#i mean sure they’d be devoted to the imposter but i don’t think they’d be so needlessly cruel

[abyssruler]

Sagau w/ an impostor would be so simple with me because the characters can easily tell the fake apart from the real

Mostly because the fake would probably be graceful n shit

Meanwhile the real one keeps picking up every single sweet flower, wandering around to random places and quietly walking past sleeping hilichurls because it'd be rude to wake them up!

Like the characters would have to put up w/ me cooing at the sleeping, snoring hilichurls 😭 like no way am I waking them up

No but really, I can't even ambush the sleeping once, if I need to kill them I at least wake them up before the fight akdhsksj

the thing is that the characters don’t really know what the (creator?) is like, so even if you and the imposter were entirely different people, it’d be difficult to see who’s real and who’s fake because, well, they don’t know you as a person. in fact, because the fake is so graceful and all, people would be more likely to think that they’re the real one.

though because i’m a sucker for drama, i think there’d be factions throughout teyvat, rallying behind you or the fake. some believe that the fake is real simply because they’re more elegant and ‘god-like’ in appearance, so to speak, all intimidating presence and authoritative voice. others believe you’re the real one because only the true god would be so in tune with nature and compassionate with all living beings, benevolent and empathetic and all the good parts that make you human. tho the humanity you have also serves as a double edged sword because it places you down the pedestal of what they think a god should be.

among the archons, the ones i see rallying behind you are venti and nahida. as for the imposter, it’d be zhongli and ei. (though i imagine zhongli would soon see through the fake simply because of how old and knowledgable he is.)

also, you’re a better person than me anon bc i don’t discriminate between sleeping and awake hilichurls. if i see one, i’m immediately throwing hands.

[myficdump]

Love Like You: Ch.1

Here it is! The Eddsworld fic I've been writing for 3 days :D. This is a platonic soulmates fic with soul marks and so far, the main focus is on platonic yandere Tord & Edd. This is going to be a multi-chapter fic and there won't be any ships. All pairings are platonic. I've yet to decide Tord's age, but I'm thinking maybe 26? Edd, Tom, and Matt are 17. Also, I have big events planned out but everything in between is vague so ideas are appreciated.

The title is from the su song Love Like You, but it might change as I figure things out and if I find something that fits better. I hope you guys like this! <3 <3 <3

_______________________________

The three marks practically covered his entire forearm. Although they were three different flowers, they just clicked. They fit so well that unless you were close up, it looked like one soul mark. Edd liked that. It perfectly described his relationship with his three friends. Or, soon to be three friends. He had hoped he’d find the third one soon. Two of the marks belonged to Tom and Matt, who he found when he was young. He felt so complete when he brushed against them on the school’s playground. It was as if they filled a gap in his soul that he never realized he was missing.

Edd’s third mark was a mix of black and red today. It was a stark contrast from the mix of light blue and yellow of Tom’s and Matt’s marks. Hesitantly, Edd brushed his fingers against the top mark and winced. A sharp jab of dull anger and agitation welled up into his chest. Ah, something had really set off his friend today. He moved his hand lower down his forearm to trace over Tom and Matt’s soul marks instead. A wave of calm and contentedness swept the echoes of the anger away and he pulled his hoodie sleeve down.

While he liked running his hand over his marks as he did his schoolwork, he didn’t want to continuously touch his top mark if his friend was having an awful day. It would affect his own mood. He worried that if he did, then his friend would touch their own mark and then both of them would stay in a vicious cycle of intense negative emotions. It was a real concern as it’s happened a few times before.

Edd often keeps his hand pressed against his top mark, basking in his friend’s good mood. Especially when he’s had a rough day at school. Of course, his friend took notice once as they pressed their hand against their mark and their emotions intensified. Slowly, his mood lifted and when he concentrated enough, he was able to send a “Hi!” with as much warmth as he could. No matter what soul mark a person had, they were always able to talk to their soulmate if both of them were touching the mark at the same time and concentrated hard enough. He didn’t do this much with Tom and Matt as he saw them practically every day and had their numbers, but it was rare he was able to talk to his friend.

It was also rare because his friend didn’t touch their mark at the same time as him often.

After sending his greeting, his top mark changed to a deep white mixed with dark pink. Edd had laughed seeing that. It wasn’t often his friend was surprised. And seeing the affection mixed in made warmth fill his chest.

“Hello!” His friend sent back. “You sound young.”

Edd laughed. Of all the things his friend could have said, they had to comment on his voice. His friend didn’t sound bad themselves. Their voice was deep, with an accent he couldn’t place. Still, he wasn’t going to assume their gender. Only looking out for one type of person could cause him to miss who they were.

“No! I’ll be an adult soon,” He sent back, tongue sticking out in focus. “You have a… nice voice.!”

“Thank you. Listen, I have to go now. But I'll find you. I promise.” A tinge of regret passed through him, but they sent him another wave of affection through their mark.

Quickly, before they moved their hand, Edd sent, “I can’t wait to meet you!” along with his best attempt to project his own affection and happiness to them. He didn’t know if it worked, but their emotions dulled.

In hopes that they’d be able to do that again soon, he kept his hand pressed against his mark for ten more minutes until his mom called him downstairs for dinner.

So yeah, he wasn’t going to do that right now. At least, not until he checks later if his friend’s mood changes.

If that short conversation wasn’t proof enough, his friend was definitely older than him. Perhaps not old enough to be his third grandparent, but certainly older than him. Plus, he’s had that mark on his arm since he was born. All three of his marks were platonic soul marks, which were the flower type. Most often, these signaled platonic love. Edd took that to mean that all three of his soul marks were his best friends.

Romantic soul marks were often different, but as he and neither of his friends had one, he doesn’t know much about them since he never bothered to look into it.

Half of his childhood had been spent figuring out what his and his friends' marks were. After they learned how to read, they spent at least an hour inside the library searching for flowers that matched their marks. Finding them was difficult, but they were pretty sure his top marks were Heliotropes! And according to the flower guide they found, it meant eternal love/devotion. It was sweet and had him convinced that his friend would be his best friend.

The second mark on his arm, Tom’s, were Chrysanthemums. “You’re a wonderful friend,” the book had said it meant. His third and final mark, Matt, was Lisianthus. They represent appreciation/admiration for a friend, gratefulness, and charisma.

Unlike Edd, Tom and Matt only had two flower marks. Tom’s first mark, Edd, was Asters. It had meant a form of deep emotional love and affection, along with the message of “take care of yourself for me”. It was very fitting, A Hyacinth, Matt’s mark, was Tom’s last mark. Interestingly enough, under the picture of the flower, the book just said “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” Other books just said they meant sorrow, regret, and forgiveness. Any time Edd asks about it, Tom clams up and asks him to leave it alone. Some things were just not meant to be shared.

Matt’s first mark, Edd, was Morning Glories. They meant affection and love. His second mark, Tom, was Daisy’s. While meaning loyal love and purity, there was also a deeper meaning of keeping a secret between friends. Again, there was a story there. Edd didn’t know what the secret could be, but based on his friends' reactions when he asked them, he left it alone.

Each of their marks was on their left forearms and except for Tom’s single Hyacinth, they were in bunches with multiples of the same flower.

Edd loved them, he really did. When he doubted his friendship with them, he’d look at his marks and remind himself that’s what they thought of him. It was just hard sometimes, to remember that he was loved. Sometimes he felt like an imposter, like he didn’t deserve their love. If asked why, he wouldn’t be able to put it into words. It was just how he felt at times.

Late at night when he wasn’t feeling too great, when stress just ate at him, he’d run his fingers over his arm, feeling his mark and whatever emotions his friend was feeling. He’d remind himself that if nothing else, the Heliotropes showed that his friend would always love him. Oftentimes, his friend was feeling content at night, and feeling that while stressed really helped him calm down.

Though on rare nights, his friend fed into his stress, morphing his feelings into a wave of intense anger as he rubbed his mark. He hated those nights but could never bring himself to move his hand away from his mark.

Edd sighed and put his pencil down. He didn’t feel like finishing his schoolwork anymore. Maybe Tom and Matt could come over and play games with him?

* * * * *

Meanwhile, in another country, Tord was pacing back and forth in his office. “Fucking incompetent, pieces of shit,” he hissed through clenched teeth. “They had one job! One easy, little job and still they fucked it up!”

He ran a shaky hand through his hair. As the job truly was an easy one, how this happened, Tord didn’t have a clue. All those two idiots had to do was go into the government building, collect the information from the mole he planted there, and bring it back. That was it! Tord could’ve done it himself if he wasn’t so busy. And yet, the two morons were still caught, very nearly giving away the identity of his mole.

He wished he could bring the two back and torture them for this. But alas, they were already dead. Tord couldn’t afford either of them giving up any information on his army so he had them exterminated before they could be questioned. It didn’t stop him from wanting to smash something.

A knock on his door caused Tord to pause. As he took a deep breath, he stuck two fingers into the sleeve of his left arm to briefly trace his mark. He couldn’t see the color, but a cool flow of calmness and excitement pricked his rage. It was enough to stop him from shouting.

“You may enter.”

Paul entered the room, which wasn’t a surprise. He was one of the few who weren’t scared shitless to bother him when he was in a rage.

“You’re going on a vacation.”

“Excuse me,” Tord said flatly, a scowl on his face.

Paul continued on as if he wasn’t in danger of being shot in the foot. Well, to be fair, he wasn’t. Tord would never get rid of one of the more competent people in his army and Paul fully knew it. “With all due respect, don’t even try to argue with me. I could practically hear you grinding your teeth from outside the door and you’re going to wear a hole in your carpet. At this point, if you don’t rest, you’re going to give yourself stress ulcers.”

Closing his eyes, Tord took another deep breath and counted to ten. For good measure, he shoved his fingers into his sleeve again to press against his mark. The calmness and excitement soothed his rage as he said with an even voice, “And who else agrees with you?”

“The only name I’ll give up is Pat. I’m not stupid enough to think you won’t take your anger out at anyone else. Get ready, the plane leaves tonight.”

“You really aren’t going to give me enough time to sort anything out?”

Paul shot him an annoyed look. “No, because knowing you, you’ll just get too sucked into your work and not pack. I’ll take care of anything urgent.” He saluted Tord before leaving.

Tord rubbed his temples as he muttered, “He didn’t even tell me where I was going.” He dropped into his seat and yanked his desk drawer open. Leaning back in his chair, he lit a cigar and planned countless scenarios of his “vacation”.

A small part of his mind hoped he could find the owner of his mark. They seemed so nice compared to him.

Knowledge of his leave was no doubt spreading through his base like a wildfire, so he had no doubt no one would bother him. His soul mark was safe from prying eyes, so he rolled up his sleeve and traced the outline of the Sunflowers. His face morphed from a scowl to a small smile. His beloved was still feeling calm and excited. He wondered what they were up to.

The Sunflowers lived up to their name as they truly did bring warmth to his life. They were supposed to mean adoration and loyalty. He hadn’t met them yet, but considering they were a kid, the sunflowers were fitting. It’d be even more apparent once he met them.

Tord’s smile dropped. He really wanted to find them, get to know them, and fill their bond. But what about his army? So many people wanted him dead and in no good conscience could he drag a kid into this mess. He never allowed anyone under eighteen to join and from the short talk he had with his beloved, they sounded too young to be eighteen. People could say what they wanted about him, but he refuses to have child soldiers.

If he found them, he’d have to bring them back here. Hiding them here was the only way he could keep them safe.

With that train of thought, Tord sat up. Already a plan was forming in his mind. Nothing could be concrete until he met them, but he’d have an empty room ready for him near his own. Just in case he found them on this trip. Chances were slim but he hated not being prepared.

With that in mind, he left his office to go pack. The thought of finding them made this trip a little more bearable.

[glacecakes]

Alchemy Lullaby (13/?)

Of all the changes that came with living in the castle, becoming a father was not one he anticipated. When Eugene encounters a small child suffering like he did, he gives them the opportunity to grow up the way he never did… helping them both heal. (AU where Varian is 4 and gets adopted by Eugene)

Where was Varian last chapter? And the fallout of last chapter, while we're at it. Varian gets babysat, The trio learns the truth about Varian's powers.

Read the rest on AO3

uh oh final stretch time! Big thanks to @space--butterflies for beta reading ilu <3 Uhhh this chapter is kinda all over but then again so am I! Mentally. So whatever. Leave a comment if you have any thoughts or wanna scream at me! Thanks again for everyone's support!

Frederick shifted awkwardly, trying not to make eye contact. At his side, Arianna tried desperately to hold in her laughter but failed. At least one of them was excited about today. 

He supposed he should’ve seen it coming, what with Rapunzel running off to Old Corona. Quirin assured him he’d spoken to some guards who were willing to help him, but neither of them had predicted Eugene and Cassandra to join her. Though they really should have. The point is that his daughter dropped Varian off in the throne room, asked her parents to babysit, and vanished before they could protest.

So. Here they are. Varian sat on Arianna’s lap while they worked. For the most part, he was well behaved, watching as Frederick saw citizens and made decrees. He was also only half awake at the time, however, and now that he was waking up he began to grow restless. 

“What’s he doing?” Varian whispered to Arianna, curiosity filling his eyes. She couldn’t help but melt at those puppy dog eyes. Frederick… not so much. He didn’t hate Varian, rather he hated what he stood for. Rapunzel grew up without them, and now she was a young adult. Not just that, but a mother figure to the little boy. It felt so strange, to go from childless to mother to grandmother in under a year, but Arianna was going to spoil Varian the way Rapunzel never was. 

“Right now he’s signing an order,” she said. “It’s our job to make the laws and ensure they’re being executed fairly.”

“What’s a law?”

Frederick hummed from where he was reading over a paper. “It’s what’s right and wrong, we make an… announcement. The law keeps you safe and those that break the law go to jail.” 

“So wait…” Varian squirmed down out of Arianna’s arms and stood in front of Frederick’s throne. The king peered down at him from over his parchment. “You decide what’s right and wrong? No one else?”

Frederick furrowed his brow at the statement. Of course a street child would be uneasy about lawmaking. He likely had to dodge guards when stealing to survive, and lord knows what his parents were up to before Eugene found him. 

“Well…” Frederick’s face flushed with anxiety. How do you explain the intricacies of being a ruler? Suddenly, an idea sprung to life. He could tell it showed on his face, and bless his wife, she knew exactly what he was thinking.

He glanced down at Varian before he could see her make an abort signal by cutting her hand across her neck. 

The King lifted Varian up from the ground and swapped places with him so that Varian was sitting on the throne. “Why don’t you try? Be king for a moment!” 

The throne was plush, even softer than Varian’s bed or even Ruddiger’s fur, and he ran his fingers across the seat in wonder. He repositioned himself so he was seated how Frederick always sat: one hand on each armrest, his feet dangling down. 

The court watched with bated breath, curious as to what Varian would do. Perhaps he could prove himself a natural born leader…?

Varian briefly hesitated. “I can make… any rule…?”

Sensing a foreboding aura, Frederick was quick to backtrack. He held up a finger. “Well, in theory yes, but a good King doesn’t make any law without advice.”

The child’s shy smile morphed into a nigh maniacal grin. His eyes were a fire, and Frederick a match. He pulled out his stuffed raccoon who he’d affectionately named Stuffed Ruddiger, or Stuffy. “Stuffy will be my… advice person!”

“Counsel,” Arianna supplied.

“Yes, thank you, my queen!” She hid a giggle behind her hand at the sight of her husband’s bewildered expression. 

“Now, for my first law!” He stood up on the throne. The guards stationed by the door stood at rapt attention; this was the most interesting thing to happen on duty all week. “Stuffy, what do you think?” He pressed the plush up to his ear, nuzzling into its soft fabric. It smelled faintly of detergent and Rapunzel’s shampoo. “Mhm. Mhm.” Frederick watches as Varian’s eyes hunger for chaos, starving for power. This child truly was Eugene’s kid with his penchant for chaos, mixed with Rapunzel’s determination, and a terrifyingly unique intellect. Lord help anyone who betrays or angers him. if Varian ever decided to try and conquer Corona when he was older, Frederick had no doubt he would succeed. 

“I hereby decree… I have no bedtime! And I can sleep in as late as I want!” 

“Absolutely not, young man. You need a schedule.” Frederick insisted. 

“You’re not my dad!” Varian huffed.

“Maybe not, but I am King, and what I say goes.”

“Uh, dear,” Arianna butt in, an amused smile on her face. “I do believe you said Varian was king at the moment.” His face turned to that of horror.

“Yea!” Varian pointed a stubby finger at the man. “You’re under arrest for impersonating the king!” 

 He sputtered. “How do you know that that’s a law!?”

“Eugene told me all the laws he broke to get me to sleep once.” Yea, that sounded about right. What wasn’t right was that the guards actually took Frederick by the arms. 

“Um, what are you doing?” He asked. One of the guards in question… Sam, was it? Didn’t look guilty in the slightest. 

“Arresting you at the order of the king, your majesty.” He smiled pleasantly, and Arianna choked on her wheezing breath. 

“Are you serious!?” Frederick cried. He didn’t fight back, he knew the men were trained well beyond his ability to fight back. “Varian, I will be telling your father about this!” He cried as he was led out.

Varian gasped in horror. Oh no, would Eugene be mad about it!? Actually, when he thought about it, probably not. Frederick seemed to be the only one upset in this scenario, everyone else was amused. 

He glanced over at Arianna. “Now what?”

Arianna hummed. “Why don’t you go find the Captain, sweetie? I gotta fill in for Mr. Imposter now.” 

-

The Captain fidgeted, unused to the weight in his arms. It had been a long while since his own child was this small, after all.

Not that the Captain particularly minded! He’d watched from afar as Eugene rapidly matured from ex-thief to devoted lover and father, so he was willing to babysit just this once. Plus Varian was just the cutest little boy. 

“What’s that?” he asked, pointing to where the guards were training.

“What? The wall?” The Captain responded.

“No, that,” Varian pointed to an innocent-looking chalkboard. It was covered in doodles from Eugene and his friend Lance, who was off doing god-knows-what today. 

“That’s what your dad teaches. How to catch criminals.” 

Varian frowned, confused. “Why?” His dad seemed good at it, considering he caught Varian way back when, and Varian liked to think he’d been a good thief! Well, as good as any 4-year-old could be. 

The Captain stared back blankly. Did… did Varian not know what his dad was? Or rather, once was? He cleared his throat. “Well… to catch a thief, you have to think like a thief. And your dad is… good at thinking like a thief! So he pretends to be one, and it’s our job to catch him.” Varian listened with rapt attention, eyes full of wonder. He missed when Cassandra looked at him like that. Then, Varian gasped, as if overcome with a wonderful idea. 

“Can I try?” He asked, bouncing in the man’s arms. Surely if Eugene could do it, so could he! Plus, he used to be a thief! Surely that means he thinks like a thief, right? Maybe then he could be like him one day!

The Captain laughed incredulously. “You wanna be the thief?” He got a rapid head nod in response. Well, surely it wouldn’t hurt. His men would have to be delicate, careful not to hurt him… a good dexterity challenge… Eugene wouldn’t mind, would he? Probably not, the man got a big kick out of Varian’s antics. On more than one occasion he’d caught Eugene laughing while Nigel chased Varian around.  

“The game is simple… Varian here will be holding onto this cookie jar,” The captain handed over a small porcelain jar. It didn’t have many cookies inside, he didn’t want a sick kid on his hands. “Your job is to catch him before he eats them all.” The guards shifted awkwardly. It was one thing when it was Eugene and Lance, but another when it was the castle’s resident child. 

The first few days after Varian came home were… honestly the best gossip palace staff had had in years. The King had flipped out! The princess just came home, now she’s a mother! Flynn Rider stole a child! 

Eugene had brought him home just a day or two after he started teaching, so Captain at first thought he was slacking when he stopped showing. Plus Varian had still been spooked by guards, so they’d avoided most of the staff in general. It all culminated when the Captain barged in on Eugene putting Varian to bed. Poor thing had gotten so spooked he burst into tears. Ever since then, the Captain had made it his mission to befriend Varian.

Suffice to say, he was much more successful than the King.

The Captain called out “Ready?” to his men, who all reluctantly shifted into position. The little boy gripped on tight to the jar; he didn’t want to drop it! Then all the cookies would be ruined, and so would the game!

“Go!” Like a shot from a cannon, a group of soldiers all charged at Varian, who let out a squeak and took off towards the palace. He’d only been on the street for a few months, but he knew how to sneak food as he ran. That way, there wouldn’t be any evidence of his thievery. He brushed past amused maids who the guards couldn’t maneuver so easily around. There was a telltale sound of cursing and a thunk; someone had just run into a wall. 

Varian pulled out the first of his prizes. This was gonna be so easy! 

The guards may have been bigger than him, but Varian was fast, and a damn good listener. He’d spent hours listening through Corona’s capital for his momma’s voice, trying to discern who was coming towards his alley hideout. And while he’d never gotten in trouble with the guards, what with being a toddler, he’d seen thieves get arrested dozens of times. He knew what to do purely by osmosis. 

A few guards closed in on him, one on each side, and for a brief moment, Varian thought he was done for. 

Golden hair trailing down a tower.

Black rocks shooting through support beams.

A splitting headache reared its ugly head, hammering a knife into his skull. Varian dropped the jar with a shriek, covering his head as he begged for something, anything to end the pain! The guards winced as well, and were quick to pick him up and hold him. He whimpered as the pain shot through his head.

Then, just as sudden as it appeared, it was gone.

He blinked once, twice. And then leapt out of the guard’s arms. He grabbed his jar and kept moving.

“Wha- the little monster tricked me!” He could hear the guard cry out while his partner laughed. 

Tiny feet slowed down a bit, listening for heavy footsteps. Sure enough, clanking grew closer and closer. Varian munched on another cookie, waiting, waiting, waiting…

He zoomed forward just as a guard pounced. He groaned in pain. This exercise was supposed to be about subtle, careful movements, not hurting anyone. Well, not hurting Varian. The guards were getting hurt fine. At least Varian seemed entertained, giggling at the guard sprawled on the floor. 

“You got me good, kid, just like your dad.” Varian seemed to brighten at that, offering the man on the floor a cookie which he accepted with dignity. 

Varian showed off his signature buck toothed grin. “Good, cuz I wanna stay with him forever and learn how to be just like him!” 

“Oh yea?” A voice said from behind him, and Varian whirled around to find himself face to face with the Captain. He reached for Varian’s middle, prompting a shriek of delight. Oh, he was good! Varian was so focused on talking to the nice floor man he didn’t even hear him! 

The little child dodged at the last moment, running through the Captain’s legs. He could hear the man laugh raucously at his daring nature as he fled. 

He ran and ran, through halls and down corridors, until he began to hear footsteps and voices again. But these weren’t just any voices! 

Completely forgetting the game, Varian raced over to the doorway from which the voices came from, and sure enough, Quirin, Cassandra, Eugene, and Rapunzel were standing together, arguing. 

“I cannot believe you!” Rapunzel hissed, pacing around the room. Quirin looked resolute, a grim determination stretched across his face. 

He regretted nothing. At first he’d been unsure, unwilling to go along with Frederick’s plans and turn Rapunzel around, but then Ulla had dropped that bombshell, and he couldn’t sit idly by any longer. Not when a solution was finally within reach, one that would satisfy both halves of his warring mind. 

“Forgive me Princess, I was just doing what your father asked.”

“What, he asked you to lie?” Cassandra crossed her arms. 

Quirin frowned. “Well, not exactly. It is true that we are doing something about the rocks, just… something that isn’t finished yet.”

“So, what is it?” Eugene pressed. “And what does it have to do with that scroll? You know, the one we almost died to get?” 

Carefully, Quirin unrolled the parchment. It was split down the middle, but covered in magnificent runes and art. The sun and moon sat up top, dripping onto a flower and castle, respectfully. 

Eugene rolled his eyes. “Wow. All that for a doodle and some gibberish.” 

“Not gibberish.” Quirin chided. He understood Eugene was impatient and wanted to protect his son (no, not Eugene’s son, Quirin’s son), but that attitude was uncalled for. “Incantations. Ancient knowledge about the sundrop and moondrop.”

“Incantations...?” Rapunzel breathed. Her fingers brushed over the flower drawing. “What kind?” 

“Well, the first being the healing incantation. From what I’ve been told, you know that one a little too well.” He glanced up into the princess’s nervous green eyes, then trailing down to her hair. He continued, “The other being for… terrible things.”

“That being?” Cassandra asked. 

“Think, what is the opposite of healing? The sundrop gives life, and the moondrop… takes it.”

An uneasy silence fell over the trio. Eugene whistled a low, nervous tone. 

From his spot in the doorway, Varian whimpered. 

“My colleague is more knowledgeable on this, but...” the knight took a deep breath. “Millennium ago, a phenomenal event had divided an ancient power in two. The Sundrop and Moondrop fell to Earth; two elements waiting to be reunited. Anyone who wielded them could harness these incantations.” Rapunzel gripped her hair in comfort, mind going back to her tower. 

“While your hair is the manifestation of the sundrop, the same can be said about the rocks. I was once a member of an organization, and our job was to protect the world from that which could wield their destructive power.”

“You mean… the source of the rocks…?” Quirin nodded at the question. 

“The source of the rocks, and the only thing capable of using this decay spell… the moonstone.” His gaze hardened. “Once like the sunflower, a singular entity anyone could harness. But it now inhabits a living being, just like you, your highness.” 

“Varian,” Eugene whispered.

“Me.” Varian added. 

The toddler felt tears prick in the corners of his eyes. He didn’t want to hear anymore! Now Eugene knew how much of a danger he was, how bad he was! He’d thought without momma it wouldn’t be a problem anymore, but no, everywhere he went, he was doomed to spread death and decay, according to that paper. 

He didn’t want to hurt anyone! He didn’t want to hurt Eugene! 

There was only way to keep his family safe, to keep himself safe. His momma had been right to abandon him in the alley, that was the longest he’d ever gone without accidentally damaging something or someone with the rocks! And apparently he couldn’t just use the rocks, he could decay, what did that mean… opposite of healing…

He could kill Eugene on accident.

That was the final straw. 

He ran. 

Out of the castle. 

Out of the garden.

Into the capital and beyond.

He didn’t look at where he was going or for how long, he just kept running, and running and running…

Until he bumped into someone.

-

“I don’t understand,” Rapunzel whispered, distraught. “You were supposed to keep the moonstone safe, but you failed? Why are you telling us this?”

Quirin had the decency to look guilty. “Varian inheriting the moonstone and becoming the moondrop was an accident. But rest assured, his mother and I are resuming custody to take care of it.”

It was if all the air was sucked out of the room. “What did you just say?” Eugene whispered, daring him to speak again.

Quirin glared down at the man. “You have done your best, but it is time for the Brotherhood to complete its purpose. We will destroy the moonstone without hurting Varian. Ulla and I, as his parents, will take care of him.”

“You’re his father!?” Cassandra gasped.

“That woman is insane! Don’t you dare let her near him!” Rapunzel shrieked, the full fury of a Queen directed at Quirin. 

Eugene grabbed Quirin’s vest and pulled him close. “If you so much as touch a hair on his head…” he growled.

“I am his father, not you. You no longer get a say.” the ex-thief’s face fell into horror and fury.

“No.” he growled. “I’m the one who took Varian in when his mother kicked him in front of me. I’m the one who’s held him after nightmares! I’m the one who’s promised him over and over that he is safe from people like you!” He raised his fist to strike Quirin, but suddenly found his hands being pulled behind him. He threw his head back, wildly trying to make sense of what happened, and spotted the Captain gripping his wrists with the King in the doorway. 

“Dad!” Rapunzel cried, flustered and outraged. “Are you hearing this!?”

“I am.” The King’s tone was cold. He wasn’t on their side, Rapunzel realized. In his eyes, this was the same scenario as her own kidnapping. And this time, he wouldn’t let the kidnappers go unpunished. Frederick raised his hands, and a few more guards entered to restrain the trio.

Quirin directed his voice towards Rapunzel. “I’m sorry, your highness, but your father tasked me with saving Corona from the rocks. This is the only way. Ulla has likely already come to collect him.”

“And from the sounds of it, he made the right call. You stole him from his mother?” Frederick had the gall to look shocked at Eugene’s words. 

“SHE HURT HIM!” He yelled, thrashing in the Captain’s grip. “VARIAN, VARIAN WHERE ARE YOU?!” 

“Come on, son, don’t make this any harder than it has to be,” The Captain whispered, locking shackles around his wrists. 

“How can any of you be ok with this!?” Cassandra yelled from where a guard held her arm tightly. “You’re sending him to his death! We’ve seen what Ulla will do to him!”

“Dad,” Rapunzel begged. “Please, don’t do this.”

The King shook his head. “You wanted to remove the black rocks, Rapunzel? This is the only way.” He nodded to the Captain, and with reluctance, he dragged the fellow father down to the dungeons.

“VARIAN!” Eugene screamed, fighting every step of the way. It was a far cry from the last arrest, the other man noticed sadly. 

At last, they reached his cell, the same one he’d been trapped in with Cassandra. The doors closed with a thud.

Eugene collapsed against the bars and screamed.

[clo-caillea]

You Can’t Love Me Now

Request #2: An AU where Petra survived, but was left paraplegic. Requested in private.

Word Count: 3080 (yeah, this one may or may not have run away on me completely. Oops...)

Side note: I had every intent to make this lead into something NSFW and hot, but when I reached a certain point in this, I was like “no, this is absolutely perfect without needing the steamys.” and so... prepare for so much fluff you’ll die.

And if you want some hilarious author commentary, read the tags xD

~~~

“L-L-Levi?” Petra’s voice was so small she half expected he wouldn’t hear her.

He dropped down next to her, though and she strained her neck so she could turn to see him. His grey eyes were almost black, looking sunken and drained.

“I can’t move,” she admitted softly, those three words dragging across her throat like razors on their way out.

Her hands were trembling against the trunk of the tree when she once again tried to push herself to her knees. But nothing responded below her waist. She could feel that there was still solid weight yet it was motionless and her mind couldn’t get messages down that far anymore.

Levi knelt down beside her, sheathing one of his swords before placing a hand on her shoulder. The warmth of his palm was a relished sanctuary in her black stained terror, letting her nerves settle for the space of a shuttering inhale.

“I can’t use my gear,” she whispered, frightened of what that meant. “I can’t feel my legs, Levi!”

A sob snuck away from her before she could catch it and she was ashamed of it.

“Hush,” came his abnormally soft rebuke.

He took out the sheathed sword again and with the trigger tight in his fist, he brushed his knuckles across her shoulder blades until his arm was wrapped around her. His soft black hair tickled her face as he leaned down.

“Can you still move your arms?” he asked in that silken tone of his that was somehow both soft and bland at the same time.

She nodded.

“Alright, then put your arms around my neck.”

She could do that.

As she obeyed, he put his other arm around her abdomen. It could have been a passionate embrace, which almost made her laugh. It only took near death and being paralyzed for them to become so close.

Maybe later when they made it out of this place, she could make a joke about it.

Levi hoisted her up in his arms, his fists digging into her back as he raised his blades and hit the triggers.

They rose into the air, the pull drawing them closer together. Petra hid her face in the curve of his neck as a cringe overtook it. This wasn’t how it should have happened. Her heart started to twist and pound behind her ribs, demanding the release of warm tears stinging the corners of her eyes. She couldn’t let them go, though. She just couldn’t.

Even with her future at Levi’s side shattered at her waist, she had to keep the calm he sought after in his team.

Levi placed her high up on a branch in the tall trees, leaning her against the trunk. He remained unreadable and silent, looking down on her with a face of stone.

His knuckles brushed her cheek, the touch feather light and drawing along the path of her defiant tears.

“Everyone is already retreating; I can’t signal for anyone to get you out of here. I have to find Eren and then I’ll come back for you,” he whispered in a cool tone, forcing a surprised ball of emotion into the base of her throat.

She nodded, biting her lip while she furiously blinked away her tears.

“He trusted in us… But we failed him. And he had to transform.” Her tone was forlorn and far away.

“No one can ever predict how it will turn out, don’t forget that.”

He left her then.

Once again, she was trapped immobile in the forest’s haunted stillness.

And as she listened to his anchors taking him farther into the forest, her chin trembled. She caught her sobs in her hands, ashamed of them as if they were vomit from the pit of her stomach.

~~~

She must have dozed off.

All she saw was a blur of green as her eyes sluggishly opened. Her vision caught something red and for a moment, she thought she might be sick to her stomach. A soldier was walking across the huge branch towards her and their throat was gushing blood.

But the fog lifted slowly as they neared and when clarity finally settled into her vision, she realized the red was a scarf. She recognized the women then, one of Eren’s close friends.

Mikasa was kneeling down facing away with her arms held back towards the blonde.

“Give me your hands,” she instructed on a familiar, monotonous tone.

Petra reached forward as instructed, grasping the girl’s hands in hers. They were led upwards so her arms were hooked over Mikasa’s shoulders and as she then reached back to hook her arms beneath Petra’s immobile legs, she whispered another command.

“Hold onto me.”

She looked up as her legs were pulled around Mikasa’s waist, locking eyes with her captain a few paces away. He had an unconscious Eren tucked up under his arm. How he could hold an entire person who stood taller than him one handed was beyond her. It wasn’t surprising in the least, though.

His jaw was set hard and his gaze was one that she couldn’t read. It could have been angry, but it could have also been disappointed. Perhaps it was both. She hated it nonetheless and cast her gaze down to the black hair in front of her.

Petra felt like a petulant child beneath that stare as they took to the air again.

~~~

Hanji made the loudest fuss when she found out about Petra’s condition. The scientist had her room switched with another cadet so that she was next door to her and could be watched closely. Hanji made promises to develop something that could bring back her mobility. In the mean time she had all her meals delivered to her and the cadets were set on shift work to sit with her all hours of the day.

She hated all of it.

Never before had the gentle blonde ever known the kind of anger she was used to seeing in her captain. Not yours anymore, though. His soldiers all died in the forest. If she let the self pity take hold, it would whisper at her and jab her with sharp claws as it laughed. The Petra that he knew before is still trapped against that tree with her chin pressed against it. She didn’t come back when you did. No. You’re just an imposter with no legs who has no use anymore to humanity. You’re garbage. Garbage. Garbage. Garbage.

She didn’t weep. Nor did she lash out.

She let the cadets read to her and chat with her, enjoying most when Armin was on duty because he would talk with her about anything. The others avoided many topics: the state of her immobile legs, the politics that were baring down on the scouts, the ongoing missions inside the walls as things became more and more dangerous. He didn’t hide anything from her, nor did he dance around the elephant in the room. He understood.

Petra hadn’t been visited by Levi since they’d returned and she tried not to notice the absence. The demon in her head would smirk each time she thought about him. She didn’t want to let it have the fire power. It could destroy her entirely if it got ahold of the man she was finally willing to admit that she loved.

How long had it been that she’d devoted her life to him, and yet she always pushed away the romantic side of it, telling herself it was wrong and he was her superior and it was going to get her priorities up in knots. It had worked as long as she was on his team.

But everyone was dead.

And she was unfit for his side now.

Traitorous fluid leaked down her cheeks and silence abruptly filled the room.

She looked up at the girl sitting next to her, taking in the stricken expression on her face.

“Di-did I say something wrong?” the girl asked as she stood up and came closer to the bed. “Are you okay?”

Petra nodded, wiping away the tears with rapid movements and casting the cadet a soft smile. “I’m alright, I was just thinking of a friend I’ve lost. Could you go get me some tea?” she prompted, wanting to be left alone while her resolve started to splinter.

“Are you sure I should leave you alone?” the other queried carefully, looking genuinely worried.

“Yes, I’m alright. Thank you. Please, I’d feel better with something hot in my hands.”

That was all the prompting needed and the girl all but ran from the room. She wouldn’t be alone for long, she knew.

But something important was cracking open inside her chest and it welled up and up, missing her mouth and rising into her eyes. Rivers dripped down her cheeks and she raised her wrist to wipe at them. She felt her face shift into an ugly grimace, but no sound would leave her throat as she silently cried, her mouth falling open in soundless sobs. Her chest was bucking with the shattered pieces of this rage and agony, caving in and yet she couldn’t utter a sound. She just cried in perfect silence as her body broke its bones with the sounds they swallowed up.

The sound of the door opening sobered her in an instant and she hastily wiped at her tears, shoving down all the shards of bone and glass into her belly and drawing her face back to a welcoming smile.

Her heart stopped.

Levi stepped into the room, holding two mugs in that strange way of his, from the top edges. He closed the door with his boot. His face was a bored mask. Like usual.

He said nothing. Just sat in the chair beside her bed and handed her one of the cups.

“Th-thank you,” she cursed the tremble in her voice.

His reply was an acknowledging hum before he took a sip from his cup.

The silence swelled between them. It was a tangible presence that was suffocating her while she drank her tea. She tried not to stare at him, turning her eyes away after she’d looked for too long and glancing around the room. Her gaze always managed to find itself returning to his face, though.

His steel grey eyes were unfocused, pointedly staring at the bed, but obviously far away in thought.

He didn’t look up at her when he finally spoke. “Hanji says she’s almost finished a few projects she wants you to try out. She thinks she can make you walk again. And if not, she’ll get you mobile at least.”

It was her turn to reply with no more than a hum. That’d be nice. Moving around.

She didn’t want to hope, though.

Hope died when her legs took her from Levi’s side.

Look away. That thought started a rush inside her about him sitting there beside her.

Sip the tea.

Look at the door.

His hands were lovely. She wondered how they’d feel cupping her cheeks. Uh oh.

Sip the tea.

Look out the window.

“You’re father spoke to me when we returned to the city.”

Sip the tea.

Hum.

Don’t look at his lips while he takes another sip. Don’t think about them pressed against hers. Nope. Not going down that road. Can’t.

Garbage, garbage, garbage.

Look at the floor.

“He came to tell me about you writing home when I chose you for my squad. Told me about your devotion to serve under me and fight at my side for the sake of humanity.”

I promised my life into your hands when I joined. Promised that I’d fight until we won, or I died. I failed you. I’m a liar.

Tears were welling up again, but she denied them. Blinked them away.

Sip the tea.

Her hand was shaking.

She closed her eyes.

“He started talking about marriage.”

Well shit. Her hands tensed around her cup.

“Tch, it’s like he figured if I’m going to have you in a position to die for me, I’ve ruined you for another man or something. That’s how I took it at least.”

His voice showed no indication of his opinion on what he was saying. It was as bland as ever.

She didn’t know what to say. Didn’t know what he wanted her to say. The scouts wasn’t a place for marriage. It was a place for death. She’d always known that. And maybe that was why she pushed her infatuation away for the sake of duty. Even when she entertained the thought of her feelings running deeper than her devotion as a soldier, she wasn’t naive enough to consider marriage an option.

“Under other circumstance, I’d end this by saying that was an annoying interaction,” Levi growled out, flames suddenly crackling in his voice and drawing her surprised gaze back to the glare on his face. “But with you in one of the carriages behind me, paralyzed and lucky to fucking be alive…” he closed his eyes. Breathed out long and slow. “I didn’t blame him for it. All I could think of was if you hadn’t made it. If you were one of the dead stacked up instead while I listened to your dad telling me about taking your hand. Imagining how I would have had to write a letter to this same man when I got back to my safe fucking office. And tell him that his daughter died in the line of duty and I was too fucking scared to man up and say it to his fucking face.”

The volume of his voice was controlled, but as the anger grated out into his words, she realized he may as well have been shouting them.

His eyes locked with hers so fast, she flinched like she’d been burned. “I still had to write to him. I still had to tell him what’s happened to you because of my shit leadership. And all I could do was sit there wondering how it would feel if you were dead too.”

Her mouth dropped open, whether to retort or simply as a surprised reaction, she wasn’t sure.

But he slammed his tea cup down onto the table next to him, the gesture so violent that she was surprised it hadn’t shattered the glass. He flew off the chair in the next instant, his hands landing on either side of her head, pressed into the pillows and his face was barely a centimetre from hers. Heat radiated off him in waves that threatened to swallow her.

“So now you have a choice to make,” he whispered, his voice lethal like a whip. “Because you are either going to go home to your father before I can screw this up any further. Or you’re going to stay. In which case, you acknowledge in doing so that I have to do this right.”

His flames erupted inside her chest too as she stared at him in awe and disbelief. She didn’t want to leave. But…

“You can’t marry me.” she blurted out.

He only narrowed his eyes into slits, growling out, “and why the hell not?”

She mirrored his look and tossed just as much fire back at him when she hissed, “you don’t love me. You just feel guilty.”

“Bullshit! You think I’d be this pissed off if I didn’t?”

Petra gaped, at a loss for words as her heart rate sped up. Did he just…

As if in response to her disbelief, he moved forward and stole the softest of kisses from her stunned lips. The gentleness of his mouth on hers was a surprising contrast to the man’s anger and when he pulled away again, she finally saw the pain in his eyes. The coals under the flames. His heart laid out in the stormcloud irises above her, showing her the burns as it beat wildly in the fires.

“Levi?” she didn’t even know what she wanted to say, this couldn’t possibly be happening.

Tears welled at the corners of her eyes again.

He was frowning at her, his face serious. Only that gaze of his revealing the mess of emotions inside him.

“You can’t bind yourself to someone who can’t fight beside you,” she found herself admitting, despite every fibre of her body squealing yes! Her chin trembled and she continued, “You deserve a warrior. Someone who would be your sword and shield out there. Not… this.”

His hand slipped up her cheek, the touch so soft that his calluses made a stark contrast to the intent. The warmth of his palm seemed to slip across her entire face. So, that’s how that feels then she mused.

“You are a smart woman, Petra,” he praised softly, drawing an air of suspicion from her. “But right now, you’re fucking stupid.”

She looked away from him, biting the inside of her cheek to avoid responding to the jab the way she knew he wanted her to.

He continued instead, “you’re like this because you already were my sword and shield. And I love you with or without mobility.”

The tears poured as she turned back to him, her heart aching at the softness that had taken over his eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck and dragged him down into a passionate kiss that ate up the sob sneaking from her throat. He groaned in approval and buried his hand into her hair, pressing his mouth on hers with an insistence that dared her to doubt his feelings again.

He pulled back, nipping at her nose as he did before disentangling himself from her arms.

Levi knelt down.

Her heart stuttered.

“I haven’t gotten you a ring,” he whispered softly, though there was no sign of remorse at that fact in his eye. In fact, he had a spark of mischief there. “But if you will continue to devote your life to me, then mine will be yours in return.”

He bowed his head and pulled something out from behind him, offering it up in his hands like she was a queen receiving her crown.

And there across his palms was a small dagger, the handle a deep forest green wood with the wings of freedom carved into it where the symbol would sit perfectly in her palm when she held it.

And somehow, she wasn’t the least bit surprised.

“Levi, it’s always been yours,” she declared softly, taking the dagger and welcoming him back into her arms.

[komahinasecretexchange]

Title: Minor Inconveniences

Author: @midnight-run-amok

For: @moosabus

Rating/Warnings: All Ages (Some minor references to sex and some low-grade cursing, but nothing to write home about.) Relatively Tame Spoilers for DR2, 2.5 and DR3. Prompt: Komaeda adopts a puppy and seeks hinata’s help in caring for it Author’s notes: This was really a lot of fun to write because fluffy concepts like this aren’t really in my usual wheelhouse so… yeah, I’m a little nervous about it. I really, really hope you like it. Timeline-wise this occurs after DR3:Hope Side. Cheers! ^_^

“Well, I mean….” He trailed off, running a distracted hand through his hair as he stared down at the small, fuzzy animal currently flopped over in the middle of the deck licking its… no… his junk. “Can you return it?”

Komaeda just stared at him and somehow his wilting smile made him feel like he’d just spat on a child’s birthday cake.

It was a look that clearly said: You are a monster, Hajime Hinata.

A crusher of dreams.

The literal worst.

“Nevermind,” he sighed, rolling his eyes to stare up at the bright blue of the sky above.

A small voice inside him that was all that truly remained of the most analytic parts of Izuru (and somehow always sounded like Nanami) quietly informed him that the sky wasn’t actually blue.

Don’t be pedantic.

He turned his attention back to the man at his side who was now smiling and looking awfully pleased with himself for someone who had just moments before looked as if someone had just canceled Christmas.

Not that he really thought Komaeda had ever actually celebrated Christmas. He’d seemed completely gobsmacked by the idea when Sonia had started making noises about how they should maybe find some lights to make the ship a bit more friendly-looking so people would stop running away when they docked.

He didn’t have the heart to tell her that people would probably still run away, they’d just be able to do so a lot sooner, because they’d see them coming from further off.

Fortunately, the running and screaming actually seemed to finally be dying down a bit as people slowly forgot who they had been and what they could do. Eventually he hoped they’d just seem like eccentric weirdo do-gooders wandering the world fixing things.

Like those guys on Scooby Doo… only with more practical repair work and a boat instead of a brightly painted van.

They even had a dog now… apparently.

“Where’d you even get a puppy?”

“Oh, I found him.”

And knowing Komaeda that could mean any number of things, each more potentially distressing than the last.

This was why he hated being labeled de-facto leader of their little bad of misfits.

Being responsible for things like this.

Because it had pretty much been an endless parade of things like this ever since they’d woken up.

Gundham was running some sort of weird island rodent rehabilitation program in the old theater and since he’d used the ship to bring them to the island in the first place, they’d been cleaning rat crap out of all the nooks and crannies for the better part of a month.

Akane had somehow stolen one of Togami’s credit cards and used it to order fifteen pigs last month so they could roast and eat them. He hadn’t even known you could buy fifteen freaking pigs online much less have them airlifted to an manmade island in the middle of the Pacific.

Such was the power of the Togami name, apparently, even now.

Their Imposter still couldn’t settle on a name or a default persona and had been oscillating between old standbys for the last few weeks which - in and of itself - wouldn’t have been that big a deal if it hadn’t sent poor Mitarai running to their room every other day at half past three in the morning with a laundry list of completely earnest questions about sex that had made him want to weep.

Mostly because of the sort of answers Komaeda cheerfully volunteered.

Souda had built a giant security robot that had managed to set half of the buildings on the fourth island on fire.

Nekomaru had managed to blow out the plumbing in both his own room and different parts of the hotel no less than five times in the last month.

They had started leaving him behind on the island to avoid potential mid-ocean disasters (not that that helped with the blow out issue exactly, but at least it kept it contained to the island where there were a number of bathrooms).

Akane had volunteered to stay behind with him (which he was silently grateful for as Akane had a tendency to mow right through their food supplies by the time they were two days out of port). Between the two of them they always managed to break something while they were gone, but at least they didn’t have to worry about intruders attempting to take over their little piece of the world while they were away.

Not that people were exactly lining up to attack their island these days.  

It only took so many stalled ships and airplanes and so many rockets shot out of the air before those few countries who had been so inclined had given it up as a bad job.

Mahiru was constantly banging on his door at all hours of the night to complain about something Hanamura had done during the day. Or how she really needed a dedicated space in which to develop pictures. Or how they really needed to install better lighting in the common areas. Or how irresponsible it was of him to be sleeping without first making sure everyone was safely in their cabins for the night.

At which point he usually reminded her that he wasn’t a hall monitor and that they were all adults perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.

And the look she usually gave him when he said that was the same look she might have given gum she had to scrap off her shoe.

Fortunately, he had resigned himself to Mahiru’s disappointment when he’d first woken her up and she’d asked him what had taken so long.

For his part things, Hanamura (when he wasn’t having to lecture him yet again about his inappropriate behavior) had begun insisting on regular delivers of all sorts of exotic ingredients so he could stretch his culinary wings.

Which really meant they’d been discovering with uncomfortable regularity that everyone was allergic to something.

And it probably explained the Nekomaru’s bathroom issues as well.

Sonia had insisted on expanding the library’s already improbably large section devoted to the occult and unnatural phenomena, but while they’d been removing and disposing of the library’s collection of weird porn (which Hanamura had been delighted to take custody of) to make room for it they’d discovered some intrepid librarian had built a secret sex dungeon in behind the ‘Do-It-Yourself’ section.

Which would have been fine except apparently Despair had hit the island really, really hard and the sex dungeon had become… something else entirely and since just lighting the building on fire with one of Souda’s robots wasn’t an option they’d had to figure out a way to clean the whole place out.

Which had been an incredibly disgusting task that Komaeda had overseen cheerfully claiming he was glad to have a way to contribute and blithely ignoring Souda’s and Kazuryuu’s loud complaints about being forced to do the grunt work.

Peko… actually never caused any particular problems.

Or possibly was just better at resolving any situations that arose on her own.

It was hard to say for sure.

Saionji had brought the act of ‘making a bad situation worse’ to an art form of epic proportions during the months since she’d woken up. Besides playing pranks on everyone (but mostly Mikan because some folks never really changed completely). She and Ibuki had also formed a band called Hair Down There and had been threatening to hold a concert as soon as they convinced Souda to build them a giant flame spewing dinosaur they absolutely needed for the their big finale.

He was pretty sure the giant robot had given them ideas.

And Komaeda…

Komaeda had apparently found and adopted a dog.

And since they’d been sleeping together practically since the moment he’d taken his hand and pulled him back into the waking world, he had apparently also adopted a dog.

Because, honestly, his life just wasn’t complete without something to stare at them awkwardly from across the room when they….

Dammit.

The idea of having yet another living thing dependent on him for its survival was nauseating.

But Komaeda looked so damn happy about the idea.

Fuck.

When exactly was it that he’d become completely incapable of saying no to Nagito Komaeda?

Komaeda’s chin settled against his shoulder, arms looping tight around his waist, “It’s a lot to ask, isn’t it?”

“The asking part would have been nice,” he sighed, tipping his head in against the soft, pale hair. “Seriously? Where did you even find him?”

“You know all those busted up shops near the dock?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Because it was hard to be sure which shops he was talking about since pretty much all the shops on the entire island (whose name Izuru/Nanami politely informed him was Sint Maarten as if that were important or relevant to the conversation and not just one more awkward piece of knowledge to deal with) had been burgled or trashed at some point before they’d arrived and while they’d been doing clean-up for a couple days, there was still a lot of work to be done.

“I heard him crying. His mother… well. I think it was lucky I decided to take my walk there today.”

“Mm, how are you feeling?”

“I…” He hesitated and within that pause he could practically feel him swallowing down the urge to lie or to tell the truth in the cruelest possible way.

They were all trying so hard to be better than they were.

“You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to,” he shrugged.

“Because you know anyway?” Komaeda murmured, voice flat, but his arms tightened around him which was a good sign.

He did.

That soft, flat voice in his head was running down numbers and percentages and adjusting his exercise regiment.

He couldn’t help being what he was.

“But you’d still rather hear it from me,” Komaeda commented as if plunking the words from his mind. “Today was a pretty good day. Look at him. He’s cute, isn’t he?”

The nameless puppy had apparently finished cleaning himself and was now roaming around sniffing at the pile of supply crates that dominated that part of the deck.

“He’s going to pee on that crate.”

“He wouldn’t.”

“He just did.”

“Oh… so he did. I should probably clean that up,”

“Probably. I’ll go see if we have anything to feed him,” Hajime sighed, resigned to the inevitably of their new crew member.

He could already see the span of days falling out before him. Days of Komaeda chasing that puppy around the ship, cleaning up after him, apologizing for him… this was probably a mistake.

Still….

He liked the mistakes.

Maybe it was selfish, but he liked watching them all make mistakes.

He was still able to see everything that would happen, all the inevitable cause and effect that ruled the world, all those potential inconveniences coming miles away. That hadn’t changed when he’d woken up in his pod, gasping for air, heart racing. The world was still boring and very little surprised him, but it was somehow less of a burden than it had been when he’d been only Izuru Kamakura and the world had seemed mired in molasses, always moving too slow and predictably around him to be of even the slightest interest.

Now at least he could appreciate the pleasure that came from letting things play out as they would, content himself with enjoying the little surprises as they happened rather than intent on breaking the world to pieces in search of them.

These days he found he liked watching things happen.

Liked seeing what they would make of their lives.

It was worth watching buildings burn and fielding angry calls from Togami and answering uncomfortable questions and navigating an endless series of complaints.

Sometimes they surprised him and events would veer off in directions he could never have predicted.

More often they didn’t.

But that was okay too.

Life was full of inconveniences and robots and wrecked buildings and the feel of Komaeda sliding his metallic hand beneath his shirt and dragging chilly fingertips up his spine because he knew the cold would make him flinch and squirm against him even if he knew it was coming.

That it would still make them both laugh.

There was more laughter than despair these days and that, in and of itself, was something special.

In the simulation, he’d spent weeks wishing Komaeda would leave him alone.

Now he couldn’t imagine what his days would look like without him.

Didn’t want to.

So, if he wanted a puppy… that was okay too.

“So, what are you going to name him?” He’d asked late that afternoon as they lay sprawled out on the deck watching the others laugh and talk as Hanamura grilled up something that smelled amazing and would probably taste twice as good. “And don’t say Hope. You are not naming our puppy ‘Hope’.”

Komaeda laughter was like the tinkling sound of wind chimes swept together by a warm breeze, “Our puppy?”

“Would you rather he was just yours?”

“No, not at all,” he hummed, scooting a little closer so their legs touched, careful not to disturb the puppy currently snoozing on his chest. “Though maybe you should name him. I’m really no good at naming things….”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. If it’s something awful, I’ll veto it.”

“I really don’t know if I can trust someone like you with such an important job, maybe we should have Sonia or one of the others….”

“Oh, shut up about my talent and name the damn dog already,” he laughed, poking Komaeda’s shoulder.

Komaeda hummed and fell silent for long moments as he contemplated the compromise. “Lucky,” he said finally, his face gravely serious.

“What is?”

“His name. See, I told you I wasn’t very good at naming things, you see,” Komaeda replied, scratching a finger against the puppy’s floppy ear. “You are very unfortunate to have such a terrible master.”

“I don’t know, I think it suits him.”

“Really?”

“I do.”

“Okay.”

The fingers of Komaeda’s robotic hand slid over his own, clutched briefly before retreating.

“But we’re going to need to find someone who’s willing to watch him if you want to fool around.”

“Why? I don’t think he’d mind.”

“I’d mind.”

“You’re surprisingly prudish about the strangest things. I don’t think Lucky cares what you look like naked. Or are you worried my body will frighten him? I admit that might be-“

“You’re beautiful.”

“Well, yes, so you’ve said, but I think that’s just because you have terrible taste. I mean, you’ve chosen to spend your time with someone like me so your judgement is highly questionable on a number of levels.”

He rolled over onto his knees so he could loom over Komaeda who, unsurprisingly, looked back up at him with that usual pleasantly blank expression that made him want to throw things at Komaeda’s long-dead parents for whatever part they’d had in this attitude, “You do know I’m literally the most talented man in the world, right?”

“Well, yes, but only because you cheated.”

He chose to ignore that remark. It was one he was well-used to hearing from Komaeda’s lips, after all. Whatever sting it might have carried had worn away long ago.

“And you’re in love with a cheater.”

“Am I?” A smile quirked across his lips, subtle but real.

“Aren’t you? Seems like you said as much several times this morning.”

“Well, you have a few redeeming qualities.”

“Thanks for that. That’s good to hear,” he commented dryly, dropping a kiss against Komaeda’s lips. He’d intended to be a quick thing, but Komaeda had other ideas, fingers catching against the back of his neck and drawing him in for something wetter, deeper.

When he’d finally drawn away, they were both breathing a little harder and somewhere behind them Saionji was bitching loudly about how some people should take their little makeup sessions downstairs.

Komaeda smiled, pale cheeks flushed pink in the light of the setting sun, “Mm, do you think Mitarai likes dogs?”

Hajime laughed, reaching down to scratch behind Lucky’s ears before sitting back, “I think if you have Mitarai watch him for us, there’s really no telling what his boyfriend is going to imitate next.”

The idea of the unknown was always such a unique and tantalizing possibility.

Komaeda’s smile was soft and knowing as he sat up slowly, lifting the puppy from his chest and depositing him carefully in Hajime’s lap. He leaned in and pressed a fleeting kiss against his lips before getting unsteadily to his feet, “I’ll go find out. Wait for me?”

“I always do,” he said, setting a tentative hand against the pup’s back as it lifted its head, suddenly awake and interested in the proceedings as Komaeda slipped off into the crowd gathered around the grill.

The puppy clamored up out of his lap, sniffing the air and padding off towards the pile of crates.

“You need to go for a walk don’t you?” He sighed, climbing to his feet and adjusting his slacks. “C’mon, then.”

Lucky glanced back at him and lifted his leg against one of the crates in response.

Right.

[pyropsychiccollector]

AU Headcannon: Natsu and Erza try for a baby but can't. Erza goes to a doctor and finds out she's infertile, incapable of having babies. She becomes depressed but Natsu figures out a way to make her happy; they adopt. Instead of picking out one, Erza chooses to adopt all the kids, making their wish come true of having a large and awesome family! :D

Crossover with Danganronpa 2/3… yeah…

            ChisaYukizome twitched and forced a brilliant smile onto her face as she regardedher fellow redhead.

            “I’m sorry,could you repeat that? I must have misheard you.”

            And true toform, Erza Dragneel did not bat an eye as she repeated word for word her“decision”.

            “I want all of them.”

            Chisa’ssmile dropped completely and she gave off a blank stare. Oh dear. This womanwas clearly delusional. It took all of herwillpower to not go crazy with all these kids every day, and she was trained for this sort of thing!

            “Ma’am,”Chisa started slowly. She needed to bring this madwoman back down to earth. “Wecurrently have seventeen children in our care. Seventeen. I don’t think you understand the gravity of howimportant it is to-”

            “I KNOWJUST HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO CARE FOR THEM! I GREW UP IN A GUILD OF ORPHANS!”Erza roared, making the matron flinch. Okay, she definitely had a voice thatcould keep them in line, and maybe the passion, but even so…  

            “D-Do youeven remember all their names? What each of them likes to do?” Chisa tried adifferent approach, but her eyes became wide as Erza’s eyes sparkled.

            “Fuyuhiko-kunis just so adorable! Well, they allare, especially Chiaki-chan, but still! The way he takes charge of theplayground like a yakuza… So cute!And little Mikan-chan is so sweet…”

             Chisa’s eyes got wider and wider as Erza wenton and on, listing each and every childand what they apparently liked to do. Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu: Wants to be the head ofa yakuza empire. Chiaki Nanami: Content with playing video games, and beingleft to herself (though she certainly doesn’t mind multiplayer). Mikan Tsumiki:Hated so much to see others get hurt, wanted to be a nurse when she grew up.The “Imposter” (real name unknown): Because he doesn’t know or remember his ownname, he wants to copy others so that he feels like he is somebody. TeruteruHanamura: Developing a talent for cooking, wants to become Fiore’s greatestchef (then aim for the world title). Mahiru Koizumi: Sweet little girl contentwith taking pictures of anything and everything. Peko Pekoyama: Seems right upErza’s ally with her interest in becoming a swordswoman; seems smitten withFuyuhiko. Hiyoko Saionji: Very taken with dancing (and is a bit of a bully tothe other kids, especially Mikan-chan). Ibuki Mioda: Very outgoing, lovesplaying music (eager to learn any instrument). Nekomaru Nidai: Very athletic,but also has a habit of coaching the other kids so they’re in top physicalcondition (most… will pass up on his coaching). Akane Owari: Also veryathletic, but has an appetite to match (interacts with Nidai the most). GundhamTanaka: Very boastful of the animals he’s kept as pets (especially fourhamsters that he calls “the Four Dark Devas”). Nagito Komaeda: One of the oddducks; Lady Luck seems to be very fickle with this boy – it’s almost creepy howlucky or unlucky he can be at any given moment. Kazuichi Soda: Loves tinkeringaround with machines; has a massive crush on the “Princess” of the group. SoniaNevermind: Came from a wealthy family (they fell victim to bandits, and she hasno one left), but she’s come to terms with living at the orphanage with all theother children. Ryota Mitarai: Another reclusive boy; he likes to spend timedrawing and animating. And… Hajime Hinata. Chisa really feels bad for this lastone, because the boy feels so different from everyone else – like a “scrub”, ashe so puts it. If all these other kids can be described as “talented” in someway, then he seems to think himself “untalented”. “Average”. “Worthless”. He wants to be good at something, but hejust hasn’t found his calling yet – or at least, that’s what Chisa has toldhim… over and over and over. At least none of the other kids look down on him;most of Chisa’s time would be devoted to Hajime if that were the case. EvenHiyoko is a little less biting when she bullies Hajime like the other kids. Chisawas surprised Erza remembered Hajime… not because she doubted her fellow redhead,but because Hajime has been at the orphanage longer than the other kids, ifonly by a year. He’s so overlooked by potential parents, and it greatly saddensChisa.

            “O-Okay… soyou know them.” Chisa sounded dazed as she acknowledged that she was wrong.Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Dragneel had been stopping by the past few days, but to hearsomeone else know all her kids tosome degree… it was… Chisa honestly didn’t know how to feel about that. Alittle wary? Glad? Nervous? “I still don’t think you’d be able to give allseventeen of them the love they need… B-B-But if you want a trial run with themor something, b-by all means! Please! Let’s just get this pesky paperwork outof the way!”

            Apparently, Dragneel didn’t like her parenting skills being scrutinized. Well, it washer loss if she went insane. … Just kidding. Chisa would feel terrible forevery neglected child that would have to return to the orphanage until theDragneels could manage.

            Wouldn’tChisa be surprised when not a single child returned? Not even that odd duckNagito.

            ~*~

            “The fuck?!No one said we had to drink any milk!”Fuyuhiko raged with a reddened face.

            As he andErza proceeded to get into a screaming match, Natsu leaned over to his fellowpink-head. They had to set up two tables to accommodate all nineteen of them,plus Happy, but they made it work… somehow…

            “What’s upwith him?”

            Sodascratched his cheek sheepishly.

            “Peko orHajime might be able to tell you for sure, but I think he’s got an allergy orsomethin’. Lactose intolerant, I think?”

            Natsu madean ‘O’ face at this information. He should probably tell Erza, but they werecurrently on opposite sides of the tables… For his own good, he shouldn’t yellacross the table and incur Erza’s wrath about his own table manners.

            Aw hell,what did he care about manners?

            “ERZA! FUYU’SLACTOSE ‘N SOMETHIN’!”

            Thistriggered a shouting match between husband and wife, as Natsu had to pass alongSoda’s message accurately, and Erza scolded Natsu on his lack of manners. Mostof the kids ignored this over their own chatter; it wasn’t any louder thanAkane or Nekomaru’s verbal exclamations about the exercises they’d be doingafter dinner (even with Akane’s face stuffed), and with the adults occupied,the kids were free to ‘socialize’ as they pleased. Like Hiyoko picking on Mikan(Mahiru tried to get her to let up), Nagito getting on Fuyuhiko’s nerves (ittook all of Peko’s willpower not to smack him with her bamboo sword), Ibukitrying to get the “quiet ones” (the Imposter, Ryota, Hajime, and Chiaki) to bemore open and talkative, and Sonia apparently found Gundham feeding hishamsters “adorable” (which drew in a jealous Soda, who immediately beganslinging insults at Gundham and trying to pick a fight with him).

            “Hey Soniaaa!”It was all fun and games until Teruteru opened his perverted mouth. Withinearshot of Erza. “Some nasty poison caused my… little wiener to inflame, and it’s very troublesome… So I’d be verythankful if you sucked out the poison with your mouth~~”

            Of course thepoor aspiring chef was then dragged off by their new mother, who was nowred-faced and just a teensy bit shifty-eyed. Boys just entering their teensshould not be perverts yet! … But what does Erza care about Pervertedness? It’snot like she’s got a collection of erotica to share with her new ‘problem child’…or anything…

            For someunknown reason, Hiyoko, Ibuki, and Mahiru felt goosebumps go up their backs. Theyhad this odd premonition that one of their parents was going to be an enablerto that dirty rotten pervert…

            ~*~

             “So, mortal… whose master are you?” Gundhamasked Natsu, when they were alone with Happy. The dark-haired boy pausedbriefly before gesturing one bandage-wrapped hand at the Exceed. “… Aside fromthis magnificent specimen here.”

            “Eh?” Natsusquinted at the boy.

            “Whichtribe did you make a pact with? Answer me!” The boy pulled down his purplescarf to fix the Dragon Slayer with an intense stare… and the Pyro wasn’t anyless confused.

            “’Pact’?”

            “Answer menow! Though I shall cast you into a watery grave once you do!” Okay, nowGundham was just sounding bratty.

            Natsusquinted at the boy once again. Even by Fairy Tail’s standards, this guy was…eccentric. Happy seemed to understand, though… somehow.

            “I bet he’saskin’ if you’ve ever raised a pet, Natsu!” He rubbed the back of his head asGundham’s intense gaze fell on him. Natsu made an ‘O’ face.

            “Well, Ihaven’t raised any pets… Happy’s Kin.” Natsu sweatdropped as Gundham seemeddissatisfied with this answer. “… Oh! And Kemo-Kemo lived with us for a bit! Hewas green, and furry, and could breathe fire!But he wasn’t a pet, ‘cause he was Kin, like Happy.”

            Gundham’seyes seemed to bulge as Natsu described Kemo-Kemo. Never before had he heard ofsuch a creature… and this mortal had made a pact with it?! And this blue catcould fly… truly, his new father figure was a force to be reckoned with!

            “I-Itappears I underestimated you… to have raised such a pair of specimens…! I haveno way to gauge your Magic Essence! You may very well rival the great andpowerful Gundham Tanaka, SupremeOverlord of Ice!” Gundham posed dramatically and cackled gleefully.

            Happywatched the hamsters emerge from Gundham’s scarf.

            “Do thoselittle guys live in there…?” The Exceed asked cutely.

            Gundhamcrossed his arms proudly.

            “Tamingevil by using myself as a bed… Truly, this is the secret art of the TanakaEmpire!” He then paused again and nodded sagely. “One of my Four Dark Devas ofDestruction, Mirage Golden Hawk Jum-P, has this to say: ‘We’re not used togoing easy on our enemies…so don’t make us angry. You wouldn’t like us when we’reangry.’ FUAHAHAHA!”

            Natsu andHappy stared dumbfounded at the aspiring breeder. They hadn’t heard thehamsters say anything, but the boy apparently did.

            “Yourhamsters can talk?!” They chorused.

            Gundhamsmirked and chuckled. Oh yes. With a family that respected him like this, hewould make a fine roost here! He could not wait to tame the woodland creaturesand make them staunch allies!

           "Oh yeah.... Natsu was raised by a dragon! Thought you might find that cool."

           Gundham stared speechless at the flying blue cat. He had found quite the fascinating home indeed.....

            ~*~

            For thefirst few weeks, the Dragneel family home had to be renovated heavily to accommodatenineteen (eccentric) people. Unfortunately, it was a bit unreasonable to builda house that had nearly twenty separate bedrooms, so the kids were separatedinto rooms by gender, and given simple cots until they all raised enough moneyto upgrade living arrangements. None of the kids wanted Natsu, Erza, and Happyto break their backs to make sure they were all fed and cared for, so theyopted to help out around the Guild, and Magnolia in general for some. Chiakiand Sonia helped to serve tables in the Guildhall, while Teruteru helped Miraout in the kitchen; Elfman got some extra hands in bringing stuff out of thestorage room (Akane and Nekomaru); the Imposter was able to pull off convincing“Transformations” without the use of Magic, so he taught those the ‘tools’ ofhis trade; Mahiru didn’t want to intrude on poor Reedus’s turf, so she offeredto take photos around town; Fuyuhiko felt out of place in the Guildhall, so hetook to the streets and started cracking down on the “rival gangs” and bringingthem under his control (Erza thought it was a bit dangerous for him to handle,but the boy was an aspiring yakuza; and he had Peko to back him up, so Magnoliawas steadily becoming an even safer place to live); Ibuki and Hiyoko offered toperform shows for both the Guild and Magnolia in general; Mikan wanted to helpout in the infirmary, so for the time being she was learning under Porlyusica;Gundham grudgingly accepted the suggestion of taming wild animals and sellingthem to townspeople; Soda, aspiring mechanic that he was, offered to do oddjobsaround town and study under some mechanics; Ryota was working on honing histalent for animation, and he was getting some drawing tips from Reedus; Nagitowas a bit harder to pin down for a ‘job’, but Makarov gleefully had the boyentering all sorts of lotteries to earn money for the Guild (his bad luck wasannoying, but the good luck made it so worth it…); and Hajime… well…

            Hajime hada whole new world to explore with Fairy Tail. He usually helped out withwaiting on tables with Chiaki and Sonia, but he was also associating with manyof the Guildmates in an attempt to find his calling. He hadn’t found it yet,but he wasn’t going to give up. As one of the sons of Natsu and Erza Dragneel, thatwas one lesson drilled into his head fairly early on. Never give up. The futurehad endless possibilities~.

~*~

Note: I might continue this AU… The crossover’s a bit of a stretch in some places, like with Chiaki’s video-gaming and Ryota’s animation talent, but…. it’s fun~. I know I didn’t get into Erza’s infertility, but I wanted to get to these crazy kids. Phwwwh. They’d get along with the Fairy Tail cast… somewhat…. *giving Hiyoko the stinkeye* Hope you enjoyed this a little!