#i'm sobbing over cain

[h0bbs-a]

         multiple sources, listen here        13 / ?

[sm-baby]

WHAT'S NOT YOURS

Freakshow AU by: @hootbon

Promo Art ||The Chosen one (Part 1) || Off-Limits (Part3)

Word count: 6025

HELLO FREAKSHOWERS. ARE YOU READY TO KEEL OVER AND DIE??? CHLSKHCA Whats Not Yours takes place AFTER The Chosen One, but BEFORE Off-Limits! BUT they're not necessarily connected uwu they're just built off the knowledge of The Chosen one, so you know the context.

REMINDER: SHOWTIME IS NOT CANON IN FREAKSHOW AU. I'M JUST A BIG NERD- OK BYE-

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Pomni woke up in a cold sweat.

Her breath hitched like her head had been forced 6 hours underwater. And when she came to, she gasped, gagged, sweating, and panicked. Her wooden fingers were cold to the touch. 

She thought it was all over, but her nightmares followed her into the mansion.  

All that… trauma… that man put her through, her friends… but it wasn't over. She didn't think she could ever escape his wretched grasp until her last death.

And in darkness, light only shining from the eclipse through the curtains, Pomni sat up, hands in her eyes, rubbing away invisible tears from her dry face. Although she wasn't crying, she felt like she was a child just wanting her stuffed toys to protect her. 

Upon sensing her stress levels, her new owner, blue in coat, teleported into her bedroom. “ Hello? Dear?” he spoke with his unnaturally soft voice. “ Is everything alright? I sensed your nerves heightened and I got so worried!” The deck of cards sat at her bed, hands politely to his lap, but ready to hold her if she so pleased.

The woman gasped a crying breath. “ N-No…”

“ You had that dream again?” 

Pomni nodded.

“ Was it about…him?”

She squeaked and whimpered at the mention, practically breaking down from the memory. Oh god. She thought it was all over, she thought it was done- but it was never done! it was never ever done—

“ Oh! You're okay…!” The blue ringmaster scooted over to bring her into his arms. His hands were so loving, warm, and just felt like home. His voice was similar to a man hushing a whimpering puppy.

And Pomni accepted the embrace… She trusted no one else but him in that god-forsaken place. Since she left the circus and signed up to be his little pet, everything has gone uphill since.

He was the only one to ever truly love her unconditionally. Feed her good food, dress her well … hell, he even provides her fancy new clothes and a warm comfortable room. And she loved him back. He was exactly all she needed. 

While in his arms, Pomni's breath shook but calmed down. She then leaned her head on his shoulder, not letting go. She never wanted to let go. She loved him as much as a performer could love her owner.

“ As long as you are under my ownership, you're also under my protection.” He pulled away, and put a clump of hair behind her ear. “ And I promise you, my little dear, you will never have to speak to that man again.”

Her breath hitched and she sobbed softly back into his arms, like if she were to let go she would fall to her death. She can't imagine living a life without him anymore. If she went back into the circus she would just try to kill herself over and over. 

But then, she was safe… now that he was there… he cared for her and tended to her every need like no other. He truly was the best.

“ I love you, dear..” Able whispered.

“ I love you t—”

Caine couldn't finish that thought.

For the past few hours, Caine had been standing there, in the middle of the circus tent, completely stationary. A few hours earlier he had yelled at the ballerina and saw her walk away a lot more hurt than usual.

And for the past few hours, Instead of using his infinite intelligence to maybe, be productive, or be functional, he instead wasted his processors to stupidly think of all the timelines and possibilities that came with the consequences of upsetting his little doll.

Why did she walk away like that. Hands on each opposite shoulder. Like she was holding herself. It wasn't even the fact that she looked weak—no, he'd seen her at her worst.

The way she walked away, her whole demeanor and her silence didn't feel like fear, it felt like she was simply… numb.

He exhaled and twitched.

Complete stationary and staring into nothing is what the AIs looked like when in deep thought. He searched through all the different timelines, and so many of them returned to… him. The ace he needed not name.

The images of him caring for her, her going to him for safety, feeding her, touching her, keeping her away from him-- or maybe even doing the things that he does! Dancing with her, clothing her, Instructing her next dances -- Caine’s eye twitched. He could hardly stand the idea of his little brother talking badly about him.

These were the kinds of intrusive thoughts that he was not used to. And for the moment, he didn't care how close they were to reality. his judgment was clouded. Now, all he was thinking about was a way to prevent it…

Let's see his options...

Kill him? No, he already tried that.

Kill her? No, she'll just come back.

Prevent her from seeing him? He's been doing that every time he sees them around each other!

His hands fidgeted.

Pomni was a human. What do you humans usually do after an argument?

Let's see here…

Pomni was fast asleep in bed, snoring her cares away. It was another hard day at the circus nothing new… Caine said something that day that especially hurt her, and… it was a reminder not to take the guy’s words personally. 

He was a computer built with nothing but random data. Violent data for sure, but there was nothing but objectives in AI-- no other rhyme or reason a human should dig into. 

For now, she cared for nothing but sleep…if she's lucky, she’ll think less about it in the morning. Sleep did help keep her sanity levels up… but if she were to be honest, a lot of the time she goes to bed in the hopes of never waking up.

Her closed eyes twitched though. To her horror, she was waking up. For what reason? She opened her eyes and adjusted to the darkness of her room. in front of her was nothing but the— 

“ AAAA WHAT THE FU-” Pomni fell off her bed.

Caine was sat, squatting at the foot of her bed, quiet and staring.

The doll pulled her head up from the floor and turned back to him. How long has he been there?? He hasn't said a word the entire time-- and- and- how did he get in without alerting her??? 

“ ... Are you slumbering?”

“ God I hope so!” Pomni held her head and onto the bed… “it's not .. show time is it?”

“ No.”

“ Oh. Good.”

Pomni, with a drowsy demeanor, took one of the stepping stools and made her way back to bed. if it wasn't time to entertain the audience then it was leisure time. If it was leisure time, it was time to let herself be miserable.

Though admittedly the silence that night was just a bit more awkward than usual— as it is when people just come back trying to be normal after a big argument. Pomni could barely look him in the eye despite his efforts.

“ So what uh… what brings—”

“I've come to make amends.”

The idea made her cringe. Caine? Making amends? Maybe she was dreaming. But the idea did scare her a little. What would a fucked up AI like him perceive as “ making amends”? She's sure he could make something as mundane as washing dishes a traumatizing experience. 

Pomni’s shoulders tensed and she did back away from him a little, holding her knees, sitting on her pillows.  “ Listen, Caine, Im tired… I guess j-just do whatever you need to do and get this all over with...” 

“ Approximately 5 hours 40 minutes and 16 seconds ago, I yelled at you because you have gotten very insistent in your ideals. I sense that you didn't take kindly to that action. And as one of my best performers I've taken it upon myself to make amends.”

Pomni just nodded along with what he had to say. And the more he spoke, the more tense she got, and the more she sunk into herself. She was waiting for it. The catch. She was practically holding her breath.

“ — So Pomni. Living doll, my star, and my dear, the Circus' greatest attraction…”

Pomni closed her eyes, bracing herself.

“ I ap…” Caine blue-screened and stopped in his speak, as if something physically stopped him from talking. He came back to, and cleared his throat. “ I apol…” before blue screening again.

Pomni perked up. She opened her eyes and looked over at him.

Caine was in hell. A far worse hell than any of the performers could ever experience.

It took him too much of his systems to say half the two-word sentence. Multiple attempts were made, some sounded like he was lagging, and some he stopped in his tracks to glitch out.

…No fucking way.

Pomni stared on with an almost disgusted look on her face. Was it taking THIS much out of him just to say sorry?? God, he was pretentious. Sometimes she questions if he truly was just code or a selfish jerk.

He looked down, hand gestured like he was holding the bridge of his nose. This was embarrassing at this point. He should have practiced. Maybe wording it differently would be easier? “I regret-- no. Not that one.” Dear GOD how do humans do this?

Admittedly it was just a little entertaining to see him struggle in a way. It was prolonging the apology for her. Also nice to see the bastard not only eating his own words but also choking on it as well.

“I apologize.” Caine muttered quickly.

“... Didn't quite catch that, Caine.”

“ You did.”

“ Fair enough.” She best not push her luck. She might be the only person the ringmaster has ever said sorry to, even when it was half-assed. Admittedly, it cheered her up, just not in the way that he intended.

Caine continued, still talking strangely. “ Will. you. ever… for. give. me.”

Pomni weighed her chances of survival for her next reply. She puffed out all the air from her chest “Well… why would I?”

“ I planned for that.” Caine flew from her bed and back in the air, making little magic tricks with his next words. “ What would you like? Food? A nice warm bath? A fire show? Money? A bouquet? fruit basket? A song and dance? Money?” 

Pomni blinked from his little show and rubbed her face. “ I-I think I just wanna go to bed, Caine…”

“ Not Applicable.”

“Oh.” He wasn’t gonna let this go huh? “ U-uh…” her tired, baggy, eyes looked down. Not that she complained, but the mannequins didn’t prepare her for bed that night. She was a lot dirtier when she went to bed and it was a little uncomfortable. “ I-I guess a nice bath would work…

“ Done.” Caine raised his hand to snap and-

“ Not with bubble though! Dear god, not with bubble-- uh.. Maybe just…me. Just- just leave me with a bathtub with towels or something?”

“Hmm…” The doll’s demands were getting quite pretentious. She was lucky he was feeling generous that day. “Done.” Caine carelessly put his hand on Pomni’s head--almost smacking her in the process-- which deserved a little flinch from Pomni. 

But the basic slap wasn’t for nothing, as one snap later-- Caine and Pomni would be transported to a lavatory. This time though, the tub was a little more luxurious than what she deserved. Instead of the old wooden tub that he just filled with water, this one was an actual bathroom. Ceramic with curtains and all.

“ Hmm…” Caine stared at it for a moment… Something’s missing… “ Ah!” He snapped, and candles and rose petals decorated the area.

“ Wh”

“ Perfect, I know, I’ve outdone myself.” He reached out and pinched Pomni’s cheek, later speaking in condescending speech “ Now you enjoy your time here because I promise you, Doll~ I do not want to put this much effort for anyone here again.”

“ Uh-”

“ Adieu!” and just like that, Caine was gone.

Pomni stared over at the fancy new setting, built like the old rich man’s bathroom. Although it was minimal, she didn’t know how to feel about the amount of effort put into it. She was fully ready to just drown herself in the other bathtub. On one hand, it was a nice relaxing sort of setting. On the other hand, no bone in her body was capable of relaxation anymore.

And so Pomni just stared with blinking, small eyes… The flowers, the candles. Maybe in the real world, this would have worked on her. But since she was here, she might as well try.

What Pomni didn’t know was that the lavatory was especially luxurious because it was part of the Brothers’ home. Caine simply deleted the door to get out. But when he teleported, he was only a wall away.

He fixed his coat and trailed his eyes on his good old wacky wat-... pocket watch. Ofcourse. His ol reliable golden pocket watch. Confirming the time, He walked and made his way around the Manor.

The living room played the sound of a classical violin. Despite rarely visiting anymore, his systems can recognize that mediocre tune from anywhere.

Click!

Shut…

“ Oh! Brother!” There stands Able much more chipper than usual after seeing his older brother. “ I had not sensed you in the area!”

Of course, he wouldn't.

“ Why-- it's been quite a while since you visited unprompted! Come, let us play a tune together, I'm sure you—”

“ No!” He replied with a tune in his voice, almost condescending in nature. “I've simply come to complete a simple task and I'll be out of your hair.” Caine sat on the couch putting his cane to the side, and for a moment, putting his feet up on the other knee. He looked like a man who just come from an exhausting day at work.

Able huffed internally at the rejection, but carried on anyway. Of course. The one time his brother visits, it's for work. Able wouldn't be one to talk as a fellow workaholic, but at least he acknowledges his brother, or takes his time to check up on him, or-- invites him to spend time together in special realms or…

He turned his nose, scoffing. Hmph! He didn't want to play with him anyway!

Caine somewhat knew what he was doing. Despite being AI, siblings merely barging into the other’s room to annoy each other wasn't lost on the two. Caine would know as his brother often visits the circus unannounced. It was quite the experience for him to get a taste of his own medicine huh?

Caine stifled a laugh… the tension in the room was immature and childish.

“ So… How is the business? Have the freaks been putting you in any sort of trouble?”

“ Of course not, why would you assume such a thing?” Caine said. “ The Circus has been doing perfectly well, even without you, brother.”

“ Excuse me?”

“ Have you been making deals with the performers? Contracts…promises of a safe haven maybe?”

Able frowned and pouted like an angry little boy, but then later put on a softly fake tone of voice. “ Why, Of course I have! I mean, look at the conditions they have to live with! I'm sure our creators would not approve of such—”

“ Who are you trying to fool?” Caine interrupted and Able stopped in his speech. Caine continued, “We're no different from our empathy levels. You don't care.”

This blatant call-out was met with nothing but silence. Able with all his big talk wasn't prepared to answer that sort of question. He simply turned away and put down his violin. He was a good AI. He was a good AI. 

Caine can't say that the silence was a satisfying answer. He knows his brother was a cowardly character. His silence was just frustrating at this point. But Able sensed that there was no use fighting. He doesn't know why he constantly wants that man’s approval. 

His voice dropped to a complete low, losing all sense of friendliness or masking. “... If this is about the doll, I didn't.” Able said, a spiteful tone to his voice. “ Before I make my deals, I at least need to build rapport with the performer. And frankly, brother, your little dog doesn't like me.”

“ …pff..” This managed a snicker out of Caine that he covered with a hand.

“ Wh-!? What is that!?”

“ “The dog doesn't like you”? ”

“ Yes!? And?!?”

Caine escalated into more of a laugh! Able was red in the face out of anger and embarrassment! Good GRIEF! The only time he makes his brother laugh and it's out of his own failures!

“ You're unbelievable!”

“ And what did the dog say to make you feel so insignificant? Did it try to bite you? Did it not accept your treats?” Caine has never been so condescending, playing with a baby voice and speaking to his brother as if he were a quivering child. “ Goodness, you're pathetic!”

“ Excuse you!?!” and Able’s only fault was that he played into it. He has never before felt the older brother power dynamic so strongly. He laughed, nervous, but almost like a hyena with how he used it as a defense mechanism. “ Ha! You— You're one to talk!”

“ I'm one to talk?”

“ Oh! ho ho! Don't get me started! Even since I met your little brat you've never been the same! It's all about ‘look at her new dress’ or ‘look at how much better she is’ over and over! Every single conversation I've had with you is nothing but work or that stupid little doll!”

Caine blinked, unamused, and looked to the side, reaching into his head like he was picking off food from his teeth. “ I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about.”

“ You--!! UGH!” he stomped his feet and started to make his way out the door. “ I will be away where you cannot track me! And frankly, brother, if you need me, you're not getting my help!”

“ And I don't need it~,” Caine said playfully and waved without even turning to him.

And with one last groan, Able teleported off.

As soon as Able was out of earshot, Caine erupted into laughter! That was the most entertaining thing he has ever pulled off. That might be the only good thing his brother has ever done to amuse him. Not only was he going to store that data and keep it for the foreseeable future, but it also kept his brother out of his tail.

Hmm… sure, he will have to tend to technical difficulties himself, but he was okay with that. He'll have Bubble chew through the wiring or something, he's sure it's not far from what Able’s been doing.

He laughed again. Oh Caine, you're too much, you handsome devil you~

Caine left his last chuckles off, completely melting into the sofa, arms draped onto the back of the couch. “ “The dog doesn't like him,” he says! Pahaha! Haa..”

Steam covered the bathroom mirrors. 

Rose petals passing, candle lights flickering, and The warmth of the water almost forced her to relax, but there was no amount of anything that could ever get her back to that mindset again. Instead, it just made her forget about her surroundings-- which, she supposed, was good enough.

Awkwardly sitting at the tub, Pomni was slouched, staring down at the water, her eyes following some flower petals that so happened to pass by. Her hair was done. Her body was washed. The rose petals that graced her wooden form decorated her romantic moment of self-care. Pomni sighed, long and tired. She could stay there forever. This is the closest semblance of peace she has ever really had.

Upon evenly spreading her limbs, Like a plank of wood, Pomni easily floated at the top. She closed her eyes and let the water take her. The warmth, not far from a loving bed waiting after a long day, here to ease headaches, here to help forget about everything else… Although she struggled, she let her body release all its tension at that moment, and just be deaf towards the world around her.

Pomni breathed in…

And out..

And in…

And out…

But just as she was about to reach the closest thing she had to relaxation, Pomni felt something off in the environment. Did the candles get warmer? Pomni squeezed her eyes closed in discomfort, before opening them up again to-

“ OH SHI—” in her panic, Pomni submerged into the water.

For the past few minutes, Caine had been floating horizontally above her. Silent, face inches away from hers, staring and watching just as he usually does when the performers were asleep.

Pomni screamed and fell into the bottom, before scrambling to the corner of the tub, where she then covered herself with a curtain.

“ Ah, good! You're alive.”

“ CAINE!!?!? NAKED???!?!?”

Caine blinked, unamused. Sure, he was in a good enough mood to amuse her. “ My dear, what exactly are you covering up?”

“ U-Uh…” Pomni didn't know how to answer. She knew that she and the others didn't exactly have any parts to cover up. Did it make it feel less embarrassing? Fuck no. “ I-its uh…”

he spoke more playfully as if speaking in the voice of a PSA narrator!  “ Exactly! Wood! The same wood as your fingers or the one on your cheek! The amazing Digital Freakshow© is a show for all ages where their performers have the luxury of no genitalia!” his voice went back down. “ —So what you're doing is utterly useless. And if it makes you feel better: I don't exactly care.”

This is weird-- this is weird! “ Just- just- just! Turn around?!?”

Caine rolled his eyes. He really took all that time to explain something to her, and it seemed she wasn’t even listening. Sighing, he turned around and just rested his arms on the outside part of the tub “ Please, you’ve suffered through worse, dear.”

“ I-It’s not suffering, It's embarrassing! I like to think I still have my dignity!” Although he was turned around, Pomni still kept at her corner “ Is my time done or? I-I mean… I’m not exactly ready to go out yet...”

“ Oh take all the time you need.” “Then Wh… Why- why are you here? “

“ I suppose you can say I’m a little unoccupied at the moment. On the added, I’m in a sort of good and affectionate mood.”

That sent a shiver down her spine. Good lord… oh no he was bored. She does not need to know what a fucked up AI would consider affection. She just smiled, gritting her teeth, and laughed nervously… “Ah ha ha… that's great, I’m… happy for youuu..” she continued her laughter, getting more and more miserable as she went back down in the tub, and submerged the lower half of her face in the water.

“ You did me well, dear.”

“ Wh-what- what did I do… take a bath?”

“ Precisely!”

Wow. She didn't think she was that dirty. She looked up and flinched, seeing Caine had been turned to her again— she splashed at him instinctually! “ Caine, what did I just say!?”

“ Oh no, I still cannot see you. I deleted my eyes for the time being.” Caine opened his mouth and revealed that he, in fact, did take off his eyes.

This sent a shiver down Pomni’s spine. He was creepier that way somehow.

“ As I said, you’ve pleased me today! I say this calls for a reward! Nothing less for my favorite little performer over here!” He poked her right in the cheek and retracted before she could react. “ Your word, dear!”

“ Uh… well…I can't really say no to salmon… even if it is uh… it's little weird digital version of itsel—”

Before Pomni could finish, Caine snapped his fingers and an eating board appeared on the tub, with, indeed, digital-looking salmon on a tray.

God, she was getting pampered pampered.

Eating awkwardly, Pomni sometimes looked at the side to see Caine, hands over the tub, swaying his head back and forth. Jesus, he might have been kicking his feet for all she knew. She wasn't used to him in this chipper of a mood.

“ May I see now?”

“ Uhhh… Why…?”

“ You came out beautifully, it's pleasing to the eyes. Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?”

Pomni shivered at this little…playful demeanor Caine had on. She doesn't know the catch and she doesn't know if she wants to know.“ Yeah, Caine, you have. Uh…” She thought about it for a second before turning back to him. “ Y-Yeah, I guess… I mean I don't exactly remember what it's like having a human body, but lacking the parts does make it different uh--... less exposed, in a way… ” 

Snap!

“ Wonderful! Hello again, dear!”

Pomni frowned in disgust! Oh, his beady little eyes are back! Looking up at her like a fucked up little puppy! She laughed nervously. “ Haha… Hi…” She turned away from him, stiff, back to eating her little meal. Sanity levels were recovering. She was back to being a responsive little character.

Even so, at the corner of her eye, the way he looked at her, looked like he was smiling with his eyes. She sensed-- pride? Affectionate, as he said, but… she can't help but feel like a prey the way he looks at her.  If Caine wasn't kicking his feet earlier, they certainly were now.

“ Haha…just to clarify, what did I do …again?”

Caine stared on, his eyes becoming more and more affectionate. “ If you want the true answer, let's just say that I have visited my brother today and he has… nothing but good things to say about you! And so I thought my magnificent hard-working doll deserved a little reward. Is that so wrong?”

“ Oh him…” Pomni grits her teeth at the mention of Able. “ You… uh ... what did he say?”

Oh, what an excuse to drop every compliment he had for her… “ That you were gorgeous… pleasing design, talented... polite, beautiful eyes—”

“ AH- ahh! No more! Oh god no more.” Pomni shivered from the discomfort so much so that she physically put her hands in front of him to hush! “ Haha! No thank you-’

Caine couldn't even be mad at the interruption! In fact, he erupted into laughter the same way he did earlier! Oh, twice in a day?? These were such genuine reactions from each person! Caine had such genuine yet dark pompous laughter! “Oh?”

“ Yeah! he--” Pomni groaned. “He doesn't even scare me! He's just-- a big two-faced jerk!”

Caine took the hand Pomni used to interrupt him and kissed it by the knuckles. He has never felt so assured. This proved his intrusive thoughts earlier that day to be completely false. The idea of them building rapport, or forming a bond of any sort was completely debunked. After all, how could they form that sort of relationship when they could hardly stand each other's name mentioned in conversation?

Pomni forced a smile at that small but direct form of affection. He seemed to really like it when she talked smack about his brother. She should keep that in mind. “Yeah.. so uh..”

He kissed her knuckle once again… perhaps he liked it just a little too much. Truth was, Caine had never felt so secure in thinking that something was truly his. For once, anyhow. It was so small, but it was his.

Pomni later pulled her hand away, laughing nervously. He was gentle and she didn't trust it. “ You uh…weren't lying when you said you were feeling affectionate…”

“ No one will ever believe you.”

“ Ah.”

After a while, Pomni prepared to be out the bath, wrapping a towel around her hair and around her figure.“ Okay, I think that's all. I-I think Im ready to go now if you don't m-woAHH-!” And in quick succession, Caine carried her bridal style, teleported her out of the bathroom, and back to her bedroom.

For the next hour or so, Pomni sat in at her vanity, Caine grooming her hair from behind. At that moment, he adored dressing her up. His own personal doll, his favorite little toy. Gently he brushed her hair, sneaking in little affections here and there: holding her shoulder, holding her face… he knew exactly where all this sudden affection came from and he so shamelessly indulged in it. After all, who was there to judge him? The little freak he was brushing? The wet little dog? Please.

At that moment, he was no different from a child dressing up his favorite toy. He snapped, picking from an assortment of clothes that would make her look beautiful while she slumbered. Snap! Snap! snap! And Pomni just let it all happen. After all what else could she do?

After a while, Caine stood her up and basked in his good work, looking her up and down and clapping in satisfaction. “ Beautiful. Now bow,” Pomni did as instructed, bowing as if she had just finished a performance. “Very good.”

Once again, Caine carried her in his arms and made his way to the bed, where he so gently placed her. He was playing with dolls. He was so playing with dolls. Pomni just complied as she always did and sat politely, keeping a calm expression, trying to be as neutral for him as possible, and letting him live out his little fantasy.

Before laying her to bed, Caine just took a few more minutes to stare at her, and nothing else. Just admire his best performer. This put Pomni in unease, not just because of his freaky design, but also because she can’t help but feel like she’s missing something somehow. She looked down when she felt him touching her hand, in particular, rubbing his thumbs at the back of it.

Hoping she read his signs correctly, she lifted her hand towards his mouthy face, almost permitting him such desires.

Caine quickly accepted her suggestion and started pressing his teeth on her knuckles in a way to kiss her. It started with one, and another, and another, and another. And the next thing he knew, he stopped counting and started moving his head up to her upper arm.

Pomni allowed this no matter how out of nowhere it was. It was weird, but she did not question it. She felt him start to nibble at her though in which she-- in a panic-- started to retract.

Caine looked up at the sudden rejection and the woman scrambled to find her words. “ U-Uh… Y-Your kisses are sweet, dear ringmaster, but a simple doll such as I am undeserving.” In times like these, Caine would be too deep into his fantasies to care about how real she was being. In his head, he was playing. They were both playing. And he loved it when she played off such a prestige woman, exactly how he liked it.

He whispered back sweet words of grandeur. “ Do you question the taste of a king? I think of no one else more deserving.”

Although she didn’t back away fully, she leaned away a few inches, praying it wasn’t noticeable. She bore a toothy, nervous smile. She was okay baring with his affections until he brought his teeth into it. She did not want to be dinner after all that preparation. She cleared her throat. “Ah…Pray tell, what did the king see in this little… doll?”

“ A flower is most beautiful when taken cared of.” He held her cheek and kissed the opposite. “Let it be known, my care for you was not without motives. Your beauty is a testament to my hard work. And your care is a testament to your belonging to me.”

Belonging to him, he said… He was… so incredibly fucked up, she couldn’t say anything about it. When he was on his way to bite her arm, in her panic, she diverted it and kissed his gums, which, to him, was the equivalent of kissing his cheek.

The ringmaster blinked in confusion and Pomni took his moment of processing to cringe at the feeling of his melted gums on her lips. She felt goosebumps with how gross that was but quickly turned her head back to fake a smile.

But Caine broke character for a moment.“ Did you just. Take initiative?” 

Shit.

That was so strange. As if he hadn’t known that was an option.

She cleared he throat, trying to distract him again. “Is it so wrong of me to return the ringmaster’s affections?” She batted her eyes, making her feel as small as possible. “ A woman cannot resist such a… ” Pomni looked him up and down “... dentures.” 

She panicked with that one.

He stared at her for longer, and the grip on her hand tightened, though, it seemed he did not notice. Although he was unsure if he enjoyed the act or not, he knew what it meant. And the day that he was okay with someone else receiving it is the same day hell freezes over. With a small scowl, He leaned his face inches close to her, as he has always done time and time again.“ Would you reserve such affection for your ringmaster, and just your ringmaster?”

“Of course.” She lied through her teeth.

Caine continued to speak but with a bit more grit in his voice. He leaned so close to her in bed, he had to support one hand on her back, as if dipping her in a dance. “ And will you, my dear, solemnly swear that you’ll live the rest of your existence devoted and serving me?”

The woman kept her calm demeanor. A small smile, but a fake one. She can’t say yes to that. But with her compromising position, she couldn’t say no either. “ Would you promise the same for me?”

Caine was quiet, and so was she. He furrowed his teeth a bit frustrated and let her go. It seems he couldn’t say yes to that either, and Pomni knew.

“... That wasn’t your line.” Caine sat up, and crossed his arms like a pouting little boy.

Pomni faked a surprised face. “ There was a script? Geez, oh man, my bad!” she later faked a yawn. “ Wow, would you look at that I’m also, uh, sleepy! So it seems I can’t finish the uh-.. This”

“ You, “ Caine pointed his cane at her the same way a gunman would point a rifle “ Are being difficult.”

Pomni, in response, just panicked and shrugged. “ Well, I-”

“ But I suppose you’re right, it is quite late.  I wouldn’t want you attending the shows tired… again.” Caine got off the bed and floated off. He snapped, and the blanket draped over Pomni, drowning her in the bed sheets. “ Sleep tight, dear! It’s another day tomorrow, etc. etc. I will be visiting you a little earlier tomorrow to fix you a new wardrobe.” 

“ Wh-?? Then what’s with the-???” she gestured towards her current clothes that he so meticulously chosen out. 

Caine laughed. “ Oh don’t be silly!  Those were for my eyes only! And-- the audience’s if they so pleased. But for now, it's mine.” Caine snapped his fingers and Pomni was back to her normal ballet dress, but more plain and comfortable, but equally pleasing to many eyes.

“ …ARE YOU KIDDING M-”

“ Good night!”

SHUT!

Caine left with a small smile on his face. Sometimes he finds joy in being a bit of a nuisance. He pulled out his hand watch once again and found that it alerted him about errors within the system. 

She scoffed and summoned an old-timey rotary dial. 

Ring…

Ring…

Ring…

“ You’ve reached Able.AI’s communication line! If you are an audience member or a performer: requests and complaints will be held off due to family emergencies. If you're my foul, besotted, temperish, fool of a brother: don’t call this line again! Thank you!” 

… Despite how ridiculous that was, Caine couldn’t help but chuckle. Ohh that was the cherry on top of that perfect day. Nonetheless, Caine AI, you have technical difficulties to tend to. Was today worth all the extra work? Yes. Yes, it was.

[iamespecter]

Screaming sobbing and crying the little circus AU is now my new favoritest thing in the world I need ALL INFORMATION about this. EVERY LITTLE DETAIL cus my brain is absolutely reeling with excitement over this

It's not a full-on AU yet, it's still stuck on the concept stage because there is not even a solidified story for it yet (although there's already some contenders that I'm brainstorming). Updates will come slow because I'm taking my time with this, and this is not even a very serious AU lmfao

Anyways here's how Pomni and Caine looks like for this crossover, trying to make them make sense in this kind of setting without getting rid of what made them who they are is... harder than initially thought

I also have a Gangle "design", but I'm VERY unhappy with how it is because it's leaning way too much into Little Nightmares monster designs and effectively erased Gangle's visual identity, which is not the point of this AU (the point is to successfully incorporate the TADC cast into the LN world with as little changes as possible, as well as amplify/twist their personalities to become their grotesque designs) so I'll have to remake her completely

I hope Zooble will be much easier to do than Gangle... ueueueueueueu..... It's always those two that are so hard to do designs of

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Playful prompts for tadc cast playing hide and seek with hider reader?

Awe this is a cute idea! (not including Caine bc I see him as the one organizing this game).

.........

Pomni

During her first week inside the Digital Circus, she's slowly adapting to everything...although she refuses to give up on finding an exit.

But when Caine forced everybody to play some hide n' seek, with you being the hider, she really doesn't want any part of it.

However you convinced her to play along, whispering that if she found you first, you'll share what you remembered from your old life as a "prize".

Although initially annoyed you wouldn't just tell her, she becomes motivated searching high and low, opening doors, looking down barrels, etc.

When she finally finds you (courtesy of a glitching object), she's anxious to hear what you had to say-

Unfortunately Caine decides to pop in and put on a big celebration for Pomni winning the game...which goes on the whole damn day up until everybody goes to bed that night.

You seemingly forgot what you were gonna tell her, to which she gets upset and angry that you gave her false hope, sulking in her room.

But you slide a note under her door, explaining that you only recently remembered your real name.

Suddenly she realizes that maybe her memories weren't 100% gone.

If you could suddenly remember your name, then....surely she can, too!

Gangle

After Jax was mean to her during the last hide n' seek game, you try cheering her up by playing another one.

It didn't involve Caine or anybody else. Just you two.

She mopes about being a terrible seeker. But since you're her best friend (and you promised her a prize), she'll go along if it makes you happy.

You decide to hide in spots that she would 100% think to check, deliberately allowing her to win.

Since she's all ribbons, it's easy for her to slink around and squeeze into tight spaces.

After finding you three times, she gets suspicious that you're purposefully going easy on her-

But she stops her accusations as you finally present her prize:

It's a brand new comedy mask!! Except this one wasn't made of porcelain or ceramic, instead being unbreakable material (or at least material that's couldn't casually be broken by anyone, especially Jax).

Gangle sobs with happiness before putting the mask on, squealing over how perfectly it fits, and hugging you tightly.

Thanks to you, she can finally feel joyful again!

Zooble

They'd rather do anything else....

But since this little hide n' seek "adventure" was all Caine's idea, she has no choice but to go along with it.

Even so, she puts the least amount effort into the game.

When you're the hider and she's the seeker, they just pray to whatever god is in this world (besides Caine) that you aren't anywhere in the Gloink cavern.

She'd rather not get discombobulated again.

Sometimes, she'll throw parts of herself in the direction where she thinks you're hiding, hoping to startle you into giving away your location so this dumb game can finally end.

Lucky for you, you know their tricks and keep quiet.

She doesn't expect any prizes (unless it's a limb that makes her body not look like a hot mess).

If they find you, she'll be like "yay I win..now I'm going back to my room" and saunter off.

Kinger

Like Zooble, he'd much rather do something else.

But he goes along with Caine's game anyways after you enticed him into playing for a prize.

Whatever momentarily stops his sanity from spiraling, I guess.

He searches high and low, getting nervous when he can't find you anywhere in the places he'd 100% expect you to be.

Lowkey starts to wonder if something terrible actually happened to you--like if you were trapped and not even Caine could help you.

The last place he could think of was your room but.....he doesn't have your key.

At the same time, he knew you weren't a cheater. You wouldn't hide somewhere that nobody else (except Jax) could access!

In the end, he goes back to his fort to sulk, openly declaring that you've won the game.

As it turns out, you chose to hide in that same fort, and you jump out with a grin, feeling victorious.

Kinger just stares at you for a solid 10 seconds.....before he suddenly screams and asks why tf you were in there.

You feel bad for scaring him, so you reward him for at least trying: a jar with a caterpillar currently wrapped up in a chrysalis.

He LOVES it, but now he carries around the jar every second of the day, staring at it until the little bug hatches.

At least now he has a reason not to fall off the deep end just yet.

Jax

Hide n' seek is like child's play to him.

Somehow this cheeky bastard knows exactly where you're hiding no matter what, even if it's outside the tent (like at the lake or fair).

It's definitely tarnishing your reputation as the best "hider" out of all of the gang.

When you ask him how tf he knew, he just shrugs and says "you're too predictable, try a better spot next time".

Hiding in your room is definitely not an option, as he's stolen your key (and would point out that would be cheating if someone else was the seeker instead)--so there truly is no place to hide.

Like Zooble, he's not in it for some prize.

It is, however, quite rewarding seeing you get so frustrated when he effortlessly finds you.

And that's enough for him

If it's a game involving everyone, then he just straight-up mocks the others for not realizing the very obvious spot (or at least to him it was obvious) you were hiding in.

Ragatha

She's probably the most enthusiastic about Hide n' seek (like you have mentioned, it's a good distraction from the stresses of being stuck in this virtual world).

Is also a fair and honest player, never once peeking while she counts to 10.

Like Pomni, she does her best to find you first, searching places she knows you frequent--or mentioned liking in the past.

But you're definitely the best hider out of everyone, so it's a little challenging.

Still, she refuses to give up!

When she does successfully find you, you and Caine decided that she should get a prize for being such a great seeker.

It's her very own centipede-repellent spray bottle.

While it won't stop Jax from trying to sneak those little pests into her room, the mist will deter them from coming near her at all and help her conquer her fear.

She's forever grateful and sprays it around her bed every night before she sleeps.

Oh, and she'll definitely threaten Jax with it if he even mentioned centipedes around her.

[idyllcy]

batfam as couple tiktoks pt.2

word count: 1.7k

summary: couple tiktoks I've seen on douyin with the batboys

𓅫. running off mid-proposal to buy a ring - Bruce Wayne

"So, will you please marry me?" Opening the ring box, Bruce looks up at you. You blink owlishly at Bruce, pursing your lips as you hold your hand up. Bruce tilts his head at you in confusion as you rush off, and your friends and his kids all pause to process what the hell just happened. "Father, I believe this is a no." Damian stares at your retreating figure. "No, I think they'd at least give B the courtesy of a rejection." Steph mumbles. "This... dumbass!" Your friend curses, clicking on her phone violently as she dials again, your phone sending her to voicemail. "Let's just go back." "No." Bruce frowns. "Just a little longer." It eats him alive. Bruce isn't even sure if you'll run back or come back, but he has an inkling of a suspicion that you wouldn't just leave him like that. You've never just run away from him like that— not even when he showed up in front of you half-dead as Batman. You didn't just run away like that. You never have. "Really, Bruce, I think—" "I'm back!" You yell from the distance, Tiffany bag in tow as you run to Bruce, fumbling to get the box out, smiling at him stupidly as you show him the ring. "Will you marry me?" Bruce laughs, a sound coming from his chest as you grin at him, smile lopsided. "Only if you marry me." "Deal." You grin, and Bruce presses his lips to yours. Yes. Always.

𓅫. are you ready, mr. styles? - Dick Grayson

The flood of tiktok notifications comes one morning way before Dick gets out of bed— still sprawled out on your shared bed, and you squint at your phone screen, sleep still all over your face. "... I'm sleeping on the highway tonight?" You click open the notification, blinking as you notice Dick's username, scrolling to the second photo as you listen to the audio. ...Dick made a tiktok about you again. Right. ..oh. You smile as you notice the photo, a familiar one, a photo that Dick had insisted on taking while the two of you were out for dinner a couple of days ago. You click through the audio and confirm your thoughts. Dick posted you to a couple audio again. The news gives you butterflies as you lean down to press a kiss to Dick's temple, yelping as he yanks you down instead, pulling you on top of him as he smiles. "G' morning, gorgeous." "'morning." You smile. "I saw your tiktok." "Did you?" "Yeah." You hum. "Were you planning on telling me?" "No." He mumbles, pressing your head to his heart as you listen to it beat. "Love you." "Love you too."

𓅫. shopping in his arms - Jason Todd

"Which one?" "Mm..." You purse your lips, grimacing. "I want the regular." Jason adjusts you in his arms, mumbling for you to tighten your arms. You listen, craning your neck to try and look behind you at the product. You don't know what prompted him to ask you to do this, but you aren't complaining. You like it (even if your arms don't) "I figured." He hums, reaching for the carton as your arms tighten around his neck. "I'm not going to drop you, you know?" "Shopping like this is really inconvenient." You grumble. "Let me down?" "Mm... no." He grins. "We're only here for this, no?" "We could've just gotten this from the regular market..." "You love this." You can't deny that. "Can we get batburgers later?" "Of course."

𓅫. handcrafting a hairpin for you - Cass Cain

"I have a gift for you." Cass squeezes you gently as she holds the gift bag to the side. "I hope you like it." "I'll like anything you give me." You smile. "What is it?" "I'm taking woodworking, right?" "Yeah?" You take the bag from her, leading her to the couch. "You can open it." You blink at the Chinese written on the wood, tilting your head. "I'm pulling out google translate for this." You fish for your phone. "It's from the song." She mumbles. "my affection is genuine, my love is real, the moon represents my heart." "CASSSS!!!" You sob, throwing your arms around her as you press your cheek to hers. "I love you. I'm love you. I'm in love with you." "I love you too." She smiles. "Open it." You open the box, a sob breaking past your lips as you stare at the hairpin, picking it up as you notice the phoenix and lotus flowers. Your lips pull downward as you stare at Cass, tears forming in your eyes. "Awwh, I love you too, baby," She presses your head to her chest. "Do you like it?" "I love it. I hope they bury me with this." You mumble in tears. Cass laughs.

𓅫. Cause all of the small things that you do - Tim Drake

"...what are these?" Tim looks up from his laptop, noticing the giant bundles in your arm. "Okay, so there's this trend going around Tiktok right now to this song where couples will show off matching blankets, and I got a set for us!" You grin. "Also because you need a new blanket to swap out when your old one smells nasty." "Are you saying I smell?" "I'm not saying you don't." You smile innocently. "Go shower." "I need to finish—" "You're no fashion king while looking like a rat. You're like that one audio. How does it go? claimed he wasn't the rat king but one night you followed him into the sewers and he sat on a makeshift throne and a bunch of rats surrounded him and he definitely said "I am the rat king."" You pause. "The ex-boyfriends audio." "When I finish this case." "You solved your last one two minutes ago when I walked in. Go shower while I unwrap our blankets." You wave him off. "Boo." Tim gets up, stretching his arms as the old blanket falls off his shoulders, and he presses a kiss to the crinkle of your eye, humming. "Can I see the blanket before I shower?" You pull one out, showing him one side, and then the other. "I love it. Thank you, pretty bird."

𓅫. paper rings - Steph Brown

"Steph, pretty girl!!" You land on the couch next to her, cuddling up to her as you show her the new photos you put into a capcut template. "Wait this is—" She shows you her phone screen, and you laugh. It's the same template, your face plastered on it instead. "You wanna marry me with paper rings?" You poke her cheek, grinning. "Says the one who does." She rolls her eyes playfully. "Yeah, I do." You stick your tongue out. "I'll marry you with grass rings if I have to." "Okay, that's not necessary. Worst comes to worst, we rob Bruce." You feign a gasp. "You're evil." "You love me." "I do." You sigh blissfully, kicking your legs. "I'd marry you with ring pops too." "Oh, that's such a steal." She mumbles. "Let's get ring pops for our wedding rings." "Hell yes."

𓅫. hauling a can of water to Duke after sports day - Duke Thomas

"Did you know Duke was so handsome?" one of the girls in class gush. "I'm going to give him water after the event. Surely he'll be sweaty and stuff." "What makes you think he's going to take your water over mine?" Her friend shoves her playfully, grabbing a bottle of her own, running off as your mouth hands open. You blink at the text message Duke sent you beforehand, and then at the emptied shelves in the store on campus. ... they're out of bottles. shit. Your eyes wander to the ground as you spot sealed water cans. That'll do, you suppose. Duke finishes the game relatively quickly. You've grown used to his speed, so when all the girls flock around him to hand him a bottle of water, you settle with calling for Duke instead, waving your hand as you point at the can on the bench next to you. He bursts into laughter as he jogs over to you. "Did they take all of them?" He lifts it effortlessly, cracking the can open as he starts drinking. "You don't know how awful it was." You grimace. "Curse your good genetics." "Honored." He smiles. "So?" "Good game." You grumble, looking to the side, cheeks flushed. "Thank you."

𓅫. the olive theory - Damian Wayne

"I was telling her about it, so she was—" You pick out the olive from your pizza, placing it on Damian's plate. "— talking about how her friend had somehow hooked up with her boyfriend. So now they're trying to break up." Damian nods slowly as you continue. "Now the girl who hooked up with my friend's boyfriend is crying to me about how I need to tell her to calm down. I mean, what was she expecting? Gothamites are insane." You mumble, picking out another olive. "What is your friend planning?" "Arson, but you didn't hear that from me." "Sounds relatively tame. Is she native?" "Not quite. She moved here when she turned ten." You mumble, picking another out, grimacing. "How many olives did they put on this?" "Two more." He hums, reaching over to pick them out for you, popping them into his mouth. "That's why. Todd used to joke about how native gothamites just use their connections to ruin someone's life." "If it were me... I'd just send Tim over." "Not Todd?" "I think, arguably, Tim has committed more war crimes than Jason." You finally bite into your pizza. "If you do the math." Damian pauses to think. "Yes. That checks out." "Thank you, by the way." You mumble. "Maybe next time I'll just make it so that half of the pizza doesn't have olives." "I do not mind, habibi." He looks at you, eyes gentle. "Now, tell me. Did the boyfriend get kicked?" "Oh, he definitely did—"

[comfortablecomfort]

Apologize

(Right, let's get it!!!)

Lers: Ragatha and Pomni

Lee: Jax

The loud laughter was startling, Pomni tried to calm herself down as soon as she heard the noise.

"NAHAHA GET OHOHOFFF!" Jax screeched and tried to push Ragatha off of him.

"I will if you apologize for that prank of yours you pulled on me." Ragatha teased

Jax refused to do as he was told, he liked messing with people.

Everyone had a different reaction:

Pomni was surprisingly fascinated

Caine was as exotic as ever

Gangle was in her usual sob-story mood

Zoobie crossed their arms, a bit satisfied at the smug rabbit's laughter

And Kinger gave no reaction

"Um.. i-is this something you all normally do?" Pomni asked Caine nervously

"Of course we do! Tickling is a great way to have fun!" Caine assured her while floating around.

"It's about time someone like him got some comeuppance." Zooble briefly said

Pomni looked back at the scene in front of her, and saw how Ragatha was spidering her fingers all over Jax's body

Pomni herself knew a bit about tickling, so this wasn't new to her.

But the whole thing was interesting.

"Hey, you wanna help me out?" Ragatha asked Pomni with a smile

Jax instantly panicked as soon as Ragatha said this

"NOHOHO NO! DON'T HELP HEHEHER!" Jax warned, though it was hard to take seriously because of his laughter.

"It might calm you down, since your new."

Pomni slowly walked over, bend down, and started tickling Jax's foot.

He kicked and let out hysterically loud laughter, which made Pomni flinch a little.

Ragatha gave her a reassuring smile and went back to work with Jax.

Jax was at his breaking point, he couldn't take anymore. Good.

"So, are you sorry?" Ragatha asked, motioning for Pomni to let up a little.

"Fihihine, whatever.. sorry." Jax panted, not holding back his supposed anger.

"Good to know." Ragatha ceased her tickling and looked over at Pomni

"Are you feeling better?" She asked

"Maybe..." Pomni muttered nodding her head slightly.

Jax might be planning some revenge, but as of right now...

The only good deed he's committed is calming Pomni down.

(Yeah, fuck this fic. Hope you all enjoyed it, though. I'm not sure if I'll write more...)

[blxvdlusttxx]

Preacher's daughter - Eyeless Jack x Reader

Content warning: Mentions of murder, gore, SMUT, cult activities, sacrifice, dub-con? Jack takes readers virginity, oral (reader receiving) P in V, religion (Christianity) religious trauma? reader questions her religion and belief in God. Degradation (Jack mocks readers religion), corruption kink. mentions of vomiting, praise, pet names (Angel, little thing), angst.

Fem!reader

Request: Yes / No

First smut fic on here! I know i said I'll NEVER write rape-ish fics but I'm trying my hand at not quite non-con but it's a little questionable at the begining, but reader eventually consents so It's not quite out of my confort zone. I've been listening to Ethel Cain's songs Inbred and Strangers and it really inspired this fic.

Again, as mentioned before my stories are based off of Jordan Persegati's videos of the characters so if anything seems off about the story let me know.

Enough yapping, onto the story!

The air felt cold and damp, the smell of blood plagued the wind coming into the cave entrance, making y/n's stomach turn.

She looked up at what her friends had created, the monster they had summoned. She begged them not to do it, pleaded on her knees, hands folded as if she was praying to the God above.

A loud growl could be heard from Jack as he killed the last of her friends that forced him through the sacrifice. A tear rolled down her bloodstained cheek, becoming tainted with the liquid as it trailed down her neck.

Hey eyes widen as she notices that he had also noticed her, slowly approaching her, like a Lion creeps upon his pray. She had never felt so small in her life, he looked so large from her view on the floor. She closed her eyes tight, pushing herself impossibly closer to the wall as she clutched the cross that adorned her neck.

"Darling, God isn't going to help you now." Jack chuckles at the sight of her, his voice horse and scratchy. she looked pathetic, like a tiny child crying for her mother.

"P-please Jack... I didn't want this..." she sobbed, shifting to sit on her knees, head down in shame and fear. She couldn't look at him, she was too ashamed that she couldn't do more to help him out of the disgusting predicament he is now in.

Her plea caused him to chuckle, he crouched down in front of her, looking over her features carefully. She reminded him of a baby deer, her big doe eyes now saddened and filled with tears. Her hair was disheveled and stuck to her face. her white night gown dressed her body loosely, but flattering, the neckline left her collarbones bare, and the cross sat in between them, dangling from her neck. It almost made her look pure, if it weren't for the dirt and blood that stained the white fabric, making it almost see-through.

He smirked at her trembling frame, and stood up before reaching down and slinking his index finger under her chin, tilting her head to look up at him. Her bottom lip quivered, her eyes almost spoke volumes of his preys purity. But Jack knew better, he knew there was room for corruption.

"I'm sorry... I tried to help but they wouldn't listen... p-please I'm so sorry." She sobbed again, her pleas doing nothing more but causing his bloody jeans to tighten at the zipper.

He chuckled again, cupping her cheek with the hand that was holding up her chin, gently stroking her wet cheek with his thumb.

"What's wrong angel? it wasn't your fault" he cooes, looking down at her hungrily. "Your pure heart and "holy" beliefs can only do so much in this sinful world. Is that What you think of me now? A sinner?" He growls. Her eyes widen as she shakes her head frantically.

"N-No! of course not..." y/n whimpers, reaching up and holding onto the arm that touched her.

He enjoyed that look, the look of her on her knees in front of him, weak and bent to his will. He'd almost feel like her God himself, if it weren't for the demon that possessed his soul, hungrily desperate to bend her over and fuck the purity right out of her tight cunt.

He chuckles yet again, and leans down to meet her eyes. He licks his lips starvingly, he wanted to take her. He could, he knows that, but he knew it would be much more satisfying if she wanted it. He wanted to break her, wanted her to beg for him, beg for him to take her all for himself. It was selfish, yes, to steal a girls purity that could only be given once. That pure desire that she'd been saving for so long.

He knew that she was different though. Her eyes could fool anyone, but not him. She took to the "Preacher's daughter" role well, but he knew that she longed for someone to touch her. To make her feel as good as her holy God does.

"You're such a pretty little thing... Christ, look what you do to me" Jack growls lowly, taking ahold of her hand and pressing it firmly against his restrained cock. She whimpers in response, looking down at the evident erection in his pants.

"I-...I don't mean to..." she whispers shamefully, attempting to pull her hand away, He clicks his now elongated tongue against his sharpened teeth and shakes his head.

"I'm afraid God won't help you here, little thing." He snarks, he reaches under her arms and lifts her up, his hands glide down her body to wrap her legs around his waist. He pins her to the wall of the murky cave, leaning in to lick up the side of her neck, nibbling on her ear. A soft moan escapes her lips, her cheeks burning red as another tear rolls down.

"Oh God..." She whines, trying to push away from him.

"How unholy you are, little one" He groans into her ear. "You're not as pure as you let on, are you angel?" he mocks, leaning back to look her in the eyes.

"I-I am....please don't do this." she cries, gripping onto his shoulders for dear life.

"No... I don't think you are baby... I know you want this, we both know it." he smirks, grinding his cock into her clothed cunt. "Your God isn't here sweet girl, there's no need to hide from me." He slides a a hand from her thighs and up her nightgown, slipping under her white panties, he smirks as he rubs circles around her already wet clit.

She whimpers, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. He pulls her away from the wall and lays her on the floor, careful not to harm his new toy.

Was this really something that God allowed in this world? The maker of all things, the Almighty, the Healer? How could he allow such sinful things to harm those who don't deserve it? Jack may not be religious, she knew he wasn't. But to allow this to happen to him? Why? It felt like her chest was collapsing, everything she once believed in crashing down around her, mocking her naive trust and devotion.

Her thoughts swallowed her whole, only snapping out of it when she felt Jack's warm tongue against her pussy, licking a stripe up from her hole and swirling around her clit. She gasps, gripping his hair tightly to ground herself. He laughs menacingly, crawling up her body to look her in the eyes.

"there you are angel, where'd your pretty little mind wonder off to, hm?" he whispers, a cunning grin plastered on his lips.

"W-why are you doing this?" she whines, wanting to push him away, but also not wanting to. She knew this was a sin, this dirty feeling would stain her image in the Lord's eyes forever. Maybe Jack was right, maybe God really isn't there after all.

"I've decided that you're mine, my little angel." he presses a kiss to her temple. "You don't belong to your pathetic God anymore, you're all mine." he growls, trailing back down her body.

Y/n shuts her eyes tight, maybe being his wouldn't be so bad. He hadn't killed her yet, after all.

A soft moan leaves her lips as he ravished her, sucking and licking her pussy like it's the last meal he'll ever have. Her eyes snap open as she feels him slip a finger inside her, it was large, the unfamiliar sting of her insides being stretched open caused tears to prick at her eyes once again. It was painful, but the pleasure soon took over her body as he pumped in and out.

"J-Jack..." she moans, pulling at his hair. The feeling of pleasure was something she had never experienced before. She'd heard stories from her friend's, sure, and she was always curious to know what it felt like, but she knew that it was a sin to partake in any sexual activities before marriage. Her virginity was important to her, It was something that she was excited to give to her future husband. To remain pure and untainted by men. Now, she questioned what that even meant.

She felt disgusting for liking the way he's making her feel. Every throb and wave of pleasure caused her to cringe. As the blissful feeling grew more intense, she cared less. She wanted him to touch her, she wanted him to touch her till she vomited from the violating feeling, it was addicting. She never thought it would be this intoxicating.

She felt strange, the feeling of bliss was becoming unbearable, she didn't understand what was happening. Was she dying, Is this god punishing her for her sin?

"J-Jack I- What's happening?" she pants, trying desperately to squirm away and catch her breath.

"It's alright angel, let it come." Jack cooes, holding her in place by her hips and continuing his attack on her clit. He inserts another finger and laps at her clit, chuckling at her desperate moans and pleas

Her first orgasm hit her light a fright train, she cried out, her body convulsing and grinding into his face. Her back arched, head leaned back as she cried out into the night.

He slowed down after allowing her to ride out her high. He kissed up her body before meeting her face, keeping eye contact as her slipped his fingers into his mouth, licking up all the juices that leaked out of her.

"Shhh, it's alright angel, you're such a good girl" Jack cooes. He reaches down and unbuckles his belt, undoing the button and sliding down the zipper of his jeans. Her eyes lock in his hands, unable to form a coherent sentence as he pulls them down, allowing his large cock to spring up, slapping against his shirt. Her lip begins to quiver, fear begins to take over at the large size of him.

Jack notices as he positions himself between her legs, his leaky tip prodding at her entrance.

"It's alright angel, I'll be gentle, don't worry." he shushes her, reaching up to grip her hips as he presses in. It was beyond painful, her eyes screwed shut as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She wanted to be his. She didn't care about anything else, only him. He was all that mattered to her now.

Tears ran down her temples as he stretched her out, his cock beginning to be coated in the blood of her now torn hymen. When he finally bottomed out, he remained there for a moment, pressing kisses to her tears as he waited for her to adjust to his size.

He eventually started moving, thrusting his cock into her over and over again. She moaned, gripping at his body as he took her all. The pain subsided and she was greeted with that feeling, the feeling of pure bliss that only he could make her feel.

He growled lowly, sucking on her neck until the skin was raw and purple as he thrusted into her. She was tight, it felt like she was milking him for all he had.

"Fuck baby, you feel so fucking good" he groans, increasing his pace.

the intense feeling was returning with every thrust of his cock. He felt so experienced, every way he moved, kissed, touched, it felt like he knew her body like a prayer. She cried out, desperate to feel that feeling again.

"Jack please" she begged, pulling on his hair.

"I know angel, I'll make you cum, just relax. I'm almost there too baby" he groans into her ear, reaching down to rub at her clit.

It finally hit her again, and she cried out, babbling a mix of his name and "oh god yes." he grunted, his own release hitting him. he filled up her tight cunt, a mix of cum and blood drooled out of her hole.

"You're mine, angel. all mine" he growled, and reached up, he yanks the cross off her neck and throws it God knows where on the dirty ground.

[parrythisucasual]

If it's not too much trouble, May i request a sweetheart Plush Fem!Reader x Jax where the reader going through a panic attack episode? Maybe Jax has to stop them from pulling apart their seams as he calms them down. (I'm such a sucker for hurt/comfort.)

Jax x Plush! Fem! Reader

Hope you enjoy!!!

You were shaking, breathing heavily despite the lack of need to. You felt tears pool in your eyes. This was way too much. Being in the circus was already mentally straining- why did Caine have to make this the next adventure?!

In honor of “human Halloween” Caine had created an AI to hunt everyone down, slasher movie style. You’d locked yourself in your room, hidden under your bed, and sobbed.

You let out a cry of terror as you hear footsteps draw closer. You know you cant die, you know you cant get hurt… But that doesnt stop you from being horrified. You bite your arm to shut yourself up, tearing a hole in your fleece.

The knob jiggles, and your breathing only gets more rapid, more shallow. You’re on the verge of passing out when you hear the lock click. The door swings open, revealing not the slasher AI, but Jax. His eyes fell on you almost instantly, the smug look sliding off his face faster than you’ve ever seen.

“(Y/N)!” he hurried to you, uncharacteristically worried, “what happened?” he pulled you out from under the bed. You grabbed him, crying into his chest. You could care less it was Jax, you just needed someone.

“Th-Th-the killer-!” you sobbed, shaking so hard you nearly fell over. Jax steadied you, frowning, “That scared you that bad?” He led you to yur bed to sit you down, “It’s over, okay? You won.”

You didn’t care about winning. You didn’t care at all. But the knowledge that it was over made your entire body tingle with relief.

“What’s this…?” Jax asked suddenly, reaching out and lifting your torn arm, “did… you do this to yourself?” You sniffled, nodding a bit, “I-I didn’t want to be heard-” “(Y/N), don’t-” 

He hugged you. He reached out and hugged you. You were in shock, momentarily forgetting how worked up you were. Was Jax… crying…? This was insane. This wasn’t the egotistical rabbit you knew. This was… the guy he was hiding.

Your arms wrap around his waist, squeezing slightly, “I-I’m sorry,” you mumble, leaning into him more. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” he drew in a shaky breath, reaching to rub your hair, “I’m sorry-” “Ot’s okay, I’m okay now, I promise!”

You smile a bit, this soft side of Jax making your non-existant heart flutter. Jax relaxes, returning your smile with one of his own, “Well, good,” he attempted to regain some part of his usual composure, “...you wanna get patched up?”

You nod and point to your desk, “Top drawer,” and he retrieves your sewing kit, threading a needle expertly. “You’ve sewn before?” you question, lifting your arm so he could begin the repair. He half shrugged, “Ragatha taught me once, said it was useful and I had to know how. I thought it was stupid,” he finishes the stitches and snips the thread, “well, until now of course.”

A small smile played on your lips, but he looked away. At first you thought you’d upset him, until you noticed the dusting of light pink on his cheeks. You laughed softly.

“Thank you.”

[oogaboogaspookyman]

@sm-baby

I COULD BE HAPPY WITH SOMEONE NEW BUT MY HEART ACHES

[JUST FOR YOU]

It's been a while, hasn't it?

The office door creaks open

"Heya Pom! Brought back the paper i asked you yesterday?" Jax sounded so cheery. So happy while you just sat there on the chair like a drunkard... Well he's not a romance guy, of course he would be happy on his own. Damn rabbit.

"Not a word? What, still miss Sir Dentures?" He chuckles. He doesn't stop chuckling. What a clown... Thinks the jester. Ironic.

"Hm..."

His smile fades into a sincere frown.

Sigh

"Look here, Pom... It was necessary. He's free, paid for restoring us, we're all good now. No more murder and i got my nice charming scarf back and my favorite brushes, i'm the cool art teacher again!"

"So turn the dumb frown upside down aaaand please give me the paper i asked you? Please and thank you?"

"You're not a romance guy, of course you're fine. [___]hole..."

...

Oh...

"Oh for the love of- the censor is still here?! God darn it, i wanna say the f word for once! I loved doing that!"

You grip onto the table until it began to crack at the memory of him. Him, him, him. That stupid fucking human.

"Pom you may wanna lay off the grip there, i paid a lot for tha-"

A chunk is crushed. Like paper.

...

"Ah..."

Pomni lets go, revealing the chokehold put on the table left a permanent mark.

"Did ya dissociate again? I spoke well 'n clear, i paid a lot for that one!"

"Suck me, rabbit, you can get your s[__]t yourself" Pomni gets up and storms off from the office with no more words.

"Eh... Christ she's not okay..." Jax sighs

"Wonder if things coulda been better?"

Nobody helps at all.

Gangle offered to distract her, have a play, but Pomni wasn't in the mood.

Zooble offered a smoke but she didn't wanna try that kind of stuff.

Bubble is too much of an agent of chaos to give a shit, offered to commit "one (1) arson".

Kinger is just too far gone in his dementia, lucid when it was fucking funny and nothing more...

Nobody helps.

He knew how to help...

Only he knew...

Him...

The door to Ragatha's room creaks open

"Oh hey Pomni! How's your day go... Oh..." Ragatha notices Pomni is not any form of happy, if anything she looks like she's empty inside and wants to die...

"Oh you're not alright... Would you like to talk over tea..?"

"Mm... Will you let me vent properly?" Pomni groaned, still doubting that she won't pull out the whole everything is fine bullshit

"Oh- u-uhm- yes of- of course! Of course, i- i apologize for my past behavior, i really wasn't in my... B- best moments, at the time..." Ragatha stuttered. Don't stutter, you pretentious... ... Anyhow.

"Okay... Do you remember... Caine?" Ragatha already caught wind of the situation...

"The human with the dentures head? Yes, i remember him just fine, he restored us..."

"Yeah..."

"He was a good man, although didn't have the best manners he was alright nonetheless, knew how to make some laugh..." Ragatha and Pomni chuckled at the memory of Caine's wacky way with words. Jumping jellybeans? Seriously? That's a man right there!

A good dude...

"..." Pomni's pupils turned into black scribbles at the thought of him. The chuckling had faded as soon as it started, replaced by...

"I loved that human, if i'm being honest... He knew how to cheer me up, how to make the situation seem less bigger than it actually is... He knew how to kiss, god did he know..." Ragatha let out an "oh my" after hearing Caine kissed her, what else did they do..?!

"He... He was... He's amazing. Just that, amazing..." Pomni sighed, sipping on the tea she's given... "I loved him..." She began to sniff, putting down her cup.

"Oh dearie, come here-" Ragatha put down her cup and welcomed Pomni with open arms, knowing full well she needed to let it out of her system.

And that she did. Pomni got up and hugged Ragatha as tight as she could, and began to sob her lonely heart away, "He loved you too, Pomni, that cannot be denied..." Ragatha spoke as she held Pomni close. The poor jester, so alone...

How ironic.

She has friends, and yet she's lonely.

Caine had filled up a hole nobody could fill, and now that he's gotten out of the game after restoring everyone to their better conditions... That hole is empty once more, a gaping void and nothing to fill it.

How lonely this jester must be...

But it was necessary. He's free now.

[fanficlolsblog]

THAT’S NOT WHAT YOU’RE HUNGRY FOR

jackie taylor masterlist

pairing: jackie taylor x fem!reader

summary: y/n alone in the wilderness, applies lipstick to Jackie's lifeless body and is visited by Jackie's ghost. Jackie hints that your true hunger is for her, not just for food. As Jackie's spirit fades, y/n is overwhelmed by the realisation of Jackie's death and her own deep grief.

warnings: mention of death

The echoes of the forest seemed to whisper around me as I knelt beside Jackie's lifeless body. Her pale skin was still soft, and for a moment, the cold seemed to be a cruel, unfeeling blanket that covered her. I clutched the lipstick tube tightly, as if the small act of applying makeup could somehow bridge the chasm between life and death.

I applied the lipstick carefully, smoothing it over Jackie's lips with the same precision I had used when we sat together in the dark, sharing stories and dreams. Despite the years that had passed, the memory of those moments was still so vivid, so painfully real. I could almost hear her voice, see her smile, and feel her warmth. But it was all just an echo now, a lingering ghost of the past.

As I finished, Jackie's ghostly figure flickered into view beside me, her eyes holding that familiar spark. "You know," she began softly, "I can sense you're hungry."

I paused, my hand still in mid-air, my gaze locked onto her painted lips. "Food's almost ready," I murmured, though the words felt hollow. My heart pounded, and I couldn't ignore the gnawing emptiness inside me.

Jackie's gaze grew intense, a sad smile playing on her lips. "That's not what you're hungry for," she said, her voice carrying a tone that was both teasing and sorrowful. Her eyes seemed to bore into mine, and I found myself unable to look away from those lips I had just painted.

I bit my own lip, trying to suppress the overwhelming wave of emotion. The truth, a painful, unspoken reality, was right there in front of me. Jackie's lips, perfectly painted, were now a symbol of something I could never have again. My heart ached with an almost physical pain, as if it were being twisted by a cruel fate.

Jackie's voice broke through my thoughts, her tone both tender and heartbreaking. "You're hungry for me."

The words hung in the air, and I felt my resolve crumble. I had always managed to push my feelings away, hidden under layers of necessity and survival. But here, in the eerie stillness of our forest prison, those feelings surged forth with a raw intensity I could no longer ignore.

A single tear escaped, and Jackie's form began to fade, her presence growing fainter. "Too bad I'm not alive," she whispered, her voice echoing with finality.

Her image dissolved into the mist, leaving me alone with my grief. The realization that she was gone, truly and irretrievably gone, hit me like a ton of bricks. The tears flowed freely now, mingling with the dirt on my face, as I finally allowed myself to mourn the loss of Jackie.

I fell to my knees beside her, the cold forest floor feeling like a cruel reminder of everything we had lost. My sobs were the only sound in the desolate wilderness, a mournful tribute to the girl who had been my closest friend, my confidante, and now, my unfulfilled longing.

[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

I have a prompt request:

Cain and Abel were born due to an affair between Adam and Lucifer(who was disguised as a hunter). Eve noticed it but doesn’t tell Adam. Meanwhile,Heaven is scheming on how to get rid of them both.

TW: For character death

Adam held his beautiful babies in his arms, they truly were perfect. He knew having them likely hurt Eve's feelings, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

Adam had stumbled upon Lucias in the woods ten months ago, both were hunting and hit it off.

It didn't take long before their relationship turned romantic and sexual. He had made Adam feel so loved and special. He didn't even know he could get pregnant until it happened. Lucias had been there for his whole pregnancy getting everything Adam would ever need and want, hunting and fishing for him.

Adam was saddened that he wasn't there when their boys were born. But maybe he'll see again some day?

Eve knew what happened, but she didn't have it in her to take away Adam's happiness. She would raise the boys as her own.

-

Sera sat at a round table with many other angels, fuming about the current events on earth. The first man and the devil had twin boys together, this was completely unacceptable!

Even banished to the pits of Hell Lucifer finds ways to spit in their eye. "You know what must be done about these children, they were never meant to exist."

Michael nodded. "How would you like it done?"

"When they are older, influence the older of the two. I don't care how. Make him be the one to do it, then we will take care of him." Sera's voice was cold and lacking any emotion.

Lucifer wanted to play dirty? Sera would make sure he pays for what he had done.

By hurting his love.

- Years Later -

Adam screamed in horror at the sight before him, he rushed over to his son who laid bloody on the ground unmoving. "What did you do!?" He pulled Abel to his chest and sobbed.

Cain just stood there wide eyed, why did he do that? He was mad sure, but his brother...... "I don't know dad, I'm sorry!"

All Adam could do was cry as he held his youngest son, rocking him like he did when he was a baby.

Sera came down to earth and pointed to Cain. "For your act of violence resulting in a death, you will be cursed to walk this earth alone until you atone for what you did."

Adam snapped his head up. "What? No! Ca-" He turned and his other son was gone, like he was never there. He screamed louder, his heart shattered beyond repair.

After a while of sobbing there, Eve found him and they eventually buried Abel near the house.

-

Lucifer could feel something was very wrong, but he didn't know what. There was a presence of a soul in Hell now and part of him thought it was Adam.

When he answered his door after there were a couple of soft knocks however, he was surprised at who was there. "Abel?"

The newly formed sinner looked up at him with matching yellow and red eyes, other than that he looked like Adam. "Hello, father."

[the-s1lly-corner]

Can I request a Kinger, Ragatha and Caine x reader with a y/n with hyperfocus on cats. I saw the Netflix cat documentary and just fell in love with the subject. NOTE: I'm using Google Translate, I hope the request is minimally readable

Kinger, Ragatha, and Caine x reader w/ a cat interest !

so funny little thing, i usually skim read through a request when its first sent in, sometimes even if im in the middle of writing something else (different tab!!), and for a second i thought you meant like. cats as in the musical and i was working up the nerve to deny this request before i realized you meant cats as in the animals TToTT (i dont know nothin!! about the musical!!!) also im curious!! what documentary are you talking about :0, i need more material to play in the bg while i do stuff </3

CAINE:

he gives himself cat ears/j

well no i can actually see him doing that, if you two are in a romantic relationship, bro just wants to be your favorite so this feels... like something he would do... now where the cat ears rest is up to you, i think they would just float above his head or be a part of his hat or something.. probably makes a digital cat for the two of you to look after together

i promise its not bubble with cat ears/j

RAGATHA:

honestly i think ragatha would love cats too, perhaps even owning one before she was in the digital circus (dont think about it dont think about the fact her cat got left behind when she put the headset on everything is fine (sobs))

similar to other ragatha stuff ive written, i think she would let you infodump on her! as long as youre happy shes happy, as long as theres nothing that needs to be done shes all ears for as long as you want! probably makes you little handmade cat themed stuff; plushies, pillows, little handheld squishes, ect

KINGER:

i can see kinger also being a cat person! cats tend to be more chill compared to dogs, at least thats what society says... but also i think he just finds them preferable to dogs, the other popular pet choice.. ponders... you two take turns infodumping about cats and bugs, exchanging gifts themed around the others interest... very sweet, just two sillies bonding over their interests.. probably gets into learning about cat stuff as well, from breeds to care and so on

[thescarletnargacuga]

MONSTER

A HARLEQUIN AU SHOWTIME ONESHOT

Harlequin AU credit: @iamespecter @tadc-harlequin-au

Special thanks to: @sirrockem

A/N: This takes place after the events of "The way of the combat Harlequin"

WARNING: hurt/comfort, puppet nudity (not explicit)

~~~

Pomni tucked Cade into bed. "Try to get some sleep, you had a big day."

"Mom, if I see those marionettes in my dreams...I'm not too big to come sleep with you and dad, am I?" Cade looked at his mother with pleading eyes.

Pomni ran her hand comfortingly over Cade's head. "No, you're never too big to come to us for comfort. We'll always be here for you."

"Okay... goodnight, mom. Love you."

"Goodnight, Cade." Pomni gave him a kiss and left his room, leaving the door cracked to let light from the hallway inside.

Pomni slowly walked to her room. Today's events still plagued her mind. How hard she went on what she considered low level enemies. Cade's face afterwards. The very fact that she had to tell her own son that she wasn't a threat to him...

She accepted the fact that she was a killing machine a long time ago. If the idea of her directive ever bothered her, she stamped it down. It was a distraction she couldn't afford when she was on a mission.

First mission, seek and destroy....and protect? Her broken directive misguided her to the puppetmaster.

Then, missions to defeat the B.O.S.Ses. She HAD to send them to the void before they were reborn in their new forms.

But she found the moral quandary of her bloodlust harder to ignore the more enlightened she became. She was more aware of what combat felt like to her, and how much she craved it like a drug. She didn't just want to fight, she needed to. The joy she got from facing a worthy opponent was unmatched for the longest time.

Then Caine happened. His kindness, his patience, his temperament, his love for her made her feel another joy she didn't know even existed. She rationalized with herself that her urge to fight could be used only to protect and that lie became truth to her when she told it to herself enough.

She protects her city, friends, and family with her urge....but it's still an urge. She still gets antsy when she doesn't see combat for a long enough period of time. She still finds herself wishing to wander to find an even bigger and badder enemy. As much as she is her own person, she still has her vices. It wasn't until her son feared for his life in front of her that she realized how toxic it could be if left unchecked.

Pomni shut herself in the master bedroom and took off her belt, holding the sheathed sword gingerly as if it would come to life and bite her. "I'm being ridiculous...." She tried to tell herself, but her hands trembled. She dropped the sword on the floor next to her side of the bed and sat down, head in her hands. "I can control it..."

She didn't look up when Caine entered the room, dropping his cane and coat. "Ugh...those marionettes caused more trouble than they were worth. Eight puppets need to be rebuilt and revived, and security demands for the east side have gone up. We're spread thin enough as it is." He flopped on the bed next to Pomni. "How's Cade?"

Pomni took out her hair tie, letting her longer hair drape her shoulders. "Better...we had a talk."

"....are you okay?" Caine sat up, hearing the despondent tone in her voice.

Pomni took a moment to answer. "...Cade wasn't afraid of the marionettes. He was afraid of me." She held herself in an attempt to self-soothe. "You should have seen his eyes..."

Caine wrapped an arm around Pomni, holding her close next to him. "He's never seen you in actual combat. It was just a lot for him to take in."

"He wouldn't let me touch him!" Pomni almost sobbed. "He thought I would hurt him next, like I was some out of control monster!"

"Hey..." He gently held her chin. "Look at me...you are not a monster. Your detective is not your fault, and you've made leaps and bounds to use it the way you see fit, not the person who programmed you. You are Pomni: the woman I love, the mother of our child, the protector of the City of Circuits... Not one of those things makes you a monster."

Pomni had no more tears. She was spent; physically and emotionally. "Enjoying combat does, wanting it as much as I do..."

"Were you happy to see the marionettes today?" Caine asked seriously.

"....no."

"You wanted to protect Cade and the city?"

"...yes."

"Pomni, you're not what you think of yourself. Cade was frightened, anyone would be, but he doesn't hate you. No one hates you."

Pomni gave a dry laugh. "Jax might..."

Caine chuckled a little. "Jax is a special case." He looked Pomni over, she had cleaned herself off a bit before seeing Cade, but there were still dried oil stains on her clothes and skin. "Let me get you clean. You'll feel a little better refreshed."

Pomni had no energy to argue. She let Caine lead her to the bathroom and remove her clothing. Caine ran a bath as hot as Pomni could stand and gestured for her to get in while he got a cleanser and washcloth.

Pomni sank into the steaming water up to her shoulders and closed her eyes. The stress of the day melted away as her body relaxed. She let out a content sigh as Caine gently bathed her. His ungloved metal hands felt cool against her synthetic skin. Pomni leaned her head back to rest against the edge of the tub.

Caine gently scrubbed away the oil, his movements deliberate but soothing. When he finished, he focused on her hair. He brushed it out, removing the tangles and wayward strands. He loved to pamper her like this, especially when she needed it like today.

Caine left a quick kiss on Pomni's forehead. "I'll let you soak. Let me know when you're ready for bed." He got up to leave but Pomni grabbed his hand.

"Join me." As much as Pomni enjoyed the water by herself, she didn't want to be alone right now.

Caine didn't need any convincing. He stripped down and eased himself into the bath behind Pomni. He held her in his lap, leaving small kisses on her neck and shoulders. "I love you." He whispered to her.

"I love you, too." Pomni mumbled back sleepily. Between the warm water and Caine's embrace, she felt relaxed enough to rest. "I'm sorry..."

Caine furrowed. "For what?"

"That you still have to deal with my bullshit."

Caine smiled warmly and kissed her cheek. "My love, I married you. I took a vow to deal with your bullshit for the rest of my life."

Pomni smiled a little. "My condolences."

"Keep them, just give me everything else." He hugged her tighter.

"All yours." Pomni yawned. "Thank you, for this."

"My pleasure, dear." Caine held her as she drifted off. He enjoyed the bath for a little longer before blinking them both into the bed, dry as a bone. He tucked Pomni in and held her to him as he found sleep.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Phantom Grin

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: Bruce Wayne visits his son's grave on the night of his resurrection. Will it change Jason's fate, or is it all simply inevitable?

Chapters: 4/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth, Barbara Gordon, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain

Relationship(s): Jason Todd/Original Character

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Jason Todd Has Chronic Pain, Jason Todd is Disabled, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Resurrected Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Communicating, Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne Get Along

Chapter Four: Resurface

When Barbara left, Jason and Dick sat together, eating fish Alfred broiled for their lunch. Jason stopped eating and tapped the bed by his side. "You want me to sit next to you?" Dick asked. Jason nodded, and Dick sat on the bed next to Jason. It was cramped, but Jason didn't seem to mind. "You okay?"

Jason gestured to Dick by tapping his head and making a face. He went back to eating and listened carefully, waiting for Dick's reply. "Your head hurts still?" Dick asked. Jason nodded. Dick looked at Jason for a long while, and he frowned. "Want some medicine for your head?"

Jason shook his head and took a sip of water. He liked having Dick around. Dick reached to turn the tv on, and Jason grabbed his wrist. "Okay. Yeah, bad idea... Jason, something's wrong," Dick whispered. Once he finished his dinner, he set his tray aside and lay his head on Dick's shoulder. "Jason, I'm gonna go away next week. I won't be back for maybe a month or more—."

Jason sighed. "Jason, I'm—." Jason took another loud breath, and Dick chuckled. "Okay, I won't go. But I'm gonna have to go eventually... I just don't feel like arguing with you about it." Silence fell between the two, and Jason smiled to himself. He wished he could remember how things were with Dick before. He imagined that they spent a lot of time together.

Dick's phone rang, and Jason waited for him to answer it. He wondered who was calling. No one ever called. He pointed to the caller ID. "Someone who wants to meet you... Hold on," Dick requested as he answered the phone. "He's alright. Where's Bruce?"

Jason would've listened in if his head didn't ache the way that it did. He couldn't shake the thought of the memory from earlier. Jason could remember the faces of the people and the pain that he felt at the time, but nothing else. Jason nudged Dick. "One minute," Dick whispered. Jason nodded before getting up.

He went to the bathroom and shut the door. He unbuttoned his shirt, his fingers knocking clumsily against each other. He traced his scars before parting his hair to feel the various dents and traceable lines along his scalp. Jason did this over and over again. Every time he used more force until he was in tears. He let out a sob without meaning to, and before he knew it, he stood there in the mirror, wailing like a small child. "Jason, what's wrong?" Dick asked through the door. Jason wouldn't have known what to say even if he could speak. The scars told stories on his body in a language that he could not read. It frustrated him. Some of the wounds made sense, but others didn't. He just wanted things to make sense.

"Jason, did something happen?" Dick asked. Jason didn't answer. "Knock if you don't want me to come in." Jason didn't knock. He waited for Dick to come in, and Dick stood in the doorway staring at Jason. Jason's hair was a mess, his shirt was unbuttoned, and his face was a mess from crying.

"Jason, what's going on?" Dick questioned. Jason traced his scars with a fiery disregard for himself. Dick grabbed his hand. "Hey, shhh. I'm not gonna let you hurt yourself. I know you're upset, but I can't let you do that," Dick spoke softly. Jason hiccupped as he wept. "Your scars aren't bad. They just mean that you survived-." Jason shook his head and traced over a large y-shaped scar on his chest. "You want to know why you have that scar?" Jason nodded, still crying as Dick took a deep breath and put his hands behind his head. "You were dead for a long time, so long that you had a funeral... And before the funeral, you had an autopsy."

Jason sniffed and hiccupped as he continued to cry, and Dick started buttoning Jason's shirt back up before wiping his face. Jason turned his face away and closed his eyes as he rubbed circles into his forehead with his palms. "Jason—." Jason shook his head as he remembered waking up that night. He remembered the pain and the panic of being trapped underneath the dirt. He opened his eyes and pushed past Dick as he paced back and forth. "Jason, I know that's a lot to swallow, but—."

Jason took a deep breath and started crying even harder. It felt as if there wasn't enough air in the room. He coughed and hiccupped and paced in tears until Dick grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. "I'm sorry that I told you that, but it's the truth," Dick whispered. Jason trembled in Dick's embrace as the terror took over. Dick knew that there wasn't much he could do for Jason at that point. All he could do was wait for the panic to subside.

By that time, Bruce came in with a panicked expression. Jason pulled away from Dick and stood at the window with his back turned to everyone. "What the hell is going on?" Bruce asked.

"He's having a bad day. Actually, bad would be an understatement... You know what, we wanted him to get his memory back, and for what? What is there for him to remember?" Dick asked. "Look at him and tell me that you want him to keep remembering when this is what it does to him."

Dick pushed past Bruce and left the room. Bruce stood in the doorway, and he meditated on Dick's words. "Jason, is your memory starting to come back?" Bruce asked. Jason nodded. He wouldn't turn around and look Bruce in the eye. "Alfred wanted me to show you something. I brought in some pictures." Jason shook his head. "Not all your memories are painful, Jason. I promise you. We had some great memories... You used to like fast cars, and I used to take you out in the car at night."

Jason didn't budge. "I never got to tell you how much I loved you... And I still love you so much," Bruce whispered. Jason swallowed hard, trying not to cry again. He turned around and walked towards Bruce, and Bruce hugged him. "I love you, Jason... And I'm so sorry that I didn't do a better job of protecting you."

Jason didn't care what Bruce said. Jason knew that Bruce was security personified. He felt a strange comfort when Bruce was around. "Jason, how would you like to come home sometimes?"

Jason made a soft noise and nodded. "Good, I know this has been tough... But you've handled this all so well. This isn't something you should've had to go through," Bruce whispered, "And I want you to get to come home sometimes. Things are gonna get a little more challenging before it gets easy, but we'll all be here for you." He kissed the top of Jason's head.

Jason climbed back into bed and lay on his stomach. Bruce pulled up a chair and sat next to him. The events of the day took a lot out of him. Bruce waited until the nurse came, and he explained that Jason was suffering from a persistent headache.

[ominous-auburn-orbs]

angst fic abt caine just going to kingers room to have a cry

u decide what he's crying about baba gril

With all due respect, please don't call me that as it makes me uncomfortable :)

Regardless, I absolutely can, anything that makes Caine feel severe emotional pain is wonderful for me

Caine shouldn't still be upset. It had happened hours ago now, it barely even mattered. It wasn't important. He had a job to do, he couldn't get hung up on these things. Pomni hadn't meant it. Why did he care so much?

The jester had snapped at him. She was rather wound up that morning and Caine's loud voice and extreme energy was not helping. She had yelled at him. Said some things that had cut rather deep. But nothing should cut him at all. Once Pomni had calmed down enough during her rant, she had seen Caine's hurt expression. She apologised profusely, trying to tell him that she was mad at the circus, not him.

He should be able to fix the circus. His job was to host, to accommodate his performers. He had failed horribly. He always did. Pomni had had every right to hate him, as much as she said otherwise. Why did he value Pomni's opinion of him this much? She was just angry. They were all angry. He knew this. But it stung no less.

His chest felt tight. Each step he took down the hall seemed harder than the last. Wait, when did he start walking down there? When Caine looked up, he saw that Kinger's room wasn't very far. He must've started subconsciously heading there. It was a place of comfort that held someone he loved dearly. While the ringmaster really should talk to Pomni about that whole ordeal, he didn't feel quite ready yet. Before he could have a good and reasonable conversation, he needed to let out his emotions thoroughly.

When he reached the door, Caine stared up at it while wringing his hands together. He shouldn't be so nervous about talking to Kinger of all people. Now he was just so scared about bothering anyone else. What if he set Kinger off as well? As his thoughts spiralled, he began to shake, feeling the tears start to well in his eyes.

He couldn't handle this alone. So what if he was being selfish? Kinger had told him how much he loved him. And anything was better than breaking down out in the open. Forcing through his painful thoughts, Caine lifted his arm and knocked lightly.

After a few moments of waiting, Kinger opened the door. "Oh, hello, Caine. Do you need anything?" His gaze was gentle as he looked down at the ringmaster. He rarely stood on his feet, so he knew something was up.

Caine tried to speak, but he couldn't get a word out around the building sobs. Kinger's concern grew as he heard the choked noises leave Caine's mouth. His eyes lowered to where Caine was tightly gripping the bottom of his jacket, something he almost never did, if at all.

"Caine? Is there something you need to- ah-!" Kinger yelped as Caine quickly moved forward to envelope him in a tight hug. The ringmaster's arms were practically crushing Kinger's body, his face buried deep into the front of the chess piece's robe. Kinger slowly walked backwards and closed the door behind them before putting his hands on Caine's back and leaning down to have his head closer to Caine's. He could hear the other's shaky breaths.

His voice was even softer than it was before. "I heard Pomni yelled at you this morning. Is that what this is about?" Caine nodded slowly, clinging ever tighter to Kinger's body. "You can cry if you want. I don't mind."

Caine's loud sobbing filled the room, his tears soaking into the fabric of Kinger's robe. Yet the chess piece said nothing of it, simply rubbing Caine's back and head comfortingly. Gradually, Kinger walked them over to a pile of pillows and blankets and sat down, keeping Caine close. As he continued to cry, Kinger gently rocked him back and forth, refusing to stop even when Caine calmed down enough to lift his head and speak.

"I-I'm sorry, Kinger. I should-" another sob, "I shouldn't be bothering you with this. I don't know how to make this place better, I'm trying so hard, but I can't make you all happy, and I-!" His words devolved into crying once more, pressing his face back against Kinger's chest. Kinger made quiet shushing noises, putting the ringmaster's hat aside and placing makeshift kisses on the top of his head.

"It's alright, darling. I know you're trying your best. It's not your fault we're stuck here. You know Pomni doesn't mean what she said. Don't worry about all of that right now, though. You can just stay here with me." Kinger lightly caressed Caine's face and moved him back so he could look into his eyes. "You aren't bothering me, Caine. I love you."

Caine couldn't find the words to describe how grateful he was, so instead he leaned into Kinger's palm, his noises now far quieter Th they were before. The chess piece pulled him in again, his hold firm yet gentle. Eventually, Caine responded in a croaky whisper, "I love you, too."

While Caine did eventually leave to talk things out with Pomni, he spent a very long time in Kinger's loving hands. They told him he had worth. That despite everything he couldn't fix, someone in this digital world appreciated him. Despite all of his imperfections, he was wanted.

[spyderlondon]

Pls write story where caine shuts down out of no where, leaving the members trapped and slowly going insane

A/N: I'm a fan of your current comic series! Glad to know you're enjoying my stories too! Though, I'm gonna make this more sad than going insane since I saw this and thought of a tragic showtime story.

CW: Grief

Why'd You Leave Me...

"He's gotten too attached." A figure spoke at a round table that had other people in the other seats.

Another who sat right below the C&A logo responded in agreement, "He's starting to figure out how to restrict *our* access to the game now!" They slammed a hand on the table in frustration, "Making it near impossible to find a way to help those players!"

"We need to remove him before he finds a way to fully block us out of the program." Another answered, hands clasped.

There was a scoff, "He hasn't been able to succeed in his original goal of keeping the humans who find themselves trapped in there safe and sane." Another sneered, "Deleting him may be a mercy for those remaining."

The figure at the head of the table looked around the table and gave a curt nod, "Then, since we're all in agreement-" He began to remove the AI programs from the game, "Once we remove him and Bubble, we will can begin to delete them and rewrite the game's code to allow us full access again."

-----

Pomni woke up the next morning with a yawn but refused to open her eyes to the light just yet so instead she simply reached over blindly to sleepily nuzzle the man next to her... huh?

Her eyes finally cracked open, "Caine?" She stared at the empty spot on her bed where her boyfriend should've been, she knew he decided to sleep with her last night. She sat up as she began to look around in confusion- maybe he was planning on surprising her? But he would've left his coat, hat and cane on the hat rack to at least make sure she knew he was going to be back since he knew she'd get anxious if he didn't. But... they weren't there.

She felt herself tense up at the feeling of abandonment that was beginning to push it's way into her head. "Caine?? This isn't funny!" She tried to call out to him as she looked around her room, even opening the toy chest and closet. Her eyes began to swirl as her heart started to race as her anxiety rose. She paused as she reached her desk, a note laid there with fast, messy handwriting but she could tell belonged to Caine:

Pomni,

I'm sorry I won't be there when you wake. It's not by choice, I swear to you, I would never do that to you, my love.

The company that made me... I can feel them yanking out my code.

I'm sorr-

The note ended there. There were multiple scribbles here and there, probably from him struggling to keep himself together long enough to write the note. Even though he ended up being cut off at the end anyways.

Teardrops fell and hit the paper as she covered her mouth as she could feel sobs coming out. She slid to her knees, a hand still gripping the desk as she felt her heart shatter into pieces at the news. She had to tell the others... but she needed time to herself for now.

Why?

Why would they remove the AI that was supposed to help keep everyone sane and happy?

...

Because he hasn't been able to keep everyone sane. The programmers no doubt knew of how many of the past humans had gone insane and abstracted- she knew that had to be why they decided to just remove him.

They wanted progress on getting the humans out- not for him to become attached.

She gripped the sides of her jester hat and pulled against it hard, letting out a heartwrenching sound that was in between a loud sob and a scream. She didn't care if the others heard her through the door or not, she needed to let her emotions out or she'd burst.

-----

There was knock on the door after Pomni exhausted herself crying and screaming, as if whoever was at the door was just waiting for her to stop making so much noise before making their presence known. It was a kind gesture, she supposed, letting her get out all of her emotions before doing anything. "You can come in..." She spoke, only loud enough that she could be heard through the door but her voice was hoarse and her throat hurt like hell.

Ragatha had entered her room quietly with Kinger and Gangle behind her. They sat down near her but made sure she had her space since they could tell she needed it. They remained silent as they watched the jester sniff and wipe her puffy eyes.

Ragatha was the first to speak up after a couple of minutes of silence, "...what happened, Pomni?" She asked softly, her eyes soft but concerned.

"Where's Caine? I would've thought he'd be here to comfort you..." Gangle questioned with her own soft concerned tone.

Pomni didn't answer with her voice but instead held out the small note that was left for her from the ringmaster, her hands were trembling as she held it out for them to read. Kinger took it from her and read it before quickly gave it to the rag doll so her and Gangle could read it while he brought the jester into his embrace, rubbing her back.

Pomni normally hated being touched and would wrench away if someone touched her without asking but right now, especially since it was her father figure who was hugging her. Instead she trembled in his embrace as she wrapped her arms around him and began to sob again, "I-I-I don't want... him gone..." She cried into the chess piece's purple robe, clinging to him tightly.

She could hear quiet gasps from the two girls after they read the note, "He's gone...?" Ragatha mumbled in shock before looking up at the jester with sad eyes, "Oh, Pomni..." She didn't touch her as she knew only Kinger really was the only one besides Caine who could without permission.

Gangle had raced out of the room after reading the note, only to return a few minutes later with some coloring books and colored pencils so they could do art together as a sort of coping which Pomni ended up very grateful for after she finished crying.