#if people are curious (and yes I am buying space so this doesn't show up in the other fandom tags)

[birdmenmanga]

protagonist diagram

[dianagj-art]

MIPHA! MIPHA! MIPHA!

I tried to do more of the screenshot/cinematic kinds look but I gave up and just bullshited the backgrounds bc I didn't wanted to look so plain but I also didn't want to do a background

anyways Mipha is here! it's Mipha time!

(Friendly remainder that what's bellow is just copy paste from my draft and there's probably a lot of typos and gramar mistakes)

More of Yiga Link AU

<Previous / next>

A group of young Zoras finds Link's body sinking on the river, south of the Minish Woods. They take him out to land and check on him, he is barely alive and they quickly take him all the way to Zora's domain. They send the fastest of them first to inform the princess and she meets them halfway.

Link's wounds are bad, but she still can heal him, they take him to the domain to keep an eye on him, besides he is still uncouncious. They set him up on that little area for other species when they visit, and Mipha had other healers take a proper look at him.

The princess buys him clothes from a merchant since his are barely existent with so many cuts. The zora recognize those cuts, they know the boy was on a Yiga attack and unfortunately, they find his tattoo behind his neck.

They are not idiots and they fear the boy might be a spy and all was just a set up, the princess still wants to talk to him. Mipha was no fool and she wasn't as naive as most people outside the Domain may think, but she was curious, and there was a feeling in her chest that told her there was more to know about this boy.

Link wakes up in unknown clothes, he has no idea of where he is but soon finds out as he started to look around. He remembers what happened and a hand grips his chest. He knows he shouldn't be alive.

"That was terrible wound you had there," The voice startled him and he instantly stood up to go into combat mode. "Don't stand, you are not fully healed yet." he really didn't have another option, there wasn't a part of his body that did't hurt and the pain brough him down to the bed again.

He looked up to see 3 zoras, two tall ones dressed in armor flanquing a smaller one in shinny red scales and dressed in zora jewerly. The princess.

"Don't be sacred" she said and gestured to her guards to stay put as she walked to him, "I just came to look on your wounds"

Link frowned at that, the princess? Coming here to check on a stanger's wounds? Yeah sure. Link remembers his tattoo and quickly hides it with a simple illution spell that wouldn't take that much of his stenght.

"Dont you have healers for that?" he asked coldly.

The princess laughed lightly "Yes," she admitted and stood by his bed, her amrs behind her body, holding her spear "and they know more about hylian anathomy than I do, but they can't do what i can. Your wounds were bad enough to require my assistance."

Link frowned again, "what does that mean?"

Mipha smiled and gestured at the bed, "Can I?" Link recoiled his legs, leting her space to sit down, the princess did, leaving her spead resting on the bed besides her, she extended her hand to him, "give me your arm" she said softly.

Link hessitaded but he rested his arm on her hand. She carefully took off his bandages and let exposed a deep cut on his forearm, the boy winced at the sight.

The princess then put her other hand above the wound and closed her eyes. Her palm started to glow and link gasped loudly. His arm started to feel cold and a bit numb, but the pain was gone, and soon the same sensation washed over his body. It was nice.

Mipha was focused on the wound but she looked up for a moment to catch his expresion, she smiled lightly and looked down again.

The light coming from her palm dimmed until it was gone and his exposed wound wasn't there anymore. Slowly, the pain came back to the rest of his body. Mipha let go off his hand and he lifted his arm to his eye level, twisting it one way and another, trying to see the trick but no, the wound was really gone.

"You... You really have healing powers..." he had herd the rumors but no yiga had actually seen it, just heard things from other people.

Mipha hummed a laugh, catching link's atention, "Outsiders are always so surprissed to see it" she stood up, taking the spear again, "I have other things to attend, but i'll come back to heal the rest of your wounds latter."

She leaves with her guards, a few minutes latter another group of zoras show up. Two of them check on his wounds and tell him to rest while the other two just guarded the entrance. He had a bad feeling, whenever he peeked an eye to the other room he saw a guard. He didn't know if that was normal or if it was because of him.

He rests, too tired to try and transport, and fully knowing that in this state he wouldn't be able to fight. He starts trying to form a plan to get out of there. Taking a swim was not an option, anywhere near water he would be an at disadvantage. He had to make it to the montains that sorrounded Zora's Domain, he could take a run for it once he were back to his feet, he had no idea if zoras were fast runners but they had short legs, he was sure he could outrun them. Once close to the montains he could teletrasnport himself to a higher place and away from them.

Tho he didn't know where to go from there. It's not like he could go back to the Hideout.

Mipha comes back that evening and heals two more of his wounds before leaving. Link is starting to think that maybe her healing magic tires him as much as illutions and trasportation tires him. It takes a few days for him to be fully healed, all the time he is forced to stay on the rooms to "rest"

All the time he feels uncomfortable, he feels watched. It gets worse when he is fully healed and the princess wants to give him a little tour around the domain, everyone always stares at him, or maybe they are looking at their princess and he was just being paranoid.

He had never been to Zora's domain, to be honest, he hadn't seen that much of Hyrule, and he was intrigued to see and learn more.

As they start to walk around the Domain a little red-scaled Zora runs to her and hugs her leg "Sidon!"

"I'm sorry princess," another Zora runs to her, "he's been running away the whole day, he doesn't wan't to do the jump"

"If you don't jump how am I going to teach you to climb waterfalls?" Mipha asked him and he just hugged her tighter, hiding behind her from his instructor.

Link quickly put two and two together and figures out he must be the young Zora Prince, but he was most concerned with the idea forming on his mind. Would they follow him if he jumped? He eyed an opening on the level they were on, and without really thinking about the heigh he kneeled down

"If I jump would you jump?" he asked Siron, "I can't swim as well as a zora would, so if i can make that jump I guess a zora prince would have no trouble doing it, right?"

Siron thinks for a moment then nods. Link walks to the edge and looks down to the long drop. "Having second thoughts?" Sidon's instructor asked him. Link just frowns at him, and takes a few steps back, he took off his shirt and dropped it before sprinting and jumping.

He hits the water gracefully and as he sinks he prapares to transport, but sees a lot of Zoras around him. He sees that at the bottom of the lake there's a whole underwater town that probably outstretched fartest of what he could see. He goes out to the surface and finds it quite hard to not let the current take him away, even when he was under their castle as there were underwater walls shielding him from the strong current of the main water fall of the domain. A few zora heads pop out, looking at him curious. Some heads look younger, maybe teens? And look at him impressed and exited

"SIDON!" Link lifts his gaze and sees someone had jump and the tiny zora splashed in the water. He looks around but the zora prince doesnt come out.

"OW!" something bites his toes and a tiny shark head pops out, sidon smiles with sharp teeth and giggles until the current starts to drag him out. Link lets him, surely other people would help their prince. But they dont they just look, and as much as the tiny zora tried the current kept draging him.

Link reaches out a hand and takes him, wraping his scaly hands around his neck as he swims to the base of the castle structure. He leaves sidon on the rock and climbs up too.

Mipha's head pops out behind him, "you swim quite well for a hylian" Link jumps in surprise, when had she jump? he didnt even see or hear her splash, "You are bleeding," she said and he lifted his feet off the water to see quite a deep bite. "SIDON!" mipha screams distressed, "how many times do i have to tell you it's impropper to bite others!" she lifted herself to the place they were sitting and patted the space between link and her, he puts there his feet and she healed him. As always he stared at her hand facinated.

"I have to thank you, for not letting the curent carry Sidon" she said, "you shouldn't have to, he is 23, he should be strong enough to be able to withstand it." link looks at sidon as he jumps into the water again swiming closer to the rocks. 23? "but I would have done the same" "and thank you for jumping, her instructor had been trying to make him jump all week"

Link looks at his foot and thinks of all the other wounds he had, all the wounds the yiga had made. "I should thank you," he said, "I should be dead. You saved me."

"those wounds were no accident, were they?" she asked, "the yiga were sent to kill you" Link nods, "but why?" he sruggs.

"I have to leave," he said softly, "but i'll hate to leave without paying back what you have done for me,"

Mipha smiles, "I'm sure we'll think of somehting," she stands up, "I know a place you can stay meanwhile. Sidon! Lets go!" he swims to them, his little back fin braking the surface, he jumps towards Link, mouth open. Link backs up but Mipha catches him on the air and hums a laugh. "I'll meet you at the top," she said to link and pointed over his shoulder "you can use the leadder to climb up."

Mipha swims up the waterfall they just jumped from with sidon on her back. They meet at the top and Mipha leaves sidon with his instructor. He runs to link when he shows up and tries to bite his leg, "My prince, dont do that!" the instructor pulls him away before he can do damage and sidon smiles with his spiky teeth.

"I have to apologyze for his behavior," Mipha said tho she is trying not to laugh, "His new teeth just came out and he has a need to bite eveything."

They walk to a village at the top of the mountain overseeing zora's Domain. Mipha pays him a night to stay and tells him good bye. Link is bafled that she has so much trust in him, he plans on just leaving, but he has a chance. He now knew and gained the trust of two zora royals. He knew they were the only heirs of the zora domain and since the king didn't had a mate... He could make a move. And maybe, he could be allowed back with his people.

[amaya-chwan]

Takeaways from Therapy Game: Restart Chapter 13 (and some Therapy Game news!)

Hello everyone! I hope you've all been well these past two months and taken care of yourselves! 💜

Before we get into our takeaways for chapter 13, I saw some news from Hinohara-sensei's Official Twitter that I would like to share with you all!

First piece of news: Therapy Game re:start volume 2 will be released on 1st June 2021! 🎉

Second: in conjunction with the release of the second volume, Sensei will have an in-person fan signing event at the Ikebukuro Animate store (animate honten) AND will have a special limited time shop featuring goods of our favourite dorks! This shop will be opened 6th-20th June! 🎉🎉

Image from Sensei's Official Twitter post! ❤️💛💜❤️

Now, what does the second piece of news mean for us not living in Japan (such as myself)? 🤔 Well, one of two things could happen:

We could see the merch on Sensei's Twitter and wish we could buy them one day 😭 OR

Animate could "potentially" release this merch for online order!

I'm not trying to get anyone's hopes up, but when I saw Animate open a special Yuri!!! on Ice shop last year, I didn't think they'd release merch online. But they did, for a very, very short period of time only! So my only hope is that they do that again for Hinohara-sensei! 🤞

Here's the special website from Sensei's twitter that has information about the fan signing event and limited time shop! It seems they'll show what merch will be available in the shop when it's all been finalised.

If I spot anymore updates about that, I'll try to post about it here! ❤️💛

Alright, down to business as usual! Let's get into our takeaways~ Thank you for being so patient with me! Life has been a little busy this year with juggling work and social life! So I really appreciate your patience! 💜

Here are our takeaways for this chapter:

Loving the brotherly love we see in this chapter! Warms my heart to no end! ❤️💛💜❤️

Minato, bb, you are growing up a lot! I am proud of you! 😭

Did I ever tell you guys that I really love Mito-san too? No? Well now I have ahah! He is just amazing and I love the energy he has--cool and lovable, yet smooth and sexy! Loving the domestic vibes I'm getting! 😍😍

AHHH SHIZUMA! Your smile is too pure, it's blinding! 🥰

Just couple goals from Shizuma and Minato, AND from Mito-san and Shouhei! (Why I don't call Mito-san Itsuki, I'll never know ahah I blame Shouhei! XDDD) ❤️💛💜❤️

The younger sibling moments in this chapter are so relatable! (I am that younger sibling ahahah!) 🤣🤣🤣

I honestly don't know what to think of Onodera at this point in time? 🤔

The (supposed) date time with Shizuma and Minato went from adorable anticipation to steamy relations in a split second, but not NSFW! 😲

And that’s it for this chapter’s takeaways! For a more detailed breakdown/summary of this chapter, please continue after the cut! Since it's been a while since the last chapter, I threw in some extra surprises in this summary, so keep reading if you want to see~  😉✨

Our chapter begins with an image of Mito-san and Minato, with Minato's cheek leaning on Mito-san's shoulder. The dialogue reads: When it seems like my overflowing emotions are about to burst from the seams, I really do yearn for this back (i.e. something familiar he can always lean on).

We see Minato spaced out on a sofa, being called by Itsuki. Itsuki tells Minato to go home if he's just going to sit there like that since he is very busy cleaning his entire home for when Shouhei moves in with him! Minato gets up, understands the situation, and helps Itsuki out.

Itsuki, knowing something has happened between Shizuma and Minato, asks Minato directly since he only goes to Itsuki's place when he is troubled, and he must be troubled by something related to Shizuma. He also says that Shizuma is worried about Minato, especially since Itsuki lied to him about Minato's whereabouts.

Minato brushes it off, saying that it's nothing big. He talks about the time when they had to drop by Shizuma's workplace, he saw a woman/Onodera (not knowing she's Shizuma's director) and that Shizuma made an very adorable face while talking to her.

Minato stops talking, so Itsuki asks if that is all to the story. Minato then says yes, so Itsuki deduces that Minato is ignoring Shizuma because he happily spoke with that woman (Onodera) and confirms with Minato, who then agrees. Itsuki blames himself for raising Minato like this and apologises to Shizuma in his inner monologue.

Minato defensively says he's told Shizuma not to do that, yet he still does. Minato's monologue says that this Shizuma--who is talking to someone unknown to him, about a story he doesn't know, in a place he doesn't know about--seems like a distant person to him.

He realises that even though he and Shizuma are together, he cannot monopolise him, and that it annoys him. So rather than tell him not to speak with others, he has chosen not to see Shizuma until he calms down. Suddenly, a handyman appears at Itsuki's home to beginning furniture installations.

Image translated from Sensei’s Twitter post here!

Minato is surprised Itsuki replaced a lot of his furniture, to which Itsuki replies: "I wonder if Shouhei-kun prefers the new ones too."  Minato says Shouhei would freeze from this "surprise" and imagines Shouhei asking how much it cost!

Itsuki, still in his happy bubble, says he wants Shouhei to also select some household furniture and accessories, so they'll go shopping together next time. Minato is happy for them since their house-moving plans are going well. Itsuki goes back to their previous topic of conversation, and says how Shizuma and Shouhei both are very charming. He recounts how Shouhei would handle different kinds of customers, from the difficult to the sad ones, how his charms and personable skills would change their mood completely, and calls him a genius who has a knack for calming customers.

Minato asks if Itsuki dislikes that, since he himself doesn't know what to think of Shizuma showing his charm and friendliness to others and that some misunderstandings would arise eventually.

Itsuki then reminds Minato that out of all the people in the world, Shizuma asked Minato to live with him, and that thought alone must've made him happy.

Minato does agree, yet it doesn't change the fact that he is unaware of what Shizuma does outside of the home. Itsuki is then suspicious that Minato and Shizuma are going to move in together too.

Minato panics, and says he just meant that from Itsuki's point of view since he's moving in with Shouhei. Just as Minato thinks he's almost let the secret slip, he gets a phone call. Itsuki tells Minato that it's Shizuma, but Minato refuses to pick it up as he is "still cleaning"--the real reason is that Minato told Shizuma he wouldn't forgive him if they speak before Minato gave the OK to talk again.

Itsuki, being the older brother, answers the phone and slides it on the desk near Minato and leaves him to talk with Shizuma, even putting it on loud speaker since Minato is preoccupied.

Shizuma is frantically trying to get a response from Minato, to which Minato responds with a simple: “What... I can hear you.” The first thing Shizuma asks is where Minato is at this present moment, fearing that he might be at a suspicious place. Minato says he isn't and is in fact in the neighbourhood doing some errands. Shizuma breathes a sigh of relief and is thankful his call finally reached Minato as no one he asked knew where Minato was, and because Shizuma was overthinking things, he was just about to go searching for him.

Minato tells him that he doesn't need to go to such lengths and make such a big fuss about it, but Shizuma tells him that he will always make a big fuss about it since it's about Minato. To avoid such a thing happening again, Shizuma tells Minato not to make him worry. Then these pages happen:

Just as their talk of their brothers' moving into together comes to an end, Shizuma gets all excited to go apartment hunting with Minato again and reminds him, not knowing that Itsuki is also listening. The Mito brothers freeze in surprise, with Itsuki soon confirming his earlier suspicions with Minato--his eyes and aura going all kira kira (i.e. sparkly). Minato tries to reprimand him for bringing it up now, but Shizuma continues on, saying he's found a few places he likes and they should start inspecting prospective apartments soon before they're overwhelmed by it all.

Minato hastily agrees to it all, and Shizuma smirks on the other end of the phone, asking Minato when they can see each other. Shizuma suggests Friday if he is too busy at the present moment, and just as Minato gives work as an excuse not to see him on that day, Itsuki jumps in and says he can go see Shizuma.

Shizuma, very surprised by the fact Itsuki overheard their conversation, says his name aloud, and Shouhei overhears him. Itsuki thanks Shizuma for letting him overhear such an adorable story featuring Shouhei. And then this happens:

Still very flustered, Minato quickly agrees to seeing Shizuma on Friday and promptly ends the call before Shizuma can even finish saying "Wait!" Itsuki happily approaches Minato and asks to hear more of their apartment hunting adventures, to which Minato replies that nothing is final yet!

We change locations, and Minato is now on the balcony scrubbing the floor. Minato recalls how he wanted to tell Itsuki about his and Shizuma's plans to move in together further down the track. He then is overjoyed at the thought that Shizuma missed him and wanted to see him. While he awaits Friday, he remembers and is embarrassed by how furious he was the last time they saw each other. He plans to start a skin routine to care for his face and to get his hair done.

Just as he thinks this, he is called out by none other than Shizuma, who is on the ground floor outside. Minato, visibly surprised, asks Shizuma why he’s here. Shizuma tells him that the shop is close to his home. Minato knows this, but is more curious as to why he is here since they just agreed to see each other on Friday. Shizuma is taken aback for a moment, before saying: 

While Minato hides away from Shizuma and quickly tries to style his hair, Itsuki overhears a ruckus on his balcony and goes to investigate. We then find out that Shouhei accompanied Shizuma. Shouhei calls out to Itsuki and asks why he didn't tell him that he was cleaning the whole house. The Ikushima brothers offer to help out with the cleaning, with Shizuma joining in because his younger brother will be under Itsuki's care soon. Itsuki happily agrees, saying that he wouldn't be able to fully clean the place if only Minato were there.

As the Ikushima brothers are getting ready to go upstairs to help, Itsuki says the brothers are indeed good, endearing people, and their charming personalities would probably make Minato and Itsuki anxious at times. Minato agrees. Itsuki then continues to say that while Shizuma and Shouhei charm those around them, the only ones who can make them smile the way they do are themselves. Minato is concerned about a possible intruder in their relationship, and Itsuki provides some brotherly advice.

We change scenes to Onodera, smoking on the clinic rooftop and thinking about Shizuma's smiling face.

We change scenes again to Minato, waiting for Shizuma at a predetermined location since it is now Friday. Happy with his new hairdo, Minato reminds himself not to get angry, to sort out the current situation they're in (i.e. Minato's one-sided anger at Shizuma), and to be calm and collected.

Shizuma then gets out of a car across the road, and looks around for Minato. Minato, who can see him very clearly, smiles happily and decides to let Shizuma look for him a little longer. A few more moments pass by, and Shizuma spots Minato and then waves happily to him. However, there is a slight problem.

Minato sees “the woman from last time” (Onodera) driving the car who then passes Shizuma his phone, with him smiling awkwardly at her. He recalls Itsuki's brotherly advice. Minato had actually asked Itsuki a follow-up question: "You say ‘just don't lose,’ but what should I actually do?" Itsuki tells him that it's something he has to figure out for himself.

Shizuma runs to Minato, apologising for making Minato wait. He explains that he was running late due to various issues, and he seemed to have dropped his phone in the car of the person who dropped him off. Before he could even tell Minato that it's his director who dropped him off, Minato says he doesn't need to say anything else and to just go out with him.

We see that Shizuma and Minato are now at a hotel, with Minato quickly pushing Shizuma onto the bed. Shizuma is annoyed at himself for letting Minato see such a scene that would cause a misunderstanding. Before heading over to the bed, Minato closes the door, turns to face Shizuma, and grins. He crawls onto the bed and immediately kisses Shizuma. He calls out Shizuma's name before asking him:

He softly pleads with Shizuma, asking for a quick response. Shizuma wonders if Minato's jealously is making him want to be held right now. He thinks Minato is really, really adorable, but also realises this isn't the right time to be thinking this. So Shizuma does tell Minato he loves him, that it's obvious he loves him very much. He apologises for causing him to worry and that he never once intended to do so. Minato cuts him off, saying that he understands and that it's okay.

Despite saying so, Shizuma notices the atmosphere is a little different than usual. Minato then tells Shizuma that he's been thinking of a way to ensure he doesn't lose Shizuma to anyone or lets anyone take him. The final page shows us this:

Again, THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR! 💜 📢  As always, please support Hinohara-sensei by purchasing her books and CDs! 📢

And that’s it for this chapter! 😲 Another cliffhanger here, and ngl that was a little (SFW-ish) steamy? I honestly do not know what to expect in the next chapter!! Dominant Minato?????  But I hope you enjoyed the few extra panels in this summary! 💜 My laptop struggled to keep up, so I will go back to only showing a handful of panels in future summaries. Please also refrain from resharing these translations and images outside of this post! Thank you for understanding! ❤️💛

The next chapter will be in next month's Dear+, so the wait isn't too much longer! So I shall see you all next month for our next set of takeaways to find out what happens next!

As always, stay safe during these turbulent times and look out for each other and for your loved ones! 💜❤️💛

[itsany62]

SteveTony - Getting Together

Here are some Getting Together fics that I adore. Don't forget to leave kudos and nice comments in every fic!

Lovesick, by royal_chandler, 3 k >, fluff.

The depth of the flu aisle in the pharmacy is substantial, overwhelmingly so, and Steve is half-convinced he needs to return to the front and trade his basket for a full-on cart.

There's a Party Going on Right Here, by Annie D (scaramouche), Post-Endgame.

After the Battle of Earth, Tony hosts a party.

Open Tab , by machi_kun , 5k> words, Post-Avengers 2012.

Tony has a lot of money. Really. More money he could possibly ever spend by himself. So what if he spends some of it buying gifts for his friends? People like gifts! And Steve is his friend. His best friend, actually, inside the Avengers, and he’s glad it turned out this way - so it’s also a way of saying 'thanks for putting up with me', he thinks. He just wants Steve to be happy. If Tony can make him happy, then why wouldn’t he? Tony buying Steve gifts is no big deal. Shut up, Rhodey.

(Pretty) Odd, by machi_kun, 5 k> words, Developing Relationship, Fluff.

In his file, Tony Stark had been described as eccentric. He had also been described as a narcissist, as a self-destructive liability, as not-recommended, and all sort of fancy words that are used to disguise the fact that they were calling him an all-around asshole; And that’s a very long list of bad adjectives, for a guy Steve saw carry a nuke behind his back to save the city, gave them a place to stay, and is slowly showing himself to be one of the most curious people Steve has ever met. Maybe Tony Stark is eccentric – and maybe he is a bit of an asshole. But maybe he’s also more than that.

Six Times DUM-E Made It Worse (and One Time He Fixed It) by FestiveFerret, 4 k > words, Outsider POV.

DUM-E has a lot of Very Important jobs to do, and he does his best to do them right. Sometimes, though, things don't work out very well.

All he wants is for his humans to be happy.

Sweet Child O' Mine by starspangledsprocket, 9 k > words, Age Regression/De-Aging, Fluff.

After just their second outing as the Avengers, everyone except for Steve and Tony are turned into toddlers. Madness ensues.

'Cause Everytime We Touch by Perlmutt, 5 k > words, Touch-Starved.

Steve noticed it the first time they were officially introduced at Fury’s office after the battle of New York.

He extended his hand for a handshake, a silent peace offer after their horrible first meeting at the helicarrier almost a week ago. Stark looked at it like it would bite him any second. Steve could see how his hands twitched where he’d buried them in his pockets. But instead of taking his hand, he stared into his eyes for a moment and nodded before turning back to Fury.

Only later would Steve learn that it wasn’t hatred or aversion.

how the thought of you does things to me by Finduilas, 6 k > words, Mutual Pining, Domestic Avengers.

Steve has a thing for Tony's butt. Tony has a thing for Steve's beard. They're both very obvious about it (just ask any of their friends!), but somehow they manage to also be completely oblivious.

Right here waiting by gottalovev, 19 k > words, Cat Dads.

Steve has been missing Tony like crazy since he left the compound. One day, Steve drops in unannounced at the tower, and when on a walk for coffee they rescue newborn kittens.

Or: A yearning Steve, an oblivious Tony, and co-parenting kittens. (= fuff!)

picture perfect (picture us) by starklystar, 18 k > words, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Photo Shoots.

Tony has a habit of being handsy during photoshoots.

Steve has a habit of being flustered whenever Tony touches him.

Misunderstandings happen.

Or, five times Steve and Tony went to a photoshoot

+ the one time they had better things to do.

++ the one time they take their photoshoot online.

take me out (to the ball game) by muItifandomjess, 1 k > words, Fluff.

“Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd,” Steve sings, his shoulder bumping into Tony’s as he sways back and forth. “Come on, Tony, sing!”

“I am a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist,” Tony protests around a mouthful of hot dog. “I do not sing.”

Or, Steve and Tony go to a ball game. It all kind of snowballs from there.

Drifting Further Everyday by GotTheSilver, 8 k > words, Post-Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Steve’s quiet a lot of the time, it’s almost like living with a ghost, and Tony kind of hates it; he lives with more than enough actual ghosts every day. The longer time goes on, the more Tony recognises what’s going on, sees the jumpiness, the haunted look on his face, and he gets it. Realises they’re both trying to bury things they don’t want to talk about. More often than not, Tony turns around in the workshop to see Steve sitting there, patiently working on something in his sketchbook or reading an actual book, usually something he missed during the years he was frozen.

Somehow Steve is filling all the gaps in his life Tony didn’t realise he needed filling.

Goop, Or Five Times Steve Rogers Was Covered In... Something, And One Time Tony Was by Bill_Longbow, 7 k > words, Mutual Pining.

There were a lot of things Steve had expected about the future; sleek buildings, sleeker electronics, and all the food you can eat. Being covered in alien goop wasn't one of them.

or

How Steve being covered in... stuff, brings Tony and Steve closer.

The art of longing by itsallAvengers, 63 k > words, Oblivious Tony, Not Actually Unrequited Love.

Steve's used to missing his shot. To being too late, too scared, and losing everything. But he really did think that this time, with Tony, something could work.

Then Tony meets Mark. He's cool and charming, he's a scientist and he's perfect for a man like Tony Stark.

And suddenly Steve...

Well. Steve just doesn't have a place anymore

earth laughs in flowers by starksnack, 3 k > words, Love Confessions, Secret Admirer.

A secret admirer has been sending Tony flowers and confessions of love.

Crash Into You by FestiveFerret, 15 K > words, Post-Avengers (2012), Stranded.

Tony was pretty used to crashing.

It seemed like these days more often than not his return to earth in the Iron Man suit was at least somewhat out of control. He couldn't count the number of times he'd used a helpfully situated building, a local landmark, or, hey, even a teammate to slow a wild descent. And he'd be damned if he'd admit it to Pepper, but on more than one occasion he hadn't even been conscious when he'd hit the ground.

So crashing wasn't really a new experience. He would get banged up a bit, maybe put a scratch in the suit somewhere, but bruised ribs healed and there was no better way to work off the post-battle high than smoothing dents out of his most prized possession.

He had a feeling crashing in the Quinjet, without his armour, was going to be a bit different..

I like me better (when I'm with you) by I_write_things_sometimes, 79 k > words, Domestic Avengers, Friends to Lovers.

If you ask either of them how they got together, they'd go back to an unremarkable night filled with expensive food, rich donors, and lots of schmoozing. And, of course, the anxiety attack that started it all.

"Not recognizing someone was strange enough, but the longer the two men spoke with — or, more accurately at — Tony, the more convinced Steve was that the conversation was unwanted, at least on Tony’s part.

The first clue was that Tony was actively leaning away from the men he was talking to. Steve had learned firsthand that Tony was an incredibly tactile person. When he wanted to talk to you, Tony engaged completely; he’d sling his arm around your shoulders, squeeze your arm, or drag you around as he talked, walked and usually did at least two other things. Even when he argued, Tony was often immediate and in his opponent's space; Steve knew that from experience.

Right now? Tony was scanning the outskirts of the room rather than making eye contact with the men near him. If Steve had to guess, Tony was looking for the nearest exit."

Or, the way Steve Rogers and Tony Stark became friends and then more.

Mission SteveTony by itsallAvengers, 7 k > words, Mutual Pining, Oblivious Steve Rogers.

If the entire team of Avengers could please stop trying to get it on with Tony when Steve is right there, he would really appreciate that, thank you

you'll wait a long time by nanasekei, 16 k > words, Pining, Post-Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 (Movie).

Steve and Tony share a moment during a wedding. Things escalate from there.

-

Alternatively: Four weddings, a funeral, and one very emotionally stunted idiot.

The Game by FestiveFerret, 5 k > words, Gay Chicken.

The game starts when Tony walks into the garage to find Steve sitting astride the R1200RS, staring down at his phone, and he maybe, just a little bit, walks into a car.

Talking Bodies by itsallAvengers, 13 k > words, Misunderstandings, Insecure Steve Rogers.

Coincidentally, the physical effects of romantic and sexual desire match up very closely with the physical effects of fear. But it's not a problem-- it's not like anyone is going to be able to hear the way your heart speeds up, or see the minute dilation of your pupils, are they? They'd have to be some sort of Superhuman to do that.

And what's worse than a Superhuman hearing that quick pulse and seeing those dilated eyes and concluding that you're in love with them?

A Superhuman hearing that quick pulse and seeing those dilated eyes and thinking you're terrified of them.

more than just a dream. by frostfall, 10 k > words, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Parent Tony Stark.

Tony: Fine.

Tony: I think I might.

Tony: Just might.

Tony: Have a teensy-weensy crush.

Peter: ;)

Peter: Is it who I think it is?

Tony: Unfortunately, yes.

Tony: You happy now?

(Peter thinks he's found the perfect partner for his dad. Tony thinks his son has officially lost his mind. Steve's just oblivious to the fact that he's out of Tony's league.)

don’t want you to get it on (with nobody else but me). by frostfall, 4 k > words, Jealous Steve Rogers, The Pocky Game.

There are a lot of things that Steve doesn’t get about the future. But it’s fine. He will, eventually. He has time.

But one thing he knows is that he’ll never, ever be able to wrap his head around is the fanfare surrounding Pocky.

(Or Steve’s jealous of biscuit sticks.)

check yes (if the feeling isn't new) by cvptains, 12 k > words, Post-Captain America: Civil War (Movie), Meddling.

After the battle with Thanos, both Tony and Steve struggle with reconnecting in certain aspects of their lives. Sam Wilson and Peter Parker are totally over it.

Where both Steve and Tony's respective friends make accounts for them on the renowned dating app, FlickLove, and the results come out a bit... surprising. Cue unadvisable meddling that really — honestly — comes from good intentions.

take my heart clean apart by mistymountainking, 13 k > words, Tony Stark Has Self-Esteem Issues.

He’s tired, so tired of waiting, tired of touches with no meaning, tired of holding his breath when Steve’s in the room, tired of keeping this love to himself.

“I can’t—I can’t, if you don’t mean it.”

***

Tony comes home exhausted after an SI event. Steve acts as welcoming committee. It's an old, careworn routine they've perfected over the years, but tonight ends up going in a very different direction.

[the-art-of-styles]

Ping-Pong

✧ Aylin and Harry go out to sell some jams and come back to a disaster in one of their homes.

Word count: 1783

Warnings: short mention of eating disorder/disordered eating/calories

Part I

Part II (you’re here!)

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Part VI

Part VII

Part VIII

14

   Mrs. Mendes is an old woman, she has lines of love around her eyes and lips that show how happy she was throughout her life, also on her forehead, showing how she was amazed by even the tiniest things that were introduced to her.

   She has lived her entire life in the village, and everyone knows her for her exquisite blackberry jams. Aylin's mom used to buy her 2 mason jars every month for her daughter to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, until Aylin was 10 years old and she stopped.

   "No more, Aylin, you've been gaining a lot of weight. A lot of calories, few wasted."

   Those words had consequences, at the tough and young age of 11, Aylin entered a diet low in carbs and fats, where she lost a lot of weight, but from so much restriction, she began a cycle of sometimes bingeing where she couldn't stop to eat for all that she could not taste.

   For all that she could not live.

   At just eleven.

Eleven years old.

   Already at twelve she had somewhat overcome her eating disorder, according to her mother, she was still a bit chubby, but Aylin was always a strong woman, and when she looked in the mirror she wondered, what was so bad about not being thin?

   She loved food, and didn't think about going back to that hell she went through for months. Fuck the diet.

   Mrs. Mendes walked through the only green park in town until she sat down on a yellow bench and took out of her bag some bread crumbs to give to the pigeons that were listening to human affairs. Aylin was walking her dog, Luna, she has no breed and she rescued her from the street when she was about to be run over. Well, she didn't rescue her, a man who had the necklace of a moon saved her and gave her to Aylin as she witnessed all of it (crying). He did not live there and didn't have the time or the space to have a pet, so there she is, walking her new best friend until she sees the old woman and her heart warms and a smile emanates from her lips.

   "Mrs. Mendes!" She screamed and began to jog with Luna until she reached the old woman, she looked at her and her eyes narrowed at her smile.

   "Oh Aylin dear, you look so big!"

   "Yep, I'm 5'1 now, almost 5'2! Isn't that incredible? I'm going to be so big."

   "I'm sure you will honey. Who's that?"

   After Aylin told her the whole story, the two talked about different things while feeding crumbs to the pigeons who listened attentively to their conversation.

   "Hey darling, you know I sell jams right?" Mrs. Mendes suddenly said, making Aylin look at her smiling.

   "Of course! The most exquisite in the whole town!"

   The woman smiled flattered, "Oh cut it. . . Anyways, in my house I have many done, raspberry, blackberry—"

   "I love the blackberry one!" The little interrupted without thinking, instantly embarrassed to do so. "Sorry. . . continue."

   Mrs. Mendes just laughed, "It doesn't matter. Well, uh, what was I saying? Ah! Yes! So, I don't have a way to sell them, you know, I'm an old lady and I can't go from house to house delivering so I was wondering if you—"

   "Oh god! Can I go deliver the jams? It would be amazing! I would wear white and I would go with a brown basket that I have on my bike and– Ah!" Aylin squealed with excitement, "I could go with Harry! He's my friend, even though he lied to me. . . but I already forgave him, the Smiths adopted him, the house across from mine. Oh yeah, can I, please?"

   Mrs. Mendes got confused every time she spoke to Aylin, she always talked a lot and very fast and changed the subject all the time, but she liked her, she liked that she was fast and not slow, it made her feel young.

   If only that speed so characteristic of hers had remained.

   "Yes, darling, you can. And I'd like to meet this Harry boy."

   "Oh, you'll love him! I love him, he's my best friend."

.

.

.

   "No."

   "Pleaseeeeeeeee!"

   "I really don't feel like selling jams."

   "But it's so nice! People will be so happy! And you'd meet so many people from this town. Harryyyyyy!"

   Harry sometimes feels very exasperated when he’s with Aylin. She always tries to involve him in things of the town; recreational activities, meetings, whatever, but even though the Smiths have kept him and a part of him begins to really believe that this family will be forever, he can't help but not want to get too fond of living there because at this point he doesn't think his heart could bear to bleed in pain once more.

   But anyway, he likes that Aylin is like that, so persistent with him since it's not something that he has lived in his life, they always get bored of him and never look for him, he is the one doing it, but now he is different and the feeling that brings him makes him fall asleep at night.

   Puppy eyes. "Please, Harry?"

   He just rolled his eyes, irritated with himself because he knew exactly what the next word would be that would slide off his tongue in a harsh way, but she would eat it anyway. "Fine."

   She squealed, he groaned.

.

.

.

   "Thank you so much, kids. I missed this jams, and say thank you for my part to Mrs. Mendes, ya?" A woman in her forties with black hair waved them off at the door of her house, exchanging the money for the jams.

   "We sure will! See you!"

   They have been selling since twelve in the morning, now the sky was burning and the clouds too, the cold was beginning to descend and there were fewer and fewer people in the streets and more in their homes. The treetops danced to the sweet whispers of the wind, Aylin joining them on the empty streets.

   "Wasn't that so fun?! We selled everything, we should get into business when we grow up, don't you think, H?"

   "Yeah sure," he replied sarcastically. Aylin always notices the comments that Harry makes and when some are real and when they are not, she is not stupid, she just ignores them because she knows that deep down he must like part of the things they do, because otherwise, he would have left her long ago. Besides, that makes her feel better, she doesn't like to think that she bores people, especially when she knows that it is something real, something that has been said to her face.

   Honestly, Harry must admit that it wasn't a total torture. Hearing Aylin talk so much is fun to him, she always has an opinion on something, and she is always in awe of things that she sees every day.

   Actually, Harry likes Aylin. Not in a romantic way, he knows about feelings and everything, he even knows about porn, but he has never seen her that way and he doesn't think he will ever see her like that. It's not that she's not pretty, he finds her quite cute, but it's just a friendship for him.

   His first friendship.

   As they turned to get to the street where their houses are, the two noticed the great fight in one of them.

   Harry stopped walking, and Aylin kept doing it.

   Her mother was throwing an open suitcase on the head of her father, who fell to the ground and began to pick up his things at full speed while she insulted him.

   At that point, Aylin started running.

   "Mum! Dad! What – what is going on?!" She squealed in concern, walking over to her dad and squatting next to him to make sure he's okay. "Why do you have a suitcase? Where are you going?"

   "He'll go fuck his assistant, that's for sure!" The mother screamed with hatred, regardless of the language she spoke in front of two children or whoever was listening (and there were several people).

   "His assistant? But, what? Mr. Gomez?" Aylin asked extremely confused with her eyebrows furrowing.

   "Exactly." She spit out to her husband and turned around on her own heels, dragging her feet into the house and slamming the door that almost made the whole town rumble.

   "D-dad?" Aylin asked with her eyes swimming in a sea of tears, but she didn't allow her cheeks to turn into rivers.

   "I'm so sorry, baby. I really am." The father composed himself and stood up, giving his daughter a long kiss on the forehead and then walking with suitcase in hand and head down, like the end of a movie where there is a climax where you think everything will be fine but in the outcome it all goes to shit and they lose everything.

   "Wha– Where are you–" She sighed, her father far enough away not to hear her, "...going." She whispered, feeling a crack form in her heart that hurt like a hundred stabs dipped in the hottest lava of the worst hell.

   Harry was at a safe distance, but he heard everything and saw everything as did some neighbors looking out in their windows to feed the curious cat without risking death. He understood everything and had a knot in his stomach from seeing his friend without life in her eyes, and being so painfully slow.

   What a plot twist. He was gay. The dad, of course.

   Aylin sat dejectedly on the edge of the sidewalk, staring at the grayish of the street without knowing what she was thinking about. She is always thinking, she is always saying something, but now there is nothing in her mind, white paint fell on the canvas and there are no more available brushes to paint on top of it.

   The curly boy did not know what to do, he is not a person of a lot of words, and besides, what do you say to someone in a situation like this? "I'm sorry your dad is gay." Sounds a bit homophobic. So he chose to approach slowly as he usually does, he has always been slow, and although sometimes Aylin is exasperated that he sees everything and does everything in slow motion, deep down he conveyed a certain tranquility that she could not create by herself. Harry sat next to her and rubbed her back.

   He didn't knew if she was crying or not, but he wasn't going to ask anything either, so he just sat with her while she hurt.

   And he wished that swiftness of hers had never gone away.

[blushing-starker]

the incredible @puppypeter (check out their blog, it's amazing) asked for a soft, ageing starker and my heart cracked in two cuz I live for this dynamic. Can you tell I'm living for the sake of moodboards?

He loves Tony, he really does. But if the so called genius forgets his reading glasses one more time, Peter will lovingly shout at him. Because he had covered the entire lab in neon post it notes, programmed an alarm in each A.I and explicitly reminded Tony every day before the road trip. They were going to Europe and that implied museums and fancy menus and speeches and glasses so Tony wouldn't be squinting at tiny words whenever he was curious about something. But Peter was 99.999999% sure his boyfriend would accidentally forget to pack his things just so he could show the world Tony Stark was not ageing, no sir. Which is why Karen and Friday had helped Peter buy and safe guard thirty pairs of glasses in their luggage.

By the fourth day, they were all gone. Peter is seconds away from scolding Tony because this was important, it has to do with his health, dammit, when he turns around and there's a cat. His boyfriend is cooing at the feline, scratching beneath a furry chin and grinning when the cat begins pawing at the last pair of glasses they have. Does his heart melt at the sight? Yes. Was he still angry? Absolutely. Will he ask Tony how the hell he found a cat in the jet hangar? No. They've been together for eight months, Peter's used to animals just showing up and seeking Tony out.

"No." A hurt look is aimed at him and he won't laugh, he can't surrender even if the cat copies Tony's face and gives the most pitiful meow Peter has heard in eighteen years.

"But it's all alone here, Peter. And look, it's cute like you." It is a pretty cat, fur an almost identical shade to Tony's hair and the fluffiest tail a cat could posses. That's not the point though, is it?

"It could belong to someone in the area or have kittens. We can't just take them, Tony. And a cat is a responsibility. It's not like having DUM-E or Karen. You have to feed the cat, vaccinate them, pet them, clean them and not forget them in a hotel five cities away. I won't be at the house every day to remind you to look after yourself and a cat. "

The billionaire lights up and Peter knows he'll have a headache by the end of this.

It's been amazing to travel all over Europe, he's enjoyed exploring new places with Tony. After months of rising crime, overwhelming homework and hungry rivals choking the life out of them, a vacation was desperately needed. He's not in the mood to fight, but he will if he has to. Peter knows Tony is getting older and he doesn't care. Sure, he cares about his health and making Tony go to monthly check ups and take his vitamins and having his glasses so he could be safe and drive properly and-

Peter cares about his well being. Always. But he doesn't care that Tony's getting older and it's more obvious now than a year ago. There are wrinkles around teasing eyes and sexy graying temples and creaking joints, but that does not mean Peter loves this ridiculous man in front of him any less. He finds Tony gorgeous, always has and always will. It's not just about his body, it's Tony himself that's so attractive. And yeah, he also finds a silver fox Tony really fucking hot. He's 21, he can ogle whoever he wants.

Right now, however, he's staring Tony down.

It's not that he doesn't want to take in every stray and care for them. It's that he can't be sure Tony will remember to act accordingly.

"I asked around and apparently she's already been vaccinated and sterilized by the manager. No one's taken her home yet because most people have allergic family members. She just showed up a few days ago. You have to know that's weird. This cat appears the week we get here and she's already had her shots. What are the chances she'd strut out and start purring at me? Come on, Pete. The universe wants me to take this cat home."

His eyebrow twitches. He's sure of it when Tony glances up and sets his shoulders back. Every Avenger knew to prepare for a fight when Peter's face moved that way. This man would kill him. He's fucking certain he won't live to twenty-five.

"You forgot your glasses in every city we've been to. How am I supposed to let you take a cat with us? "

"I knew you'd have back ups," the blood rushes to his head and the cat snuggles closer to Tony, ears flattening when Peter's lip curls, "and anyway, I won't forget two cats in a hotel because they meow and move. How could I forget when they're alive and not something as small as reading glasses?"

Distantly, he's pleased. Happy with the knowledge that his boyfriend knows how to read him like a book. It's why they're great together, villain or no villain around to threaten their lives. That's something he'll preen over later while calling Ned. Now he smiles, teeth bared and eyes cold.

"Did you say two cats? Because I swear I'll leave you here, Tony. I've got Karen and a car and lots of sightseeing to do. If there's another cat, I will drive away and call Pepper to pick you up. And you know how she gets when you make her travel half way around the world, Tony. I will finish this trip. If you wanna keep the cats, then keep them. Here in a hotel, practicing how to care for them while I do what I wanted to do with you. Or you can send them to the house with someone else and join me. I know you, you're gonna end up with cats in the house. But I am not babysitting two cats while worrying about you too. I love you, I do. I won't do it, Tony."

His heart would be destroyed if anything happened to those cats and Peter had no plans to cry during this trip. Something shifts in Tony's face and he sighs, defeated. A pout is forming rather quickly and Peter can't believe this is the same man that saved the universe. His boyfriend is a child. He's head over heels in love with a child and Peter knows it. Christ, he won't last two minutes angry if Tony keeps sulking like that. It hurts too much.

Hands that have used Infinity Stones are softly setting the cat down when Peter groans, rocks on his heels and mentally curses his parents in law for bringing an insanely ridiculous man into the world.

"Fine, keep the cats. But you are not losing those glasses and I better see you taking all your pills. Ok, Tony? I mean it, they are your responsibility and I don't want you leaving them in a hotel because you were too busy thinking about something else-"

Tony drops the cat, pounces at him and he's suddenly in the air, strong arms twirling him in a circle. It's the silliest thing they've done in their whole trip and they'd taken pictures with a shoe as a tripod.

Laughter bubbles up and Peter is helpless to stop the joy that washes over him at the sight of his grinning boyfriend. He really loves this man.

He wraps his own hands around Tony's face, draws him in and kisses the smile that's replaced a pout. They stay like that, Peter straddling Tony, lips intertwined and laughter slipping out every few seconds. The cat meows at them for attention and he thanks Maria and Howard Stark for such an insanely wonderful boyfriend.

(They keep the cats, finish the trip and Tony never loses a pair of glasses again. Then again, he never had.)

Sorry for the weird spacing, tumblr doesn't like me.

[janazielbeberino]

Our eyes tells hundreds of words and stories that our mouths can't do. We speak with our eyes, that shows our emotions. As well as our hands, that writes what our eyes see and what our hearts feel. I hope that as you through these, and in these hard times, may you find a light in this world and peace with your heart.

A. Poem

I. Acrostic

I. Victory

II. Free Verse

I. The Way We See

III. Haiku

I. Beauty of Healing

IV. Short Story

I. Bus Stop Love

V. One Act Play

I. August

Victory

W- Winning is a result of repetitive attempt and let us

I- nspire and embolden somebody with our hard work and effort

N- nourish to encourage each other with resiliency and flexibility.

The Way We See

We can’t blame the youth

For actively seeing the truth

In an ever prejudiced community

It’s either you do nothing or lose your sanity

We can’t blame those who are angry

For being widely awake and attentive in reality

Where some officials failed to accomplish their responsibility

The anguish of the citizens who are experience distressing governance

There will come a day the where corrupt and unjust will earn public’s vengeance

Beauty of Healing

Hell was the journey

When you left me all alone

In the path we took

But on rainy days

Sunshine has brought me heaven

Even without you

And like a flower

I will bloom beautifully

When spring comes around

BUS STOP LOVE

"Kisses! Wake up! You're going to be late for school!"

My Mom shouted and knocked at my door almost breaking it.

I can't open my eyes, still sleepy.

*BANG* *Door Opens*

"I SAID WAKE UP. IT'S ALREADY 6 AM IN THE MORNING YOU'RE GOING TO MISS THE BUS."

I got up from bed so shocked of her suddenly bursting in the door and ran towards the bathroom.

After taking a bath, I go downstairs to have a breakfast.

"So, what time will your last class ends? It's already your semestral break, next week, right?" Mom asked.

"Yes. My class maybe ends at 4pm but I need to go at the mall after class with my friends, Mom. I might have dinner then."

"Okay. Just update me. Also, say hi for me to Cassandra and the others."

"Will surely do. I need to go now. Love you, Mom!"

After that, I hurriedly ran towards the bus stop.

Our house is near the bus stop where a lot of shops and parks were near the area.

And when I got there, it's no wonder he's also here. Just in time of my arrival.

I sat beside him. Still having that awkward silence between us.

He's Marco. He is my schoolmate and he's a top class student in our school.

He was always there at the bus stop, like he's waiting for me. I tried to go there in different times, but he's still there! I tried going at 5 am, 7am even 8 am where I am almost an hour late but he's still there!

I am curious. But I don't know how to ask him. Also, I've been used to seeing him here just before school, we rode bus together every morning, even without talking.

The bus stops in front of us. I stood up first, ready to ride the bus but he stops me.

"Here." He said.

"Huh?" I looked around to see what he was pertaining to, only to see his hand with my handkerchief.

"You dropped this." He said in a cold tone.

It's so cold, it makes me shiver.

"Oh. Thanks." I said, in my most small voice.

He lets go of my arm, and go inside the bus, leaving me outside.

I stood there for a second, still shocked, but managed to get on the bus before it leaves me.

Just like that, our classes ended for the day. I was supposed to have dinner with my friends but some of them had an emergency meeting with other clubs so I have to go home already.

I should be walking to the bus stop but a milktea shop stopped me. I was craving. I might as well buy, I think to myself.

When I got inside, I saw Marco talking with another girl. He caught my eyes, I was so shy he saw me looking so I just look in front of me.

I said my order and waited at the sofa near the counter, it was so hard to not look at their table because they seem so close. Who is she? Is she his girlfriend? But he doesn't have a girlfriend, the rumor says.

After that, I got my order without looking at them. I feel... something odd inside me. I don't like what I just saw.

I got into the bus stop, with my choco milktea in my hand. I sat there, waiting for the bus and thinking to myself what am I feeling? Why do I feel this? Do I like him?

I mean... it's been months since the school year has started and it has been since then that I go to bus stop every morning and saw him there. It is like our own routine.

While waiting and staring at the highway, I felt someone sat beside me.

"Ehem."

I looked at my right and there he is, looking at me like I'm so hard to read.

"Spacing out?" He asked. It's the first time he talked to me. It is our first conversation!

"Uh.. maybe?" I answered.

"Why? Are you nervous for the upcoming exams?" He asked again.

Why is he asking me? I mean, what's got into him?

"Uhm. Not really. I'm just thinking of other things." I said.

"Oh. Okay then. Tell me if you have any questions with the subjects, I can help."

I stared at him. Reading his expressions, it seemed a genuine offer.

"Why... are you suddenly talking to me?" I finally asked.

He stopped. He stared at me, then looks away. I can see his ears getting red.

"Uh.. it's the first time I saw you spaced out and worried ever since at the bus stop. So I asked if there is any problem.." He answered.

"Aren't you with your girlfriend at the shop? Where is she now?" I suddenly blurted out.

His eyes widen like I just said something impossible. I also, looks away because I didn't intend to say that... and sound like that.

"What are you talking about? If you're asking about who's with me earlier, it's Sam, she's my cousin." He said, looking at me with a ghost of smile on his lips.

"Oh.. my bad. I'm sorry." I answered nervously. Why do I have to say that?! It's so embarrassing!

"I actually like someone. I'm waiting for her every morning, it's like a routine for me." He said.

I was silent. I didn't know what to say. Who is she?

"She's like a ray of sunshine every morning. It makes my day. I don't even need breakfast after I saw her smile first thing in the morning. Her voice when she's singing unknowingly while earphones were stucked in her ears is the most beautiful sound I've heard."

Is he... don't tell me..

"Do you know her? She likes pink. She wears different pink cardigans, pink bags and even lipstick. She likes chocolate, I've seen her eat it almost every morning. She's cute when she looks like she doesn't have enough sleep. She likes kpop, also. I've seen her sway her arms and feets when listening while waiting for the bus."

Oh my God... what the hell is this?

"I don't know if she notices but I'm waiting for her every morning. What ever time is it, even if it's late, I want to see her first in the morning." He continued.

"Do you know her?" He smiled at me.

"You... what are you talking about?" I asked... in my small voice not comprehending what he just told me.

"I like you, Kisses. Ever since I saw at the bus stop, just before the school year started. I like how you are so kind. Remember when you helped a child that is crying at the bus stop, find her Mom? I was so amazed at you."

"I... Marco, what is this?" I asked tears already forming in my eyes.

"I like you, Kisses. Please allow me to like you. I would do everything if you let me court you."

"Marco... Oh my God. I like you too." I finally said.

I may not know it but he's been growing on me ever since I go at the bus stop. He's the one I'm expecting to every day.

He hugged me after that. I was so happy, this was the first time I felt someone adore me for real.

AUGUST

Curtain opens. The play begins. The two main characters (James and Augustine) prepares for their roles as they practice their lines. Setting is on Augustine's apartment.

[James came to Augustine's apartmeng after not visiting for a few days. They ha d a fight and they stop communicating for a while. James knocked on the door and Augustine smiled at her, he smiled back but it did not reach his eyes. Augustine opened the door wide, letting James to come in.]

(The two characters entered. Backdrop: Augustine's bedroom.)

Augustine: Hey. So, how have you been? Are your thoughts finally clear now?

James: I... I'm okay. How about you? I'm sorry for not contacting you for a few days... I just need some silence and space.

Augustine: I'm okay, fine actually. I understand you, it is not easy. What makes you come by?

James: I need to tell you something. It's about Betty.

Augustine's face turned sour, worried rather.

Augustine: What about her?

James: I... She had a party yesterday and I... came. Of course, she didn't want me there, she's mad. But, I asked for her forgiveness. I want her back, Augustine. I am sorry.

Augustine put her hand in her mouth, shocked and scared. She bursts into tears.

Augustine: How about me? How about us? Did you even... think about what would I feel?

James turned his head down, afraid of Augustine's reactions.

James: You know what we've done is a mistake. It is. And I will always regret it. Aren't you even regretting it?

Augustine laugh sarcastically.

Augustine: So you finally have a conscience now? You regretted it? And now you're asking me if I regret it? Do people regret the things they did with the person they love? Even if it's a wicked thing, people can do it for love.

James: We hurt her! We hurt Betty! She trusted us, but ee betrayed her! And now... I want her forgiveness. I was to shallow and a fool back then.. I'm sorry, Augustine.

Augustine: So you're going to win her back? You're going to leave me?

James: I'm sorry... We should've stopped this a long time ago. I can't... I can't live like this anymore, I can't stay with you. I'm sorry, Augustine.

James left the apartment. Augustine bursts more tears, shakingly sat down on her bed.

After calming down, she took the picture frame she hid beside her bedside table, it was her and Betty. Her ex best friend, James' ex girlfriend.

She cries again, trembling as she stares at the picture.

She also regrets it, but she thinks it is just right. She also loves James before, she knew him first. But things go differently when Betty introduced James as her boyfriend.

And, one day, they had a party. It was when Betty caught them kissing. That was the day she lost her best friend.

Augustine: I'm sorry, Betty. I can't see you right now, I can't ask for forgiveness yet because... I don't regret loving James. I may have lost you both, but I am going to regain myself. And when that time comes that I accept my fate, I will ask you to forgive me.

[Augustine was left in her apartment, crying and broken.]

[END]

(CURTAIN CLOSES)

[thearcanaheadcannons]

Hey I just saw your post about poly relationship headcanons and I wanted to know if you could write something with Asra x mc x Muriel? Like, we know Muriel doesn't like mc because he's in love with asra but asra is in love with the mc, so how do you think he would react when asra and mc go to ask him out?

Asra and the mc go ask muriel out

You and asra have been together for a while now, almost a year. Every day was filled with fun and happiness, well maybe not every day, but it was relatively happy. When you two had free time, you would spend as much of it as possible with friends, namely muriel. You knew how much the gentle giant loved asra, and it pained you to think you were disrupting their friendship in any way. When you first suggested that you two should hang out more with muriel, Asra was a bit surprised but happy. He obliged, and you two had gone over to the shack way out in the woods. Muriel had been uncomfortable, and stiff around you during the first few visits, but asra’s presence and your eagerness to befriend him eventually loosened him up. You have even seen him smile since then! Each time you and asra left the hut now, you would have a bounce in your step, happy to have gotten closer to muriel, and asra oddly enough didn’t seem to mind one bit.

At the moment, you and asra are in town mingling through a crowd of bustling people. Energy was buzzing along everyone’s spine, and bubbly chatter danced along lips as they flowed like a river around you and your lover. Perfumes and spices overwhelmed your senses, but was suppressed by the scent of bread from the bakery you two pass by. After buying a couple of loaves, not being able to resist the temptation, curiosity got ahold of your attention and you began to lead asra to the crowd again. Eventually, the two of you reach what has gotten the crowd so excited; there was a performance of sorts, put on by some travelers. There was clearly the use of magic, and some other odd things as well that neither you nor asra could name. He sends you a large grin, and tries to speak but his voice is smothered by the music that begins to play. It doesn’t matter though, you knew exactly what he was trying to say, and you gave a small nod in amusement. Swiftly, he pulls you by the hand and carefully maneuvers through the crowd of people to an area that seems to be less crowded, closer to the back of the stage the performers were dancing upon.

It was considerably quieter here, and you let out a small chuckle.

“Well, that was exciting.” You say, fixing your rumpled clothes as asra nods and chuckles as well.

“Anything is exciting with you. Now, let’s go find those magicians hmm?” He said, most likely repeating what he had tried to say in the crowd. The two of you casually slip into the performers area, and begin to ask where you could find the magic users from the show. Everyone was very polite and kind, and pointed to a gypsy caravan in the back. Asra thanked them and you two begin to make your way to the stationed vehicle. You took the initiative and knocked on the door, sharing a glance with asra as shuffling sounds and giggles are heard, along with a few gasps. Finally, the door opens and out steps one of the magicians, clothes and hair in disarray. He had bright, kind eyes, and was covered in strange tattoos, while his hair was braided and piled high on his head. A soft smell of some kind of sweet wafted off of him, and low purple light spilled from the doorway.

“Hello? How can I help you two-?” He paused, and you assume it’s because he can sense the magical energy that radiates from you and asra. His grin seems to widen then, and his eyes almost sparkle.

“Ah! Magicians! Come, come in.” His accent was very obvious then, loosening with his excitement as he ushered the two of you into the decently sized caravan. In the middle sat a table only a foot from the ground, surrounded by lush pillows. Two walls were extended, creating alcoves that were big enough to comfortably sleep several people. One alcove was used as a functioning living space, where a hammock swung softly. A cool, humid wind seemed to blow through the space, offering relief from the glaring sun outside, carrying with it the smell of the sea and some other scents you couldn’t name. Lounging lazily on the hammock, were two more figures; the other magicians. One was an woman with cropped hair that tickled her dark brown cheeks, also covered in strange tattoos. She laid beneath the other figure, and was braiding exquisitely long orange hair that practically spilled out of the hammock. They too were covered in the tattoos, but they were less obvious, fading along their chubby pale skin.

“Yinta, Zaoz, Up, up! I have met new magicians!”  Proudly stated the man that had let you in. He turns to the two of you and smiles.

“I am Reji, this is our wife, Yinta, and our spouse, zaoz!” The two sit up respectively, and lazily adjust their clothing, causing you to blush a bit upon realizing that you may have interrupted something.

“Nice to meet you three. I’m asra, and this is Y/N, my love.” Asra states with a smile, sending you a loving glance.

“Very nice to meeting you as well. We have not met magicians from this area before. Telling us, what magic do you like to be doing?” Yinta asked curiously from her position on the hammock, while Zaoz got up to begin making tea.

All of you began to talk, and get to know each other, passing stories of magic and tales of adventures your two parties had respectively shared. They had each come from far off lands, very different from vesuvia. Every new city and town they visited, they would add a tattoo to their bodies, explaining the tattoos that covered their skin beautifully. Soon it had become dark, but you had one more question to ask, and it slips by your lips before you can decide if it would be rude or not to ask.

“Excuse me, but I’ve been wondering something about what you said earlier; you called yinta your wife and zaoz your spouse, does that mean that all three of you are married?” You ask curiously, feeling asra sit up a bit more at your side, which lets you know that he was also curious. Reji smiled happily and glanced at the two, giving them a wink, which yinta returned while Zaoz giggled and blushed.

“Yes, the three of us have been married for several years now. We forget that some places have not seen poly relationships before, so I apologize if it seems a bit odd.” Zaoz said, speaking with a soothing voice while pushing back their orange locks. They went on to explain how they had all met, and fell in love. They were very honest about it, and had told yinta and reji that they had fallen for both of them, and they were surprised to find out that the two had felt the same. They had been together since then.

“So there’s never any jealousy?” Asra asks curiously, and they laugh a bit before shaking their head.

“No, never with each other. Yinta can become pretty possessive if anyone else tries to flirt with reji or I.”

“But maybe more people would be okay if we all loved, because love can be with many people! Some people love the same people at different times, why not love the same people at the same time together?” Reji exclaimed, finishing the last bit of their fourth cup with a happy sigh. After that, you bid each other farewell and head for the shop with asra.

The white haired magician laces his fingers together with yours, and you lightly swing your arms back and forth as you process everything the foreign magicians had said.

“Asra.. Do you think you could ever be in a relationship like that?” You finally spoke as you neared the shop. You glanced up at his face curiously, trying to get a read on his emotions to gauge his reaction. He hummed in thought for a moment, before slowly nodding.

“Maybe.. Why, did you have someone in mind?” He asked curiously, but seemed to already know the answer. You two did share a heart after all, both literally and figuratively. He nods at the same time you do, and spoke again.

“Well, let’s go see him tomorrow then.”

The next day, you and asra head over to muriels home again, taking a basket of food items and other things you knew he enjoyed but couldn’t get without going into town. Asra had a slight airy feel about him, and you knew you did as well. You couldn’t help but be nervous, you hadn’t known muriel nearly as long as asra had; you were worried that this may make the socially skittish man build up the wall that you had been delicately taking down together for the past while. Asra didn’t seem nervous, though, and he gave your hand a reassuring squeeze as the secluded hut came into view.

Muriel could tell something was off right away, and continued to send you two suspicious glances as you tried to act casual. Asra took the initiative, and began telling muriel about the magicians you had met the day before while you set up the tiny table with food, allowing yourself to relax as the familiar smell of myrrh caressed your nose. Muriel gradually relaxed, and you caught a small smile dance across his countenance as you place a slice of bread down in front of him, and sit at the table. As Asra got to the part about the relationship, muriel sent a curious glance his way, and then my way, which you casually evaded by taking a bite of your bread.

“Isn’t that interesting? What about you muri, would you ever see yourself in that kind of relationship?” Asra asked, somewhat repeating the question you had asked yesterday. Muriel sat silently, chewing, before eventually responding very quietly.

“I…. sure?” He sounded very unsure.

“Well, what about one with Y/N and I?” Asra then smoothly said, resting his chin in his palm while intently staring at the larger man curiously. You also turned your attention to him as he practically choked on his food, tensing in surprise. You start getting up to see if he needed help, but he put a hand up to say he was alright. He takes a deep breath before looking at asra, and then at you, with wide eyes, face slowly growing red. His thick eyebrows scrunched together to form a crease as his gaze grew suspicious.

“Was that.. Are you kidding?” He asked, sounding genuinely hurt as the blush faded, causing you to quickly shake your head.

“No, no we’re not kidding muri.” You say quickly, giving him an encouraging smile before glancing back to asra.

“I know that you and I haven’t known each other nearly as long as you’ve known asra, but I know that asra and I feel the same about this. What do you say? Do you want to try, at least?” You ask hopefully, your nervousness finally shining through at the last question. He swallows thickly, and quickly averts his gaze at the honesty in your face and voice, the red returning gradually to his cheeks. He mulls it over in his head, and you feel asra start to grow nervous as well. Finally, muriel raised his head, but kept his gaze on anything but you two.

“Okay…”

((Sorry this took so long! I really enjoyed writing it and got a bit carried away! I hope you like it! :) ))

[invertedeidolon]

The Longest Library #7: The Little Book of Complete Bollocks by Alistair Beaton

This is a series in which I attempt to read and review all (or most of) my library of 297 books.

Rundown: I'm just going to quote part of the back here: In this witty hatchet job on the therapy culture, writer and broadcaster Alistair Beaton invites you to make friends with your anxiety, give your anger a hug, and have a good long satisfying shag with your negativity.

This is a small pocket book you'd probably gift to the drunk in your life if you share their views that therapy is too touchy feely, or if one of you have failed therapy before. I was wondering why these jokes were falling flat, and more importantly, why they were falling flat in a weird way instead of a mean-spirited way you'd expect. Then I read the back and realized that the author is british. (not sorry, british comedy is fine, bad british humor is just disappointing and feels like a small round man in his 30's trying to be clever at me in the pub)

I give this a 1/5. It'll waste a good thirty minutes, and there's like, five that made me exhale through my nose a little bit, but the rest of it was slightly exasperating.

So, this book reads like 12 year old me trying to be funny. It's a comment on therapy culture if all they've seen is TV gurus and overwritten self-discovery (not self-help) books. What I'm saying is that it could have been better. There's shitposts on tumblr that does a better job than about 89% of this book. Some of these do, in fact, read like tumblr shitposts that just barely miss the mark. There were times I felt like a lot of these were better off on a twitter account, or could be plugged into a bot that's attached to a twitter account.

However, I will share a few choice pieces with you.

IMPORTANT

Feelings of unimportance are often caused by a lack of importance. Banish your feelings of unimportance by becoming President of the United States.

Did the orange narcissist read this?

THE CHILD WITHIN

Finding the child within yourself can be harder than you think. Buy a cuddly toy and take it to bed with you. Use it to rediscover the child-self you thought you had lost forever. Keep in touch with this child-self wherever you go. Throw tantrums with people who won't let you have your way. Eat too much chocolate and be sick. Show your partner your anger by wetting the bed.

*ANGRILY PEES THE BED* YOU NEVER PUT THE FORKS BACK IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!!!

URINE

Let urine be the mirror of your soul. Every Monday morning, use a chopstick* to whisk a little of your urine in a white porcelain bowl. If your urine turns frothy, you have a terminal illness and will be dead by the weekend. *if you have issues around chopsticks, it is better to use a fork.

Here's one that makes little if any sense and feels like it failed to set out what it wanted to do. Yes I'm complaining. Yes I'm implying I might know how to do it better. Yes I'm actually going to do it.

"Urine can be a good reflection of the state of your soul. Every Monday morning,( the day of new beginnings for each week,) you can best check your soul's status by whisking some of your urine in a white porcelain bowl with a chopstick. Almost clear urine reflects your clarity of mind and peacefulness, as you must live a balanced and peaceful life to be able to drink that much water on an almost constant basis. If you can see patterns or small particles forming in the liquid, now is the perfect time to pause and contemplate the state of your medical insurance, as you will soon be needing a doctor for that heinous infection."

There. A soft punchline that makes the laughing portion of your brain give a little squeeze without actually giving you the physical urge to giggle. Because that's what they were going for, right?

COLOUR THERAPY

Try painting your therapist a different colour.

This one works. I like this one.

YOUR BODY

Your body is a superb instrument. Why not invite it to join an orchestra?

This one doesn't. Where's the funny? What's the implication? An actual orchestra, despite the average reader not being a trained musician? A choir? An orgy?

MIRROR MEDITATION

Sit down in the lotus position, facing a full-length mirror. In complete silence, stare at your own face in the mirror, without blinking. For three or four hours, nothing will happen. Persist.After four to six hours, the eyes of the face in the mirror will start to roll its eyes and its tongue will flop out of its mouth. Do not be alarmed - this is perfectly normal. Persist. After seven to eight hours, the face in the mirror will suddenly become distorted and appear to be screaming. Do not be alarmed - this is perfectly normal. Persist. After eight to ten hours the face in the mirror will come to meet yours. It will feel as if you are bashing your head repeatedly into a glass object. You will now find yourself in an altered state of consciousness. This is known as unconsciousness.It is followed by another, higher state, known as hospital.

Are they going for a horror bent? This definitely isn't advanced enough to consciously make it about eye fatigue and hypnogogic hallucinations. I feel like the amount of hours doesn't justify the end goal. It's a meditation. Usually there's an end goal of some kind in mind. Be it a time limit or a specific state or some way to KNOW when it ends. This joke only works if someone would actually have a reason to continue the exercise even though the ending may land them in the hospital. Yes I'm nitpicking. Yes I'll admit that if the bulk of it were shorter and the ending bit came way sooner it would be funnier to my tiny pea brain with a fly's bladder sized attention span.

PAINFUL

Make space for pain in your life. If you feel just fine, seek out a counselor or therapist who will explore with you the reasons why you are denying your pain.

:)

:') This is good, it feels like a joke one of your friends would make at you.

DYSFUNCTIONAL

A dysfunctional family is not a family that fails to function; a dysfunctional family is a family that fails to function for you. Make your family function for you by asking family members to rub essential oils into your thighs. If anyone refuses, ask them why they feel threatened by your thighs.

Dril goes to therapy: the movie. This one's good.

ON THE PLANE

During long air journeys, endear yourself to crew and passengers alike by introducing those around you to the ancient power of group chant.

Theater kids, am I right?

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Get pleasure out of the little things in life. Stand on an ant.

This one is the best one. It's the absurdist and casual aggression. It's perfectly modernized and it would probably be considered the worst one back in the day.

BEYOND WORDS

Understand the importance of non-verbal messaging. Give people the sound cues which reveal your mood: If you are happy, ululate in people's ears. If you are anxious, make moaning noises. If you are depressed, fart loudly and persistently.

Ah, so mid-2000s anime fans? Got it.

So in conclusion, no need to waste time on this book. Unless wasting time is what you set out to do.

If you're truly curious, I'm selling this book. It's not on the inverted selections ebay page (where I'm putting all my stuff I don't want any more and these books will likely appear there as well) because ebay is weird and has itty bitty tiny selling limits, so I can only have 5 active listings at a time. However, if you want this before anybody else can get to it, you simply have to message me on any platform you can find me one, and we'll set something up. It's 2 US dollars for me, and about 3.50 for the postal system.

[iammultifandomaf]

Chapter 43 - Story of Credence

BROTHERHOOD

"I accidentally entered through a portal to Hell - the christian kind. I don't even remember why I did that... I just saw something weird and went right into it. I guess I was curious? Not sure. Yeah and well... I was stuck there because I can't get myself to other realms by myself so to speak. The king of Hell, Crowley noticed my presence pretty soon. At first he was just enjoying the fact that I'm stuck and he has the upper hand. He did his research and knew who I was. But after some time, he grew bored and wanted to strike a bet. He said that if the next time a demon summoning happens, I go and pretend to be one and do everything that a demon would do. That I am supposed to make a deal with somebody to win their soul and drag it to hell, and for that, I'd be free. So, I agreed."

"You can take a soul to Hell?" Lydia asked astoundingly after releasing some smoke out of her mouth.

"No, not really. I was just supposed to take the person somewhere after I did whatever the deal entailed and some real demon would strip the human of their soul... which means killing him. At that time, I was thinking... if the person makes a deal with a demon, they'll die anyways, you know? Anyways... after some time, somebody did summon a demon... it was in London."

"Was it Credence?"

"Well... yes and no. Credence's story isn't really a happy one. Like at that time I didn't really care because I just wanted to get out of Hell as soon as possible and I knew when I took the bet that the person I'll be meeting will die eventually. However, I didn't expect that it would be a 11-year-old kid..."

"He was eleven when he summoned you?"

"Mmm, he didn't do it consciously. Credence and his twin brother, Ciel, where sold into... sex slavery basically-"

"What?"

"Yeah... and old creepy men and sometimes even women were using kids like him for fun and sometimes even buy them so they can abuse them at home. It was a messed up group of people for sure. Rich ones who had too much time on their hands. And one night, they decided to make a demon summoning for fun, using Ciel as the sacrifice. They did not expect, though, that Credence's emotional instability was exactly what a demon needed to latch onto him. So, I pretended to be a demon and asked him, if he wanted to make a deal for his soul and he agreed."

"He was just eleven, though."

"Yeah, I know... Credence was pretty smart for his age, though. He told me that for his soul he wants to destroy all his enemies who wanted to crush his family. He was a son of a lord and he made some people upset. So they got rid of the whole family. So, I just stayed by his side, helping him to find the ones responsible and eliminating them and him becoming the lord. I pretended to be his butler, actually. He decided to call me Sebastian."

"And you spoke french together?"

"Yeah... I taught him a few langugues amongst other things. It was hard not to get attached to him for sure. But I reminded myself of the deal I had with Crowley and tried to keep my emotions out of it. Credence was definitely afraid of me but as a lord's kid, he knew how to behave - so he didn't show it. But I felt it anyways."

"So what happened next? How did you become close?"

"Well, that starts with Crowley messing up the deal, he appeared at the mansion one day, saying that I can't fullfill my deal with Credence because the older twin brother, Ciel, survived, therefore Credence can't become the lord and I lost my bet with Crowley. That made me pretty angry so I made a scene kind of... however that rage fueled me enough to be able to break off that bet I had with Crowley and I stormed out of there, not having to return to Hell."

"You left Credence there alone?"

"Yeah... I regret that until today..."

A few days went by and Stolos noticed that his brother had finally "awoken".

"Mich, do you hear me?"

“Stolos! It's great to hear you. Where are you?"

"London, you?"

“Delhi... Wait."

At once, an Indian man with dark green eyes was standing next to Stolos who sent him a wide smile.

“I am glad that you are here, let me tell you what I've been through."

Stolos quickly explained to his older brother what had happened to him.

Michendros watched him carefully and then asked:"What about the child?"

“Credence? I don't know... I guess he'll be fine. He's a noble."

“Are you sure? Did you check? You already found him in a wretched place before-"

“Hm, yeah... I guess maybe... I should."

“You said he was a good kid."

“Yes, but what then? Where do I take him if he's somewhere place awful as you say?"

“Maybe just look for him first?"

“Alright. Could you maybe get us some place in the meantime? Or are you returning to India?"

“Um... well, I think we could get something here... maybe somewhere outside the city? I do want to return to Delhi, though. I have a mother there and I want to make sure she has everything she needs. She had me with an Englishman who was there for business and left her as soon as he found out she was pregnant. I can't leave her alone, you know."

“Oh yeah. Of course. And other siblings?"

“No, unfortunately my older sister died when I was seventeen."

“I'm sorry, Mich."

“Yeah, well, you know how it goes."

“Doesn't mean it's easy."

“Go on, now. I have a haunch that the kid needs you."

Stolos and Michendros departed then and the younger sibling returned to the mansion where he took care of Credence as a butler for the last three years.

“Michendros always brings me back somehow," Stolos thought as he focused on any trail that could help him find Credence. He couldn't use anything out of their demon-human contract because it was fake since the beginning, therefore Stolos couldn't take any information out of it. So, he just invited himself into the mansion and began looking for anything helpful.

Stolos only heard the servants going about the mansion and a child who wasn't Credence, though. He let himself teleport to the room where Credence's older twin was sitting at a table, probably reading some correspondence. Stolos didn't really want to bother with theatrics and simply just read Ciel's mind and popped ouf of the room before the child noticed his presence.

What Stolos found out made him feel nervous and angry at the same time. How could his own brother sell Credence back to the sex-slavery market. It's not like that Credence was trying to get Ciel's position as the heir of the family. He was just trying to live his life and get revenge on the ones who hurt them.

Stolos decided to change his appearance as he did not want anyone to associate him with the sex-slave trade, at least so he thought how he felt about it. After he casted an illusion of an mid-age man, he hurriedly teleported himself to a secluded house that seemed empty at the first glance. Stolos quickly walked to the big wooden door and knocked loudly.

After a minute or two, a slim-looking man with round glasses opened the door and raised his furry eyebrow at Stolos.

“How may I help you?" he asked.

“Um... I am here... to buy."

“Password?"

“Wine and cherries," Stolos said as soon as he found the answer inside the man's mind.

"Come on in," the man politely smiled and stepped aside to make space for Stolos who entered without hesitation, already trying to look for Credence with his senses.

“What do you have in mind? Female, male?" the man asked formally, as if he was selling something common as food or clothing.

“I actually am here for one particular boy, thirtheen-ish."

“Mm, good taste."

At this moment, Stolos had already went through everything what he needed to find in that man's head, though, and didn't really need his presence anymore.

“Let me-" the man started but his mouth was left open as the customer's hand blew up in fire and went straight to his face. In a split second, the man's head was smashed into the wall behind him, the impact cracking and burning his skull at once.

Stolos didn't wait long before popping himself into another room where according to the now dead man Credence should have been. He appeared in a dark room filled with stench that disgusted Stolos.

In front of him, a naked man was 'testing out the product' as the man with the glasses labeled it. The moment Stolos' eyes landed on that horrendous scene, the man's body flew to the wall behind him, clashing against it and leaving him limp on the floor.

“He doesn't belong to you," Stolos uttered through his teeth and quickly laid his coat over Credence who was numbly staring at the ceiling.

Stolos wasn't certain if he should reveal his identity right away or not, so he decided to put the boy to sleep first and figure it out later. With a snap of his fingers, Credence was clean and clothed properly and Stolos picked him up carefully, wrapping him into his coat as if it was supposed to comfort the now sleeping boy.

The next moment, he stood in a hallway of the new aquired house by Michendros who turned around to welcome his younger brother with a smile.

“That was fast," Stolos commented the house.

“Yes, well, I am pretty effective when I want," Michendros replied and his eyes landed on the boy in his arms.

“I was right about my feeling, huh?"

“Hm, I was too late..."

“At least you have him now," Michendros sighed, "where was he?"

“A disgusting place, really. I could never understand people who would rape kids."

“Yeah, I don't understand people who rape others. Period."

“I guess every one has a different way how to be monstrous."

“Do you want to do something about that place?"

“I haven't really had the time to think about it... But I guess after I put Credence down..."

“You know what, let me do the honors. You stay by his side. It was already enough that you left him once. And I think he'll need you after he wakes up."

“I am not sure if he will be excited to see me, again."

“That's why you look like an old man?" Michendros chuckled.

“Ugh," Stolos changed back into being the pale-looking, black-haired gentleman as before, "I guess. And I didn't want anyone to see me there."

“Alright, well, if you allow me, I'll need the address," Michendros said and touched Stolos forehead lightly and with a reassuring smile, he disappeared.

“Fine, so let's get you to a nice bed where you can rest," Stolos said softly and carried Credence to the first bedroom he found and laid him down, covering him with the duvet.

**Ian Somerhalder as Stolos**

**Sacha Dhawan as Michendros just w/ green eyes**

**young Finn Wolfhard as young Credence**