#in the most amazing way possible of course and then your soulmark starts to glow

[a-r-a-h-a-s]

The faithful handshake in prison

Day 7 of @dukexietyweek - Soulmates

[soulmatesabroad]

Soulmate Prompts:

Since this is a fic fest about soulmates, we are in need of prompt suggestions! Please send in some prompts that have to do with soulmates! You do NOT have to be writing for this fest to send in prompts!

More info can be found at @soulmatesabroad​!

A: The One au. The One is a tv series that's sort of dystopian in that it explores a reality in which you could suddenly apply to this program that will match you to your soulmate and it follows how specific people deal with that.

B: Where you wake up with a tattoo after meeting your soulmate. Larry are vacationing at the same hotel, they meet and then every day for 4 days after they both gain a new tattoo. When they meet again, they realize their tattoos match perfectly. Rope & anchor, compass & ship, heart & arrow, rose & dagger. 

C: Ziall soulmates au where their first words to each other are tattooed somewhere on their body. Both of them have the phrase “fuck you” on their arms. Of course the first time they meet they both say...

D: in uni, prof is giving a lecture, his student is his soulmate, figuring it out over the semester

E: reverse Wellington: Larry meet, drunk Louis shouts "soulmate" at Harry, then they get to know each other and fall in love

F: Larry please- soulmates who meet in dreams and appear the way they see themselves so that irl one doesn’t recognize the other because he sees himself as plain/boring

G: Larry please - One of them either doesn’t want to meet his soulmate and has been doing everything to avoid meeting them. He gets stuck in a time loop (like Groundhog Day) until he meets and acknowledges his soulmate. 

H: One of them is a surfer, the other is a photographer and they meet somewhere warm. They're 26 and kinda gave up on finding their soulmate but then it happens.

i: any pairing: universe in which soulmates recognise each other by having the same song stuck in their head. cue person a hearing person b humming the song under their breath in location x

J: Larry please - fic where each year you get opportunities to meet your soulmate and live life with them but as soon as the clock hits 00:00 on Dec 31st your memory resets in regards to who your soulmate is. There’s no way to go around this...or is there?

K:  A is a hopeless romantic who has always dreamed of meeting their soulmate. Unfortunately their remote location means they see the same few people every day, none of whom is their match. When Character B arrives and A falls in love with them, the question arises: are they soulmates? Or does A just want them to be?

L: Food is love, and supposedly your soulmate's cooking will taste better than anything you've ever eaten before. Too bad Character A is hopeless in the kitchen. Character B is the chef who promises they can teach anyone how to cook-- is that the only reason A finds their food so delicious? Or is there something more at play?

M: Characters A and B are working together on a yacht. They share a room, and as crew they also happen to share most of their working hours and duties as well. Is that the reason they're so drawn to one another? Regardless of their connection, they're both determined to keep it professional. 

N: It's not only humans who have soulmates, apparently. At least if the pet psychic Character A has consulted about their dog's depression is to be believed. The psychic claims the pup met his soulmate at doggie daycare. Now A is trying to see if she's right by seeking out every possible dog from the playgroup. Will helping a dog find it's soulmate lead Character A to the same thing?

O: Hybrids aren't accepted many places, but in a few countries they have full rights and equality, even if prejudice still exists. Character A was raised in an anti-hybrid country and is now studying/working in a hybrid friendly place. Character B is the hybrid neighbor who they feel drawn to in ways they've heard are typical of soulmates. The possibility is as frightening as it is enticing.

P: Nontraditonal ABO: it's generally accepted doctrine that alphas and omegas are made to go together. Character A has always been attracted to people of their own secondary gender, and has therefore run away from the concept of finding a soulmate. When they meet character B, who shares their secondary gender, and find that the two of them share a soulmark-- the sign of a true mate --their world is turned upside down.

Q: (larry) They have been penpals for years now, sharing their little creative thoughts with each other. Will they ever meet? A new job, a different city, some crossed paths and fate might help.

R: Louis is 30 and the CEO of his family business in Toronto and he has hired a new assistant, Harry, 27. A lot of sexual tension, business trips, coincidences and ‘if he my soulmate or I just have a stalker and also a big crush?’

S: Strangers to friends with benefits to lovers larry; Louis and Harry has finished college and they both are doing a tour across Europe visiting different countries. They start from different cities in and meet in the second/third country they’re visiting. They get along quickly and have a one night stand because they think they won’t meet again. But they meet again in the next city or in the trip to the next city. Is their connection due to their sexual attraction or because they’re soulmates?

T: Louis and Harry are both Niall’s friend but they don’t know each other, however they meet in Niall’s wedding (with his soulmate) in Ireland (or another country if the author prefer another place for the wedding)

U: Larry: Soulmates have a special connection, they have visions of their more important events of their life - both sad and happy but they can’t see their faces, bodies or their friends/families faces. Louis and Harry know everything important that happen to them but they haven’t met yet, they live in different countries and they know that but they don’t know the country they live in. How will they meet? What will happen?

V: Larry: Exes to lovers - People have their soulmates mark in their 18 birthday. Harry and Louis were together during high school and break up before Louis 18 birthday because person A was afraid of not being their soulmates. Louis goes to travel aboard so they don’t know about their mark. They meet again some years later when they’re in their 20...

W: Larry enemies to lovers: Both of them work for the same company and has the same job position but they hate each other because the first time they met it wasn’t “meet cute”. All their coworkers think they are similar and would make an amazing couple so they try to get them together. Most people don’t believe in soulmates anymore, they think it was a legend or maybe it’s not a legend and they’re soulmates?

X: Untraditional soulmates !! For example, a pairing (or poly) comprised of people who aren’t soulmates but are in love anyway. Maybe their “true” soulmates died or just didn’t work out for some reason. Maybe their “true” soulmates are platonic and separate from the romantic relationship. But ultimately the theme being something like “i am choosing to love this person” rather than the world telling them who to love :) 

Y: Character A is a writer who pours their heart and soul into everything they write, though their focus on the soulmate trope is underappreciated. They go away on a writer's retreat to give it one last try and meet Character B, a person who seems to have stepped right out of one of their novels. Is this their soulmate or a figment of their imagination, or have they truly had one of their characters come to life?

Z: In a world where you see in color after hearing the sound of your soulmate's voice, Character A doesn't remember seeing in black and white. When they realize they're different, nobody can explain the reason. It isn't until they meet Character B, a stranger with the same affliction, that they begin to put things together. Or: A and B hear one another's cries as babies, changing their vision from black and white to color before they could possibly have realized it.

AA: Characters A & B somehow keep running into each other inexplicably all over the world. Maybe they happen to study abroad together then have a work conference in the same city then vacation in the same city, etc. Eventually they realize they've been seeing each other all over and maybe the universe is trying to tell them something.

BB: Louis gets a call from an unknown number from across the world. When he answers it, he's asked if he is a Mr. Harry Styles' previous employer and to give a recommendation on his performance. Amused, he pretends he is Harry's old boss and gives a glowing recommendation without knowing who he is. The job that this Harry is going for must be quite intense, because a few days later Louis is asked to fly out to interview in person to attest to Harry's character, where he ends up meeting Harry and falling for him.

CC: OT4/5 platonic soulmates with all the main characters being aro, ace, demisexual, etc. A soulmark appears when you meet a soulmate-- whether they're a platonic, romantic, or sexual soulmate(or sooner combo of the 3) is something each person has to discover for themselves. OT4/5 are grateful to find soulmates who are excited to experience beautiful and deep platonic relationships.

DD: Soulmarks are a trait that most humans have lost. Character A is a vampire who was born in a time when they were far more common. Imagine their surprise when they meet Character B, a human, whose soulmark complements their own.

EE: Larry: An AU where magic exists, Louis has always thought he’s a dark wizard and Harry doesn’t know if he’s a wizard or a normal human. Spoiler: he’s a wizard! They meet when they are 18/20 in a trip and they find more than themselves.

FF: Larry: Louis and Harry are friends of Zayn and Liam but they haven’t met yet. Ziam is having a wedding and their bachelor parties in Hawaii, they meet them.

GG: Louis and Harry haven’t met yet but they meet in a reality show that consists of traveling around the world. The rules of the reality show: Choose a person in the first program to travel with them (Louis and Harry travel together) and spend as little money as possible.

HH: Louis and Harry have been working in the same building for years but they haven’t met officially although they’ve seen each other around. They officially meet when their boss decided to do a work trip to Sydney

ii: Louis and Harry go to Orlando to visit the amusement park. They meet when they’re waiting in the queue for one of the rides and they spend a lot of time together because their other friends are tired of visiting different amusement park and they want to chill.

JJ: Famous/Non-famous larry: “Every time that you and your soulmate are in the same city, you’ll have a mark in your wrist. If one of you leave, the mark disappears” Person A is an actor who loves love but is tiring of two things: fake pr-relationships that make the general public believes that he’s not interest in having a soulmate and traveling. Person B wants to find his soulmate but he knows it’s not in his city so he’s traveling around. They have been in the same place several times but they haven’t met. How many countries will they visit until they meet?

KK: larry please: It is well known that the first time soulmates touch they leave a vivid mark on their partner's skin.  Well one morning Louis wakes up with a bright stripe across his cheekbone and no idea what happened.

LL: hl au: harry is a well-known anthropologist from england but he’s requested to join the discovery of an ancient palace in mexico city. louis is a historian that has lived in said city for several years now, so he’s almost a local. the discovery they both take part of includes a blue greeny jewel that holds a legend about soulmates.

MM: Zouiam ot3 matching soulmate tattoos

NN: A and B are childhood friends and have known they're soulmates since they got their marks in their early teen years but they never develop romantic feelings for each other but they Do want to spend the rest of their life together. Bit of conflict / comfort.

OO: Lirry Shrek au. Harry Fiona has always expected their perfect soulmate to break their curse. Liam Shrek is tired of playing the role of the ogre and being rejected by prejuices. They meet.

PP: Zayn is travelling with his van, he picks up some hitchhikers along the way. They stargaze and bond with each other. They find out they are soulmates when some dangerous situation arises.

QQ: ot5 1d era au. A slowly finds out they are soulmates with each of the others while in the bus or travelling/staying abroad together.

RR: Ziam: In a world where magic exists but soulmates are rare, Liam and Ziam met in the same Magical College and have an instant connection. In history of magic, they learn about soulmates and Character A know that they (Ziam) are soulmates but he’s  afraid and tries to avoid Character B all the time.

SS: Larry - Louis needs a break of his job and travels to a place where Harry lives and Harry needs a break of his past relationships. They meet in a pub and after too many drinks, they decide to do a road trip around the country. The author decides how people know who is their soulmates.

TT: Zouis: they discover they’re soulmates in Zayn’s wedding. Louis is the boyfriend of one of the best mates

UU: Larry - A reality show is trying to prove that soulmates still exist and Louis and Harry are participants in it

VV: HL Monday AU with Harry as Mickey and Louis as Chloe (but with a happy and not toxic ending please!)

WW: The voice you hear your thoughts in is your soulmate’s but you don’t know who they are until you hear them speak for the first time

XX: You’ve been sketching your soulmate’s face since you were old enough to pick up a pencil, the drawings become more realistic through the years as the day you meet comes near

YY: Red strings of fate au. Person A cuts their string. Person B is devastated to find their string has been cut but moves on with their life and finds love with, you guessed it, Person A who doesn’t believe in soulmates. When Person B finds out that Person A cut their string they’re so angry because they know how devastated they were to find their cut string. And Person A is confused at first because they thought Person B didn’t believe in soulmates either and didn’t realize that it was because they had no way of finding their soulmate. And then it hits Person A that there might be a slight chance that Person B IS their soulmate. So they nervously show up with their string and ask if Person A wants to see if the ends fuse together or not. Up to writer if the ends fuse or not.

ZZ: Person A reads tarot cards and while reading Person B’s cards, Person A can see that the cards are telling them that the two of them are soul mates

AAA: Soulmates can hear what their soulmate is singing.  Harry grows up with a soulmate who exclusively sings a weird blend of Oasis, Green Day, and the odd Light Killers song.  Louis grows up with a soulmate who mostly sings Fleetwood Mac and Peter Gabriel. They both hate their soulmates taste in music.

BBB: Every person is born with a golden string on their finger attached to their soulmate.  Everyone but them can see it but it is considered highly rude to tell people without prompting (like taking away a coming of age experience).  Or Harry and Louis fight a lot and everyone looks at them knowingly until one of them cracks and asks someone about it.

CCC: Character A runs a clothing boutique of some kind and one day uses a steamer too close to the smoke detector and sets off the fire alarm. Character B is one of the firemen to respond. Character A is very embarrassed that they did this in front of a super hot fireman, but the firemen are super nice about it. It just so happens they have to come back the following week for an annual inspection of the building and Character A jokes around/flirts with B. Soulmate aspect up to writer. (One idea could be matching soul marks?)

DDD: When soulmates touch for the first time, an electric shock goes through each person. They can’t touch each other without a shock...until they fall in love with each other. Too bad Character A & B hate each other and are not thrilled that when they touch by accident they finally feel the electricity they’ve always been waiting for. 

EEE: The color of your eyes act like a mood ring and changes according to your soulmates' mood. The first time you make eye contact with your soulmate, they turn the same color.

FFF: Reluctant soulmates where one or both of them keep their soulmarks covered at all times because they want to fall in love without the person soulmates

GGG: AU where your soulmate smells like HOME only they’re both too dirty and disgusting to smell like anything other than yuck

HHH: Older Larry AU where they’re both in their 40s or older and still haven’t met The One. Embracing this, they each go on a trip alone, but wind up meeting

iii: Fleetwood Mac/ Rumours AU - Larry as Stevie and Lindsey, Ziam as Christine and John. A breakup and a divorce while recording and touring an iconic album. Endgame Larry. Lovers to exes to soulmates.

[crimsoncobaltblue]

A Single Touch: Part 3 - Debbigail

(Alright so gotta do a part three of this cuz I’m long-winded. Plus this is actually kinda fun writing this stuff! When I have time, of course. I haven’t written fanfiction in a long time and I forgot how fun it actually is! Anyway, enjoy part three!!)

Read the first two parts if you wanna  Part 1 | Part 2

———————

For a second, I didn’t answer because I was in awe of her. How on earth did I get someone this amazing as my soulmate?! I cleared my throat. “Yeah, I’m okay. I just...” I paused unsure of whether to tell her.

Webby suddenly looked anxious. She started messing with her hair while looking down, as if she were guilty of eating the last cookie and was trying to hide it. “It isn’t because of me... Is it?” She inquired softly as she glanced back up at me sadly.

I blinked in shock, trying and failing to comprehend the insecurity that sounded in her voice. I stepped toward her and cautiously put my hands on her shoulders, ignoring the jolt I got from doing so. I gave her my best reassuring smile and shook my head. “Of course not, Webby. I would never be upset at having met my soulmate. Besides, you’re like one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. I can’t be mad at someone that literally just did a backflip!” I explained while hoping the heat in my face wasn’t as evident as I thought it was.

Webby’s shoulders relaxed beneath my hands and she smiled brightly at me, her pretty eyes shining in what little light was in the Wing of Secrets.

“Good,” She replied. “Speaking of soulmates... Uh, do all soulmates, like, start dating as soon as they meet or... Wait what do soulmates even do?! Actually, what even is a soulmate??...” She started rambling, pressing her hand to her head, and I swear I was listening to everything.

However, I did have stop the surge of thoughts about how how adorable she acted when she was nervous. I wish I had noticed her eye color earlier but, in my defense, I had been a little distracted. Anyways my point was, I did hear everything.

“Hey, woah woah woah.” I said trying to slow down the flood of questions she was spouting. I started trying to think of everything me, Huey, and Louie ever learned about soulmates. Huey especially, because he remembered everything.

“You might wanna ask Huey what a soulmate is specifically. But I’ve always thought a soulmate is kinda like a best friend,” I started to try and answer and Webby stopped talking, hanging on every word. I felt a swell of pride in that fact. “One that is perfect for you, that is supposed to love and care for you unconditionally.” I finished and she nodded, still looking puzzled but starting to get it.

“As for if soulmates start dating,” I looked down at my hands and noticed they were still on her shoulders and now, Webby’s hands were holding onto my arms. I didn’t want to but I figured it was maybe a little weird to hold onto her like this. I slowly moved my hands from her shoulders to her wrists as I kept speaking. “Some soulmates do, some don’t date until they’ve known each other for a while. And some don’t even fall in love with the other and never date.” I stated the facts that Huey would tell me, as if he were trying to remind me that not loving my soulmate didn’t mean either of us were horrible people but it somehow never helped. I always grew a little depressed at the thought that people who literally met their perfect match, and weren’t able to work it out. By now, the tips of my fingers were touching hers. But I couldn’t seem to force my hands to come back to myself.

This whole platonic soulmate thing was probably gonna be a little harder than I thought.

“I had no idea.” Webby said, looking down as the ground. “I’m sorry that I don’t know much about them. My granny always either kept me busy training or I was researching your family. So, not much time for me to worry and research about a soulmate, ya know?” She stated thoughtfully, while staring at our still connected hands. I panicked and took my hands to scratch at my head as nonchalantly as possible.

“I don’t know honestly. I was always really excited to meet you actually.” I said while smiling and looking away. I could feel her stare as I glance to the sides, staring at random artifacts and crates around us. “Although I always thought I’d meet you later rather than sooner.” I admitted, hoping it didn’t offend her but she didn’t seem focused on that.

She reached forward and took my hands in hers. She gasped while staring at our hands so I looked as well only for her to let go, now she was staring at her own hands and I looked confused. She grinned at me wildly and I really had to try my hardest to ignore the extra thump my heart gave. “Sorry but check this out Dewey! Touch my hands! Watch what my hands do when you touch them!!” She exclaimed and I immediately touched my finger to her open palm like she asked.

I noticed the tiniest glow from her soulmarks and when I stopped, the glow stopped but the marks weren’t there anymore. “Woah.” Was all I could say. I touched her hands again and I looked at my marks and saw they were glowing softly through my shirt. “Mine are doing that too.” My smile grew wider and noticed we were a lot closer than were a second ago. My smile turned mischievous.

“I guess it’s because you light up my world.” I winked at her but I doubt she saw it. “Literally.”

For a few seconds Webby was silent until she started laughing a loud and happy sounding laugh. It was a really nice sound.

I started laughing as well, until Webby managed to get a hold of herself and she looked to where I thought I heard Huey and Louie. She looked back at me and it wasn’t until she escaped did I realize both my hands found their way to hers.

I really oughta work on controlling that.

“Can we talk more later? About the... dating stuff things?” She asked, trying to be serious as she turned around to look at me.

I nodded. “Yeah, we can.” I agreed, trying to keep from laughing. That was a cheesy line even for me.

She smiled. “Good. Then, maybe we could branch out and we could talk about sword horses, and griffins, and sea monsters and- WOAH! Careful!” Webby shouted, racing towards Louie to stop him from touching a ‘Medusa Gauntlet’ whatever that is. Sounds cool too.

“This place is incredible!” Huey exclaimed, spreading his arms out to all the stuff surrounding him.

I froze in front of an old, torn portrait, hearing Huey say that. I couldn’t stop myself. After seeing this old painting, I had to tell him the truth. Let him down so that way he won’t be fooled by all this stuff. “It’s fake.” Is all I said as I scowled at the portrait.

Huey walked towards me and stared at it and gave me a confused look before asking hesitantly, as if to make sure he wasn’t the only one seeing it, “Is that... Uncle Donald?”

“Oh, yeah!” Webby exclaimed, still smiling happily. Suddenly I felt her fingers brushing against mine and I felt myself relax a small bit as she continued. “He was Mr. McDuck’s sidekick!”

Huey and Louie looked at each other before speaking. “Dewey’s right.” Huey said with a sigh.

“Totally fake.” Louie agreed with Huey.

I did feel a little bad about saying that when I saw Webby’s enthusiastic expression fall and she let her fingers fall away from mine.

“Uncle Donald has never done anything cool.” I stated, putting my hands on my sides. This was a fact. He never has and never will do anything purposefully cool otherwise we would’ve known.

Right?

Webby practically glared at us. “WHAT?!” She shouted, turning toward me. I’ll be honest, I was a little unnerved by her yelling. Mostly because I knew she could tie us all up if she wanted to.

“Donald Duck is one of the most daring adventurers of ALL TIME!” Webby raised her arms and she got kind of a dreamy expression. “He’s my hero! Besides Scrooge McDuck naturally. Oh, and my granny too.” She stared at the painting again. “The point is that Donald Duck is one of the greatest adventurers ever!” She glared towards me, daring me to contradict her.

If she’s done as much research on my family as I think, then she knows I’m not one to back down from a dare.

“Uncle Donald is great in his own way. But he isn’t an adventurer. He gets normal jobs. He does his best to keep us safe, which I am glad for, but he just is not the adventuring type.” I argued, returning her glare.

Webby opened her beak, her finger pointing at me but, of course, Louie beat her to the punch.

I really hope that Louie will eventually stop teasing me and Webby like this.

“You know, if I hadn’t known you two have just met, I would definitely believe you were together.” Louie shrugged, smirking.

The annoying blush returned to my face. I’m glad it’s dark in here. “Ugh. Shut up, Louie.” I groaned, planting my hand to my face, too embarrassed to say anything else.

“Sorry, Dewford, he isn’t wrong.” Huey piped up, grinning smugly. “So, when’s the wedding?” Huey asked while walking around Webby to me, leaning his arm on my shoulder. Webby looked as embarrassed as I felt.

Louie did the same on my other shoulder. “Yeah, which one of us will be the best man? It’s gonna be me right?” Louie asked and I grumbled.

“This was not the point of this argument.” I pointed out, hoping this would be enough to get them to leave me and Webby alone. I stood up straight and scowled at my brothers, trying to convey as much annoyance as possible.

“I don’t know, Dewey,” I heard Webby start. I looked up, expecting her to look flustered and embarrassed but ready to tell my brothers to leave us alone. Instead I saw the boldest, most bewitching smile I’ve ever seen. What’s worse is that I liked that look on her face.

Is this what a heart attack feels like?

I’m pretty sure all the blood I have is in my face and I can’t talk. Sounds a lot like what a heart attack consists of.

“I really think we’d look cute together on a wedding cake, don’t you?” She said, her voice wobbling a smidge but she sounded confident enough that it still held power. She smirked proudly.

My brothers howled with laughter. Huey keeping his hat over his face but it did nothing to muffle his giggles and Louie was laying on the floor, hitting it with his fists as he practically cried from laughter.

Normally, I’m a smooth guy. I’ve been called a charmer before. I can give and take nearly any pick-up line you could think of. Nearly. Except one from her apparently. She smiled shyly at the floor, as if suddenly realizing that was very out of character for her.

Then she had the audacity to wink at me. That was when I knew I was done for.

“I-I-I... Yeah, well... I-I... Well...” I tried to reply but nothing actually helpful came out. All I could do was blush and stutter and grin stupidly at her. Lots of stupid grins aimed in her direction.

What can I say? I can appreciate a good pick-up line, especially when it comes from a pretty girl.

I shook my head, attempting to clear my mind. “OKAY! BACK TO THE ORIGINAL TOPIC!” I yelled out, getting everyone’s attention and seriousness. No old daydreams would come to haunt me this time.

... Webby and I in the kitchen, baking cookies...

NO! Not again, brain! Stop that!

“This has gotta be a fake!” I started, struggling to keep my mind from wandering. “And I bet everything else is too.” I had to get them against Uncle Scrooge. We can’t like him. We just can’t. Not when he hates us as much as he does.

Family is nothing but TROUBLE!

His words came back, making me feel horrible about even admiring him at one point.

“That’s not true!” Webby shouted back, turning and pointing to the picture of Scrooge standing on top of the hairless bear. “What about this picture with chupacabra?”

“Photoshop.” Huey sighed, looking disappointed.

Most people would’ve looked discouraged. Webby just looked more determined. “This treasure chest?” She violently pointed at the chest.

Louie shrugged, back to looking bored as usual. “Probably bought it at an auction.”

A sheet suddenly flew up out of the chest. “This g-ghost?” She asked, quickly backing up and staring at the sheet fearfully. I’ll admit it was an impressive act and I nearly bought it. But I can’t afford to buy it. Not when Scrooge is so clearly a liar.

I walked up next to her. “You mean this Halloween decoration?” I yanked the sheet off, determined to prove that I was right by encountering a spooky old inflatable ghost or something.

Instead I was greeted by a real ghost, and a pirate one at that. One with a big black beard and a peg-leg and a... hook for a leg too. I would’ve made fun of it if it wasn’t a REAL GHOST!!!

“CURSE YE, YA SCURVY, LIFE-LUBBERS!!!” The ghost screamed eerily while trying to grab at us.

Naturally, I grabbed Webby’s hand and we turned tail to run for our lives as fast as we could.

“It’s Captain Peghook!” She told me as I tried my best to run past her to get to what I thought was a sword. I had let go of her hand so we wouldn’t crash into anything. “The scourge of the river Styx!!” She panted while farting behind a crate.

I ran toward the door, grabbed the old sword that was inside a box. “IT’S REAL!” I yelled while pointing the saber toward the ghost. “IT’S REALLY REALLY REAL!!!” Compared to this, being tied up by Webby was a piece of cake.

Suddenly the sword flew out of my hand and into the chest of the ghost, only for it to go right through his phantom ribs.

I looked to where I knew Webby had hidden, my face betraying my obvious panic. Huey and Webby poked their heads up and Webby gasped. “That’s the Deus Excalibur! It won’t rest until it’s target is slain!”

I watched as the sword went through the ghost multiple times but Peghook paid it no mind. He just staggered toward me again like normal.

I suddenly felt the need to scream like a baby and run but I didn’t. Well, I didn’t scream like a baby at least. “But he’s already DEAD!” I yelled back at Webby.

They both made weird faces as the Deus Excalibur flew past them to hit a gong before heading back towards Captain Peghook.

The horrified gasped that escaped Webby’s beak almost made me stop in my tracks. If weren’t for the huge ghost chasing me I surely would have.

“Do not let anything else hit that gong!”Webby shouted her voice cracking on the last word. She held onto the crate next to her with a death grip.

“Yep!” I heard Louie say as I ran around the crates and under shelves of cardboard boxes and random knick knacks and artifacts, trying to lose the terrifying ghost behind me. “I’m gonna sit this one out!” I heard him say before hearing a surprised ‘WOAH!’ escape him.

I heard a loud neigh, which confused me even more than I already was, and I ran around to see what was happening.

“The headless man-horse!!!” Webby yelled while pointing at it. Then she muttered something about ‘self-explanatory.’ Honestly at this point I shouldn’t be surprised that that is a thing but I guess old habits die hard.

Which is how I might die if we don’t DO SOMETHING!

I heard the man-horse shrieking and a second gong sound and felt my heart skip a beat. And not in a good way. So I turned around and ran back and stopped beside Huey and Webby.

“That’s twice!” I panted before ducking as the ghost whisked over me.

“One more and something terrible could happen!” Webby yelled, sounding the most calm out of everyone here. Which was still pretty panicked by most people’s standards.

WHAT could be WORSE than THIS?!?!!” Louie screamed running to stand next to Huey, looking more freaked out than I’ve ever seen him.

WHAT IN DISMAL DOEWNS IS GOIN’ ON IN HERE?!?!?!” Scrooge roared behind us and we all turned around to face him. All of us probably looked like deer in headlights.

I sighed and I heard us all say it at the same time. “There it is.”

———————

(Okay so I know this was really late but, as I’ve said before, farm life is hard. But I hope you all like this third part to my little story! Also, in case you all can’t tell, I’m a sucker for a romantic Dewey lol

Thanks for all the likes and reblogs btw! Also @cartoonlover233 and @valentine1604 hope you like this part of the story. I’ll try and get the fourth part done by the end of this week but no promises ;3 lol)

[khadij-al-kubra]

Useless

Fandom: Thomas Sanders/Sanders Sides

Pairing: Belial/Emile (can be seen as romantic or platonic) 

Characters: Belial, Emile, Virgil, Thomas.

Author’s Note: This fanfic oneshot is based off of the wonderful “Illumination AU” created by @altruistic-skittles. The story itself is my own original idea, but the concept of soulmarks, the characters, and world writhing are her territory. So kindly go read her work as well. Seriously, it’s awesome. Hope you enjoy my story and as always feel free to leave a comment in the messages or reply if you have any notes or constructive critiques. I’m always open to writing advice.

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Belial stifled a yawn as he walked over the the Heart & Soul Cafe. You’d think he’d be used to these 8am Tuesday therapy sessions by now, but it had been a late night performing his tricks and he didn’t sleep so great in general. At least the money he’d made was pretty good. He was really starting to get some popularity for his magic tricks.

No doubt Emile, his therapist and apparent soulmate (another thing he still wasn’t used to), would be chipper as ever. Sometimes he wondered if the man wasn’t actually a cartoon character come to life. Still, Belial supposed he shouldn’t complain. Dr. Emile Picani was good at his job, He could even handle a hopeless case like him. Now Belial had progressed to only sometimes lying compulsively. ‘What a real improvement’ he thought as he walked through the doors of the cafe.

“Oh great,” groaned the familiar voice of his ex from behind the coffee counter.

“Always a pleasure seeing you too Virgil,” he said, venomous sarcasm dripping from his tongue. “Are those new bags under your eyes?”

Virgil responded with a growl and a glare combo. He only eased up when Thomas placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Easy Virge, he’s not worth it,” said Thomas.

Belial smirked and headed to the corner office at the back. ‘Not worth it.’ Of course he wasn’t . Belial was never worth it to anyone. But he hated to admit how much it stung to see Virgil, someone he once loved, relying on someone other than him. Not to mention Virgil now had three soulmates . Three! Well, at least Belial could say he (by some miracle) had a soulmate of his own, platonic or otherwise. The jury was still out (not that he cared). A fact he still couldn’t wrap his head around. Emile was the complete opposite of him. Good and honest in all the ways he wasn’t. And sure, it was clear from their sessions how the doctor would be someone Belial was destined to rely on or need to some degree...on a professional level of course. Yet he couldn’t fathom how he himself would possibly be someone for Emile to lean on when times got hard. What use was he to someone so put together?

He was at the door to the office now, but to his surprise it was already ajar. No knocking needed. What was even more odd is that there was none of the usual ambient music playing. And Belial could’ve sworn he heard a muffled sob from the other side. Before he could think better of it Belial went inside. He was not prepared for the chaos he was. Couch pillows were torn and knocked to the floor, stuffing spewing from the fabric wounds. The tiny waterfall lay cracked on its side. Papers, pencils and pens were scattered everywhere, and even one of Emile’s favorite cartoon posters was torn half hanging off the pastel blue wall. Worst of all though was the sight of the normally Happy Doc (damn, Emile’s humor was rubbing off on him) sitting on the couch, bent over with a hand covering his face as silent sobs shook his shoulders. Even his hair was messy like it had been tugged at and his signature pink tie askew.

Belial’s own facial soulmark ached at the sight. He didn’t know what to do. So he just awkwardly cleared his throat. Emile jerked up, putting his glasses back on. The soulmark around his eyes glowed green, matching the therapist’s emerald eyes perfectly. But they were so sad. That sadness didn’t belong there.

“Oh, Belial. I didn’t here you come in,” he said with a smile. Belial knew a fake smile when he saw one. 

“Yeah, I’m here for my session.”

“Of course! Right...Now’s not a good uh...I’m sorry. Let me just tidy up a bit, then we can...get started.”

Emile started to pick up papers around him and set them on the table. He moved painfully slow, not even getting up from his seat. Belial signed and sat across form the therapist. He rubbed the back of his neck.

“Sooo what happened in here?” he asked.

Emile sighed. “I happened. I guess you could say i sort of went Tasmanian Devil on the place.”

Didn’t see that coming. Frankly, Belial didn’t think the man had a rage filled vein in his body. Well, he supposed even therapists were entitled to a bad day once in a while. Of course it had to be on his session day.

“You? If anything you’re usually more of a Tweety Bird.” Shit. Another one. Worst of all, his slip of the tongue reference didn’t even get a chuckle out of the cartoon enthusiast.  Not a good sign.

“Yes, well, i uh...got some bad new this morning and well,” Emile waved at the mess around him.

“Are you okay?” he asked on instinct. Hopefully Emile didn’t catch the tone of sincere concern in his voice.

“Oh i’m alright. Its...” he taked a long breath, “It was a patient of mine. She’d been coming to see me for some time now. Early this morning I got a call from her father that she...passed away a few days ago.”

Oh shit. “I’m...sorry. How...how did it happen?”

“...She happened.”

“Oh...” Really? Oh? That’s the best he could think to say in this situation? It’s not like he couldn’t sympathize. Belial remembered form his time with Virgil how hard someone could struggle with fighting mental demons like that. Hell, there had been times when he’d even entertained the idea. Those were his darker times when he’d felt the most worthless...Things got better after he could afford to move out of his mother’s house. To actually go through with it though, even with a therapist like Emile trying to help you... A hollow laugh bright Belial back from his thoughts.

“And I thought we were really making progress. I-I thought she was getting better. How did I not see? It’s my job to see! I should’ve--” He took off his glasses again as fresh tears fell from his eyes. “I could’ve done more!”

Belial would never admit how much it killed him inside to watch Emile hunch over wracked with sobs, In the past few months of therapy with him, of time spent in and out of the Heart & Soul Cafe, Belial had begun to feel more than he had in a long time. And his didn’t know what to do with it all.

What could he do now? He didn’t have Logan’s tact of Patton’s sensitivity. All he had up his sleeve was-- 

“Wanna see a trick Emile?” he asked, grabbing a blank scrap of paper and a pencil from the floor.

“I really don’t feel in the mood,” said Emile, pausing in his hiccuped cries for a few seconds.

“Trust me, it’s a good one,” he said as he drew a rough picture of a spoon on the paper.

Actually this was one of the more difficult tricks in his arsenal of illusions. He’s only been able to pull it off twice before among numerous tries. But if it worked now, it was sure to amaze Emile and maybe even cheer him up a little. It would be worth it.

“If you must blink, do it now,” The Kubo reference coax a small smile out of Emile. “Watch closely.”

He swiped a hand over the picture, holding the paper by a corner. Then he began to gradually pinch the handle of the spoon picture. Belial watched the grown man’s face change from sorrow to awe as he saw the spoon bend while the paper itself remained smooth. Seriously, he could almost glimpse what Emile looked like as a child.

“wha-what the heck-that’s so cool! How’d you do that?”

“A magician never reveals his secrets.” Yep. the thrill of amazing people with his magic never got old. “And for my grand finale...”

He crumpled the paper in his hands and then held them both up, fingers spread open to reveal that the paper had disappeared. Lastly he reached behind Emile’s ear and pulled out a soft yellow hankerchief. He felt a sense of pride at hearing Emile laugh and clap.

“Now blow,” he said, offering the hankie.”

Emile thanked him as he took the small cloth, giving it a loud elephant like blow. He wiped his eyes with the palms of his hands and put the glasses back on.

“Look, said Belial, “I get why you took the news so hard. I’m sure you did as much as you could for her, but it’s not your fault that she...ran out of strength to keep fighting. You can’t save everyone, and it’s not your responsibility to.”

Emile looked into his eyes with those emerald ones. “Then what use am I?”

Hearing that broken tone in his voice, that kind of question, coming from such a kind, patient, and selfless person like Emile felt like a punch in Belial’s heart. (Well, if he had a heart) He understood better than anyone what it felt like to be worthless...useless.

He was, but Emile definitely was not!

“I could easily lie and say that you’re the best therapist in the world and can save someone the next time. But I wont, because I don’t know that for sure.” He took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “But you are the best I know, and from what Ive seen a lot of others think the same. I mean come on, if you haven’t given up on a broken mess like me yet-don’t talk, just listen-then you probably won’t give up on anyone else either. You put your all into what you do and actually give a damn about people. Make them feel like they’re worth something. That gives them a reason to...hope...and that can mean more than anything. So you Emile Picani are not useless.”

Phew that was a lot! Maya wasn’t nearly this much work. He tried to be as honest as possible (not an easy feat).  Was that the right thing to say? No clue. Could he have phrased it all better? Probably. Emile half shrugged in response for crying out loud. .At the very least he wasn’t calling himself useless anymore, but he was still clearly upset.What else could he do? He thought back to how he’d try to comfort Virgil during anxiety attacks. Belial took a deep breath and placed a hand on Emile’s shoulder, giving it a gently squeeze.

Belial did not expect the man to lean forward. He didn’t expect him to bury his teary face into his shoulder. And he definitely didn't expect his chest to skip a beat the way it did. He caught the glow of his own yellow soulmakr reflected in the doctor’s glasses. Belial was terrified of making a wrong move, but he let instinct take over and hesitantly wrapped his arms over Emile’s back. He made soothing stroked as his soulmate got out the last of his silent sobs.

After who knows how many minutes, Emile Stopped shaking and with a shuddered breath he finally sat back up. Belial was sorry or the loss of contact.

“Thanks Belial.” The smile on his face was finally devoid of melancholy.

“Don’t mention it. I’m so glad to have used up my therapy session time this way,” he said. Emile just laughed.

“I am sorry about that. I’ll be sure to make up for the missed time next session.” Emile looked around at the state of his office with a sigh. Seriously. It was a mess. “I really should clean up in here before my next appointment. It’s not till noon, but still. Elliot is rather punctual.”

Typical Emile. Thinking of others even after having an emotional meltdown. It was far too pitiful for Belial to allow.

“Better Idea: You leave the cleaning for later and I take you to get some ice cream now,” he said.

“You really don’t have to,” said Emile.

“Of course I do. Didn’t you know? Ice cream is the cornerstone of any healthy breakfast.” He was unable to hide the smirk that ghosted his face at hearing Emile’s full laughter for the first time all day.

“I’d like that,” Emile said, holding open the door for both of them.

“But it’s only fair that you buy, given that I lost therapy time.”

“Nice try Mr. Banks. I’m the one who needs chim-chim-chima-cheering up. We can go halvsies.”

“Oh fine.” Belial put his hat back on and followed him out.

As they exited the cafe and walked down the block, he caught the low hum of a Disney song (Mary Poppins maybe?) coming from the therapist. Well what do you know? He’d actually been able to be there for his soulmate in some small way. This time, Belial allowed himself to indulge in a genuine smile.

Maybe neither of them was useless after all.