#i love it but it had too much fluff

[wlwizard101]

It aches to be born. It aches to grow. It aches to choose. There is no ache in death. Shall I kill you?

[emmyrosee]

I just like the smell of men’s body wash and it’s my hubby’s birthday 🥺🩷

—-

There’s a smell from the shower that Atsumu’s not used to, unless he’s in it.

On the outside, it smells like citrus and cedar, but there’s also a tinge that can only be classified as ‘the color blue’ as it circles the air around him. He furrows his brows as he lets his feet follow down the hall, into the bedroom, and right in front of the bathroom door.

You’re using his body wash.

The sound of the shower is still pattering loud as you scrub away, the music on your phone mingling with the shower water and the smell of his body wash seeping from under the door with the humidity of steam.

He smiles and bites his lip softly.

You’re using his body wash.

You’ve been together only for a few months, the necessity of keeping certain hygiene products being more important the more you spend the nights together.

And tonight, it seems like you’re more than content to use his.

It’s a few minutes after he snaps himself out of his trance, he hears the water stop, then your music pauses, and he has to fix up a facade that he wasn’t just standing outside of your shower, sniffing.

“Hey baby,” he says, pulling off his shirt with the least amount of nonchalance. “How was your shower?”

He hides a snicker as you glare at him, only in his boxers and a stretched out tee shirt.

“I hate your freaking 17-in-1 crap,” you grumble, sitting on the bed to slip on your socks. He says nothing, merely grinning as he watches you go about your routine. “Frying the ends of my hair, drying my skin. Next time we go out we’re splurging shampoo and conditioner and a good body wash.”

“You still used it though.”

“Yeah, because I ran out of my stuff that I keep here.” You say it as if your cheeks aren’t heating up before his eyes, and your hands aren’t shaking suddenly with the discussion. “You should just have good stuff then.”

Atsumu chuckles, then moves over to your perch on the bed. He takes the hands from your sock and gently kisses your knuckles, eyes fixated on yours. “I was just touching my feet,” you snort.

“Yeah; I also walk into the bathroom when you’re peeing. Transitive property, I’m still gross.”

You let out a string of laughter and lean down to meet his lips for a kiss, and he moves a hand to gently cup the back of your head to cradle you close.

When you pull away, he nudges his nose with yours, “maybe you should keep your good stuff here.”

“Or we should get you good stuff-“

“But I want yours.”

“Then we’ll buy mine-“

“I’m asking if you want to move in with me freak show,” he groans, immediately shifting to stand up and pin you to the bed, fingers tickling wildly while you kick and scream, swatting his hands away. “You gotta make every little thing a process don’t you-“

“Yes!” You squeal, and he pauses to ask you which one you’re saying yes too-

Only for you to kick him square in the gut.

And that’s exactly how atsumu wanted to spend the night he asked you to move in with him; trapped in the ER with a fractured rib.

But hey; at least you were the to take care of him.

And you never left.

[adrift-in-thyme]

I worked on the fic as promised and…it got out of hand. So instead of a snippet I’ll just give you guys the whole thing XD Thank you all for providing that extra nudge I needed to finish it!

Though there’s nothing too descriptive here, there are brief mentions of blood, injury, and captivity. So be careful and take care of yourselves <3

————————————————————-

There is another fae in their group.

Hyrule has sensed it since he joined this little band of heroes. Fairy magic is soft, gentle, easy to miss when it is not in concentrated amounts. But there is a strength to it, an unbreakable force that little else possesses.

While the dark arts are vicious, like a javelin through the heart, fairy magic is soothing and unshatterable. Dependable and comforting.

There are many different magical signatures amongst the men and boys who share his name. Some torn apart and melded back together into something stronger. Others as mighty as a gale force wind, or as swift and discerning as a rabbit, as decisive and resilient as a barricade. Still others as fierce as a soaring hawk, as vicious and protective as the wolves that prowl the forest, as crafty and quick as the mischievous foxes that sometimes play around Hyrule’s feet.

Hyrule keeps his eye on them all as they travel, discovering who they are, watching their tells, learning the ways their faces portray their emotions even when they attempt to cloak them. And he wonders who amongst them is a brother in more ways than shared spirit. Who among them flits on a pair of silken wings.

He wonders until the day Time breaks.

Their journey is a long, arduous one, treacherous and laden with pitfalls. It’s only natural that it would take its toll. Still, Time holds out impressively. Even while he studies him with the other heroes, Hyrule never sees that mask of his slip, never sees a chink in the armor he wears.

At least, not for the first three months of traveling together.

But then, one day, there is an accident. A simple slip up born of exhaustion. During a battle with a group of black-blooded beasts in Twilight’s Hyrule, Warriors doesn’t see a monster lunging for him. Not until it’s too late.

And when he crumples into a limp, bloodied heap, Time’s mask shatters.

He doesn’t manage to piece it back together for the rest of the day. Not when he carries Warriors back to camp. Not when he lays the captain down on his bed mat and helps Hyrule tend to him. Not even when Warriors comes to, groggy and sore but very much alive and very much himself.

The captain teases him about being over protective. Time’s answering smile is a hollow one that doesn’t reach his eyes.

The injury had been a severe one, Hyrule won’t deny that — perhaps, more so than any of them have endured thus far. But Time seems to take it the hardest of any of them. And Hyrule can’t help wondering if maybe, just maybe there is something more behind his behavior.

Could it be that Time has been feeling the overwhelming nature of this quest the same as the rest of them, caving beneath its weight but unwilling to show it?

So, during dinner that night when Time sets aside his untouched food and slips silently away, Hyrule trails after him.

He goes a short way into the surrounding forest, footsteps soft, ears pricked for any sound of disturbance. Then, he stops, casts a quick glance around him…and disappears.

Hyrule peeks out from the cover of a nearby bush, eyes wide as he stares at the place where the old man had stood. For a long moment, he remains motionless, thoughts whirring, trying to decipher what has just happened.

Hero of Hyrule or not, people don’t simply dissipate like the morning mist. Though, with Time’s seemingly endless collection of masks, he supposes something of the sort is possible. Still…

Hyrule frowns.

There is something else here, hovering in the damp night air. A familiar magic that now drifts lazily over to him in delicate wisps.

Hyrule straightens. His brows dip further.

He knows what Time’s magic looks like, smells like, feels like. It is difficult to ignore, after all, tangled and tortured as it is. Such power is meant to flow freely. But Time’s has been grasped in hands that are not his own, grasped and mangled, suffocated, stretched to its breaking point and further, morphed into something completely unlike what it must have been at the start.

It is nauseating to behold at times. Right now, however, right now Hyrule can’t bring himself to look away. Because threaded in between the heartbreak and pain are gentle strands of the faintest blue fae magic.

The traveler steps forward. His eyes travel over the trail Time’s power has left behind, leading all the way up into the highest branches of a nearby oak. If he squints, he can make out a tiny dot among the lush leaves, shimmering emerald.

His lips part in a silent “oh.” He dares to take another step forward, then another and another, wings issuing from his back as he goes, body shrinking until it too can soar up to the haven of foliage.

Time doesn’t startle when he lands quietly on the branch. He remains sitting where he is, legs hanging over the edge into the open air, wings wafting gracefully back and forth. Hyrule stares at them, almost taken aback by their beauty.

He should have expected it, he supposes. Every fairy’s pride is their wings, after all. But Time’s unforgiving plates of armor, his dull gray tunic and obsidian trousers, the glowing marks of crimson and navy blue adorning his face – they provide such a severe air. Strength, dedication to duty, and unyielding courage are what they convey.

His wings, however, they speak of softer things, fragile things held close and treasured.

They are long, sweeping along the height of Time’s body in flowing curves like those of a butterfly. Their translucent surface is colored a deep emerald and adorned with veins of pale pink. They remind Hyrule of the vibrancy of the forest after a long, hard storm; of the look of leaves when the emerging sun caresses their dewy surfaces.

He walks closer, almost enraptured by this sight. Perhaps, he should turn away from something so vulnerable. That is likely the polite thing to do. But he has traveled far beyond politeness now, mesmerized as he is by this discovery.

And when Time says, “Hello, Hyrule,” there is nothing in his tone to communicate that this is an invasion of his privacy. On the contrary, he sounds calm, unbothered. He pats the spot beside him and slowly, Hyrule settles down upon it. Their wings nearly touch.

“So, it’s you,” he says, awkward and awestruck.

A small smile quirks the old man’s lips. His gaze remains trained on the heroes gathered far, far below them. Their laughter and chatter float up to them in bubbles of murmured joy.

“Yes, it’s me,” he says, mildly, as though this meeting is no shock. As though he has been expecting it for a long while.

Silence settles for a moment as Hyrule scrambles for what else to say.

“How?” Is all he can come up with.

Time chuckles. Hyrule is certain the sound is lighter than usual.

“I’m not sure.” He cocks his head, bangs falling aside so Hyrule can see his markings. “I have theories, of course, but I have no way to prove any of them. And those who might have been able to explain are long gone.”

His voice is good-natured enough but the words carry a weight that Hyrule can feel in his soul. He ducks his head.

“I’m sorry.”

Time shrugs. “Their fates were not your doing. There is no need for you to ache for them. Or for me.” He turns now, a smile brightening his face once more. “What about you, Hyrule? What is the nature of your transformation? Were you born with it?”

“Oh, it’s just a spell,” Hyrule replies, quickly. “Though, I’ve wondered if I was born with fae blood in me. I don’t think it would’ve worked otherwise.”

Time hums, thoughtfully. He is quiet for a moment, once more staring down at their comrades.

“I wondered why I felt the presence of one of my brethren amongst the group. But it wasn’t my place to pry. Besides, I assumed it was only a matter of time before I discovered who it was. Secrets don’t stay concealed for long in a group such as ours.” He grins. “It seems you found me first, however.”

Hyrule laughs. “It sure seems that way.”

“That isn’t why you followed me though, is it?” The old man’s gaze is sharp and discerning as he pins Hyrule with it. The traveler fights not to sink into himself beneath it.

“No.” His voice is a bit smaller than he wants it to be, embarrassment sneaking into it against his will. “It isn’t.”

Time nods and looks away again. Stance relaxed, expression guarded, he waits. Hyrule swallows, gathers his courage, and continues.

“I saw how upset you were about Wars.”

Time flinches almost imperceptibly. The walls that had gone relatively low rise again so far Hyrule is taken aback by it. Yet, he plows on anyway.

If anything, Time’s reaction validates his decision further.

“And…I saw how you tried to hide it, too. And I wanted to make sure you were okay. Because you don’t, old man, you don’t have to hide what you feel.” His gaze travels to those magnificent wings again, grander than his own, yet so similar. “Or what you are.”

“It’s dangerous,” Time murmurs. “You know that, traveler.”

Perhaps, he is talking solely about feelings and the open expression of them. But Hyrule sees a bottle anyway, brimming with desperate magic, translucent sides smeared with blood and tears, it’s top shut so tightly the air has grown thin.

“Not with us,” he says, firm despite the dizzying rush of fear the memories bring. “Not with me.”

He scoots closer. His shoulder bumps against Time’s, their wings brush. Time’s next exhale catches at the end.

To anyone else such proximity would be touching enough, a display of closeness between two brothers in arms and spirit. But Hyrule knows that to fae it means even more than that.

Wings are not only the pride of the fairy people. They are also their greatest power — and their very life. To allow someone else to touch your wings so freely is a show of trust as momentous as when Time had shown them his ocarina. Not the one embued with sacred magic and given to him by Lullaby. No, the one that is even more precious to him that even that one. The one Sariah had given him so very, very, (very, very, Hyrule adds for good measure) long ago.

The stiffness that had seeped into Time’s posture eases slightly. Hyrule feels a smile stretch across his face.

The two of them grow silent, allowing the symphony of night creatures to fill the space between them. Hyrule swings his legs, back and forth, back and forth, listening to the crickets and owls singing in time with the laughter of his brothers. Time still looks down upon them.

Watching over them, Hyrule realizes with a sudden burst of warmth.

Their leader can seem cold sometimes, distant. Little had he known the depths of his love for the heroes with whom he shared a spirit of courage.

There is much, he thinks in wonder, that he doesn’t know about the old man.

Beside him, Time sighs and exhaustion permeates it. “You all aren’t going to give up on me, are you?”

Hyrule sends him a grin. “Nope. We’re not gonna stop until we know all your secrets. All of them. And we’ll know because you’re comfortable enough with us enough to share them, because we’ve earned your trust enough to be gifted them.”

Emotion burns in Time’s eye when he turns to the traveler. His face is more vulnerable than Hyrule has ever seen it before — even when Warriors fell.

“My trust isn’t easy to earn.”

“And Hyrule isn’t easy to save.”

Time holds his gaze for a long moment. Then, he smiles. It is small, almost shy, but Hyrule knows it is a gift. The first of many, if he’s lucky.

“Well, then, I suppose you’re amply prepared for such a challenge.”

Hyrule leans in closer, pride welling within him when Time returns the gesture, and his grin grows.

Yeah. He thinks, watching with wide eyes as fairy dust floats around them. I am.

We all are.

[drarrily-we-row-along]

May 1: Create

50 words written for the @drarrymicrofic prompt “create” for May 1.

Harry couldn’t have imagined this. Couldn’t have dreamt of what it would be like to build a life, to make a home. Together.

The counter was scratched, their furniture didn’t match, the upstairs neighbors stomped.

But he didn’t want more. Just this. The chance to create a home with Draco.

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

been thinking of getohime/reader lately….. 😵‍💫😵‍💫 this is just a short word vomit i needed to get off my chest <3

for some reason i’m imagining a college au for them right. a uni au if you will . 

but like. imagine. it’s your first week, everyone’s still adjusting, you just so happen to get them as partners for a group project…. and they’re just. kind of hard not to love? they’re both so intelligent and competent and helpful, so kind and easy to talk to.

effortlessly charming. 

suguru who brings you both coffee when you meet up for the project early in the morning, and waves you off when you try to pay him back. effortless. utahime who goes to the cafeteria to get you more when you run out, knowing the lines will be absolutely hellish. effortless — even when you catch her almost tripping over her own two feet as she nears your table.

geto and his kind eyes, utahime and her comforting smiles. their cozy sweaters and pretty hands and half-rim glasses. effortless, effortless, effortless.

it’s just a project, you barely even know them, but conversation flows so easily, and time passes so quickly. they’re both smart and maybe a little bit bossy, but in a good way — a we’ve already started on the outline while the other groups haven’t even decided on a topic kind of way. a fact they’re both evidently smug about, but they hide it well, tuck it in between upturned lips and crinkled eyes. 

it’s nice to work with people who won’t slack off, people who take their studies seriously. it’s even nicer to work with people who smile when you meet their eyes, who ask if you have any pets while showing you pictures of their own, who purr out a satisfied good work when you’re done for the day.

they’re nice. charming. you’re friends before you know it, and suddenly utahime is waiting for you outside the university every morning, suguru is taking a seat next to you whenever you have lectures together. you share pictures of your cats in the group chat you made and complain about how vague your professor’s instructions are. you learn that suguru likes to tease, that utahime can be snarky, that she laughs at her own jokes with a cute little snort. that suguru secretly likes the gossip he pretends not to indulge in. 

suguru brings you coffee, utahime gets you more; he thanks her and she smiles, you thank her and it grows. and so on.

so, really, it’s a coincidence. a stroke of luck, that you were paired up with them, that it happened so early that none of you really had the chance to establish any other friend groups. other things weren’t coincidental, like the fact that you’re so close in age, that all of you are crippling people pleasers, that you have a tendency to get attached a little too quickly.

the group project goes well, obviously. very well. again, you see the smugness in their smiles, their crinkled eyes — show offs, you think, but they’re cute about it. suguru tells you that you did well, utahime does the same. when you return the statement their smiles grow just a little wider, and you think nothing of it because that’s just how they are — effortlessly warm.

at this point, you’ve wriggled your way into each other’s routines. so nothing changes, even after you receive your passing grade. you still walk to class together, still choose to sit side by side in the lecture hall. you never delete the group chat, and the cat pictures keep coming. your friend group grows; suguru has known a guy from the physics department since middle school, utahime is good friends with a biology major. you eat lunch together, go to the nearby convenience store between lectures. study in each others’ dorms. they’re all pretty lovely.

but you, and suguru, and utahime have a special kind of bond — the kind where you could sit together in complete silence, and anyone passing by would still be able to tell you were friends. silences are always comforting, their smiles always warm.

they dote on you a lot. satoru and shoko make fun of them for it; every time utahime absently adjusts your scarf, when suguru ties your shoelaces without being asked to. you’re always in the middle, squished between them in crowded trains, right arm linked with utahime’s, touching pinkies with suguru to your left. utahime blows on your coffee before giving it to you, suguru lets you rest on his shoulder when you’re sleepy. and so on. 

and yeah, it’s kind of embarrassing, but they’re just… really casual about it? effortless, as always. like it comes to them without thinking.

but satoru and shoko still find it funny, still won’t stop referring to them as your mama and papa, won’t stop pulling your cheek and teasing you until suguru and utahime come to your rescue. which only really proves their point.

it’s a joke, obviously. none of it should be taken seriously. 

… but, as you grow closer, and time passes, you think to yourself that maybe you are a bit of a third wheel. 

because they look so good together. matching glasses, matching sweaters, matching wits and brains. they keep up with each other so effortlessly, joking around, indulging in idle banter, talking about some baseball game they both watched last night. it’s not like they ever make you feel left out; doting on you comes easy, and they make sure you’re always comfortable. 

that’s another joke — that you’re the favorite of the group. the baby. you wish you could believe it.

utahime and suguru are twin suns. bright smiles, warm souls, hearts that always melt when it matters. they shine brighter than anyone else, so you really don’t get a say in loving them. 

it’s easy to feel small, in their presence. easy to feel a sting when people mistake them for a couple, even though you have no reason to feel sad about it. they’re your friends. what business do you have in who they choose to date? 

that’s what you tell yourself, when you notice them speaking from afar. when they abruptly stop as soon as you’re in earshot. when you catch utahime texting him in the middle of your lecture, when you realize that there are things they can’t talk to you about. things they don’t want to talk to you about.

so, obviously, you assume that this is it. that your destiny is to be their third wheel, the baby of the group, the person they’ll hang out with when they need some variety. 

which is fine. obviously. even if it stings.

you know your place.

(what you don’t know is that their little talks consist of sheepish excuses and irritated grumbles, because neither of them can seem to make any kind of progress in their plan to ask you out.

when they eventually muster up the courage to corner you, to tell you, their eyes will be bright and their smiles will be kind. understanding, merciless, so bright it’ll blind you. utahime will hold your hand and suguru will adjust his glasses. they’ll be nervous, but as charming as ever.

effortless, effortless, effortless, in the way utahime will hug you once you say yes, the way suguru won’t manage to stop himself from kissing the bridge of your nose.)

until then, you’ll assume it means nothing. you’ll let them buy you coffee and adjust your scarf and dote on you, and completely miss the playful glares they shoot each other when one of them hogs your attention.

[roomy-ghosted]

My feelings towards ao3 this morning.

[xysidhequeen]

I know in your Red Knight AU, Jason when on the rampage in another realm, after finding out that Batman replace him with another Robin.

Did Danny manage to be there for him during that time?

He did! Danny was always there for Jason. He actually wanted to chase after Jason immediately, but luckily, the first thing he did was panic call Jazz, absolutely out of his mind. Jazz promptly told Danny to let Jason have some space for a little bit to process.

Which was for the best, really. Jason needed to not feel like he was trapped and that he could be angry. He never really got that before. But the most important thing is Danny came after him and brought him home. Jason needed to feel like he could be angry, but also, like his anger wouldn't mean he'd be punished or abandoned. It was a very delicate time for him, but Danny, Jazz, Sam, Tucker, and all our favorite ghosts made sure Jason knew he was very much wanted still. And that he was utterly irreplaceable.

Skulker handled this by breaking all of his weapons and suits overnight and saying he didn't know how to fix them. (Jason very much knew what he was doing, but the time spent on fixing things helped ground him)

Ember handled this by announcing that she couldn't possibly ever sing ever again unless her only other band member was there (Still very obvious, but music time with Ember usually devolved into very necessary crying time. A lot of ice cream was consumed)

Johnny and Kitty handled this by getting into a MASSIVE fight and refusing to speak to each other unless Jason mediated. (This actually was far less obvious, as the two tend to get into fights often. No one is actually certain if the fight was fake or not to this day, but they also haven't broken up once since and Jason is incredibly proud of that)

Fright Knight handled this by.... well, actually, he took the blunt approach and told Jason there was no one in any realm dead or alive he'd ever consider worthy to be his apprentice besides Jason. (This was highly effective as Frighty has always been bluntly honest with Jason. He didn't wholly believe it but it was a comfort. Frighty then beat his ass in a spar and he didn't think of much else)

Basically, everyone was there for Jason. Not just Danny. Jason was made to feel like his anger and hurt were valid, because they were. But he was also not just told, but shown how precious he was to every life he touched. He didn't get it, not at first and he struggled to really believe it.

It wasn't until later, after Danny opened up more about his own trauma and the effects it had on him that Jason actually began to somewhat understand more of what Jazz meant when she said Danny was getting better. He pieced more of the story together from the others to paint a better picture, and that's when it clicked for him. As much as he needed Danny, Danny had needed him just as much. (Clockwork may have had a hand in this as well, but whatever those two talked about, no one will ever know)

Also, as an aside, once everything calmed down, Danny was very pleased to learn the rebelling realm was now back under control and quite terrified of the Ghost King and his Knight. It saved him so much paperwork.

So yeah, this was a bit all over the place, but hopefully, it answers your question. Team Phantom and the ghosts are basically a very large family, and they might fight and bicker, but they seriously pull through and muster together if anyone is hurting. They're a bit clumsy sometimes with it, but the love they all feel is very obvious. I really, really wanted to give Jason a much more healthy origin story into becoming Red Hood than he got in canon. The poor boy went through enough. It was past time for him to get to heal.

Jason still has some hangups. His abandonment issues are still there, and his fear of rejection. But it's not as bad as it was, and because he'd been allowed to express his anger without being punished(or enabled, anger is a fine emotion to feel. But you should never let it consume you) for it, he figured out how to manage it.

He might still slip now, and then, he has trauma, and that won't go away. But Danny will never, ever let him fall. Neither will the rest of the weird little eclectic family they've built.

[osamusriceballs]

24 hours of Christmas <3

Different haikyuu characters x reader

Warnings: None

Words: ~ 2,8 k

A/n: 24 different haikyuu characters and each will get a ~100 words drabble about how they spend Christmas with you! All soft and gender neutral I think (tell me if I missed something though), no warnings here! <3

5:00 am - Ushijima

"Toshi?"

You sleepily reach for him and grab his shirt. He pauses and turns to you, just a dark silhouette in the dimly lit room.

"Go back to sleep, y/n. I'll be back when you wake up." He talks lowly, but his deep voice still fills the room in a comforting way. Reassuringly, he grabs your hand, and his thumb rubs circles on the back of your hand. "I thought you'd stay with me. It's Christmas." He hesitates and thinks about this for a second. Then, you feel the bed dip under his weight, and he pulls your body against his. "You're right. I should take a rest day. And it's Christmas." He maneuvers your body until your back presses against his chest, his warmth making you feel comforted instantly. His body entangled with yours, that's how you fall asleep again with a content smile on your face.

6:00 am - Yamaguchi

Craftsmen start their days early.

And craftsmen also work on holidays.

Two things that you had to get used to after dating Yamaguchi Tadashi for years now. Your boyfriend has to work the early Christmas shift today, which is not surprising to you.

What you didn't expect, though, was to find a fully decorated table with breakfast and a sweet note when you wake up too. "Merry Christmas! I'll miss you today, my love! Enjoy your present and breakfast and wait for me until I'm home - I want to spend the day with you <3"

7:00 am - Tendou

"Babe," he grins while he presses a kiss against your lips. You can taste the chocolate on his lips; he probably stole a bit or two while preparing all the Christmas cakes at work. "Satori, why do you still have so much energy? You probably worked 8 hours non-stop." You sleepily smile back and grab his shirt weakly to pull him in for another kiss. "The thought of coming back to you filled me with energy. Wanna spend the day with you and watch cheesy Christmas movies. I have a list of the most trashy romances. Wanna get started now?"

You groan and rub your eyes. "Maybe just a short nap? And then we can get started?"

"Okay, babe. But I might eat your special Christmas cake while you sleep." He grins mischievously, and you gasp while you hastily push back the blanket and chase him to the kitchen.

"Don't you dare!"

8:00 am - Hinata

"Shoyo," you giggle while he buries his face in the crook of your neck, feeling his soft hair tickling your cheek. "I don't wanna get up, y/n. Let's stay in bed a bit longer."

"You told me that there is a Christmas volleyball match. You told me it's a great idea to go there." You softly laugh when he whines while he keeps you from getting up. "I know. But maybe it's a bad idea. Maybe we should just stay here." You know that he's not serious, so you decide to play into his game. "Yes, Tobio can tell us about it later, huh?" Hinata raises his head instantly. "No way! Y/n, we need to go. Come!" He gently grabs your hands and directs you to the bathroom, and you let him lead you with a smile.

9:00 am - Nishinoya

"Look at this!" He excitedly points towards a dolphin, and you quickly snap a picture with your camera. "I got it, Yuu!"

If somebody had told you that you would spend Christmas in the middle of nowhere in the ocean, you would have laughed. But here you are, with only Nishinoya Yuu and more fish than you could ever count around you- and you actually couldn't be happier. "Do you want to go diving later? I have all the equipment for us." You grin and nod enthusiastically.

"That sounds great!"

10 am - Tsukishima

"Did you see my glasses, y/n?"

"I didn't- wait, I got them." You fish for them on the table, and he stands perfectly still while you place them on his nose. You smile and press a quick peck to his lips, ignoring his playful snicker after the action. "I should probably get a new pair anyway. My eyes got worse lately." He sighs, and you grin mischievously.

"Maybe you'll get a new pair from Santa tonight? Do you think you've been a good boy?"

He rolls his eyes, and you whine when he squinches your cheeks. "Careful, or else you will not get anything from Santa this year too."

You freeze at his words, thinking about the beautifully wrapped gift that you have spotted under the tree.

"I'm sorry, Kei! Please forgive me! Hey, don't walk away. KEI!"

11:00 am - Sugawara

"Did you-"

"Yes, I put the salad in the car already. We're ready, y/n, don't worry." He looks fondly at you, and you embarrassedly rub the back of your neck. "I just want it all to be perfect."

"I know." He caresses your cheek and looks into your eyes. "And it will be perfect. As long as we're together, it will always be." You nod and place your hand over his, feeling his warmth against your cheek. "Let's go then?"

His hand moves to your hand and grabs it gently.

"Let's go."

12:00 pm - Oikawa

"How does it feel?"

"How does what feel?"

"Knowing that you'll get the perfect present tonight?" Oikawa smiles, and you pretend to think hard for a second.

"I don't know. You tell me?" His eyes widen, surprised, and then he laughs happily. "I can't even fight with that. You always have the best presents for me."

You playfully puff your chest, and he laughs even louder.

"That's why I love you, y/n."

"I love you too, Tooru."

1:00 pm - Kageyama

"Tobio, can you help me with the dress?"

"Yes." You hear him yell, and after a few moments, you find your handsome boyfriend in a suit right behind you. He is quick to move behind you and to close the zipper of your dress, his hands warm and skillful as he makes sure not to twist the zipper in the process.

He looks at you when he finishes, and his gaze softens.

"You look amazing, y/n."

"You too." You smile, and he leans down to peck your lips quickly.

"Let's go then?"

2:00 pm - Bokuto

His hand grabs yours firmly, and you thankfully scoot closer to him. He wraps an arm around you, and you feel warmer instantly. "You okay, baby?" You nod and smile at him, and he grins almost blindingly at you. "You look so cute, baby. With your cap and your scarf." He pecks your lips, and you grab his hand a bit tighter, already getting flustered.

"We have to hurry, though. Or else we'll be late at my sister's." He pouts cutely, and you quickly peck his lips to cheer him up - successfully. "Don't worry. We'll be on time for the Christmas dinner."

He nods at your reassurance and wraps his arm around you, and you cuddle against him while you both enjoy each other's near.

3:00 pm - Akaashi

"Keiji?" "Hmm?" he hums and raises his gaze. "You're reading a Christmas story, right?" He nods, his eyes following you curiously when you simply lay down on the couch and rest your head on his lap.

"Do you want to read it to me?"

He smiles and caresses your cheeks lovingly. "It's a funny Christmas story, actually. It needs a bit of proofreading, that's for sure, but it has potential."

You smile at him, leaning your face into his palm.

"Sounds good. Read to me then?"

"Yes, my love."

4:00 pm - Osamu

His arms wrap around you, and you smile when you feel his chest pressing against your back.

"What's my lovely wife doing here? Smells delicious." He buries his nose in your hair, and you smile while you pat his hand on your stomach.

"Just some Christmas cookies. Do you want to help me with the frosting?"

"Hmm." He nods but makes no attempt to move but continues to hold you. "Samu?"

"Just a little bit longer. Missed ya all day." He tilts your cheek and presses a slow, loving kiss against your lips, and you happily return it.

5:00 pm - Aran

"Have you seen the-"

He stops mid-sentence when he sees you with his Christmas-themed tie. You shake your head with a smile while you come closer to help him with it. "I can't believe you're actually wearing it. It's a fashion crime."

He sighs, his eyes closing for a short second while he probably regrets ever having met the Miya twins. "I'm sorry, love. It's just one night. I'll never wear it again. We can burn it after that."

You softly laugh and rest your hands on his broad chest after you finished fixing the tie. "It's okay. I will not leave you because of a piece of cloth. No matter how ugly it is." You scrunch your nose when you look at the atrocity adorning your handsome boyfriend's chest, and he laughs softly at your words.

"That's why I love you."

6:00 pm - Suna

"You're just like the Grinch." You scrunch your nose and look at your husband. He just rolls his eyes and darts towards the Christmas tree. "If I'm the Grinch, then why are there multiple presents for you under this tree?" You cross your arms in front of your chest and pout.

"Why don't you want to watch the Grinch then?"

"Not wanting to watch the Grinch makes me a Grinch?"

You quickly realize the holes in your argumentation and make an attempt to leave the room in silent shame, but Suna is quick enough to catch you and to wrap his arms around you.

"Nah-uh, no escaping from the Grinch. Come on. Let's watch it then."

7:00 pm - Matsukawa

A lazy grin is on his lips when he bites into the last cookie, his eyes rolling back at the exquisite taste.

"Don't you dare to finish this one alone! I swear to god, I'll leave you! I'll hand in a divorce, Matsukawa Issei! No more Mrs. Matsukawa, just imagine how lonely and cold your bed will be without me!" You playfully throw your hands and give him the most intimidating glare you can manage, and he is quick to surrender.

"I give up. Come here, Mrs. Matsukawa. I saved a whole cookie for you." He grins even wider when he shows you another cookie that he hid in his other hand, and you smile and sit down next to him.

"I actually love you, hubby, you know that, right?"

“Are you only saying that because you want the cookie?“

“…is it working?“

8:00 pm - Asahi

"Come here." He opens his arms, and you quickly join him on the couch and allow him to wrap his arms around you. You rest your face against his chest, and he presses a kiss to your head.

"That was a great first Christmas together." You nod and turn your face to him, only to see him watching you with soft eyes. "I think it was great too." You glance down towards the Christmas sweaters that both of you are wearing, the ones that he actually designed himself and feel your heart swell with affection and love for this man.

A great Christmas indeed.

9:00 pm - Hoshiumi

"I can't believe you beat me at golf." He sighs and falls dramatically back to the couch, and you move around the humongous Christmas tree to follow him. "It was literally Wii Sports. I don't even think the console is properly working." You lay down next to him, and he wraps his arms around you energetically. "No, babe. I just have the best partner ever. Someone who is able to beat a professional athlete at Wii Sports? That's either a Christmas miracle or pure talent."

You giggle and allow him to press a kiss to your lips.

"Maybe both."

10:00 pm - Sakusa

You place the last plate in the dishwasher and finally turn on the machine. "I'm done with the kitchen, Kiyoomi!" You yell and grab a bottle of mulled wine and two mugs.

"I finished the living room too." You hear Sakusa answer, and he suddenly appears behind you in the kitchen while you set a pot on the stove and empty the bottle into it.

He raises an eyebrow and looks at you. "Do you want to drink a glass with me?" you ask, and he nods. "I definitely need it after today." He groans, and you softly laugh. "I'm just glad that I got to spend the day with you. No matter how stressful it was." He smiles and pulls you against his body, and you happily wrap your arms around him.

"I love you too."

11 pm - Atsumu

"Not to be that person, but there's a mistletoe above us."

"And?" You put your hands on your hips and look at your blonde boyfriend with a pout. "And that means we have to kiss." He taps his lips with his finger, and you softly laugh at his cute pouty face.

"No, I meant, and why aren't we kissing already?"

You giggle when he eagerly places his hands on your hips and leans down to connect your lips with his, and you wrap your arms around his neck while you kiss him back.

"Merry Christmas."

12:00 am - Kita

"We should go to bed." You yawn and look at the fireplace in front of you, already dreading to leave the warm spot. "We could also sleep here? I can get the blankets and we'll just stay here?" You look at him with stars in your eyes at his words, and he can't suppress a fond smile at your reaction. "Sounds good!"

It doesn't take Kita long to come back with enough blankets and pillows to make you feel like you're in your actual bed. "I think that's enough, Shin. Just come here, please?"

He nods and quickly joins you under the blankets.

And that's how you fall asleep - wrapped in each other's arms while the room is softly illuminated by the fire.

1:00 am - Kuroo

You frown upon noticing that the light in the living room is still on. Slowly getting to your feet, you move towards the living room, where you spot your husband on the couch, softly snoring despite the brightly lit room. He was probably quite tired after the Christmas party at work that, unfortunately, you could not attend. Quickly dimming the light, you go back to the living room to grab a few blankets before approaching him. You set the blankets down and gently work on his tie- and he suddenly blinks tiredly at you.

"Y/n?"

"Shh, it's me—just let me remove your tie, then we can go back to bed." He hums softly, and when you caress his cheek, he turns his face towards you and kisses your palm.

It doesn't take long for you to get under the sheets with him comfortably, and he instinctively wraps his arms around you, pulling you close.

"Good night, Tetsu."

"G'night, love."

2 am - Kenma

"Merry Christmas, everyone. I'm gonna go now."

He skims through some comments, and his eyes linger on one.

"Where is y/n? Y/n will come tomorrow. If y/n's up for it, we might stream together."

He smiles at the prospect of seeing you tomorrow—finally. It's been way too long. "Y/n and I will just stay at my place tomorrow. Nothing special planned. We haven't seen each other in a while, so we just want to relax and catch up."

His eyes suddenly spot one comment from a user that is well-known to him, and he feels a blush creeping up his cheeks.

"Miss you, my kitty. See you tomorrow! <3"

3 am - Makki

"I can't believe that we played Monopoly till 3 am."

You try to hide your yawn, but he definitely notices. "It was a great gift from me then, right? We should get some rest, though; you can barely keep your eyes open."

"You're right." You yawn again, and he gently grabs your hand, helping you get up. "Come on, y/n. Enough Christmas Monopoly for today. Let's go to bed."

You nod, and he says, "I don't know if you have enough money to pay for a night with me. My cuddles are expensive." He looks at the non-existent amount of money on your side, and you playfully smack his arm.

"Hey! Careful, or you can sleep on the couch!"

"Please, no!"

4 am - Daichi

"Sawamura?" You yawn when the bed dips with his weight, and a rather cool body presses against yours. "Sorry, love. I didn't mean to wake you." You blindly press a kiss where you suspect his lips are but only find his cheek, and he softly chuckles. "Let us catch some sleep, and then we'll have our fancy Christmas dinner, okay?"

You nod and press yourself closer against him, happy that he is finally here with you in bed.

"Sounds good."

[glitchtricks94]

Romantic Dialogue Prompts!

"The world was always so dark for me, nothing ever seemed to be okay...But then I met you, and you practically painted my sky." | "That's beautiful, but what're you saying?" | "I'm saying that I'm in love with you."

"You know, I never thought I'd end up like this." | "Like what?" | "This, next to you on a cold night just staring at cars through a window." | "Is that a bad thing?" | "No, because you're here."

"So why did you want me here?" | "I...don't know, I just named a place." | "I mean, I guess that's fine. I'm pretty chill going anywhere as long as I'm with you." | "Then will you go everywhere with me? Forever?" | "I think you know that answer." | "Is that a yes?" | "Absolutely."

"Are these for me?" | "I don't see anyone else I'd give homemade cookies to." | "Especially not in the shape of hearts?" | "Especially not in the shape of hearts."

"I can't imagine my life without you anymore." | "Then don't try to. I'm not leaving."

"Beautiful night tonight." | "Mhm." | "I can't think of any way to make this better." | "I can." | "Oh yeah? Tell me then." | "Kissing you." | "Then do it."

"I can't look at a sunset without thinking about you." | "Why's that?" | "Because you're as beautiful as a sunset."

"Hey, you know how there's like, a bajillion stars in space?" | "Yeah?" | "Each one is another reason why I fell in love with you."

[solomonssock]

Delicate Love

Not the way I was kicking my feet while writing this…anyway, I love Asmodeus :)

Pairing: gn!reader x Asmodeus (established relationship!)

TW: Brief suggestive content (it's Asmodeus), a lot of fluff...like intense fluff and wooing by you, exploring courting behavior, brief non-canon Devildom history exploration, death mentioned but not discussed seriously,,,,uhh I think that's all! Let me know if there's anything else, ty!

Word Count: ~3,400

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

"Mo, you know I adore you, and I'd do anything to make you the happiest demon alive."

You heave a sigh as you finally slide into the booth beside Asmodeus, leaning back to sink into the cushioned lining.

"But I'm never going on a shopping haul with you ever again."

You groan and begin massaging out the indents littering your arms from the bag handles you'd lugged around for the past couple of hours.

Right now, you'd enjoy nothing more than sitting across from your lover on your weekly scheduled date day. It's a lovely thought: fingers tangled atop the table as you lean in for a sweet kiss or two, admiring him and his coy smile as you tell him all the ways he makes your heart whole. 

Unfortunately, that space is currently occupied. 

You glare at the copious amount of shopping bags piled on the seat across from you two. In retrospect, offering to carry all his bags in the first place was a rash decision. But you bore the agony with pride. The spring in his step as he flittered around the racks with ease, batting his eyelashes at you all the while, was payment enough. With his birthday right around the corner, it also had the added benefit of making it easier for you to sneak your own purchase, custom matching anklets for the two of you, among the pile.

 Glancing to your side, you watch as Amodeus pulls out his D.D.D. to scan the menu QR code before scrolling through the options. He turns to you with a smirk, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Aww, you don't mean that! You love spending time with me. Aaand," he drags out the word as he leans against your side, gazing deep into your eyes with his usual intensity, "if you hadn't come, you would have missed out on your private show." 

Warmth rises to your cheeks as you recall the heated kisses Asmodeus snuck inside the dressing room, pressing you up against the stall door in between outfit changes.

"Seemed to me like you enjoyed yourself," he chuckles, "and weren't the outfits just so cute! Especially that last little number, don't you agree?"

You do. 

Asmodeus had strutted out of the stall with a lacy red lingerie top tucked into tight leather shorts. Slowly and sensually, he pulled on the knee high boots one after the other before requesting that you zip them up for him. Teasingly running his fingers through your hair as you kneeled before him, promising to wear it for you on your next night out together.  

"The clothes were cute, but I was more focused on the model." You knock your knee against Asmodeus's as you wrap an arm around his waist and pull him closer into you. 

Gently, you lift your hand to his cheek, brushing your knuckles over the skin before pressing your forehead against his own.

"It's all just additional, anyway. Your beauty isn't confined by any pretty piece you put on." 

His eyes shift away from yours, and you know you've hit a sore spot.

For some time since you two started dating officially, Asmodeus had become increasingly stricter on his skincare routines. Often cycling through new products weekly. You weren't sure what he was searching for, but he'd become meticulous with just about anything to do with his appearance. Accepting no less than perfection before meeting with you.

You weren't even allowed to come into his room in the morning anymore before he had a chance to see himself.

"I mean it," you tilt his chin to face you before pressing a kiss to his cheek, the corner of his mouth, and his lips. 

"However you come to me, I'll love you all the same." 

Asmodeus pushes his face into the space between your collar and jaw, trembling just a bit. You tighten your hold on him as you move a hand up to run through his hair, smiling as you feel the onset of a light purr thrumming against your side. 

"Hmm, love you too." The mumbled words tickle your skin as he presses a kiss against your neck.

You take a moment to look around the cafe and smile as you see plenty of other couples taking up the tables near you. Most of them are holding hands, intertwining tails, or pressing up against their partner as Asmodeus does to you now. 

Touch, you remember, is something sacred.

Earlier this week, you joined Satan on a trip to the Royal Library. There, you stumbled across a collection on courtship etiquette and decided to peek through a couple of volumes. The first one you picked up broached the subject of touch.

"Allowing another to place their hands upon you in public, especially in an intimate display, signifies to them and your company several things. First, that you entrust this demon with your body, permitting them to freely handle you. Second, that you find comfort in or openly desire them and their presence. The manner in which you permit them to touch you and its implications will be addressed in Chapter 4. Third, that you find them worthy of witnessing your vulnerabilities and trust them to tend to you when you are at your weakest. This has the additional benefit of informing your company whom to seek out in case of any emergencies. Therefore, if you have no intention of pursuing someone or inviting them into your close circle, it is advisable to abstain from intimate or prolonged contact. You don't want to be seen as an indecisive and inconsiderate heartbreaker, do you? "

For demons, you've recognized that tender or friendly touches are extended only to their loved ones. The casual touch you were accustomed to in the human world: hugging, rubbing someone's back, reaching for someone's hand, even grabbing a loose eyelash, means something deeper here. It had finally clicked for you then, as to why Lucifer had found your tendency to casually high five him and his brothers so peculiar during the start of the program.

It also explains why Asmodeus seems to be most at ease when he hides into your neck like now. It reassures him, you figured, of just how deeply you trust in him to protect you as you let his fangs graze the skin and run over the veins that lie beneath. 

The neck, after all, is one of the weakest parts of the human body.

"So," you give Asmodeus a soft squeeze, "finally gonna tell me why you've been wanting to come here?" 

All week, Asmodeus had mentioned how excited he was to take you to this cafe on your date day. It was the new hot spot for couples in the Devildom, he teased, and you two obviously being the hottest couple were duty bound to go. That in itself was fine, but for the hot spot he claimed it to be, you hadn't heard a single thing about it. It didn't help that Asmodeus wouldn't tell you the name or spill any details. You just had to be patient and hope he wasn't taking you somewhere...overstimulating.

The cafe is more tame than you expected, and quite romantic too. Flowers top the booths, loop through the hanging chandeliers, and create a pleasantly sweet aroma. At the center of each table, a heart shaped candle burns its wick as it sits atop the welcome card with the menu QR code. The walls are covered in paintings of what you suspect are well-known lovers in Devildom history. Among the demonic pairings, you surprisingly find one couple you recognize, Orpheus and Eurydice performing together in death. 

"I get why it's so popular. It's really nice in here," you murmur, gaze turning towards the heart shaped candle to watch the flame flicker to-and-fro.

Focused on the burn, your eyes follow the wax as it melts and trickles off the bottom edge of the heart, leisurely sliding down until it pools into the dish it rests upon. You snort in amusement at the imagery it inspires.

Man, you've got it bad.

Asmodeus jolts from the sound, reluctantly pulling away from you with a small pout on his lips. Yet, his hands still settle on your waist, balling up the fabric there. 

"What's so funny? I was comfortable, you know," he grumbles. You smile, tilting your head as you lift your hand to briefly squeeze his left arm. 

"It's pretty silly, but...", you nod towards the table, "when I was looking at that candle and how the heart drips downward; the first thing I thought of was you."

"It reminds me of your true form," you begin to draw hearts onto his arm, mapping out the markings as you remember them. "I was thinking about how beautiful these are."

Asmodeus's hands release your top, smoothing out the fabric, before they settle again.

"Especially, when you hug me,"  you hum. 

It's a struggle to put into words, the right words, how much you love and appreciate someone. But for Asmodeus, you'll try. 

"This is going to sound ridiculous, but don't be mean," you flush, "I...sometimes think of how your markings droop down, like they're in search of something. And I hope it's me." 

You rearrange his scarf as it begins to fall out of place, taking care to put it where he likes it best; tossed over his shoulder. 

"You're sort of like the flame too, you know?"

You let out an awkward chuckle. Asmodeus hasn't said anything. So, fidgeting more with the scarf, you press onward. 

"You're so bright that everyone can't help but admire the warmth that flows from you...even me," you confess.

"Your confidence just makes me want to be more confident in myself. Like, I appreciate that I can be myself around you and that even if you don't always get my style, you look for things you know I'll love."

"Your brothers can complain about how you're self-centered, but I know how wonderful of a listener you are. I always feel understood by you. It's kind of freaky, actually," you laugh, "sometimes I feel like you understand me better than I understand myself!"

"But," you pause and pull your hands back as your gaze returns to the candle and what rests below it, "I want to be like the dish. Your dish."

"I see how all of it exhausts you, Mo. Beloved by all, but known by none."

You know you've hit the bullseye when you hear him take a sharp breath.

"Well, that doesn't have to be true - we can change that. I want to keep getting to know you, to be with you at your best and your worst. So...you don't have to hide or push yourself too much when it comes to me. You're a resilient demon, but I'm happy to be the shoulder you continue to lean on."  

You sigh with a small smile, finally letting the words you've been stewing over for weeks burst free from your chest. Yeah, It's embarrassing to say these things so plainly. But it's freeing too. It's not something humans do much anymore, so casual in their confessions and in how quickly they pick up, drop, or cycle through their partners. But if it means he'll understand that you're ready to accept him just as he is, that he doesn’t have to change himself to earn your love, then it's worth it. 

You turn to face Asmodeus and gasp at the captivating sight before you.

Butterflies erupt and flutter in your stomach in response to the blush that spreads across his skin. His face, his chest, and the tips of his ears; nothing is unaffected. His glassy eyes shine with real tears, and you're a little worried you may have gone too far as he gnaws at his bottom lip. 

You're so glad for the dim lighting, and that the bags forced you to sit beside him, obstructing any view of him from prying eyes. You don't want anyone else to share in this unguarded expression he bares to you.

"Mo, hey" you move to grab his hands and nudge them off you gently, "I didn't mean to upset you." 

But you leave him be as he lets out a distressed whine that raises goosebumps across your skin. His hands only leave you for a second to push yours away before they return to your hips.

"Mo, what's wrong?" You whisper, leaning forward to press your forehead against his again.

"Ugh, nothing's wrong! It's too right!" He whisper-screams back. 

Wait...is he embarrassed? 

You look into his eyes, and for the first time ever, Asmodeus is the first to look away. You pull back, snickering into your hand.

"Are you laughing at me?!" He looks affronted, but you smile at him. You wrap your arms around his neck, eyes crinkling from the joy flowing through you.

"You're too cute, Mo!" You croon as you kiss his cheek. "If I had known", you press your lips there again, "how much my silly little thoughts would affect you", and again, "I'd have told you how deeply I feel about you every day."  

You let out a giddy giggle as he blinks away the wetness in his eyes, pouting at you. His skin feels hot to the touch with a tinge of rouge everywhere. You lean forward, whispering in his ear, "Yeah. Red is definitely your color." 

"Now you're the one who's being mean!" He whines, pressing his face into your shoulder. You lean your head against his and hold him to you.

"There, there, sweetheart." You tease, just as he usually does when he overwhelms you with his affection. 

"I won't go into how much laughter you've brought into my life, or talk about how much your passion inspires me, or explain why your eyes remind me of orange chrysanthemums." 

Mo lifts his face off your shoulder with a slight sniffle. 

"Why chrysanthemums?" He asks. And although you only command them, you feel devilish as you gaze into light orange eyes with a knowing smile.

"Because," you whisper, "despite their intensity, they signify a delicate love." 

It goes unsaid, but as Asmodeus's eyes widen you know he understands exactly what you mean. 

He is the orange chrysanthemum you tend to. With stunning and stimulating colors, he attracts all. But once his onlookers have had their fill of his beauty, they move on, leaving him to wilt. No matter how much his fans claim to love him, they have never, and could never, water him with the gentle attentiveness that you do. 

Despite the titillating and tempestuous ideations he conjures in the minds of many, you know that at his core, the Avatar of Lust is a fragile lover.

Asmodeus is silent as he presses himself into your neck again, but you're not concerned as his body sags into yours. For the first time in these past few weeks, he lets go. Trusting in you to hold him up. 

"Mo," after a couple of minutes, you rub his back to get his attention, "I saw you looking at the menu earlier. Is there something specific you wanted me to order for us?"

"Mhmm," he hums as he sits up to look at you, "you have to order the Bound Blood Berry Custard." You snort at how serious his request sounds.

"Have to? What if I wanted to order pie? Or cake? Or macaroons?" You smirk, raising a brow at him.

"Aww, you can get whatever you'd like too! But, we have to get that to share."  

The custard, you've determined after having a few spoonfuls, has a tangy aftertaste. You didn't expect the lighter citrusy flavor from something with "blood" in the title. But it goes down smooth and is actually pretty refreshing. You take another scoop as Asmodeus does, but this time, he holds his spoon up to your lips.

"Go ahead, darling," he coos, looking at you expectantly. An excited trill leaves him as you lean forward with a chuckle, letting him feed it to you. You do the same to him, holding your spoon up to his lips, heart fluttering at the happy hum he lets out. You two go back and forth like this, feeding spoonfuls of the treat to one another until it's all gone. 

"So, what's so special about that custard anyway?" You lean against the booths backing, pleasantly full from all the other treats you two ordered afterward. 

"Well," he leans back to join you, leaning into you once again, "the website says the Bound Blood Berry Custard can only be made every 77 years, when the berries around a shared unmarked grave come into season."

"Unmarked?" You glance over to him, but his eyes are shut as he cuddles into your side.

"Yup!" He chirps. 

"One review said it belongs to a commoner and a member of the aristocracy. It's been there longer than we've been in the Devildom, probably even before it united under one ruler." 

You think back to the history class you attended during your first year here, remembering a brief lecture your professor gave over the travesties of the Warring Generals Period. The Great Generals of the North, South, East, and West conspired to form an oligarchy and successfully killed their king. However, unable to resist the temptation for greater power, they soon turned on one another. They established their own mandates within their territories, endangering demons everywhere as their laws usually conflicted with the legislation passed by the weaker interim rulers.

"Their love was forbidden by some shriveled up duke in the South. It's sad how they passed, executed as an example of what happens to those who tested his law." Asmodeus scoffs.

"They swore as they were together in life, so would they be in death. Apparently, they weren't even supposed to be buried together, but their love inspired some commoners to remove the duke and give them a proper burial. 77 years later, the bushes popped up, guarding their grave."

Asmodeus lets out a dreamy exhale as he opens his eyes, gazing into yours. 

"It's so romantic that they've been buried together all this time. I'm almost jealous! Should we plan to share a plot too?" 

You shake your head but entertain the idea, "If it comes down to us fighting for our love to exist, then sure, I'll fight for you. But hopefully we won't have to plan anything like that for a long long time." 

"You'd fight for me?" Asmodeus smiles, moving to hold your hand in his.

"For or with you," you shrug. "Whichever comes first."

"Oh, my sweet little human is willing to give their all to protect me?" He teases.  

"I'll hold you to that, you know? Besides, there's no way I'll let anyone take you from me." With his free hand, Asmodeus grasps your jaw and leans in close to you.

"Rumor has it if you share the Bound Blood Berry Custard, your love will last for at least 77 years until the next thicket grows. So," he pecks your lips once, twice, three times, before he pulls away, "you're stuck with Mo till then ♡"

Maybe it's the sugar high, but you yank him back over for a real kiss. You two take your time, savoring the sweetness, and giggle like love drunk fools between each press of lips. 

Many misunderstand the passion Asmodeus carries, thinking it doesn't extend beyond himself. Those lucky enough to be loved by him, however, know they'll receive it in full force. You can feel it in the eager kisses he presses against any skin he can reach, in the way he clings onto you as you clutch his jacket in your hands, and in how he nuzzles his nose against yours before he pulls away.

"You know, Mo," you let out a breathy laugh, "77 years might not be long enough." 

You brush back some of the hair that's fallen into his face with a deep sigh.

"I mean, how do we know that the years don't stack up based on how many we eat together?"

You feel giddy as you watch his eyes light up, grin widening when he finally registers what you're implying.

"Oh, that's true! Should we test that theory?" 

In the privacy of the booth, you empathize with those star crossed lovers. There is no way in the natural order of things that you and Asmodeus were ever meant to be. But here he is, and here you are. Inseparable.

"Well, it doesn't hurt to try. How many should we order to go?"

[stergeon]

three 1,000-word edeleth one shots for your reading pleasure.

[unknown-user-offical]

Sorry if Muriels face is lopsided and weird, I've never drawn her before, but I'm dying to see her in S2 she looks so precious, 😫❤️. I had to draw this scene I randomly thought of while sketching zira and crow crow. I can completely see crowley and zira being checked on by muriel but, Maybe she just happens to walk in on a moment a conversation they were having.

[blackjackkent]

oh my god, I want to hear all about Hec and Karlach married hahahaha

More Hec/Karlach content, you say? :D :D

Y'all spoil me tremendously with this sort of encouragement. XD

(This is a response to my tag novel on this post about what people's Tavs/Durges would wear to their wedding.)

I really s2g I am going to write this Avernus fic at some point which I fully intend to be a longish collection of one-shots eventually leading to Karlach and Hector having a happily-ever-after which would include all this. (I have the first chapter of another Jaheira-related fic in the cooker rn and then the Avernus fic's first chapter will be up next; I'm trying to rotate my longfics a bit. XD ) So... this is all obviously subject to change based on how that fic eventually plays out.

However, with this minute bit of prompting I will indulge myself in some weapons-grade Hector/Karlach Fluff anyway. :D This is less a full fic and more some random snippets/headcanons about them getting married and afterwards.

-----

They have a first official "commitment" to each other, sometime after arriving in Avernus. Once they're safely installed in the House of Hope as their headquarters and start settling in for the long-haul war against Zariel, they take some time to themselves in an abandoned wing of the building and make private vows to each other. (Think something like this scene from Aerie's romance in ToB.) Neither of them calls it a marriage, but deep down they both know they mean it just as strongly.

It's kind of a tossup that they will leave Avernus until right before they do; their several years of guerilla warfare in the Hells culminates in a massive multipart raid on Zariels' main headquarters; Zariel is killed along with a number of her main lieutenants, and the group gets away with a defecting infernal blacksmith and blueprints for upgrades to Karlach's heart that will allow her to finally return home.

(It's Cespenar. The infernal blacksmith is Cespenar. @rhysintherain generously donated this idea and I'm not letting go of it. XD )

Their first few weeks back in the Material Plane are spent reconnecting with friends, finding a place to live in the city, and generally being a bit shell-shocked that they actually made it out, but eventually they start trying to make real plans for the future.

They're both huge saps, and Karlach has been denied so many traditional life events because of her time in the Hells, so even though they're basically already married, Hector definitely makes a big deal out of the proposal. He STUDIES the subject deeply to try and do it right, combing through all of Baldur's Gates libraries for examples of romantic gestures, and enlists Wyll's help.

(Wyll has shipped them aggressively this whole time and is super excited about the romance of it all. I haven't decided on the details of who, but he also got involved with someone during their time in the Hells so he's not alone either, bc Wyll deserves nice things to happen to him also. <3)

With Wyll's help, Hector arranges a trip outside the city to an inn that sits on a very tall hilltop. He does his "official" proposal while they're having a picnic at a spot that has a beautiful view of the entire city, from the Outer City on in. It's super romantic and they're both giant saps about it. They both cry. (And then have sex behind some nearby bushes in a lovestruck haze.)

They don't really plan a huge ceremony. Mostly it's about having all their friends there (even dragging Lae'zel back from the Astral), and making the same commitment publicly that they made privately years earlier.

Karlach becomes oddly nervous about it as the event draws closer. She has a very slight superstitious streak and is still after all these years gunshy of how her life went so fast to shit all at once, and part of her feels like making it "official" is asking for something bad to happen. Hector spends a lot of time being comforting and reassuring her.

They have a night wedding. This is Karlach's idea - she knows Hector has missed the moonlight and its associated connection with Selune in all the time they've spent in the Hells, even though he'd never complain about it, so she ensures that their wedding will be under the night sky on a night when the moon will be full or near so.

He insists, as a counterpoint, that she picks the location - she decides on a place in the Outer City near where she grew up, against the water.

Father Enric, the Abbot from Hector's monastery, travels to the city to officiate. There's no best man/maid of honor concept, but all of their companions from the Absolute adventure are lined up as part of the ceremony, as well as a few friends made during the campaign in Avernus.

The ringbearer is Buddy the owlbear, bearing the rings very carefully on a pillow resting on his head.

Wyll and Shadowheart take the lead on dressing the couple, neither of whom have the faintest clue how to put together an ensemble. (I spent way too long getting these screenshots so please appreciate how pretty my babies look. XD )

Karlach, contrary to all expectations, really enjoys getting gussied up in a dress and looking pretty; it's not an everyday thing for her but she enjoys it. Hector, conversely, feels INCREDIBLY out of his element in the fancy jacket Wyll arranges for him. Wyll teases him quite a bit about it while they're waiting for the ceremony to start.

The absolute cutest part of the whole ceremony, by unanimous vote from everyone present, is that they do the whole thing where the bride and groom aren't supposed to see each other before the ceremony. Jaheira and Shadowheart hang out with Karlach helping her get ready, and Wyll and Halsin hang out with Hector, and both groups report back later that their charges repeatedly tried to escape custody to go find each other early.

When Hector does finally see her as the ceremony is starting, he goes completely slackjawed and just stares at her like he cannot believe his luck.

Karlach forgets her lines halfway through the vows and just kisses him anyway. Hector remembers them all perfectly (of course) - he just forgets to speak when it's his turn because he's so busy looking at her with the biggest puppy dog eyes. He keeps trying to go for his usual super-composed vibe and just failing utterly.

All in all it's just a massive sap-fest. Both of them feel like they've earned it, though, after everything they've been through. (Hector does feel a little embarrassed that Enric sees him acting like such a dope and not showing any of his usual self-discipline. Enric thinks it's sweet though.)

They have a big party at a local tavern afterwards, one Karlach hung out at as a teenager all the time. The innkeeper still remembers her and gives them drinks on the house and everyone gets sloshed off their asses. Hector and Karlach try to dance and both of them are pretty not great at it but neither seems to much care.

They get back home at about four in the morning, still trashed. Both of them are exhausted and ready to fall asleep at a moment's notice, but Karlach mumbles something jokingly about not wanting to miss out on her wedding night. So they end up kind of curling up together and having drowsy, tipsy, super-soft sex, drifting in and out of sleep, extremely happy.

Neither of them really can think of anywhere they'd rather be, nor do they have a day job to take a vacation from, so they don't really have a honeymoon. But nobody sees hide nor hair of them after the ceremony for a good week. XD

Bonus nose squish kiss:

[milf-murdock]

The gorgeous gorgeous fanfic writers are being forced to work instead of write and it should be a crime

[youngpettyqueen]

ummm um fic recs….in a horrible turn of events garak and bashir have to babysit the ds9 kids?

ive been wracking my brains over how Garak and Julian would end up babysitting a bunch of the kids and I had a hard time figuring out something that would work with Jake and Nog, since theyre older and dont really need a babysitter, so I went with them babysitting Molly and Yoshi! I hope that's alright <3

Garak isn't sure what to expect when he the door to the O'Briens quarters slides open. All he knows is that Julian told him to come, and his only answer to Garak's many questions was to repeat himself with a don't ask just do it tone.

So, Garak had. He'd come. In the middle of the work day, something he's not planning on letting the Doctor forget. He'd come, and he steps inside as the door slides open, and he doesn't know what he was expecting to find here, but it certainly wasn't... this.

Julian is sitting on the floor by the coffee table, the infant Kirayoshi cradled securely in one arm. He also has what appears to be a plastic crown on his head, which is several sizes too small, and perches awkwardly atop his hair. The older of the O'Brien offspring, Molly, is sitting beside him, in what Garak would guess is a human princess costume, all shiny fabric and very, very pink.

Garak comes to pause, considering the scene before him. There are little plastic teacups and plates set out. A few larger plush toys are also around the table, with teacups and plates of their own. It's quite the little set up.

"Good morning, Doctor. Molly," He greets, turning a quizzical raised brow on Julian, "Might I ask why I was called here?"

Julian gives him a look that is very, very tired. "Good morning, Mr. Garak," He replies, "You were called here because you have been invited to Princess Molly's tea party." He informs him.

"Tea party?" Garak echoes.

"I'll explain later," Julian tells him, "Just come sit." He gestures to an open space at the other end of the coffee table.

"Wait!" Molly pipes up, quickly standing. Julian winces at her volume, quietly shushing her as he looks at Kirayoshi, who appears to be sleeping. Garak turns his attention to the child, who holds her head up high and informs him, "You have to bow first."

Garak considers her for a moment. He catches Julian stop himself from laughing in the corner of his eye. Of course, Garak knows about royalty systems, so he knows what a princess is. And he can't imagine himself bowing to one, but Molly has a very stern look on her very little face, and he has a feeling he's in for a fight if he doesn't comply.

He bows. Dramatically, with a flourish. Molly giggles, and the sound is... pleasing.

"Thank you for the invitation, Princess," Garak bids her, continuing to play along as he straightens himself, "May I...?" He gestures to the open seat.

Molly, to his surprise, shakes her head. "Not there," She tells him, "You have to sit with Uncle Julian. Miss Flutterhooves will move." She gestures at the plush sitting on Julian's opposite side- an equine, if he remembers his Earth animals correctly, except this one is... purple, and it has a shiny silver horn protruding from its forehead.

He goes with it. Why not, at this point? He's clearly not getting out of this. "Of course," He says agreeable, stepping closer. Since the plush toy can't move, for obvious reasons, he gently picks it up, "Pardon me, Miss... Flutterhooves," He shoots Julian a quick glance, who nods approvingly, and he proceeds with moving the toy to the open spot at the end of table, and then going to take his own seat beside Julian. He shuffles in as much as possible, awkwardly crossing his legs and trying to keep his knees from tucking under the table, "There we are. This is... very lovely." He compliments as he settles into a somewhat-comfortable position.

"Very lovely," Julian agrees, looking at Molly, "You've done a wonderful job, Princess Molly."

Molly gives Julian a pleased little smile. "Thank you!" She squeaks. Then she suddenly perks up again, like she's heard something, "Oh! I have to go get the tea. It's done sleeping." She stands and, tucking up her skirts like a proper lady, she hurries off to go and... wake the tea, apparently.

"Steeping," Julian offers, as Garak gives him a confused look, "She means steeping."

Garak nods. That doesn't explain... anything else that's going on here. "Tea party?" He asks. Again.

"An old Earth game, of sorts," Julian replies, "Human children commonly pretend to hold tea parties, usually with their parents and their toys involved. Hence," He gestures around the table with his free hand, "All this."

"I see," Garak says, "And I was invited, why...?"

Julian suddenly won't make eye contact. "Molly insisted," He tells him, quick and clearly not the entire truth, "And I just got Kirayoshi to sleep for the first time all day, so I wasn't about to risk Molly getting upset and waking him," He does look at Garak again, this time with a surprising amount of desperation for a man sitting in front of a plastic teacup, with a plastic crown on his head, "He cried for three. Hours. Garak." He stresses each word, exhaustion and desperation oozing from every syllable.

Garak knows of the infant's tendency towards tears. He has no idea how Kirayoshi manages to wail for so long, considering how tiny his lungs are, but he's been able to hear the shrieking from across the promenade.

"I'm not sure the Chief would approve my being here," He points out, "Or Mrs. O'Brien, for that matter."

"I won't tell if you won't. Just play along," Julian implores him, "That's all I ask, just play along. Molly is very sweet, and also very stubborn, and I promise you I'll make it up to you if you just humour her." He's very nearly begging.

Garak has seen Julian less desperate in active crisis situations. He sighs, making a point to be melodramatic about it. "Very well, my dear," He agrees, "I suppose I can find it in myself to play along with the whims of a little girl. What's the worst that could happen?"

"Don't invite that on yourself," Julian warns, "You haven't seen her when she's cranky."

At that moment, Molly returns. In her hands she carries a teapot that matches her teacups, and she proudly brings it to the table and sets it down in the middle of everything. "Ta-da!" She announces, prompting Julian to gently shush her again, "Tea time!" She does not heed his shushing, "Want the first cup, Uncle Julian?" She asks, holding the pot out to him.

Just like that, Julian is smiling again. "I would love the first cup, Princess Molly," He says. He holds the teacup up, and it's comically small in his hand, "Thank you very much."

Molly tips the teapot forward. No actual tea comes out. Still, she holds it like that for a few seconds, before she tips it back. "There you go!" She chirps. Right, pretend. She turns her smile on Garak, and offers him the pot, "Tea?"

Garak delicately picks the teacup up by the handle, which he has to pinch between two claws. "I would be honoured," He says, laying it on thick. Molly pours the pretend tea into his cup, and he gives her his most winning smile, "Thank you, Princess."

Molly goes around the table, pouring tea for the other guests. Garak resists the urge to comment on the teapot apparently being bottomless, and instead glances at Julian. "Uncle Julian?" He questions, an amused smirk curling on his face.

"I'm her favourite uncle." Julian grins.

"I'm sure," Garak murmurs. Molly retakes her seat, and he turns to her, "Ah, Princess, allow me," He reaches across the table to take the teapot, and he pours her her own cup. He's not sure of the exact method to this, but he counts to 3 and then stops, and she looks satisfied, "Could I ask you a question, Princess?" He asks as he sits back, setting the pot down.

"First, cheers," Molly insists. She thrusts her cup up into the air, and Julian raises his, so Garak follows their lead. They clink their little teacups together- literally, "Clink!" She says.

"Clink." Julian echoes.

"Clink," Garak adds. Then Molly sips, and so does Julian, so he follows. When that's done, he inquires, "May I ask my question now?" Molly nods, and he smiles, "Ah, thank you. Yes, my question is, what made you invite me to the tea party, Princess Molly?"

Molly sets her teacup down. "For Uncle Julian." She replies.

Garak can see Julian looking pointedly away from him in his peripheral. "I see," He says, "And why was I invited for Uncle Julian?" He follows up.

"Cause you're married." Molly replies, like it's the most obvious thing in the Quadrant.

Julian chokes on nothing. Garak's eyes widen. "Married?" He echoes. He turns to Julian, who's gone a truly impressive shade of red, right up to the tips of his ears, "Married?" He repeats.

"Yeah!" Molly says, apparently an expert on the subject, "That's what grown-ups do when they're in love! Like my mommy and daddy. You," She points at Garak, "And Uncle Julian are in love, so you're married."

"She's 5." Julian hisses under his breath, just loud enough for Garak to hear.

Garak needs to take a deep breath. He's not often truly caught off guard, but that... he feels like he's just been knocked flat on his back. Alright. Married. He can go along with that. He's certainly gone along with far worse things.

Suddenly he understands Julian's exhaustion and desperation a few moments prior.

"Well, it was... very polite of you to invite me, Princess," He manages to get out, trying to slot back into his role here, "It's nice to spend time with my... husband." That makes Julian turn even redder. He looks like he's about to start glowing.

"Mommy and daddy wanted together-time today," Molly tells him, looking oh-so-serious for a girl of 5 years old, "So you and Uncle Julian probably want together-time, too. That's what married grown ups want." She explains.

Garak can't help but chuckle. "You're very wise," He says. Because she isn't... wrong. When it comes to him and Julian, at least, "I did want together-time with Uncle Julian today." He admits. They were supposed to see each other for lunch today, but then Julian got called away to babysit the O'Brien children, so it was to be rescheduled. And, soft as it makes him, those lunches are truly about... the only thing he looks forward to, so, yes. He did want together-time, as she put it, with Julian.

Molly glances at Julian, and then she leans over the table. "He did, too," She whispers, except it's very loud, and Julian can obviously hear her, "He told me he missed your lunchtime."

Garak glances at Julian, who's again very much not looking at him. He can't help but melt, just a bit, just enough to soften up. "Did he now?" He hums, "Well, that's alright. We have this tea party, don't we?" He puts his hand on the table, holding it out to Julian.

Julian looks at his hand. Then looks up at him, all round eyes and surprise. And then he smiles, all warm and affectionate. "That we do." He says, taking Garak's hand and giving it a squeeze.

"Ew," Molly pulls a face, "You're being gross like mommy and daddy."

Julian snorts a laugh. Garak chuckles. They let go of their hands and go back to their teacups, following Molly's lead as she sips at air again. Then she insists on refilling their cups, and they sit back and let her.

Julian's hand finds his on the floor. Garak takes it, brushes his thumb over Julian's knuckles. They exchange a private look, a small smile, Julian still red in the cheeks.

Maybe this isn't such a bad way to spend an afternoon, after all.

[lemonisntreal]

Have some random Tone Deaf moments because I feel like it + I was re-reading some of my old scripts, and realized some of the things I wrote would be funny as hell to happen across without any context, so boom. You are now that person. Congrats. I've been cursed with knowledge. No, you're not getting any of it anytime soon 🤭

[the "script" in question btw o_o]