colours fit well together... and it’s the traditional colours. 

I also had a go at a Dragon Quest gacha and got this fellow:

He’s made of a soft, smooth rubber, and is air-filled. Was quite strange picking him up for the first time! Not quite what I expected. 

Back:

Nothin’ much to see here. Not sure what you’d expect, really. 

Overall, an OK gacha. Still undecided if I like the fact he’s air-filled or not - at least if he does burst, he won’t make a mess. 

So keep smilin’ and slimin’ out there!

[imperial-scrolls-of-honor]

Me and my wife’s home made DQ slime cake :D

[watevermelon]

Just Enough | Diluc (Genshin) x Traveler!Reader

✧ Summary: Between freeing Dvalin and pursuing the Geo Archon, you were constantly moving forward to find your brother with hardly a second to look back. You were in a rush to find your lost sibling, not realizing how your heart had stopped in Mondstadt. Visiting the city while waiting for things to die down after Rex Lapis’ death, you return to a… jealous Diluc?

➳ Spoilers for the Dark Knight Hero quest and some of the manga background ➳ Notes: lots of fluff, slight angst and jealousy, character development, mutual pining at one point, a long one-shot that covers the (1.0) beginning of the Liyue story  ➳ Navigation

---xXxXxXxXxXx---

If he had only asked you to stay.

To say that these past few weeks were a blur would be a severe understatement. For months you were simply a lost wanderer, traveling from world to world for any sort of clue that could lead you to your brother.

And in just a matter of weeks you were suddenly Mondstadt’s hero.

From bringing peace to Dvalin’s heart to meeting Mondstadt’s infamous Dark-knight hero, you were familiarizing yourself with a people and a place for a world you knew you did not belong to. Learning of the history of the Seven Archons, the Gods’ of contracts or of freedoms, suddenly you were being thrust into it all at once.

You shared the burden of knowledge with a few of Mondstadt’s elite, the true God of Freedom walking in plain sight to the citizens of his nation. And with him, were the quick allies you found side-by-side when fighting a dragon. 

It was all happening so suddenly and Lord Barbatos himself was giving you directions to the next country over, to continue on your journey in meeting all seven Archons to Liyue. 

To this day, you could fondly recall your final celebration in Mondstadt.

“To think that despite his small stature he can drink so much.” Kaeya commented from his seat at the table, eyes slid in the direction of Venti at the bar next to you. You could see the impatient stare behind Diluc’s eyes, not at all happy that their God was indulging himself so freely.

“Honorary Knight, Mondstadt thanks you for your service.” Jean formally stated, for the nth time since Dvalin had been freed.

“I’m just glad I was at the right place at the right time.” You answered back, offering a placating smile in return.

“Humility doesn’t pay for dinner!” Paimon hmphed next to you.

“But aren’t we at a feast now?” You countered, gesturing to the table. 

She sighed again before moving to get a taste of some of the honey roasted ham. “Fine, don’t blame me when we have to settle into that poor excuse of a tent!”

“Please, do not feel you are in any rush to leave.” Jean offered, “You are welcome lodgings at our Favonius Headquarters.”

“With the other Knights of Favonius?” Diluc asked, face completely blank if not for the small upward tilt of his left brow.

Kaeya flirted with you from across the room, uncaring of the other partygoers, “You could always stay with me.”

You laughed lightly and responded, “That’s a hard pass.”

The Cavalry Captain simply shrugged, offering it to you again if you changed your mind before grabbing another glass of wine and walking with Jean toward the busy table.

Barbara was trying different dishes and offering some to her older sister, spouting descriptions with medicinal purposes and flavors that compliment one another. Lisa was no better as Amber egged both of them on, completely sober as she continued to feast on the food laid before her. Other Knights of Favonius that you recognized were scattered about, enjoying the first truly peaceful night in the past few weeks.

“You are welcome to stay at the Dawn Winery, while you look for your brother.”

He relished in the sight of your smile.

“Thank you, Diluc.”

That was three months ago.

And since then you had been thrown into more of not your business but suddenly IS your business, business.

You remembered your last day before setting off from Mondstadt. The Knights of Favonius would surely call on you again and so you had quick goodbyes with Jean and Kaeya the day before. Venti was saved for last, a somewhat light-hearted and yet somber goodbye as he was the first and last person for you to see in Mondstadt. 

But Diluc… How could you even start that conversation?

He was the lone wolf with a prickly reputation and an even worse sense of patience. You remembered the first time you even spoke to him, clipped words meant to get straight to the point. Not to mention that he was the first person to antagonize Kaeya, who was one of the few people you kinda trusted in the beginning.

It was not until the side adventures, the little quests you did one-on-one that you realized how much more there was to the edgelord that was Diluc. 

Of course, he was still the strict type to focus solely on the mission. 

But you realized more about why Diluc had come to be this way. 

‘The uncrowned king of Mondstadt.’

As you worked together against the possible abyss invasion of Mondstadt, you poured over strategies and testing of his slime potion. And while slimes were not the hardest enemies to fight, he still complimented you on your form and appreciated your quick style with the sword.

You had a unique style, unlike Kaeya or anyone else of this world.

“Elegant, but deadly.”

You took that as a compliment.

And little by little Diluc opened up to you, cluing you into his personal history. 

He and Kaeya were step-brothers, growing up together at the Dawn Winery. How he knew Jean since he was child and once served as her superior in the very organization he now despised. How he still has things to protect, to avenge. And while his description about what happened to his father was nothing more than a quiet stare, you were still grateful that he was entrusting you into his world.

You remembered Kaeya’s words as he discovered Diluc’s nighttime secret:

“I’m glad you’re working with an assistant.”

Kaeya’s tone may have come out scathing, but you knew better. Kaeya and Diluc used to be close, close enough to entrust their lives with one another. There was no doubt that Kaeya still cared about his brother, but with Diluc pushing everyone away….

Again, you were so appreciative that he chose to let you in.

When Kaeya finally left the bar, you turned to Diluc with a smile. “I think my work tonight earned me at least one glass of wine?”

That broke a small smile on his face, not the slight tilt on the sides or the wistful, far off look he got when he recalled something beyond your knowledge.

“Alright.” He waved over a nearby waitress, all of the customers tonight employees of the Dawn Winery. “Let’s take this up to the balcony, I’m going to close up anyway.”

“Oh?” Paimon’s squeaky tone somehow went up another octave in curiosity, “I just remembered I have to ask Venti something! Why don’t you two enjoy your date alone.”

She flew away before you could swat at her for her teasing words, blush apparent on your face. Diluc kept his flat face as he maneuvered things behind the bar, wiping at something before putting something in the below cabinet. 

To your surprise, he handed you a bottle and two glasses, motioning with his head toward the second floor. Charles was among some of the ‘customers’ tonight, taking his usual spot behind the bar as Diluc stepped out.

You followed him wordlessly, walking up the steps and out the second-floor door closely behind him. He pulled out a wooden chair next to the table outside, you taking the seat underneath the stars as he plopped down alongside you.

“I thought the stars here in the city would get overcrowded by the lights.” You admitted, “But they’re beautiful even here.”

“Yeah, they are.” Diluc agreed, making you smile before turning to him.

“You’re not even looking at the stars.”

The pyro-user simply smirked, before looking up at the starry sky with you. You relished in the moment, glad to have some time alone with Diluc. Many had commented that the winery owner was so elusive, missing from the bar weeks at a time and unseen within the city walls. And yet here he was, enjoying the crisp air and a glass of wine with you.

“Thank you.” You started.

“Shouldn’t you be demanding thanks from me?” Diluc asked.

You laughed lightly, “Yeah, cause I’m sure that the abyss mage would have totally kicked your ass without me.”

Diluc had that slightly amused expression on, looking a bit more light-hearted as he turned to you with a slight tilt at the corner of his lips.

You continued, “I mean, thanks for entrusting me with your secret.”

Diluc paused, looking you straight in the eyes, probably to gauge your honesty. And he would concede that there was nothing else there. You wanted to be his friend, the first in a long time to have approached him without your own agenda regarding either the winery or his fortune.

In return, he poured you a glass of wine and replied, “You’ve long earned it.”

“Thank you, Diluc.” You took the glass and felt your heart flutter at the brush of his fingers. “I’m glad I got to know you.”

“I’m glad you’re in my life too.”

He shot you another one of his genuine, millisecond smiles before pouring some from the bottle for himself. 

“Wine and not grape juice today?”

But he did not answer, instead eyes latching onto the rise of goosebumps on your arms. You could not help it against the crisp Mondstadt air, naturally feeling a chill at this time of night. Without a word, he shrugged off his outer coat, the thick black one he wore at almost all times of day, and rested it casually on your shoulders.

You muttered a small thanks as you snuggled into it. Diluc’s iconic dark coat, a complete contrast to yourself. While you wore a white dress with open sleeves and plenty of skin, Diluc wore black covering most of his body with the exception of his neck and face. Seeing it on your shoulders only reminded you of that fact.

“Don’t need you getting sick anytime soon.” Diluc stated plainly, as he returned to his seat.

You huddled into it more and replied, “Aw, Diluc cares.” Again, you were rewarded with another flat expression. “Or rather, if the events of today are to show anything, you’ve always cared. Just in your own, protective way.”

He slung an arm across the back of your seat, leaning closer before stating in a low voice. “Don’t forget that.”

Your eyes snapped to his, the both of you basically sharing the same breath in your close proximity. His scarlet eyes, usually a searing color when on the battlefield, looked surprisingly tender only inches from yours.

“You mean so much to me, Diluc.” You whispered back, afraid that anything above a whisper would punctuate this amorous atmosphere.

He slowly dragged his face alongside yours, stopping beside your ear and continuing in his low voice. “So do you.”

There was no stopping the shiver of anticipation that crawled up your spine.

You could feel the small smirk grow against your skin before he pulled off and grazed his lips against your forehead.

The expression on your face was practically begging him to kiss you. From the small lean in your side against his arm slung around you to the way your eyes slowly fluttered closed, it took all of his self-control to stop himself before he pulled you closer. He wanted nothing more than to grasp you by the back of your neck, relish in the way you melt against him. To kiss you now and tomorrow and maybe even the morning after at the winery.

Diluc had to remind himself that in less than a week you were going to be long gone.

He did not want to ruin this memory a week from now, asking what if and why. And so he settled on a simple kiss above your brow before leaning back in his seat, enjoying the moment he had with you tonight.

You were disappointed, but actually not surprised. It was a feat in itself that you were so close to Diluc in this short amount of time, it would do no good in pressuring him into anything else. But also, another more rational part of you, had to remind yourself that getting attached to the people of this world would only make it hurt more when you had to return home.

This was for the better.

But no matter how much rational thought Diluc used to push you away, you were sure that you had already fallen for him. From the small interactions with Diluc, you could barely recognize the moment that you were completely enamored with him. It was not during the first time you saw him fight or even the night he leant you his jacket. No, you feared it was much before then.

To think you had gotten attached to Diluc in such a short amount of time.

But then you had to say goodbye.

“Safe travels.” Diluc stated from behind the bar when he saw you enter on your last day.

You were not sure what you expected, a drawn out goodbye or a fore longed hug, but Diluc was still, well. He was still Diluc. And to see him re-erecting his walls before you left for your journey was a sad thought, but needed while the two of you were hundreds of miles away from one another.

But you would regret it if you didn’t say anything.

Instead you settled on, “I’ll miss you.”

The hopeful look in your eyes spelled out exactly what you wanted to hear back.

Diluc instead replied, “You fight good.”

“Oh. Um.” The hesitation was clear in your voice.

Was this really how you were going to leave things?

But with Diluc turning his attention back to the wine glass he was previously wiping, yes. It seemed that this was exactly how he wanted to leave it. Paimon scoffed, but said her own goodbyes before flying away.

“Goodbye, Diluc.”

Outside the tavern, you let your frown grow at that interaction. After everything you had been through together, Diluc complimented you on your fighting? Then said peace out?

“That was really lame.” Paimon commented aloud as she floated alongside you. You could not help but internally agree, but you had a whole journey ahead of you. At least the busyness of Liyue would keep you busy from dwelling on that conversation.

But as you said goodbye to Venti, the both of you stood in silence under the giant tree staring at the city. You thought about going back three times, to get a proper goodbye out of Diluc. But doing so would do neither of you any good, since it would only open more issues.

“No more questions about the other Archons?” Venti asked, voice surprisingly serious.

“Can’t think of anything.”

“None even of a certain… winery owner?” You could almost hear the smile in his voice.

You rolled your eyes and responded, “You’re such a little shit.”

“Hehe.”

You both continued to stare at the city, the marvels of its people and history within its high walls. To think Barbatos and Dvalin were finally free, because of your otherworldly intervention. Venti was truly thankful for you, and while he knew his words were on the more mischievous side, he knew that you understood.

Venti’s voice permeated the air. “Be safe in Liyue.”

You smiled back and offered him a tight hug, replying. “As always.”

To think that the same day that you stepped into Liyue, Rex Lapis was murdered before your very eyes. It was like the Gods actually hated you, having to rely on a Fatui to run away from the government officials hot on your trail.

Since then you had been working with Zhongli to prepare for a parting ceremony. From running around for certain types of Jade materials to singing to flowers, you were happy to take a second to yourself at all. You were afraid that trouncing around Liyue with a bounty on your head would do you no good and often stayed in the wild areas. Visits to the city were for necessities only, which often left you relying on the ever so truthful Childe or the mora-averse Zhongli.

More than three months after your initial departure to Liyue, you stepped back into the walls of Mondstadt’s bustling city, a commission nearby and you figured you were safe simply due to your reputation under the Knights of Favonius.

Venti was the last face you saw and the first face that greeted you, beckoning to join him for lunch. With your final commission of the day finished, you joined him with a smile and ordered some honey roasted ham.

You recounted some of the news to Venti, meeting many of the adeptus and how out of touch they seemed with the region. You described Zhongli from the funeral parlor who always felt like he knew more and played a higher part in Liyue (and you inwardly noted how Venti’s eyes lit up in recognition at the name). And also, Childe the Fatui Harbinger that had you on edge. 

“You’re hanging out with a harbinger?” Venti asked.

“Uh oh.” Paimon reacted.

“Well.” You remembered your last encounter with Signora. “It’s complicated.”

Venti paused before sighing, “Is he cute?”

“That’s not why!” You huffed back instantly.

“So he is cute!”

“And rich!” Paimon added, joining in on the teasing.

“Not the issue here.” You stated, “He saved me from the Millelith and helped me get into contact with the adepti.”

Venti’s mischievous smile from the earlier teasing turned blank, as if he was fully ingesting your words. “... Why would he do that?”

“Huh?”

But Venti quickly recovered, waving away the question and urging you to move past it. “Just thinking out loud, continue. What happened after?”

And so you recalled everything from then. How the soldiers followed you all the way up the mountain and how you had to defend yourself from people that were supposed to be on the same side as you. 

How there was someone out there with the strength to take down a God.

Venti laughed at you for like, twenty minutes.

After his laughter subsided, he held a hand over his stomach and asked. “They think you killed Rex Lapis?”

He took another look at your pouting face and laughed again.

It only made you scowl further. “I’m glad you think my supposed war crimes are so funny.”

“I think I’m missing the punchline again.” Paimon added.

“Hehe. You’ll be fine.” Venti shot back his mischievous smile, “Besides, I’m sure you’re looking forward to laying low here with a certain… someone here.”

You paused and put your fork back down, “What are you trying to say?”

“Well, the Dawn Winery is throwing a festival tonight.” Venti stated clearly, “Isn’t that why you’re here?”

“Wait, really?”

The mischievous light was back in Venti’s eyes, “I’m sure the winds of fate have brought you here purely on coincidence.”

You sighed and turned to him fully. “You trying to fight, old man?”

“Hehe.” His signature giggle, one you found almost endearing, was undoubtedly mocking you. “We should go together later.”

And true to his word, somehow you found yourself with the Anemo Archon heading over to the bar. To think that it was Venti who introduced you here and now he was bringing you along again.

That is, if you even had a chance to make it inside at this rate.

The area was packed to the brim, all the seats outside in front and on the side of the building already taken. There was a line out the door, many hopeful young women with gleaming eyes trying to get a one-on-one conversation with the current barkeep and owner.

You peered into the open door and saw Diluc and Charles behind the bar, the red-head adorned with his usual flat-expression. It was the first time in months since you had seen him, but he looked exactly as the day you had left. Still the same colored wardrobe and prickly atmosphere, Diluc was still, Diluc.

What did not help was the ever growing line of flirty men and women trying to vye for his attention.

It only seemed to further nail the pit in your stomach.

Was this… jealousy?

You didn’t dwell on the thought for long.

Instead, you considered for a single-second if you should just turn tail now, but Venti must have seen your hesitation and grabbed you by the arm to walk inside. Dozens of eyes followed you on the way in, many people recognizing you as the young hero of Mondstadt and honorary knight of Favonius.

The crowd was surprisingly less inside, but knowing Diluc he probably would have tried to corral everyone to the outdoor areas. Venti continued to lead you towards a table in the back and you saw a familiar red-bowed Outrider.

“I didn’t even know you were going to be here today!” She greeted you excitedly. 

“Tone-Deaf Bard here convinced us to stay the night.” Paimon replied.

“Oh?” Her voice lifted in a tone that only spelled trouble, “No matter, I’m glad to see you in one piece.”

“I’m assuming you’ve heard.”

Amber stretched in her seat and lowered her voice, smile turning to a smirk. “Well, I won’t confirm anything. But my suspicions are that the blonde person the Knights were pursuing for stealing the Holy Lyre may be the same blonde person running from the Millelith.”

“What a crazy theory.” Paimon responded as she cleared her throat.

“At least it’s just a theory, right?” Amber replied. “Anyway, we’ll hold the seats. Do you mind going up to the bar to order?”

Paimon chimed up as she floated down into the wooden seat, “Yeah, you should go.”

You barely had a second to object before Venti agreed and was motioning for you to go back to the bar. If not for their eager stares at you, you would have rolled your eyes at how obvious they were being.

“Fine, fine. I’m going.” You stated aloud, getting up from the seat you inhabited for at most ten minutes. 

Turning towards the bar, you took in a deep breath to collect your thoughts. To think you fought the Wolf of the North and Oceanid with more courage - it was just Diluc.

“Long time no see.” You greeted, trying to sound extremely casual. “Bottle of wine for one of your favorite people?”

Diluc looked at you for a quick second, then back down to the bar, then rapidly snapping back up to you in surprise. “Hey. Of course.”

Unsure what to say, you responded back with a simple, “Thank you.”

“Didn’t know you’d be in town today.”

“It was all coincidence. Venti told me about your event tonight.” You mentioned, motioning behind you to the table where the three of them were waiting. Amber waggled her eyebrows in response and you turned back to Diluc in embarrassment.

But he was looking at you the entire time. “For a war criminal, you look well.”

“Ugh, not you too.”

“Ironic how you delinquents always return here while hiding it out.” Diluc did not answer, instead openly teasing you.

Honestly, it was a little ironic that you and Venti ran here after stealing the Holy Lyre, just to end up back here while the Millelith were on the hunt for you.

Instead you replied, “They didn’t release any names.”

“Right, it’s probably some other sword-wielding blonde with white clothes and access to the Anemo vision.”

“Obviously.”

To think you were so involved in Teyvat's politics. An otherworldly being with no prior connections to the people or nations was somehow involved with the highest ranking people of every country you’ve stumbled into.

Everyone from the Dvalin team knew about your primary objectives: to find your brother and regain your full power through the seven Archons. And when news of Rex Lapis’ death reached Mondstadt, Diluc could almost physically feel the dread in his heart that something had happened to you. And when the Millelith released their man-hunt of your exact profile, there was no doubt that you were involved. 

To see you standing before him, in association with an Archon of all people, it was like a breath of fresh air on his heart. You were here in the tavern, fine and even enjoying the night. 

A large part of him wanted to ask about your journey, what was it that had you on the run again? But with the growing line out the door, he knew he barely had time to keep this conversation going.

So instead, Diluc grabbed glasses and a bottle of wine from beneath the bar and asked, “Spare a few minutes for me later?”

You nodded quietly, handing him the necessary Mora before returning back to the table.

Amber did not pull her punches, “So, you guys dating yet?”

You almost dropped the bottle, but Venti was quick even through his laughter.

“Yeah and I’m the Archon of Snezhnaya.” Paimon replied sarcastically.

“Shut up.” You pouted, “It was just nice to see each other after all this time.”

“Oh so you had a good conversation? Did he ask you to stay after? Are you going to stay the night? Did he offer for you to stay at the Dawn Winery?” Amber spit out question after question, not a sense of patience or tact in her words.

Venti was still laughing like the Archon of assholes he was.

While they prodded through their multiple questions, you tried to wave them away to another conversation topic. If Amber was prodding you like this, you could only imagine that the other Knights, such as Kaeya and Jean, were also aware of your strange relationship.

Amber tried to push it a bit more, but you were able to spin the conversation to ask what the others were up to. It was interesting to hear about the little tasks in Mondstadt, small commissions that the Knights take care of in the city as well as guarding the areas further out into the country.

And while you hated to drift off with them sitting right in front of you, your mind often wandered toward the red-head behind the bar. Diluc had personally asked you to stay back later, undoubtedly to speak to you about something one-on-one. Would it be cowardly if you left early? Would the others notice if you tried to make a break for it at one point?

Again, it seemed as if Venti was capable of reading your mind, lightly calling you to attention and putting a casual hand on the back of your chair.

He was not letting you get away from this.

Venti even shifted the conversation to you, asking about Liyue and the local adventures you had while in the city. Unable to ignore the direct questions, you told them about the stories of the people you met so far and the strange events you seemed to be dragged into.

“Wait, start over.” Amber cut into your most recent story about a ship just outside of the Liyue city. ”You just glided down onto the Pearl Galley?”

You paused then replied, “Well. I mean the ship was just sitting there outside the harbor and I was curious.”

“And so you boarded a luxury ship without an invitation?”

“Yeah, so?” Paimon answered with a question, genuinely confused.

“And yet you wonder how you keep getting involved in all these crazy schemes.” Amber answered ambiguously.

“Well, eventually I did get an invitation.”

“But after you were already on the ship.” Amber pointed out. “How did you even glide that far out?”

“I climbed to the top of the nearby mountain and then just dropped down.”

“Wow.”

“Is it really a surprise?” Venti commented, “She doesn’t even follow the proper stairs here in the city. Don’t think we don’t see you climbing over every wall here in Mondstadt.”

“You’re such a weirdo.” Amber sighed with a smile, “You’re lucky we love you so much.”

You continued on with your stories, some in the city and others within hidden temples deep in the wilderness, puzzles and timed traps masking treasures you sought to find. Amber and Venti listened on in rapt attention, asking questions here and there and even teasing you about your constant climbing.

You hadn’t even noticed how the bar patrons were starting to slowly thin out.

The night with Venti and Amber was such a refreshing feeling compared to the nights you spent staring up silently at the night sky, only Paimon at your side. It was nice to hear and speak to other people, to not be on the run and always looking over your shoulder.

Feeling a light tap on the side, you turned to see Diluc standing at attention.

“Hey.” He greeted you again.

“We were just on our way out!” Amber exclaimed, standing instantly with Venti not far behind her. “Mondstadt’s star Outrider has to be up bright and early tomorrow.”

“Which is why you’re both leaving…?” You asked.

“It’s my duty to ensure the safety of the city and we said we were going to discuss something.” Venti answered ambiguously.

You crossed your arms, “Discuss what?”

“The— !” Amber paused, “The thing. You know, with the stuff at the Seven Winds Temple.”

“Right! Let’s get going.” Venti turned to Paimon at the last second, “I think this will interest you.”

Paimon winked at you before turning to Diluc, ”Right, the stuff!”

Diluc motioned you to follow him and so, once again, you found yourself following behind the Pyro-user out the second-floor balcony. However, instead of sitting at the table, you learned against the railing while Diluc stood to the side.

“Wasn't expecting you to be gone for so long.” Diluc started with a flat voice.

You turned to him with a slight grimace. “I’m sorry, I ended up getting caught in something important back in Liyue.”

More important than him.

The implication was quiet in the back of Diluc’s mind.

But that would always be the case. To think that the first person in years to open up his shell was someone who could only be in his life temporarily. You intrigued him to the high heavens - the strange mix of both pride and humility as you fought and carried yourself. You were strong, but merciful. Kind, but a purveyor of your own brand of justice.

It had been a while since he met someone with such genuine reservations as you.

But your time together was already ticking down, from your time in Mondstadt to your time in his world. You were looking for your brother and who knew if he was even in Tyvat currently? It would be unfair to be bitter towards you. And so he resolved long ago to simply cherish the moments you had together.

So instead of snapping back, Diluc teased you.

“I’m sure. I’ve heard of your extensive… wanted days.”

You sighed aloud, “How did the news travel here so fast?”

Diluc smirked, “First Barbatos and now Rex Lapis? What kind of luck do you have?”

“The worst kind.”

Of course, there was something he wanted to learn more about. After he had caught wind from Katheryn in Liyue, Diluc still wanted to be informed about your current situation. To think that you were in close association with one of the high Fatui Harbingers after Signora personally attacked you, it was almost like you were openly inviting trouble.

It also did not help that many of the gossip mills included how attractive this particular Fatui was.

He goes by the alias of ‘Childe.’ Young, but deadly!

A Fatui, but doesn’t wear his mask - for good reason! He’s quite the looker.

I wouldn’t mind if he impaled me somewhere. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Needless to say, his sources did not alleviate his worries.

Of all people? A Fatui was one of your close associates in Liyue? A party of him wanted to snarl, the thought a worse downgrade from the Knights of Favonius. At least he knew Kaeya would do you no harm; he doubted the same could be said about Childe.

Archons, why did he care so much?

Diluc told himself multiple times that your abrupt parting was necessary to keep himself from getting too attached to you. But it hardly mattered when he was worrying this much anyway in spite of that.

Fuck, why did he just let you walk away like that?

Diluc was not going to make the same mistake.

He turned to you and asked, “Like the Fatui kind?”

You sighed, “Believe me, I don’t like it either.”

“And yet somehow here we are.”

“It’s complicated, okay?”

“When is it not with you?” Diluc asked, more hypothetically. And while from anyone else, it may have felt offensive, you could tell from his tone that it was just a tired sigh.

“Tell me about your journey.” He continued.

“What?” You answered with a question, genuinely surprised. “It’s a long story, not all that interesting.”

Diluc took a step forward, taking the spot next to you against the rail as your shoulders touched. “I want to hear it from you.”

You couldn’t help but smile, “Okay.”

And so you recounted your journey to find the Geo Archon, how the adepti set up strange puzzles and at some point you swore you were pulled into a teacup that somehow contained a full domain.

There were also other missions on the side, other things you would do to collect Mora or materials if you were going to get any stronger. Some of them made sense — doing deliveries, clearing abyss camps, and other mercenary like duties. Other instances, not so much.

“Only you would accept a commission from a ghost.” Diluc teased as you recounted the treasure in the mines.

“In my defense, I didn’t think he was a ghost at first.”

“Right. Nothing suspicious at all about a transparent old man in the middle of an abandoned village.”

“I was reading the poster he was showing!”

“And when did you realize he was a ghost?”

“... After I met three other ghosts.”

Diluc cracked a smile at that, only making you pout more. You had adjusted your postures overtime, standing against with rails to your backs as you faced the tavern.

“He paid me good Mora!” 

“How…?” Diluc thought about it before waving it off, “Forget it. I don’t want to know.”

You laughed back before you saw the lights inside the tavern switch off, complete darkness in the windows as the remaining employees packed up and went home. 

“Oh wow, I hadn’t even realized how long we were out here.” You admitted, “I’m sorry I took up so much of your time.”

“Don’t apologize. I wanted to spend this time with you.”

“Still, it’s already late.”

“You’re right. Where were you and Paimon going to spend the night?”

“Honestly, I don’t know.” You admitted, “Venti convinced us to stay, but I don’t even know where he is.”

Diluc pushed off the railing to stand facing you, “You could stay the night at the winery. We can retrieve Paimon tomorrow.”

What game was he playing? Your disappointing departure with Diluc cutting you off and now he was asking for your time and space back into his life? You hated that he pushed you away just to pull you back in at his convenience. And while you understood his personality tended to keep people at a distance, you had your own limits as to what you could withstand. 

“... Diluc, what are you doing?”

“You’ll have to be more clear.”

You closed your eyes, trying to gather your thoughts and hamper down on your rising temper. “Come on, why are you being so nice to me?”

He stared at you expectedly, blank eyes urging you to continue.

It only served to make you more angry.

“Diluc, when I left you hardly blinked. And now that I’m here, after months of us not talking, you want me to spend the night?”

“I told you before how much you meant to Mondstadt.”

To Mondstadt? Not even to himself personally? 

You decided it was better to confront him cleanly asking, “Why didn’t you kiss me that night we were drinking here?”

Diluc paused, not a single hint of surprise on his face as you addressed the situation head-on. “Why should I have?”

“Don’t act like you didn’t feel it. There was something between us.” You scoffed.

He noticed your use of past tense.

“Does it honestly matter? You would’ve left anyway, I saved us both the trouble.”

You visibly recoiled in response. “Is that what this is about? I have to go to Liyue and the other counties, Diluc. I have to find my brother.”

“I know that.” Diluc cut in, before you got the wrong idea. “You don’t think I’m acutely aware of that fact? The fact that this is my home and not yours. That one day you’ll find your brother and I’ll never see you again?”

“Wait.”

“Believe me, I know better than anyone that you’re off to find your brother. And I’ll help you in any way that I can.” Diluc continued, not heeding your confused attempts to stop him. “But let’s not pretend like I was anything more than a stepping stone in your journey.”

“That’s not true!”

“Oh?” Diluc’s tone was almost challenging,  “It’s not? So once the dust is settled, if I asked you to stay here with me, would I be enough?”

You stuttered over your words, “I --”

“I don’t want to hear your excuse because we both know the answer.” He cut you off, “I was trying to save myself from that before it happened.”

“Will you let me speak, you idiot!?” Your voice cut through the silent evening air.

Diluc paused, standing a good ten feet away from you and looking angrier than you’d ever seen. But he did, thankfully, stop talking.

“Is it crazy to think that I feel the same way about you?”

“What?”

“Diluc, I’m just me!” You answered, “I have nothing to my name but an objective to find my brother — if he’s even alive at this point. I need to try and I need to continue on this path…”

He crossed his arms, but stayed quiet as he listened. 

“But just because I have so much ahead of me, that doesn’t I don’t care about where I’ve already seen.” You took a few steps toward Diluc as you spoke, “You mean so much to me and I wouldn’t ever want to throw that away.”

“You won’t have a choice if you have to leave this world.”

“If!” You pointed out, “Diluc you’re so worried about the future, about me walking away from you forever, but it doesn’t have to be this way.”

“And suddenly there’s an alternative?”

“There’s always been one, you idiot! You just never bothered to actually talk to me.” You put your hands on his chest, the light material of his dark clothes underneath your palms. “I would’ve tried. If you asked me to make this work, to come back to you at the winery back then, I would’ve done it.”

Diluc closed his eyes, taking in your words as his hands snaked down to your wrists.

“Don’t give me empty promises.”

“I mean it!” You defended, “You aren’t just another person, Diluc. I—“

He opened his eyes then, reflecting back to you as hopeful and curious. “You…?”

“I care about you more than you know.” You settled on, still unsure about the extent of your feelings. “Why are you giving up on us before even starting?”

You stared right back at Diluc, his silence paramount to the inner turmoil you were sure he was going through. From his late father to the betrayal from the Knights, there were plenty of reasons why Diluc was so hesitant to connect with other people.

But you’d be damned if you didn’t try.

Your hands felt heavy against his chest. Despite your small demeanor and even smaller palms, the weight of your hands seemed to play seesaw between his heart and mind. He had logical reasons to keep you at a distance, but here you were trying to carve your way through back to him.

It had been a long time since he cared about anyone like this. And Diluc could not even recall the last time he wanted to sorely kiss someone at all. But how could he not want to now? You stared up at him, eyes blazing with determination as you tried to convey your feelings.

“You mean so much to me.” Diluc stated after a few silent minutes, “Let’s make this work.”

The smile you shot him was wide and radiant, a private blessing that only he was gifted tonight. He wrapped his arms around your waist, eager to feel more of you — to envelop you in his arms and keep you within them tonight. 

One hand strayed upward, carding itself in your hair and pulling you closer until both your eyes fluttered closed. The soft skin of your lips slotted against his, an endearing frenzy to give one another tender pecks. You could not help the happy mewl that escaped your lips as Diluc licked against the crease of your skin.

Moaning aloud to his tender touch, Diluc was eager to explore every inch of your wet cavern. There was no battle of tongues, simply moving in tandem as Diluc dominated the kiss. You tried to maneuver to give him more access, but with your height difference it was the best you could do.

Diluc lifted one of your legs, wrapping it around his waist and lightly tapping the other to do the same. Eyes clouded with lust, you did as instructed and quickly felt the soft thump behind you, the wall of the tavern helping hold you upright.

You fell more and more into the passionate lip lock, pushing to match his intensity as Diluc connected you in one of the most intimate ways possible. One hand was still in your hair while the other continued its scandalized trail downward.

You prayed to Barbatos that nobody heard you outside the tavern.

The both of you would later attribute this impassioned frenzy due to the prolonged time apart and mutual pining (culminating in a mistake outside on the balcony, twice inside the bar, and the rest of the night back at the winery).

For the first time, you enjoyed the morning sun streaming in through the windows, a lazy arm strung across your waist as you snuggled in the chest of the man you were growing to love.

Diluc woke long before you, hand threading through your hair silently as he resolved to remember this moment. You kissed at the naked skin of his chest twice before nuzzling him, feeling the light arm pull you closer.

“Good morning.” You started, voice muffled against his skin.

But you would have never expected Diluc to be so affectionate.

He kissed the top of your head, murmuring in a low tone. “Good morning, my love.”

Nothing about your relationship was perfect. You still fought and cried like every other couple. But you both knew that what you had was real, willing to fight for it no matter the obstacles that came with the future.

It did not matter that Tyvat was not your home.

Wherever Diluc was, that was where you’d return.

---xXxXxXxXxXx---

Extra: “What if they end up fighting?” Amber asked the other two as they walked down a side-street of the city.

“Then we’ll find out the moment it breaks out. Trust me.” Paimon replied. After all, your Anemo power would only serve to make any fire larger.

“They’ve both been in that pining puppy phase for so long, I doubt it’ll come down to that.” Venti added.

“500 Mora says they’ll be dating by the end of this week.” Amber bet.

“1,000 that they’ll be together by tonight!” Paimon countered.

“10,000 that they’ll be joined in every way by tonight.” Venti added, the mischievous tone not missed by either woman.

“You tone-deaf bard!” Paimon exclaimed as she slapped her hands over her red cheeks. “The traveler is more dignified than that!”

Amber had a hand on her chin, “Dating? Probably. But more than that…?”

Venti held out a hand to both, vying for both to shake one and accept the bet.

Nothing, but a couple of suckers. 

Amber grumbled once when she heard the news, but otherwise excitedly congratulated you two on finally accepting your feelings. Paimon’s whine could probably be heard in a fifteen mile radius and Venti’s proud smile didn’t help either — accepting the easiest twenty thousand Mora he ever made. 

And, just to gode the tiny guide a little more, Venti turned to Paimon in the middle of her complaining rant. 

“Hehe.”

---xXxXxXxXxXx---

A/N:

The festival idea comes from Diluc’s story 1: “The winery holds festivities from time to time. These events are routinely attended by enthusiastic fathers, eager to introduce their wonderful daughters to the young and single winery master.”