#imagineer scar is so delightful I don't care

[damned-punk]

Can you do sth with getting a real good massage (don't mind with happy ending 😅) from Kid and Killer? 😍 These strong arms are made for this 💪💪

Stiff (Kidd x Reader x Killer)

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Content Warning: implication of sex ♡

Content Description: gn!reader is overworked but their partners decide they’re in need of some rest

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You’d been exhausted, completely void of motivation, and wanted nothing more than to take a well deserved nap, but your responsibilities aboard the Victoria Punk seemed to be never ending. You’d been pulled in every imaginable direction, providing some sort of aide for what felt like each one of your crewmates. You loved them dearly, but it could be a lot at times. To top it all off, you’d promised Kidd a shoulder massage as he’d mentioned that the scarring from the loss of his arm had been causing quite a bit of discomfort.

You trudged to the door of Kidd’s workshop, knocking a couple times before opening the door and telling him to meet you in his cabin. You sat against the headboard, flinching slightly as the worn muscles of your back constricted at the sudden change in posture. Kidd was rather observant, your pain not going unnoticed as he sat himself in front of you at an angle that allowed you full access to his left side. You lifted your hands to work, mindless tenderizing his injured muscles as you continued to ignore the aches within your own.

“You good?”, he asked, his tone low and much less brash than usual.

You hummed in response, an unsatisfactory answer as far as he was concerned but he chose to let it go for the time being. It wasn’t like you to be so quiet as the two of you typically bickered to show affection, your dejection gave way to the fact that something was wrong. He reveled in the comfort you afforded him while studying your face, admiring your features and thinking about what you weren’t telling him. Perhaps Killer would be able to work it out of you, he was typically better with emotions and had a better sense of the right things to say at the right times. As you leant forward to accommodate the height difference between the two of you, a muscle pulled just above your lumbar and left you gripping onto Kidd for support with glassy eyes.

“I’m sorry, Captain.”, you forced yourself to loosen your fingers and sit up, “I just need a second…”

“Lay down, (Y/N).”, he commanded, turning and using his hand to push you down.

“No, I want to-“, you tried to reason with him, feeling guilty for falling short on your promise while fighting against the searing sensation that was beginning to spread into your lower back.

“Lay down.”, he stood firm, “I’ll be right back and your ass better still be in this bed.”

You huffed as the door closed behind him, frustrated beyond capacity but admittedly grateful for the soft plush of the bed that cradled your aching body. After a few minutes, the sound of heavy boots outside the door replaced the quiet tranquility of the cabin. Kidd had apparently left to retrieve Killer who, alongside Kidd, kicked off his boots and shed his mask. You loved every moment you could admire his bare face, his eyes so soft and content as they danced over the sight of you.

“What’s bothering you, sweetheart?”, he asked quietly, easing his way into the empty space on your right side as Kidd reassumed his position on your left in tandem.

“I’m alright, just a little tired.”, you replied, not wanting to cause unnecessary worry or generate any additional stress.

“You couldn’t even sit up earlier.”, Kidd retorted while you pouted, “Roll over.”

You relented and flipped onto your tummy, giving in and finally resigning to let them take care of you. Killer made quick work of his hands, using his calloused fingers to apply delightful pressure on your restricted muscles. He kneaded your flesh carefully and drew little murmurs from your lips as particularly sensitive areas received some very overdue attention. Kidd kneaded the plush of your hip and thigh, pressing his thumb in an outward motion to work out each and every ripple he felt. The combination of their hands servicing you at the same time felt so good that it was dizzying. You let yourself fall into the intense waves of relief which allowed sleep to finally take hold, the lush pillow clutched in your arms only working to hasten your impending slumber.

You woke to find yourself planted snuggly on Kidd’s chest with his arm wrapped around you, his hand drawing mindless patterns on the soft skin at the small of your back. You tilted your head up to face him only to be met with a toothy grin smiling back at you. He leant down and pressed a kiss to your lips, littering your cheeks with several small pecks while you giggled.

“Hey, what about me?”, Killer asked from behind which caused you to giggle even more.

The dichotomy between their brutality toward the outside world held against their unwavering commitment to their loved ones always warmed your heart. Some would say you were in one of the most dangerous positions pressed between the Massacre Soldier and Captain Kidd, but they were just Kidd and Killer to you. Nothing more or less than two rough and rowdy partners who’d turned out to be the best lovers you could’ve ever imagined.

Not wanting Killer to have to wait any longer, you turned onto your back and scritched the blonde hairs of his chin as he brought his lips to meet your own. One of his hands trailed to rest on your lower tummy, a gasp escaping your lips at the sudden shift in physical intimacy when he began to knead his fingers. Kidd’s eyes focused in on his hand, silently praying for it to sink lower in order to have you squirming beneath them. Killer’s thoughts seemed to be headed in the same direction, dancing his fingers just under the waistband of your bottoms while he watched your face for consent.

As Kidd began playing with the hem of your top, you realized that this was the beginning of a very long night that would likely leave you even more exhausted than the night before, but infinitely more satisfied.

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[yuujispinkhair]

Separation Anxiety (Chapter 14)

Put your lips on my scars and teach me to love

When a ritual separates Sukuna from Yuuji, Sukuna is delighted to find that besides having his own body, there is also another gift handed to him: The brat has lost all his memories and is now the perfect little plaything to take home and manipulate. At least, that's the plan. But the King of Curses isn't prepared for the feelings that come along with being human again. And another complication is how cute the brat is when he has no idea who Sukuna is and, instead of hating him, treats him with genuine love and affection. So, without realizing it, Sukuna suddenly finds himself on a journey of learning how to be loved and how to love.

++ Masterpost ++

Pairing: Sukuna x Yuuji Genre: Memory Loss AU, fluff, smut, light angst Word Count: 4.5k Playlist: Separation Anxiety Warnings: 18+, smut, mentions of violence, dub-con (Yuuji has lost his memories, and Sukuna lies to him about being boyfriends). All characters are of age. This story is 18+. Minors don't interact.

A little reminder for this chapter: In this AU, Shibuya and the Culling Game never happened.

Chapter 14

I can't keep you in these arms, so I'll keep you in my mind (You and I - Stripped by PVRIS)

Sukuna's POV:

He wants to tear the whole city down. He wants to set the world on fire, wants to kill and destroy and hear the screams of thousands burning in his wrath.

But Sukuna doesn't do any of those things. He does nothing at all.

Because Yuuji is somewhere out there in this city, and Sukuna cannot risk hurting him or the people Yuuji cares about. On top of that, Sukuna knows that Yuuji would blame himself for the destruction and the deaths. Sukuna knows how his brat's mind works. Yuuji would convince himself it was his fault because Sukuna managed to escape the cage that Itadori Yuuji was supposed to be.

That foolish brat will always blame himself for every crime Sukuna commits. This will never change. But what has changed is that Sukuna doesn't want to use this knowledge against Yuuji anymore.

So Sukuna does nothing. He just sits in the dark in his living room, which is too silent without Yuuji's excited chatter and loud laughter. He has a glass of dark red wine in his hand, occasionally taking a sip while his gaze wanders over Tokyo's bright lights glittering in front of his floor-to-ceiling windows.

Even if Sukuna would burn this city down, he doubts it would bring him any satisfaction. Nothing seems to be able to do that anymore. Everything has lost its meaning. Uraume can serve him the most exquisite meal, and it tastes bland. This city could crumble to ashes, and it wouldn't lift Sukuna's spirits. It wouldn't be able to fill that emptiness in Sukuna's chest. The dull ache is back, stronger than ever.

Uraume stands behind him, waiting for Sukuna's orders, watching him, observing every little thing he does. Their presence never bothered Sukuna, but right now, he feels their gaze like needle pricks on his skin. He never felt as exposed before, like his chest got torn open, and his heart and soul spilled over the floor for everyone to see.

"We can get you a new pet, Master Sukuna."

Sukuna's hand tightens around the wineglass so tightly that it breaks. Dark red wine spills over his hand, seeping into this white shirt, dripping down his wrist, and onto the luxurious white carpet beneath his feet.

Sukuna stares at the growing dark red pool at his feet, looking like the spilled blood he just imagined. He doesn't like lashing out at Uraume, not after all the years they spent together, but it takes every last ounce of control to keep his voice low and steady as he answers,

"I don't want another pet. The only one I want is him."

No one else could give him what Yuuji did. No one else could make him feel the way his brat does. No one else could be worthy. No one else could even begin to know him like Yuuji does.

When Yuuji was here, Sukuna felt warm. But now he feels that old familiar solitude drowning him again in its cold, rough waters. It's even worse now than it was in the past. A thousand years ago, Sukuna didn't know what he was missing, at least. He didn't know love. He didn't know the warmth of a lover's embrace, the utter bliss of seeing trust and affection in someone's eyes, the comfort of a genuine smile given to him without any ulterior motives or selfish reasons. Back then, he didn't know what it felt like to be loved.

But he has been touched by love now, by this oldest and most powerful curse of all. There is no going back. Yuuji came into his life, tore Sukuna's walls down, kissed his scars, and changed him forever. It's irrevocable.

Yuuji's presence still lingers in the apartment, even weeks after he left. The cookbooks with his messy handwritten notes scrawled all over the pages where he added his own adjustments to the recipes. His clothes, carelessly shoved into the closet, despite Uraume's attempt to fold them neatly, still smelling like him. The manga he bought at one of the small bookshops, which he enjoyed so much, dog-eared and strewn all over the apartment.

And that photo album he made for Sukuna and himself.

I wish I had had something like that when I woke up and couldn't remember anything. Now, we will always have these pictures to look at! He had said, and now Sukuna is the one who leafs through the small album, feeling the pain in his chest becoming even worse.

He can see the change in himself in those pictures as the date progresses. With every page he turns, it becomes clearer that Sukuna has fallen in love.

He stares at a picture taken in front of the shrine in the park only a few weeks ago. Yuuji took it, holding up his phone, smiling his happy sunshine smile into the camera, and making a peace sign. He is leaning against Sukuna, who is standing behind him, both arms wrapped around Yuuji, hugging him while smiling into the camera with matching genuine happiness written all over his face.

Sukuna wasn't even aware he was capable of looking like this, so at peace with everything in the world. So content. So happy.

It's unsettling to see himself like this, with all those human emotions he thought he had locked away forever, so openly on display on his face. Sukuna's first instinct is to tear out those treacherous pages and burn them to ashes. He cannot let anyone see this testament to his weakness. His long fingers hover over the page with the picture where he hugs Yuuji in the park.

But he cannot do it. He cannot destroy those pictures. Instead, he touches them gently, tracing them with his fingertips, careful not to do any damage, like he is touching his most precious possession.

Once again, Sukuna asks himself what he is doing. He used to be a man who always took what he desired, a man who only did what he wanted. A thousand years ago, he wanted to become The Strongest and hadn't stopped until he had succeeded.

But what does he want nowadays? Even more power? Make everyone bow down to him? Kill all the sorcerers who aren't worthy in his eyes? Enslave every human? Wage a war on this whole world?

No.

Sukuna gets up and slowly walks over to the floor-to-ceiling window, stopping in front of it and gazing out over the endless city lights.

"I just want to live my life in peace."

He is surprised that he said the words out loud and even more surprised by how right they feel.

Peace. It's something Sukuna never thought he would want. In his past life, he had been restless, always pushing himself to become stronger, always striving for more, reaching for enlightenment and a god-like status. He had different lovers every night, never letting anyone get truly close to him, just using them to quench his desire. He watched cities burn to dust while already thinking about the next steps he had to take. He sat on his throne and ruled over the masses.

But nothing ever felt as good as this new life he had those last few months. Nothing ever brought him more joy than the peaceful, domestic life he got to experience with Yuuji by his side. The peacefulness of walking the streets without anyone recognizing him, without having to watch his back at all times for the traitors who wanted to kill him. The peacefulness of only having Yuuji and Uraume around him and not having to deal with all those fake people surrounding him who told him everything he wanted to hear just to get on his good side. The peacefulness of sleeping in Yuuji's arms every night, knowing he could rest without any fear of getting attacked in his sleep.

And suddenly, peace doesn't seem to be such a dirty word anymore.

A humorless laugh escapes Sukuna's lips. His breath fogs up the window, making the bright city lights beneath him blurry. As unbelievable as it sounds, Sukuna knows it's the truth. The only thing he wants nowadays is to live a peaceful life with the man he loves by his side.

Sometimes, Sukuna sees him down in the park in front of the house.

Sukuna knows Yuuji is coming here intentionally. There is no other explanation for it. That sorry excuse of a school is too far away for Yuuji to accidentally end up here in front of his former living space. And the way he's looking up at the penthouse leaves no room for doubt as to why he is here. Golden eyes gaze up intently as if trying to see through the mirrored windows.

In these moments, Sukuna feels his heart contract painfully. The longing is so intense that he finds himself pressing a hand against the cold glass of the window as if reaching out to capture the boy down in the park, to capture that dream of a life with him.

He has to remind himself that this is his own doing. He chose this. He pushed Yuuji away. He changed the locks. He shut Yuuji out of his life.

But that doesn't mean it doesn't eat him up alive.

The first time the brat returned, he rang the doorbell for a solid ten minutes, and Sukuna felt more fear than at the time he faced a whole army of jujutsu sorcerers in Heian times.

He barked at Uraume to not let Yuuji in and fled to the bedroom, only to end up asking himself angrily what was wrong with him. The strongest sorcerer of all time was hiding away in his room because he feared he wouldn't be strong enough not to answer the door! Pathetic!

Sukuna stood at the floor-to-ceiling window with his arms crossed, staring unseeingly at the city below him, while his mind was filled with warm, golden eyes, a bright smile, and cherry blossom petals on pink hair.

The same thing happened several days in a row. The boy came back and rang the doorbell, stubborn as always. But Sukuna stayed adamant and didn't let him in.

It took Yuuji a whole week to stop ringing the doorbell, but it wasn't enough to make him stay away. He still comes here all the time. He still goes for his morning run here in this park, just like he used to do with Sukuna. As if he is waiting for Sukuna to join him.

Sukuna had to change his schedule. He gets up an hour earlier now to finish his morning run before the boy comes here. He tried to avoid going out completely, but he missed those morning runs and refused to give them up. And yet, they don't feel the same anymore.

Those runs used to fill him with exhilaration. But now, the park doesn't hold the same beauty as when Sukuna was here with Yuuji. The shrine, where they used to go to make wishes, suddenly seems shabby and not very well looked after. And the park seems to be too small, too lifeless, with no animals and poor choices when it comes to the flowers they planted, with no sense for poetry or beauty.

But it's not just the park. The whole city is different. Dull would usually not be the word someone would use to describe Tokyo, but this is how it feels to Sukuna now.

All the noises that used to be almost overwhelmingly loud seem far away. The city lights and neon signs aren't able to illuminate the streets the way they used to. The world doesn't have the same bright colors it had when Sukuna was walking through it with Yuuji by his side and heard his loud laughter and neverending chatter.

When Yuuji was with him, it felt like Sukuna was a part of all this. Of this city, of this modern world. But now it has pushed him out again, and he is a mere observer from the outside, never belonging, never finding any connection.

It's ironic. Sukuna had wanted to become Yuuji's whole world. That had been the plan back when he decided to keep the boy as his little pet. But now Sukuna knows better. The one he truly played was himself.

Yuuji still has a whole other world that belongs to him. He has other people who love him. He has a life he can live. He can blend into this world naturally and find a way into people's hearts.

When Sukuna looks around, he knows that this is Yuuji's world. This city, these modern times. It all belongs to Yuuji. He can go out there and meet new people, make them love him, and build a new life with them. He doesn't need Sukuna.

The one who is alone is Sukuna. He is a thousand-year-old relic walking these modern city streets, always knowing that he doesn't belong. He is an alien in this world, has always been, and will always be.

Yuuji was the one who made Sukuna feel like he was a part of this world. Yuuji was the one who took him by the hand and dragged him along into this modern life with its movie theaters and coffeeshops and restaurants and bright lights and loud music.

When it comes down to it, it is always Yuuji. He is everything. Sukuna's whole world.

Sukuna thought he was on the safe side with his early morning runs. But he is proven wrong when he is halfway toward the little shrine on this chilly Thursday morning.

His senses tingle, alerting him of the presence of another sorcerer. But it's not just any sorcerer. What gives it away is the strange feeling of relief that fills Sukuna's chest, making him let out a loud breath. Those last few weeks, the dull ache of their severed soul connection was a constant pain in his chest, the mark of their separation haunting Sukuna unrelentingly. But now, that ache is getting less prominent with every second that passes.

And that's why Sukuna knows that Yuuji is here. An hour too early.

Sukuna feels himself slowing down without making the conscious decision to do so. He huffs, shaking his head as a bitter grin spreads over his face. How foolish he has become. How utterly weak. He knows the reasonable thing would be to run faster. To get away from Yuuji as fast as he can. But Sukuna finds himself unable to listen to his mind. Is that what he is now? A prisoner of what his heart wants?

He has come to a complete stop when the familiar, too-loud voice is heard behind him,

"Kuna!"

At least Sukuna still possesses the strength not to turn around. His shoulders tense up, but his voice is calm, not giving away how distraught he feels when he answers,

"You shouldn't have come. I told you to stay away, brat."

"I don't want to stay away! I want to talk to you! Please!"

Sukuna still refuses to turn around and look at Yuuji. He doesn't want to encourage the boy. But most of all, Sukuna knows the moment he looks at that pretty face, he will feel too much. He will drown in those emotions again, in that unfamiliar territory that makes him feel so terrifyingly helpless. Sukuna knows whatever he does, he must not turn around and look at Yuuji.

But, of course, Yuuji thwarts Sukuna's plan. Of course, he is his usual stubborn and fearless self, who doesn't even let himself get scared away by the fact that the man he lived with for all those months is the King of Curses. He jogs past Sukuna, breaking through Sukuna's last line of defense as if it doesn't even exist, and puts himself right in front of Sukuna on the path leading to the shrine with flushed cheeks and an indignant look in his beautiful eyes.

"Stop trying to push me away! I know, Sukuna, ok? I know who you are and what you did, but I still want to be with you!"

He is breathing heavily, staring so intently at Sukuna that it seems as if he is looking right into Sukuna's soul. A soul that is in turmoil.

It was easier to stay strong when Sukuna watched Yuuji from the penthouse's windows. But now the boy is so close, close enough for Sukuna to see the tears shimmering in those golden eyes. Close enough to hear that warm voice tremble slightly when Yuuji adds,

"I miss you so much."

Something throbs in Sukuna's chest.

"Why do you still come back after knowing you lived with a monster all that time?"

"Because I don't want to be anywhere else in this world. You aren't a monster to me. Or if you are one, then I am a monster, too, and we make a good match."

Sukuna sighs. He feels that nothing he says will be able to make Yuuji back off.

"You foolish brat."

But the words lack the bite. Sukuna can hear the affection in his voice. The words aren't an insult but rather an endearment, and he knows Yuuji realizes it, too. The boy takes a step closer to Sukuna, looking at him with big eyes,

"When you said you love me, you meant it, didn't you, Kuna? I'm not talking about the beginning. But when you said you loved me during the last weeks, just tell me, did you mean it? Yes or no?"

There it is. The most dangerous question. Sukuna wants to deny it. Wants to say it was just part of his game. Wants to make Yuuji leave again. But didn't he try that already? And yet Yuuji is standing before him now, crying and asking Sukuna if he loves him, golden eyes begging him to tell the truth. And so Sukuna nods softly.

"I did mean it. I still do."

A happy, breathless chuckle escapes Yuuji's lips, but those golden eyes still look unrelentingly at Sukuna. So much strength. So much want.

"I knew it. So, if you love me, and I love you, why aren't we together?"

And for once, Sukuna knows no answer.

He exhales slowly while eyeing Yuuji carefully. Finally, he says,

"I don't deserve your love. Look at you. You are so full of love and compassion. The embodiment of humanity. And I am none of those things."

Yuuji shrugs,

"I don't think you are as bad as you try to make yourself out to be. I know there must be more to it than what I read in all those old files in the academy. Maybe if I only knew the man those records talk about, I wouldn't be able to love you. But the thing is, I know another version of you, and he is nothing like that evil king everyone tells me about. And I know no matter what you did in the past, you aren't doing those things anymore now."

"What makes you so sure of that?"

"Because I know you."

Yuuji says it so matter-of-factly that it makes Sukuna laugh softly. How can the boy say such things? How can he say them with such conviction? How can anyone claim to know him? Him, Sukuna, who always hides behind a mask? Who locked all of his feelings away such a long time ago that he forgot about them? That he forgot how to be human.

But is that really true? Didn't he already prove himself wrong by falling in love with Yuuji? Didn't he feel human emotions all those last months with Yuuji by his side?

If anyone in this world can claim to know him, it is Yuuji.

They are closer than anyone else. They shared a body. Their souls used to be entangled, and even now that they are physically separated, there is still something tying them together. They are connected by a red string of fate. The stars wrote their story into the history of this universe. Yuuji and Sukuna. Sukuna and Yuuji.

So maybe Yuuji can say such outrageous things with such conviction. Because maybe he is right, at least a little. Out of anyone in this world, he is the one closest to Sukuna's soul. Closest to his core.

Sukuna cocks his head and gazes challengingly at Yuuji,

"What do you think I will do if anyone tries to hurt you? Do you think I won't burn this world down?"

But Yuuji just gazes back at him unafraid, cocking his head too, mirroring Sukuna's stance,

"Then I guess I will have to make sure to stay out of trouble, huh?"

There's a lopsided boyish grin on Yuuji's face, and Sukuna stares at him incredulously.

How can Yuuji tear Sukuna's walls down so easily? How can he be so filled to the brim with love and understanding? How can he be so sure and adamant about his feelings? How can he stand here in front of Sukuna after everything that happened and tell him it's ok and that he still wants to come back?

Sukuna had been so sure that sending Yuuji away was good for Yuuji. He had been so sure that Yuuji would hate him once his friends confirmed who Sukuna truly was and what he did.

But he is beginning to realize his mistake.

Yuuji isn't a stupid child or a damsel in distress who needs saving. He is strong and smart in his own way and so much better at understanding emotions and love than Sukuna. Yuuji is very capable of making his own decisions.

Sukuna knows what to do now. He starts walking again, waving Yuuji over with a casual flick of his wrist,

"Come on, walk with me. I will tell you the whole truth. I will tell you everything, even the things you didn't find in the sorcerers' records. And if you still think you can love me after that, then stay."

They slowly stroll further down the path, side by side, and when they reach a park bench, they sit down on it right in front of the shrine. Their shrine, the shrine where they made all those wishes, where Sukuna even stooped as low as asking the resident deity for help, the shrine that he always went back to every day, and more than once stood there with a small wooden ema in his large hands, staring at it, needing all of his strength not to write another wish on it.

He always put the empty ema back on the shelf and left without writing another wish, but in his mind, he knew what he would have written. He knew he would have wished for a new beginning for Yuuji and him. For a chance to make things right.

And now Yuuji is back, sitting next to Sukuna, so close that his thigh brushes against Sukuna's. He looks at Sukuna with those beautiful golden eyes that seem to carry all the riches of the world, everything one could ever want, the biggest treasures there are.

Sukuna speaks to him in a soft, calm voice. He tells Yuuji the truth. All of it. Tells him about his former life, the loneliness, the walls he built around himself, the absence of love, and the abundance of cruelty. Tells him that all that mattered to Sukuna used to be strength. How he needed to be The Strongest, and how he became it. He tells him about the violence Sukuna excelled in. About power and control. He tells him about abandoning a regular human life and becoming something more, something god-like and yet he wasn't satisfied. He tells him about dying and then waking up again in Yuuji's body a thousand years later. He tells him about the hatred in his heart, about the cruel joy he found in tormenting Yuuji because he hated the fact that a boy like Yuuji could hold him hostage in his body.

He tells Yuuji about every terrible thing he did and also about some of the terrible things he had to endure. He tells him about how his own mother thought he was a monster. He tells him about only ever seeing fear or disgust on the faces of the people who stood before him. He tells him about all his admirers who only flocked to him because they wanted to gain an advantage. He tells him how he discovered only now that there is more meaning to life than just strength. That he craves a peaceful life. The kind of life Yuuji showed him when they were together. He bares his whole soul to Yuuji, feeling naked and weak like never before. And yet, it feels right. Because this is Yuuji.

"You can only remember me as your boyfriend, Kuna, but I am also Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses, and I have killed many, and I felt nothing while doing it. I still feel nothing for all those people who swarm the world like insects. You are the only one who makes me feel something. The only one I care about. But that wasn't what I planned. I went into this with bad intentions. I manipulated you. I tricked you into loving me and had my cruel joy with it. I wanted to break you. So consider it carefully. Do you really want to be with someone like that?"

He watches Yuuji's pretty face intently, blue eyes looking deeply into golden ones. He sees all the different emotions flickering over Yuuji's face. He sees the disapproval when Sukuna talks about killing, but also the understanding, the love, that is still there unwaveringly. A soft smile spreads over Yuuji's face when Sukuna is finished.

"You tricked me at first, but the Sukuna I lived with those last few months was the real you. And I love you the way you are. There isn't any manipulation or magic involved. I fell in love with the man I laughed with so often, who loves food as much as I do, who took me on nice dates and showed interest in my movies, and re-watched them all with me even though you already knew them by heart. What I feel for you is real, Sukuna. And I am glad to know the whole truth now. I am glad I can be by your side now and pull you out of that loneliness. I am glad you want different things in life now than you did in the past. I am glad that I can help you with that. I choose you, Sukuna. I choose you willingly, with your past and everything that comes with you. I want to live my life by your side. I think that's where I belong."

Sukuna watches him in silence for a moment, his chest filled with that warmth he was missing so much, his fingers tingling with the urge to reach out and pull Yuuji back into his arms.

"Then teach me, Yuuji. Teach me how to love you the right way."

"Oh, that's easy! Because you already do!"

Yuuji smiles that bright smile at Sukuna and reaches out to cup his face, tenderly tracing the black lines on Sukuna's cheeks. And Sukuna finds himself falling again, falling into Yuuji's warmth, into his bright colors, into his love. It's both terrifying and beautiful how the gentle touch of Yuuji's fingers on his cheeks holds more power than a whole army. Destruction in the most beautiful way.

Thank you so much for your patience!! I am so happy to finally post the new chapter! AND THEY ARE BACK TOGETHER 💗💗

I once again cried a lot while writing this. It always gets me so much when I write from Sukuna's POV, and he is vulnerable 😭 I hope you enjoyed the chapter and that you are happy they are united again!

I started posting this story over a year ago, and it has been a lot longer in my drafts before that, but I am actually really happy that I am still working on it atm because I love seeing the current chapters of the manga, where we get so much Sukuna and Yuuji content and it makes me an even bigger mess for those two lol.

Thank you so much for reading! Comments and reblogs would be very sweet 💗

[tubbytarchia]

In my head I'm constantly rotating around the idea of Ranchers and Pearl... This is largely unfounded but I just. can't help it... I just think they'd make such a cute trio and it's what all of them deserve in DL especially. Further thoughts below but please also have this from Pearl's POV

I have never been able to stop thinking about how Pearl was the first person to genuinely help the ranchers when they requested it, and the way she only asks for food in exchange because she's hungry, gets some steak thrown at her and she immediately gobbles it up. Then Pearl watching them try their best to get goat horns, doesn't even judge them for their complete incompetence (does snicker to herself a little but that's just cute), offers to try it herself, gets it immediately followed by Jimmy's unbridled joy and Tango's unbridled praise

Then Jimmy went and broke my heart by shooing Pearl away in session 3 like everyone else </3, but then pearl comes back later offering him a horse and this time she only asks for friendship in exchange <3. But then she HAD conversed with Scott before and Scott basically just said "I've emotionally reduced Jimmy into nothing before and you can too". In the end Jimmy gives her the horn that she got for him in the first place </3 Then Pearl and Martyn steal the horse back but Pearl pretty quickly feels remorseful and returns to Jimmy to once again ask for friendship in exchange for the horse. Jimmy refuses but Pearl gives him the horse anyway and RAHH Jimmy being genuinely surprised like, baby... he just doesn't expect much at all from anyone at this point does he lol. And Pearl all "No, that's not me, I felt too bad" and Jimmy still asking for reassurance "You sure? Are you sure?". Then they kind of established a friendship before parting ways when Pearl admitted she no longer had Jimmy's horn (had given it to Martyn already)

So obviously that didn't amount to much, they didn't interact a lot before Tango and Jimmy died but COME ON THEY'D BE SO CUTE... The ranchers who are most everyone's laughing stock and Pearl who has been largely ostracized for not even doing anything wrong, and completely alone. Except she does have Tilly, she loves her dogs and she also ushers a donkey into her tower all "here you go my little lovely", ALSO housing Oreo, the very horse that'd been traded back and forth and that the ranchers had so desperately wanted. Oreo WAS left there by Scar because he had to make a swift escape from the top but... you know. Anyway point is I think her and the ranchers have a little bit in common in that, I could totally imagine Pearl enjoying taking care of the animals. Also don't forget how she was struggling for food in the beginning just like the ranchers. But they managed to make do because they had each other, unlike Pearl. So the ranchers could give her supportive company!! Can you imagine how delightful they'd be towards her... The same way Jimmy would usher Tango into the ranch as he fled from mobs, scared and starving

That's about it but PLEASE. SURELY I'm not the only one who can see this. Ranchers housing Pearl would be the absolute cutest, they don't judge each other etc... Imagine an AU in which she does score a proper allyship with them, finally finding happiness in some human company only for them to die first and Pearl being left all alone again with all the other Lifers who considered her crazy

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

your stories with Fem reader are my biggest source of serotonin and self esteem I literally spend hours rereading them 🙏🏽

could you do one with a reader who has tattoos?

the scenario I imagine is reader always wears 100% covered clothes (pants or skirts and tights) none of the boys really care about this because it could be a religious reason or just because reader doesn't like it

but at some point when reader is alone, they decides to take a dip in the school's pool (I don't know if there is one but I remember seeing official bathing suit artwork so it probably is) it turns out that's exactly when the dorms get together for some activity and see reader with bathing suit and all sampling tattoos. it would be even cooler if reader coincidentally had tattoos that represent each dorm or some symbol that represents their favorite villain

could it be with the dorm leaders?

Tattoos Revealed | Yandere Twisted Wonderland

While I don’t think they have a swimming pool,  I know Kalim can make one! And what better time for them to see your Disney villain tattoos. Granted it’ll be awkward explaining how you know the great seven from your world. When they ask you might omit the detail of how you’re world considers them villains instead making up something arbitrary. But no worries even without a concrete reason they’re wonderfully enjoying the skin your flashing:

Riddle Rosehearts 

A decorative heart with a familiar crown 

He tilts his head 

After a series of looking back at you with a firestarting blush

He finally gains the guts to look at you

And not the skin you’ve left uncovered

“T-that tattoo…it looks similar to the insignia of the Heartslabyul…could you have perhaps gotten it while you were staying here? I didn’t think you had the funds to pull that off…How’d you pull it off without me seeing?”

You chuckle as you give an excuse

“Well I’ve always loved her finesse especially in the live-action!” 

So you put things you care about…on your body?

Even the hidden parts?

He was never allowed to think positively about tattoos 

let alone possibly getting one

And in that regard it was a symbol of your forbidden allure

He wondered blushing red in the Scarabia sun what it would take to put him on you

“What would it take to put a tattoo of me on you? I mean your tattoos are…nice. Have you thought about adding more?”

Leona Kingscholar

Spots the familiar outline of Scar with an amused gaze

He doesn’t hesitate to run his fingers on it

Delighting in your embarrassed reaction he’s smirking endlessly

“Awfully presumptuous for an herbivore to just mark herself like this. Almost like you’re asking to be claimed by me right off the bat.”

It doesn’t matter all that much why you have it, he’s just happy you already know who you belong to

Granted he understands the ambiguity of the symbol

But he’s more than happy to make some marks of his own

And if you weren’t so insistent on being his prey he’ll save you the embarrassment of doing it now

“Don’t be such a baby, I’m sure a tooth prick isn’t nearly as painful as getting a tattoo. So buck up.”

Azul Ashengrotto

He’s in awe of your confidence 

Not only in wearing your bathing suit but flexing the octopus tentacles clutching the shell necklace

“Y-you look dvine great I mean you always do–ugh just I like your tattoo!”

He gets all flustered when your eyes turn to him anyway

He has his suspicions about how you got that or why

And if he’s feeling confident he’ll ask 

Only to recognize your deflection

He rationalizes…that you must be destined for one another

As embarrassing as that is he can’t think of anything else

Other than the horrifying likeness to some other mer-octopus

Embarrassment aside he’s going to be the only one who has a chance with you

“Oh my (Y/n)? Are you implying something about the two of us? If so I’m already on board”

Kalim Al Asim

The familiar viper has him preening with pride

He already considers you destined for each other

This just confirms it

“(Y/n)! I love your tattoo!”

“Kalim back up your practically on top of her!”

He doesn’t care for space

Specifically your space

So he’ll getclose enough, nose nearly touching to look at it

He thinks the very pores of your skin as the most beautiful 

And even if you didn’t have tattoos he couldn’t be more enamored

“Please let me touch (Y/n) I just want to touch just a little! Please!”

Idia Shroud

He’s already floored that your in a bathing suit

Its just too much for his virgin-otaku-brain 

How cool! 

You have a blue flame tattoo and he couldn’t be happier that he has that trait

“Whoa (Y/n)! To think the love-interest would have so many layers? I realize there’s more I have to dig up.”

If he doesn’t already know about the intimate image

He feels inadequate…that he didn’t know about sooner

So he might just get one to match yours

That is if he doesn’t have plans to remove it

“Blue flame from my family? Lame! I’ll sooner print my username instead…hehehe that’s a really good idea, me!”

Malleus Draconia

He has a…mixed reaction

On one hand, I’m sure he’s been informed of different cultures marking their bodies

And that’s probably not what he’s mad about

But he’s livid that its not directly about him

“That’s an interesting marking…who gave it to you?”

Why would he want you sporting a tattoo representative of his grandmother

And while he thinks its great that you idolize her

He doesn’t want you sporting it

So if you wake up with no tattoo at all

Or a tattoo with his name

Or (Y/n) X Malleus

Or Malleus Draconia’s Mate

“Oh its a shame that such a thing has happened. Come, I can imprint something I have from my memory. This is not what was there? I do not recall, this is exactly how I remember it to be.”

[eternadreeblissa]

In my last reblog y'all probs noticed I got thoughts regarding Courage... Here they are!

No cuz like, imagine Courage wants to be seen as reliable and dependable for you and stuff. He's the hero and everything, definitely uses it as a way to woo you (it barely works ^^") Then again, even if he probs couldn't make you fall for him, his pride and image of being a hero (especially in your eyes) is something he would want to keep afloat and standing. Oh but don't worry he can crumble those walls down just a tad if you insist enough he takes care of himself more than his own pride (in exchange for kisses—). But, if there ever comes a time he's weak and everything, but you're in grave danger? Perhaps even near death's door? Nothing is stopping him from standing up, his back to you with his head facing forwards the enemy or whatever could harm you. His head can be bleeding for all he cares, he can even lose a limb or two, nothing is stopping him from protecting the love of his life. Maybe you'll yell at him, call him every name in the book, for being reckless and stupid for putting himself even more danger for you. But you know what? He doesn't regret it, one bit. All of that was worth it if it meant you live on, that you won't get hurt. So he won't have to live with the fact he failed to save the one who he loved the most, or that you'll have nasty scars reminding him of his failure. He doesn't care. Maybe he's an idiot, maybe he's a little aware he's a handful. But this idiot, lovesick fool will be ready to throw his life away for you because goddesses' be damned if anything happens to you.

(oh no more thoughts. Just darling or reader yelling at him for being reckless, then Courage yells and everything and there's a fight going on and—)

(...I can't say I'll write a fic, I'm already busy with my drawings and comics and other fics I'm writing on! But I can write some dialogue for those Courage enjoyers. Just dialogue tho. I'll whip up smth maybe, this is good food munch munch. Feel free for any writers and artists to illustrate the idea in whatever they could! Can I just ask to be tagged? 👉👈 I do enjoy people's interpretations 🥹 maybe it'll even be more delightful than my own!!)

[hiwelcometothemonstersancturary]

Hi I really love your save everyone au and it has me hyper fixated on it for a week now! My personal question is does Angel ever have nightmares about the factory and their ptsd so badly that they actually wake up and start crying? How would the toys react? Also, how would the toys react if they found out Angel had any self harming coping mechanisms? (Sorry if that is too sensitive, I actually have self harmed myself when I felt like my existence was just making everyone around me miserable. And a I was going through a lot of stress at the time. I am actually 1 month clean now which I am super proud of. I hope you have a wonderful day and I appreciate you reading and potentially responding to my ask :DDDDDD

You got hyperfixated?! Oh my God 🥺💝😭!!!! I'm so glad you have been enjoying it, please don't be afrad to send me more asks and interact with my posts! I saw your comment on the AO3 fanfic and it made my day!

BEFORE WE START THIS, I just want to let you know that I'm so proud of you for going one entire month clean!!!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! The answer will be under the cut just for the safety of other people reading this, so let's go!

In the past, when my own trauma was still super fresh and I was alone, I unfortunately also had problems relating to self-harm and bad coping mechanisms. It was bad!!!! I have been clean for some time as well, thankfully, but I have been projecting some of that trauma juice(tm) over the toys, Prototype and Angel. And Angel, oh, dear...

I imagine they get some Awful nightmares. They had some during the past decade, but Angel thought of them more as stress dreams than "proper" nightmares related to their PTSD from their coworkers going missing. After the rescue, however, they do get actual nightmares related to their new trauma. They involve the toys being captured and/or taken away from Angel, Angel failing to save them, and the toys they couldn't save staring at them and asking them why didn't they come to the factory during those 10 long, long years. I think it's a matter of time until Angel can't prevent themself from waking up when another toy is already awake and breaking down in tears. Angel would try putting on a brave face, smiling softly as they always do and trying to help the toy to go back to sleep, but it doesn't work.

I think that the first one to see Angel like this is Dogday. Angel wakes up trying to reach to something - or rather, someone -, thinking for a moment their kids were taken away from them. Dogday asks them what's up, Angel tries to brush it off, but they're already crying at this point before Dogday gives them a hug.

When Angel eventually wakes up (Dogday is still good at luring others to sleep, despite all the horrors), they apologize to Dogday, but the big pup is already on high alert for what Angel has next. He tells Poppy, Mommy Long Legs, Delight and Catnap about it so everyone can make a plan on how to comfort Angel. They inevitably wake up in tears again some days later, but this time Dogday isn't the only one awake. I think that the older toys all hug Angel, because they know what it's like to be like this and they want to give Angel some of the kindness they gave to them. Angel ends up breaking down in tears before thanking the group.

During the decade post-HoJ, Angel did develop some self-harm habits. They have some scars they gave themself, and one really nasty one on their belly area from the time they got themself drunk and fell down on some glass. After that, Angel's family begged them to go to therapy. They still drink and still like drinking, but they never got to the point they were before. They also quit self-harm and have been doing clean for around 6 years before returning to the factory.

After the rescue, I think Angel's bad habits creep out again with drinking, some smoking and them overworking themself to take care of the toys. This time they're able to do a work-around their smoking and drinking problems before they could get as bad as before, but it's the toys and the Prototype who have to force Angel to sit down before scolding them with phrases like "how are you supposed to be the parent if you don't rest??? Uh???? UHHH????"

Angel's skin also gets really bad whenever they're stressed - the problem started from their first big trauma -, and post-rescue it sometimes comes back. Angel is more annoyed than worried at this point in time, thankfully.

I think Prototype is the first to take notice of Angel's scars. It's when Angel goes to "visit" him to drink a tiny bit and talk about the kids. It's summer, and Angel takes off their shirt and is only with a pair of baggy shorts + a binder Crafty made for them. The conversation is going as normal as it could be, when all of a sudden Proto just GRABS Angel's arm and asks them about the scars. Angel sighs. "These are old", Prototype takes notice. "Far too old and clean".

"You know why, don't you?", Angel asks. "I did those myself".

"Why?"

There's a pause. Angel sighs. "Because that's everything that helped me deal with the pain of losing all of my coworkers", they confess, not wanting to sound accusatory, not wanting to feel like a coward for doing that instead of running back to the factory (but again, Angel was never a coward. It's the trauma reshaping their own view of themself). "I got better. I don't do this anymore, the kids aren't at risk of my own lack of care for myself".

Prototype is silent for a moment. "I did no ask because of the children. I asked because of you".

Then, he points at his own body, both at the flesh and the wires and metal that made him himself. And although the hut's lights aren't the strongest, Angel can see some marks.

"I was often careless on purpose", Proto confesses. "Focusing on the physical pain helped more than remembering the children I doomed due to my own egoism. Protecting the few I could was all that mattered. I did not care about this body. Sometimes, I still don't".

Angel nods. They both understand what it is like. The human then drinks from their bottle of water, staring at nothing.

"It did get better for me", they tell the Prototype. "Been clean for seven years at this point. One day your scars will be old, too".

Prototype, too, drinks water. "You give me no option but to believe in your words, Angel".

"Good", they nod. "Your only way is up. Never down".

"Or, at least, never as down as we both were in the past".

That's when the human smiles. "That, too".

I can imagine one day during the summer where the family is playing with water guns and throwing water balloons at each other when a toy (maybe Bobby, Poppy, Catnap or even Bunzo) points at one of Angel's scars, asking them if they got that at the factory, and Angel takes one look at the almost-gone cut before replying that it wasn't because of the family's rescue, but something they did to themself post losing their coworkers. "I wasn't feeling well", they explain. "And doing that helped me deal with the pain, even though it hurt me. But I got better. I don't hurt myself anymore".

"Because you have us?", Bunzo asks, innocently.

"Not just that, bunny", they reply, petting him on the head. "I asked people for help and went to a nice doctor, so they could help me. And they did. It's been seven years since I last hurt myself".

"Oh...", and then Delight, covered in water, takes notice of the scar and explanation. She politely touches Angel's arms, before petting them.

"It healed very well", she notes.

"I know, right? I never told it would get this good, but it did. And now I guess it'll be your turn as well", and Angel then grabs a water gun and SPLASHED Delight, causing her to laugh and attack them back.

Later on, when Angel is helping Kissy try up, they feel Catnap headbonking their back. The feline licks Angel's arm before sitting next to them, just like how Dogday himself playfully did that just some hours before, in order to "kiss it better". Angel thanks Catnap, of course, before petting him.

They're glad for having them.

[bomberqueen17]

Big Easy

I am on vacation this week in New Orleans. There are many reasons for this but mostly they're not about me. I'm just here for the ride. Hilariously the one thing I found on on my own that I was like "oh i gotta do that while we're here" is also the thing that has been recommended to me by literally everyone i've spoken to including the Lyft driver from the airport, which is the WWII Museum, and conversely the more people recommend it the more I'm like :/ I might not enjoy this that much. WWII history was a childhood hyperfixation of mine but I've found the shit I was into about it is not the stuff other people like about it. This museum features a movie narrated by Tom Hanks so I feel like it's going to mm emphasize the bits I don't care about a lot. BUT I am going to go and I am probably going to devote a whole day. The upside of this is that probably Dude will not be deadly bored by it. He does tend to have the issue of not being into what I'm into sometimes... but this will probably be fine.

My hip is doing okay, the one I've been physically therapizing for ages? But what's popped up is that as the bad hip heals, the "good" hip starts giving me trouble-- I have prettty bad sciatic nerve problems on that side, and I didn't notice them so much because the cartilage tear on the bad side hurt enough to distract me. But lately it's like-- a little electric current of Badness inside the back of my right knee. No fun. But I've been doing physical therapy exercises for about fifteen weeks now (I just counted), three times a week, so I'd damn well better have seen some improvement LOL.

But mostly I can walk around, and I have a better idea earlier on whether walking is going to be good for me or not, so idk it's progress.

So far I have had a few bites of a shrimp po'boy (in the Atlanta airport, where we ordered something else and the waitress didn't hear us and just brought better food, no regrets on our part), some amazing gumbo, a bit of really good crawfish etouffe, and a really good Hurricane cocktail, and have seen the steamboat Natchez going up the MIssissippi with a brass band playing on it. Oh yeah there was a live band at the baggage claim? Apparently there were Many Doings in the French Quarter last night because of Cinco de Mayo, our Lyft driver was explaining they'd barricaded a bunch of the streets and she was delighted they'd moved one barricade because otherwise she could not have dropped us at our hotel. But by the later evening when we were out and about it wasn't quite so crowded but there were police cars and sirens and apparently some kind of disturbance a couple blocks away from our hotel. We kept walking because whatever it was was Not Our Business.

I'm mostly here for the food. I brought mostly me-made clothes. I was wearing a nice button-up shirt to fly in, and i sat at the gate during our layover and hand-bound two of the last three buttonholes on it (I'd cut and overcasted them at home but ran out of time). Relaxing and chill, honestly.

There are a couple of fabric stores I want to visit but apart from that I have zero agenda. Maybe Dude came up with something. I think he's mostly been researching restaurants.

I did not expect this, though: I know the names of so many of the places here from the news coverage of Katrina, and when I saw the Superdome in person i started crying, and had to explain to the driver that I'd been an airport bartender during that time and so had been stuck in front of huge TVs with 24h live coverage, and I'd had a bunch of online friends living there and I didn't realize until this moment how much it scarred me, so I could only imagine for the people here, and she talked about how she'd been a cleaner in an apartment complex at the time (I'd sussed that she was my age or older so I figured she'd remember it as well as I do, because to my shock that was 20 years ago now) and how many people had just left and never come back, had abandoned their possessions and just never came back for them because the power didn't come back on for two or three months.

She said "Now I know, when they tell you to evacuate, you get the hell out."

She also complained that nobody knows how to act, because it's all tourists. Which, fair.

... Anyway, anyone with recs for New Orleans feel free to tell them to me, I'm just here for the food and the vibes.

[quinloki]

Sooo imagine reader/ y/n escapes, they get to an island for a couple months evade capture but then marinford happens and the wb pirates are disbanded/scatters or doin there own thing but one of them end up on the same island as y/n with the obsession still intact and finding them again has rekindled it even more.

How would they react on when they're alone without the other's input?would they contact each other and group up? what would be going through their heads?

(yan au where everyone survives except wb)

💧-anon

(feel free to completely ignore my ramblings but i have so many things i think ab and need to tell/ask ❤️)

I feel how someone would react would depend on the crew member. I'm not going to hit up everyone, just my usual suspects, so bear with me.

CW: Yandere, dub con / non con vibes, nothing explicit a lot of what ifs and summaries.

Marco would not contact anyone else. I love this man, but Yandere Marco is POSSESSIVE. He shares you with his brothers only because they are his brothers. If no one else ended up on this island with you and him then that's a them problem, and not HIS problem.

Depending on the manner of your escape would depend how Marco was, but regardless of if he thinks you left or were stolen away, he'll be delighted to have you back. You'll never leave his sight again, and if you do have to be away from him for any reason he'll make sure he knows where you are.

You will drown in him, whether its his love or his anger, but he will mark you, fill you up, and leave you exhausted and delirious more than not.

Ace would contact the others. He'd be so relieved to see you safe, and whether anyone else thought you left, he'd be convinced it had to be against your will. He'll be seeking reassurance to that end, and if you're smart you're going to give it to him. Shore up your story if you need it with Ace's help, because the other will be far harder to convince, even if what you're telling is the truth.

Whatever happens, and however things play out though, you'll always run into Ace. He'll pop out of the ground like a fucking daisy sometimes, scaring the hell out of you even though that wasn't his intent. But playful or endearing, don't think for a second it's accidental.

If you don't reassure him, if you do tell him you left because you wanted to, his reaction will be worse. He'll claim you as his and you'll probably have burn scars by the time the others arrive. It'll take Marco weeks to get you back into some sort of semblance of who you were - assuming he can even soothe the scars.

Thatch will let you set the narrative, and hell he'll even let you decide if he reaches out to anyone else or not. If you want to elope with just him, he'd be more than happy to oblige. He doesn't mind sharing with his brothers, but he won't deny such a heart felt confession and plea from you either.

He's likely to do to you what Marco would, making love to you until you're a pile of mush, exhausted and almost out of your mind. His stamina far exceeds your own, and he has months of catching up to do, he's missed you so much. And don't worry, he'll feed you and make sure you're hydrated, even clean your home, and earn money, you'll be too tired to worry about any of that anyway.

With Izou in the mix the rope burns on your joints are apt to become permanent. It doesn't matter if you say you didn't want to leave, you'll never be able to be taken away so easily ever again. He'll let the others know about you, and your fate will probably be decided by committee.

You will be under the influence of something when you're questioned, so unless you're really good at lying that's not going to be an option here. You're likely to survive your punishment, for better or worse, but whatever island you end up on with everyone (whoever constitutes everyone), the islanders are going to understand your position in the crew. Or misunderstand it.

but the only friends you'll have will be the brothers that take care of you. You'll want for nothing, save maybe freedom.

[soopsiedaisies]

suffering will be your teacher

I don't think it's too late to share this one :)

Rating: E, for violence

Tags: Time Travel; Scarless Zuko; Zuko & Zuko's Crew; Jee has only had Zuko for a day and a half but if anything happened to him he would kill everyone on this ship and then himself

Summary: Zuko falls asleep on the evening of his official coronation, when he’s twenty-one-years old and has finally reached his majority. Zuko wakes on the morning of the Agni Kai with his father, eight years earlier. This is annoying for several reasons, like the fact that the War is still ongoing, that he has zero friends, and that Ozai is not in jail. It’s time to scheme.

Also, here are some ficnotes under the cut, if you're interested in some of my reasoning in regards to how the Agni Kai went in this universe. It's a bit spoilery but not if you've read chapter 1:

I’ve received a small handful of comments being shocked and/or delighted by Zuko deciding to burn Ozai the way Ozai burnt him: hand over the face like wiping away a tear, and then just going to town with their natural flamethrower ability. Whether this would be seen as in character or not, I wrote it in because I think it’d be in character, and I suppose that’s a rather important bit of writing lol. 

You can probably interpret it as Zuko perpetuating his family’s violence, or suddenly being okay with being goaded into a fight. But here’s the thing: he’s not okay with it. I’ve tried to hint at Zuko being disgusted with himself post-burning, yet simultaneously satisfied—because, hey, he’s back to fight-or-flight mode. He’s gone from the relative comfort of a palace filled with people he’d show his soft underbelly to, to the metaphorical viper’s den that was the palace when Ozai still ruled. Despite it having been a few years for him, Zuko still knows that it’s dangerous to be there, and that he cannot, under any circumstance, show aspects of his natural personality that may be deemed as weak. He’s the Prince and kindness, or mercy, will be punished. And he also doesn’t want to be burnt again—he’s not going to take that challenge lying down. 

So Zuko takes a risk. He fights back and uses his own experience to get his father to his knees. He burns Ozai before Ozai can burn him, despite the detail that harming the Fire Lord is probably illegal. And yes, like Azula told him, a simple burn on the shoulder would’ve been enough… but with someone as dangerous as Ozai, it’s better to incapacitate him. Ozai clearly doesn’t care about fighting fair and nobody would’ve stopped him either: in the show, Zuko went on his knees, refused to fight, and begged for mercy, but Ozai burnt him anyway without any sort of protest from anyone there. Zuko was in an inescapable and incredibly violent situation where the only way out was violence from his side. It’s an easy choice at that point, I think. 

Additionally, it’s also a revenge fantasy come true. I do believe that during the confrontation between Zuko and Ozai in Day Of The Black Sun, Zuko would’ve considered killing his father for a moment—or at least harming him. He doesn’t because it’s Aang’s responsibility to do so, and because killing your dad at age 16 after a lifetime of loyalty is kind of…. hard, but I’m certain there was a brief moment he thought about it. And burning your father instead, in the exact way he burnt you in another life, with him on his knees instead of you? Possibly a little bit satisfying. Zuko was granted a chance and took it. 

So, he’s scarless (if you have trouble imagining it: think of his face in the flashback of The Storm, plus his Fire Lordly face in his fever dream in The Earth King). I can hear people go like, “But Soopsie, that’s not our Zuko! The scar is a very important part of his character!”, and that is very fair. But keep in mind that he’s a 21 year old man who only occupies the body of his thirteen year old self, and he’s actually older than the Zuko of the show. I also think it’s not the scar which makes Zuko Zuko, but rather the mental/emotional scarring that lies underneath. Ozai still very much burnt him. There’s just not any physical proof right now. 

(I also don’t need to do any physical character design for this, which is a plus. He’s a lot less recognisable rn)

[thesandsofelsweyr]

Hi there! 👋🏻 Thanks for the warm welcome to Tumblr. You can call me Sands. I am back writing again after a 5+ year hiatus and wanted a place to share my fics with the Tumblr community. My mailbox is always open so please don't hesitate to drop me a message!

About Me

She/Her

Millennial

AO3: SandsOfElsweyr (currently only used for publishing. I kudos & comment from another account.)

About My Writing ✍🏻

I write slower than GRRM 😅 None of my stuff is ever abandoned but the updates will be sporadic.

Arkhamverse Jason Todd is my muse! I delight in hurting (and comforting) the poor kid 😈

My stuff tends to be on the darker side. Angsty, whumpy manpain is my specialty but you may see some smut here and there. I'm also a sucker for Hurt/Comfort (Arkhamverse Jason needs all the love he can get 💗)

Since my first reader insert fic was well-received (🥰) I plan to write more of those as well.

Fanart, fanfic, podfic, remixes, translations, moodboards, etc. are welcome as long as you credit me with a link back to my work that inspired you! And please don't forget to share with me what you created 😍

If you’d like to be tagged when I share my writing you can submit a request here! (You can also request to be removed 👋🏻😊)

My Fics

Hollowed Out (ao3)

Good Boys Should Know Better (ao3)

Remember Jason Todd? (ao3)

Misery and Ecstasy (ao3)

The Climb (ao3)

His (ao3)

The Sus Boy Next Door (ao3)

Arkham's Final Victim (ao3)

Touch (ao3)

Cocoon (ao3)

An Apple A Day (ao3)

The Final Testament of Jason Peter Todd (ao3)

Boy Toy (ao3)

Recent Scribbles

A Good Soldier (Bruce & AK Jay angst)

Cuddlefuck (⚤ Female Reader x AK Jay)

Intimacy Issues (GN Reader x AK Jay)

A Smile in the Dark (AK Jay angst/fluff)

Tea Time (AK Jay fluff)

Self-Care (GN Reader x AK Jay)

Knightmare (AK Jay whump)

Well-Trained (AK Jay whump)

The Arkham Knight's Plaything (GN Reader x AK Jay)

Giving Up Control (⚤ Female Reader x AK Jay)

Stolen Future (AK Jay whump)

...or else it gets the hose again (AK Jay whump)

🎀 (⚤ Female Reader x Jay)

Home (AK Jay whump)

Night Terror (AK Jay angst)

A Friend in Arkham (AK Jay whump)

Pyramid Song (AK Jay angst)

Rescued AU (AK Jay and Bruce)

Torture Poll 😱 (AK Jay meta)

Favorite Scars (⚤ Female Reader x AK Jay)

Cockwarming (⚤ Female Reader x AK Jay)

My Tags

Please let me know if you want something tagged. I'll update this post as tags are added—still organizing things around here 🧹

sands writes - my fic

sands speaks - personal posts like this one

sands replies - you ask, I answer

my arkhamverse - tag for My Arkhamverse series of fics (I'll come up with a clever title eventually 😅)

series: ruined - tag for my Ruined series of fics

dead dove: do not eat - dead dove: do not eat (my darker things will get this tag)

smutty sands - nsfw writings for 18+ readers

songs for ak jay - music that reminds me of my #1 boy

my headcanons / my meta / my imagines / my wips / my panels / my screenshots

Longfics: fic: his / fic: hollowed out / fic: the climb / fic: the sus boy next door / fic: misery and ecstasy

Credits

@cafekitsune for the warning tape banners, dark content banners, hearts dividers, pink-red hearts dividers, hearts + stars dividers, sea dividers, & animated lines dividers 💕

@sideblogformindtrash for the blood dripping dividers (as seen here)

[tailorvizsla]

TAILOR.

Imagine you happen upon the Armorer soaking away her sore muscles, tired and achy from working long hours in the forge...

Don't think about offering to rub her shoulders for her, or the noises she makes as you work out a particularly tender knot.

And certainly don't think about turning the tables and calling HER "good girl" for once.

IZZY THE OTHER HALF OF MY SMUTTY BRAINCELL THE DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER HERE YOU GO :D

the new covert has it drawbacks - like giant fucking alligators and huge fucking bats that swarm the skies at night - but it also has its positives, like the gorgeous hot springs deep, deep within the caves. they're so big that the Tribe has set up partitions so everyone can use them in relative privacy. you look forward to having a dip tonight, but as you pass by the Foundry, you notice that Armorer seems to be hammering slower than normal? you pause in the doorway to watch her, and you frown - yeah, she's obviously uncomfortable

your eyes wander around the room and you almost cluck indignantly - she's got piles of armor everywhere, it's like the entire Tribe has decided they need repairs now. ugh, she's obviously been working nonstop since this morning, so she will definitely need a break once she's done - and you know she's not stopping until all armor is repaired and her Tribe is properly protected

it's nearly midnight by the time she's done, and it's clear she's in pain. you stayed up to wait for her, and as soon as she tries to go to the showers, you take her by the hand.

"let's hit the springs, yeah?" you ask. her strong hand squeezes around yours and she nods. "That would be most enjoyable," she remarks. As the two of you walk, you notice that her gait is off. Her entire back must be killing her. Fortunately, you have a nice bacta-infused muscle cream in your quarters, so you'll be able to take care of her there.

The air grows damp and hot the further in you go. Finally, at the very end, you find her favorite one. It's nearest to the vents, so it's fairly hot. Inside, the two of you strip down, and have a quick wash before entering the hot water. It stings your calves and feet as you step in, but she doesn't even seem to notice it. Armorer sinks down onto the stone bench and moans.

You slip onto it behind her and pull her close, kissing the back of her neck. She sighs and melts. she just melts your arms. Your hands work along her back and shoulders, carefully massaging each tense muscle you find. Once she's a little looser, you start using more force, a shiver of pleasure shooting through you as her soft moans grow louder. her shoulders are hard and thick with years of hard work at the forge. and she has so few scars, even for someone who has seen as much combat as she has. you lean forward and kiss the back of her neck, brushing a damp curl forward over her shoulder. then you start to bite gently.

"cyare, did you bring me here to take liberties with me?" she asks with a rich laugh, her head falling back onto your shoulder. you find her pulse point and bite down gently.

"i'd never do something so base and inappropriate to our armorer," you whisper into her ear, your fingers working downwards. she hums in delight as you find her clit and start to massage gently.

"i see," she says. "and what precisely are you doing down there, then?"

"massaging," you return easily, your other hand rising to pinch her nipple. she sighs again, and relaxes against you. your fingers work slowly at first, then a little firmer. you squeeze and stroke and rub until her breathing comes faster and faster. her fingertips dig into your thighs as she tenses, and you've had enough experience to know there will be ten little bruises dotting your thighs. it hurts but in the best of ways. your lips fall to her shoulder again and you bite down harder this time, wrenching an actual cry from her.

her hips lift up into your hand as you circle her pearl one last time and she shakes in your arms, her breasts heaving as she gasps and undulates. you hold her throughout her orgasm, kissing and biting gently, marking her with little love bites so she'll be reminded of you each time she undresses. she sags in your arms as you embrace her from behind. the two of you stay in the water until youre both pruny and wrinkly. that night, once the two of you have gone home, you massage her back and shoulders with the cream.

then you call in a favor from doctor shen and ask her very nicely to make sure armorer takes tomorrow morning off. sure, armorer is going to be PISSED that you went behind her back like that, but you plan to have a hot breakfast ready for her by the time she gets back. ❤️

[relax-and-read-on]

(Mortarion asker) welp a good few of those are now in my pile of Write this Fic

Hehehe, I'm about to give you a few extra anon >:D

Mortarion, and how he could be shipped with everyone: Loyalist edition!

Sanguinius: while it might seem like a weird combo at first, there are ways to make it work awfully well! Sang is a kind soul, and favored by the Emperor. Mort was stuck over a decade on Terra. They could have become close then, with Sang wanting to "save" his brother. In a complete role reversal, maybe instead Sang approached him and his apothecary, to help cure his sons of their flaw? My favorite scenario, however, is much darker. I imagine Emp interest toward Sang becoming quite... Impure, and Mortarion discovering it. He know how awful fathers can be. So he try to protect and help him, as much as he can.

Ferrus: Ferrus is really not that complicated to pair up with Mort, as they both have friends in common. Konrad and Fulgrim are very close, so it make sense that, at some point, they might run into one another. And I think that Ferrus would HIGHLY respect Mort's wish to keep his planet a toxic hellscape. They seem opposite, but their philosophie are actually quite close! I think they could enjoy a few good spare together, and Ferrus would *never* be bothered by Mort's scars.

Leman: the wolf king does not get credit for how much he actually care and love about his siblings. He just... Adore them. It's quite easy to pair them together, really, you just have to have them meet when Mort is recovering on Terra. Leman might ping him as some kind of packmate who need help, and just... Aggressively become his friend. Mortarion does not get a say about this. And Mort, sweet Mort, he doesn't know how to cope with the kind of highly affectionate friendship that Leman provide, of course he would get a crush!

Corvus: That one is just so easy! Two broody nerds, who like science, hate slavers, hate big E and the Imperium at large, with those dark aesthetic? Oh, they were in *love*. I especially love the concept of transfem Corvus and intersex Morty together, as it give them a jumping point and they can then slowly discover each others. They would be so sweet together!

Jaghatai: Probably my third fav Mort ship, behind my OTP and Konrad. Jagh, in CANON, is fascinated by Mort. He find him so intriguing. Opposite attract, and he see the slow, powerful warrior and he is tickled pink. It's so fun, to think of someone being into Mortarion first, you know? Jaghatai, just wanting his affection and trying to impress him, and being fucking DELIGHTED when it turns out that Mort is a farmer.... He would gift him horses, don't @ me.

Rogal: This is the one pairing I can't seem to make work. I love Rogal, so very much, but his brand of neurodivergent just clash so horribly with Mort!! I think they could maybe learn to be friends, they could learn to respect one another, but they would need freaking manual, and in a shippy way... No. Especially if it comes down to sexuality. They are just too different.

Lion: Oh what a bad, BAD scenario that could be. I can actually imagine a few way this could happen, bit none of them would be happy, or even very consensual. Maybe Mort is "gisted" to Lion by emp. Maybe they have a joint compliance and Lion get weirdly obsessive for some reason. Maybe Mort discover the secrets of the Watchers and start a weird blackmail with him... In all case, it end up probably in tears and violence. They truly cannot be healthy. Why yes, my Lion Hating Agenda is showing.

Roboute: FARM. F A R M. everyone keep yelling about how Roboute should get his dram of a farm and tradwife Yvraine, when Mortarion, the CANONICAL FARMER, is RIGHT THERE. I have an entire au on how it would happen (check the tag "let roboute pet a cow 2k22"). Mort would just show up, criticize his crops skills, and take over that part of the farm. Together, they would actually slowly fall in love. Heck, you want a tradwife this badly? Make it so that Mort realise that she's a transwoman and slowly transition with the support of Rob!!

... and Vulkan: I am. So. SO. Normal about them. They definitely aren't my warhammer OTP, I absolutely didn't write a 20k+ soulmate au about them hahahaha.... But, more seriously, they are perfect for each others: Both are, at their core, simple people. Mort is a farmer, Vulkan is a smit. Both value resilience and independence. Both are fiercely loyal and come from an unique culture. Both have a strong hatred of Xenos. Both have theme of overcoming hardship and natures. Both actually really loved the humans population of their planets. And that is just the things they have in common! Because, imo, together they can bloom. Mortarion can finally allow himself to trust, to accept affection, he get to meet someone that is as resistant as him and that will *not* give up after a few of his grouchy blow up. Similarly, Vulkan get a strong partner. Someone that is not entirely dependant on him, that he can see as an equal, and yet can still use his dotting instinct over. Someone who might enjoy a more traditional, simple lifestyle. Who doesn't want to run an empire. They would get each others, and love one another in way that frankly make me stupidly emotional. I just.... I love them, ok? I love that they can *grow* together.

[theobjectofyourire]

Imagine daemon seeing a very wet aemond on a rainy stormy night.He slowly traces his eye across every inch of his body: the areas where the wet clothes cling tightly in his skin , the exposed fragile neck adorned with droplets of water, silver hairs that are plastered on his back and finally his ivory pale face where the rosy cheekbones are glowing and daemon finally reach out for him.

Or, daemon accidentally seeing aemond taking a bath.

Plz someone needs to write about a wet aemond!!

oh, we're getting into it and it's gonna be nsfw, buckle up friends.

so listen, we could make this positively filthy, right? I mean I know we all collectively lost it when we saw this frame. Daemon slowly strips him out of his leathers, peeling the layers from his skin as his hair clings to his back, his chest glistening in the soft glow of his chambers. He should be shivering, as any man would be. But Aemond, closer to god than to man, is unbothered, a delicious little smirk on his lips as he stands before the roaring fire, rid of his under things and dripping. yes, in more ways than one.

Daemon remains fully clothed, eager to worship his nephew in every way, delighting in his scars which seem to shimmer in the light. Seeking to taste every inch of the prince, he drags his tongue along his chest, capturing the remaining droplets of water. Ever the rogue, he sinks to his knees, his eyes dark with hunger and reverence. This reversal is such a rarity between them but gods, they both love it.

Aemond's sapphire is still shrouded by the leather patch and while Daemon loves to look upon the gem, loves to admire the scar and his beautiful bravery, he cannot but moan at the current state of him. Naked as sin, damp, tousled hair, wearing nothing but the eyepatch...seven hells, Daemon has never felt such an ache. He can't believe the man is real. He can't believe that of all in the realm, he is the one Aemond most craves.

His nephew looks down upon him, his large, strong hands caressing his cheeks, his thumb running along the Rogue Prince's lower lip. His single eye almost unbearably piercing, seeming to know all his secrets. The eyepatch casts half of his face in shadow. Oh, he looks a scoundrel. He looks a sea lord. No...no, it's more than that. He looks the Drowned God himself. The deity the Iron Islanders so worship, both cruel and blessed, a thing as violent and beautiful as the sea herself.

Kneeling before his lover, who right now looks more pirate than prince and gods, it makes him weak, Daemon realizes, mayhaps for the first time, the depths of his own devotion. There isn't a thing he wouldn't do for this boy. This beautiful, beautiful god. So much more than his kin, a piece of his own soul resides in Aemond. A lust. A chaos. An insatiability.

They will consume one another, of this, there can be no doubt. And once devoured, there will not be a shred left of either of them. Daemon doesn't care. He wants Aemond in all his everlasting glory, and if the price is destruction, so be it. Tis a fair exchange.

~~~~

I always intend to answer these in like one paragraph and then end up writing like a mini fic I'm so sorry but let's talk about this bath idea. Because the first thing I thought of was Jaime and Brienne in season 3.

Let's be honest, we don't just love Daemon/Aemond because of how spicy they are. We love them because they're Shakespearean. They're gothic. They're pure tragedy.

And I think of that bath scene with Jaime and Brienne. I think of the way it's the first time we see him so vulnerable, the first time she sees the man he truly is. I think of how Daemon and Aemond both are perceived in a very specific light. I think of how they both put on airs to protect themselves, that they trust so few to see them as they are.

I think of them opening up to each other with all of Jaime's bitterness, fully prepared to be judged, but too tired to pretend.

Imagine, for a second, a canon divergence. Where peace is achieved for a short time. An unstable peace, but peace, nonetheless. Both sides have faced loss, both Daemon and Aemond have suffered tragedy at the hands of one another. They're both in the Red Keep, as are most of the Blacks and Greens trying to maintain this truce. Aemond is covered in grime, in bruises and in blood, and Daemon knew he would find his nephew bathing. He could use a bath himself, in truth.

Daemon isn't a man of peace. He wants to goad him. He wants to break him, to get Aemond to collapse the truce with a swing of his sword. But what ends up happening is far more unexpected and desperately more intimate. They both break, the way Jaime does with Brienne, admitting all to the other person. The good, the bad, the ugly. The truth. As painful as it is, they're honest with each other.

And it gets heated. I mean, gods, the pain they've inflicted on each other. At one point, Aemond's hand is around Daemon's throat. But he can't do it. He can't. A tear falls from his eye, and his uncle can't stop himself from brushing it from his cheek with a tenderness that surprises them both. Their voices are whispers. Neither of them know what's happening, but it feels so delicate, so soft, and they're terrified of destroying it.

It's a slow embrace, full of uncertainty and hesitation, but so too is there a longing. An aching. They need each other. After so much agony, they need something kind. Something warm. They need forgiveness.

With a kiss, gentle and needy, it is given. They melt into each other. Their anguish intertwines. They moan in pleasure, they weep in grief, but never, not once, do they let go.

~~~~

this was literally gonna be a paragraph, why am I like this. but gods be good, anon, thank you for your lovely Aemond musings and all that it sparked. I think I need to properly write these fics now, I'm kind of obsessed.

also, as an aside, I absolutely adore pirates and obviously there's something very piratical about Aemond's aesthetic, and I just feel like Daemon would like it as much as I do, and I hope you vibe with it, too!

I'm going to try and write more of one of my many Daemond fics (I'm sorry I'm such a slow writer, I promise they're coming), but please please please keep sending these in. I love answering them and I love seeing that other ppl love Daemond as much as I do!

[tounderstandthesoul]

Chapter 6: The Bright Side

Y/N finally finds food, and a whole kitchen for supplies, but most of the Smilling Critters don't quite trust him, but a good thing DogDay is here! Y/N also Wonders a little bit about CatNap...

---

Let me know if you like the pov switch between DogDay and Y/N…Later someone else important will be included.

---

DogDay Pov:

I didn't want to scare him.... He was just standing there so small and scared at the big door, and I thought...well

He was scared.

I don't blame him for pushing me, he must have seen things down here that we can't even imagine. Besides, he saved us, you can't blame him for that. I've also heard his stomach a few times while we were running after him... I can't imagine how many weeks or months he hasn't eaten. He looks pretty skinny under that black shirt.

But now the group is taking a little distance from him, probably out of fear...

"He's crazy! And he's got all these scars... what do you think happened to him?" Kickin's statements are really not nice, he certainly can't help the scars, 'that was done to him'. And I don't even want to think about what was done to him when he reacts like that to a light paw on his shoulder...

"The way he pushed you in addition to that DogDay how are we supposed to trust him?"

I don't really think I need to answer that, 'We have no choice' but at the same time I feel sorry for him... He has no light in his eyes like we have.

"And what about his arm? Didn't you see that he deformed himself as if his body was made of-

"Now stop it! We have to trust him... Have you forgotten that he got us out of the cell?" now I'm looking at them all, Kickin and Hoppy are looking at the floor, Bubba is looking around a bit, and the rest are just looking away... Except CatNap.

"In a good moment we can ask him where we are or why we are here Okay, for now we have to follow him and-

clank

? 'did something happen?

"Hey where did he go?" I look ahead and he really ran away. So he really doesn't trust us... but that can still be changed. He probably needs his time as well as CatNap, he doesn't really seem to like being around others.

The room where the noise came from is...a kitchen?

Angel Pov:

Finally...

Food. So much, in every cupboard and in tins... It looks like a normal kitchen from school, so many cupboards and places to sit... I'm in heaven.

The whole kitchen is brown, a bit worn but there's no blood anywhere. I think this is where I'll be staying for the time being. I just can't believe it, a few days ago I was thinking about just letting CatNap or the prototype kill me, and now I finally have the chance to not be permanently hungry... well...CatNap, theres on with them that Looks like the One from here....

I quickly stand on a chair to get to a small white cupboard. I'm still so small, 'I'll have to change that later'. Of all the cupboards, this one looks the cleanest, so I slowly reach for the cold lever and pull it open. I was actually expecting food...but-

"Water..." So many bottles... and they are*cold. I immediately take one out and Another one Falls to the Floor, but I don’t care, I get off the chair and kneel down in front of one of the dirtier cupboards... I once saw one of Miss Delight's sisters here taking out something like food. I open the cupboard and it has two leftovers inside. I slowly grab one of the trays with my right hand and my bottle of water with my left. My body still hurts so I prefer to sit on the floor for now.

The floor is a bit hard, but I don't care... I finally have something to eat.

The food is packed in a strange bowl with foil on top, which I peel off straight away. The foil hangs on my dirty hands and I quickly rub it off on the floor. I can't wait and look into the bowl.... Meat, with rice and a light red liquid. The meat looks a bit weird, and the rice is quite stuck together, like glue. But that doesn't matter, because I grab the piece of meat with my dirty hand and shove it all the way into my mouth.

'It tastes good...' As I bite into it, the juice from the meat slowly runs onto my tongue. It's hardly flavoured but it still tastes just Perfect.  I stop chewing and swallow it straight down. I slowly move my left hand to the rice, take a bit in my hand and shove it in my mouth. It's a little dry, but with the meat juice on my dirty tongue it tastes as good as the meat, if not better. My head is empty, I can hardly hear anything...I can slowly feel warm tears going down my Face. 'The only thing that matters is that I no longer have to starve.’

DogDay Pov:

I slowly walk forward and enter the room where the loud noise came from. I hope nothing happened to him and we just misheard.

But now that I've entered the room I see it, 'A kitchen?' There are cupboards everywhere, some chairs and a couple of lamps. And there he sits Angel, alone on the floor. He's eating, and it looks like he really hasn't had anything for a long time. 'I feel sorry for him', he still looks very scared while he's like this and I'd like to sit and talk to him, but I'm interrupted by a comment that really shouldn't have been made.

"Disgusting" I turn around to see who could say something like that with that perspective. Kickin? how can you say something like that? he's sitting there, haggard and like he's about to fall over from insomnia and you say something like that?

I'm surprised no one responds and tells Kickin how mean that statement was, not even Bobby or Crafty. But CatNap looks at Kickin like she's about to attack her. 'I guess she understands angel'. I slowly turn back to him and he has finally noticed us. But he doesn't look at any of us, picks up a small glass bottle, apparently filled with water, and opens it. He drinks it in a few seconds, and I'm the first person who doesn't just stand around stupidly at the door but moves. I take note of his personal space and sit down on a chair a little further away from him.

I look at the group and they are still standing there at the door without moving a bit. Silence reigns for a few seconds until very light and quiet paws start to move. 'CatNap?' she doesn't come to me but goes to a wardrobe and opens it. I can't see exactly what she's doing, but she takes out two bottles with her Purple Tail, that look like what Engel has just drunk. She comes a little closer to me and gives me both bottles. Then she moves to a small stool, grabs it by the side and pulls it over to me. She sits down slowly and quietly 'She seems to be paying attention to Engel'. I hand her one of the bottles and she continues to look at the group.

They still haven't moved from the door, but I can see Hoppy and Kickin whispering to each other the whole time.

Angel now seems to look up from his 'beautiful grayish-blue hair' and moves his eyes from me and CatNap to the group. 'He was crying' I feel a bit bad as we've probably interrupted a peaceful moment of his. He looks a little skeptical and rubs an arm across his face, CatNap whispering something in my ear.

"He doesn't just have these scars, he has real wounds on his arms."  I hadn't paid attention to that, because I was looking at his face, the soft and slightly dirty skin in the dark. And His dark grey eyes, under which there are strong dark circles. 'I finally want to know his real name'.

But suddenly he stands up.

"... I'm... I'm sorry..."     huh? what does he mean?

"That...... I pushed y-..you..." His voice sounds so soft, he definitely hasn't spoken to anyone for a very long time. He also stutters a lot, but that's not bad. I think about what I could say to him, I'm actually sorry for touching him all of a sudden. But at the same time I want to know what's going on and I could just start asking. But that wouldn't be nice to him. But out of the corner of my eye I see Kickin open his mouth-

"As you should b-"

"No.... I'm much more sorry, I shouldn't have just touched you." I'll have to talk to Kickin later about his behaviour, it really can't go on like this... No... With the whole group. They all look at him like he's a monster, 'like he's the one who dragged us here'. But I trust him, he's innocent... I just know that. He stands up slowly and looks at the ground, and then starts walking again?

He walks towards me, and i can feel my Heart starting to beat. I see that he is slowly walking straight. He no longer walks bent over as if he is being chased. He comes very slowly close to me and whispers something to me and CatNap...

"one....One minute" what is he up to? does he want to look for an exit? I look at CatNap and she stares at him sharply, she's Watching him. He slowly walks to the door and I can see the rest of the critters staring at him, he's so nervous and scared with all these stares.

He opens the door slowly and carefully and walks in front of it without looking out, and I hear a soft snap, 'he closed it' but what is he doing now? I look over at The Critters and the first thing I hear is

"He's crazy!, plus the wounds! and DogDay? why are you apologising-

"Shut the fuck up Kickin!...." It just slipped out... but someone had to say it. I just hear the others gasping, but it's the TRUTH and I'm defending him now.

"He freed us, saved us,led us here where there's food and you're STILL INSULTING HIM? WE'RE NOT IN THE RAINBOW VALLEY ANYMORE SO I CAN SAY IT AGAIN SHUT THE FUCK UP KICKIN!" absolute silence for a few seconds.... Nobody dares to say anything and that's a good thing. He saved us, led us to food and 'this is the thanks for that?

"You....-"

Squeakkkk

We all look straight at the door, it's him... But completely different. He's a bit taller than before, still a bit shorter than me but much taller than before. You can see the wounds on his arms more clearly now, and he definitely has more scars than before. And now his hair goes down to his neck.

What did he do outside?

Angel Pov:

I just don't get it... Why is she apologising to me, I pushed her. I don't even dare to talk to them all the time... so why?

No... Now that I've finally got my energy back, I can be my normal size again. But all the looks from them make me too nervous...I can't manage it here. 'I have to go'

I stand up slowly and look at the floor, not daring to look at any of them or I'll be insulted again. I walk to the door and there sit DogDay and...... CatNap I only trust DogDay and say quietly:

"one....One minute" I don't turn around... 'Did she even hear it?' 'No, this is more important. I open the door with the handle and walk out, another dark corridor. But I see something like a lift at the back. I have to concentrate.... Lengthen my arms and legs. It doesent hurts anymore, 'I wonder what I can do now' I pull up my shirt and the dirty and now dry trousers. I could actually go on without the eight... into the dark depths... No, DogDay said it herself: "if we work together we can do anything"

So I turn round and just before I open the door I hear loud shouting:

"Shut the fuck up Kickin!...." Was that ....DogDay? Why is she insulting Kickin? Are they fighting in there? No that's wrong I shouldn't be out here listening-

""He freed us, saved us,led us here where there's food and you're STILL INSULTING HIM? WE'RE NOT IN THE RAINBOW VALLEY ANYMORE SO I CAN SAY IT AGAIN SHUT THE FUCK UP KICKIN!" She's defending me? Why? So far I've hardly done anything except let them almost all die... What does she see in me that she goes so far as to insult everyone else and defend me? Maybe she is the angel that was sent for me... With her orange eyes... And her smile even in the worst moments... On top of that she defends me-

Damn what am I doing here... I'm going crazy just thinking about her. My heart is also starting to beat loudly again, plus I'm getting all warm...

'I have to see her' and so I turn round again and enter the room.

I stop at the door first... They stare at me again, somehow I don't feel comfortable in my body as it is right now like i normally do. But I think it's finally time to talk. So I go back to the empty place I left behind and sit down.

"I-I d-d-think... that we c-..can talk n-..now"

[a-driftamongopenstars]

words with(out) meaning; astarion x oc

slowly making it through bg3, just had the first night between Astarion and my oc Gleam and i am asdfgh ough. OUGH. this is everything!! also on ao3

The sound of song and lute and dance withers as the night moves on. Conversations soften and disappear, too, and it is then that Gleam finds a quiet way into the nearby grove, knowing Astarion awaits him there.

They did not imagine their night would end this way, and yet they cannot help but savour the success of it, savour Astarion's kisses on their lips, his eyelashes fluttering as Gleam's fingers draw down his chest. 

“I am glad you made good on your promise. Trust me, my love, you shall not regret a bit of it.”

Sharp tangy wine courses through their veins, burning the tip of their tongue, coating their vision with a gentle hazy reprieve. Astarion’s words slyly make it into their mind, his flirtations beguile them. Lust is pulling, tugging at them inside, burning up, and they want to be the ashes of the aftermath, but not too soon nor too quickly. 

"Pleasure. Our ecstasy." 

The words like a catalyst, their bodies together, Gleam’s hands exploring the newly offered confidence of Astarion's body. The lean muscle, the scarred back, the curve of a neck, all that is below, offered willingly. 

Even in the haze of a deep night, against the moonlight, Astarion looks celestial, yet no creature could be further from that. His eyes are wanton, his mouth is wanting, his weight atop Gleam is promising, and they move their neck in an offering, waiting impatiently for that familiar break of skin and draw of blood. 

Astarion's eyes search their face, and something brings pause to their delight. 

"Why do you look at me so, my dear?" 

"How so?" they smile, brushing knuckles against Astarion’s face.

"Like you wish to see no one else but me. Which, by the by, is not at all unwelcome, but it is a little surprising." 

Gleam laughs, drawing their sharp claws down Astarion's thigh, causing him to rut and shiver for a bare moment. 

"Maybe that's exactly it. Don't care to see anyone else right now." 

Astarion's eyes flicker, his smile withers but for a second. 

"I would certainly hope so, seeing as I have us both in a rather precarious position, quite literally." 

Gleam smiles and reaches out to pluck a dry leaf from Astarion's hair, stealing another touch against his cheek. 

Why does it feel so much more sacred and vulnerable than having his entire body? 

Hesitation, questions fill Astarion's eyes. His brows furrow, yet he does not flinch away. Gleam brings him down on themselves, kissing Astarion, sweet and deep. 

And then they are together. Unrestrained, giving and taking. The grove protects the sounds they intend for each other, the rustle of leaves softens them as they move. Gleam’s eyes close when his neck is fed upon, a sensation that always leaves them wanting more, and more they receive.

Astarion, lost in that very ecstasy he has been craving for, his mouth still reddened by sweet blood, moves to find release. He looks feral, but for someone so unrestrained, his eyes are distant and Gleam cannot help but notice that Astarion is very aware in his love making, too. 

It makes them wonder how many layers they must peel away before Astarion willingly opens his heart to them, heart and soul. And even now it spills through his movements, the real one, that which craves intimacy and love and all of it without taking something in return.

Gleam draws him closer, both arms locking Astarion in their embrace. Encouraging, soothing, whispering in his ear all the sweet nonsense that they feel in their heart, but are too scared to make it real, lest the creature in their arms runs away. 

And ecstasy locks them together entirely, forehead against forehead, Gleam's hand holding Astarion's nape and soothing him. Loving him, as terrified as they might be to admit those words. 

"My love…" Astarion moans, fingers curling into their hair. 

My love, Gleam thinks back, ready to give these words a meaning beyond pleasure. Astarion needs only take it. 

[knife-moth-mc]

Listen idk what y’all out in this mcrp to make it so blorbo (actually I do, its genuine care for the story you’re creating and sincere commitment to creating cool characters with arcs that are both interesting and have a satisfying payoff) but I have not had a special interest this intense in literal years. I am incredibly attached to EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER do you know how rare that is. In almost ANY other media there’s at least one i dislike or at the very least see as wasted potential but there’s literally NOT A SINGLE ONE I don’t absolutely love with haven. You guys are creating something great

It's the raw passion i think. We're not really bogged down by outside interests, so we can just do what we want. The nature of improv is such that we often end up with genuine reactions to turns of events, but we also plan ahead enough to make sure arcs are cohesive and no one gets left behind.

This is the redacted version of the timeline i made for the events leading up to the convergence. I asked everyone what they wanted to get done before then, wrote each thing on a piece of paper (or rather had someone scribe for me bc my wrists are fucky lmao), and moved them around until they clicked. Some of the plot points did end up getting dropped or moved to later in the timeline (such as the shearing, as sleep noted in his last stream! That was originally intended to be part of the ramping up of the wall conflict leading to the convergence!) but almost everything did get done and i think for the most part people were happy with how it all turned out.

Part of what makes Haven work so well is our willingness to hear someone say "i want to do x" and respond with "okay, how do we make that happen?" Mouse does an incredible job translating our ideas into actual usable mechanics, but it's also interpersonal stuff. Like, in the time leading up to the ironing, i went to navn and said "i need moth to have tnt. If you try to give it tnt it will not accept the tnt. Please solve this problem" and they managed it so smoothly. Or, i gave navn and sleep justification for sending k to ohio, and sleep masterfully wove it into the metaplot. Or, during the lux stream not too long ago, i was frantically texting mischief and jackdaw asking if we could do lux spying on moth showing jackdaw its scars, and this did end up happening and it was such a good moment for all three characters. I know all these examples involve me but, you know, most of the examples i was involved in enough to know all the details involved me.

We make each other better. I could never, ever, not in a million years have written moth and anathema's story on my own. I suspect a number of other havenites feel similarly about their plots. I am so so so glad and grateful to get to be a part of something this raw and powerful, with people this open and talented, and I'm beyond delighted that we get to share this with others it resonates with. I'm looking forward to everything we have planned, and keeping an eager eye out for anything we don't.

Sorry if any of this is incoherent i'm having a flare and it makes words hard. Idk how to put emojis in posts so imagine i put a peace sign emoji here