#foot care myth

[amphibifish]

when i get my new room i kind of want to start getting vocaloid figures

[techmomma]

Facts about your body after you turn 25, AKA things I wish someone had told me:

you will get hair in fun new places. this is normal and fine.

these places include (but are not limited to) if you don't already have them: your asscrack, your back, your ears, and moles. it's fine.

some of you, dick or not, will also lose hair. this is normal, but also if you have ovaries maybe get this checked out for PCOS.

your acne will probably change. some people get better. some people get worse. it's fine.

your nails will probably get an infection or a fungus at least once in your life. this is fine. (but also let your doc know).

how you gain and lose fat and where you do so will change. this is fine.

how you smell will change. this is fine. (fishy or rotten smells mean doctor time though)

if you have a prostate: it gets harder to pee. prostates enlarge as you age (get this checked regularly). this is fine.

if you do not have a prostate: it gets easier to pee but not in a good way. as in as you get older, your pelvic floor muscles tend to lose some of their strength. this makes it harder to keep pee in. this is fine.

all breasts and pectorals eventually sag, with the rest of your body. this is fine.

a decent percent of the population will experience a cyst at least once. some of you will make up for the rest with multiple. this is fine, but keep them checked out by a doctor. (sometimes this is a condition! get checked for that too!)

almost half of everyone gets hemorrhoids. it's a good idea to just expect them since your chances of getting them get higher the older you are. your toilet will look like a murder scene. definitely get your booty checked out BUT this is almost always perfectly normal. just eat more fiber. "but I already-" eat more fiber. and maybe suck it up and buy some hemorrhoid cream, you'll thank me later.

yes, this means you will probably need to make an appointment for a doctor to see your butthole. it's okay. not only do they really not care but 1. they've seen weirder that day and 2. they'd far rather you see them now than later when it's been going on for forty years and now it might be colon cancer. it's okay. consider it a rite of passage.

adults need more sleep than children. don't believe the myth that you need less than they do. that is capitalist propaganda to make you give up more of your life to the work grind, comrade.

vitamins and medicine, something you are more likely to take as you get older, sometimes make the toilet turn weird colors. it's okay.

if you still have your tonsils and get those little stones and get sore throats more than once a year you should plan on getting those suckers out before the tonsils cause an infection and go septic. if you're getting stones at all you should get those reevaluated every year, especially if the stones are bigger than a needlehead (or get bigger over time). it's gross and yucky. I don't care. get them looked at before you end up in the hospital.

you'll probably need to add foot support to your shoes if you don't already do. this is fine.

your body changes. sometimes it can feel sorta weird and upsetting that it isn't what it used to be. that is okay, and it is okay to be upset. just know that this is normal, it's normal to be upset or not upset, but don't let it hinder your quality of life. trans or cis, there is a certain level of acceptance you just gotta give your body and forgive your body for as you get older. it's okay.

it's okay. I promise.

[chatsukimi]

ᴄᴏᴜʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ

featuring: protective!heian!sukuna, kindhearted!servant!reader. slight angst/hurt -> comfort. synopsis: you're sick. to your surprise, you're rescued by the man second closest to death himself. masterlist

you should've known he wouldn't come. sukuna has never set foot in the servant's headquarters in his life, let alone to chase after a sick servant. you lower your head, trying to ease the headache that has plagued you through the day.

sukuna loves his bloodshed and his gore. him and death would be good friends, you think to yourself. he wouldn't care if your body was burnt or buried, you think to yourself; wouldn't care if you died at all.

the room the others put you in is empty. ash spreads neatly over the cold floor. the scent of kibble haunts the atmosphere. it's where they put the dogs before sukuna killed them.

ever since you took care of the king of curses while he was sick, the other servants had been careful in keeping a distance from you. not in ill of heart; they're simply terrified at what you must've done to survive in your week long stay with the monster. honestly, you don't blame them.

but now when you're laying on the freezing ground, struggling to breathe, it's hard not to.

'this is where you live?'

your eyes look up. shock. then, with all the strength you can muster, you heave yourself one step away from the man at the doorway, which only serves to piss him off more.

sukuna ryomen, in all his glory, looks down at you. bending down to pick you up like a limp doll to be seated against the wall, he seems to revel in his regained strength. you can't help but feel happy for him, to have survived this fatal disease. not many men can attest to that...

then again, he is no ordinary man.

'i asked you a question.'

you nod, a small thing, barely a movement. he seems to clench his teeth.

he takes off his long white coat, flaunting a layer of dried blood, and drapes it over your shoulders.

yet it doesn't end there. he retrieves from his pocket a bottle of what looks to be a golden syrup.

you know exactly what it is.

he takes your hand and wraps it around the flask, making you hold it, sparing, not one, but two of his eyes, to stare at you, making sure you do as he commands.

'swallow.'

you shake your head. you know he's asking you to do. this is a medication is so rare for your disease that no sorcerer has found in over a hundred years. he's brought this thing of myth right to your very lips. now he's asking you to drink it, and thus take away any chance of it saving anyone else's life.

you scowl, but the tickling sensation in your throat grows stronger, eventually erupting out of your mouth in a harsh cough. you look away from sukuna.

'leave,' you whisper, weakly. 'don't wanna infect you.'

'i survived the illness already. i've developed an immunity.'

you shake your head again. you couldn't threaten your king's health with your own weakness. you just couldn't.

'i can't take this.'

he growls. without any notice, he swallows your lips in a kiss. in the momentary haze, you could hardly resist, fisting the front of his kimono to ground yourself. then, you feel something sweet, honey-ish, hit your tongue.

with his hand locked on your chin, it forces you to swallow.

you pull back, pushing him away. he groans.

he wipes his mouth, still with two eyes staring.

no... no, why did he do that?

'y-you- how? no... why did you waste it on me?' you whisper, desperately searching his face for an answer. 'i'm just a servant. you could've given it to a princess, or a scholar, or priest-'

he grabs you by the arm and forces you into his arms. its heat astounds you, and you find yourself crawling closer. a vague thumping sound seems to press against your ear-

oh. you calm your breathing.

it's his heartbeat.

alive.

'sleep in my room tonight,' he demands.

what did he say? you strain your mind, trying to replay what he said earlier. no... maybe you heard correctly.

'but i'm no concubine,' you respond, instantly.

his arm supports your waist, helping you up effortlessly to your feet. he then directs two of his eyes to the doorway, his cadence low and domineering.

'it doesn't matter.'

he leads you placidly through the servant's quarters. you notice all conversation cease at your entry, bodies dropping into a low bow. a small voice in you whispers that it's where you should be too. you tug at sukuna's arm.

'i'm only a servant, sukuna.'

you know what it looks like, a servant clutching onto a man, more god than human. a man who has slaughtered villages, blood staining the base of his kimono crimson, and turned half a province on its head, just to save you.

'whatever you are in my eyes is what you are to the world,' he states, his expression unchanging. 'if i deem you a queen, that is who you are.'

exiting the servant compound, you know you can't say no- not like you wanted to. the wide expanse of his chest is comforting.

yet however sweet this feeling remains, you can't help but gulp. perhaps this is the closest a human has ever come to courting death.

[ellestra]

The Voice from the Outer World

Dune is a story of failure. SPOILERS for Dune Part 2 below

Power corrupts and all of that. We all know this. So we would be able to avoid it, right? If you know what happens you can chose another option. You would be different.

And here's a story that shows that even when you know all of this and more and can literally see the future it's still not enough.

I get why people often think that to avoid this the person in power shouldn't want that power. That this would make them somehow immune. And this logic has multiple faults (like - how can you be good at doing something you hate?) and one of them is that just not wanting to abuse power doesn't mean you would do right things with it.

We are reminded multiple times in the film (and the books also aren't shy about it) that Fremen religious belief in a saviour is not something that arose naturally. It's a belief seeded by Bene Gesserit's Missionaria Protectiva. They seeded superstitions and myths in different cultures so they could use them in a future emergency. Everything Fremen believe about their Mahdi was created so their faith could be used by a Bene Gesserit in need. And both Jessica and Paul are aware of this even before they even set a foot on Arrakis.

It's specifically made for the saviour to be a foreign one (Lisan al-Gaib is The Voice from the Outer World) because the people who made and planned to use this prophecy were ones from an outsider culture. Paul doesn't hijack Fremen beliefs to insert himself as their white saviour. These beliefs was specifically created for someone like him to use.

It was made with purpose of hijacking Fremen religion into protecting the foreigners who know how this prophecy was constructed. This is a parasitic belief (cuckoo-like faith) and the truth doesn't set anyone free. We see why with Stilgar as he wants to believe so much that everything becomes a sign. Even when he's told this has been fabricated and he was manipulated he warps it into something that supports his beliefs not undermines them. I'm sure you've seen this in real life, in real politics if not religion.

Jessica and Chani got changed the most from their book versions. They've become opposite sides of the ideological divide. Not between religion and lack of it - Jessica obviously not a believer - but between using people and letting them decide their own future.

Book Jessica is more apprehensive of Paul's choices. She's often more worried he may not survive the trials than pushing for them for power. In here she becomes the driving force for using the messianic belief Bene Gesserit implanted for Paul's benefit. She makes sure Fremen believe he fits the story. She doesn't care about Paul's wishes to avoid this burden. She knows it doesn't matter when he tells the people the truth about Bene Gesserit, their abilities and their manipulation techniques. Belief is impervious to proof and confirmation bias makes you reject all evidence to the contrary.

But then, in the film, Jessica is kind of possessed. Stilgar warns Paul not to listen to the djinn but neither he nor his mother can stop listening to the voices. The film removes Alia's book doings but replaces them with foreshadowing of what she becomes. She whispers the truths about the future to her mother even before she is born. Funny, how this change makes her, not Paul, the first fully prescient Atreides. She is manipulating the events when Paul refuses to and that's a foreshadowing too. When Jessica took the Water of Life while pregnant she did it for the power this new position among the Fremen would give her. Alia never stood a chance. She was pre-born into this.

The only one trying to stand in the way of succumbing to the power corruption is movie version of Chani. She was never believer in a saviour. She wants her people to save themselves. They already have a plan for a better future that doesn't involve killing worlds for the Empire they never wanted anything to do with. They were not supposed to be warriors of the prophet. She sees this for what it is - a way to control her people. She understands this is just another form of enslavement. The only difference is that this one is embraced. No one listens to her when she tells them the truth. They only see what they want to see.

The power that comes from being close to the rule is just as blinding when you stand close to the throne as it is when you sit on it.

And the sad part is she knows she played a part in this happening to as she convinced Paul to give this a try. She didn't see the visions he saw so she hoped he can remain the person she fell in love with. When he submits to the way prescience shows him and takes over the faith we feel her heartbreak. She watches him becoming what he feared and everyone around him stops her from trying to save him because they get something out of it (not just the other Fremen or Jessica - Gurney puts atomic arsenal in Paul's hands).

Paul doesn't bring freedom. He just changes who holds the power but in the end the structures of power remain (the similarities between Saudarkar and Fremen are not accidental). And billions die so it can happen. But billions is a an abstract number. It's much easier to feel the consequences when they hit close and personal.

Everyone around Paul gets to gain something - Gurney gets revenge on Rabban, Jessica and Stilgar get to destroy the Harkonnens and the Emperor. They are on top now. The power corrupts before you even hold it. Just the promise of power is enough.

This film version of Chani doesn't let us forget that this is what we watch. That what is happening is not a good thing. We as humans have tendency to gloss over big numbers of deaths when it's some unseen people with whom we have no emotional connections. Through her eyes the loss is so much more personal. She loses her Usul to Paul Muad'Dib. And he takes her people and her planet too.

As Paul says - they are Harkonnens too. And they do what Harkonnens do too. The difference was always cosmetic.

And one more thing. A lot is said about Arabic and Muslim influences in Fremen culture and religion but they aren't the only ones. One other is the word used for the places where Fremen live - Sietch. It comes from Zaporozhian Cossack name for their fortified encampments - sich.

In the West the name Cossacks invokes the cruel Russian Imperial forces that tsars used to pacify conquered territories. But this is not what comes to my mind first. In the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth they were free people living in the borderlands of the Commonwealth on the territories often attacked by the Ottomans. The constant raids from the Turks meant they were warriors and constantly moving. But this also allowed for a lot of freedom as there wasn't a lot of direct control over these territories for the same reason. This meant that they were often joined by anyone wishing to have that freedom - from peasants escaping indenture to nobles escaping the law.

The dissatisfaction with the Polish rule eventually lead to an uprising and this part of Ukraine joined Russian Empire. That Empire destroyed all the freedoms Cossacks had and those independent warriors became just another enforcers of conformity for the Empire. They've become exactly what they fought against. I often wondered if Herbert chose the name Sietch intentionally to invoke this turn of events.

[toadtoru]

𝐏𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐒

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐇 | series masterlist

pairing: Satoru Gojo x fem!reader x Suguru Geto

After your city falls, you become a war price to the swift-footed Satoru Gojo, the strongest of the Greeks. You now have to adjust to your new position in a foreign camp, no longer as a princess of Lyrnessus, but as a symbol of Satoru Gojo's honour.

warnings: +18, heavy on the angst, mentions of blood, fighting and sickness, character death, smut tags: Satoru as Achilles, Suguru as Patroclus, reader as Briseis, greek gods and myths, f!reader, use of she/her pronouns, no use of y/n, smut, threesome wc: 7.3k | approx 30 min reading time

MINORS, AGELESS AND BLANK BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT.

Your least favourite part of the day is dinner. It is expected that you wear extravagant dresses, usually brought back by Gojo from whatever city he’s ransacked, do your hair nicely, and walk around amongst the tables, serving wine to whoever asks. 

Gojo always sits at the end of the table, with Suguru on one side and Nanami on the other. While the two men prefer to stay silent and observe, Gojo entertains. If one had only seen Gojo at his dinners, one would not believe that he was a deadly warrior on the battlefield. He drinks wine, laughs loudly at whatever jokes his men make, and entertains whichever king decides to come by for dinner. 

You walk around the tables, trying to bring as little attention to yourself as possible. There’s usually one other woman with you, serving wine as well. Your favourite nights are the times when it’s Nobara. You share looks whenever someone says something outrageous, and when you’re dismissed, you can debrief about whatever conversations you were able to listen in on. 

Tonight, you’re alone. You’re not entirely sure why, but it forces you to hurry around, barely having enough time before the next person asks for more wine. You're scurrying around the table, trying to ignore the way the men's eyes linger on you. No one ever touches you; they wouldn’t dare. Though you doubt Gojo would care, it’s nice to know you have some sort of protection. 

You sigh when you run out of wine and go to the table at the back end of the tent to refill it. 

“Hey, woman. Can I get some more wine?” a man asks, and you send him a tight-lipped smile. “Just a second,” you reply, and the man frowns. He holds his cup up in front of you. 

“My cup is empty,” he states. His cheeks are flushed, and you can tell he’s drunk. You nod. “So is mine,” you reply, shoving him your empty pitcher as you walk towards the wine table. A couple of men around him snicker, but the man in question’s frown only deepens, turning into a scowl. You ignore him as you walk past him. Slowly, you begin mixing the wine, humming to yourself. 

A hand touches your waist, and you gasp as you look back at the drunk man. His eyes are glossed, and his entire face is red at this point. “How dare you talk to me like that?” he slurs, and you scrunch your nose as his breath hits your face. It reeks of wine and rot. 

“Go away, please,” you say. You glance towards the end of the table, but Suguru is in a deep conversation with Gojo. No one’s attention is on you. The man shakes his head and sniffs your hair. “You smell nice,” he says. You grimace. He’s far too close for your liking at this point. His hand is still on your waist. You feel suffocated. 

“I saw you, you know. In the temple. Wanted to take you for myself, but then you ran away.” 

You take a deep breath. Suguru still isn’t looking your way. Blood roars in your ears. You want to leave. 

“Maybe I’ll pay you a visit one night,” he says. You turn back to look at him, and he grins at you, his rotten teeth peeking out. In a swift motion, you throw your elbow back, hitting him straight in the neck. He stumbles back, gripping his throat, as he gasps for breath, gurgling noises leaving him. Suddenly, people are all around you. Men appear at the man’s side, helping him. Gojo is in front of you, with furrowed brows. 

He grabs your arm and pulls you towards the exit of the tent, not saying a word. You stumble behind him. 

"Now, why would you do that, little bird?” Gojo asks as soon as you are inside the confines of his own tent. 

“He was being rude,” you answer, staring towards the chair behind him. You don’t dare to look at his face, not knowing what will happen if you do. It feels like months of buildup, stress, sorrow, and confusion catch up on you at this exact moment, all triggered by some creepy guy with bad breath. Your chest feels tight, and your head spins. 

“Rude? He was being rude.” Gojo laughs, and you snap your gaze at him, your brows furrowing. Gojo pinches the bridge of his nose, his shoulders shaking with laughter. You can’t figure out whether he’s amused or angry. Maybe it’s both.

“You elbowed a guy in the neck because he was being rude?” Gojo raises his voice. Ah, he’s angry. You frown. 

“So what? I was just supposed to let it slide? He was being disgusting, Gojo! It was merely the consequences of his own actions-”

“And what about the consequences of your actions?” Gojo interrupts, and you shut your mouth immediately. “How does it reflect on me? Now they think I can’t even control my own woman!”

“Oh, so I’m your woman now? Is that what this is? Because last time I checked, you won’t even look at me!” You point an accusing finger at Gojo, and something flashes in his eyes before he goes back to glaring at you. His brows are furrowed, and you can’t help but think that even now he looks beautiful. You hate yourself for it. 

“I saved you! Do you even know what happens to the women in the camps? In Yoshinobu’s camp?” Gojo yells, and you feel a lump in your throat. You don’t leave Gojo’s camp often; you don’t need to, but you’ve seen them around, in the shadows and behind tents, trying to make themselves appear small. In Gojo’s camp, women are treated differently. You all share the a tent, but at least you have one. Yet, you’re not quite ready to let Gojo win this one. He doesn't get to win just because he does the bare minimum.

“I didn’t need your help!” you yell back, and Gojo rolls his eyes. 

“Yes, you did!” He retorts back, and you let out an annoyed sound, hiding your face in your hands and taking deep breaths. When you’re ready, you meet Gojo’s eyes again. 

You stare at each other for a while. 

“Why am I here, Gojo? What do you need me for?” your tone is more desperate than you’d like. You need answers; you need to know. Gojo frowns. 

“That’s none of your business,” he replies, and a small laugh leaves you. None of your business? You feel like a fool. You are about to start yelling at him again, but you’re interrupted when Suguru comes into the tent. Both of your heads snap towards the entrance, where a flushed Suguru stands. Did he run here?

“What’s going on? Is everything alright?” Suguru’s eyes dart towards you, scanning your body. You cross your arms over your chest and avoid his burning gaze. 

“I’m fine,” 

“Oh, you’re fine? Now that Suguru’s here, you’re fine.” you look at Gojo, and he looks angry. His eyebrows are raised, and he’s pursing his lips, yet you don’t feel an ounce of sympathy for him. Now he’s deciding to be jealous? He has no right. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you inquire, wanting to force the answers out of him. 

Gojo glares at you. You glare back. Suguru stays quiet, seemingly not wanting to escalate the situation.

“I never asked to be here.” Your voice is smaller than you’d like. Gojo frowns. 

“Then leave. Go, if you’re so unhappy.” There’s no emotion in his voice. He’s like a wall. His face is expressionless. Suguru steps in between you, trying to make both of you see reason. 

“Okay, if we can just calm down–”

“No, Suguru! Let her leave if she so desperately wants to,” Gojo says, seemingly not interested in whatever Suguru has to say. You raise your brows. You’ve seen Gojo snap several times if there was a stain on his shirt or someone stepped out of line. You’ve never seen him snap at Suguru. Suguru notices the change as well and sighs. 

“Satoru,”

“Fine! I’ll leave then.” You’re not interested in whatever Suguru has to say, either. You haven’t talked since your kiss, as you’ve been dutifully avoiding him. You haven’t dared to face the consequences of that night. You let him under your skin, and you shouldn’t have. 

So, without looking back, you stumble out of the tent and into the darkness. Suguru calls for you, but you ignore him as you make your way towards the women's tents. You consider where you could go. There are still cities that haven’t been ransacked yet, cities whose walls stand high and proud. You could even go to Troy. 

You stop in your tracks. You could go to Troy. You could also go home. There would still be houses that hadn’t been burned and gardens that still had vegetables growing. You’re no stranger to hunting, having gone with your dad and brothers before you married. 

It would be a lonely life. 

Here, you have a purpose. You have friends and meaning, and whatever the hell is going on between you and the two infuriating men behind you. You look back. Suguru stands at the entrance of the tent, looking at you. You can’t decipher the look on his face. 

Air. You decide you need air, and so you walk towards the beach, ignoring the way his eyes burns into your back. The waves are calm, and you sit down on the sand, gazing out at the horizon. You’re not even sure why you’re hesitating.

“I thought I might find you here.” 

Suguru sits down beside you. His hair flies in the wind, making him look like something out of a painting.

“You’re angry,” he states. You scoff. 

“How observant of you,” you reply. That makes him laugh, his melodic voice cutting through the harsh wind against your faces.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he says. This you don’t reply to. You both know it’s true, so there’s no need to try and deny it. The memory of his lips on yours still burns hot in your mind. 

“Did you not like it?” you look at Suguru with furrowed brows. He looks oddly vulnerable in front of you. 

“It was nice,” you say after a while, tasting the words on your tongue. You choose them carefully, letting them lull before you let them go. “I just didn’t expect it.”

“You were the one who kissed me.” 

He sounds amused, and you feel your face grow hot as you stare at the waves. You purse your lips, holding back a smile, before bashfully meeting Suguru’s eyes. 

“You practically initiated it. Don’t act all innocent.” you reply, and Suguru clutches his stomach as he laughs. 

“You’re a real minx, you know that?” He says and you gasp. 

“I am not!”

“Yes, you are!”

Silence envelops you. You both watch the waves crash against the cliffs. 

“Does he mean it?” you ask. “Can I leave?” 

Suguru sighs. He nods. “Yes, he does.” For some reason, it’s not relief you feel washing over you. Instead, it’s a sense of disappointment. 

“You can leave, but,” a hand finds your thigh, travelling up. A shudder runs through you as Suguru moves closer, pressing a kiss on your shoulder. He looks up at you through his lashes. “I don’t want you to. Neither does Satoru.” 

Oh. Your whole body feels hot now. Suguru’s breath against your neck feels scorching, and your breath hitches. His thumb runs circles into your thigh, and you bite your lip, letting the words sink in. They don’t want you to leave. 

“But you would let me?” you say, and Suguru hums, trailing kisses up along your neck, reaching your jaw. “Yes, if you really wanted to.” 

You feel your resolve crumble. Suguru’s lips feel wet and hot against your skin. “How about this?” Suguru says words slightly muffled as he kisses your shoulder again. “Come back with me tonight.” This time he kisses the corner of your lips, and you move to look at him, your lips nearly touching. “Stay with us for now.” Purple eyes flicker between your own and your lips. “You can leave any time.” It’s merely a whisper, but you know it’s a promise as well. 

Your mind races with thoughts. Why even claim you in the first place if they’re just going to let you leave? There are so many things you want to ask, to say, but all of it comes to a short when Suguru finally presses his lips to yours, and any resistance you might have had disappears and is replaced with Suguru. Suguru, Suguru, Suguru. 

He pulls away, pressing his forehead against yours. “Come back with me, please.”

“I’m sorry,” Gojo says, and you purse your lips. “I really am. I’m glad you’re here. And I’m glad you punched that guy. He deserved it.” You nod and meet his eyes. He looks hesitant, almost pained. As if he’s begging you to say something. Anything. 

“Thank you, Gojo,”

“Satoru. Call me Satoru, please,” he says, and you close your mouth, blinking at him. You feel Suguru’s hand on your lower back, guiding you closer to the tent. 

“Satoru,” you say, tasting his name on your tongue. Satoru nods and grabs your hand once you’re close enough. Suguru’s inside the tent already, watching your interaction closely. You let yourself be pulled in by Satoru, who smiles down at you. 

“He came by earlier. Demanded that I punish you.” 

You feel your cheeks grow hot, but you don’t back down. 

“Yeah, and what did you tell him?”

“I told him he was a sorry excuse for a man and that if he ever as much as looked at you again, I’d have his head.” 

It all feels so rash. So quick. Satoru’s barely looked at you for months, and all it took to get his attention was punching some guy in the throat? He’s clearly enticed by you now, but you’re not sure if this sudden attention is a blessing or a curse. Satoru might seem calm, but you know as well as anyone that it barely takes anything to tick him off. 

You look at Suguru behind Satoru. Satoru follows your gaze, looking at Suguru as well.

“Are you going to join us, little dove?” Suguru asks, and you hesitantly step fully inside the tent, letting Satoru close the curtain behind you. You’ve been inside this tent more times than you can count, yet you can’t deny that it feels entirely different at this moment. It feels somehow hotter and smaller as you make your way towards Suguru. You know Satoru is right behind you, even though he’s so light on his feet that you can hardly hear him. 

Suguru encourages you to come closer, guiding your hands around his neck. His own hands settle on your hips, his thumbs rubbing circles into your skin in comforting motions. Slowly, you lean up, your lips ghosting against his, yet it’s Suguru who closes the gap and kisses you. Suguru kisses you slowly like he’s got all the time in the world. You sigh into the kiss, letting yourself completely surrender. 

You almost forget Satoru is there until you feel his strong arms wrap around your waist. He burrows his face in the crook of your neck, inhaling your scent as he presses you flush against Suguru’s body. You’re caged between the two giant men, moaning into Suguru’s mouth as Satoru deftly nibbles at your neck. 

“Let us make it up to you, little dove,” Satoru murmurs.

It’s not long before he gets impatient and lifts you. You gasp as your feet lift off the ground, and you’re moved to his bed, sinking into his blankets and pillows. For a man as rough as Satoru, you’re surprised by how soft his bed is. 

“Satoru,” you gasp as he gets on top of you, and he kisses you with fervour, sucking on your tongue and exploring your mouth. If Suguru kisses like he has all the time in the world, Satoru kisses you as though he’ll never have enough. He kisses like a starved man, like he’ll devour you if you let him. 

You might. 

Suguru joins you both on the bed. “Now, now, Satoru, you’ll scare her off,” he jokes, pulling the white-haired man off you. You gasp for breath, and your jaw goes slack as you watch Suguru bring Satoru in for a kiss. The two men kiss in front of you, and never in a million years did you imagine that you’d end up here. Yet here you are.

Satoru moans into Suguru’s mouth before Suguru pulls away and kisses you again. Satoru moves down your legs, kissing your thighs. Your dress is pulled up to bunch around your waist, Satoru being much too impatient to remove it, as his thumb finds you clit through your undergarments and begins rubbing circles into the small bundle of nerves. You moan into Suguru’s mouth, burying your hands in his hair, as Satoru watches your every reaction from between your legs. 

“Sensitive little one, are you?” Suguru chuckles as he pulls away and caresses your cheek. “Let’s help you get this off, shall we?” Satoru gives your thigh one last kiss before you stand on wobbly legs and let Suguru help you remove your dress. He does so with care, kissing your nape as he unties the back. He goes to pull it off, but you cross your arms over your chest, feeling vulnerable all of a sudden. “You first,” you say, and Suguru doesn’t hesitate to pull off his tunic. You watch over your shoulder, taking in his impressive build. He’s covered with scars from jagged blades and swords, and you can’t help but want to kiss each one. Your eyes flicker towards Satoru, who’s staring at Suguru with equal hunger. You don’t doubt that he’s already kissed them all. 

Slowly, Suguru moves over to you and helps you shrug out of your dress until it’s in a puddle around your feet. You shrug your undergarments off as well, leaving you fully naked. The chill air in the tent caresses your body, leaving goosebumps all over. 

You turn around to find two pairs of eyes burning into you, running along every curve of your body. “You’re beautiful, little dove,” Suguru says, but it’s Satoru who makes the first move, grabbing your wrist and pulling you into the bed, straight onto his lap. “C’mere,” he rasps, and immediately attaches his mouth to your nipple, sucking on it. You gasp and bury your hands in his hair, tugging on his white locks. He flicks his tongue, grinning up at you as you grind down on him, chasing friction. 

You feel overwhelmed and hot all over as Suguru comes up behind Satoru, leaning in to capture your lips in yet another kiss. His hands roam under Satoru’s tunic, making him moan into your chest before he tugs at the bottom of his shirt. Satoru departs from your nipple, now wet with saliva, to help Suguru remove his tunic. Your jaw drops at his toned chest and milky skin. 

Satoru seems to light up the tent as he glows with health and sends you a bright smile, encouraging you to touch him. You roam your hands over his abs, and his chest, landing on his biceps. “Like what you see?” he asks, and you smile teasingly. “Hmm, I’ve seen better,” you reply, and Satoru gasps, putting a hand to his chest in dismay. 

“Who could you possibly–” Your eyes flicker to Suguru behind him, and Satoru grumbles slightly. “Fair enough,” 

It’s teasing as you grab Satoru’s chin and press a chaste kiss to his lips. And another. Right when he licks your bottom lip, you pull away again, letting him chase you before you kiss him again. 

“Oh, seems we have a tease on our hands, Satoru,” Suguru says. “Let’s change that, shall we?” Satoru merely hums, flashing you a set of pearly whites, before you’re flipped onto the bed. The two men loom over you as you’re splayed against the sheets, completely bare. With their full attention now on you, you feel like you’ve walked straight into the wolf’s jaw, leaving you completely vulnerable. 

Satoru grabs your knees, spreading your legs apart, and a delighted gasp leaves him. “Is this all for us, princess?” he asks, running a finger along your sopping cunt and gathering your slick. He flicks your clit before bringing his hand to Suguru’s mouth, who wraps his lips around Satoru’s digit. The sight is utterly sinful, and you moan, lips parted and completely speechless. 

Suguru releases Satoru’s finger with a pop, and he grins at you. “Tastes so sweet.” He grabs your thighs and pulls you in until his face is hovering right above your cunt. He blows on it slightly, and you moan.

The pretty little sounds you make, make Suguru let out a scoff, and you realise that Suguru is not as nice as he has been letting on. No, Suguru Geto is a cruel, cruel man. He attaches his mouth to your clit, and sucks, making you arch your back and moan out loud. Satoru chuckles beside you as he kisses you, swallowing up your moans, before he moves down, pressing kisses to your collarbone until he reaches your breasts. He sucks on your nipples, his eyes keenly watching your every reaction, while Suguru continues sucking on your clit, two fingers entering you. You gasp and writhe as he fucks you open on his fingers, slowly curling them to hit your G-spot. 

He continues his torture on your poor cunt, scissoring you open till you can practically taste your release on your tongue. Then he pulls away with a final kiss to your clit. You whine as your orgasm ebbs away. “No, what–” you go to complain, pouting at Suguru, who simply shakes his head. 

“Not yet, little dove,” Suguru says before he removes his bottoms, leaving him entirely nude in front of you. You gape at him, his pretty cock slapping against his stomach, leaking precum already. Satoru kisses your cheek before removing his bottoms as well. You’re now left with two pretty leaking cocks in front of you, and you go entirely mute. 

“Me first,” Satoru says. Suguru teasingly rolls his eyes, but nevertheless, he lets Satoru do as he’d like. You’re placed in Suguru’s lap, his cock sitting against your back, as he holds your legs spread for Satoru. 

Satoru sits in front of you, slowly running his tip along your weeping folds. It’s a cacophony of limbs and hands, and you feel hot all over. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Suguru kisses your nape as Satoru’s cock finally catches your entrance. He groans slightly, pushing in. Three pairs of eyes are all locked on where the two of you connect. The stretch is borderline obscene. You struggle to stay sane as he pushes further in, swallow thrusts stretching you open. Satoru’s hand finds your clit, thumb rubbing firm circles to ease the pressure. “Relax for me, princess,” he says, and you whine, your head lolling over Suguru’s shoulder. “Gods, Toru, it’s so much,” you say, and Satoru whines, his cock twitching inside of you. 

“Doing so well, the both of you.” Suguru’s hands move from your legs to Satoru’s hips, pushing him all the way in. You stay like that for a while, bodies flush and hot against each other, before Satoru begins thrusting in and out, panting with each thrust. He kisses Suguru over your shoulder as you’re completely lost in the haze of pleasure, his tip repeatedly kissing your G-spot. 

Suguru soon grows impatient; the friction is not nearly enough. He kisses your neck and nibbles your earlobe, his breath hot against your ear. “Think you can take the both of us, princess?” You nod, letting Suguru press a kiss to your lips. At this moment, you think you’d do anything Suguru asked of you. You’re so completely under his spell as you let him lift you and slowly push into you, groaning at the feel of Satoru’s cock against his own. 

Satoru is a mess. His cheeks are flushed, his eyes lidded, and his hair more messy than ever. He watches where you’re all connected, a broken moan leaving him as he continues to fuck you. Suguru lifts your hips, moving you up and down on his length. It’s not long before you come apart on their cocks, having never felt so full before. Stretched to your limit, your walls pulse and clench around both of their cocks as your mouth opens in a silent scream. Suguru groans into your neck. “Yeah, let go for us, princess; there you go." With a voice soft as silk, he continues to bounce you up and down like a toy, chasing his own high. Satoru follows you promptly, having been on the edge for what felt like ages already. He spills into you, painting your walls white, instantly whining at the sensitivity as Suguru continues to use you. 

White globs of cum spill out of you as loud, squelching noises fill the room. You’d have half a mind to feel embarrassed if you weren’t so busy being split apart. Satoru pulls out and goes back to sucking on your breasts, flicking your nipples. It’s not long before Suguru comes as well, filling you up with his own cum. You’re utterly spent, slouching back against him. 

All three of your bodies are sweaty and sticky. Cum spills out of where you’re still sitting on Suguru’s cock. Your eyes are barely open. You feel utterly content as your body hums with the aftershocks of your orgasm. 

“Princess? You still with us?” Suguru asks, and Satoru detaches himself from your nipple, giving your cheek a kiss. You nod lazily. “Yeah, just... let me catch my breath,” you mumble, feeling your eyelids grow droopy. A deep laughter vibrates behind you as you slip away. 

“Play for us, Satoru.” Suguru’s voice is calm and soft, like silk. You feel a weight lift from the bed as Satoru gets out of bed. Sleepily, you open your eyes, watching as Satoru brings out a lyre. He sits down and runs his fingers over the strings, a small melody leaving the instrument. 

He looks beautiful, you think, and more like a god than ever. The small lamp lighting up the tent makes his skin glow, and his eyes look like the ocean. He plays for the two of you, and you allow yourself to melt into Suguru’s embrace as he absentmindedly traces patterns into your skin. 

Satoru is beauty and grace. It amazes you how hands capable of such killing are now producing the most beautiful melodies you’ve ever heard. Suguru kisses the top of your head, and you look up, meeting purple eyes as he sends you a small smile. 

At this moment, you feel completely content. If this is your life from now on, then so be it. Which is why you let Suguru grab your chin and kiss you, your lips moving against one another as music fills the small tent. 

You sleep in Satoru and Suguru’s tent after that night, lodged in between the two men. Satoru will wrap his arms around you, burying his face in your chest as your back is pressed against Suguru’s chest, and he’ll wrap an arm around the both of you. You sleep better than you have in months. You think less and less of your old life, of your husband and brothers, yet guilt gnaws in your chest on other nights. 

It’s weird how one night can change everything. Something in the dynamic has shifted. You’re no longer a prisoner or slave; you can leave whenever you’d like, yet you choose not to. Satoru knows it too. He is gentler with you, often bringing you in for hugs or making you sit in his lap. He’ll play with your hair or your fingers, and run his hands over your body. 

You let him. 

Suguru is the same as ever. He’s always been kind, and he remains so, yet it doesn’t take long for your little bubble to break. 

The plague comes before you know it. It starts with the rats. There’s always been rats at the camp; it’s only natural. However, dead rats are a whole other thing. And they’re everywhere. It’s not long before the men begin to get sick as well. Horribly sick. 

You burn pyre after pyre, building new tents where the sick can lay, but it’s not nearly enough. Men are falling like rats, one after another. You go to help Shoko, a priestess of Artemis and expert at making remedies, but even she can’t do anything. 

“It’s not natural,” she says one night, as you tend to a young man. She looks up at you, and you meet her tired eyes as she gives you a blank look. “I’ve never seen anything like this.” 

“It’s because of him,” Satoru says one night. You’re lying with your head in Suguru’s lap, eyes closed, as his hand traces patterns into your back. You feel Suguru tense underneath you, his patterns momentarily stopping before he resumes. 

“I talked with the priest. It’s definitely a punishment,” Satoru continues. Suguru sighs. You do your best to lay still, pretending to be asleep. 

“We don’t know that for sure, Satoru,” Suguru replies, and you can hear the way Satoru begins pacing the room in annoyance. 

“Yes, we do! He refused to give the girl back. All of a sudden, there’s a plague? What else could it be?” Suguru shushes Satoru, and you can tell he’s motioning to you. 

“What are you going to do then? You can’t just kill Yoshinobu.” Suguru says in a hushed voice. There’s a long silence. 

“I could,” Satoru says, this time in a lower voice. “I could at least confront him,” he adds, and you feel him nearing closer. The two men kiss above you, and you snuggle closer to Suguru. 

“The old man is too prideful for his own good,” Satoru says eventually, and Suguru lets out a chuckle that makes vibrations run through you. 

“Yeah. Now come back to bed. You can confront him some other time.” 

“Hey, are you awake?”

“Nobara? What’s going on?”

Nobara peeks in at you from the door through the tent. You stretch your limbs and sit up in the bed where you've been napping.

“You need to get up,” she says as a matter of fact, and you oblige, getting out of bed. You slip on your dress and fix your hair as best you can before walking towards her. Nobara has a sort of unreadable expression, and you furrow your brows in worry. “What’s going on?” you repeat, and she gives you a solemn look. 

“Come with me.” 

You stumble out through the camp, closely behind Nobara as she grips your hand. She keeps her gaze forward, and there’s a sickening feeling settling in your stomach. 

“They’re fighting,” she says. You frown. 

“Who?” you ask, and Nobara shakes her head. 

“I was washing clothes when Maki came running.” She looks back at you now. “The green-haired girl from Itadori’s camp,” she explains, and you nod, having seen her around.

You walk for a while until you realise that you’re going to Yoshinobu’s camp. “What’s going on?” you ask again, and Nobara pales slightly. 

“Remember when they sacked Apollo’s temple a couple of days ago?” You nod. Satoru was proud when he came home. He’d kissed your cheek and given you a necklace with a small coin and a lyre engraved in it. You were still wearing it. 

“Well, they brought a girl as well. Miwa. She’s a priestess of Apollo,” Nobara further explains, and you feel your heart tighten. “Yoshinobu claimed her. A couple of days later, Miwa’s father, also a priest of Apollo, came and offered gold to get her back. Yoshinobu refused.” 

You feel yourself grow sick. Apollo isn’t only the god of the sun and poetry. He’s also the god of healing and diseases. You remember Shoko’s words. It’s not natural. No, it’s a punishment for Yoshinobu for not giving Miwa back to her father. 

“So what are we gonna do? Yoshinobu has to give her back, right? It’s only right.” You reply. Maybe if Yoshinobu relents, Apollo will draw back his punishment. 

“Yes, that’s why they’re fighting,” Nobara replies. Your brows furrow. 

“Who’s fighting, Nobara?” Nobara doesn’t answer. 

Ice fills your veins when you get there. Men are everywhere, whispering and gathering around the podium, usually used to make encouraging speeches before a battle. You both push your way through the crowd until you’re close enough to see and hear what’s happening. 

Satoru looks beautiful, as he always does. In comparison to Yoshinobu’s frail build, he looks like a god, standing tall and proud on the podium. 

Yuuta, a priest, stands between them, looking more pale than ever. “Tell me, Yuuta, what is the reason for this plague that’s been bestowed upon us?” Satoru’s voice cuts through the crowd. 

Yuuta’s eyes dart between Yoshinobu and Satoru, and sweat beads down his forehead. You’re glad to not be in his position as Yoshinobu glares daggers into the young man, and Satoru calmly smiles at him. 

Satoru puts a hand on Yuuta’s shoulder and sends him a reassuring smile that you know would’ve made your knees weak had it been directed towards you. It seemingly has the same effect on Yuuta because he visibly calms down, although he’s still tense. 

“I promise you that if you speak the truth now, I will protect you with my life. Do not be afraid,” Satoru says. Men around you murmur to each other, but no one dares intervene, all nervously watching the scene unfold before them. 

“The god of the sun, Apollo, is angry,” Yuuta says, his voice coming out frail. “The plague is a punishment,” he adds, and whispers spread through the crowd. 

“As if we didn’t already know that,” a man beside you says under his breath, and Nobara snickers. Her hand is clutched in yours, and you give her a small squeeze. 

“And why is the god angry?” Satoru asks, and Yuuta somehow grows paler. He glances at Yoshinobu before staring at his hands again. 

He says something under his breath that none of you can hear and Yoshinobu huffs. “Speak up, boy,” he complains, and Yuuta frowns. 

“The god is angry because you took the girl and ignored her father's wishes for her to return,” Yuuta says. Satoru smiles victoriously. “The priest came on behalf of the god, and you insulted him to his face. Return the girl to her father or continue to suffer the consequences.”

Your brows fly up, and the crowd goes silent. “Didn’t know he had guts like that,” Nobara whispers. Satoru forward and turns to the crowd. 

“Well, there you have it, my good men. Yoshinobu simply needs to return the girl, and the plague will cease,” Satoru says. You watch Yoshinobu’s face go red with anger as he clenches his fists. 

“I will not,” Yoshinobu says, and once again, men begin talking to each other. You look around. Many of them look angry, with clenched fists and furrowed brows. They have seen their brothers and friends die, and they are clearly not happy that Yoshinobu is refusing to give Miwa back to her father. 

Satoru looks equally angry as he turns to Yoshinobu. Yoshinobu merely smiles. It’s clear he’s about to go on a rampage, but Yoshinobu speaks again before Satoru can do anything.

“Alright. I’ll give up my girl.” pleased murmurs run through the crowd. Yoshinobu’s smile drops. 

“But it’s not fair that I have to go without a girl. Since you’re so insistent that I should give up mine, it only makes sense that you give up yours as well, doesn’t it, Gojo?”

A challenge. It’s as clear as day. You feel your heart sink into your stomach. Satoru’s eye twitches. You wait for him to take on the challenge. To say no. To do anything, really. Nobara squeezes your hand. 

Satoru doesn’t do anything. He simply nods. 

You wait in his tent until Satoru comes back. He barely looks at you as he makes a beeline for the wine standing on the table. You feel a lump in your throat as you watch him pour the wine, downing the cup's contents immediately afterwards. 

“You’re going to let them take me,” you say, as a matter of fact, and Satoru stills. He stares at his empty cup, and you nod slowly, a scoff escaping you. 

“I can’t believe you,” you say, and Satoru frowns, finally looking up to meet you. Ice blue pierces through you as he runs a hand through his messy hair. 

“It’s not that simple,” he replies, and you laugh. It’s a hollow sound, devoid of emotion. 

“You’re the strongest, aren’t you? If you wanted to stop them, you could.”

“It’s not just about who’s the strongest. Yoshinobu is the king; if I don’t follow his command, I’m directly challenging him. What I did earlier today was already out of line. 

Ah. Men and their honour. You suppose you shouldn’t be surprised. Honour is what started this whole thing, is it not? Yet you can’t help but feel betrayed. You thought something had shifted between you and Satoru. That you were somehow equal. He had let you leave, and you had chosen to stay. 

“What about me, Satoru?” you ask. One last attempt to save yourself. Satoru pours himself some more wine. His back is turned to you. 

“Yoshinobu won’t hurt you. Just go with his men.”

You were wrong. You were never Satoru’s equal. Satoru Gojo doesn’t have equals. He only has inferiors. 

Suguru finds you as you’re packing your belongings. At least you’re pretending to. Everything you own has been gifted to you by Satoru, which now leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. “Princess,” he gasps, his strong arms wrapping around you from behind and his head settling on your shoulder. You stare ahead at the dresses in front of you. 

“I tried talking to him; I promise you we’ll find a way to get you back. Satoru just needs to swallow his honour–” You scoff and remove Suguru’s arms from you, sitting down on your bed. You haven’t slept in it for weeks.

Suguru looks pained as he kneels in front of you, gripping your hands in your lap. “I’ll help you. It’s not fair that this happened to you; if Gojo marries you, then they can’t–”

“Suguru,” you smile and squeeze his hands. “It’s alright. My life’s never been fair. There’s nothing you can do.” 

Nobara’s head slips into the tent, eyes darting between the two of you. “They’re here,” she says, and you nod, getting up. You glance at the countless dresses and decide to leave them behind. They were never yours to begin with anyway. 

Two men escort you to Yoshinobu’s camp. They look terrified, constantly glancing around, taking in their surroundings, but Satoru merely watches as you’re led away from his camp. 

The rest is a blur. You’re confined to your own tent, made to wear extravagant gowns and heavy jewellery, and paraded around like a batch of honour. You feel sick. Yoshinobu has little to no interest in you, barely glancing your way. You serve wine at his dinners now, and besides that, you sit in your tent and count the hours. It’s a boring existence compared to the one you got used to at the old camp. Yoshinobu already has concubines who've been with him since the war started. They don’t take much notice of you, mostly ignoring your presence as everyone else does. 

Nobara manages to visit you once, updating you on what’s going on outside of your tiny tent. Satoru is refusing to fight. He spends his days much like you, sulking in his tent and ignoring everyone. 

No one knows what’s happening, but the war has suddenly turned. The Greeks are losing repeatedly against the Trojans, who are pushing them back closer and closer to where you’re settled on the beach. 

It’s all a mess. 

Your anger towards Satoru only grows stronger the longer you’re left behind. A small slither of hope had remained in you—that he’d somehow come to his senses, suck up his pride, and come get you. Yet he’s stubbornly decided to be a child yet again. 

You lay on your bed, staring at the ceiling when you hear a sudden noise outside your tent. 

“Princess? You in here?” 

“Suguru,” you gasp as he walks into the tent. You immediately stand up and throw your arms around the man. He returns the hug, holding you close as you sink into his embrace. He runs his hands through your hair and cups your cheeks. Purple eyes examine you from head to toe, concern etched into them. 

“Are you alright? Has he touched you?” Suguru asks, and you shake your head, intertwining your fingers with his. “No, I’m alright. I don’t think the old man could even if he wanted to,” you jest, and Suguru frowns, shaking his head.

A silence dawns upon you, and you clear your throat, shame overtaking you as you remember how you left him. Suguru looks horrible. His long hair falls down over his shoulders, and bangs fall in front of his eyes. And his eyes, oh his eyes. Usually filled with nothing but kindness, they’re now circled by dark bags. It’s clear he hasn’t been sleeping. 

“Suguru, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten angry at you.” Despite it all, Suguru smiles. It’s a tired smile and a clear facade, but you let him. 

“No, I’m sorry. I tried to convince Satoru to not let them take you, but he’s so stubborn-”

“It’s fine, Sugu. It’s not your fault,” you interrupt as you grab his face and kiss his nose. “They treat me well. It’s clearly not about me and more a show of honour and power,” you say, and Suguru frowns deeply. He avoids your eyes, and you feel your heart drop to your stomach. 

“What is it?” you ask. 

“Satoru is still refusing to fight,” he says, and grief floods his face. “We’re losing the war.” 

His hands tremble in yours, and you stare in bewilderment, not knowing what to do with the broken man in front of you. 

“I just wish he would do something! All that power, and he refuses to use it.” He sounds angry now. “The strongest, and what does he do with it? Nothing!” His gaze softens as you flinch at his tone, having never seen this side of him before. 

“I’m going to fix things, okay? I have a plan. And then you can return home to us.” 

Suguru hugs you for the last time and sends you a smile. He kisses you before slipping out of the tent. You watch him from the door as he disappears into the camp. If you had known that this was the last time you’d see Suguru, you would have begged him to stay with you. Told him that Satoru’s honour wasn't something worth dying for. 

But you didn’t know. How could you? He was Suguru; he was Satoru’s rock; he was your rock. In your eyes, he seemed invincible. Nothing could ever truly harm Suguru Geto. 

You hear the yelling before you hear anything else. Loud, confused, screaming. People are running around the camp, and no one notices when you slip out of the tent to see what is happening. Your heart drops to your chest as you see Satoru’s lifeless body being carried by several men. Among them, you recognise Nanami. 

You go to help, but then Satoru’s helmet slips off, and you stop in your tracks. Long black hair spills down the man's shoulders. You look towards your old camp to see a white-haired man running out of his tent and towards the stumbling men. 

Slowly, you look back and forth between the two. Your heart jumps to your throat as you realise what has happened. 

Suguru Geto is dead. 

wow, things are getting heated, things are getting wild. how do we feel? :3

btw, the scene where satoru confronts yoshinobu is entirely from memory of when i read the iliad in school in january. (where achilles confronts agamemnon) i didn't feel like going back and rereading the scene, lol, it's a tough read, but i feel like i managed to capture it pretty well. also, this is fan fiction so i can do whatever i want. (insert maniacal laughter here.)

and yuuta is a priest of apollo, which i feel like goes well with his character! especially because in jjk 0 yuuta is caught between the higher ups and satoru, which he also is here!! hee hee, look at me go. (would that make rika apollo?? nooo, i'm gonna stop now, sorry.)

thank you for reading! <3

chapter three -> series masterlist | general masterlist

wave divider by cafekitsune | fish divider by me! :D

[gyeomsweetgyeom]

[9:33 pm]

You knew Jeno was a good dad, he knew it, your friends knew it, anybody who had seen him interact with your guys' daughter knew it. Right now, it wasn't feeling like he was a great dad. He was tired, cold, his feet hurt, and he just wanted to go to bed.

But he wasn't in bed, he doubted he was even close to getting to bed due to the toddler standing in front of him with her hands on her hips which she definitely got from you. Jeno sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose, not believing that he was arguing with his almost 3 year old. He expected this 10 years from now!

He thought the terrible twos were a myth. How could his perfect baby girl ever turn into a little menace? When people warned him he'd wave them off. Not his baby girl Not his baby girl who gave him her first smile, who never struggled to be put to sleep, who didn't struggle to get rid of her pacifier. She was just too perfect to ever become a menace.

"And I eat my candy!" The toddler yelled while stomping her pink, sparkly shoe-clad foot.

In any other situation Jeno would have thought this would be funny, cute even, but not right now. You had both already let her stay up an hour and a half past her bedtime to take her trick or treating and splurged on her over the top princess dress with accessories.

She was hard to say no to but he had to be firm, "Baby, no. It's time for a bath and bed."

"I eat one candy," she held up her tiny pointer finger, "then bedtime."

He shook his head, "You ate candy while we were walking baby, it's time for bed. You're tired."

She shook her head and pointed her wand in his direction, "Appa, I said one candy then bed."

"Appa said no, let's go. Now," Jeno stated firmly. He wishes you had taken care of bedtime, but it was only fair considering you helped her get ready. He heard the little fit she threw when you made her wear tights under her dress and when you redid her hair 4 times because it didn't look like "princess hair."

The toddler sighed and waved Jeno off and made her way to the kitchen, where you had both set he bucket of candy on the counter. He sighed again, she could not be more predictable. 3, 2, 1... there went a chair scraping along the floor.

"The bath is ready baby, let's go!" You called from the bathroom.

"Candy?" The toddler called back.

"No, come play with the bubbles."

An excited squeal sounded out and a quick rush of pink and purple tulle flashed before his eyes. Jeno couldn't believe all it took was bubbles. Freaking bubbles!

He threw himself onto the couch with a long, deep sigh. It felt like only a few seconds before he felt the familiar weight of his two year old on his back.

"Tell Appa you're sorry for arguing," you instructed. The toddler complied quietly, placing a very wet kiss on his cheek. "Now, it's time for bed baby, goodnight," you told her with a flurry of kisses on her smiling cheeks.

Putting her to bed was easy, by the time she was tucked in and Jeno turned around to flick on the nightlight, she was knocked out. He laughed under his breath and trudged back to the kitchen, to catch sight of you and a small pile of candy wrappers.

"I am so glad this night is over. Chocolate?" You offered with a tired smile.

“Next year we can just tell her Halloween was cancelled.”

-

A/n: happy Halloween!!

[dcxdpdabbles]

If you had to pick one of your stories to redo, either a portion or change the whole direction, which one would it be?

Ohhhhh, this is a good thought-inducing question. Ironically, some of my work results from thinking, "You know what? This would be hilarious if I didn't stick to plan and went off the deep end," and creating a new AU. (How Danny's grill came to be. It was based on The Bakery is a front with the same idea of Tim being undercover at Danny's food-based business, but instead of looking for proof of lawbreaking, he's looking for evidence that Danny is not human, and the bats freaking out about it)

But I would pick Freelance Inventor just to make it all through the Justice League's POV of Batman and his mysterious lover. They talk in the break room around the water cooler about how the Robins all at one point mentioned "B's Not-Boyfriend" and wonder what that means.

The League would see the Gotham heroes casually threaten Batman by telling on him to "Not-Boyfriend" and watch the Batman actually become the "Let's not be too hasty." meme.

They watch as the crazy, controlling Batman shake his head and sigh when he notices that his calendar was changed by "Not-Boyfried" to force him to stop going up to the Watchtower for meetings and instead go to "Photograph Award show, "Zoo day with youngest" "Cook for the father that raised you, you lazy city dweller who lacks respect."

Flash screenshot of the last one because the previous day, it was marked as "Speedster training and combat counters". Flash needed proof for those who would miss the massacre about to happen. He thought that he would witness Batman drag the poor unfortunate soul to dare mess with his Calander app down to hell, and instead saw him googling British recipes because he needs to have a meal plan out now.

It wouldn't just be the Justice League- though it starts with them from founding day to well over a decade- but all hero communities would begin to hear about Not-Boyfriend.

At different times, the Robins would grumble about doing class work on the extended space trips because Not-Boyfriend would be disappointed in them. They don't care if they piss off Batman, but Not-Boyfriend's sad, letdown eyes would haunt the Robins.

These are the same people who would swing themselves at monsters who were sometimes actually gods of myth with nothing but spandex and spite.

The Teen Titans witness Robin leave with his Not-Boyfriend during the Big Fight, which eventually leads to him becoming Nightwing. They start treating Robin like a Divorce Kid. Batman is the bum dad in that situation.

The Outsiders witness Robin go from anger to a protective, gleeful Redhood when Not-Boyfriend calls to check up on him. They are all welcome to stay in Not-Boyfriend's houses—he owns many properties worldwide for his travels—and he becomes the remarkable, safe adult house. They just never speak to him face to face.

Young Justice's Robin has some serious self-esteem issues. They all sort of do as the ones the older heroes forget about. This is why when Robin shows up one day asking if they would do a random fashion blog to trick Not-Boyfriend, they jump at the chance to make a more solid identity besides the clone, the time traveler, and the daughter of Zues. Then Not-Boyfriend, whom they never met and shouldn't care about, starts sending gifts, and I'm so proud of you kids through Robin up until he becomes Red Robin, they realize he's the cooler dad.

SuperSons Robin will respect no one- not even Batman or Nightwing- as he does Not-Boyfriend. They can get him to listen and calm down after noticing his siblings using the "I'm telling Not-Boyfriend on you" trick that worked on his father.

The heroes know so much about Not-Boyfriend but know nothing. He's like Big-Foot. Everyone knows who Big-Foot legend is, but no one can prove Big-Foot.

Of course, over the seventeen years of Justice Leauge's founding, heroes would assume Not-Boyfriend was helping Batman raise his children and, for some reason, couldn't be married (The rise in heroes demanding equal marriage helped legalize same-sex marriage after a bitter sixteen-year fight).

They accept he's Batman's husband, who may be a civilian, a hero, or even a villain.

They accept that Batman and Not-Boyfriend may be divorced and share custody of the children.

They accept that Batman may not be over his partner and is still, to this day, trying to win him back.

They accept that Not-Boyfriend forgave Batman years ago and are back together.

They accept that there was never a split, and the two just argued that Young-Robins blew out of proportion.

The hero community literally accepts any theory if presented well and backed enough with suitable examples. At one point, it was a tradition of trying to decipher what was going on with Batman and Not-Boyfriend.

It's even wilder when Batman reveals himself as Bruce Wayne because he is known for not having any dates despite the number of people who have tried to fling themselves at him. He's notorious for putting a lid on his playboy tendencies- showing growth, and his new persona changed to Ditzy Dad of Gotham- back when he took in Dick Grayson, but now they know it's because he had Not-Boyfriend?

Then finding out Not-Boyfriend is Danny Fenton, the Willy Wonka-esque of the inventing world???????

This man who disappears from the public eye only shows up somewhere in a jungle with an invention that low-key solves the issue of contaminated water? This man, who freelances to anyone and everyone, things that come straight out of sci-fi without a blink?

The same man who people years ago accused Bruce Wayne of sleeping with, only to be told point black by Bruce, "I wish I was sleeping with him. Have you seen him?," and people thought he was joking on live TV?

They lose their minds.

[beaulesbian]

I've been thinking about the Whiskey Peak Luffy vs Zoro fight and how nothing is truly finished or contained within just one arc in One Piece - where the themes and character development always overlap and span over many later arcs as well.

It's an interesting scene, and I feel it's almost impossible to dissect that fight just within that arc alone - like it wasn't meant to be taken seriously by itself at that time, but later with more context of what's to come after that.

A short version: It's a great set up of how the trust between Luffy and Zoro would develop after this fight.

Specifically, how it gets to this in Skypiea:

And a longer version under the read more:

To start at the beginning again - Luffy knew about Zoro's reputation by the time he reached Shells Town and heard about him as Demon Pirate Hunter of the East Blue, and decided to see if he's a good guy to have on his crew.

Once Luffy freed Zoro and they took down Morgan together, they could see how the other was similary strong, as well as they were able to fight in sync and well together, but maybe they still didn't understand how much they could depend on each other.

With Luffy, anyone who offers him food becomes something like his hero. If they offer him hospitality, he would protect them with his life.

With Zoro, he's always looking out for the danger, used to travel alone (or with just Johnny and Yosaku), he does what's needed, and usually without telling the others.

And this is, I think, that crucial moment when they realize this about each other -

Luffy wakes up and sees the people who helped him lying on the ground, and telling him that Zoro was the one who did that. Luffy goes berserk without needing to hear why, because there shouldn't be a reason why. Whatever Zoro tells him must be a lie, right? He must have gone mad.

Maybe if Zoro didn't fight back, Luffy would see something was wrong, but Zoro isn't one to back down from a fight, especially when being falsely accused, and if he saw that Luffy was fighting him for real, he in turn would give him the same courtesy. They're both very stubborn in the same way.

The misunderstanding trope can be a bit annoying, but I think it's all just to see them actually fight together on equal footing. It was one of the first examples of what they can do together.

After this fight, where they defeat the two Baroque Works agents together, and after everything is explained, Luffy understands, in his own way.

When rereading this part of "I thought you got mad (...)", I had a feeling that Luffy might have even think Zoro could become a danger to others and was ready to just.. contain him. He heard about him as a demon pirate hunter - of course, those where a lot of talking from the Marine's side of the story perpetuating the myth of him, Zoro never called himself that and Luffy knows it, but part of me thinks maybe Luffy wouldn't care about that - he just wanted Zoro on his crew no matter what, and would deal with the consequences after that. Like in Whiskey Peak.

But what's even more interesting is, since this fight, they began to understand how they work separately.

I kind of like that they don't come back or talk more about this fight, because once it's done, they're past that. But both take it as a learning experience, Luffy still has a long journey to go as a captain, and I feel with knowing what Zoro does without saying, Luffy began finding the footing as captain with putting this specific trust in Zoro - learning he can fully depend on him to protect their crew when something would be amiss, when some danger would be nearby.

And that despite the sudden fight, the bad communication and the immediate resolve, Zoro sees another most important part of Luffy's character - how far he would go to help someone who offered him food or helped Luffy and his crew. And this knowledge has helped Zoro many times since this arc, in situation where the rest of the crew might not understand Luffy's thinking, Zoro's usually the first one who does understand.

On Jaya, that trust takes the main role when Luffy orders Zoro not to fight Bellamy's crew:

Later on Skypiea Luffy says it out loud how much he trusts Zoro to protect the rest of the crew:

It goes on each arc more and more, subtle but with that trust between them deepening.

With Zoro letting Luffy know being their captain is hard but he cannot falter,

in Post Enies Lobby it's Zoro telling him what rules need to be followed, otherwise the crew would fall apart,

It feels since that Whiskey Peak fight, Zoro really took it onto himself to protect the crew without having to say so, and Luffy understood that's what he does. It's Zoro's instinct to do that - Skypiea protecting Robin and Chopper, Thriller Bark - protecting Brook, saving Sanji and of course Luffy from Kuma. On Punk Hazard, while Luffy is against Ceasar, Zoro fights Monet so Nami and Robin could get away. On Dressrosa his final fight against Pica is to protect Usopp and Kinemon.

I also like this bit on Zou, where Zoro doesn't enjoy the Minks' attention on him, and Luffy reprimands him that it's rude to talk back to someone who's hosting a feast for them. Again, kind of a callback to Whiskey Peak, ch. 807

And then there's whole Wano, with Zoro protecting Tama, Otoko and Yasuie, Hiyori, and it gets very personal when they're hurt.

During Onigashima Raid he keeps reminding Luffy that he would go with him up to the rooftop to fight Kaido, because this time the enemies are too dangerous and he needs to protect Luffy as well. And they both protect each other there:

Conclusion: I love the Whiskey Peak fight now, because it brings up many small details that are so important over the span of many arcs later, slowly showing just how different these two are built and how much trust they learnt to put in the other.

bonus:

On their way to Enies Lobby on the train, this scene looks very similar to their Whiskey Peak fight, except this time they're intentionally using their strengths together against the Aqua Laguna.

Whiskey peak, ch. 112

Water Seven, ch. 367

[qu1cks1lversb1tch]

Being their older sibling would include | HC's

Includes: Charlie, Angel Dust, Alastor

Warnings: super supportive sibling energy, Valentino, murder/accessory to murder, implied abuse in Alastor's part (mentions of his father)

Let me know if anyone would want a part two and what characters — I didn't know who else to do

Charlie

Being the one who is more involved with Hell's politics and inner workings — especially after Lilith vanished without a word, essentially making you the public face of the Morningstar family.

Being the one to support Charlie's dream, regardless of what everyone else thought.

Being the protective, untrusting, and sometimes overbearing/overprotective one — but only because you love Charlie and don't want anyone to take advantage of her kindness and naivete more than they already have.

Being the one to put your foot down when your father waltzed in, talking about how sinners were all horrible and undeserving of redemption. Some were undeserving. . . But others were just human souls who needed a little guidance — a little motivation. Proof things could get better.

Being the one she went to for any problem that she knew Vaggie couldn't help with.

Being the one to make her laugh the most when she was feeling down.

Being the one she takes to Heaven with her (along with Vaggie).

Being the one that Heaven's didn't want to piss off — you were every bit your parents and more. That scared them.

Being the voice of reason when it came to fighting back.

Being the one to stand with your little sister, shoulder to shoulder as you fought alongside her to help preserve a dream that she worked so hard for.

Being the one to pick up all the pieces that your father, Vaggie, and the residents couldn't.

Being the one to play dress up with her and have tea parties when she was little.

Being the one to teach her how to dance.

Being the one to sing her back to sleep during a particularly bad storm when she was much younger.

Being the one that boyfriends and girlfriends sought to appease.

Angel Dust

Being the oldest out of all the children and the only one to survive long enough to see the age of forty.

Being the one who mourned him the most.

Being the one to take care of minor injuries when he was a careless kid.

Being the only one to give him a choice.

Being the one to kill your father twice, for all the horrible things he put you and your younger siblings through.

Being the only family member to keep in contact once you made it to Hell.

Being the one who hated Valentino the most. You saw him and just knew he was no good. You had no idea what your baby brother saw in him.

Being the one who urged him to take up the offer Charlie gave him. He deserved so much more than what his life and afterlife gave him.

Being the one to go with him, just to make the moving transition easier.

Being the fiercely protective one — you'd be double damned if anyone thought they'd hurt your brother and get away with it.

Being the one to comfort him after a long day. He claimed he didn't need it, but the way he always melted in your arms said otherwise. He was Anthony with you, not Angel Dust.

Being the one who sent untraceable, anonymous death threats to Valentino that exploded in his face with glitter bombs when he opened them.

Being the first one to notice the positive change in your baby brother and knowing it had something to do with that grumpy bartender that he drunkenly went on about one night.

Being the one to stand by his side. Always.

Alastor

Being the most sane sibling (not by much), but least forgiving.

Being the one to protect him from your father the best you could.

Being the one to tell him stories that your maman told you as a child — ranging all the way from fantasy and myths, all the way to true tales that had been passed down from generation to generation.

Being the one to dispose of your father's body when Alastor finally snapped and killed him. You didn't know what you were doing, but you worked quickly in hopes that the mess would be gone before your maman woke up. It was. . . But it began a cycle.

Being the one to take over household chores after the mysterious disappearance of your father, which meant you were the one to clean the bloodstains out of Alastor's clothes.

Being the one to convince him to take it down a notch — you didn't mind him taking out his father's sleazy friends, but at the rate he was going, he was going to get caught, and you only had so much time on your hands to hide evidence and remove those hard stains.

Being the first to die of an unknown sickness, not even a decade after your maman died of old age.

Being the one to greet Alastor in Hell.

Being the one to rise to power beside him — just two siblings who thrived on the screams of those who had done far worse things than kill a dozen or so people and hide the bodies.

Being the only one aside from your mother that could keep him in check.

Being the only other one he'd hate to disappoint. He was insane, yes, but if you were mad at your brother for anything serious, his smiling facade cracked.

Being the one to look for him after the battle and find him in a state of disarray that reminded you all too much of the childhood you endured for eight years before his birth.

Being the one to bring him back from the edge. Some days you reminded him too much of your mother, but other days it was comforting to hear a voice similar to hers.

Being the one to know who has his soul, but being sworn to secrecy. . . Not that you'd tell anyone anyway. It wasn't your business to tell.

[asliceofzosan]

sanji has always known he loved zoro.

subconsciously.

it's hidden in the steps he takes to maneuver around the sleeping marimo on the deck. it's written in the recipes he creates to account for the amount of nutrients he needs for his frankly ridiculous workout routine. it's embedded so deeply in the way he fights, back to back, one leg swinging in perfect synergy with zoro's blade. how he stands on his blind side more often on the field. but stands on his good side when they have a conversation.

so the words "i love you" come naturally to him. it's like he was always meant to say it to zoro. his presence was an appetizer. his words, the entreé. his actions, a delectable dessert that even his sweets-hating boyfriend craves for after a long day.

but sanji has never heard those three little words from zoro. not even once.

and sure, it's not like he goes around saying i love you to every beautiful lady he meets. he knows the gravity of such words. he knows how someone saying it can affect you in ways that can barely be comprehended by the human mind. it stirs something within ourselves that awakens the age old yearning to be cherished. to be held.

to be worth something to someone.

sanji can remember the rare times someone said i love you to him. once held in his mother's arms in a tender embrace that weakens with each passing second, it was whispered against his temple, frail fingers combing through his hair, and he cries without knowing that it would be the last time he hears those words for a very long time. once shaking in zeff's arms as the nightmares roar louder in his head than the storm that rattled the windows of the newly opened baratie, the older man choosing to be gentle with the child he willingly gave everything to in order to survive.

he's never heard it from someone who loved him like a partner. loved him like an equal. loved him in ways lovers are supposed to love each other.

maybe it's because he never had one of those until zoro. for the longest time, he survived on fairy tales and myths and legends. oral tradition passed down through generations of every family he encounters on their adventures out at sea. and though his life as a prince was nothing like the pictures painted in children's books, he always longed for a princess of his own. someone he could save from the proverbial tower guarded by a fearsome dragon.

he wanted someone to love him like a hero. their hero. someone who admires him for all the things he desperately projects for others to see him as worth keeping around.

zoro isn't a princess by any means. he's honestly so much more like the dragon. but also not. fearsome as he is fearful. immensely strong as he is soft hearted. a steady pillar as he is the first to crumble at sanji's touch.

and zoro never admired him like a hero. never cared about the best foot forward sanji took care to show others. in fact, he saw right through him from the very moment they met. it irritated sanji to no end how someone like that stupid marimo could read him like an open book. he took care to make sure the pages of his story that he deems undesirable were sealed away under lock and key. no one needed to know the plot points that brought him where he is. he needs to be the hero. he needs to be seen as the hero in his story.

but who exactly was he trying to save?

what kind of hero has no one to save?

it took several years for him to realize that the person he needed to save was himself. and zoro knew that.

of course he fucking did.

he never mollycoddled him. never softened the blow. always blunt and direct with him. it drove sanji up the wall once with how little tact he had. eventually, he actually started to appreciate how zoro never once sugarcoated anything with him. if he was upset, he'd show it. if he was happy, it would shine in his gaze clear as day.

and if he was in love?

well.

sanji can admit it took him much longer to realize that the love he felt for zoro was not only reciprocated but was so much deeper than what three little words could possibly convey.

there's a permanent space for zoro next to sanji, right in front of the sink, when dinner is over and the soapy water goes up to his elbows. the windows are always open in the crow's nest when sanji's watch comes right after zoro's, just enough for the smoke to escape but the smell to linger. the wordless nod zoro gives him when sanji is combing through marketplaces and dragged him along to be his pack mule. the strategically placed shoulder for him to jump off of when sanji needs to launch himself at an oncoming enemy.

the 2am fights that devolve into holding each other and apologizing without saying any words at all.

the way zoro carries him back to his bunk when he's fallen asleep in the galley writing recipes down. the kiss to his forehead. the hand that runs through his hair.

and here sanji thought his actions were the sweet dessert. for in the dead of night, when no one is watching, zoro's devotion is blinding. zoro's love shines like a beacon in a dark, stormy night.

the dragon perched on the roof of the tower, breathing fire for the lost prince to find his way home.

so sanji lets zoro comb through the pages of his story that he doesn't tell anyone else. he lets zoro guide his hand to flip to the blank pages, allows him to convince him that the parts of his story that mattered are the ones written by his own hand. and if the pages are soon filled with endless adventures of the prince and his swordsman, no one else will really understand it.

no one except zoro.

so yes. sanji always knew he loved zoro and that zoro loved him back just as fiercely or maybe even more.

even if he never heard those three little words.

what sanji doesn't know, is that when zoro is sure he is fast asleep, zoro whispers those words against sanji's ear. like a revenant prayer to a god. zoro doesn't believe in god.

but he believes in sanji. he always did.

[mythicalmyles]

Hiya myth! Is it okay for me to request?

Because if it is, then can I request for a reader who is just a big ball of sunshine and a virgin?

You can put any creepy pastas and kinks c: That's all! Thank you :D

-🍀

Naga!Toby x Sunshine!Curious!Reader

(18+, Ovi, Overstimulation, Double pen, Dubcon, rimming, sex venom, breeding)

You stumbled over a branch, letting out a gasp as one sliced across your cheek. You let out a whine as you rubbed your cheek, fingertips coming back red. You pouted and slumped your shoulders, rolling your eyes as you shuffled back to your feet. Your lip twisted as you rooted through your bag, pulling out some antiseptic spray.

You tended your wound as best as you could, hissing as the liquid burned your wound. Luckily you didn't think it was that deep. Part of you was ready to give up, it had already been hours since you had set out on your exploration. But curiosity kept your feet moving, determined to see if the reports were real. Part of you knew it was stupid, for god's sake it was a report from almost 100 years ago.

But when you found it, you knew you had to find out. It was locked up in an old government building for a reason.

And that was that, you booked the flight and bought a boat. It had taken almost a year for you to get to the island, completely isolated and abandoned. It was thick with foliage, leaves almost triple your size. You pulled out a bottle of water, quickly downing the sweet liquid but careful to ration it. It didn't rain often but it was enough to not have to worry too much. The island was also ripe with fruits, it wasn't the best but it could keep you going as far as you needed.

You took in the sight for a moment as you mindlessly slipped your water bottle back into your bag, vibrant greens purples and reds filled your vision. It was breath taking, almost hard to believe somewhere existed on earth that was so beautiful.

You froze for a moment, focusing hard as you tried to listen closer to the sound. You let out a small breath as a smile spread wide across your features, quickly pulling the report out of your bag. It had been burnt but there was at least something to go on.

'Water ran red with blood

Everyone d'

There was water, and you could hear the sound of a very distant waterfall. It sounded really far away but hope overrode your brain and you hastily made your way towards it, batting leaves out of your way.

The sound got louder as you got closer, cementing that you were going in the right direction. You must've been speed walking for an hour before you finally had to stop, chest heaving as you practically dropped against a tree. Your mouth felt as dry as a bone in the desert, you practically ripped your bag open to get your water. Care going out the window as you chugged down the sweet liquid, you drank the entire bottle thanking the stars you at least had two more.

You popped the now empty bottle back into your bag, letting yourself breath as you stared up at the trees. You pulled out the report again, going to the page about its appearance.

'It had a long dark green patterned, scaled tail, it must have went on for at least four foot. It had long black spikes down its back and a ferocious human face permanently set in a scowl. It bleeds black as the night sky as it hisses and spits venom at those who dare get too close. It has already taken out five men

Gus torn in half beast gripped his ne

wont last much lo'

You read as best as you could around the burned edges, feeling bad for the poor creature. It probably just wanted to be alone, instead it was ganged up on and attacked. You knew there was a danger to what you were doing, it wouldn't trust humans. You knew that much. But you hoped coming alone and unarmed might make it see you wouldn't hurt it, you just needed to know more.

If what they had written was true and there really was a Naga out there, you had fixated on the being since you had first read about. Utterly hypnotised and hungry to learn more. A half snake half man, you almost shook in excitement. Surely if it wasn't entirely human then it wouldn't have a human life cycle? It was what you prayed for anyway.

Once you had finally relaxed into the tree you rose yourself back up, shaking out tense thighs and cracking your neck. "Let's go." You whispered to yourself, beginning your journey again.

Just as you felt you were going to drop dead, you finally saw it through the trees. A large pound and the waterfall that sounded like heavens trumpets. With a newfound energy you surged forward, ignoring the leaves and branches that scratched at your skin.

At this point all you could think about was the sweet water, all thoughts flung out of your mind as you raced towards the pond. You dropped to your knees as you cupped your palms and gulped up the water. It could be infected with something but at this point you didn't care, all that mattered was the cold liquid sliding down your throat as you guzzled it down.

You stretched forward, sliding your body into the water and letting out a groan of appreciation as the cool water sloshed against your skin. The heat on the island had gotten unbearable at this point and you finally relaxed as you felt the hot sticky sweat coating your body washed away.

You pushed your self up, shaking the water out of your hair as you finally took a look around. Eyes quickly drawn to the large green striped lump, eyes doubling as you scrambled up and ran over to it. You saw it laying passed out on the ground, you couldn't deny the fact your breath got sucked out of your lungs.

He was gorgeous, thick brown hair framing his pale face. Dark circles ringed his eyes and his chest was defined, his biceps thick. You had no doubt it could kill you in a heart beat, the thought alone excited you in a twisted way. You brushed the thoughts away, bending down and searching him for any obvious wounds. You found what looked like a tip of a spear stuck into his tail, mind thinking back to the report. From the angle it was, he wouldn't have been able to properly grip and pry it out himself.

You frowned, you didn't know it's anatomy. Just what humans guessed was it's anatomy. For all you knew you could tear a vein pulling it out, yet the thick yellow and black crust that had built up around it had your chances limited. It was clearly infected, it had to be removed.

You squatted down, hands grasping the spear tip as you pulled with all your might. His skin was thick and clung to it, but you finally got it, throwing it as far away as you could. Blood quickly ran from the wound and without a second thought you pulled your shirt off and used it to try and clot the wound. A sudden hiss and you dipped down just in time to miss venom that had been shot at you.

"I want to help!" You yelled out, keeping pressure on the wound. "Please don't move." He stilled, looking at you with an untrusting glare. Yet he made no move as you kept pushing down on his wound, his black blood soaking through your shirt and coating your hands.

"Why?" He hissed, baring his fangs at you in warning. "You didn't deserve what happened. I just. Want to know more about you." You hoped he was see the sincerity on your face, instead he spat again. At least he didn't aim for you. You tumbled back onto your ass as it rose up, towering over you and making you feel tiny.

You anxiously gazed up at him, fear sparking through your body. "Ssso you can tell other humanss where I am?" His voice bellowed and you swore it shook the entire forest. You threw your hands up, shaking them and your head. "No! I swear! I wont ever tell anyone." You gasped out as you slid back, his eyes glowing as his slit pupils constricted. His eyes searched your body. "You wont. You can't leave now." Your face dropped when he suddenly ripped you up into his arms, your legs wrapping around his waist.

"You would look ssssoo pretty full of my eggss." Your eyes bulged out as you choked. "Wh-what?" You shrieked out, panic swimming through your veins and stabbing you straight into the heart. "Theress no otherss like me. You will do." He chuckled as a long tongue suddenly ran up your neck, you let out a deep breath as you froze.

His abnormally long tongue ran over your neck, leaving saliva in its trail as it explored you. Whimpers left you when his tongue finally found your nipple, massaging the bud and smirking as you twitched in his grasp. He had no idea humans were so sensitive. He pulled you off of him, dropping you to the floor before quickly turning you around and shoving you face first into the ground.

You whined as he yanked off your shorts, clawed hands grasping your ass and spreading it apart. You dug your nails into the ground, yelping when you felt his tongue lick a stripe up your ass. "Wha-wha." You choked out, getting cut off when he dove his tongue into you. "A-Ah!" You whined out, back arching as his tongue dug deep inside of you rubbing the most sensitive parts of you.

You shook in his hold as he ate you out, his cheeks pressing against you as drool dripped down your ballsack. You sobbed as you rocked back, lost in the feeling of his tongue twisting inside of you. Your voice only got higher, his fingers leaving bruises on your ass as he gripped you tight, trying to keep you in place.

"Puh-please." You begged, entire body shaking. He slipped a finger into you, slurping obscenely around the digit. You came hard, you hadn't ever felt anything like this. You hadn't been touched by anyone before, and here a supposed mythical creature was tongue deep inside of you and you felt like you were floating away.

Despite already cuming you whined when he pulled his fingers and tongue out, a chuckle coming from him as he picked you up and wrapped your legs around his hips. He pulled you close, mouthing your neck before biting down onto your flesh. You let out a groan at the pain, face scrunching up as your body began loosing up.

"What. Are you doing?" You questioned, voice lethargic. "You could never take me with out thiss." Instead of questioning him you rested your chin on top of his shoulder, almost passing out in his arms.

The feeling of something slimy rubbing against your hole had you moaning and pulling back, lidded eyes gazing at the naga. His hand wrapped around your neck, keeping your face in his view as he began sinking you down onto his cock. You whined desperately the further he pushed in, lungs sinking as you were stretched beyond your limit. Desperate begging falling from your lips as he bottomed out inside of you.

You looked down to see your stomach bulge with his cock, lips dropping and moaning at the sight of it. "You will do very good indeed." Toby thanked the god's for this, finally he had been provided a suitable mate to store his eggs inside of.

He easily bounced you on his cock, drinking in every moan that left your lips. Smirk coating his face as he watched his little mate writhe with pleasure all because of him. You were reduced to a moaning whining mess, crying in his arms as pleasure tore your very being apart.

You mindlessly rode him, head flung back as his hand around your neck kept you tethered to reality. You could barley take a breath, his cock hitting deep inside of you. You yelped when he slid two fingers into you, gasping at the burning stretch. "N-no. Too much." You rasped out. He chcukled. "it'ss okay. You can take it. I need to fertilisse my eggss." He grinned before he dove into your neck, sucking into your flesh.

"Aa-." You groaned out, voice wreaked. Once toby had worked four more fingers into you he pulled them out, laughing at the way you whined. "Don't worry. You'll be full sssooon." He drawled out, teeth gleaming in the now moonlight. You hadn't even noticed it hadn't gotten dark.

The feeling of another cock penetrating you threw all thoughts out of the window, breath and body freezing as you gaped at Toby. Choking as he slid his other appendage deep into you. He let out a loud groan. "F-fuck. Ssso goo-good." He groaned out, his self control leaving him as he began ramming into you. He punched the breath back into you and if you could be embarrassed you would, your voice was incredibly pitched and whiney.

You freely cried, moaning as you sobbed. Completely overwhelmed was how you felt as the Naga impaled you on not one but two cocks. You thrashed in his arms as your body shook, cum shooting out of your cock and coating both of your chests. Toby felt victorious, his mate clearly enjoyed their breeding. It made him ecstatic.

It wasn't long before you felt something push into you, before you knew it a few more somethings were shooting into you. You whined in confusion and slight fear, the idea of the naga actually inserting egg's in to you shaking you to your core. "You ca-can take it." You just whined pitifully, fully spent as your body spasmed around his cock.

You watched as your own stomach expanded, jaw dropping. You couldn't tell if you were horrified or excited. Before you could stop yourself you pressed your lips to his, whining into his mouth as his cum flooded inside of you. It felt almost unbearable.

He gently fucked you through it, stopping once he had finally given you all he could. "Ssso pretty. My pretty mate." He grinned while petting your hair, keeping his cocks buried deep inside of you so he didn't spill any of his precious eggs.

[mikobeautifulheart]

Intervention

Sukuna x reader

Mentions of kidnapping ig and arranged marriage.

like 700 wordsish (Correct me if u want idc)

NOT EDITED

Synopsis: You were going to go get married off to the Gojo clans strongest, how ever you disappear when your marriage is announced. The only clue anyone has to your disappearance is the monster lurking in the near by woods.

(Set in medieval times with Sukuna's true form)

You sat before your parents respectfully as you were taught, these times were so unfair to a woman.

You were just told that you were going to be married off to the Gojo clans heir and that its an honor to be his wife.

In all honesty, you didn't care. Since the day you were conscious you were reminded not to get attached to anyone because in the end you would always be married off in the end with no say.

You did remember those days where you didn't bother as much with life, the ones where you snuck out and hid in the woods not to far from your family's estate. You went there because no one would go look for you there.

There was a rumor around that there was a beast, a hideous killer hiding out in those woods, one with blood red eyes and a violent nature. You were convinced that it was just another way of scaring kids out of the woods so they wouldn't run away or play in the woods anymore so it never stopped you.

Offten you would get fed up in the day and escaoe in the night, crying silently as you ran into the woods. This was almost every night as a child because of the harsh reality hitting you.

Learning that you couldn't play with other kids because of their status? Crying in the woods.

Being taught hard complicated etiquette lessons as a child? Woods.

Brothers getting better treatment AND getting acknowledged at dinner? Woods.

You learned that the world was unfair and that it would stay that way. Would it?

The night when you were told you had an arranged marriage you thought you would handle the inevitable news fine, but something in your heart throbbed. Something about not even knowing the man you were to marry killed you. You slowly walked into the woods trying to keep your eyes clear so you wouldn't trip over something.

"How do you even marry a man you don't know?" You hicced before stopping at a rock in the middle of the woods and breaking down on it.

"I though I would be okay." You said not even trying to wipe your tears anymore.

The woods were silent until you heard an abnormally loud crash, a whole tree had crashed to the ground. Your head peaked up from your curled up body. In sheer disbelief you saw a tree cut at the stump and something, someone, standing behind it.

You stared waiting for it to move, as it stood still you noticed that it had 4 piercing red eyes and four arms as well as its abnormally large frame.

A chill ran down your spine. This was the monster that they warned you about all those years ago, it really wasn't a myth. Looking at it now you could say they even down played it.

Not even willing to stay any more you slowly turned your back to it and ran off the rock. You tried to munover yourself between all the trees but the forest was to dense. You heard swift wind cutting noises behind you speeding up and it made your adrenaline kick in.

You started to push through the smaller trees and shrubbery but they just ended up slowing you down, you went to finally reach the dirt path out but your foot got hooked on a log.

Just before your face hit the ground you felt a strong arm wrap around your waist and hold you up above the ground.

You opened your mouth to scream for help but a large hand covered it. You struggled tirelessly kicking and muffled screams but it was no use.

"Shush brat, I can help you." A low voice practically growled into your ear. You tried to turn your head away but the hands grip was to strong.

"All you have to do is close those pretty eyes of yours and all your problems will go away." This only made your eyes widen, what could he mean? Was he going to kill you? Rip you to shreds and eat your raw body? Torture you to death?

You struggled even harder but still, no use.

"I said I can help you, are you even listening?" It growled.

You only let out muffled sounds, digging your nails into his arm. He didn't even notice.

"You'll thank me later." He said before he started to carry you away.

Half way there you gave up on escaping but that didn't mean you weren't afraid.

You came to a hult abs saw a large shrine like place that you were being taken into. You were more amazed at this point, you were never told what was in the forest let alone what structures hid in the trees.

As soon as he walked under the large gate the strong smell of blood, it was so strong it almost made you gag.

The crunching of bones under his steps were sickening, but it just made him smile even wider.

Eventually he carried you inside where he dropped his hand and practically dropped you, the sheer size of his torso was inhuman.

"Wha-what do you want from me?!" You said moving away from him.

"I'm sure I don't taste good, I mean I'm like old, 20 is pretty old"

"And I'm 530 years old, I'm sure your blood is delicious."

Your eyes went white. Were you actually going to die here? No way in hell were you going to let that happen. But what if you went back? Would you still be married off?

"Why were you so loud today, you usually don't cry that much."

You froze, usually? What dose he mean usually? How long had he watched you?

"I-I didn't want to be married off..." You said.

"I dont even know the man so how can I marry him?" You looked at the mosters face.

Forget it this was not the time, you needed an escape.

"Then don't marry him." He said stepping toward you.

"You-are you serious? You just took me! You kidnapped me and I don't even know you either!" You said walking backwards until you were stopped by a wall.

"Now thats not true, I'm sure the towns people have talked about me." He said with a smirk.

"Yes, that you're a cold blooded killer and cannibal!" You jumped as he put his 4 arms either side of you.

You ducked down and ran past him deeper into his estate. You didn't even know where you were running you just stopped when your lungs felt life they were going to crush.

The strong smell of blood made you fell like you were going to throw up. You put your hand over your mouth to stop yourself before you looked up and saw a pile of bones. Lots of bones. Some of them still had flesh on them and were dripping blood.

Your eyes widened when you looked down at your feet and saw a human arm before your eyes trailed closer into the pile barely just spotting a human face under the bones.

You were about to focuse you attention on the body infront of you before a large hand covered your eyes.

"You weren't supposed to see that" he said in an almost sympathetic tone.

He stood still as he felt warm tears touch his hand.

You removed your shakey hand from your mouth.

"I-I don't want to die" You said unable to stop yourself. This-thing that took you is a murderer, everything they said was true. You were sure he was going to kill you, eat the flesh off of your very bones.

Thinking that this was it you made little attempt to come to peace with yourself.

"I should have just got married off. At least I could pretend to be happy."

The room was silent, all you could hear was the blood dripping. You felt your body being picked up and carried out of the room, but a hand still blocked your view. As if it mattered, you didn't really want to see how you died or know when it happened.

You felt your body being lowered on something soft before there was a sinking feeling on both of your sides. The hand moved off your face slowly to reveal just a tiered you. The tears weren't sad, they were frustrated and now you had no reason to cry as it came to an end.

"You don't have to pretend. Tell me what you want, i'll give it to you, i'll make you happy" The large body said as it hovered over your own.

You tried to cover your face with your arm but his hand held it away.

"I just want to be happy, I just want to be free." You said feeling the tears falling again.

"I can't set you free." He sighed

"But I can try make you happy, you just need to stay here forever."

It was a long shot but you already knew there was no escaping.

You just looked up at him and nodded ad he wiped your tears away with one hand.

"Fine, I'll stay."

It's not like you had anything to lose anyway.

THANK YOU FOR READINGGGGGG ♡

AUTHOURS NOTE: I hate how its only good at the end, maybe that means I need a part 2. Well...yeah. Have a good what ever time.

[persevereforahappyending]

A Beacon in the Dark |4|

Pairing: Joey x Reader

Summary: Joey likes helping people, it's what she's best at. Hunting down the monsters of myth and legend might be the best way to save people.

Warnings: None?

Word Count: 6.1k

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Ana tapped her foot repeatedly as she kept glancing at the clock. Her ex texted, saying he couldn’t get Caleb from school yesterday and he would be there at three on Saturday to get him for the weekend. It was now almost four and you were supposed to be there at four to pick her up. The party for the mission started at seven thirty but the two of you needed to meet up with Grace and get ready and go over the plan.

“Is he here yet?” Caleb asked coming out of his room. Ana shook her head and watched as Caleb’s eyes drifted to the floor and his shoulder’s slumped.

Ana tried not to think about her shitty ex but the only other thing to think about was you. This was her first mission. She had done hundreds of jobs before, both when in the army and out of it. She was used to following orders, but she didn’t know how you’d be at leading a mission. It was clear Grace was the boss, but she wasn’t going to be at the party, it would only be you and Ana, and you had much more experience doing this sort of thing. She truly didn’t have a problem with you, you just didn’t strike her as a leader, with the way you listened to Grace you were more of a follower.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door and Ana got up to answer it. She opened her mouth, ready to rip into her ex as she flung open the door when her eyes widened. “What the hell are you doing here?” She whisper yelled, glancing back to make sure Caleb hadn’t entered the room.

“Picking you up?” You said, clearly confused.

“You usually don’t get out of your car.”

“I texted,” you gestured at Ana. “You didn’t answer.”

Ana rolled her eyes and pulled out her phone rather aggressively. She suppressed a sigh, there it was, a text from you, from ten minutes ago. Before she could put her phone away a text from her ex came in, saying he was on his way up. Ana’s eyes widened and shoved her phone back into her pocket.

“Hey,” she called back into the apartment. “Get your stuff ready, your dad’s on the way up.”

“Okay!” Caleb called back.

“You need to leave,” Ana snapped. You let out a chuckle and looked at her, clearly wondering if she was serious. “My ex can’t see you and I don’t want Caleb seeing you.” You frowned at her words but nodded, nonetheless. “Good.” Ana slammed the door closed a little harder than she probably needed to.

She didn’t know where you were going to hide, and she didn’t really care. She went back to the kitchen, leaning against the counter as casually as possible, like she and been before. She smiled when Caleb came out of his room with his backpack, which should have just contained his schoolwork that he needed to do and any games he wanted to take over. Just as he walked into the room there was another knock at the door.

Ana sighed and put on a neutral face before opening the door. “Come on let’s go,” her ex said, gesturing for Caleb to hurry up.

Ana rolled her eyes, of course the jackass would not only be a day late but be late picking him up the next day as well, then pretend he’s in a hurry. Caleb wordlessly nodded and moved to follow his father. Ana couldn’t help but peek around her ex, there was no sight of you anywhere, it had barely been a minute since you were standing at her door.

“Call me if you need anything,” Ana said, ruffling Caleb’s hair as he passed her. He looked up, clearly not thrilled to be going with his father before following after his dad down the stairs.

Ana closed the door behind them then grabbed her keys and left, making sure to lock the door behind her. As soon as she turned around you were there, she had to step back with how close you were.

“Don’t ever come here,” she said, pointing to the spot she was standing. “Again. I don’t want Caleb to see you. If this job works out, then it stays out of my personal life, got it?”

“Got it,” you said. You gave her a small smile, but it seemed forced.

Ana followed you out to your jeep and hopped in like usual. The only unusual thing was that this ride wasn’t a comfortable silence. The radio played quietly but there was a tension in the air. You weren’t overly talkative on the drives, but you seemed unnaturally quiet, opting to keep your eyes solely on the road.

Ana would be stupid to not think your silence had to do with her snapping at you. She wasn’t about to apologize though; she didn’t want anything from this life coming into her home. She was fine risking her life, to an extent, but she wouldn’t allow anything to come back to her son. She tried to ignore the slight bit of guilt bubbling within her as she glanced at you out of the side of her eye, you were looking straight ahead, your eyes glued to the road, you usually would sneak glances at her during the other car rides.

Despite the tension the ride seemed to be shorter because you were already pulling up to the large iron gate. Ana prided herself on her observation skills, however, this was the first time she realized how reinforced the gate was. The bars of the gate were thick, no one, not even a child, would be able to squeeze through them, and going over was out of the question given how spiked it was. The same could be said about the wall, the bottom half looked to be made out of a solid grey stone, then coming out of the stone was more sharp metal spikes. On the outside it just looked like a really old house that was well kept, but upon closer inspection Ana could see it for what it really was, protection, Grace didn’t want any unwanted visitors getting anywhere near her home.

“Come on,” you whispered, speaking for the first time since the two of you left Ana’s apartment,

Ana followed you through the large oak doors as usual. You didn’t lead her down the familiar hallway that she knew held Grace’s office at the end. Instead, you led her up the long-curved staircase. She couldn’t help but look over the balcony as she got to the top. The foyer was massive, the black tile forming a gorgeous pattern below, which she hadn’t noticed while walking across it.

You took her down the hallway to the right, passing several rooms in the process. All the doors were closed so Ana didn’t know what they were actually being used for, if they were being used at all. She assumed most of the rooms were bedrooms. Thinking about bedrooms made her mind wander to you, you were clearly close with Grace, had been working with her for a little while now. Your dynamic didn’t seem romantic though, but it also wasn’t quite the one of siblings, your loyalty to Grace was unmatched. The only way she could describe your and Grace’s relationship was that of a savior and protector. She didn’t know your past at all, but it was clear you felt as if you owed Grace.

The two of you finally came to the end of the hall where there was a closed door. You glanced back at Ana and smirked before twisting the doorknob and letting the door swing open. You stepped back, allowing Ana to pass into the room first. Ana glanced at you questioningly but any questions she had died on her lips when she saw a large room filled with clothes.

“Joey, welcome,” Grace said. “We don’t have much time, so we have to do this quick.”

“What is all this?” Joey asked.

“Our work involves a lot of powerful people.”

“Turns out being rich isn’t enough,” you said. Joey turned to see you leaning against a small desk against the wall. “They have to have an edge,” you chuckled humorlessly. “Anything to get more power.”

“Sometimes we,” Grace gestured between herself and you. “Have to go to events. It helps keep up appearances. Others,” she gave a little shrug. “It’s like tonight and we need to infiltrate and sadly your clothes will not allow you entry.”

Joey looked down at herself, she couldn’t help but pull at her leather jacket. She knew they were going to a super-rich and exclusive party; she should have known her normal attire wouldn’t be acceptable.

“Which is why I have this,” Grace continued, gesturing to everything around her. “These,” she walked over to a rack of gorgeous dresses. “Meet the criteria for tonight.” Joey’s eyes widened, she had only ever seen dresses like these in movies or on the cover of magazines. “Go through them and pick one out you like.”

“Seriously?” Joey couldn’t help but ask. Grace nodded and Joey made her way over to the rack, gently running her figures across the soft fabric before she started to rifle through them.

“Go get dressed,” Grace said, waving you off. “Your stuff is already in your room.”

You let out an exaggerated sigh as you pushed off the desk and made your way out of the room. “I let them pick out their outfit one time,” Grace said, shaking her head. “Never again.” Joey couldn’t help but smile at that, you definitely didn’t seem like the type to love wearing fancy clothes and dressing up.

“They live here?” Joey couldn’t help but ask.

Grace opened her mouth, pausing as she flicked her eyes back to Joey. “Sometimes,” she settled on. “They have a room and stay more often than not.”

Joey let out a little hum and went back to flipping through the dresses. After going through them all she flipped back through, stopping at a simple black dress that had a thigh cut. Her hands played with the edge of the fabric; it was probably the softest piece of clothing she had ever felt.

“Gorgeous,” Grace whispered, appearing behind her. “Try it on.”

Joey hesitantly took it off the hanger and went behind a curtain that was across the room. She had worn a dress a few times, they just weren’t her preference. Joey preferred to be in jeans and a T-shirt, with the occasionally leather jacket. She also wasn’t sure where she was supposed to hide a gun while wearing a dress.

Once Joey quickly got changed, she couldn’t help but look at herself in the mirror. The dress fit her perfectly, hugging her in all the right places. She pulled back the curtain, still looking down at herself as she stepped back into the room. She didn’t look up until she heard Grace suck in a breath.

“Gorgeous,” Grace whispered. “You definitely won’t have a problem gaining the attention of the entire room.

“Is that what the plan is?” Joey question. She couldn’t help but run her hands down the front of her dress, she wasn’t sure if she was trying to smooth the fabric out or wipe the sweat off her hands. Joey had never been on a job where her mission was to gain the attention of others, usually she was meant to not draw attention to herself.

“Let’s do your hair,” Grace said. She walked over to a small vanity near the window before Joey could respond.

Joey followed, taking a seat in the chair. Grace began running her hands through Joey’s hair and fiddling with the ends. “Up or down?” She asked.

“Up?” Joey said, she hadn’t meant for it to come out like a question.

Grace narrowed her eyes and nodded. Joey could only watch as Grace got to work, pulling out sprays, a curler, and several clips. Joey raised her eyebrows but didn’t question it, Grace seemed to know what she was doing. At one point Grace spun Joey around in the chair so Joey was no longer facing the mirror, she’d truly have to trust Grace now.

After several minutes Grace spun her back around. “What do you think?” She whispered, moving a few strands of Joey’s hair so they perfectly framed her face.

Joey’s mouth fell open. “Wow,” she breathed out.

She didn’t miss the way Grace smirked, clearly proud of her work. She had every right to be proud, Joey’s hair had never looked so good in her entire life, she almost felt like a different person. Her hair was being held up by various clips and other things, her bangs fell neatly down in front of her forehead, and a few longer strands hung loosely to the side to frame out her face.

There was a light knock at the door, but Joey could barely register it. “You can come in,” Grace called out.

“Alright, let’s do…” Joey swiveled around in the chair when you trailed off. You were in the middle of fixing your cufflinks, but your entire body seemed to be frozen as your eyes were focused on her. “Wow,” you breathed out. “You look…” you shook your head, your eyes never leaving her. “Wow.”

Joey slid out of the chair and walked over to you; she didn’t miss the way your eyes somehow widened even more as they scanned over her body respectfully. She glanced you up and down as well, you were wearing a black suit, a white shirt underneath, and your pocket had a pop of color with a red handkerchief. She never expected you to pull off a suit so well, but you definitely looked the part of a rich millionaire or someone surviving off their trust fund. It was clear you had showered and had made your hair presentable enough but were keeping it to its standard look, not that there was anything wrong with that, you still looked amazing.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she said. “Can’t deny, I’m surprised by the suit.”

You smirked and went back to fixing your cufflinks. “Didn’t want a dress to clash with the lovely Ms. Knight’s.” Joey rolled her eyes. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to overshadow you.”

Joey couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “I can picture you in a dress even less.”

“Don’t be jealous,” you straightened out the rest of your jacket. “You just know I would look hot.”

“Behave,” Grace said. “Let’s go, you need to head out soon.”

The two of you followed Grace out of the room and back downstairs. She led the two of you to a room near the one that seemed to be her office. When she opened the door Joey’s eyes widened at the large garage-like room. There was a table in the middle of the room, a work bench off to the left just past the door, a large metal cage lined the wall across from the door, which was filled with guns and various other weapons, and on the far wall there was another workbench with more equipment hanging from the wall.

“Damn,” Joey said. She dealt with her fair share of weapons and people who liked weapons, this was probably the nicest setup she had ever seen though.

Grace moved to the closest workbench, opening the drawer underneath the table. She pulled out a little black box and tossed it to you. You flipped open the lid and pulled out a small earbud. You held out the open box for Joey and she grabbed the other earbud and placed it in her ear.

“It should be small enough and rest far enough in your ear to not draw suspicion,” Grace said. “I will remain here but will be in communication with you the entire time.”

You tapped the ear you had placed the earbud in. “Can you hear me?” You asked.

A second later Joey heard your voice come through the device in her ear. “All clear,” she said.

“They shouldn’t be screening for weapons since it’s an exclusive party,” Grace said. “But in case they are make sure your weapons remain hidden. This has to go down quietly.” She flicked a knowing glare at you.

You gasped in offense and held a hand to your heart. “I’m not the one who makes it loud,” you said. “I’m innocent.” You raised a hand as if you were swearing to the gods above.

Grace scoffed, clearly not believing you. Joey also didn’t believe it and she didn’t even have the history you and Grace had. From the first meeting it was clear you were a troublemaker. Joey wouldn’t be surprised if you ended up making the missions harder than they needed to be and caused a bigger mess because of it.

“Whatever,” you rolled your eyes. “You know,” you gave a little shrug as if you were trying to appear nonchalant. “This is a high-end party.” Grace hummed and crossed her arms, as if she knew where you were going with this. “Looking the part is important but so is showing up in style.” You gave her an innocent smile.

Grace narrows her eyes, continuing to glare at you. “Please,” you pouted, making sure to give your best puppy dog eyes. Joey had to admit, it was quite convincing.

“Fine,” Grace rolled her eyes. “If there’s a single scratch on her-”

“I know, I know,” you raised your hands in surrender.

Grace rolled her eyes and mumbled something that sounded like she’d regret this. She turned and opened another drawer at the workbench. She pulled out two little envelopes and handed them out to you and Joey. “Your covers,” she said.

Joey opened the envelope and saw a very good fake ID. “Josephine?” she asked, wrinkling her nose at the name.

“Joey doesn’t sound very high society.” Joey shrugged; she couldn’t argue with that logic. “And I assumed you wouldn’t want to use Ana.” That was also correct, Ana was her real life, Joey was her cover, and now Josephine was her covers cover.

You chuckled; Joey only caught a glance, before you slipped the ID into a wallet then into your pocket, but it was clear you got to keep your name for your cover. “Get going,” Grace ordered. “Remember just because you’re arriving together doesn’t mean you’re together.” You and Joey both nodded. “You’ll need to divide and conquer to investigate both people.”

“Understood,” Joey said.

“Be safe,” she was talking to the both of you, but she was looking at you when she said it.

“I’m always safe,” you said, giving Grace your famous smirk.

You nodded to a door at the other end of the room and Joey followed you. When you swung open the door Joey was met with the sight of a large garage, filled with various expensive care. You stood in front of a brick wall with a little box that contained the keys to all the vehicles. You clicked your tongue as you thought about which key to grab. Joey didn’t think you could go wrong, she was sure if the two of you pulled up in any of them, you’d both pass as high society. Joey was even tempted to say your Jeep could pass as well, you kept it in very nice condition, at least when it wasn’t covered in mud.

You smiled as you finally picked out which keys you wanted. Joey followed you over to a two-door black convertible. She furrowed her brow when she saw you walking to the passenger side but tilted her head as you opened the door and gestured for her to get in. She didn’t understand you, there were times you were annoying but then you could turn around and be a perfect gentleman.

“Thank you,” Joey said, giving you a small nod. You just smiled at her and gently closed the door after making sure her feet and arms were fully in the vehicle. It was really hard for her to be mad at you when you were being so considerate. She had almost forgotten she yelled at you before coming here.

She couldn’t help but chuckle as you excitedly jogged around the front of the car to the driver's side. You slipped in, instantly running your hands over the steering wheel. It was clear you didn’t get to drive this car very often. Joey had only been in the car with you a few times, but you were a decent driver, though she also wasn’t surprised that Grace didn’t let you regularly drive cars that were probably well over a hundred grand.

As you started the car the dashboard and all the buttons lit up blue. You tapped a button and the garage door in front of you opened. You smirked before pressing the gas and speeding out of the garage. Luckily the gate was already open because Joey wasn’t sure you would have stopped. You glanced at the GPS when the directions popped up for where you were headed.

You let out a whistle and turned the car out onto the road. “You ever been there before?” Joey asked, nodding at the GPS. She couldn’t see exactly where the place was, but it was clearly in the middle of nowhere, she wondered why all the weird shit happened at mansion’s in the middle of nowhere.

“The address or the area?” you asked.

“Either.”

“Nope,” you shrugged. “Neither.” Joey flicked you a glare, you were such an ass. “Super high end, more than this,” you gestured around as you passed mansion after mansion. Rather secluded, miles between each house.”

“Sounds like the perfect place to cover up murders.”

“It always is,” you mumbled. Joey spared you another glance, her eyes flicking from your clenched jaw to your hands that were gripping the steering wheel. If you had super strength Joey was sure you’d rip the steering wheel in half with how tight you were gripping it.

You seemed to relax further into the drive. Joey wasn’t sure what it was, you were very good at controlling your emotions, but it seemed like random things that set you off. Luckily, the drive from Grace’s place was only half an hour, though Joey would admit the view was amazing.

When you got closer to the address Joey noticed how the environment changed. The roads were perfectly paved, the trees lining the street on both sides were perfectly trimmed back, and once they passed a house it was at least another five-minute drive before the next one, sometimes more depending on how much land the person owned.

You finally pulled down a long driveway which was lined with other cars. You pulled behind a red corvette. It seemed the line of cars led to the front of the house. Once a car got up to the front its passengers got out and ascended the stone steps that led to the mansion that sat atop a small hill. A valet seemed to take over driving afterwards and would park the car in a reasonably sized lot off to the side.

When you finally got to the front you parked the car, quickly hopping out and making your way around to the passenger side. Joey had just taken off her seatbelt as you were opening her door. You held out your hand, helping her step out of the vehicle. You smirked as you looked her up and down one more time. “You look gorgeous,” you whispered. You tossed the keys across the car to the valet on the other side.

Joey kept her hand on your arm as the two of you began your walk up the steps. She couldn’t help the way her mouth fell open at the size of the mansion. She thought Grace’s mansion was huge, but this one was more than two times as big. There was a large fountain in the middle of the pathway that led to the house. The double oak doors at the front of the house were wide open as a line of people showed their invitations to get in.

Joey looked down when she felt you pull your arm away. She watched as you reached into your coat and pulled out an invitation, the same invitation Grace had shown her the day before. Joey smiled at the doorman as he took the invitation you handed him and watched as he placed it in a neat stack with the others. The doorman gave the two of you a nod but otherwise showed no hint of an emotion. He was dressed in black pants, black dress shoes, a long black coat, and white gloves. As the two of you entered the house Joey could see all the waitstaff wearing the same thing.

You led Joey into a grand ballroom where a live band was playing, and people were already dancing. You effortlessly weaved your way through the people as if you had done it a hundred times. Joey started to question whether she was wrong about you, maybe you were familiar with this life, though nothing before this indicated that, everything about you actually pointed to the exact opposite.

When the two of you finally emerged from the small crowd Joey saw you had brought her to the bar. She rolled her eyes and turned her attention to the crowd. This was her first mission, and it seemed you intended to drink, one minute you were completely professional then the next you weren’t. As her eyes scanned the crowd her ears were filled with fake laughter, everyone seemed to be partnered up or in their own little social circle.

She couldn’t help but jump when she felt something cold and wet brush against her arm, her eyes snapped down to see you holding out a glass with a clear liquid and some nice. “I don’t drink,” she said and moved to continue watching the crowd. It was still early but she was hoping one or both of their suspects were there already.

“It’s sprite,” you said.

“What?” Joey snapped her eyes to you, but your eyes weren’t on her, they were on the crowd. You raised your drink to your lips, but your eyes never left the crowd.

“It’s Sprite,” you said again, giving the glass you still held out to her a little shake.

She hesitantly took the glass from you and took a sip. It was Sprite, just like you said. “Thank you.” You only gave her a small nod in acknowledgment.

The two of you nursed your drinks, waiting and watching as more and more people slowly began to fill the room. When the hour hit, and the party officially began the band switched their tune and began playing a slower song.

“Care to dance?” You asked, already holding out your hand to her.

She looked down at your hand and couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. You tilted your head and raised an eyebrow at her. “You’re serious?” She asked.

You nodded. “We gotta act casual.” She took your hand, and you instantly led her to the middle of the dance floor. You put your hands on her waist while she rested hers around your neck. “Besides, I got to show off my moves if I stand a chance of getting Ms. Knights attention.”

Joey just hummed in response and followed your lead as the two of you began to move in sync to the music. “So, that’s your plan, seduce one of the suspects?”

You gave a small shrug. “If it works it works.” She rolled her eyes at that. She didn’t disagree with you but seducing an unknown supernatural creature that kills people didn’t seem like the smartest idea. “Figured I’d take the lovely Ms. Knight while you take Mr. Carter.”

“I’m not sleeping with him.”

“No, one’s asking you to,” you said quickly, wrinkling your nose in disgust. “God,” you shook your head. “That’s not what we do here. Just dance with him, flirt, try and get him to murder you.” Joey glared at you. “Nothing is going to happen to you,” you stared straight into her eyes. “I’ll be right there.” you pulled her closer. he could feel your lips brushing against her ear. “Do you see them?”

Joey flicked her eyes around the room, Marcus Carter had entered a moment ago and was already at the bar, drink in hand, as he chatted with a couple men. She then flicked her eyes across the room to where Karoline Knight was standing, she was at the top of the steps by a doorway, overlooking the whole room. “Got them,” she mumbled.

You leaned back and smiled at her before giving her a little spin then pulled her back into your arms. “Before we get this started,” you mumbled against her ear. “I wanted to apologize for earlier.” Joey’s entire body tensed up, but she didn’t say anything. “I didn’t mean to overstep. I won’t do it again.”

“Thank you,” Joey whispered. “I’m sorry as well, I might have overreacted a bit.”

“Don’t apologize.” Joey furrowed her brow as the two of you broke apart, the song as well as your dance finally coming to an end. “You’re just protecting your son, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Before Joey could respond you were disappearing through the crowd. When she glanced around people, she could make out you subtly making your way over to Karoline. Joey shook her head, you were so damn considerate, it was quite annoying. She decided this meant it was time for her to make her way to Marcus.

She weaved in between people, casually making her way over to the bar. When she got there, she didn’t so much as glance at Marcus as she leaned on the counter asking the bartender for the same thing she had before. She could feel Marcus’s eyes on her the second she got close to the bar. She thanked the bartender as he slid her another sprite in a glass and then turned to continue watching the people on the dance floor.

“Where’s your partner?” Marcus said, sliding over next to her.

Joey still didn’t bother glancing at him as she found you across the room talking to Karoline. “Don’t have a partner,” she finally said. She watched as you grabbed two glasses of champaign from one of the waiters walking around, handing one to Karoline before toasting.

“Really? Cause you sure looked cozy dancing with them.” He slid closer to her, so his jacket was just barely brushing against her arm.

“They asked,” she shrugged. “Guess they were a good dance partner.” You were a good dance partner; Joey didn’t even realize in the moment how effortless it had been dancing with you.

“Are you open to other dance partners?”

Joey finally turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow in challenge. “If they can keep up.”

Marcus chuckled, he finished off his drink before taking Joey’s hand in his own and brought his lips down, kissing the back of her hand. “Marcus Carter, it’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.

“Josephine,” Joey said, smiling as the fake name rolled off her tongue easily.

“Well, Josephine,” Marcus looked up at her, barely moving away from her hand. “Would you honor me with a dance?”

Joey nodded and allowed Marcus to lead her onto the dance floor. They got to the middle of the dance floor just as a new song started up. She allowed Marcus to take the lead, the dance with him was a little faster than the one with you and it didn’t require her having to be close with him for too long. As he turned her and spun her around, she caught sight of you talking to Karoline, leaning closer and whispering in her ear, until finally she saw Karoline grab your hand and drag you out of the room.

Joey tried not to panic at losing sight of you, you still had your earpiece so she could still talk to you. She wasn’t usually nervous on a job but considering this was her first official mission dealing with something supernatural and the fact that neither of you knew what you were actually dealing with, she wasn’t exactly at ease not having you in her line of sight. She kept telling herself that you have been doing this longer than her, that you and Grace have been at this a long time, you know what you’re doing, even if you act like you don’t.

Joey had her back to Marcus as he led her from behind. Joey turned her head, smiling back at Marcus as he gave her one last spin, ending the dance. “Join me for a drink?” he asked.

Joey nodded. She followed him back through the crowd to the bar. The bartender seemed to already know his order because he had a drink ready for Marcus in seconds. “Just water,” Joey said when the bartender looked at her. Marcus scrunched his eyebrows at her choice. “Need to rehydrate,” she smiled, trying to brush it off. “All that dancing, need to make sure I can go all night.”

Marcus smiled, handing Joey her water when the bartender put it on the counter. “Cheers to that.”  He raised his glass and Joey happily clinked hers against it.

As she brought the glass to her mouth she stared into Marcus’s eyes, getting a good visual of his left hand as he raised his own glass to his mouth. Joey turned away, leaning back against the bar as she looked out at the dance floor, the next song was much more fast paced than any of the previous ones.

“You know,” Joey said, turning back to Marcus with a smile. “I’m a little famished, I’m going to see what’s to eat.”

“No, no,” he said, smiling at her. “Anything in particular?”

“Surprise me.” Marcus wandered off into the crowd towards a table lined with food.

“Grace,” Joey whispered just in case anyone else was listening. “Can you hear me?”

“What’s going on?” Grace’s voice came through the earpiece.

“Is Marcus married?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?” Joey moved her head, glancing around the people as best as she could to see Marcus at the table loading up a little plate.

“There’s no evidence of a marriage, why?”

“His ring finger has a tan line.” When she got an actual visual of his hand it had been so obvious, it was clear he wore a ring on his left ring finger. The tan line was so obvious it seemed he had just taken it off for the night.

“Give me a second.” Joey nodded and watched as Marcus grabbed another plate. Once both plates were loaded up, he turned and slowly began making his way back towards Joey. “There’s no indication he’s married, no official documentation, no photos, literally nothing.”

“Something doesn’t feel right about this,” Joey mumbled. “Can you get ahold of Y/N?”

“You lost them?” Joey tried to ignore the concern in Grace’s voice.

“They’re with Karoline,” Joey defended weakly.

“Dammit, pain in my ass,” Grace mumbled to herself.

That made Joey feel better, she at least knew you wandering off with a potential killer was nothing new. She smiled just as Marcus returned, handing her a plate of something. “Thank you,” she said, taking the plate from him. She looked down at the small portions, each item looking like finger food, though she hoped no one asked her what it was because she would not be able to tell them.

“Joey?” Grace’s voice came through the earpiece again. Joey gave a little hum as she ate one of the items on the plate, it was the only way to show Grace she was listening. “Y/N’s not answering comms.” Joey sucked in a breath; she really was starting to not have a good feeling about this. “Don’t panic, stay the course. They know how to handle themselves, if there’s trouble they would have called.”

Joey nodded to herself and continue to smile as Marcus talked about something. She decided to believe Grace, though Grace herself didn’t sound all to convinced. Joey kept at least one eye scanning the room for you, she wanted to get eyes on you again. She never thought she’d say this, but she was honestly hoping you were just hooking up with Karoline and nothing was seriously wrong. Joey’s life was never that lucky though.

Taglist: @thinking1bee @so-to-aqui-pelas-fic @alexkolax @pianogirl2121

[wulvercazz]

🐆Zookeeper AU🐆

Reposting this AU in full, writing and all💕 This one was first posted back in January of 2021 😵‍💫✨ Hope u enjoy~!

❗️CW- slight Terato, Grimm has a ✨uterus✨, Monsters treated like animals

Inspo for this- Olmec Mythology (Were-Jaguar myth), Lionesses that grow manes, and lots of feral-themed songs~💕

Ichigo is a keeper at a cryptozoo (basically a zoo for mythical creatures or beasts from legends) Their most recent addition is Grimmjow, a male were-jaguar gifted to their reserve by México; very aggressive, and wary of people. And Ichigo is his designated main caretaker.

Were-jaguars were described in stories as impossible creatures, with jaguar features and human bodies; the species as it’s known today is very similar in temperament to a common jaguar, but far more intelligent and aggressive to humans. Males and females are pretty similar in build, but the males have manes that make them easier to identify.

Ichigo really likes the were-jaguar; he can’t get too close when feeding him, but while Grimm is eating, he gets to watch from outside his enclosure. Then he can truly admire its beauty. It’s a shame that creatures like him become myths for their fear of humans, lose their habitats and source of food because of them.

They have an arrangement with another cryptozoo a few states away. they’ll get their were-jaguars together to hopefully start breeding. All in hopes to increase their species numbers from their dangerously low count, captive bred were-jaguars aren’t very common either.

So Ichigo is tasked with socializing Grimmjow; he is extra careful, extra patient. Grimm is shy, Ichigo finds; always running away the second he sets foot inside the enclosure. But the  aggression doesn’t stop, were he to come too close; specially when food is involved.

Slowly, every day, and being careful to use exactly the same vest every time he comes into the enclosure (lest he lose the familiar scent), Ichigo stays a little longer. Calm, unthreatening. Eventually, Grimmjow comes out of his shell; gets a little closer, glares a little less and is comfortable enough to even close his eyes a bit and enjoy the sun in his presence. Ichigo is delighted about his progress.

Until one day Grimmjow jumps him.

For a few seconds, Ichigo thinks that’s it; he read it all wrong and now this creature was going to rip him apart. Except Grimm instead starts grooming him. Opening his lethal jaws and, with menacing fangs closer to his eyes than Ichigo is comfortable with, gently biting his face, then rubbing his cheek all over it. Ichigo is freaking out, okay? So maybe Grimmjow likes him now, great, but those teeth are still on his face.

The other keepers find it hilarious though; their faces going red and purple from holding their laughter for too long. 

“... help ...” Ichigo mouths at them as Grimmjow continues to purr and croon away. 

Eventually, they do help him out, all while giggling like idiots— right until their laughter annoys Grimmjow enough for him to hiss and scare them off. After that, it becomes their new normal. Ichigo has to stay a couple minutes every time he comes in, while the were-jaguar rubs his face on him and tangles his hair with his sand-paper tongue.

They even test it out once, someone else tries getting near the enclosure: it’s back to aggressive, scary jaguar; and Ichigo is very proud to be the one to have befriended the creature.  They schedule the meeting with the other zoo’s were-jaguar.

When the day comes, and Grimmjow meets the other creature, Ichigo fights the need to bite his nails. He really hopes Grimm will be nice to her. They sniff at each other, they seem a bit wary, but otherwise not aggressive. It takes them a while to settle down, and Grimmjow even appears to be interested. It seems to be going well, even! The female lays, submissive, as Grimmjow gets up from his spot and on top of her, even bites her neck a little in a show off dominance—  but then nothing.

Grimmjow walks far away, apparently done with whatever he wanted to do, and lays in a corner. Any more attempts after that to make them interact are met with more disinterest from both parts. It’s a pity. They’ll find another female, maybe.

Ichigo continues his work as usual, and Grimmjow still meets him with the same animosity, the same kitten-like playfulness. It’s all fun and games until Grimm starts grunting one day, as soon as he comes in; rolling around like a house-cat and eventually presenting his ass, tail up and huffing and grunting like he was desperate for Ichigo to get the hint. OH, DID HE SUDDENLY GET IT.

Grimmjow was... not a male. Somehow had a mane and all— but not. a. MALE. And he’d somehow decided that Ichigo was an appropriate mate. How did no one realize? How did the vets not realize? Ichigo practically runs out of there, and into the offices to get (more like demand) some answers.

Apparently, their veterinary team had tried to do a full check up, like they always do. But Grimmjow was so stressed that the adrenalin completely burned through the anesthetic, scared the vets and even almost hurt one of them. So in the end they decided to leave the little details like his sex as ‘obvious on sight’. With Ichigo’s help now, though, they are finally able to do a proper check up.

Ichigo administers the anesthetic, and stays in the room so Grimm can smell him. Turns out, he really isn’t male. Just as Ichigo theorized; but a female with a high amount of testosterone. Enough to give Grimmjow the mane and temperament of a male. 

They do eventually find another were-jaguar for breeding. Now that they know they should look for a male instead, does make it easier. Ichigo even gets the privilege to help with any future cubs. That doesn’t stop Grimmjow from trying to woo Ichigo again, though ~🌿

Ichigo is a little jealous, but only because it’s ridiculous how these jaguar-creatures have a far more exciting sex life than him.

Grimmjow for his part just enjoys the ride, even if he plays really hard to get. Can’t have them believing they can one up him just like that. He’ll get rid of them as soon as the deed is done. 

And surely enough, soon the zoo learns Grimm is pregnant; and all the staff is incredibly excited. Ichigo is sure this means he’ll have to distance himself, he’s aware of Were-jaguar’s lonely natures, and how protective they are of their young. It was already a miracle how close he could get to Grimmjow as is; would that mean he’d be allowed to stay now that he was carrying? Probably not. Much less knowing Grimmjow saw him as a male rather than a mere human.

To his surprise, however, that didn’t happen at all. He’d been instructed to be more cautious now, leave his food and get back out instead of hanging around like he used to. He tried to do that. He really did. But he took one step outside and Grimmjow yowled like he’d killed someone dear to him. The sight of it was much worse. He was staring at him with big sad eyes, wondering why Ichigo was abandoning him. Orders be damned, he was getting back in there.

Surely enough, the moment he stepped inside this time Grimmjow immediately jumped on him, holding his face close and chuffing contentedly as he rubbed his whole face on his hair. Ichigo couldn’t help but laugh when from outside Rukia (a coworker) tried to remind him he was not supposed to do that anymore. It was all words anyways, she was quickly squealing at the adorable scene and taking pictures for the zoo’s office wall.

And it stayed like that for the following months too. Especially when Grimmjow was closer to delivery and wobbled more than walked; demanding every day after his check-ups for Ichigo to stay longer and rub his belly to ease the ache.

Two adorable cubs; rambunctious from the second they could open their eyes and explore around. And once more, Ichigo was personally invited by Grimmjow himself to be present the whole time. And most check ups were done by him or in his presence, if only to keep Grimm calm; he still didn’t trust other humans too much.

When the public could finally meet the cubs, it took barely a couple days for them to become a fan favorite even before being properly named. Ayumi and Kaito💕

Extra; a couple extra designs I did for monsters on this AU💕

[serialadoptersbracket]

Round 3, Match 3: Inspector Barnes vs. August

Submitted kids:

Inspector Barnes: Anthony Lockwood, Lucy Carlyle, George Cubbins/George Karim, Holly Munro, Quill Kipps

August: Hisoka Mikage, Chikage Utsuki

Propaganda under the cut!

Inspector Barnes:

1. “Mustn't be easy keeping those three (Lockwood, George, Lucy) alive”

2. “Serial adopter of waifs and strays, carefully hidden behind the guise of strict enforcer. He's a softie and we all know it.”

3. “Even though he'd never admit this be of his grumpy character Barnes really became a father for all members of Lockwood & Co. He was the only adult who cared about their lives and he tried to keep them safe and sound, but like all teenagers they didn't listen to him. But they always knew that if they had some prolems (which they actually often had) they could always ask Barnes for help, advice or support”

4. “Barnes adopted a smiling giraffe with a death wish and a blinding smile, a 5 foot Northern bitch who can and will fight god on a Tuesday, a researcher who likes sticking his nose where he shouldn’t and three people max, and a secretary who shot at least a dozen people and is way more badass than she seems”

August:

1. “august is the adoptive older brother of hisoka mikage and chikage utsuki. for context, these characters are all spies, and were invited into the organisation by august. (also known as misha sometimes). hisoka is december, and chikage is april! their collective group name in fanon is "gekkagumi."

the first interaction we see of him in game is him adopting hisoka off the street. he was a dying homeless child, and august invited him to join the organisation. at first he declined, but august kept coming back to him until he followed (despite chikage's protests about it) he fed fed hisoka gingerbread, and declared "we're a family now."

chikage was adopted before hisoka, but we only learned more about it later in the story. chikage was living in a "facility" when he runs into august who lives in the organisation.

despite their very harsh life, august really did everything he could to give hisoka and chikage the best life he could. he loved the idea of family, and always encouraged them to celebrate christmas and birthdays, and play games!

august had a cover job where he owned a candy store. despite it just being a cover, august loved it and had a genuine care for the children. he used to give away free sweets to the point his shop was actively going out of business, and whenever he saw a sad kid he'd try his best to cheer them up. people around the town came in just to talk to him, to the point where hisoka said when he was covering the shop for him, the first thing people would ask was "where's misha?"

in his shop, he also used to have a myth that if you wrote a wish on a certain brand of cookie's wrapper, the wish would come true. august spoke excitedly of the wishes kids would wish for.

events in the story lead up to august's untimely death. years later, hisoka runs into a kid who used to go to his shop. this child had wished to be a painter, and was now painting. he actually ended up in possession of a wrapper august wrote on which said ""a happy family."" however, the boy couldn't read japanese and didn't know what it said. despite that, he held onto the wrapper for years after august's disappearance. he also manages to draw a picture of him from memory. :((“

2. “he's so . gwahh he just wants to give them a nice family”

3. “please vote for august!! he is such a kind soul who shows so much generosity and selflessness despite the cruel circumstances he was stuck in.”

[asnowdriftsomewhere]

Daylight pt2

Cassian x f!reader

Part 1

AN: Thanks for the love for part 1. I hope you enjoy this next part

Summary: Cassian has questions about the female living with him for the next six months. As it turns out, you have a few questions of your own.

Warnings: implied trama, references to war and gore, sexual tension

Word count: 2416

Cassian watched you in the days that followed that first meeting in the depths of the library. He watched for any sign of that slithering piece of daylight, so like his brother's shadows, as you breezed in and out of the House of Wind. You never stayed for long, only bothering to make a short appearance each morning for breakfast before disappearing into the dust covered stacks. You would emerge hours later to very quickly eat dinner and then retire to the bedroom he and Azriel had cleaned out for you all those weeks ago; when Rhys had told them about the Day Court researcher who would be staying with them at the house for six months at Helion's request. The Day Lord didn't say why he wanted you to come to the Night Court when his many libraries were said to be far more impressive than the one you now worked in. Or, at least, if he did, then Rhys had decided not to share that information. And he supposed it didn't matter, not really, as your presence had proven to be more or less inconsequential to the General.

Still, he couldn't help but idly wonder at the reasons your High Lord had ordered you here. If it was really for research purposes or some other, potentially sensitive, reason. If it was the former, then you were being remarkably secretive about your interests. Even Gwen couldn't make heads or tails of what you could possibly be looking into when she'd taken a sly glance at the titles of books you'd gathered on your table one day. It ranged anywhere from the creation myths of the world, to personal memoirs of seemingly random individuals, to even children's stories. It peaked all the female's interests during their morning training sessions and had been a topic of debate through their opening stretches more often than he cared for.

And, if it was the latter… if there was potentially a secret, sensitive reason for your presence, then he supposed it wasn't his business to pry. Mother knew he sometimes needed the space and time to deal with his own shit. He just hoped that when you were ready, you had someone to talk to about whatever it was that left your gaze vacant most nights when he sat across from you at dinner. Someone who understood whatever it was that sent you into the dark.

“Good morning…” he trailed off as he entered the dining room one morning, about a week after that first meeting. He looked to your usual spot at the table only to find it empty, not even a whiff of your scent to let him know if you had simply gotten an early start. But, before the frown could fully set on his face, a glimmer in the corner caught his eye. Turning towards the window, he saw that slip of daylight drift across the floor towards the veranda that overlooked the city far below and…

Cassian's breath caught in his chest, and he shifted onto his back foot. You had dragged a small table and a chair out to the railing and were sunning your perfect face in the early morning light. The golden rays of the sun that you alway glowed with seemed to almost sparkle as sunbeams danced across your skin.The wind gently flowing through your hair carried your scent to him where he now stood in the doorway, watching you. It was impossible for someone to be that stunning, that unendingly beautiful, and yet he found himself mesmerized every time he saw you.

“Are you going to stand there gawking all morning?” Your question came out as a sigh, your voice like a melody he once heard.

Cassian shifted on his feet, his wings tucking in. “I didn't mean to stare.” He hadn't, but he often found he couldn't help himself when it came to you.

“Males never do,” your voice was dry as you opened up your eyes to look towards him. “It would seem that your entire species is incapable of restraint.”

He gave you a halfway cocky grin, “Are all Day Court females so full of themselves? Or are you just a special case?”

That earned him a smirk, “Sit, General. Eat with me.” He looked down to see another chair, this one with a low back to accommodate his wings, appear opposite yours. A plate of his preferred breakfast was already waiting for him.

You went back to warming your face in the gentle morning light as he took his seat. Head tipped back, eyes closed, all emotions drained from your features as the sunbeams flitted across them. Warm and welcoming, you breathed into the wind as Cassian ate his food. A sort of comforting quiet passing between you for a time.

“I never thanked you,” you spoke when he was nearly finished with his breakfast.

He looked up at you slowly, “What for?”

“Coming to check on me,” you admitted, almost sheepishly. “It was a kindness. I should have thanked you.”

He shrugged as he resumed eating, “Clotho asked me too. Plus, it's not like it was terribly difficult to just pop in.”

You raised an eyebrow, a sort of thoughtful confusion in your eyes, “Do you not fear the lower levels?” He went still for a moment, “I heard that you and the High Lady had a terrible experience down there.”

It was his turn to raise an eyebrow. “Have you been asking about me, Y/N?” You blushed and Cauldron damn him if it wasn't the most lovely thing he'd seen in the last decade, at least.

You waved off his question, “I merely overheard a few of the Priestesses speaking about it when I was fetching another book for my research.”

He studied you for a moment. His gaze was far more assessing than you thought the General was capable of before he set down his fork and leaned back in his chair. For a moment, you thought maybe you had offended him, that you had brought up some terrible thing he'd rather not speak on. But he offered you an easy smile even as he crossed his arms over his chest. “How about this,” he began, a spark of mischief in those hazel eyes. “A question for a question. If you're so curious, we can get to know each other that way.”

You let out a laugh, “Are you bargaining with me, General?”

He shrugged, the corner of his mouth twitching up, “I see no reason to bring magic into it, but I will admit I have questions, and you've hardly been available for me to ask.”

Your eyes flashed, and for a moment, he worried if he'd pushed too far, if he'd overstepped in some way. But you just settled into your chair, a sort of challenge in your features that had not been there a moment ago. “My research is off limits.”

He nodded once, “Fair enough. Do you want to go first?” You only raised an eyebrow, a pointed look on your face as he recalled your earlier question. “Right, the lower levels.” He told you about Bryaxis, the creature of nightmares that once dwelled in the darkest parts of the library. He told you of how they hunted for it still after it failed to return after the war. And he told you of the presence the Priestesses sometimes felt when they ventured into the deepest levels. As if something still lurked in the dark.

“I see,” you bit your lip as you thought, and he tipped his head to the side.

“Have you ever felt anything like that? When you're reading in the lowest levels?”

“No,” you sighed, meeting his gaze, “but creatures like that don't usually care for individuals such as I.” A gesture to your body and the faint glow you emitted at all times. “It's hard to lurk in the dark when there is always light.”

“True.” he let his eyes drop, respectfully, to your neck, your collarbone, your- He snapped his eyes back to yours. A knowing smirk on your lips. “Right, my question now-”

“Actually,” you smiled like a cat toying with its dinner, and he raised an eyebrow, “You asked a question, so it's my turn again.”

“Wha-” he frowned, replaying the conversation before letting out a long breath. “Right. Go on then.”

You laughed once before your expression shifted. Your face softened, and your eyes dropped to the table as you seemed to think over your words carefully, “Have you ever heard a swan song?”

He blinked once, the corners of his lips tugging down, “Uh, no. I didn't know swans were song birds.”

You didn't meet his eyes, “They're not, except for right at the end. Just before they die, they make the most beautiful music. At least, that's what some legends say. Some say that they are always singing their songs, and only when we are on the brink of death might we hear the melody. I just wondered if you, a prolific warrior and General, might have… heard it.”

Cassian frowned now as he thought. He'd been in plenty of difficult battles and nearly died more times than he or his family cared to think about. But had there been music? He always thought of battles as a dance, the clashing of blades and beating of wings like a song in his soul. A war drum that called to his very blood. Did that change when he went down? When the enemy closed in and his strength was not enough- When Az was carrying him through the mud, his guts hanging out of his body- did the music shift then? Was there a different song in his head? In his heart?

“Yes,” he answered finally, and your eyes snapped to his, “Yes, I think I might have.”

You held his gaze intently, as if looking for the honest truth in his words and fearing you might find a bitter lie. He didn't look away, didn't falter as you assessed him. That golden gaze drinking in everything that he was and is and would be as if you would never see it again. The moment felt charged in a way he had not anticipated. Like a live wire had connected the two of you, and his blood was electric in his veins. His skin was too tight, and gods, he was hot, and you- you were just sitting there watching him. An unruffled goddess glowing in the morning light.

“Y/N-”

A noise behind him broke the tension as he turned to see Nesta standing in the door to the dining room. Arms crossed, and an eyebrow raised she smirked at him as if catching him in the act of something uncouth. Cassian only raised a hand as if to ask ‘what?’ before he turned back to where you sat.

Only your seat was empty. Your plates were gone, and not even your scent lingered to prove you had been there to begin with. He looked around, even going so far as to glance over the railing in case you had jumped, but there was nothing.

“Good meal?” Nesta asked, leaning against the door frame. The delighted, wicked smile on her face told Cassian all he needed to know about how this morning's lesson with the Valkyries would go.

He cleared his throat, “You didn't happen to see a certain Day Court female jump off the veranda, did you?”

Nesta's grin only grew, “Oh no, Cassian. As far as I could tell, you were sitting here all by yourself.”

“Right,” he stood up, placing his napkin on his now empty plate. “Shall we go? The other will be waiting on us.”

“Oh don't hurry on our account,” she teased him, “You seemed to be staring quite intensely at nothing. We wouldn't want to interrupt whatever it was you were thinking so hard about.”

He only leveled his gaze at her, “Keep talking, Nes. Cause it sounds to me like you want to do five extra sets of squats today. I'm sure your fellow Valkyries will thank you for it.”

The two of them walked away, playfully sparing with their words as they disappeared through the dining room and into the hall. You watched them go, a sort of wistfulness filling your chest as you dropped the glamor that had concealed you from sight. It was a rare magic, true invisibility. One you were only able to wield due to the light based nature of your magic. And one you used so selectively, not even Helion knew you could do it.

You felt bad, letting Cassian look like a fool staring into nothing and then vanishing so even he couldn't see you, but it had been instinct. A reflex you couldn't stop to conceal yourself from view the moment your daylight whispered that someone was approaching and you found yourself trapped within his hazel gaze. It had been almost hypnotic, the way he looked at you. Admiringly. Reverently. It made your heart beat fast, and your blood run hot, and something in your chest twisted with pain. Perhaps it was dangerous, allowing the General to get close to you. Perhaps you should return to the library depths and not return until your High Lord came to fetch you. But even as the thoughts crossed your mind, you dismissed them. Clotho had sent him after you once for that nonsense. You didn't see the female having any qualms about doing it again.

Still, some distance might be a good idea. You chewed on your bottom lip as you looked out to the city so far below and sighed. Not too much, but enough so that that, whatever had passed between you, did not happen again.

Your daylight circled your ankle, a cat begging for attention. Your smile turned soft as you dropped a hand to let the light pool in your palm before bringing it to rest in your lap. It was a beautiful day in the Night Court, so like the warm comfort you were used to back home and yet also foreign and new. Perhaps you would explore the city a while. Take in the sights and delights of your temporary residence. Rhysand had offered to give you a tour upon arrival. To show you all his favorite spots in Velaris. Maybe it was time to accept.

After all, there were many ways to keep a male at bay.

Part 3