#our lovesick demon needs a bit of pick-me-up

[lavandulacosmos]

Inktober Day 20: FROST

Beelzebub & Crowley

A demon falling in love with an angel? When hell freezes over. (It's more likely than you think.)

[Good Omens days - Part 5]

[wonryllis]

✶ 𝟭𝟳𝟳𝟱 (𝓥 ) SATAN'S IMAGINATION, AGENT ENHYPEN.

╰ 𝖠𝖫𝖳𝖤𝖱𝖭𝖠𝖳𝖨𝖵𝖤𝖫𝖸, 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗀𝗈𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗁𝗈𝗍𝗌 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗄 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗇𝖾𝗋.

THE ATELIER. agent!enhypen hanging on that line between act and reality with agent!reader. word count 1261 CONTAINS— fluff, suggestive, fem!reader. ( ARCHIVE? ) pls reblog!!

𝐋𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐔𝐍𝐆 he feels his breath caught in a dangerously thin line between staying professional and kissing the hell out of you, your body pressed against him between the narrow shelves.

he's probably at fault for blowing your cover earlier but all he can think about right now is the way the light through the windows make your glossed lips glow and your messy hair look sensual.

each inhale and exhale a battle against his self-control.

"do you think they noticed?" your voice sounds more tempting than ever in the low whisper you let out against his chest and heeseung swears he's fighting demons right now. "i hope not," he sighs heavy, feeling himself leaning into you, getting carried away as his conscience slowly slips and cracks.

lips almost brushing when you suddenly look up, wide eyes boring into his,"i think they just walked past," unaware and painfully oblivious of what your partner was about to do to you. of how he was ready to devour you.

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐉𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐆 with the biggest lovesick smile ever, jay watches you act coy in your character, gently excusing yourself to the washroom.

"act like you want me, but more like you love me," your soft words tingle his ear as you discreetly whisper to him just before you leave the dinner table. are you dense or are you just too professional? there is no way you think the look on his face isn't already giving away his feelings to all these people around the table you're supposed to fool.

he chuckles deep and smitten as he stands seconds after,"i apologize gentlemen, but my love needs my help," excusing himself as well.

with each step he takes towards you, he realizes the wicked idea you have in your wicked little brain.

his heart skipping beats and blood rushing everywhere when you throw yourself at him, dragging him to bathroom with your lips hovering over his making sure the targeted people get a glimpse of it and get the wrong idea.

𝐒𝐈𝐌 𝐉𝐀𝐄𝐘𝐔𝐍 jake grins wider as your palm presses flat against his chest first and then fingers curl to mimic a gun, your tips emulating a spark of electricity through his veins, feeling the blood pump harder in his heart.

"you better not take advantage of our cover to steal kisses, sim," it is crazy how he feels disappointed yet amused at the same time, you doing this right now is the hottest thing ever but you refusing to let him kiss you later is a tad bit upsetting plus you knowing he loves to do that has him dazed.

"can't promis—" his breath gets knocked out mid sentence as you grab him by his tie and smash your lips together in a sloppy and short kiss.

"that's is all you can have for the night, focus on the mission agent three,"

now that was hotter than the hottest thing you could have ever done to him, and you decide to do it right before work. oh how he wishes he had kissed back harder and show you just what you'd be missing out on later.

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐍 his eyes scan across your rather overly feminine dressed figure amble over to him, stance seductive and alluring in the red cocktail gown he helped you pick hours ago.

"that was disgusting," he says as soon as you stop beside him.

he was glad the mission was successful and he was so glad he picked this dress for you. feeling a sense of pride that he has always been the first one to see you dolled up and that he has always been your date and that he has always been gotten to take you home at the end of night.

the only thing he feels jealous about right now is that while he has always been all that, it has always been the targets who get to feel you all up and who get to see your siren side showing them how it would be if you were interested in them.

"well it wasn't for you anyway, mr hotshot," you bite back and sunghoon almost breaks on the verge of exposing that he'd die for it to him, for you to seduce the heck out of him.

𝐊𝐈𝐌 𝐒𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐖𝐎𝐎 the hawk-like focus sunoo had on you seemed so normal to you both, you didn't even realize when it turned into something possesive and unfitting for agents just working together.

perhaps it was for the reason that you two had been paired up together for couple missions, or perhaps it was because you both trained together everyday. there was this sense of belonging you had developed, unaware of how it was changing things in your work dynamics.

"your gaze is so fake, come on baby i know you can give a more sultry one, remember our practice?" sunoo speaks through the in-ears, his eyes locked with yours across the other end of the vip club, watching you try to seduce the target.

the sparkle of tension crackling in the air as you held the eye contact, sunoo's ego blasting at the back of his mind knowing he's the only one who's seen the real thing.

"just imagine it's me, and finish it up so you can actually come back to me,"

𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐖𝐎𝐍 his gaze is envious and bitter, feeling his blood boil over the revelation you just made. "so you know him well?" the tone being one of grudge and spite, he continues to watch you strap on the weapons around you body. places under your dress where one would probably not have the chance to touch, unless it's him.

which amplifies his jealousy to a staggering height at the realization that the target you are chasing this time probably has touched you in those places before. maybe even more than he has.

the dismissive nod you respond with, makes jungwon's impatience fly through the roof, walking closer to trap you against the table where the weapons laid. "better than me?"

the air thickens with implication of his words, jungwon himself is unaware what the undertone of it means.

if it's how well you know him or if it's something entirely different, something that makes him want to leave kisses down your neck like he did the last time.

𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐀 𝐑𝐈𝐊𝐈 his breath is laboured as he helps you rush out the pool, your fancy dress drenched and heavy weighing you down more than he'd anticipated. quickly you both find a spot in the showers to hide, squeezing into a single booth.

he's brisk and sharp, giving you a hand in stepping out your wet dress into the latex suit underneath. letting you put your weight on him, your hands holding onto his body while you undo the strings and sleeves. the possibilities of getting caught are on high alert yet riki can't find it in him to focus on anything besides you.

the way you look so hot in your agent attire, your hair wet and sticking to the sides of your face making you appear so cute in contrast to you getting ready to fight men a step outside the door.

he has always found it so attractive, and the thought of admitting it openly just makes him more dazed.

his fingers reach out to push away the strands around your eyes and lips, thumb brushing a second longer on your lips, "i really wanna kiss you right now," he whispers into your ears, lips grazing against it softly.

taglist ( open. ) @kangseulgithegreat @s00buwu @lilyuwon @pockyyasii @nctislifue @ashtxrie @miniature-tragedy @jayujus @brachives @thoughtsmeander2tumblingblindly @eeunoia @nxzz-skz @shawnyle @potato0579 @enhastolemyheart @belowbun @ro-diaries

[dudeandduchess]

"I'm so in love with him/her, I don't know what to do" for Giyuu maybe pretty please with Kyo sprinkles on top. Because two emotionally constipated idiots would definitely flounder 😂

Here you go, Biz! Also, big yes to the Kyō sprinkles 😛🤤

***

Giyuu x F!S/O: Moonlit Confessions (Fluff, Modern AU, SFW Scenario)

Note: This will be a little self-indulgent. But I’ll leave the name spaces as (Y/n) and (K/w) for Kyō’s wife’s name.

“How am I even supposed to tell him that?” (Y/n)’s voice was loud with disbelief and a twinge of panic, knowing full well that a few people had already turned their heads to look right at her. Still, she couldn’t care less about what they thought— and even garnered even more stares when she looped an arm through her best friend’s own.

The materials of their kimonos clashed beautifully; a silky burgundy against an equally beautiful hue of blue— which (Y/n) had worn just to get the chance to earn a compliment from her lover.

It wasn’t that her lover— the usually stoic Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyuu— didn’t like her; but his lack of compliments only stemmed from his tendency to always get flustered when he was with her.

And to make things worse for their situation, (Y/n) pretty much simmered down to the same flustered and stuttering reaction whenever he was near. Especially when she caught a glimpse of those pretty blue eyes of his.

Their friends— the Flame Hashira, Kyōjurō, and his wife (K/w)— didn’t even know just how they managed to go on dates when they couldn’t even go without acting like lovesick teenagers in front of the other.

And that was how Giyuu and (Y/n) had found themselves walking with their respective confidantes, before they were set to meet for the festival. Albeit, it was Kyōjurō’s idea to invite Giyuu on a walk before they met up with their respective lovers.

On (Y/n)’s side, she was so busy panicking about her impending confession that she couldn’t keep her mouth shut. Not even (K/w) buying snacks for her had worked, as she only took a small bite before pushing it onto the other woman.

“I can’t just tell him that I love him. He might not return my feelings!”

At that, (K/w) shook her head, before leaning in and flicking her best friend’s forehead. “Kyōjurō tells me that Tomioka-san loves you a lot. And that Kyō saw him smiling when he overheard Kyō telling that story of when you two went out on a date with us.”

“It’s your husband, he could have been making that up to get a kiss from you.”

Instead of getting offended, however, (K/w) only shrugged before smiling right at (Y/n). “Kyōjurō was right when he said that Tomioka-san was going to ask you out for tea, after he met you at our wedding.”

“That was one time, (K/w)!”

The Flame Hashira’s wife merely quirked an eyebrow at that, before changing the topic. “So, where are you and Tomioka-san going later tonight? Seeing the sights? Eating at the stalls? Maybe… kissing behind the abandoned shrine?”

“Gods no. We aren’t you and your walking libido of a husband,” (Y/n) snarked back, which only served to make her snort at the new unsavory name that she could call the Flame Hashira. After all, she had earned the right to tease (bully) him after he had married her best friend. “We’re just going for a walk and then watching the fireworks, and then we’re going home.”

“How boring,” (K/w) teased good naturedly, before turning her gaze straight ahead and subtly making a beeline towards the head of blond and red hair that she saw. “Let’s go by that takoyaki stand, I have to get Kyōjurō some. He’ll be hungry later.”

“You love him too much.”

“Just like how you love Tomioka-san?”

“I don-… shut up.”

***

Meanwhile on Giyuu’s side of things: he was barely reigning in the urge to knock Rengoku out and make a run for it. He was fed up with consistently being badgered by the other man, especially when it concerned his relationship with (Y/n).

“Do you like her? Or do you love her? I’m asking for a friend.” The Flame Hashira had to know, or else his wife would be upset with him. And he didn’t want that, at all. Happy wife, happy life— that was his belief.

That and if he came back empty-handed, then she wouldn’t make that dessert she’d made that he really loved. He didn’t even know what it was, so he couldn’t very well ask Senjurō to make it.

So, pestering Giyuu it was.

“That’s private.” The Water Hashira answered flatly, before picking up his pace— only to groan audibly when Rengoku had easily managed to catch up to him.

“Just tell me, Tomioka! We’re practically best friends since (Y/n)-chan’s my wife’s best friend. Best friends in law!”

Giyuu didn’t know which pit of hell Rengoku had gotten that idea from, but he bit his tongue to keep himself from saying anything mean to his fellow Hashira. It hadn’t ended very well, what with the blond only getting more annoying.

“Tomioka, tell me!” Then came the worst thing Giyuu could think of: physical touch. Rengoku began poking his arm, with every chorus of ‘tell me’.

Even while he walked, the other Hashira kept up with his pace— even if he had already dashed ahead.

He didn’t even know where he was going anymore, just that he was extremely annoyed at his company. He could have been with (Y/n) already, but Rengoku had asked for his help on buying his wife a present.

Now that Giyuu thought about it, the most he had done earlier was look at the lavish pair of earrings that the Flame Hashira had dropped a serious amount of money on.

It was only then that he figured that he was being toyed with. And he was pissed. His time had been completely wasted— when he could have been with (Y/n) earlier.

“Tell me, Tomioka!” Kyōjurō piped out once more, before going to poke the other Hashira’s arm once more.

However, before the blond’s finger even made contact with Giyuu’s haori, his hand was immediately slapped away. “I’m in love with her! I’m so in love with her, and I don’t know what to do, Rengoku! Does that satisfy you!?”

Red-tinted irises widened a fraction of an inch for a second, before they darted over to a spot behind Giyuu. And the latter didn’t even need to look to know who was there, as Rengoku looked like that he was the cat that got the cream— a lovestruck cat at that.

“There’s my gorgeous wife! Come here and hug me, my love!” Kyōjurō had almost all but forgotten Giyuu in front of him, as he stepped around the other man so he could open his arms for his wife.

(K/w) didn’t fail him, catching on to what he wanted to happen, and dragging a reluctant (Y/n) closer to a speechless Giyuu. Not even digging her heels into the ground kept (Y/n) anchored in place— and she could only watch in wide-eyed horror with her heart pounding so hard in her chest, as Giyuu got closer and closer to her.

Until she was standing right in front of him, with (K/w) and Kyōjurō slowly inching away from them while entangled in their hug.

“We have to… uh… start kissing behind that shrine!” Came the Flame Hashira’s excuse for leaving, which had his wife slapping his arm before biting her bottom lip to keep herself from bursting out in laughter.

Both (Y/n) and Giyuu didn’t even know how much time had passed with them standing on a relatively unpopulated part of the path, not even having the courage to look up at each other and reveal just how red both of their cheeks were.

And it was so filled with a tense silence that even Giyuu couldn’t take it. He had faced countless demons before, yet none of those compared to confessing his love for the one person in his life whom had made him happy.

The one person whom had made him forget all of the painful things in his past, and erased all of his fears for the future.

(Y/n) was so special to him that he couldn’t even begin to describe how much his feelings amounted to; all that he knew was that she was everything he could ever want in life— and all he saw was him and her growing old together in the future.

He was sure that he wanted to be her everything, just as he was sure that she deserved more than a shy and borderline cowardly confession.

So, after taking a deep breath, he finally looked up at her without the commotion that the Rengokus brought with them; only to feel his heart leap up to his throat at how breathtakingly beautiful she looked in her kimono— which was the same shade as his eyes.

Giyuu couldn’t help but want to melt on the spot, yet he fought the stiffness in his legs and began to close the distance between them. Until he was standing right in front of her, with his hands gingerly reaching out and wrapping around her own.

And he was glad that he wasn’t the only one who was nervous, because he felt just how cold and shaky (Y/n)’s hands were.

Slowly, he began to caress her knuckles with the pads of his thumbs— all in an effort to get some warmth into those clammy hands of hers.

However, just when he thought that he had fully taken her ethereal beauty in, the moment she looked straight at him took his breath away; since those eyes of hers looked positively beautiful, especially with the way that the moonlight reflected off of them.

“I love you… anata.”

[xxhispieceofheavenxx]

Wholesome headcanons of the demon brothers

Hey guys! 🥰 I’m sorry it took me so long to put more stuff out, but after the fetish series I thought I deserved a break and then life got crazy… And you know, so I needed a little bit of fluff as a pick me up, but we will go back to our regularly scheduled NSFW soon! 🤭I have tons of ideas for new scenarios so stay tuned and enjoy!

Masterlist

Lucifer is actually a really cuddly demon once he gets past his pride, it's very easy to have him make the first move once you get to know him

Levi, even though he has romantic feelings for MC, he sees them as a friend first and foremost, and he would never want to change that, not even if they get in a relationship down the line

Asmo is very hesitant about having actual sex with both MC and Solomon even if he flirts with them all the time

He already has a lot of people for that sort of fun, but he’s never had friends like them, that truly love him for who he is

Mammon, after becoming closer with MC, has stopped gambling and stealing as much

He doesn’t have that urge he used to anymore, and when he gets it he just thinks about MC being sad, and it stops him in his tracks instantly

Satan loves spending time with MC while both of them just mind their own business, he likes the silent comfort it brings him to have them around

Beel loves working out with MC and involving his brothers as well

The first time that Levi asked Beel for help working out his whole face light up

Belphie’s favorite way of sleeping is with MC holding him to their chest and patting his hair

Mammon loves letting MC wear his jacket, it makes him feel loved when they pick his stuff up even if he pretends he hates it

Levi loves when MC pushes his hair out of the way while he is speaking with them

He just gets super exited and gets really close to them without realizing, until MC pushes his hair out of his eyes with a smile while nodding their head prompting him to continue ranting about whatever he was saying

Asmo always joins MC when they start singing, and he always ends up making them dance and twirl around with him

Beel loves getting his belly rubbed and always falls asleep while MC does it

Levi loves swimming and taking baths with MC once he gets more comfortable with them, it actually helps him open up more 

As much as Mammon likes to deny it, he loves having MC ruffle his hair

Or simply just tidy it up for him; he just likes having MC paying attention to him, so anything they do that involves him he likes

Belphie is always warm, and he is always cuddling MC from behind while they are doing something, he even falls asleep with his head resting on their shoulder

Asmo’s love language is gift giving, that’s why he always buys things for MC and his brothers

But he prefers receiving quality time as a love language

Lucifer is the type to let MC into his office when he has to work late, simply because he likes their company

He is also the type to carry them to their room with a lovesick smile when they inevitable fall asleep waiting for him to finish up with whatever he was doing

Satan likes getting shoulder massages, holding that much anger in all the time, plus leaning his head while reading books all day always takes a toll on his neck and shoulders

Even if his shyness stops him sometimes, the one that sneaks the most into MC’s room to cuddle at night is Mammon, it has become such a habit that he has trouble sleeping alone sometimes

Levi has allowed MC to show him other shows and movies that aren’t anime, he is secretly a big fan of Disney, even if he doesn’t admit to it

Lucifer has a song that he always plays when he is feeling sad or upset, it’s always an indicator for the rest of the house to give him his time and space

It’s something they all respect and try to help in their own ways

Beel sneaks something sweet into the room where Lucifer is playing the song

Asmo lights a nice smelling candle to make it more comforting for him

Satan makes tea for when he decides to come out of the room

Belphie always has blankets lying around ready for this moments

Levi stops playing his games so loud or puts on headphones

And Mammon… he just sits, his back to the door and waits until the song is over, until he hears the record scratch and pays attention to see if that was enough, or if Lucifer will play the song one more time or just sit in silence

It’s a joined effort from all of them to be as quiet as possible, always whispering until his brother is done, and they can go back to pretending they didn’t hear a thing

Once MC came to live with them and this happened they join Lucy in his time, and hold him in their arms and gently caress his skin until he feels like himself again

Mammon lets his walls down with MC, he lets them know about his insecurities and his feelings, specifically during their late night talks where he is more vulnerable 

Satan cuddles like a cat, in the sense that he turns himself into a half moon and he holds MC close to his chest and burrows his nose into their head

Belphie likes watching MC cook and/or bake, he always sits there with a soft smile on his face

Beel likes giving MC piggyback rides, he says it's because it’s a workout but he just likes having them close to him

Asmo loves doing MC’s skincare when they are tired and don’t want to do it themselves

Beel is fascinated by how small MC is compared to him, because yes, most demons are small compared to him but not “human small” like MC

He is definitely the type to hold their hand and just admire it against his, and he does make the comment that MC is so tiny he could eat them… But not like that just with kisses

Mammon gets emotional at night sometimes, he likes looking at MC while they sleep, and he is always grateful that they came into his and his brothers lives

Levi has walked in on him crying while petting MC’s hair, but he never mentioned it because he knew he was having a moment

Lucifer wears gloves because he hates how dry his hands get handling so much paperwork, but he always seems to forget them when MC is around

And no, it’s not an excuse to hold MC’s hand (yes, it is) He is a serious demon that would never do that (he totally melts when MC holds his hands, even just a touch makes him smitten)

Satan loves that MC is always willing to help him with the stray kitties that he finds, he knows that he can trust them with his fur babies

Also, MC has found him multiple times leaving the house with bagfuls of cat food just to feed the strays

Belphie knows a lot about astronomy and always points out the constellations to MC while cuddling

He has star stickers on his ceiling, and yes, they are glow in the dark

Beel once found MC polishing his awards in his room and he still praises them about it, saying that they haven’t been as shiny since the day he got them

It was just because MC’s hands are smaller and he can’t reach inside the cups as well 

Mammon loves to see the magazines he appears in in MC’s room, it makes him happy knowing he has their support, it also helps that MC has all of them (some doubles)

[m-y-fandoms]

Peko Pekoyama x female reader fluff one-shot

Request: Heya, is it alright if I request Peko with a female, ultimate Zoologist reader who brings her to play with all the cute fluffy animals and helps them warm up to her? She deserves happiness

Coming right up! And yes!!! Peko does deserve happiness, gotta love her! 

- Mod Kokichi

     It had taken you forever...and I mean forever, to even get Peko’s attention. She was a very introverted person. She was diligent and dedicated to her job, which you knew about, much to her surprise. That was one of the things that actually piqued her interest in you in the first place. Peko didn’t want or have the opportunity to interact with people much in the first place, much less stupid ones, so when you quickly discovered she was Fuyuhiko’s eyes, ears, and protector, she was quite impressed, not that she’d let you know that last bit. She had, though, asked you how you found out as she walked back to her dorm one day after class, you trailing behind like a lovesick puppy.

     “Oh, well my eyes are always on you, how could I miss it?” You let slip and immediately covered your mouth with your hand, cheeks heating in embarrassment. Peko paused her swift walk, and felt her heart skip in what she assumed was a reaction to this awkward confession, a crooked grin on her face. You both stared at each other, before she resumed, a bit faster than before, adjusting the sword on her back and leaving you behind.

     “I have to go now, I have practice soon,” she spoke flatly, and you watched her as she left, scanning that athletic form and the swish of her uniform’s skirt as she left. Gosh...she was something.

     In the coming weeks, you often met her as soon as she left each class, the automated bell tone chiming to signal the period was over. Anyone else would’ve been startled, but not someone as poised and disciplined as her.

     “Peko!” You jumped off the wall you’d been leaning on silently for the past five minutes a little too excitedly. She stilled, Fuyuhiko gliding past her, looking at you both and scoffing lightly before walking down the hall to his next class.

     “Y/N...again.” Her eyes narrowed. “Why aren’t you in class, don’t you have Civic Engagement this period?” Your eyes widened, and you smiled blissfully. How did she know that? You hadn’t told her...maybe she was paying attention to you, too? Maybe she liked you back? Maybe...no you shouldn’t assume things. You took a deep breath.

     “I was wondering if you’d have lunch with me? I know you always have it with Fuyuhiko, b-but...uh…” She gave you an apathetic and absent look, shuffling her books to her other hand. “Nevermind. I can ask another time, I mean if you-“

     “Alright.”

     “W-what? Really? Well that’s...I didn’t think….okay, awesome!” You smiled widely, your feet dancing around wildly. She huffed, eyes closing in a small smile. You were kind of cute, she had to admit, so childlike and easily excitable, but she didn’t see why you were even interested in her. She didn’t do anything attractive to lure someone into a crush. She went to class, followed Fuyuhiko around, studied quietly, went to dueling practice at the school’s dojo, then went to bed. You hadn’t even seen her run any missions or small jobs for Fuyuhiko, so how could anything about her possibly catch your eye? She didn’t dress in any special way. She was a pasty girl with glasses. She didn’t feel insecure or self conscious about these facts, it was normal to her and shallow things like looks and attraction meant nothing, but she found your behavior unusual.

     “Yes, I just have to ask my Young Master if he will allow my absence for lunch, or if he needs me.” She spoke freely, knowing you already were keen to her bodyguard role, and with no one else close by, “I know where you usually sit at lunch, I’ll be there if I’m allowed. If I’m not there a after a few minutes, assume I couldn’t make it.” With that, she walked swiftly away, not waiting for a response.

     Oh wow...she was just...you swooned, walking to your locker.

     When she approached Fuyuhiko in the stairwell minutes later to ask for permission, he just shook his head, sighing.

     “Tch...how many times do I have to tell you? When school is in session, our professional relationship does not exist. Do what you want. You’re making it obvious! She knows, doesn’t she...Y/N?”

     “Young Master, I apologize. I didn’t intend for anyone to find ou-“

     “Stop calling me that!” He leaned his head down over the railing, making sure no one heard in the echoing environment of the stairwell. “Just go, have lunch with her, I’ll see you in last period anyway!” He huffed, taking a step down to make his exit.

     “But Young M- ...Fuyuhiko, I should-“

     “She likes you, yes?” She was caught off guard, a rare occurrence for her.

     “That is irrelevant to the issue.”

     “Ha...I knew it. Just go eat with her. I have work piling up so I’m skipping lunch to get that shit done, plus, sometimes she eats lunch with that other animal freak, Gundham, and I can’t stand being around him for more than five minutes once he starts going off about his demonic shit!” He gestured with his hands before descending the stairs.

     Peko stood there for a second, thinking. Animal freak, huh? Oh yeah...she remembered your ultimate talent, the Ultimate Zoologist. That was another thing about you she admired, loving animals herself despite never being around them. She shook off her thoughts, mechanically turning and reporting to lunch with you. You’d be waiting, eagerly, she was betting.

~

     You sat on one of the outside tables adjacent to Hope’s Peak Academy’s lunch room, full length glass windows providing a barrier to look from the cafeteria out into the courtyard dining area. You always sat outside unless it was raining, looking at the birds that flew in and ducks that took up residence in the one small pond in the courtyard. You sighed, unpacking your lunch and started to munch quietly. There’s no way she was coming, right? She’s always busy, and fiercely loyal to the Kuzuryu’s. You had to accept that, you told yourself, you had to just admit you had no chance of this acquaintanceship becoming more and-

     You did a double take while looking around anxiously, and no, your eyes did not fool you. There was Peko, walking swiftly to the door to the courtyard, pushing it open with one hand, and looking to you, a tray of food in her hand.

     “Peko!” Your smile was from ear to ear instantly. “You came! I saved you a spot!” You tapped on the bench beside to you. She approached, setting her tray down on your table.

     “Looks like you saved all of the spots. Why are you eating alone? Isn’t Gundham usually here?” You paused before answering, yet again taken aback. How did she know that? For someone so aloof, who dodged nearly all of your advances, she sure knew a lot about you. You saw her crimson eyes looking at you expectantly, awaiting a response.

     “Uh...yeah, but, he’s got cleaning duty in the room the animal handling club meets in. You know, scrubbing cages, picking up droppings.” You mimed a scrubbing action with your hands, before setting them back at your side, your fingertips brushing her hip accidentally before pulling back, nervously looking up at her. She blushed, looking away like that didn’t just happen.

     “Yes, I know of that classroom. I’ve looked inside once, momentarily,” she spoke a little too hastily, evidently embarrassed. “Oh, that’s right, your talent is Zoology,” she spoke, pretending she just now recalled this off the top of her head and hadn’t thought about it in length before in her dorm, “You must be in that room a lot then.” There she goes again, bringing up something you didn’t tell her or mentioned in passing when you were sure she was blocking you out. You were starting to think...maybe she wasn’t so indifferent about you.

     “Yeah...I’m there most of the day, since the academy wants us to focus on our talents above all else. But, yeah,” you fiddled with the hem of your skirt, “I’m no warrior like you, but I sure can tell you 191 facts on rabbits or the mating patterns of random pack animals!” You chuckled softly.

     “Lucky you, all the animals I try to interact with hate me. Gundham’ s hamsters cower into his scarf when I pass him, Young Master’s sister has a little dog that growls when I even look at it,” her hands tightened into fists at her side. Was that jealousy you were detecting in her voice? It didn’t matter. To you, any emotion from her was better than the apathy she usually spoke with. She looked to you, realizing how intensely and easily she had admitted that fact. She usually didn’t talk about herself, and she usually didn’t want to. You caught on to her uneasiness, empathetically feeling her tug at your heart. She picked up the fork on her tray, digging into some kind of portion of a pasta dish sectioned off.

     “Really? I wonder why that is. What kind of animals do you enjoy the most?”

     “I suppose the cuter ones. Reptiles and fish are okay, there’s a koi pound at the Kuzuryu mansion that I look at sometimes, but I prefer ones with fur...small ones. Or, rather...I supposed as long as they are fluffy it’s okay. I just want to pinch their little cheeks and scratch their ears, but… I guess they just find me too intimidating...” she trailed off, opening her water bottle and downing a gulp.

     “What? Peko I don’t think you’re intimidating at all! I mean, I suppose having to fight you or getting on your bad side would be, but just as a person, I think you’re strong and confident and a badass and attractive, but not...scary.” You spoke incredulously.

     “Attractive?” She spoke, barely above a whisper.

     “Yeah, sure!” You quickly changed the subject, “I didn’t know you even liked animals, Peko. You should’ve told me a while ago, I can sneak anyone into the animal handling room, even non-club members,” you smiled softly.

     “I...I don’t have time for that, and I would just stress out every animal in there. It’s better if I don’t.”

     “Peko,” you placed a hand on hers, resting on the table, “I know you’re busy but...lunch still has quite a while to go before the bell, and I’m not too hungry. Let’s go now, and you can be done and back at Fuyuhiko’s side before you know it!” She quickly pulled her hand away, grabbing her phone in her pocket.

     “I really can’t, I have commitments, and what if it takes longer than you thought?”

     “Can...can you at least ask Fuyuhiko? Like text him or call or-“ you looked so dejected, she almost felt...sad for you. She wanted to go with you, she really did, but her wants didn’t matter. A tool of clan Kuzuryu is bound to an unbreakable oath. She couldn’t just flake on her duties. She sighed. Taking out her phone to text Fuyuhiko. Upon raising it up in front of her, a notification came in immediately, filling the top of her screen with a message bubble.

[Young Master - 12:17pm: You better not. I’m ordering you to stay away from me until tomorrow.]

     Peko’s eyes widened, looking around at her surroundings. There’s no way Fuyuhiko could be close enough to hear the conversation without her sensing his presence or seeing him. She had a natural intuition for that kind of stuff. Her phone dinged again.

[Young Master - 12:18pm: Do you really think you’re the only eyes and ears I have? Which is WHY, I don’t need you always riding my ass. We have been over this. Bye.]

     She stood quickly, throwing away her mostly uneaten food.

     “Okay, let’s go,” Peko spoke plainly, and you stood, taking her hand and dragging her out of the lunch room at top speed.

~

     You arrived at the door to the animal handling room, watching Gundham pass as he was leaving.

     “Ah, Y/N, if you could treat those abyssal felines to their daily feast, for though they starve, I must away to class lest I be tardy and face that infernal woman’s curses yet again,” he crossed his arms rather crossly. You knew he wasn’t particularly fond of his ethics professor, a very irritable and unfair woman.

     “Yes, Gundham, of course. I take that to mean you fed all the others. Just the cats left for me, yes?”

     “Indeed. My greatest apologies for forcing this burden upon you, my dark accomplice,” he noted Peko’s prescence with a short glance, thinking you in her company was a bit odd, but quickly moving on. “Farewell,” and he sauntered off, the  Four Dark Devas of Destruction looking out of his scarf back at you lovingly as he disappeared down the hall.

     “He’s such a dork, but so kind once you get to know him,” you mused, entering the room with Peko following along. You always felt the need to speak on Gundham’s behalf or defend him, knowing most Hope’s Peak students unfairly judged him.

    “His ‘dark accomplice’?” Peko inquired closing the door behind her as you both entered and you walked further in alone, disappearing into a back closet. She observed the many cages and pet toys, the racks of animal treats and stacks of books on animal anatomy and training. The sounds overwhelmed her, with clicks and squeaks and meows from every angle. “Are you two involved? He seems close with you, though he doesn’t seem to like...people in general.”

     “With Gundham Tanaka?!” You shouted from inside the closet, obviously rummaging around for something. “Pfft! No way, he’s just a close friend. If I was his girlfriend I’m sure he’d be calling me his Goddess of Hell or Demonic Lover or some shit like that,” you laughed, imitating Gundham’s deep voice, “I’m honestly surprised I even earned the title of Dark Accomplice. Like you said, he’s not the most social creature.” You came back out, holding a decently heavy bag of what appeared to be cat food, opened at the top and ready for use. Instantly, the cats in cages, conditioned to know the sound and smell of an impending feeding, began mewling and pacing back and forth against the bars of their cages.

     “Wow, they must really love you,” she noted their perky attitude upon seeing you.

     “What? Nah, they really love the food in my hands right now,” you shook your head, approaching the first cage and opening it, the animal inside trained to not hop out and escape. It awaited impatiently in front of the small bowl in it’s cage as you filled it, Peko watching with an unwavering and envious stare. “I really do feel bad for these little friends...well really all of the animals on campus. Gundham and I take them out to play as much as possible, but seeing them in cages instead of in a loving home... kinda sucks. I guess it’s not all bad. Hope’s Peak has great influence over the country, so we get first call on local strays or abandoned pets, which is better than them going to a shelter or pet shop, I guess.” You sighed, scruffing up the cat’s neck before moving to the next cage. “They aren’t always treated the best elsewhere, but Gundham and I make sure this place is like a palace for them!” She couldn’t help but crack a smile at your trance-like grin, dreamily lost in your love for animals. “And also, we actively scout for potential homes for them, and vet their new owners before handing them over, so they go to a great home, and they don’t stay here too long!” You looked to her finally, noticing the tense posture, like a taut rope about to rip in two. Her fists were clenched again at her sides. There was obviously something on her mind, and it didn’t take a genius to realize what it was. “Peko, do you wanna feed the next one? You can pet her too!”

     “M-me?” She stood at attention now, with a look of low confidence that looked so odd and out of character for this fierce swordswoman.

     “Yeah, of course!” You opened the next cage door and let it swing open, gesturing to the cat inside, “this pussy’s all yours!” Your eyes widened. Why the fuck did I just say that?! You mentally screeched at yourself, forcing a pained smile with gritted teeth. You were lucky that Peko didn’t hear a word after ‘yeah’, her mind completely in go mode, excited to pet this damn cat and finally get to touch something so soft and cute and-

     She rushed up to the cage, darting forth with the energy of a child, and loomed over the entrance with her hand out toward the small calico inside. The cat shrunk back immediately against the back of the cage, it’s spine arched up and fur standing on edge before hissing harshly. Peko reached out further inside the cage, you grabbing her hand.

      “Ah, it’s probably better to not pet her when she’s that stressed. I don’t want  her to bite or scratch you.”

     “I see,” you let her hand go, and it fell flat to her side, her posture slouching a bit as she looked to the ground. “I suspected this would happen.”

     “N-no, she’s just a bit shaken up by how fast you moved. Just like if a person ran at you and you didn’t know them, you’d probably be on the defensive, right? Here, let’s have you just feed her, no need to touch her for that.” You lifted the bag to her, and she, albeit a bit sluggishly, reached her hand in and used the plastic scoop inside the bag to get a hefty amount, and poured it into the bowl, the cat calming a bit. “See, you’re a natural. She’s already warming up to you.” She couldn’t help but smile at your attempt to cheer her up. You closed the cage, and allowed her to feed the rest of the cats in the row, before asking her to sit on the ground in the middle of the room.

     “Why?” She inquired before hesitantly sitting.

     “Did you like the cats?” You ignored her question, moving to the smaller cages on the opposite side of the room.

     “They’re beautiful. I wish I had time to take care of one of my own, but the dorms don’t allow pets anyway, so it doesn’t matter I suppose.”

     “What’s your opinion on hamsters?” She grew excited, crossing her legs on the floor and removing the sword from her back, setting it beside her.

     “They’re cute! So cute! But...Gundham’s hate me. I’ve never pet one before.”

     “Well here’s your chance,” her eyes lit up at your words as you removed a small, pale-yellow colored rodent from the cage, cradling it gently in your hands and sitting on the floor in front of her, closer than you’ve ever been to the great warrior. “Now, this little guy isn’t as well trained as Gundham’s, but he won’t bite, and he’s quite loving. Open your hands, gently,” she obeyed, opening her palms, her heart rate spiking. Her uncurled fingers were angled stiffly and sharply like claws, “gently…relax, he’s not even sweatin’ it, so you shouldn’t either.” She exhaled deeply, a bit embarrassed, and you let the little fur ball transfer into her pale hands, Peko gasping loudly.

     “He’s so soft...and fat!” She grinned her signature crooked grin, putting him into one hand and scratching his ear with the other.

     “Yep!” You laughed at the tone of her voice, loving this moment. It was amazing to see her at ease and happy, instead of the flat, emotionless expression usually plastered across her visage.

     “What’s his name?”

     “Oh! Well he’s newer. Gundham usually thinks of the names, but all of his suggestions this time around were stupid so I told him I’m taking custody,” you both laughed, with yours being more pronounced and hers more of a breathy snort out of her nostrils. “I think he kind of looks like Fuyuhiko, tiny and blonde. Maybe we should call him Little Fuyu or Hiko Junior!” You mused.

     “Young Master would be very angry if he found out,” she spoke without looking at you, completely lost in this hamster’s beady eyes and tiny claws. You cleared your throat, a thought clawing at your mind at the mention of Fuyuhiko. You suddenly got nervous.

     “H-hey, Peko. Are you and Fuyuhiko involved?” It was a fair question, right? I mean, she asked you the same earlier, “Like, on the side of your duties, a forbidden love unknown to his dad, Lord Kuzuryu, the great clan father!” You tried to play off the awkwardness with humor. She obviously didn’t catch on to that.

     “No, of course not. That would be extremely inappropriate. It’s my job to serve him.” She let the hamster run across her thigh, it’s little legs scratching at her tights as she smiled down at him. Oh man her thighs....

     “Oh, well…” you were about to leave it at that. No, it’s now or never. She’s going to go back to her duties then you’ll never get another chance like this, “Peko...I was wondering if you’d like to go on a date with me…” You looked to the ground, unable to face her. Her body froze as stunned by a taser.

      “I can’t…”

     “Oh,” you expected this response. “Are you, like...not into girls? If that’s the case that’s totally fine! I respect that.” You presented this excuse, hoping she’d take it, desperately not wanting to hear the gut wrenching truth that she just was not into you.

     “No, that’s not the issue at all. I am just...Y/N, you know I have duties and lessons and not much else matters to me.” Okay, that didn’t hurt as much as hearing you were just unattractive and plain or worse, repulsive. But it still stung.

     “I wouldn’t mind waiting for any spare moment you had, or even helping with Fuyuhiko to lessen you duties, if you would just give me a chance.” You felt like an asshole, guilting or pressuring her, so you changed up your stance. “Uh, you know what, it’s okay if you just don’t like me back, that’s totally your choice and you can say tha-“

     “No, I do.”

     “W-what?” Did you hear that right?

     “I do...like you.” She unwillingly admitted, her white cheeks turning scarlet. “But, I owe my life to Clan Kuzuryu…” she brought the small rodent up to her face, placing her lips on its tiny head in a swift kiss.

     “Man, I wish that were me,” you admitted, defeated. You had nothing to lose at that point. When Peko’s lips touched your cheek in a blur of motion, leaving a firm peck, you stiffened up, a chill running over you.

     “P-Peko?”

     “I suppose...just one date wouldn’t burden my Young Master too much. I’ll ask him tomorrow. But… if he says no, I want you to know it wasn’t my choice. I want to hang out with you, even in a date type of setting. I...enjoy your company more than I let on.” There’s that lopsided grin again, the habit of a girl who didn’t smile often.

     “You’re serious? You’re not just joking around with me?” She handed the hamster to you, and you quickly put it in its cage and turned to her again.

     “I don’t joke.” She said flatly, straightening out her skirt and reclaiming her sword as she stood. You held in a chuckle at her serious tone, leading her to the door.

     “Okay, it’s a...potential date, then. Let me know?” She nodded in response.

     “I must go to class now, I’ll text you with an update later.” What?

     “How do you have my phone number?” You stood dumbfounded. She didn’t stop, talking as she walked away.

     “Young Master has it, from that one time you had a group project with him. I...acquired it, just in case I needed it. Bye.” She rushed down the hall.

Gosh...she was something...

[sssuperbartola]

Head first Into Love

ok ok ok okokokokokOK, SO! Hear me out. There was this video on Instagram that had HUGE Inukag vibes, and I had to write something about it because come oooooon this is them, 100%.

So. I had this idea, right? Then it turned into a little one shot featuring our beloved OTP Inukag in that particular scenario and later on I decided to dedicate this as a late super incredibly God help me say how much I procrastinated on this bday gift for our beloved @keichanz aka Lusty, aka our Lady and Saviour The Queen Slut, and of cooooooouursssssee...I completely wasted 3 months into writing this thing AND LEMME TELL YA, it did took a lot of time, trying to find inspiration or just the will to live ya know?

BUT, it is finally finished!

And now everyone can finally indulge in some “best friends to lovers real quick” Inukag Modern!AU, featuring the come back of TikTok! YAAAAAAAY!

And again: HAPPY LATE BDAY @keichanz ! LOVE YA BELLA FENICE!

I’m outside

Kagome quickly sent the text on her phone and leaned back in her car seat. She made a point to turn off the car engine as soon as she parked right in front of her best friend’s house, already knowing he would not be ready on time, like usual. 

And people complain about women taking too much time to get ready! 

Obviously they never met Inuyasha. 

No matter how much effort he put into looking like “he just woke up like that”, that guy sure had his own beauty schedule - caring for his absurdly long silver hair and being on top of his list. Kagome had now learned every single trait about him, which only made it even easier for her to tease him whenever the occasion arose. Nothing wrong with a little self-care. Since his hair was such a huge part of his own persona it wasn’t unexpected from him; Kagome herself had lustrous hair to take care of. 

Still, she at least planned in advance, which he did not, and that was what she teased him about the  most. Speaking of which...

i hope u’re at least half way through ur hair, or i can just come back in 2 hours

She hit ‘send’ while biting her own lip in a futile attempt to restrain the shit-eating grin on her face. She could almost picture him, with a scowl on his face, and a long frown while looking at his phone. 

When he didn’t reply immediately she assumed he was indeed too preoccupied with his silver mane to answer her - or at least check for her message - which only further supported her theory. Really, Kagome couldn’t help but think about how much more comfortable they had become, to the point in which she could so openly joke with him and not fear him barking at her, like he did with other not-so-close friends.

Sure, it has never been that easy from the start. With them having almost completely opposite personalities their first meetings were mostly a back and forth of witty remarks. Primarily name calling - they were kids, what kinds of conversations were they supposed to have? - and generally, them ignoring the other’s presence. 

It wasn’t until a particular day, when both their parents were late to pick them up from Kindergarten, that they caved and spent some time talking to pass the time and to feel less lonely. Turns out, they weren’t all that bad, and were much better company than they had thought. The image they had for each other completely vanished and left in its place a friendship that still lasted to this day. 

Thinking back, Kagome couldn’t help the small smile that appeared on her face. The affection she held for that boy never ceased, but only grew stronger each moment they spent together, and Inuyasha never failed to remind her of the same. They had been together through thick and thin, talked each other up for important events, they confided in each other, had even their own arguments like everybody else… But in the end there was nothing that could break such strong bonds.

She sighed, absentmindedly looking around the nearby houses from her car window, once in a while glancing back at Inuyasha’s to see if the half-demon would appear at all. Of course, he was nowhere in sight, and that made her heavily sigh yet again, this time not just out of exasperation. 

Because there was still something Kagome had kept hidden from Inuyasha for quite some time now… And that was the huge crush she developed for her lifetime best friend. 

Clichè, true, but what can you really do about it? You can’t tell your heart who to fall in love with. 

To her credit, she did try dating a couple of guys already - with Inuyasha always there to encourage and support her, which only made her even more lovesick for the man. It left her unable to take things further with the guy she was seeing, because she only had one guy she truly cared about...And that was a certain stubborn, smug and - for quite a few years - devilishly handsome half-demon. 

She never found herself comfortable enough with other guys as she did with him, and while she did try to come to terms with it, thinking that it would never happen, something inside of her screamed to just come out with it already and be done. 

She couldn’t make these feelings fly away, so the least she could do was to put them on the table and see what happened. Because, let’s face it: Inuyasha had never been into “more than friends” - or at least that’s the vibe he went with for all these years - so she didn’t have that much to go with. Regardless, to be thoroughly done with this whole thing, Kagome had to act, and today was the day.

Looking back at Inuyasha’s house one more time to make sure she had time, she quickly unlocked her phone to open her latest discovery in technology: TikTok. 

Because if she had to blame anything for what was about to happen, that was this godforsaken app which, somehow, got her an idea on how to even do this whole confession thing better. After endlessly scrolling through the videos, she stumbled across a trend where people - ok, teenagers mostly - recorded their love confessions to their best friends and, from what she saw, most of them turned out pretty good. 

Everyone was happy and with their own happy ending and she would be lying if she said that she wasn’t a bit jealous of them. 

It looked so easy for them, and her heart beat faster each time she tried to imagine her and Inuyasha in one of those situations. And that’s where the idea came: ‘why don’t I record it?’ she thought. 

Because of course it wasn’t like he could’ve rejected her with a phone recording them, right? 

Nothing to be embarrassed about, right?? 

Best case scenario: she had the event saved and cherished on her phone forever, something she and Inuyasha could rewatch over and over. Worst case scenario: she would delete it and then shut herself in her room, never coming out again and remaining single forever. 

Yeah, that was a great plan.

She gripped the steering wheel and... she was shaking? ‘Oh great, anxiety is what I really need right now...’ Kagome mentally whined. 

What the hell was wrong with her today?! 

It’s Inuyasha we’re talking about! Her best friend. This was just a normal day off for them after a loaded week of work. They were going to take a stroll in the city, maybe grab some food, and eventually, she would force herself to finally tell the man she has known for more than a decade that she loved him. 

Who knows? 

It is just 4:30 pm on a Saturday - there are endless possibilities, right?

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, snapping her back to reality. It was a reply from Inuyasha. ‘At last, he’s alive’ she thought.

gimme more time woman, you came 2 early

Kagome snorted, rolling her eyes into the back of her head as if she could hear his half-assed gruff tone. She shot back:

i’m as punctual as i can b, now get ur hair done or we’ll b late

don’t tell my hair what to do

fine, ur butt then

don’t tell my butt what to do either :P

He was such a dumbass, and yet she was utterly, hopelessly, in love with him. Their little exchange did manage to calm her down a bit, but she couldn’t be too distracted right now. She needed to get herself together, damn it! She had a mission to complete. 

Kagome took a deep breath and prepared her phone. She opened the recording section on the TikTok app, put it on a holder, just above the AC and, as she saw a familiar white mane and a dashing carminic red t-shirt coming towards her, she pressed record, just before Inuyasha opened the car door and climbed in.

“Hey there,” he greeted with all the carefreeness in the world.

“About time, did you get your makeup done?” Kagome smirked.

“Dunno what ya talking about - I’m handsome by nature,” he shot back, a grin plastered on his face.

“Yeah, suuuure, I’ll pretend I didn’t have to wait for a full 30 minutes after we agreed to meet... Actually 30 minutes ago!” she replied sarcastically, shooting him a not-so-impressed look.

Inuyasha all but mimicked her expression. “Ya know you could’ve just come inside and waited for me there, right? It’s not like you’re relegated to the driveway.”

“Yeah? Well, ya know that...” and so they continued to get even more foolish and more ridiculous, to the point they busted out laughing, tears in their eyes. Even though they completely missed the whole point of their banter, Kagome couldn’t help but get happier and sillier every time she and her best friend engaged in roast wars. 

It was moments like this, when her chest was bursting with happiness, that she was reminded of how lucky she was to have met Inuyasha. 

It wasn’t until their laughter died and their breathing slowly evened that she remembered her phone was still recording. A quick glance to where it was discreetly hidden was enough to make her mind snap back to her original plan. 

The sudden moment of silence that followed forth was Kagome’s cue to act. 

It was her moment.

With one more furtive glance towards her phone, she felt her jaw set and her heartbeat furiously thunder in her chest. Then she turned to Inuyasha, first with her eyes, then with her whole head.

 She couldn’t have foresaw that Inuyasha was facing her as well, yet she could’ve sworn that he looked...nervous? Worried? 

She didn’t have time to process that.

It all happened in a blink of an eye, but it felt heavy as if in slow motion.

And then…

B O N K!

One second she was staring into those beautiful golden eyes...and the next she was holding her forehead with her hands in pain. Actually, her forehead and her nose, too, were throbbing with pain. She let out a long hiss in between her gritted teeth, already picturing a livid on her face next morning.

She held to them for dear life, trashing back and forth in her seat, and while she tried to regain some control, some violent shuffling on her right caught her attention, and after forcefully peering one eye open, she looked at her side.

And Inuyasha was there, face flushed red while his hands were tightly pressing on his nose, his whole body shaking because of...laughter? 

Was he laughing? 

Did she hit her head so hard she wasn’t seeing straight? ‘What’s wrong with-’

Then, something dawned on her. And she bursted out laughing too.

Because in the midst of her actions, to try and go for Inuyasha’s mouth, she hadn’t realized he had done the same thing. They synchronized their movement so well, that they ended up smashing their faces together, in a weird attempt to kiss each other.

The moment their eyes met, another fit of laughter overcame them, so strong that it had them both gasping for air, faces beetle red - both for the pain and the embarrassment - and completely trashed. A good while passed before they could even breathe enough air to make some sort of thoughts.

With tears in their eyes, it wasn’t long before they realized something incredible just happened.

“Did you just...tried to kiss me?” Inuyasha breathed, his chest still heaving as he tried to breathe. His expression was a good mix of awe and relief. Kagome took in his appearance, almost forgetting to answer the question.

 “W-ell, weren’t you also...trying to kiss me?” she timidly replied, unable to completely meet his gaze, but only managing to glance back and forth between him and her surroundings.

“That doesn’t answer my question, Ka-go-me” Inuyasha teased, the amusement in his voice barely hidden. 

Kagome finally swung her head so fast towards him, an expression of utter disbelief on her face. “Yeah well-! Y-you came onto me too! What does that mean then, Inu-ya-sha?” she all but sang to him, while also inching just a little bit towards him.

“I didn’t come onto you, I was leaning forward! You’re the one who smashed her face on mine!” “Oh, come on, it wasn’t that hard! You’re such a whiny baby!” she huffed.

“Correction: a whiny baby that you tried to kissssssss...” Inuyasha dragged out the words while never dropping his huge smirk. A smirk that Kagome wanted to wipe out of his face. Possibly with even more kisses- Anyway!

“Oh you! - wait... you were leaning towards me,” Kagome pondered out loud, her brows furrowed, “...you were... does that mean…?” she breathed the last part, chocolate eyes coming back to look at Inuyasha.

An impish smile tugs at his lips, “Keh!... I guess the cat’s out of the bag, uh?”. He set his eyes on her, his face still red as a tomato. Kagome searched through his eyes and could only see genuine tenderness in them, and it was enough to make her heart soar.

A stupid grin appeared on her face “...You really feel that way?”

Inuyasha can’t help but grin back at her. “Yeah, I do… And...I have for a long time, actually.”

Kagome couldn’t suppress the little gasp of surprise that came out of her as one small hand covered her mouth. There was a glint in her eye that made her whole face lit up even more, making her even more beautiful in Inuyasha’s eyes.

“I...me too” she murmured softly.

The hanyou chuckled, incredulous at her words. 

“Damn... all this time?”

She nodded. 

“Guess we’re both hopeless dorks.” 

He turned to face her fully, one of his hands making its way to tenderly hold her hand as they laid listlessly in her lap. He gently squeezed them, then tenderly whispered to her, “I don’t mind that in the least.”

Kagome squeezed his hands back, she felt as if her heart might escape her chest at any moment, the love she had for this man so strong.

Never in a million years could’ve she imagined that not only her best friend was indeed in love with her, but that he also had felt this way for such a long time.

She inched closer to him, firmly holding him in her gaze.

“Yeah, me neither.”

Golden orbs stared back at chocolate-brown ones, the silence between them never once awkward or too heavy. They basked in each other's presence, without the need of any futile comment or explanation.

Ignoring the soreness of their noses, they both leisurely leaned forward. One of Inuyasha’s hands snaked around Kagome’s neck, and his fingers wove into her long hair; she placed her hand on top of his smooth, solid chest - her fingers softly gripping his shirt. 

Soon their lips met in a delicate kiss, all the while Kagome’s phone silently recorded their magical moment.

[vergilthelibrarian]

Lovesick Angel.

Yandere/Angel!Taeil x Male!Reader x Joshua

Taeil breathed in slowly, taking deep breaths as his eyes stayed on Mark.

“Taeil. You have sinned one to many times.” Mark started. “Before I let you go… I just want to know why? You were one of our most powerful angels yet you let human emotions control you… Why is that?”

Taeil smiled dreamily.

“It’s because I’m in love.”

“Love? Your love should be with God.”

“My love is far more worthy than God herself.”

Mark’s jaw clenched, anger contorting his features.

“You have lost your mind...” and Taeil nodded in agreement.

“So I have...”

“Whoever this love is better be worth it. Taeil, I deemed you banish from Heaven.” Mark spat and Taeil began laughing. At first it was just a giggle but it turned manic and as Taeil leaned backwards to fall, Mark caught a glimpse of the madness that was in Taeil’s eyes and shuddered.

Whoever caught the now fallen angel’s attention was a goner he thought and he prayed that God would protect them.

~~

You giggled with your boyfriend Joshua as you 2 baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

The doorbell to your apartment rang and Joshua went to go answer it.

He came back, a quizzical look on his face and a bouquet of sunflowers in his hands along with a yellow envelope.

“It’s for you Y/n.” he said handing the flowers to you.

You got up from the chair you were sitting on and took the flowers and the envelope.

Curious, you set the flowers down on the table and opened the yellow envelope, taking out a letter.

“What does it say?” Joshua asked standing next to you, trying to peak at the letter.

“Dear, Y/n.” you began. “You may not know me but I’ve known you for a very for a very long time and slowly I’ve fallen for you, figuratively and literally. Just recently I was able to start a brand new chapter in my life and I plan on having you in it. We will meet soon, love your guardian angel.”

You stared at the note, frowning.

“Well, that’s not creepy at all.” Joshua remarked and you nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, this is pretty weird.” you sat the letter down on the table.

“The flowers are pretty though.”

“They’re your favorite too. Hmm… Seems like you have a secrete admirer.” he said, picking up the letter to read it for himself.

“I’m gonna get a vase.” you said, walking off to the closet.

Once you got to the closet, you opened the door and grabbed a vase that was decorated with painted bees. You closed the door, turn around only to scream, nearly dropping the vase.

You saw a shadow standing not far from you only for it to vanish as soon as it appeared.

Joshua came running out the kitchen.

“Whats wrong?! Are you okay?!” he asked, coming up to you, worry in his eyes.

You were visibly shaken.

“I just saw this huge black shadow standing right there.” you pointed in front of you.

Joshua looked behind himself then back at you.

“Have you’ve been taking your medication?”

“I have.” you sighed. “Maybe I need to start a new medicine...” you said sadly, smiling when you felt your boyfriend hug you tightly.

“It’s okay babe. I’m here. No shadows demons are gonna kidnap you.” he laughed causing you to giggle.

Joshua always knew how to make you smile.

~~

You awoke in a cold sweat, your breathing harsh and your heartbeat fast.

Shaking your head, you try to get the mental image of your dead boyfriend out of your mind but you couldn’t

Lately, you’ve been having the same exact nightmare, of your boyfriend being murdered by a black winged man. You didn’t tell Joshua about the dream because well, you didn’t want him worrying about you too much. But the dream was getting to you and you couldn’t shake off the feeling that something dreadful was going to happen soon.

Sitting up, you gulped loudly, noticing that your throat was dry and decided to go to the kitchen to get a drink.

As you walked to the kitchen, you noted how cool the apartment was.

Turning the faucet on to cold, you grabbed a cup and watched as the water poured into it. You turned off the faucet and drunk the whole cup in one go. Sighing, you put the cup down, your hands gripping the sink.

That’s when you heard a melodic voice coming from somewhere.

Your heart shook as you listened to the voice humming.

Turning around, you cursed to yourself as you realized you didn’t turn on any lights and was in the dark.

Gulping, you walked out of your kitchen, only for the voice to grow louder.

Looking to your right, you saw that your balcony door was open which was strange because you made sure you closed it before you went to bed last night.

The light of the moon shined upon your living room, giving you some light.

Walking to the balcony, you notice that the humming was coming from there.

Alarms went off in your head. One part of your mind was yelling at you to run into your room, lock the door and call the cops but the other told you to check where the humming was coming from and as much as you wanted to run away to your room, you legs seemed to be moving on it’s own as you stepped closer to the balcony.

Your foot touch the cool concert and your head poke out to the side.

You were met with the back of a person in an all white outfit. They didn’t wear any shoes and their head was up, looking at the stars of the night sky, their hands resting on the balcony ledge.

You noticed that the humming had stopped once you got on the balcony and you nervously asked, “Who are you? What are you doing here on my balcony?”

You heard a chuckle and a deep sigh.

“You know… I use to live up there. I was one of God’s most powerful angels. I loved her and she loved me.” the stranger said causing you to frown in confusion. “But then one day, while on patrol, one of her creatures caught my eye. A human… He was crying because he had fallen off his bike he’d had scraped his knee. Poor thing wouldn’t get up. His own father had to carry him back to his grandmother’s house to be patched up.”

Your eyes widen.

That happened to you. That exact scenario happened to you when you was about 7 years old. How did they know that?

The stranger continue.

“I would watch the human as he grew up. And as I watched him grow, I felt things, things I never felt before.” his fist balled up. “Love. Greed. Envy. And lust to be exact. Those were the things I felt for him but he had no clue because well, God didn’t allow non guardians to be near humans.”

“What are you talking about?” you asked, wondering if this was just the drunken ramblings of someone who broke into your house.

“But I wanted to be near him so bad.” the stranger ignored your question. “I needed to be near him. And that need, that hunger grew and grew. My passion for you grew to where that now I am too far gone. I can’t be saved. And neither can you my love.”

You grew scared as the stranger turned around.

The man looked at you with a dreamy look on his face.

“I grew so tired of Heaven and I know you’ve grown tired of Earth. Run away with me.” he said walking towards you, your mind going blank.

The man grabbed your hands, his eyes scanning your features.

“Run away with me and you’ll never be alone again. I’ll worship you like the God you are, just say yes to me.” it felt as though he was speaking directly in your mind as he spoke out loud. His voice had an echo affect.

“W-who are you?” you asked nervously.

The man chuckled, his eyes turning black.

“I’m Taeil. Your guardian angel.”

You fainted.

~~

You woke up in bed, your head pounding.

Before you could even wonder how you got it bed, you remembered the event of last night and wondered if it was all a dream.

It had to be.

There was no way that what had happened was real but yet you couldn’t shake the thought away of it being real.

You sighed checking your phone.

20 missed calls from Vernon

“What? Why did Vernon call me twenty times?” you thought out loud, pressing the calling icon to call the man.

You were answered with a hysterical Vernon who was crying so much that he couldn’t properly string words together.

“Vernon calm down. Take deep breaths.” and he listened, breathing slowly.

Once he was a bit calm you asked him to tell you what was going on.

“It’s Joshua. He’s dead! They found him in the baseball field near the lake with claw marks on his body and his heart missing! I’m so sorry Y/n.” and he broke down again.

You dropped your phone and ripped out a heartbreaking cry of anguish.

No.

No this couldn’t be real, this couldn’t be happening.

He was just here with you yesterday and now he’s gone.

Just like that within a blink of an eye, he’s gone…

You picked up your phone.

“I’m gonna come over.” Vernon said and you shook your head.

“No. I… I need to be alone for a few days.”

Vernon didn’t press you, understanding that you wanted to grieve and soon you 2 said your goodbyes and hung up.

As you cried, you heard a humming and without a thought, you legs moved on it’s own to where it was coming from, this time in your living room.

You sniffled as your eyes landed on the man from last night, Taeil, sitting on your couch, his white clothes and mouth covered in blood.

He smiled upon seeing you.

“Honestly… who would’ve thought becoming a fallen meant I’d get taste for human. Strange really.” his nails were razor sharped and all of his teeth seemed sharp as well. Compared to last night, he seemed unhuman.

“You killed him.” you whispered and he smirked.

“Of course I did. How can I let the man I love attention be on some other man? I can’t have that.”

He got up from the couch, walking to you and as much as you willed your body to move, it just wouldn’t budge. It was like you were glued in place.

You looked at him before moving your attention down to the floor, not wanting to look at him, tears drops falling from your eyes, hitting the ground.

“That look in your eyes. I hate it.” he said, his bloody hand caressing your cheek, his face so close to yours that his nose was skimming your forhead. “Do not fear my love. For I am a messenger of God.” his voice echoed in your mind.

Suddenly you found yourself enclosed tapped between him and his black wings.

You wanted this to be dream.

You wanted to wake up and have this be all over but as you finally, slowly moved your head up to look at the monster, your heart sunk as you met his charcoal colored eyes, a lovesick grin on his lips.

“Only I can worship you.”

[spideyspoods]

Deception

Pairing: Peter Parker X F!Villain!Reader

A/N: Screw tumblr mobile for deleting my fic (again)!!!! You’ll probably notice that this seems similar to @marvelsswansong‘s series Kalopsia (would recommend) and I’m sorry about that, but it happened to be purely coincidental and we came to the conclusion that it was okay to post anyways, but I made sure to add a disclaimer anyways :)

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: Manipulation and a bit of angst. Far From Home spoilers!

Masterlist!

The class split up into their own groups, ready to explore everything Venice had to offer. Originally, Peter planned on sightseeing with Ned until he fell for Betty in what seemed like an instant. Unfortunately for Peter, he had no backup plan. He could either walk around aimlessly, pretending to be busy or muster enough courage to join Y/N L/N and her friends. It’s not like the latter was impossible, it was just complicated.

They’ve known each other since the very first day of high school and it seemed to be perfect. From the instant they talked, both of them knew that their friendship was there to last. She had stuck with him through the highs and lows; hell, she even knew about his biggest secret. Turns out hiding the fact that you’re some sort of superhero was hard to keep from your best friend.

So why was he nervous? Why did he feel his heart beating rapidly in his chest? He gripped onto the strap of his backpack hard enough to turn his knuckles white. Peter wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but he might have a small crush on her. Sometimes, she would talk or act in a certain way to make it look like she felt the same way as he did. “Hey, Parker!” a melodic voice called out, taking him out of his racing thoughts. His eyes shot up to see the very same girl in the center of a few classmates waving in her direction, “Tell these idiots that I’m not the one who crashed into Flash’s car!” He laughed, inching his way closer towards the small crowd. He had remembered that day all too well. “Seems like I have a video that says otherwise.” Y/N stared him down, disappointed in him not covering for her while he shrugged.

The water trembled and began to form erratic waves that bashed against the wooden docks. Peter felt chills run down his spine and made eye contact with her, to which she understood. A second later, a geyser shot up to take the form of a man made of water. “Come on, let’s move!” Y/N pointed towards a closed in area, pushing people away from the scene. She waited for everyone to follow, before turning to see a green ray blast through the monster. Y/N smiled, shutting the doors.

---

The class was dismissed, heading back to their small hotel rooms for the night. Y/N dried the ends of her hair while chatting with Ned and Peter. “I still don’t understand how you were so calm during that whole Mysterio thing.”

“Hidden talent. I’m just a calm person.” Y/N folded the towel, and looked to Peter who seemed to be somewhere else. “Earth to Parker, you doing okay?” “Hey, give him a break. He just fought a water demon, Y/N.” Peter shook his head, “Yeah, yeah I’m alright. I just can’t believe I’m one day into vacation and this happens.”

“Be proud of yourself, Parker. It was kind of cool,” Y/N trailed off, smirking. Peter’s cheeks flushed, while Ned watched the two of them with a knowing look. Y/N broke off the eye contact and coughed, “Well I need to get going before Mr. Harrington comes for me. See you later.”

Y/N turned around and turned the corner, still hearing Ned’s voice. “Dude she likes you!” While it was true, she couldn’t let her feelings get the best of her. The door to her room creaked open, Betty already sleeping peacefully. The phone in her pocket vibrated and she picked it up.

about to meet him. he ask any questions?

Y/N quickly typed a reply back, none. get him it’s almost showtime.

---

The following day, everyone packed up and found a black charter bus waiting for them. Peter sighed, knowing the reason behind the sudden change. Y/N stopped next to him, looking for him to speak. “I think Nick Fury hijacked our vacation.” Her eyes bulged out of her head, practically whisper yelling. “Wait you met Fury? You better tell me everything, we have nine hours to kill.”

Y/N took the window seat while Peter sat right next to her. “Well I met Mysterio, apparently his name is actually Quentin.” She stifled a laugh which was met with a playful grin. “Sorry, but who names their kid Quentin?”

He continued to explain everything from the elementals to his new mission in Prague. “Also Fury gave me this gift. Well it’s actually from Tony, but he gave it to Fury who gave it to me-” he continued to ramble, before calming himself down. He pulled out a wooden glasses case and he opened it carefully. Y/N’s breath hitched in her throat, realizing what it was. He slipped them on, hearing a computerized voice. “Hello, Peter. My name is EDITH which stands for ‘Even Dead, I’m the Hero. Tony liked his acronyms.”

“Yeah, he did.” his voice faint, sadness panged his face. Y/N looked away, focusing on the real task at hand. She would have to wait for the next pit stop, seeing as if EDITH could look right through her phone if it was on.

“Y/N remember. We’re in it for the long game.”

---

Two hours later, they arrived to their rest stop. Everyone practically ran to the bathrooms, while Y/N turned to the left. She stood in a corner, frantically typing on her phone.

He has EDITH and explained everything.

Y/N pushed open the door, to reveal a small wooden room with a pool table. Her eyes darted to Peter with his pants down, in front of a tall European lady who stood still and intimidating. “Y/N! I promise, this isn’t what it looks like!” Her eyes welled with tears and it took everything in her to keep them from streaming. “Well it seems pretty clear from where I’m standing, Parker.” She turned right around, making sure that the door shut loudly. Y/N wiped the tears away, stomping back to the bus and into a seat as far away from him as possible. She didn’t know why she felt jealous or why she was this angry. Peter was her best friend, and they were in no means together on any term. Yet, it felt like it was an unspoken rule between them. Nothing seems to make sense anymore, she thought to herself. Her phone chimed one more time.

Perfect. Don’t let your feelings get in the way.

But it was too late.

---

Y/N had iced Peter out completely. It was better this way, as she knew what would happen in a matter of days. He had tried so hard to talk to her, only for her to walk away or find someone else to talk to. Ned was too lovesick to offer any genuine advice while MJ could have cared less. He had nowhere else to turn to aside from his Aunt May. She wanted more than anything to see the two together ever since they had met, even going out of her way to drop hints to the two kids. His phone continued to ring, before being sent to voicemail. He had almost forgotten about time zones.

---

They arrived to the empty opera house, a few minutes before curtain. His annoyed classmates found their seats, Peter scanning for Y/N in hopes to apologize. He stopped Ned at the door, “Hey where is she?”

“Oh she’s still not feeling well. You messed up big time.” Peter pinched the bridge of his nose, “I know, I was trying to apologize to her but-”

Parker, are you in position? Fury asked. “No.” Ned furrowed his brows as Peter muted his mic. “I gotta go.”

After a grueling fight with the fire elemental, Peter felt drained. Quentin’s eyes fluttered awake before slowly bringing himself to his feet. “Come on, kid. I need a drink.” He staggered to a bar, detaching his cape. “I’m underage!”

---

“I can tell something’s distracting you, kid. What is it?” Peter sipped on what seemed to be his third lemonade of the night. “It’s just that I had this chance with this girl and I kind of blew it.”

“How so?” Quentin took another sip of his drink, resting a bruised arm on the wooden bar. “I’ve known her for a long time and while I was trying on this suit, she walked in and thought something else was happening. Even though it wasn’t, she wouldn’t listen to me!” He paused, lowering his head “I was going to ask her out tonight, too. She’s been ignoring me and that whole mission thing, it’s kind of a mess.”

“You’re right, you did blow it. Well what’s her name?” He chugged the amber liquid in his glass, waiting for him to speak. “Her name is Y/N.”

Quentin’s brows shot up and he drew back. He swore he could have felt his heart stop for a minute. Damn it. “I’m sorry to hear that, Peter. You’re a nice guy, and I think she’ll come around. Just give her some time.” He stated, hoping that he didn’t hear the shakiness in his voice. At that moment, a bartender handed Peter back the glasses which he didn’t even notice were gone.

“Those were just sitting on the ground?”

“Yeah, seems like it.”

“Well try them on!” Peter reluctantly put the glasses on his face, looking back with a little smile. He tried to gage an emotion from the man sitting across from him, but his face was unreadable. “Can I be honest?” Peter nodded. “They look a little dumb.” With a frown, he took them off and handed them to Quentin. “Try them on.”

“I can’t.”

“Try them!” He pushed them up on the bridge of his nose, raising one eyebrow. Peter began to see Tony in him; someone he could trust. “For the next Tony Stark, I trust you.” he muttered.

“What?”

He repeated the same thing, a bit more confident. “Maybe Mr. Stark gave them to me so I can choose who to give it to.”

“Peter, come on. Be serious.” Peter took back the glasses and tapped the side, “Hey, EDITH. Transfer all control to Quentin Beck.”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m doing the right thing.”

Any transfer will require confirmation.

“Stark gave you the glasses!”

“Stark gave me a choice, it’s my choice to make and I’m going to make it. Look, you’re a soldier! You stopped the elementals, you saved my life, you saved the world! He’d want you to have them.”

Awaiting confirmation.

“Confirm.”

Knowing that the kid was already too stubborn, Quentin reluctantly took them into his hands. “Thank you, it’s an honor. Now go and enjoy your vacation.” With one last smile, Peter collected his things and went out the door.

---

Y/N neatly folded her clothes back into her suitcase, zipping it up and setting it near the door. She huffed, just wanting to get this whole ordeal over with. The ornate hotel room filled with glimmering decorations and beautiful furniture felt empty, but she shook it off. She knew that she shouldn’t have gotten attached, everyone warned her but she did anyways. The silk curtains billowed in the wind and as Y/N went to close the window, she noticed two familiar figures with a projector piece. Peter and MJ. Shit.

Her phone chimed, a message coming from exactly who she thought it would be.

Got EDITH, meet me at the base. you and i have a lot to talk about.

Y/N bolted down the marble stairs and practically burst through the doors. She started to run, only seeing the faint light of the streetlamps. Minutes later, she heard someone call out her name. “Y/N!” Peter. He stopped her by holding her shoulders, making her face him. His brown eyes were filled with guilt and worry. “I’m so sorry, but you have to listen to me. Wait, I thought you were sick?” A part of her wanted to forgive him; to make everything go back to normal. Distancing herself seemed like the easiest way, but no one told her that it was the most painful way too.

“You’re right, I am sick” she snapped, wriggling out of his grasp. “Sick of you. I have to go.” Her words laced with venom unlike any other rang through his mind as she walked away without looking back.

---

Y/N took a deep breath before opening the doors. She had walked in the midst of their test run. Cloaked drones hovered, playing out a sequence. Quentin had taken notice of her entrance, making them pause. “Sweetheart.”

“Dad,” a bitter tone to her voice, “what do you need this time?”

“I thought we were on the same page. What was the one thing I told you not to do?” He crossed his arms, mirroring his daughter’s movements.

“Let my feelings get in the way.”

“Now imagine hearing that your target is head over heels for your own daughter. Crazy, right?” He looked down to her, eye contact unwavering.

“You don’t have to worry about that anymore.” Her mind drifting to the fight not even moments ago. “He told me everything that happened between the both of you. You’re making this harder for all of us, Y/N. You know, you’re just like your mother. You both let your feelings get the best of you.”

“Sure that I didn’t get it from you?” She stepped past him, only for him to grip onto her forearm. “Y/N you have to understand, I didn’t want to hurt him. Now you’ve left me no choice.”

“What do you mean? We agreed to leave him out of this!” Her voice rising.

He let out a wry laugh, turning away just to look back at her. “Were you not going to tell me that he knew? A projector is missing and both know who has it.” Of course he knew, she never managed to get anything past him.

“Dad, please” she pleaded. Deep down, she felt like a fool. This would have been avoidable, after all. Quentin’s eyes softened, and he pulled her in for a hug. “You know that I only want what’s best for you, right? In fact, I’ve got a brilliant idea and I can’t do it without you.” Her father’s demeanor changed under a split second, and she never knew what was going on in his head. An illusion of his own, she would tell herself. It looked like he was so wrapped up in fooling others with disguises and holograms that he forgot who he truly was. Her father wasn’t always like this, it only started to show years back when he let jealousy dictate his every move.

“What are we making this time?”

“Something tailored for the kid. Maybe these emotions had a silver lining, you know everything that he’s terrified of, right?”

Y/N hated that she continued to fight for him, knowing how many lives he had thrown away, but early on she realized there was no other way out. Quentin’s assistants followed him into the lab to get started on Peter’s nightmare. Y/N lagged behind, looking to the surveillance of Peter finding the drone.

I’m sorry.

--

thank you for reading! feedback is greatly appreciated, but not required! my requests and taglist are open, both links are in my desc!

taglist: @parkeret @savedbystark @harrysbbby @cutiepiemimi13 @leelee--thebaek @softrdj @happylittlesuns @lovertony @anolddayslover @astromilku @ninja-boss-barbie @hollandsthot

[joyful-soul-collector]

About Me

I was tagged by @theswordofpens! I started a new post for this cuz the other one was getting hella long with reblogs lol. Anyway, let’s get on to the questions!

How tall are you?

5′7 or 170.18cm

What color and style is your hair?

That is a debated topic actually. My hair is dyed bright blue, but the natural parts of it people can never decide if it’s black or dark brown. In the summer sun, it’s dark brown, but it’s not always summer and I’m inside 90% of the time, so it looks black very often. So really depends on the lighting of the situation. Though people tend to focus more on the fact that my hair is blue rather than what color the natural parts are lol. My hair is a pretty basic short haircut, short on the sides, little longer on top, a bit of bangs that get in my eyes sometimes. 

What color are your eyes?

Again, debated topic, and for the same reason as my hair. Sometimes dark brown, sometimes black, depends on the light. 

Do you wear glasses?

Yep! They’re red on the inside and black on the outside. 

Do you wear braces?

Yeah, my family was finally able to get me braces a while ago! I guess most kids get them when they’re younger, before their teeth have the chance to get worse, and they only have to have them on for a year or so? But we were only able to get them when I entered sophomore year of high school, so I have to have them for three years since my teeth had gotten so bad. They’re a lot better now, and hopefully I’ll be able to get them off before I go to community college 😅

What’s your fashion sense?

Does fandom nerd count as a category of fashion? I wear a lot of shirts with references to tv shows. All of my shirts have some sort of graphic on it, and I also have a couple zip-up hoodies that are tv show references. I also wear bright red sneakers every day, big bright red headphones that I wear every day, and a wallet chain that I wear every day. So all of that, combined with bright blue hair, seems to make for a... noticeable person haha. 

What is your full name?

Marko Polo

(Nice try, I’m not saying personal stuff on here haha)

Where were you born?

Not gonna say exactly where, but in the more southern part of California. 

Where are you from and where do you live now?

Alright, so technically I’m from a few different places. I was born in southern CA and lived there til I was 8, then we moved to super north-western WA where I lived until I was almost 13, and then we moved to central PA, where we celebrated my 13th birthday like a week after arriving. I’ve lived here in PA ever since, so that’s five years here in a couple months. 

What school do you go to?

A High School

What kind of student are you?

I’m an alright student? I struggle with school, especially with all the moving I’ve had to do. Different schools have different expectations and vary in a lot of ways. I also have ADHD (more inattentive, less hyperactive) and Anxiety, which has not exactly been a help haha. I’ve always needed tutors and extensions and my 504 Plan, but if I have those I can often get good grades!

Do you like school?

School is meh. It’s stressful and exhausting, which is frustrating because I have other stuff I want do outside school, but I can’t do half of it because I have hw and chores and any other random things that need to get done. But my school is very high quality compared to most public schools! We have so many resources and amazing classes, and I love attending there, but unfortunately the people are not my favorite. Most of them are rich kids who have never attended anything other than really fancy schools, so they often take what they have for granted. I’ve heard kids say “our school is trash” while sitting in our Forensic Science class, in front of a school issued computer that we get to take home every day. It bothers me to NO END how some of these people act, but oh well. 

Favorite subject?

English! English has always been my favorite subject, I love stories. 

Favorite TV shows?

Ohhhhhhh man here we go (in no particular order): Firefly, Dollhouse, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Demon Slayer, Legend of Korra, My Hero Academia, Sense8, Sherlock, Death Note, Lovesick, One Punch Man, Series of Unfortunate Events, The Good Place, Galavant, Parks and Rec, The Office, iZombie, Kill la Kill, Community, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, The Umbrella Academy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Naruto, Batman The Animated Series, Travelers, Sex Education, Cells at Work, Death Parade, The Promised Neverland, RWBY

Tbh there might be more but those are the ones I could find haha. If you haven’t seen these, watch em, pretend this is a rec list, and then come and yell at me about how good they are. 

Favorite movies?

Again, here we go (in no particular order): The Iron Giant, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Cabin in the Woods, any and all MCU movies (but especially Spider-Man), Into The Spider-Verse, Scott Pilgrim vs The World, anything Bo Burnham, anything John Mulaney, James Acaster: Repertoire, The Prestige, The Usual Suspects, Planet of the Apes, Lars and the Real Girl, Her, Newsies, Baby Driver, Serenity, Liar Liar, Crazy Stupid Love, Bandersnatch, ARQ, Cloverfield, A Silent Voice, Klaus, How To Train Your Dragon, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

There are definitely more, I just couldn’t think of them haha. Again, watch these, and then come and freak out with me about how they’re amazing. 

Favorite books?

Let’s do this one last time (in no particular order, of course): Ready Player One, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Harry Potter, the Gone series, Saga, Sweet Tooth, Chew, Nimona, The Tea Dragon Society, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Lumberjanes, Invincible, Runaways, Calvin and Hobbes, Prince and the Dressmaker, Here, Plutona, Sculptor, Invincible, The Sword, Ultimate Spider-Man, Holes, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, The Giver

There are definitely, 100% more books that I haven’t listed, again, I can’t think of them rn. Also, if you don’t recognize half of these titles, you probably don’t read comics/graphic novels. You should be reading those. Read them and then come and rant about how good they are so I get to tell you I told you so. 

Favorite past time?

Writing! Watching tv! Reading! Spacing out so much people have to say my name ten times before I come hurtling back to earth! Talking to friends!

Do you have any regrets?

Yeah, I wish I’d stood up for myself when I was younger. I was bullied for a really long time, and even though it’s been a couple years since the last I was bullied, it’s still really hard for me to tell people what I want and and don’t want. I think I’m a little better than I used to be though, which is good!

What’s your dream job?

Author definitely, but I doubt I’ll be able to do that for a real job. Tbh I just want a job that I can do in my sleep. Repetitive, pays well, not too exhausting, that way I have energy and time to do my writing and all the things I want to do at home. 

Would you like to be married?

I think so. I want to have a person I can live my life with, who I want to care for and who wants to care for me. If I’m not married I’d like an S.O. or even just a really good friend to live with. I think I’d get sad living by myself haha. 

Do you want kids?

I want to be a foster parent! I’ve loved helping people my whole life, and I think this is one of the best ways that I can help someone going through a rough time. I don’t want biological kids though tbh, not really for any one reason, just for a bunch of little ones. 

How many?

Dunno man. I wanna help as many kids as I can. 

Do you like shopping?

I do! However I don’t do it often because I have no money. I do like walking around stores and looking a cool stuff though, especially nerdy stores like Hot Topic or Boxed Lunch or any book/comic shop. 

What countries have you visited?

Canada, usually to visit family, once to see Niagara Falls! Never been anywhere else though, but I have a whole list of places I wanna see

Scariest nightmare you’ve ever had?

TW: SELF HARM/DEATH

Oof, see my dreams are always nightmares, and my nightmares are always hella terrifying. Often they’re of my worst fears: family telling me they hate me, finding the body of someone in my family, old bullies coming back, but in my worst one I found my little sister cutting herself in an old warehouse. I don’t actually remember much of what happened after I woke up, it was so bad I disassociated for the whole day. But luckily, I don’t dream often. 

Do you have any enemies?

No? Maybe? I have people I hate, my old bullies mainly, but I’m not around them anymore so it’s not like I spend time hating them. 

Do you have any self doubts?

Yeah I have this hilariously fun thing where I think everyone is just pretending to like me because they can’t pick up the courage to stop hanging out with me. Or that if I talk about what’s making me sad/stressed out then I’m being a burden on other people or being dramatic. Slowly working over that but it’s still hard. 

Do you have any significant others?

Nope

Do you believe in miracles?

Depends. I don’t believe in fate or the idea that something higher up is pulling strings. But I think crazy cool stuff can happen. But that’s just luck and coincidence. For me, miracles are the positive ends of luck and coincidence. 

How are you?

Meeeeehhhhh. School sucks, my sisters stress me out, and my parents are breathing down my neck about fifty different things. But I have a couple good friends and my writing and good stories to read and watch, so it’s not all bad :]

Tag ten tumblrs (tag last ten people in my notifications): @tracle0 @humblesavant @holystudenthologramy @federluftmask @phahbiyah @topazastral @dragon-s-bane @cassius-mortemer @saiko-tsuki @writing-another-star

[eturni]

The world is ending (but my whole world is you)

Based entirely from this amazing, heartbreaking art by @millerizo

https://millerizo.tumblr.com/post/186388494906/could-you-say-it-again-for-me-angel-hi-please

It was 10 minutes until the end of the world:

And Crowley was fussing over his appearance, stomach tight with nerves he’d deny until his last breath. This was an extraordinarily long time for an immortal being whose corporation didn’t actually need to breathe.

It was also 8 months, 3 weeks and 6 days since Armageddo-Not-Today-Thank-You. Crowley had wasted no time in getting back on the ‘our side, run away with me, anything for you angel’ horse and as such was due to pick Aziraphale up for dinner at a small sushi restaurant the other favoured. It didn’t hurt that the place also had excellent sake.

Crowley was raising an eyebrow at himself in the mirror and trying to decide if he should leave his belt as it was or let it sit casually askew when something insidious prickled its way up the back of his neck. It settled into the back of his brain with an almost snakelike hiss. It was the same sense of unease that had drawn him to the Bastille, forced him bodily into a church in the war, led him desperately towards a burning bookshop.

He was in his car, phone in hand calling Aziraphale in a space of time too quick for a human’s mind to register. The tightness in his stomach from before was now the knot of some terrible beast twisting over itself and doing its best to turn into a clawing, mind numbing panic. This felt too familiar. Too soon. Crowley ruthlessly pushed back against it, tried to think of other things even as the phone continued to ring unanswered. Panic roared and thrashed as it tried to rise in his throat and Crowley only pushed down harder. There was no reason for it. He was being paranoid. But there’d been fire everywhere.

He set the phone ringing again and thought of how fine Aziraphale would definitely be. The better things that had happened in the Bentley.

Read at AO3  https://archiveofourown.org/works/19979650 or

  Aziraphale’s grip was white knuckled around the console of the Bentley as some poor soul on the street just barely managed a miraculous leap back onto the pavement away from the speeding vehicle.

Crowley grinned at him from behind dark glasses, not bothering to really watch the road. The Bentley knew better than to stray off to road, after all. For all of the fuss about his driving Aziraphale had rarely opted to walk rather than being driven around.

Aziraphale turned to him and his grin only grew when the angel bit his lip nervously, watching the flesh trapped between teeth. “Crowley please watch the road.” He begged. Crowley rolled his eyes but did turn front and centre. “I love you but you  do  go too fast for me.” The angel sighed with relief.

Crowley almost rear-ended the car in front. “What?!”

“Eyes on the road Crowley!”

“ Ssssay that again, angel.”

“What? Oh, yes, I’m sorry. I know how much you hate me talking about your speeding habits.” Aziraphale pursed his lips, fussing at his hands in his lap.

“No… The other thing angel.” Crowley pressed, taking his foot off the pedal just a little. Give both of them some breathing room as his heart pounded in his head.

“Ah, yes. I do love you.” Aziraphale smiled perhaps a little nervously, turning the full, soft force of it on the demon.

  He had to pull over until he figured out how to speak again.

It was 3 minutes until the end of the world.

Crowley screeched the Bentley to a stop in the spot that was always miraculously clear when he arrived. There was no raging inferno, no crime scene. No sign of anything out of place. Crowley wished that it did anything to calm the desperate animal trying to claw its way up through his throat.

The shop was closed. This was not unusual. It opened easily under Crowley’s hand. This was only mildly confusing for the door that had been fairly certain it was locked but was also used to being confused when this particular occult being approached.

Crowley slammed the door closed behind him. “Aziraphale? Bit early, you ready?” He called out, willing his voice not to waver.

Everything looked fine, perfectly in place. Books still in absolutely no discernible order, furniture still ridiculously tartan and well worn and spotless. But there was the sense of something cold and ethereal here, not the normal warmth of his angel. It was something that shouldn’t be leaving that unease that Crowley never, ever felt in Aziraphale’s shop. This was one of the safest places in existence for him. This was where he was invariably happiest. He distractedly ran a hand over one of the sofas as he headed towards the back room.

  Crowley was laid back, head resting in Aziraphale’s lap as the angel ran deft, comforting fingers through his hair. He was pleasantly buzzed from good food and better wine but he was, as always, more warm and off guard just for the fact of the other’s undivided attention on him.

“Hey angel?”

“Hmm?” Aziraphale blinked back to reality from where he’d completely lost himself. Looking at Crowley. It made the demon’s chest constrict with warmth.

“Could you say that thing again?”

“I love you.” Crowley expected a beaming smile, or perhaps one of Aziraphale’s more devious smirks if he was going to use the evidence of him being soft against him later. Instead the smile was warm, with the confidence of millennia of love and understanding.

  Crowley could feel the heat on his face and the absolutely stupid lovesick smile he knew he must have. But what did it matter? Alone in the shop with Aziraphale and no sides left to speak of everyone else could go hang.

“Again.” He whispered.

“I love you.” The smile turned bright and affectionate.

“Again!” The demon demanded biting his lips together and trying to hide a delight that wouldn’t be contained.

“I love you!” Aziraphale declared, pushing up Crowley’s glasses so that he could look into his over bright eyes.

“One last time?” Crowley reached up and placed a tentative hand to his angel’s cheek, revelling in the warmth there.

“Crowley, as many times as you want. I” Aziraphale leaned in, kissing at the snake tattoo “love” his lips moved along Crowley’s jaw, enjoying the slight shiver he got in return. “you.” Aziraphale pulled Crowley closer still, letting their lips meet in a lazy kiss that knew it had the privilege of all the time in the world on it’s side.

It was 2 and a half minutes until the end of the world.

Crowley paused on the threshold to the back room, throat closing up as the howling of the panic in him overcame his brain’s attempts to process the scene in front of him. The window was shattered, a few books strewn across the floor where they’d been toppled for their position as fingers scrambled for purchase.

And there, in the midst of it, Aziraphale on the floor, eyes glassy with pain barely seeing as Crowley entered the room, rushing to his side.

“Aziraphale? What happened?  Shit  what’s going on?” He quickly looked over the angel, hands trembling so much he could barely grab his jacket enough to push it out of the way.

Aziraphale whimpered in pain, teeth trying to grit against it. His hand came up, slow and uncertain, and pressed up against his ribs.

Crowley desperately took Aziraphale’s hand in his, squeezing it between them and feeling sick as he carefully pulled it away. There was a small hole there, just below the heart, steadily leaking blood that wasn’t nearly as celestial looking as it should.

“Shit, okay. I’m going to fix this.” Crowley croaked, lacing his fingers firmly with Aziraphale’s and squeezing, though he didn’t know who he was comforting more.

 Fingers lacing with fingers. A faint squeeze out in the open, in St James’ park, just because he can now.

  Crowley and Aziraphale sat at the same park bench they always haunted, watching the world pass by with all the indifference of any couple who couldn’t see anything outside of the two of them. Aziraphale had moved first, always a shock, and taken his hand, shuffling close enough that Crowley could feel the heat from shoulder to hip to knee right down his right side. He had to bite down on his tongue to not grin.

“Could you say it again?” He asked, shuffling until he was all angles again but never breaking the contact of their hands.

“I love you.” Aziraphale smiled, bringing their twinned hands up to brush a kiss against Crowley’s fingers.

It was 2 minutes until the end of the world.

Crowley took in a deep, shaking breath and snapped his fingers, demonic energy surging in the air.

Aziraphale let out a cry of pain, blood bubbling up through the wound as something sparked under the flesh with cold, Heavenly light.

Crowley almost scrambled back but his body wouldn’t let him move away from his angel, even if it blinded him. “No, no, no. What’s wrong? What happened? What do I  do ?” The demon could quickly feel all traces of composure leaving him, blood rushing away from his face so quickly he thought his corporation might faint on him.

He felt a gentle squeeze of his hand, too soft, and looked up to the angel’s face, surprised to find the image shimmering with the prickle behind his eyes. “My dear” the voice had a wet wheeze that made Crowley feel like the floor had dropped out from under him. Like Falling but worse. “I think this is it.”

“No, you can’t. They won’t give you another body.”

“Feels mortal. Feels… more.” Aziraphale struggled to get enough breath into the body to speak.

Crowley felt similar. “ No. ” He demanded, grip too tight on Aziraphale’s hand but the other didn’t even grimace.

“It’s down to the soul. Gabriel.” Aziraphale wheezed and Crowley thought he was going to throw up. Or pass out. Or burn everything around him.

What could he even do against something protected from his miracles?

Anathema. The witch wasn’t truly ethereal or occult. Silly girl had to have something. He reached into his pocket, hand slick with blood and fumbled to unlock his phone with a shaking hand. He didn’t dare remove the other from his angel’s? Anathema was suddenly in his contacts, a number his phone shouldn’t know. It was one that Aziraphale’s phone knew, however. And despite the generational gap it did what it could to make sure that Crowley got exactly what he needed. Aziraphale had kept in quite close contact with the others after Armagedidn’t after all.

 Aziraphale was stood in the back room on the ancient phone that Crowley swore was just backwards enough to be coming back into fashion with hipsters. He gave Crowley a quick, welcoming wave as he asked about some new divining ritual or something.

  Crowley wasn’t listening, he was grinning deviously at his angel from across the room. “Say it again for me.”

  Aziraphale glowered at the demon, mouthing his name over the top of the receiver as though scandalised. It didn’t mask the pleased glint in his angel’s eyes.

“You said, any time I needed it.” He leaned against the bookshelf nearest to him with his hip cocked out at an angle designed to show he was challenging Aziraphale.

  The angel sighed as though completely put out. “I love you.” It was no less thrilling the hundredth time than it had been the first. “Hmm? Oh no, not you Anathema. Just a particularly clingy...” He trailed off, looking down at the phone in his hand wryly. “Why yes, just that actually.”

It was less than a minute until the end of the world.

Aziraphale’s breaths were coming shallower and Crowley was biting back a scream when the line finally picked up. “Yes! Angel, stay with me! Anathema, what do you do with a magically treated weapon? It’s lodged in there and I can’t heal him!”

“What? Is that Crowley? What’s-”

Crowley’s wings flared out of his back as he lost most semblances of control, desperate to do anything to protect his angel. “No time!” He hissed, desperately. “How do I get it out? Or neutralise it? He’s bleeding out!”

“I don’t know. I’ll look through what I have. What’s happening?” Anathema finally sounded worried enough for Crowley. He disregarded anything that wasn’t an answer for him.

“Move fast! And you stay with me. You’re not going anywhere.” His voice landed somewhere between a snarl and a hiss. His eyes stung, the heat of tears over his cheeks burning like holy water.

Aziraphale looked up at him and even beyond the cloud of pain Crowley could see the unmistakable undertone of pity there. Of a deep sorrow. “Not enough… time.” He sighed out.

Crowley bit his cheek hard enough to draw blood. “No! Stay with me! I… say it again. You promised.” There was the faint edge of hysteria and Crowley couldn’t find it in him to care.

Aziraphale’s lips twitched up in the best smile he could manage and he reached up, slow and painful, to touch Crowley’s cheek. The demon gripped hold of it, pressed it against the wetness of his cheek. “I love you.” The sound was barely there, like being passed through a sea of stars to reach him.

Crowley’s wings wrenched with a sob that racked his whole body. “I love you too. You have to stay.” He begged, watching with terror as the faint light behind Aziraphale’s eyes dimmed further and further.

“Move faster!” He roared, not even sure where the phone was any more as he clung to Aziraphale’s hand in his. As the angel lost the strength to hold it on his own.

It went limp in his hand and the noise that whined from the pit of Crowley’s soul wasn’t human. “Aziraphale, no. Say it again.” He clutched at the hand in his, tears dripping through the space between them. The silence that answered him was somehow louder than a hurricane in his own head.

“Please say it again, I’m  begging  you-”

The world ended inside the circle of his arms and Crowley couldn’t even find the breath to scream.

[thetravelerwrites]

The Bargain: Genus

Rating: Teen Relationships: Female Human x Male Demon/Elf Additional Tags: Arranged Marriage, Marriage, Demons, Elves, Princes, Princesses, Monster Boyfriend, Monster Husband, Monster Lover Words: 6901

Based on “The Princes” series of shorts written by tumblr user @your-monster-romance, with her permission. Read the Original Shorts Here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Previous Chapters: Prologue, Pallidus, Viribus Following Chapters: Gale (NSFW), Fawn (NSFW), Tyria (NSFW), Epilogue

The third brother, Genus, finally meets his betrothed, Gale. Gale rejects the planned wedding outright and is determined to escape, even if she has to ask her so-called future husband for help. Please reblog and leave feedback!

All Gale remembered was getting up from the garden table to look for her sisters, who were taking their sweet time returning to her birthday luncheon, when she stumbled out into the open meadow beyond the castle’s rose garden and fell after stubbing her toe against something solid.

Looking back, she saw that she had tripped over a glittering rose, pink and transparent, that appeared to have been sculpted from crystal. She had never seen anything like it before. It was the kind of thing that would be the jewel of any dragon’s treasure hoard or in a display case of a grand art collection. It looked incredibly out of place, standing straight up out of the ground surrounded by waving grass.

Thinking to show it to her father, who had been acting rather odd lately, she took hold of the seaglass-green stem and attempted to pull it up. It was anchored pretty solidly, so she yanked and ended up snapping the stem from whatever held it beneath the earth with a soft tink!

Then, it was like a small explosion went off all around her. The grass and flowers of the meadow kicked up and swirled around her so fast, it was if she were in a hurricane. She closed her eyes and shielded her face, certain she would open them again to find her gown shredded and cuts all over her skin, but when the deafening noise finally died away, she saw no such thing. She was completely unruffled.

“It’s you!” A voice called suddenly from across the long, dark hallway in which she found herself. A young… man… scurried up to her, dropping a tall stack of enormous books in his haste. He took her hand in both of his, exclaiming, “I can’t believe your finally here! I was giving up hope you’d ever come! I’m so happy to see you!”

“Unhand me! Who are you? What are you?” Gale shouted, her heart pounding, as she wrenched her hand from the grip of the shortish, grey skinned man. If he could be called a man.

He wore spectacles, seemingly an academic type judging by the ink smudges on his hands and the smell of old books that permeated from his skin and clothing. He had on a simple, plain white shirt and natural linen trousers, with his curly black hair hanging down his back in a messy braid. He was mostly clean and pressed, but had the slightly mussed-up, unkempt look of a person not overly concerned with their appearance.

He was rather stout but not muscular, and Gale suspected this was a fellow who spent most of his time sitting down. He was, in fact, rather squishy looking. Although, judging from the enormous stack of books he had been carrying, he possessed considerable strength.

Despite somehow looking like a history professor, his body was quite animalistic in nature. In place of feet, he had cloven hooves like a goat or a deer, and his legs were double jointed and covered in soft black fur from the reverse knee joint down. He had short antlers on his head and a thin tail swinging behind him. His head was just level with Gale’s, perhaps a hair shorter, but his antlers made him appear taller.

His ears were small but pointed and twitched slightly when he smiled. He could also apparently move them backwards and forwards, sticking them out or flattening them against his head like a small creature listening for predators. The whites and irises of his eyes were solid red with small black pupils as their only distinguishing characteristic. It was an odd juxtaposition of features.

He had rushed up to Gale before she had even had the chance to open her eyes, taking her hand and shaking it vigorously, going on about how please he was to finally see her in person as though they were lifelong penpals or some such. His enthusiasm was daunting, and the strangeness of his appearance did nothing to reassure her.

“My name is Genus, my Lady,” He said, bowing. “I’m so happy you’ve come! It’s truly an honor to meet you!” He was practically jumping up and down in excitement. She backed away from him in alarm.

“Gale!”

Gale turned and saw her sister Fawn dashing up, followed by an absolute giant of a man. The giant had similar features as this short, chubby man, except the taller of the two had solid black eyes, a darker skin tone, no tail, and ram’s horns rather than antlers. He trailed after Fawn, who was maybe three-fifths his height, like a lovesick puppy.

Fawn flung herself onto Gale, crying. “I’m so happy you’re here! We missed you so much!”

“What? We? What are you talking about?” Gale asked a little hysterically. “Where is here?”

Instead of answering, Fawn took the giant by the hand and pulled. He knelt down so that she could whisper in his ear. After listening for a moment, he nodded in agreement and she smiled at him, laying a hand on his right cheek and kissing the left. Reluctantly, he slipped out of her grasp, then stood and trotted off.

“He’s going to get Tyria,” Fawn said. She glanced at Genus, who was shifting from foot to foot, with no small amount of sympathy. “We need to talk.”

After a moment or two, Tyria walked up on the arm of another impossible man, this one hauntingly thin and gaunt, with horns spiraling high out of the top of his head decorated with delicate silver chains. He was dressed very rich in green silk and emeralds at his neck and ears. His hair was long and black, and he walked with a graceful swagger. A bit haughty for Gale’s taste, but Tyria seemed quite taken with him. She fussed and picked at his tunic, and he smiled at her fondly.

The giant returned as well, reaching out for Fawn. Gale’s middle sister stepped into the safety of his embrace without hesitation, placing her hands on his chest, her eyes dewy as they looked up at him. He gazed down at her as if she were the only thing that deserved his attention.

Gale looked at both of her sisters as if they, too, had grown horns. “What is going on here? I feel like there’s a joke that everyone is in on except for me.”

“Not much of a joke, I’m afraid,” The tall, gaunt one said. His voice was quite musical. “Although I’m sure my father finds this all rather amusing. He always did have an odd sense of humor.”

“And your father is?”

“Zinzo, the Demon King.”

Gale’s head rocked back. “Uh… what exactly does the Demon King want with my sisters and me?”

Tyria and Fawn shared a look between them that made Gale very nervous.

“Now, you mustn’t get upset, Gale,” Tyria began.

“I’m already upset, Ty, just tell me what’s going on!”

Tyria took a deep breath and, with Fawn’s help, carefully explain the situation with the betrothal, trying their best to convey that the brothers were not in control of the situation and that Gale shouldn’t hold it against them.

“Are. You. Serious?” Gale said through gritted teeth as they concluded the explanation.

“I’m afraid so,” Fawn replied. “Father made the deal before he even knew he’d be having daughters, before he even married Mother. He thought, at the time, that he would never have to make good on his promise.”

“So… what? We’re literally just collateral for Suida? That’s the only reason we exist at all? What kind of nonsense is that?”

“I know it’s hard to accept, Gale,” Tyria said. “It’s not ideal in any sense. Trust me, I was plenty angry at Father when I first arrived. But it’s really not so bad here once you get used to it.”

Gale massaged her temples, trying to wrap her head around the day’s events. Genus fidgeted and watched her apprehensively, with his brothers standing at his shoulders in support. Her sisters stood on either side, creating a wall of insanity she couldn’t penetrate.

“Well,” Gale said. “It was nice to meet you all. I’m leaving.”

Her sisters and the brothers exchanged uneasy looks.

“I’m afraid you can’t leave,” Genus said woefully.

“The hell I can’t,” Gale retorted. “I don’t really care what promises my father made, I don’t recall signing any contracts. I am an adult and I want to leave.”

“No, Gale, you don’t understand,” Tyria said. “None of us can leave, not even Zinzo’s sons. There’s a protective barrier around the kingdom that prevents anyone from entering and exiting without Zinzo’s permission.”

“Then take me to the Demon King and I’ll make him release us.”

Again, Fawn and Tyria exchanged glances.

“What?” Gale fairly snarled.

“Well…” Fawn said in a small voice. “I’m not sure what Tyria wants to do, but… I don’t want to leave.”

“Why?” Gale asked venomously.

“Well…” She said again, reaching back to take the giant’s hand in hers. “Just before you arrived, I agreed to marry Viribus.”

There was a joyous exclamation between the five of them, congratulating Fawn and her massive groom-to-be as they grinned sheepishly. Gale watched them in horror.

“You can’t be serious!” Gale said. “You’re really going to marry that monster?”

Viribus flinched, and Fawn’s eyes widened in offense.

“Gale!” Tyria said reproachfully. “This is a special day for Fawn and Viri. Don’t you dare spoil it for them.”

“Oh, my gods, am I the only sane one here?!” Gale shouted. “How can you both be all right with this? It’s ludicrous! We are not commodities to be bartered! We are people! Royalty! We have rights!”

“As royalty,” Tyria said, her voice shaking a little as she went to lay her hands on Fawn and Viribus’ arms. Fawn was visibly upset and Viribus was holding her with his head hanging. “We are servants of our people. Their safety and prosperity is our primary concern. Father made this deal with his people in mind, knowing he might have to make a terrible sacrifice. His methods may have been deplorable, but above all, he did it for his people, his country. We can aspire to do no greater than that.”

A faint half smile drifted across Pallidus’s face.

Gale shook her head. “You have either lost your mind or been brainwashed. Either way, I’m not sticking around long enough for either of those things to happen to me.” She addressed the tall man standing with Tyria. “Take me to your father. This nonsense ends now.”

She left Genus and Viribus, looking stricken, and a weeping Fawn behind her, not sparing a backwards glance.

Zinzo sat at his desk in the grand sitting room, reading a message from an outer province. He smiled as Tyria, Pallidus, and Gale entered the room.

“Well, well,” He said, standing. “It’s about time. I assume Fawn and Viribus have good news, if she has come at last.”

“We shall let them make the announcements at the appropriate time,” Pallidus said.

“Wise,” Zinzo replied. He turned his attention to Gale. “Now, I assume you have questions.”

“No, I don’t,” Gale replied a little hostilely. “I understand the situation well enough.”

“Ah. Well, that’s good. Tyria here need quite a lot of explanation and assurance. So, you--”

“I’m not here to make nice. I’m here to demand our release.”

Zinzo’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh?”

“You’re holding us against our will. We’re hostages. There are laws against that sort of thing.”

“Perhaps in your kingdom. The rules are different here.”

“I don’t care what the rules are here. I’m telling you I’m not going to play your game with you. Let us leave.”

“Gale!” Tyria hissed warningly.

“No, Princess,” Zinzo said lazily. “This should be interesting.”

Gale crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at the king, who looked at her with a smug grin on his face.

“Tyria told me that when you made the deal with my father, the only son you had was Pallidus, and he was but a babe in swaddling.”

“That’s so,” Zinzo said.

“So how did you know you’d have two more sons? How did you know you’d need three brides?”

Zinzo quirked his head at her. “How do you think I knew?”

Gale looked him up and down with a scowl. “I think you’re a seer, or otherwise capable of divination.”

“Very astute,” Zinzo replied, to Tyria’s shock. Pallidus looked guilty but unsurprised.

“So you tricked my father into agreeing to your deal,” Gale said.

“No,” Zinzo replied calmly. “I merely used my foresight to my advantage. It’s a common tactical strategy. Both your father and I had a problem on our hands, so we made an exchange that was mutually beneficial. He just didn’t realize I knew more than he did about the matter. That doesn’t make it a trick. If anything, it could be argued he was attempting to take advantage of me, he just couldn’t see the entire picture.”

“Even if that’s true, I still doesn’t mean I’ll agree to it, and there’s nothing you can do to change my mind.”

“Perhaps so,” Zinzo said. “But you should try anyway.”

Gale frowned and huffed. “Use your foresight. Does this ploy work out for you?”

Zinzo grinned wickedly. “Spoilers.”

Genus was waiting for them anxiously when they came out of Zinzo’s sitting room. Fawn and Viribus were absent.

“I’ll take you to your room,” He said.

“No,” Gale said coldly. “Tyria will.”

He lowered his eyes. “Very well.”

Tyria glared at Gale and put a comforting hand on Genus’s shoulder as she passed. “I’ll come to the library later,” She said to Pallidus, who nodded, putting an arm around Genus and leading him away. As if he was the one who needed assurance.

Gale stomped down the hallway with her arms folded forbiddingly over her chest. Tyria sighed in annoyance.

“You’re being quite unreasonable,” Tyria said.

“I’m being unreasonable?” Gale retorted. “Have you actually gone insane? How can you expect me to just be all right with this?”

“I don’t, Gale,” Tyria said irritatedly. “But I do expect you to be polite. Genus has seen your your every possible need. He’s a good man, if a little quiet. He loves books just as much as we do. You should let him show you the library. It’s breathtaking.”

“I would rather gouge out my own eyes,” Gale grumbled.

Tyria rolled her eyes. “Well, the least you can do is apologize to Fawn and Viribus. They’re both very upset. You ruined their announcement.”

“Sure, I’ll get right on that,” Gale replied sarcastically.

Tyria grabbed Gale by the shoulders and stopped her roughly. “That’s enough. I understand you’re angry, but that’s no reason to take it out on people who have no control over your circumstances and are trying to make the best of this situation.”

Gale shook her off. “You’re not Mother. Stop telling me what I should do and how I should feel.”

Tyria shook her head in disappointment and agitation. “This is your room,” She said, motioning to a door with constellations carved into it. “It’s next to Fawn’s, and mine is the next door down. Maybe you should spend some time alone and think about things.”

“It’s not going to change my mind,” Gale said stubbornly. “I’m going to get out of here. It’s only a matter of time. And if I have to leave without you, I will.”

Tyria’s jaw worked in frustration. She opened her mouth to vent at Gale, thought the better of it, and said instead: “Dinner is in an hour. You will be there.”

She turned on her heel and walked away.

During dinner, Gale refused to sit with Genus, instead sitting in the seat next to Tyria ordinarily reserved for Pallidus. Tyria huffed in aggravation, but assured Pallidus it would only be for the evening.

“We’ll see about that,” Gale said obstinately. Tyria growled and didn’t speak to Gale for the remainder of the meal.

After the main course had been served, Viribus and Fawn stood, announcing their engagement to the delight of everyone in the room. The best wine in the castle was cracked open and a celebration was conducted. Gale sat in silence, refusing to participate. The table collectively ignored her.

That evening, she went to her room without speaking to anyone and plopped down on her new bed, groaning in frustration. What was wrong with the people here? What was wrong with her sisters? Was it something in the water?

She stared at the ceiling, her gaze unfocused on the mural of the night sky meticulously painted above her. Her thoughts chased themselves round and round, consuming her to the point where it took her several seconds to see the hidden wonder of the mural. Furrowing her brow, she peered at the ceiling through narrowed eyes.

“How did they pull this off?” She breathed in astonishment. After examining the mural closely for what felt like hours, she fell into an uneasy sleep, determined to asked about it in the morning.

She woke late the next morning, nearly missing breakfast. She refrained from speaking during the meal, resolving to seek out the person who made the mural and ask them directly.

After eating, her sisters and the princes disappeared, leaving her to wander on her own. Eventually, she made her way to the library. She had no idea where it was, but she always seemed to feel a pull toward any large collection of books in any place. She just naturally gravitated to spaces of learning and wisdom.

Once there, she reached out and grasped the handle, but before she could turn it, she heard her sisters talking with Genus and the other men behind the closed door. She leaned against the door and listened to the voices within.

“She hates me!” Genus cried, his voice muffled as though his head were in his hands.

“That’s not true, Gene,” Tyria said. “She doesn’t know you yet. She scared and confused and angry. I know how she feels. It’s exactly how I felt when I first got here. You were the one to finally change my mind and got me to talk to Pallidus. Remember that?”

Genus didn’t answer.

“Don’t worry, brother,” Fawn said. “Just give her time. She’s a willful girl, she always has been. You know that.”

Genus sighed. “Yes, I know. It’s one of the things I like about her. She’s never been afraid to speak her mind. I’ve always envied that.”

Fawn scoffed. “It’s not so much that she isn’t afraid as it is she doesn’t know when to keep her trap shut.”

She was clearly still angry at Gale. Gale felt a twinge of guilt, but not enough to convince her to apologize. She stood by what she said. For Fawn to marry that hulking giant was just absurd, as absurd as it was for Tyria to marry that prissy dandy, or for her to marry that short, excitable bookworm.

Gale heard the rumble of the large man muttering, possibly comforting Fawn, but she couldn’t make out his words. There was a lull in the conversation, during which Gale knocked on the door. It opened, revealing Genus’s pale, surprised face.

“Oh!” He exclaimed. “I… I didn’t expect to see you. Please come in. You don’t need to knock, you know. It’s a public library. Anyone in the palace is permitted to use it.”

“Then you should keep the door open,” Gale said.

Genus blushed and flung the door wide. “Would you like to come in?”

“No, I had a question.” Gale could see his brothers and her sisters looking at the pair of them with matching hopeful expressions. She scowled at them.

“The mural of a star map that’s painted above my bed. The constellations, they’re correct down to the spacing. How did you do that? Who painted it?”

“Oh, Viribus did,” Genus said, motioning back at the giant, who smiled tentatively. “He’s a very talented artist, even though he’d never admit it. I mapped it out for him, though.”

“How did you manage that if you’ve never seen the night sky for yourself?” Gale asked.

“I have star charts.” He pointed at the desk. “They’re a few centuries old, but they worked well enough.”

“A star chart from three hundred years ago would be different than the current sky map,” Gale said skeptically.

“Yes, that’s true,” He said. “I used grafts and calculations to determine how much they would have shifted and based the resulting positions on my equations. I’m pleased to learn my math was correct.”

“That’s… impressive.” Gale had to admit, it was. “And labor intensive. It must have taken weeks to plot it out correctly. Not to mention the patience involved in mapping it out above your head. Why did you go to so much trouble?”

“For you,” Genus said simply. “I wanted to do something nice for you. I know you love astronomy and have your own observatory at home. I regret that I cannot give you an observatory, so I did the closest thing I could think of. Did you like it?”

It was Gale’s turn to blush. “I… yes, it’s very lovely. And factual, which is the important thing.”

Genus laughed, a gentle, boyish sound. “I thought you’d approve. Viribus wanted to take artistic license with it, make it a bit grander, but I figured you would appreciate the accuracy.”

“You were right,” Gale said begrudgingly. “Are you interested in astronomy, as well?”

“Oh, extremely. I’ve always wanted to see the sky. It’s my dearest wish.”

“So why don’t you just go out?” Gale asked bluntly.

“I can’t leave,” Genus said, shaking his head. “Father would never permit it.”

“Why not?”

“It’s dangerous for us on the surface world. He worries for our safety.”

“But if you--”

“Gale,” Tyria said sharply. “Let it go.”

Gale scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Fine. I just wanted to ask about the mural.” She turned on her heel and stormed off.

“Wait!” She heard Genus called. She didn’t stop walking but she did slow down enough to allow him to catch up with her, his hooves clacking noisily against the dark marble floor.

“I nearly forgot,” Genus said, reaching into his satchel and retrieving a wrapped gift. “Happy birthday.”

Gale, surprised, took it hesitantly, carefully tugging the item inside from it’s paper wrapping. It was a book on elvish astronomy.

“Elves have different constellations that humans, did you know? This book has a list of them as well as how to identify them and the elvish names for the stars in each one.”

“Wow,” Gale said. “I always assumed the constellations were universal.”

Genus laughed. “Yes. Humans tend to do that.”

Gale looked up at Genus’s smiling face and was struck by how… genuine he seemed, despite his odd appearance. Like it had never once occurred to him to tell a lie in all his life. He had a childlike openness about his demeanor that, she hated to admit, was intriguing. His default state of being was curiosity.

“Thanks,” Gale said. “For the book. It’s nice.”

Genus grinned and bowed. “Well, I’ll leave you be for now. I know this is hard for you; I don’t want to make you feel any more trapped than you already do.” He turned to go back to the library, calling over his shoulder, “But please, should you need anything, don’t hesitate to send for me. I’d be happy to assist you.”

“Thank you,” She replied. He waved a hand and disappeared back into the library.

“She liked the book! She actually talked to me!” He told the others excitedly. The purity of the happiness in his voice made her blush return. All right. So maybe her sisters weren’t as crazy as she first thought.

It didn’t matter. Having nice jailers didn’t make this place any less of a prison. She was still determined to escape.

Gale spent every waking moment over the next couple of weeks in the library, pouring over books about the Demon Kingdom of Cavernae. As it’s name would suggest, the vast majority of it existed in caverns and caves deep beneath the earth and that only a tiny portion of it was present on the surface. Gale had often wondered why, in the entire history of the Cavernae Empire, the reigning monarch had never tried to conquer another kingdom, but reading the history of the Demons, Gale realized it was because they didn’t need to.

Cavernae was everywhere. It spanned the whole continent, underneath the feet of all the kingdoms and countries. It was a few hundred feet at it’s shallowest, and over seven miles down at it’s deepest. It never ended. Gale didn’t know how to feel about the fact that there was a kingdom full of people underneath her own all this time that she never knew about.

Genus was often in the library with her. At first, he merely smiled when he saw Gale and left her alone, unless she asked him to help her, which he was happy to do. He found her books on any subject she could think of, seemingly pleased that she had taken interest his home. He proved to be a treasure trove of useful information about it and more often then not, she turned to him with her questions rather than a book.

She had been careful, asking pointedly vague questions in hopes of gleaning the information she needed to make her escape without arousing suspicion. He didn’t seem to notice, prattling on willingly about the barrier, where the portals were, where they currently were in relation to your castle in Suida. Gale were surprised to learn that the palace was actually straddling the line between Suida and Gale’s grandfather’s empire.

Finally, he gave Gale the information she was after. There was a portal in the palace. He told her that Viribus used it to bring materials from the outside world, and that it only opened at certain times, during the full moon and the new moon. Those were the only days Viribus was permitted to go out, and even then, he was to be no longer than thirty minutes. It was unguarded because it didn’t need to be; everyone in Cavernae knew the risks when it came to the outside world, and none of them were willing to risk their safety or the Demon King’s ire.

But Gale wasn’t a demon, and she wasn’t answerable to Zinzo.

She waited for the perfect moment. She couldn’t go when Viribus did; he’d catch her and bring her back. She learned he sometimes did errand running for the palace because of his immense size. Fawn would often accompany him to the markets outside of the palace. She was apparently beloved by the people there, and they delighted in seeing her out, so their visits were often, sometimes bringing Tyria and Pallidus with them. The only time Viribus missing his outing to the surface world was on days when he had been to the markets with Fawn.

Gale began to subtly plant the idea of going to the surface with Genus in his mind so that he could see the stars. She tried her best to insist that it would he for his benefit, not hers. At first, he was complete opposed to the idea, not wanting to anger his father, but also concerned about what could happen to him up there.

After a few months of incessant hounding, he began to soften. When he finally agreed, she did your best to hide your triumphant smile.

The next full moon, Viribus and Fawn had been out at the markets all day and were exhausted, going to bed right after dinner. This it it, Gale thought. This is my chance.

That night, she had talked Genus into meeting her in the library and he would lead her to the portal room. She decided not to take anything with her for fear that Genus would become suspicious, but her eyes fell on the book Genus had given her for her birthday and found she couldn’t leave it. She tucked it into her dress, trying her best to conceal it, and ran to the library.

“I don’t feel good about this,” Genus whispered, trying his best to move quietly, though his hooves made that impossible. It was very early in the morning, though, so most everyone in the palace was sleeping.

“Don’t worry,” Gale said reassuringly. “We’ll just pop our heads out and come right back.”

“But we don’t know where the portal will empty out,” he said a little desperately. “What if we stumble into some poor fellow’s garden? We’ll give him a fright.”

“It’s the middle of the night, Gene, any sensible person would be sleeping,” Gale replied.

“The implication being that we aren’t sensible?”

She grinned at him cheekily as they hurried down the corridor. She stopped in front of the large door. There was a strange looking lock on it.

“You won’t be able to open it,” He said, putting one of his fingers over his razor sharp canines and biting down. Blood immediately welled from it. “This lock only responds to the blood of the royal family.”

He dripped a drop or two of blood into a tiny reservoir at the lock’s base, and the filaments that extended out of it to hold the door shut retracted. He pulled the handle, and the door swing open.

There up on a dais, was a glittering doorway formed of branches and vines, similar in color to the rose bushes in the underground garden. In the middle was a bright, swirling light, and beyond was a forest.

“Come on!” She urged him, grabbing his hand. He groaned in reluctance, but allowed himself to be pulled forward. Standing before the portal, he hesitated, and Gale found herself unable to shift him.

“What’s wrong?”

He stared into the portal at the forest outside. “I’ve never been surface side before. I’m… nervous. We really shouldn’t be doing this.”

“When are you going to get another chance, Genus? Come on, we’ll just go in and out. Ten minutes, I promise.”

He grimaced at her and swallowed.

Gale took his hand again. “Come on, Gene. You know you want to see the stars.”

He sighed heavily and closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose, knocking his spectacles askance. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

Her grin widened and she started forward into the barrier. This time, he stepped forward with her. When he opened his eyes again, they had passed through and were standing in the forest they had seen reflected in the portal.

He opened his eyes and stared around them at the tall trees. “I’ve never seen real trees before! They’re everywhere!”

“It gets better,” Gale promised. “Ready to see the sky?”

For the first time that day, he forgot his misgivings and grinned at her in excitement.

“Yes. Let’s go.”

Gale took his hand and led him to where she saw the trees begin to thin out, and with a few seconds, they were standing in an open meadow, flowers everywhere in the ankle-high grass. He stared down at them all with a joyful expression.

“There are so many!” He said happily.

“Genus,” Gale said, laughing. “Look up.”

He did, and the smile faded into wide-eyed, open-mouthed wonder.

They couldn’t have picked a better night for this. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the stars shone as bright and clear as if they were fireflies in a jar, winking and glittering above them. The dark blues and purples swirled overhead, painting a picture more beautiful than any mortal hand could produce.

“Gods below,” He breathed. “The books do them no justice.” He reached up, hand spread, as if to touch them. “What miracles. What treasures.”

Gale watched him, a soft smile on her face. His open awe was more than a little endearing in a painfully naive way. It almost hurt to look directly at him, so she turned away to stare down at the horizon and froze in shock.

There, just beyond the meadow, was a castle. She recognized the spires, the towers, the observatory on the roof. The rose garden. Tyria’s rose garden.

This was Gale’s castle. She was home.

Her heart began to beat as if trying to propel itself out her her chest. She turned to look at Genus, who was still captivated by the night sky and not paying attention. She could run now. She doubted he’d be able to catch her, not on this terrain.

Just as she had turned slowly and lifted her foot to sprint, she heard Genus say, “They’re disappearing.”

She turned back to look, and he had a frown on his face.

“What’s happening?” He asked in confusion, looking around you. His gaze focused on the crest of a nearby hill and he stopped, his eyes widening with apprehension. “Oh.”

She followed his gaze and saw that the sky on the horizon was turning blue and brightening. Dawn was coming.

He began to back away toward the safety of the woods. “I shouldn’t stay out. The sun is dangerous.”

“Maybe not,” She said, grabbing his arm to keep him from retreating. “You’re half elf, aren’t you? Fawn said it might be possible that you didn’t inherit the sun allergy, like other demons have. You could be perfectly safe out here.”

“But…” He said, still trying to pull away, though Gale held him fast. “But I… Father said…”

“Don’t you want to see the sunrise?” Gale insisted.

“Of course I do,” Genus whined. “But…”

“Stay,” Gale said. “Stay and see. Isn’t a couple of little blisters worth a once in a lifetime experience?”

He grimaced, his eyes darting to the horizon, where the sky was progressively getting brighter, and back to Gale's face several times. “Gale… I don’t know about this…”

“Look,” Gale said, taking his hands in hers and pulling him close. “I won’t force you to stay if you’re determined to go back, but you know as well as I that this may be the only chance you have of seeing this. Do you really want to pass it up?”

His brow furrowed and he looked back and forth between the sky and her eyes.

“You’ll stay with me?” He asked.

“Yes, I will.” She said, surprising herself by realizing she was actually being sincere.

“You promise?”

“Of course. Do you trust me?”

He narrowed his eyes at her but responded with a slow, “Yes.”

She squeezed his hands reassuringly. “Then trust me.”

He puffed an explosive breath out through his pursed lips and nodded. Looking once more at the crest of the hill, where a golden light was beginning to form, he faced her and closed his eyes, waiting.

In a few moments, the sun began to break over the hill, sending light and shadows across the sleepy meadow and over the two of them. Gale paid close attention to Genus’s skin, looking for any sign of puckering or burning. When the sun was a quarter of the way up, she realized he was indeed immune.

Smiling, she squeezed his hands again.

“Genus, open your eyes. It’s safe.”

He did, looking in the direction of the sunlight, and inhaled a long gasp. The sun had painted the sky in blues and golds and reds. The rays filtered over the trees, casting long, lazy patterns over the fields. A gentle breeze blew through the grass and flowers, making the shadows and light dance together, like birds on water. It was breathtaking, even for Gale, who had seen her fair share of lovely mornings.

“The colors,” He said reverently, staring out over the field and crouching, as if the force of the beauty he was witnessing was preventing him from standing upright.

Looking at him, staring at the sunlight with the eyes of someone brand new to the world, she felt a stab of guilt. This was such a simple pleasure, one any person who lived on the surface would be privileged to from birth, but for Genus and his brothers, a joy that was out of reach. There was nothing fair about that. No more than being abducted and forced into an arranged marriage had been.

That’s when she realized, she couldn’t leave. Genus was just as trapped as she was. She had to help him and her brothers. There must be a way to free them as well as her sisters. She would find a way.

Gale looked distantly at her home, feeling as if her heart was being pulled in two directions, and sighed deeply. “We should go. Our absence will be noticed,” She said reluctantly.

“What?” Genus said, standing back up and looking at her with a frown on his face. “But… aren’t you going home?” He motioned at the castle looming darkly in the light of the rising sun.

Gale’s heart leapt into her throat. “I… wha… What do you mean?” Gale stuttered.

Genus let out his breath in a mirthless huff. “Gods, you must really think I’m stupid, don’t you?”

She shook her head, unable to speak.

“You think I don’t know who’s castle that is? I’ve looked at it every day my whole life. I know it backwards and forwards. You think I didn’t notice it when we came out of the forest? I’m surprised you didn’t just take off running as soon as we got here.”

“Genus, I…”

“Did you think I didn’t realize what you were trying to do, asking all those questions about the portal? I knew you were trying to escape. You said you would on day one and I never believed you had just given it up. I knew you’d find a way.” He nodded his head toward the castle. “So get going.”

Gale shook her head in disbelief. “Why did you help me, if you knew?”

“Because I love you, Gale,” He said simply, as if it should have been obvious. “I’ve always loved you. I just want you to be happy. If you can’t be happy in Cavernae, then that’s not where you’re meant to be. You should go where you happiest, even if that’s not with me. And hey, I figured if I helped you, at the very least I’d get to see the stars.”

Gale’s throat tightened. She could feel tears coming to her eyes. “But your father…”

“Oh, don’t you worry about him,” Genus said, waving a hand dismissively. “I’ll talk to him. He can be reasonable at times. I’m sure he won’t like it much, but I’ll smooth it out. Don’t worry.”

“Genus,” she said, tears beginning to fall. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” He said gently, cupping her cheek with his hand and wiping the tears away with his thumb. “Just be safe. Be happy. For me.”

A stone lodged itself in her heart. She stepped close and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. His arms went around her waist and squeezed, his nose buried in her hair, breathing in deeply. He was so warm, she found, and she enjoyed the feeling of his hands on her back, his thumbs rubbing softly. She loved how he smelled, like books and leather and ink. His kindness and selflessness broke her heart. She knew that doing this for her could cost him dearly. The idea of him paying any price for helping her made her ill.

Though he made no effort to step away, he said, “You should go. I have to get back to the palace. The portal will be closing soon.” His hand tangled itself in her curls.

Taking a breath, Gale replied, “You’re right. We should get back.”

He did step back at that, narrowing his eyes at her, his hands stilled on her waist and hair. “But, aren’t you going home?” he repeated.

“Yes, I am,” She said. “With you.”

He continued to frown with confusion, opening his mouth to speak but no sound came out.

Gale took his face in her hands, pulled him toward her, and kissed his lips. He immediately kissed back, as if hungry for it, his hands putting themselves on her hips and drawing her as close as possible. When she pulled away, she wasn’t the only one with tears in their eyes.

“Are you sure?” He asked her, his forehead resting on hers and his hands gliding up her back.

“Yes,” She replied. “Let’s go home.”

He gave a watery laugh of relief. Gale took his hand and led him back to the portal. He cast a wistful glance back at the brightening sky and followed.

Before stepping into it, Gale stopped short and looked back through the trees for one last glimpse of her family home, knowing she may never see it again. She bid a silent apology to her mother, father, and brother, hoping that they were all right and that they’d understand.

Genus squeezed her fingers gently, not wanting to rush her but reminding her the portal would be closing presently.

She turned back to him and smiled, laying a kiss on his cheek to make him grin, his sharp teeth flashing in the sunlight. Together, they traveled back through the veil into Cavernae. The portal sealed itself just seconds later.

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*****

I Love You Too, Alexander

Alec woke up to his phone ringing over his alarm going off. Groggily, he reached over to the bedside table to grab his phone, careful not to jostle the hand over his body and the breathing on the back of his neck.

“Hello,” he whispered not looking at the caller id and wondering who would be up at these ungodly hours, because if his alarm didn’t ring, then the sun is not up yet.

“Good morning, big brother,” Izzy cheery voice came through. Alec groaned slightly, “Since when were you a morning person?” he asked.

“Oh I’m not and before you freak out, I just want to tell you, you’re not needed in the institute today and it is 8 ‘o’ clock,” Izzy said. Alec’s eyes widened, about to freak out but went back to normal and he slumped further down to the bed, “Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yes, Alec. Demon activity is low and all our Shadowhunters are completely energized. We just had a training session, it was awesome,” Izzy said and Alec could hear the smile in her voice.

Alec chuckled, “How many asses did you kick this time?” he asked, burrowing further into the blankets and scooching back into Magnus, snuggling further into his boyfriend.

“I lost count after the fifth one. So much overcompensation. You would’ve gotten me on the floor in the second with all the basic moves I was using,” she laughed.

Alec smiled, listening to his sister and he felt the arm around his torso wrap around him tighter and gentle kiss at the back of his neck. Alec’s smile widened as Magnus cuddled him.

“They didn’t even deserve your effort, huh? That bad? Maybe I should come in,” Alec said, “You,” Magnus kissed his earlobe, “are not going anywhere.”

“Magnus is up? Hi, Magnus,” Izzy yelled over the phone and Alec held it away from his ear. Magnus chuckled, “Good morning, Isabelle. Do you need Alexander?” he asked.

Alec sighed, putting the call on speaker, Magnus leaned over and turned into a video call. Izzy’s face flashed onto the screen as she quickly accepted the change.

“Was that necessary?” Alec asked, turning back and then pulling his blankets up to his chest. Magnus laughed and placed a soft kiss to his shoulder.

Izzy squealed, “By the Angel, you two are so cute.” Magnus smirked and placed a kiss on Alec’s cheek, “Magnus, stop. Come on,” Alec complained his face scrunching up.

“That’s not what you said last night,” Magnus replied, sighing and went back to his original position. Izzy was giggling like crazy, “Magnus you’re so good for Alec.”

“And he’s just as good for me,” Magnus said, moving in closer to kiss Alec when his hand descended on his chest and pushed him back, “Yea, yea, save all that for later,” Alec quipped.

Magnus sagged back into the bed, rolling his eyes, “Tough crowd.” Izzy laughed, “Oh please, I’ve walked on the two of you enough to know how corny and sappy my brother is.”

Magnus nodded thoughtfully, “That is true.” “Alright, that’s enough with the two of you ganging up on me,” Alec said, grumpily. “Oh, but that’s so much fun,” Izzy drawled out.

Alec eyes did their signature roll. “So, tell me, Isabelle, do you need Alexander today?” Magnus asked, coming back to the matter at hand and scooching closer to his boyfriend.

“Yea, that’s why I called, you two lovebirds can have this day to yourselves. There’s nothing going on apart from some normal demon activity. So I’ll handle it,” Izzy said, the smile still on her face.

“That is nice to hear, Isabelle,” Magnus said and withdrew from the conversation, choosing to lay down on the bed and cuddle into Alec, tightening his arm around him and nuzzling him.

Alec zoned out, a lovesick smile on his face and then focused back on the phone when he heard peals of laughter, “You’re so whipped, Alec,” she said, happily.

“I know, it’s worth it,” he said, his smile widening as Magnus placed a kiss on his back with a whispered, “I love you too.”

“Love looks good on you, big brother. I’m so happy for you. Have fun, okay. I promise I’ll call you if we need help,” Izzy said, a cheesy grin on her face.

“Okay, I’ll catch you later. Love you.”

“Love you too, Alec,” Izzy said and hung up the call. Alec smiled at the phone and placed it back on the night stand, turning around to face Magnus.

“Good morning,” he whispered, placing a feather light kiss on Magnus’ eyelid. “Oh, so you can kiss me, now?” Magnus huffed, jokingly.

“Hey, you know I don’t like getting …” “Sappy?” Magnus provided, “Yeah. Izzy is notorious for holding things over my head. Not that I can blame her. She’s not had much to hold over my head. You are my undoing, Magnus Bane,” Alec whispered, pulling Magnus close to him and kissing him all over the face.

Magnus giggled relentlessly, “Alexander,” he said in in between laughs, “Babe, come on, stop.”

Alec pulled back as if offended, “Who wants me to stop now.”

Magnus laughed and they both settled into a comfortable silence, tangled in each other, faces millimeters away from each other’s, neither wanting to move or disrupt the moment.

Alec had a soft smile on his face as he moved closer, burying his in Magnus’ shoulder, “I love you so much,” he whispered against his skin and pressing a kiss into it.

“I love you too,” Magnus replied, his heart melting in his chest as cuddled further into Alexander that there was not a part of them that was touching the other.

“I never want this to end and I don’t want to get out of the bed. Can’t we just stay here and cuddle and have sex?” Magnus asked after a few minutes of cuddling.

Alec nodded, his entire body tingling with warmth and love and everything Magnus, “It’s like I can’t get close enough to you,” Alec replied, pulling Magnus tighter against him, if that was possible.

Magnus smiled, moving to connect his lips with Alec’s, making sure not to dislodge the position they were in. Alec and Magnus kissed slowly, warmth emanating from each other and the blankets that were wrapped around them.

The moment was disrupted when Magnus’ phone rang. Magnus cut the kiss short but was pulled back in by Alec, “Ignore it,” he whispered, kissing down Magnus’ jaw line.

Magnus acquiesced, letting the phone fade away in the background. Two minutes later, when Alec had finished sucking a hickey onto his neck and was kissing his chest above his heart, his phone rang again.

Alec huffed, sighing on Magnus’ chest as Magnus groaned and stretched over to pick up his phone, “What do you want?” he answered, annoyance evident in his voice.

“Wow, did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed? It’s Ergen, we still on for 10?” Magnus heard a reply.

Magnus frowned sitting up, “Why are you coming over?” he asked. “Magnus, we have an appointment at 10? Remember? For the potion and the spell?” Ergen responded, a bit confused.

The memory hit Magnus and he face palmed himself, “Yes, it’s coming back to me. I’ll see you then” Magnus said and hanging up, looking at the time. It was 9:00.

“Babe, what happened?” Alec asked getting up and placing a kiss on Magnus’ shoulder. Magnus tossed his phone back on to the nightstand and groaned.

“I have a client coming over today in an hour and I completely forgot. This is all your fault, you know,” Magnus whined, poking Alec’s chest with his finger.

Alec laughed, kissing Magnus’ cheek, “Alright, why don’t you shower and get dressed and I’ll make breakfast?”

Magnus sighed and turned to Alec with a soft smile on his face, “Have I told you you’re the best boyfriend a man could ever have?”

Alec grinned, “Not in those particular words, no,” he whispering moving his face closer to Magnus’.

Magnus cupped Alec’s cheek as he moved in closer, “Well you are,” Magnus whispered, his words getting lost in Alec’s kiss. When Alec broke of the kiss, Magnus felt boneless and deliriously happy.

Then he snapped back to reality, “Showers are no fun without you, babe,” he said and got of the bed, pouting. Alec laughed, slapping Magnus’ naked ass, “Go. I’ll make breakfast.”

“So supportive,” Magnus whispered, his head peeking out the door and then the door closed. Alec heard the shower turn on and he smiled to himself, shaking his head.

He untangled himself from the blankets and put on his boxers and a t shirt that was lying on the floor. He made his way to the kitchen and proceeded to take out ingredients to make pancakes.

Magnus came out fully dressed as Alec set the table with the plates of pancakes and some orange juice. Magnus sat down and looked up at, “So domestic Alexander, you’re such a good wife,” he teased.

Alec smirked, pressing kiss to Magnus’ temple, “Only the best for you, now eat your food before your client comes,” he said, taking a seat next to Magnus and digging into his own breakfast.

Magnus heard knocks against his door just as they’d finished breakfast. Alec got up, grabbing the plates and the glasses, “You get the door and I’ll get these,” he said, kissing Magnus’ temple again.

Guess that was their thing now. “Love, you’re going to melt me with all that domesticity,” Magnus yelled as he opened the door and let Ergen in. “Hey, Magnus,” he said as he walked in.

“Good Morning, Ergen. Right on time, I see,” Magnus said as the werewolf sat down on the couch. “As always, Magnus,” he said. Magnus smiled, “Alright, now what spell and potion do you need, my friend?” Magnus asked.

At that moment, Alec walked out of the kitchen, “Hey, I see this is gonna take a while, so call me when you’re done okay, I’ll be in the Institute,” Alec said, bending to kiss Magnus on the cheek.

Magnus closed his eyes to savour the peck and then the words hit him. He turned in his seat to face his lover, “Alexander, Isabelle specifically told you not to come in today,” he whined.

“Babe I’m sure your client wants all your attention. Besides, I’ll be back as soon as you call,” Alec replied nodding to Ergen. Ergen rolled his eyes, not being a big fan of Shadowhunters.

“Alexander, you are like a trouble magnet, or well, the blonde you hang around with is one. Let’s be honest, you’ll go to the Institute and by the time I’m done with this, you’ll be knee-deep in whatever mess Jace has created, with your Parabatai,” Magnus complained.

“Mags, babe, Izzy and I will be fine and I promise to not go out on the field for anything major. Just a demon or two wouldn’t hurt right,” Alec said, button up his shirt.

“Yea, you’ll say one or two and then I’ll get a call from your Parabatai or the blonde that you’ve been hurt,” Magnus mumbled. Alec chuckled as he geared up.

“I promise I’ll come home to you unscathed, okay? If I do get hurt, I’ll take a week off and we can go to where ever you want,” Alec replied.

“Alexander, that’s not fair. Now I don’t know if I want you to sustain a minor injury or give up my mini vacation,” Magnus replied. “Alright, both of you, I’m right here. Do you two need a room or something?” Ergen interrupted getting tired of their playful banter.

“Alright, I’m leaving, call me when you’re done,” Alec said, gave Magnus a little peck and left. “Love you,” Magnus said. “Love you too,” Alec called after him.

The door closed and Magnus turned his attention to his client, “Now where were we?” Magnus asked.

“Where you were making googly eyes over a Shadowhunter,” Ergen replied. Magnus rolled his eyes as Ergen continued, “I can’t believe you’re actually still with him.”

Magnus turned to him, “What’s that supposed to mean,” he said, sharply. “Wow man, I don’t mean to offend. It just that he’s a Shadowhunter,” Ergen tried to defend himself.

“Be that as it may, he’s different,” Magnus replied, eyes narrowing. “Sure, sure, that’s why he didn’t tell us about the Soul Sword and protected his blonde brother when he used the soul sword on us, by accident, apparently,” Ergen listed off.

“No, that’s why downworlders haven’t been chipped like animals, that’s why warlocks weren’t quarantined when the ley lines were messed, that’s why there’s a downworld council and that’s why your alpha has not been handed over to the Clave for trying to kill a prisoner in the Institute,” Magnus fired off.

“If you want to get some work done you’re going about it the wrong way, Ergen. Alexander is trying, which is more than I can say for any downworlders he’s ever tried with.”

“Not like you can blame them,” Ergen prodded and Magnus sighed, “Yea, that’s what he says as well. Listen, I don’t have time for this. If you want my services you can stay and we can negotiate, otherwise you can leave.”

Ergen nodded, “Okay, back to business.”

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“Alec? What the hell are you doing here? I thought I told you to hang back home?” Izzy asked, as she saw Alec swing into the institute, fully geared up.

Alec held his hands up in surrender, “For your information, Magnus has a client and I’m only here till that gets over,” Alec explained.

Izzy stood, hands folded over chest as she looked up at Alec in thought and then a smile grew on her face, “Okay, Parabatai, I’ve been craving for some actual work out than what these imbeciles have given me so how about we head to the training room?” she asked with a smirk.

Alec smiled, “You’re on,” he said, keeping his bow and quiver in the weapons room and following her to the training room. Alec rolled his eyes as soon as he entered the training room to see Jace basically trying to show off to Clary as he pinned another Shadowhunter to the ground.

A Shadowhunter who wasn’t even close to having the experience Jace has had. “Okay, again,” Jace said, letting the other man up. The man got up, panting, and wiped his face and got back into a fighting stance.

“Go ahead, Alec. You know you want to,” Izzy said, smiling that devious smile at Alec. Alec returned the smile and turned to Jace, “Hey, why don’t you pick on someone your own size?” he taunted.

Jace looked to him, “Oh hey, Alec. Thought you weren’t coming in today?” he asked. “Well, things change. Now what do you say? You up or are you too tired?” Alec continued.

Jace chuckled, “It’s on,” he replied and Alec grinned, taking his shirt off and standing opposite to Jace. Izzy went to sit next to Clary, smirk standing on her face as she saw her brothers fight.

“What are you smirking at?” Clary asked. “You’ll see,” she said as she turned her head back to Jace and Alec only to see Jace had pinned Alec to the ground, but then Alec leg wrapped around Jace and used his body weight to push Jace on to the ground, a fore arm on his neck.

“Okay, now I get what the smirk was for,” Clary said, laughing. Alec let Jace up as he tapped out. “Alright, I’ll see you later, Alec. Clary and I are up for patrol,” he said as he headed to the showers to freshen up and head out.

“Be careful and don’t be an ass and call for back up,” Alec called after him. “Yea, yea, whatever,” Jace dismissed and walked into the showers.

“Well, Parabatai, you ready,” Alec asked, Izzy smiled, stepping up to Alec, “Swords?” she asked and he nodded, both going to pick up their seraph blades which blazed as soon as they touched them.

They took their stance and started fighting, each anticipating the other’s move so much that it seemed like a dance. By the time they were done, they were both panting, both pinning each other to the ground on multiple occasions.

Alec’s phone rang. He drank some water and answered it, hoping it to be Magnus, “Hey, Alec, there are a few demons prowling about here. Want in?” Jace asked.

“How many?”

“Well, I can see around two, so maybe four or five at most. Just regular Shax demons, Alec.”

“Alright, one or two demons won’t do me any harm. Send me your location, I’ll be there in five minutes.”

“Hey, what’s going on?” Izzy asked. “Jace spotted a few Shax demons. I’m going to get in on the actions,” Alec replied, getting dressed and equipping himself.

“Want me to come along?” Izzy asked, concerned. “Jace said there’s four or five at most. I’m pretty sure we can take them out,” Alec replied.

“Since when has Jace cared enough to count his enemies?” Izzy asked, rolling her eyes. “Fair point, but I have common sense. I’ll call you if we need back up, okay?” Alec asked.

Izzy nodded. Alec smiled, kissing her on her temple and left, his phone lying on the table. Izzy walked to the Op room, not noticing the phone.

She noticed a couple of reports pending on the missions on one of the computers so she went to Alec’s office to do them so that all he’d have to do is go through them once and sign them.

Izzy smiled, getting down to do the work, ‘I’m such a great Parabatai,’ she thought, concentrating on the reports. After filling out a couple, she heard the door open and looked up to see Magnus.

“Magnus, hey, everything okay?” she asked, brightening up on seeing her brother’s boyfriend, “Outfit is impeccable as always,” she complimented.

Magnus smiled, “Thank you, Isabelle. Is Alexander here? I called him multiple time but his phone keeps ringing and then going to voice mail,” he asked.

Izzy frowned, “Really? Try again. I’m pretty sure Alec took his phone with him. He promised he’d call me if he needed backup.”

Magnus’ face scrunched up as he dialled Alec’s number and took the phone to his ear, “And pray tell me, where did he go that would require back up?” he asked and then sighed as the phone went to Alec’s voice mail.

“It’s not a big deal, Magnus it’s just a couple of shax demons,” Izzy consoled him. Magnus nodded in relief, “Who’s he with?” he asked. “Jace.”

“Jace! I would’ve felt better if he had went alone,” Magnus groaned. Izzy looked at him in pity, “Come on, Jace is one of our best Shadowhunters,” she defended.

“Who has no regard for his safety or anyone’s around him,” Magnus pointed out. Izzy sighed and placed a hand over Magnus’, “He’ll be alright and if he isn’t, I’ll know,” she comforted him.

Magnus nodded and let out a sigh, sitting in Alec’s office with her. A knock sounded on the door and Underhill’s face popped in, “Am I interrupting something?” he asked.

Izzy shook his head, inviting him in. Underhill smiled and offered her a phone, “I found this in the training room. I figured it was Mr. Lightwood’s. The lockscreen and the texts from Mr. Bane didn’t clue me in at all,” he said, trying to lighten the mood.

He could feel the tension in the air. “Thanks, Steve,” Izzy said smiling. Her face went pale and she collapsed on the ground, holding on to her side and screaming.

Magnus’ eyes widened as he quickly rushed to Izzy’s side, trying to find the source of the pain. She yelled out Alec’s name, tears pouring down her cheeks.

“Alec’s location … phone,” Izzy was able to utter through the pain as she stood up, gasping for breath, her body aching.

Magnus quickly unlocked Alec’s phone, “Got it,” he said, creating a portal. “I’m coming with you,” Izzy stumbled. Magnus caught her, “You are doing no such thing. I’ll return with your brother,” he said and looked to Underhill, “Take care of her and let’s keep this portal between the both of us,” he said and jumped into it.

Izzy pushed Underhill always and jumped through the portal behind Magnus, taking a deep breath. Magnus turned to see Isabelle, “I told you to stay back, you’re in pain,” Magnus chastised.

“Then imagine how much pain Alec is in. It’ll be easier to heal him with me around. Jace is dead,” Izzy said, her eyes fierce. Magnus nodded as Izzy activated her iratze rune, the pain decreasing enough for her to function.

She closed her eyes and tried to feel where Alec was, “Okay, follow me,” she called Magnus as they entered a building. Izzy moved, Magnus close behind her and then they heard screams.

Magnus and Izzy ran into the room to see Clary fighting off a few shax demons and Alec who was on the floor with Jace by his side and a huge slash on his chest, gasping for breath and coughing up blood.

Izzy and Magnus ran to Alec side. “Go help Clary, I can’t see you now,” she bit out and Jace rushed off without any protest. He’d been wanting to help Clary anyway.

Izzy focused on her Parabatai bond and ran her stele over Alec’s iratze rune, drawing a couple more around the wound and activating his amisso rune.

Magnus lit up his magic, trying to stablise Alec long enough to take him to the Institute. The runes and Magnus’ magic helped enough for Alec to breathe again but he definitely needed more treatment and Magnus was already starting to burn up, having only done some magic and potion work in the morning and working on an intense healing spell now.

“Isabelle, we have to get him to the institute,” Magnus said as Izzy had torn off half her t-shirt, basically making it a crop top and wrapping the fabric and tying it around Alec’s wound to staunch the blood flow, and putting pressure on it.

Alec moaned in pain, too tired to scream. Magnus made quick work and created a portal to the Institute. “I’ll carry him,” Jace said after he and Clary had finished of the demons.

Izzy turned her burning gaze to her brother, “You’ve done enough,” she growled as Magnus picked Alec up, narrowing his eyes at Jace as he got into the portal with Izzy.

Jace and Clary followed soon after. The portal opened directly outside the Institute gates. Izzy opened the door as Magnus carried his boyfriend in, yelling for help.

Underhill ran to Alec’s side with a couple of other Shadowhunters, carrying a gurney. Magnus slowly deposited Alec on the gurney, Alec starting to lose a lot of blood.

The Shadowhunters rushed Alec to the infirmary, Magnus and Izzy following them. Izzy breathed out a sigh of relief, “The worst is behind us. My rune is just throbbing now. Alec will be okay,” she said, smiling and placing an arm on Magnus’ shoulder.

Magnus smiled a strained smile, “That’s good to hear, dear Isabelle.” Izzy turned her attention to Jace, “And you, why the fuck didn’t you call for back up? That was not four or five demons, Jace, fuck, the ones you fought when we got there alone was around ten!” She yelled.

Jace flinched, “Look I miscounted and I did call for back up, I called Alec,” he defended himself. “You called Alec? You told him there were five demons at most! That was a fucking nest, Jace. What is wrong with you,” she screamed, all eyes on her in the Institute.

Magnus didn’t stop her, he was fuming silently and wasn’t sure how he’s react with the cavalier attitude Jace was putting on. “Izzy,” Clary tried to intervene.

“No you shut up, why the fuck didn’t you call for backup?” she asked, furious. “My phone was dead and I was using my sun rune to take out the demons in the other room, I didn’t know Alec was in danger.

“And by the time I got back to Alec’s, I was fending off Shax and then you two came in,” Clary explained. Izzy’s eyes softened.

“Look, it’s not my fault Alec got hurt. You don’t see me being hurt,” Jace chimed in with half a smirk on his face. Magnus got up, “Because he was protecting you, you ungrateful little—” Magnus took a deep breath, “I can’t be here,” he said and then turned to go to the infirmary, wanting to know what happened to Alec.

“You know, you act all high and might, but you only care about yourself and probably Clary,” she said. “That’s not fair,” Jace tried to defend himself.

“No, you know what’s not fair, you trying to kill all the demons and not having your back and Alec’s. All for what? Being the best Shadowhunter?” she spat.

“Alec will be fine,” Jace threw back. “No thanks to you. You just take him for granted knowing he’s going to forgive you for all the shit you do because that’s how he is.

“And that’s how I was. Well not anymore. If all you want is your stupid glory, you be a Herondale for all I care, but you are not a Lightwood anymore,” she growled out, her voice going icy cold.

“He’s my brother too,” Jace spat out. “Oh yea, then you are doing a lousy job of doing it. Stay away from my brother. It’s a good thing he chose me as his Parabatai instead,” Izzy said.

“What do you mean?” Jace asked, a bit taken aback. “When you asked Alec to be your Parabatai, he came to me asking for my opinion. I was upset because he hadn’t asked me.

“He thought I didn’t want a Parabatai and that’s why he never asked. That’s why he rejected you, Jace. That and the unresolved feelings and us working better together anyway,” Izzy ground out.

“Look, whatever reasons Alec had for choosing you to be his Parabatai, it still doesn’t have anything to do with why he got hurt. It wasn’t my fault,” Jace reiterated.

“After today, I can say for sure that all you give two fucks about is yourself and Clary. You did everything for her when she came. You didn’t even know who she was.

“You took Alec for granted more times than I could count and I let you. It’s not going to happen anymore. Alec will never team up with you, ever, if I have a say. And believe me, I have a lot of sway over my Parabatai,” she barked and then turned on her heels, marching into the infirmary with a purpose.

Jace turned to Clary, “Come on, you don’t believe this was my fault, do you?” he asked. Clary narrowed her eyes at him, “When I walked into that room, you didn’t care about anything putting on a show.

“Using different moves, swinging your blade around while all that demon needed was a simple stab to finish it off. You took your own sweet time and didn’t even look at your surroundings.

“You just looked around basking in your own brain at the Shax carcasses on the floor. You didn’t care to see if Alec needed help or if you were even in the clear! All for what? To lok cool? You were a lousy Shadowhunter today, Jace.

“You didn’t survey your surroundings, you didn’t check if your brother needed and help and you sure as hell didn’t pay attention to the other demon.

“There was one at your side and Alec couldn’t get there fast enough so he dived and the demon slashed right through him. You be happy I modified what I told Izzy.

“If I told her the truth, which would affirm her suspicions, nothing could save you from her wrath and I don’t think I want to either,” Clary replied leaving Jace dumbfounded as she walked into the infirmary as well, sighing.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Alec opened his eyes to see Magnus holding his hand and basically dozing on it. Izzy was at his side, sleeping near his shoulder. He groaned, his throat was parched and there was a dull ache in his chest.

Magnus blinked awake and smiled as soon as he saw Alec was awake as well. “About time, sleepyhead,” he whispered, not wanting to wake up Izzy.

Alec gave him an uncomfortable smile, “Water,” he said, hoarsely. Magnus quickly summoned a glass of water and helped Alec take a few sips, holding his head up and the water to his lips.

“How are you feeling?” Magnus asked after Alec had finished drinking. Alec gave him a wane smile, “Like I got run over by a truck. Guess this means we’re going on that vacation, huh?” he tried to joke, chuckling a bit and then groaning.

Magnus gave a teary laugh, “You know, you didn’t have to almost die to follow through with your idea, Alexander. We could’ve had that vacation any time you wanted.”

“Aww, but I had to put in at least some effort to show you how much I wanted it, didn’t I,” Alec tried to lighten the mood.

“I’m taking away for a month from this place and the only person you’ll be allowed to talk to is Isabelle,” Magnus replied, waggling a finger in his direction.

Alec caught his hands and brought it closer to his mouth, kissing Magnus’ knuckles, “I’d be okay with that,” he said with a shy smile.

Magnus pulled his hands away, “Stop being Prince Charming.”

Alec laughed and groaned, placing a hand on his chest, “Well, I certainly don’t feel like it,” he shot back.

Magnus raised an eyebrow, “Well, if you didn’t act as a martyr once in a while and let people make mistakes and learn from them you wouldn’t be in this position,” he scowled.

A tear fell from Magnus’ eye and he quickly wiped it away, but not before Alec noticed it. Alec pulled Magnus closer to him and Magnus let him, his breathing, ragged.

“Magnus, you know I had to,” Alec whispered. “No, you didn’t. You could’ve, for once taken care of yourself. I looked at your final memory.

“That shax demon wouldn’t have caused remotely as much harm to him as it did to you. It would’ve just sliced through Jace’s hip. It wouldn’t have hit anything vital.

“It definitely wouldn’t have been a slash through the chest. Alexander, if I hadn’t been there in time, you would be dead by now. Not that your brother was of any help,” Magnus said, tears rolling down his cheeks and sneering at the word ‘brother’.

“Magnus, Jace is my family,” Alec defended. “Well, with the way he acted today, I don’t think he considered you his,” Magnus whispered.

“Magnus, I know you are made, but that’s no reason to take it out on my brother. He was distracted, I had to help,” Alec insisted.

“His distraction could’ve cost you your life! In fact, if I remember correctly, it almost did,” Magnus stood up with a flourish and roared, a rogue surge of red magic hitting the nightstand.

Magnus closed his hand into a fist, trying to calm himself down. Alec reached out to him, “Hey, come here,” he whispered.

Izzy woke up to see Magnus sit on the chair right beside Alec’s head, crying, “I can’t lose you, Alexander, please,” he sobbed.

Alec laid a hand on Magnus’ face and looked into his cat eyes which were filled with tears, “Hey, hey, you won’t, I’m right here, aren’t I? I’m not going anywhere,” Alec tried to reassure Magnus.

“You almost weren’t,” Magnus replied, weakly. Izzy’s heart clenched when she realised that her brother really was about to die that day.

“Almost, being the keyword,” Alec consoled, or tried, “What can I do to make you feel better, love?” he asked.

Magnus laughed, “You’re the one that’s hurt and lying on the bed yet you seem to be doing the nursing. This should be my job, you know.”

“I thought it was a mutual thing. I love you, Magnus. I’d do anything for you,” Alec whispered. “I love you too, Alexander. I’d burn the world if you’d ask me to,” Magnus replied.

Alec simply nodded, “I know.” Magnus stayed silent for a while, “Just promise me you won’t go out on solo missions with Jace anymore. At least not without someone you trust,” Magnus pleaded.

“Magnus!” Alec said, incredulous. “Magnus is right, Alec. You’re not going on any missions with Jace alone unless someone you trust is there with you,” Izzy jumped.

“Jace is someone I trust,” Alec insisted. Izzy raised an eyebrow, “Fine, until someone we trust is with you.”

“Iz, he’s our brother,” Alec tried to establish. “He’s not mine anymore,” Izzy replied, cold. “Izzy!” Alec cried, surprised.

“You’d feel the same way if he’d left me for dead instead. He didn’t even activate any runes on you, Alec. If we hadn’t been there in time—” “I would’ve died, I know, I know. We’ve been over this,” Alec interrupted.

“No, I don’t think you understand, Alexander. I am immortal and you are the love of my life, there’s never going to be anyone else. So unless we manage to find some other way, I need you to stay alive as long as possible,” Magnus said, his voice breaking, tears clouding his eyes.

He turned to Izzy to see tear tracks on her face too, “I can’t lose you either, Parabatai. Today, our rune burned so hot that I thought either I was going to die, or you were dead. I don’t ever want to go through that again,” she said, leaning next to Alec’s bedside and gently wrapping her hands around his neck, her tears falling on his chest.

Alec’s heart clenched in pain to see the two people he loved most in tears. “Is that all you want? For me to not go out with Jace alone?” Alec asked, wrapping an arm around his sister and beckoning Magnus’ with the other.

Magnus nodded as he came to Alec’s side to bury his face in his neck and Alec could feel Izzy nod as well. “Okay, I won’t. Unless I absolutely have to and there’s no other choice,” Alec conceded.

Izzy kissed his cheek and moved away, smiling through the tears, “That’s the best we can get,” she said, nodding, still shaken.

Alec had been in many near death situations before but none of them have been because of this magnitude of carelessness and neglect. She was so glad Alec was the head of the institute and not Jace.

Who knows what would’ve happened to all the progress Alec had made possible. “How are you feeling?” Magnus asked. “A bit sore. I’ll be better soon,” Alec responded.

Magnus moved away, ignited his magic and examining Alec’s body, “Well, there’s nothing I can do, really. Except be your nurse when you’re healing,” Magnus said.

Alec smiled salaciously, “I can get with that,” he smirked. “Alexander,” Magnus gasped, getting the implication made and placed a hand on his chest in mock horror.

“Well, you need to schedule your plans for later, brother. The med specifically reiterated that you shouldn’t be doing anything too strenuous in and out of the house for a two days,” Izzy replied with a smirk.

“Two days? Izzy I have 20 years of supressed feelings to make up for,” Alec complained and his eyes went wide at what he was saying.

“Okay, ew, brother. Don’t go into further details,” Izzy laughed. “You’re on painkillers, love. It��s just making you a little loopy, is all. We’ll stay here the night and I’ll take you home tomorrow, okay?” Magnus asked, kissing Alec on his forehead.

Alec nodded, a content smile spreading on his face as he sunk back into the mattress, “Stay with me?” he asked, his voice small. “Always,” Magnus whispered, sitting next to him and kissing his knuckles.

Izzy smiled, “You two are so whipped.” Magnus smiled back at her, “I wouldn’t want to be anything else,” he said looking back at Alec, his face smoothed over and breath evened out.

“Love you,” he heard Alec murmur through his sleep. “Love you too, Alexander,” Magnus whispered back.

[seriouslyhooked]

The Words We Keep (Part 2/3)

A three part CS AU based loosely on the music video for ‘The Words’ by Christina Perri. I know this has been done before by so many talented writers in this fandom, but I had so many readers ask for it so… here we are. Rated M. Also available on FF Here and AO3 Here.

A/N: Hey all! We are back with chapter two of this baby MC and with it comes the promised meeting of our two lovesick cuties and Emma’s POV. Here we start to veer a little more from the actual video, but for those of you who requested this song, you’ll probably see how I tried to honor your unique visions. Hope you all enjoy and thanks so much for reading!

Mondays were very rarely the favorite day of anybody’s week, but Emma Swan had never really been normal.

Since she was a girl Emma knew that her life would be different than everyone else’s and that was fine. Foster kids were out of the ordinary by definition, and orphans who didn’t ever find their place were even rarer. To go so long without a home to call hers made Emma see the world differently, but that was okay with her. She didn’t resent the way things had been as she once had when she was younger; she simply picked herself up and kept moving forward. It was the only way to survive, and Emma was proud that she was still going and still making her own success and happiness despite everything that had been stacked against her.

The reason she loved Mondays, however, didn’t have anything to do with her past or the baggage she carried. No, her love of the first day of the work week was for an entirely different reason, and though it made her into a walking cliché, Emma was woman enough to admit that the reason was because of a man, one particular man who had been sneaking past her defenses since the first day they met. Killian Jones was quiet, almost reserved at first meeting, but over time they’d warmed up to each other, and what had started as a simple attraction on Emma’s part grew to more. One day she woke up and realized that her best days were the days she got to see him and that all the others were filled with little moments where she thought of him and wished that he were there. At first she believed that to be a weakness, but eventually she’d come to realize that it wasn’t. It took a lot of courage for Emma to feel that kind of want for anyone, and allowing herself a crush was arguably healthy given everything she’d endured.

The only problem was Emma increasingly wanted to take that crush and push it further. She wanted to tell Killian how she really felt instead of jumping off from small talk about orchids to one or two short subjects every week. They never had more than ten minutes together and though those ten minutes always felt like magic, Emma truly wanted more and she thought Killian did too. But she also knew from the look in his blue eyes that she wasn’t the only one with past heartaches or troubles that plagued her. She could see the lingering demons that he carried, and though they’d faded the past two years, Emma knew that truly letting them go would be some of the hardest work Killian would ever undertake. She didn’t know the details but she empathized completely. She only wished that he’d be ready soon so she could finally know if this was as right as she felt it was as opposed to just dreaming about it day in and day out.

“You know I can’t even make a joke about you being a morning person since you usually aren’t, but every Monday without fail here you are, bright eyed and bushy tailed and bursting with hope.”

The words of commentary stemmed from the back of Emma’s shop as she walked through the front door and turned the closed sign to signal they were open. Without even needing to see her face Emma knew that it was Ruby Lucas, her best friend and assistant in the shop. Ruby came in early each day to greet the bulk of their vendors so she could have time to leave early for her afternoon classes, but on Monday’s Emma made an exception and she came in for one particular man who drove an old pick up truck filled with the world’s most beautiful flowers.

“Is that any way to speak to someone who brought you donuts?” Emma asked, undeniably deflecting and bribing her friend all at once. But it worked. One second Ruby had been smirking with a hand on her hip and friendly judgment in her eyes, and the next she was thrilled and Killian was temporarily forgotten.

“I knew I loved you for a reason. How many did you get?” Ruby asked with barely restrained glee.

“Half a dozen. I figured that way I can actually have one this time,” Emma replied with a heavy helping of the sass the two friends were famous for.

“Hmm, well only if you have to…” Ruby teased and the two women laughed at the running joke that Ruby could put food away like no one else without ever gaining a pound. It was hardly fair, but Emma loved Ruby too much to hold her metabolism against her.

“So… has anyone been here for deliveries yet?” Emma asked as she sipped her coffee nonchalantly and Ruby grinned as she shook her head.

“Nope. It’s just been little ole’ me and a bunch of flowering plants. No signs of Captain Hottie yet.”

“Ruby,” Emma chastised as she fought to keep a straight face, but even the mention of Killian’s ridiculous nickname made her heart skip a beat. Damn her for being so predictable, but she couldn’t contain her excitement that he hadn’t been in yet. That meant he would be in later when she was here and Emma could hardly wait.

“I know, I know,” Ruby sighed dramatically. “No more teasing you about the future husband even though it’s so totally obvious you’re both in love and definitely going to make babies someday.”

“Ruby!” Emma yelped, looking around the store that she knew was still empty for fear that they’d be heard. Not that it would really matter if anyone other than Killian overheard. He didn’t live around here like most of her customers did, instead residing in a cottage by the shore in a town thirty minutes from here that Emma always found herself wanting to visit.

“Chill, Ems. It’s all good. He’s not here yet. Besides, I have a really good feeling about today. Granny had one of her super vivid dreams again and, well, actually maybe I shouldn’t say…”

Emma was a half a second away from demanding that Ruby elaborate, because if she’d learned anything from her years of friendship with Ruby it was that Granny Lucas’ dreams should never be ignored, but at that moment the first of the day’s customers started arriving, and there never seemed to be a slow chunk of time from that point on. There were always people looking to buy some sort of arrangement, and as much as Emma wanted to know about this dream, she couldn’t forsake her customers. It took a lot for a florist to be as successful as she had become and a lot of that had to do with her customer service and attention to detail. Emma couldn’t give that up just because her stomach was tied in knots over something potentially happening with Killian, and in fact she was so distracted from the work that a few hours later when the man who starred in all her late night fantasies and day time dreaming appeared she didn’t notice for a moment. It actually took the clearing of Ruby’s throat across the way for Emma to pop up from behind the bushel of lilacs she’d been dealing with, but when her eyes latched onto Killian that familiar sense of awe and desire struck right through her chest.

God, he never gets any less hot does he? She thought to herself as she took him in.

Her eyes trailed quickly over a very familiar scene wherein which Killian, dressed in a tight flannel shirt and dark wash jeans, looked almost too hot to handle. Killian was always fully clothed in her presence, save for that one glorious July day last summer when she’d caught him wiping away some sweat with the bottom of his t-shirt, but it didn’t take x-ray vision or that one fortuitous interlude to know that a muscled physique lay under those casual clothes. Just thinking about those hard muscles and defined lines made Emma’s mouth water and her pulse tick up a beat. Killian had the physique of someone who worked out, but not at a gym. No he was more rustic, more manly, and almost problematically attractive as a result. Yet his body was almost nothing compared to the spark that came whenever their eyes met and the deep cobalt blue of his gaze caught hers. His easy smile always turned up to one side, and a bit of his black hair fell against his forehead today, the length edging on the precipice of his needing a haircut even as it perfectly matched the stubble of his beard that showed he hadn’t shaved in days. Emma swallowed harshly in the face of it all, and then she remembered she actually had to greet him.

“Hey, you made it,” Emma said cheerily and Killian nodded, his hand coming to scratch behind his ear as he stepped towards her, filling the space with the scent of something woodsy and inherently male that always wrapped Emma up in a comforting blanket of safety and desire. Crap! She had to keep her wits about her, but it was so damn hard when he was so attractive at every level.

“Aye, love, I did, and I’ve got something special for you this time.”

Innocent as the comment was, Emma found herself blushing at the innuendo that could have been and the lilt of his accent that always lingered with the faintest brush against her skin. Could he possibly know of all the times she’d thought about getting ‘something special’ from him? Hell, did he know that just last night she’d been in bed and let her fingers roam to the thought of him touching and kissing and loving her the way that only ever happened in her dreams? Rationally Emma knew that he didn’t, but she couldn’t fend off the wave of heat and yearning at his words. On the outside, however, she tried to play it cool, running her hands over the sundress she was wearing with her favorite little yellow buttercups printed all over, before moving forward to follow him back to his truck where his orchids would be. Unfortunately though, interruption came calling just as they were about to make their escape and just when Emma had geared herself up to make today different and ask him if maybe he’d like to go out sometime.

“Emma, God I’m so sorry but we’ve got a problem. Turns out Mrs. Hubbard meant to order one hundred calla lilies, but she actually ordered one hundred Easter lilies. Now she’s really upset and she only trusts you… I wouldn’t intrude but…” Ruby genuinely seemed distraught at cutting into this time, and the look of her friend’s expression was enough to tell Emma this really was an emergency in the making. It just felt so unfair that this would happen now when Emma was feeling so good and so hopeful.

“But Mrs. Hubbard is one of our biggest clients,” Emma finished as her heart sank and she turned back to Killian. “I’m sorry, and I know you have other stops to get to today, but I’m sure whatever you brought is perfect.  Ruby can you…?”

Emma couldn’t even complete the sentence because her voice was cracking at the thought of missing their moment today, but Ruby jumped in and saved her as Emma spared one last look at Killian. She could sense he too was disappointed, but there was nothing she could do. As much as she wanted this to be the moment, it clearly wasn’t, and Emma had to deal with the pain in her heart as she went to sort out a problem as creatively as she could despite her not feeling even remotely up to it.

In the end the issue was resolved, and Mrs. Hubbard was as happy as could be, thank goodness, but by the time Emma returned Killian had left. Ruby looked at Emma with something like pity but there was nothing to say. There was always next week, right? And in the moments where Emma felt like it was all just too much, she comforted herself with the gift Killian had brought her. Because the flower that he grew and nurtured for her was special; a rare species of orchid that was a deep, rich, cerulean blue. It was actually the color of the inner ring of Killian’s eyes, and even though it felt like a wash of a day, Emma couldn’t help but smile every time she looked at it. It was easily a four hundred dollar plant, but Emma knew in her heart she wouldn’t sell it. This one she’d keep and cherish as long as she could, because she just needed it after a day like this one.

Hours later, as she was locking up for the night Emma carried that same plant to the little yellow bug she’d had for years. Parked out behind the shop, it was still pretty far from the fray of the cityscape around them, the alleyway softening much of the noise that tended to be in places like this. But where Emma expected to be totally alone, there was a surprise waiting for her out back that took her breath away.

“Killian?” Emma asked, not sure if it was really him until she blinked a few times and he remained, his face still handsome as ever though he looked a little nervous.

“Emma. I’m sorry to bother you so late -,”

“It’s no bother,” Emma said quickly before he could worry about something that had made her day infinitely better already. “Is everything all right?”

“Aye, love. It’s just – well I had a plan when I came in here today. I was going to – well you see I was thinking that – oh bloody hell. I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me sometime.”

It took a moment for Emma to process the words, mostly because she was so stunned and elated all at once that everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. Finally after waiting so long the moment she’d always hoped for was here, and she wanted to savor it even as she wanted to put Killian out of the misery of waiting for a reply. How he could ever doubt that she would say yes? Wasn’t it totally obvious that she wanted this too? Perhaps not since he looked like she held the fate of his whole world in the palm of her hands.

“You mean like a date?” Emma clarified, feeling the tension in her voice from all of her emotions, and Killian nodded pulling a smile from her that couldn’t be contained. “Yeah, I’d love that.”

“You would?” Killian asked, clearly surprised, but taking a step towards her so his hand came to hold hers in his. The lightening that came at his touch was amazing, just like she’d remembered from the day they met and shook hands in hello, and Killian seemed to feel that too, since he looked at a loss for words.

“Mhmm. How does tomorrow work for you?”

“Tomorrow is perfect, Swan,” he said with a grin before eyeing the planter she had in her arms and seeing that she had his orchid in her care. “Taking this one home?”

“Uh, yeah. After you left earlier I got to see it and I just couldn’t bare to let it go. I was still going to pay you your fee of course but -,”

“There’s no need to, love. If you want it, it’s yours. Truth be told it was always meant for you.” His words were firm and sincere and Emma felt them wash over her as he offered to take the plant and put it securely in her car for her. Once that was done and her door was shut, they looked at each other again, both of them waiting a beat before Emma filled the space between them.

“So I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” Emma asked and Killian nodded.

“Tomorrow,” he agreed before he took her hand again and kissed it gently. Emma shivered at the contact, but she felt a loss when he turned around and headed back for his truck.

“Wait!” she said, and immediately Killian turned looking at her with concern. It was clear in that moment just how much he cared for her, it was written so plainly on his face, and seeing that look that fell no short of love Emma knew what she had to do. She closed the space between them before pulling him in by the collar of his jacket and kissing him the way she’d wanted to for a very long time.

The kiss went on forever and yet was over too soon, and the flare of pure vibrancy and life that coursed through Emma was heady and unreal. She felt like anything was possible in the face of such a kiss, and tucked away as she was here in Killian’s strong arms she knew she’d never felt more at home than she did right now. This was what it felt like to find the one person you were always meant to be with, and Emma knew even if it sounded crazy that this kiss was the start of a long and happy journey she and Killian would share from here on out. Granny Lucas had been right – today was a day to remember always.

“I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow to do that,” Emma whispered as they came back up for air, explaining something she knew that Killian was already well aware of. His smile at that was beautiful, and his hand came to cup her cheek as his thumb brushed lightly across her lips.

“I think the time for waiting is over, Emma. Now I’ve tasted perfection there’ll be no turning back.”

“Good,” Emma replied, and with one more quick kiss the two of them went their separate ways, neither of them wanting to leave the other, but both of them knowing that tomorrow would bring more of this joyful sense of being and a whole new adventure for the two of them to share.

Post-Note: So obviously the fluff was here in full force for this chapter, and I cannot even pretend that I am sorry for it. I gave myself all of the feels writing this little piece of the AU and it was awesome and wonderful and I have zero regrets. I hope you guys feel the same way as you read this, and just know that there will be that promised third chapter coming as soon as I can get it written. I have so much going on with the school semester now in full swing, but trust that this story is not over and there will be one last fluffy piece to tie it all together that I am aiming to put out in about two weeks. Thanks again to all of you who have reviewed and commented and read along, and to those of you who asked for this song I thank you too. You’re all lovely and wonderful and I hope you have a great rest of your weekend!

[recentanimenews]

Manga the Week of 2/19/20

SEAN: February. I can’t believe we’re still in February.

ASH: It really does seem to be taking its time this year.

SEAN: Fantagraphics gives us the 2nd volume of Kago’s (has he dropped his first name?) Dementia 21, which promises to be disturbing in many and varied ways.

ASH: The first volume was pretty great, in true Kago fashion, so reader be warned.

SEAN: J-Novel Club has dabbled in shoujo light novels (Bakarina), but at Anime NYC they announced a big push to start a shoujo LN line. The first of those is out next week, I Refuse to Be Your Enemy! (Watashi wa Teki ni Narimasen!). It’s from PASH! Books. The premise is quite similar to Bakarina: the heroine realizes that she’s the villain character in an RPG… but she’s not the villain till she gets married! When her future husband shows up, she decides to RUN AWAY!

MICHELLE: Sounds potentially fun.

ANNA: Running away from husbands is a good trope.

SEAN: J-Novel Club also have Banner of the Stars 2, Cooking with Wild Game 6, and The Greatest Magicmaster’s Retirement Plan 4.

In print next week, Kodansha gives us Drifting Dragons 3, Eden’s Zero 6, Fairy Tail 100 Year Quest 3, Gleipnir 6, and O Maidens in Your Savage Season 6. That’s more print than the last four weeks have had.

ASH: I’ve been meaning to give Drifting Dragons a try now that it’s available in print. I’m a volume or so behind, but O Maidens in Your Savage Season has been consistently excellent.

SEAN: The digital debut is I’ll Win You Over, Sempai! (Senpai! Ima Kara Kokurimasu!), a 5-volume shoujo series from Nakayoshi. A girl has lived a life when she’s always confessed successfully and never been dumped… till now. Still, she persists… because if she just keeps confessing over and over, eventually he’ll say yes! This seems like the sort of series that had better be very funny or it may be excruciating.

MICHELLE: Forsooth.

SEAN: Also out digitally is GE: Good Ending 2, Living Room Matsunaga-san 7, Lovesick Ellie 10, MabuSasa 2, and Shojo FIGHT! 9.

MICHELLE: Yay for more Lovesick Ellie and Shojo FIGHT!.

ANNA: I need to get caught up.

SEAN: Seven Seas has four titles, all 2nd volumes. We get Arifureta ZERO’s 2nd manga volume, How to Train Your Devil 2, the 2nd (early digital) volume of Neon Genesis Evangelion: ANIMA, and Nicola Traveling Around the Demons’ World 2.

ASH: The first volume of Nicola Traveling Around the Demons’ World was an absolute delight! The second is high on my list to pick up.

SEAN: Tokyopop gives us the done-in-one volume Dekoboku Sugar Days, another BL title from Gentosha, this one from LOVE xxx BOYS Pixiv. A boy who always had to be protected by our hero as a kid is now all grown up… and huge! Can there still be any protecting? What about a confession?

Vertical has the 7th Arakawa Under the Bridge and a 2nd Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro.

Viz gives us Downfall, an Inio Asano title for those who think Dead Dead Demon is too light and cheery. It’s depressing, realistic, and no doubt excellent. It ran in Big Comic Superior.

MICHELLE: I’m sure it’s excellent, but I just can’t handle depressing these days.

ANNA: Me too, I’ll stick with the cheerfulness of Dead Dead Demon.

ASH: I’ll definitely be reading this, but will need to wait for the timing to be just right.

MELINDA: Wow.

SEAN: Also from Viz: The Drifting Classroom Perfect Edition 2, Golden Kamuy 14, Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt 13, Ran and the Gray World 6, Tokyo Ghoul: re 15, and, most importantly, Urusei Yatsura’s 5th omnibus.

ASH: Ooooh, I’ll be reading quite a few of those, too!

MELINDA: I still mourn what Ran and the Gray World was in its first volume.

SEAN: Yen On has a 10th volume of No Game No Life, the first to come out without any delays in ages. They’ve also got Log Horizon 1-11 out digitally, meaning every Yen On series is now available in both print and digital. Hooray!

As for Yen Press and the manga end, no debuts, but we do get Interspecies Reviewers 3, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Chronicle Episode Lyu 6, Kakegurui Twin 5, Overlord a La Carte 3, Re: ZERO Arc 3 Volume 10, The Royal Tutor 13, Silver Spoon 13…

MELINDA: Silver Spoooooooooooooooon!

ASH: Silver Spoon is a terrific series.

SEAN: …Skull-Faced Bookseller Honda-san 3, and Tales of Wedding Rings 8.

ASH: Looking forward to spending some more time with my Skull-Faced friend.

MELINDA: I’m here for Skull-Face.

SEAN: That’s quite a bit. Anything tickle your fancy?

By: Sean Gaffney

[atlaswriting]

“There’s still a little light out,” Abram checks the time on his phone, “Curfew isn’t for another two hours. What if we hit up Faneuil Hall?”

Brody nods, “I’m always down to eat.”

“Actually,” Ellie starts, I watch Brody’s chest deflate—preparing himself to be dragged back home, away from Abram, “I was thinking Elise and I would have a girl’s night. She can sleep over, my dad won’t mind. Have you booked your Hotel for tonight?”

I shake my head.

“Good. You two go ahead, I’m taking her with me.”

Brody’s face falls, “I’m not too sure that’s a good idea. Should we leave them alone? Unsupervised?”

Abram shrugs, “How many lives can they really ruin overnight?” shoving Brody’s chest he laughs and Ellie rolls her eyes. “I’m kidding. It’s probably better this way; Elise just can’t keep her hands off of me and if we’re going to demolish you tomorrow, I have to be well-rested.”

“Exactly. It works better for everyone this way.” Ellie wraps her arms around Brody and kisses him. For a moment, I think they’ve forgotten about Abram and I. “In case you feel like running away with him later, I’ll send you pictures to remind you what you’d be missing.” She tells him, punctuating each word with her lips.

“Dude,” Abram said, pulling his stare away from me, “my mom can see this.” He points down toward the grave.

Ellie grins, untangling herself from Brody and grabbing my hand.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Brody hollers behind us.

♡ ♡ ♡

Ellie and I are both on our stomachs on her bed. The last time her dad checked in on us was at 9:00 and with the clock now reading 11:44, she reaches below and pulls out a bottle of tequila. “Write drunk, edit sober.” She pops the cork from the bottle and takes a drink, recoiling away from the bottle before forcing another swallow. “That’s really bad warm.”

“Won’t your dad be mad?” She holds out the bottle, trying to quiet her cough with a pillow. I take the bottle and steady my flipping stomach. Swallow as big a mouthful as I can manage before it burns a hole in my cheek and hiss away from the bottle. “No wonder Abram says you can be a demon. Only something supernatural can stomach that.”

And yet I go back for another sip.

“Aw, he’s so sweet.”

We’re only a quarter of the way down, we’ve tried to re-direct ourselves three times and somehow, we’ve ended up on our backs, laughing.

“They don’t really like each other, do they?” I ask Ellie. The worry on my face must’ve been alarming because she starts laughing even harder, rolling onto her side. “Stop! I mean. Ugh.” I grab the pillow from behind my head and press it over my face—just a little bit harder and it would all be over.

“They love each other—but in a different way than they love us,” she explains, “I’m not saying it’s any better, or that they love each other more—it’s just different.” She picks up the patron bottle, and drinks some more, “I would stop trying to understand it, though. You won’t ever. I still don’t and I’ve known them since before I grew sense.”

I nod, still not completely sure she’s telling the truth. “Would you do this for Brody?” I ask, pointing toward the pictures on her bed and at the half-opened laptop. “Would you risk ruining everything to save him?”

She’s quiet for a little longer now. Long legs stretching off her bed, Ellie peels away pieces of clothing until she’s more Victoria’s Secret than Target. To maintain her modesty, I cover my eyes and she laughs, “I’m only doing what I promised Brody. I’ll be right back.” She disappears into her bathroom and returns a few minutes later, cheeks red, fingers tapping quickly away on her phone. “Have you ever sent Abram…”

“Oh my God.” I shake my head, “No. I wouldn’t—I couldn’t… He wouldn’t.”

She leans over and pulls my phone from the night side table, “It’s funny. Seeing their reactions—because you know that they could look up girl’s bodies on the internet, but it’s never the same reaction. Plus, Brody’s going to call me any mi—,” her phone rings, as if on cue and she pushes my legs off the bed, answering the Facetime. Brody’s words are nearly inaudible to me, strung together in lovesick gibberish.

I disappear behind the bathroom, body shaking with fear and a little something more—anticipation boils beneath my skin and I channel my inner Ellie. I’ve spent years trying to peel away the ugly, digging my fingers into skin and not stopping until I reach pretty—or bone, whichever comes first.

Tugging away articles of clothing, I take a picture for Abram, sending a new one with each piece of clothing that falls to a pile by my feet. Excitement begins to drip away, making time for it’s cousin, embarrassment. I look at the final picture, mostly skin with just the tiniest bit of lace—leaving very little to the imagination, I notice every flaw, every piece of fat that wasn’t there a few months ago, each bone and all the scars dragged on by fingernails. I shut off my notification alerts, and pull my clothes back on. Too afraid to look at our Instagram messages and find the rejection I know is waiting there.

“I feel proud,” Ellie is sitting up in her bed, hair pulled up into a high bun, typing furiously on the computer in front of her. “What did he say?”

“I don’t know I’m too afraid to look.”

She laughs, turning the computer in my direction. I settle in beside her, “You have to see him tomorrow.” She reminds me. “And to answer your question,” I stop reading and look up at her, “I would absolutely do this for Brody. A thousand times. It’s like a phoenix—it has to burn before it rises again.” Ellie shrugs, “It’s saving his life.”

♡ ♡ ♡

My body trembles. And not because of the cold radiating from the ice, but from the graveyard of secrets we’ve exhumed. Each time I close my eyes, those pictures of Abram and Jason haunt the darks of my lids. Skeletons that have been hidden so deep inside the closet are unearthed, deader and uglier than before.

“Stop it.” Ellie says firmly beside me. “We’re going to be fine.” Even her voice begins to shake and she casts a careful glance around the rink. Nearly every face was illuminated by the lights of their phone, leaning over to show the person beside them—or whisper something.

“It’s safe to say it’s out?” Ellie and I both snap our heads to the left as Gigi walks carefully down the stairs, “There are news stations outside but school officials aren’t letting them in. Fox25 is already covering it.” She sighs, “I knew it was going to be big, Malachi being who he is and all, but this.” Even Gigi’s confidence begins to waver and she stares at the ice with dead eyes. “I suppose all we can hope for is neither of them seeing it before the game.”

My knees buckle and I drop into my seat, head falling into my hands. My phone begins vibrating—I’m almost afraid to look, terrified to find his name staring back at me.

When I finally do, my heart leaps into my throat and I struggle to swallow.

Mom: What did you do?

Mom: You arrogant, selfish little girl, do you have any idea how this will reflect on me?

Mom: Good luck paying for school next year with no money.

Mom: Stop ignoring me.

Mom: Call me back now, Elise.

— missed calls from Mom: 24.

I shut my phone off just as the buzzer announces the start of the game. I look for Abram’s number and feel a little bit better when I see him smile through his mouth guard.

“Ellie, we need to take it back.”

“There’s no going back now,” Gigi interrupts her—Ellie doesn’t even look annoyed by this, “We did what we did. We knew that shaking the bottle would make it explode.” She sighs, “Don’t worry. It’ll work itself out.”

She pulls her attention from the ice to type madly at her phone. Thumbs moving so fast over the keyboard my eyes can’t keep up.

I settle further into my seat as the first period starts. Abram knows all of Brody’s weak spots and uses Jason’s help to aim for them. They played well together, I knew this much, but tonight they were playing like they were one brain split into two bodies. Without signal or shouting, they were an extension of other sticks. On the bench, a few Middlebury players nod toward the opposite end of the boards and I notice a row of expensive suits, one tries to be inconspicuous with his notepad held low while leaning over to whisper something to the others—suits that expensive only meant one thing: Scouts.

By the end of the second period, Middlebury is up by three, but Boston slowly started to catch up. The start of the third period is when everything changed.

Middlebury sucks chants echo through the stadium as the boys blow their lead and start making the penalty box their home. A fight breaks out; helmets and pads are thrown carelessly onto the ice. Fists collide barbarically with bone, faint curses fall from their mouths and I look away as two different refs try to pry the boys off of each other—moments later I look back and watch in horror as Abram is ejected from the game.

♡ ♡ ♡

ONE HIP CHECK FROM PRISON: The secret life of Malachi Rose, prominent New York publisher or cruel, horror story villain? — see pictures below.

“You have to talk to me.” I’m running past Abram, my heels have fallen off somewhere in the parking lot and the gravel scrapes the bottom of my feet. Rain pours down and my skirt and tank top become a second skin. I pulled off his jersey and left it waiting inside Ellie’s car, not wanting it to be the second part of him I’ve ruined that night.

“Abram, please,” I beg. Jason waits by the door of the hotel. He moves by me with ease and Abram was now my only shot at an apology. I take a quick glance behind me at Ellie, whose tear stained cheeks are red and puffy, her hands hold the steering wheel in a vice grip and I’m half afraid she’s going to drive herself into the river.

I reach forward and grab his arm, planting my feet firmly into the pavement I tug him back and hold him in place, “I’m sorry—it was supposed to help you. Not…not—,”

“Cost me everything?” He asks angrily.

“It won’t cost you everything! The scouts are going to Middlebury in two weeks—you’ll be fine, they’re not going to let one game get in the way of your career.” I say, words stumbling over each other trying to get out before he tugs his arm away. “Look, look, stop trying to run from me!” He tugs his arm roughly away from me, “We thought it would help you—both of you,” I shout the last part, looking over at Jason who turns away, arms crossed.

“I love you, okay?” I tell him, between sobs that shake my body, “I love you, Abram. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you ever. Gigi, Ellie and I, we thought if everyone knew, he wouldn’t be able to hurt you two anymore. We thought we were helping.” I leap forward, reaching up and holding his face between my hands, “Tell me you still love me—please, tell me that.”

[recentanimenews]

The Greatest Website of the 21st Century is Bursting with Comments!

It isn’t every day that the best website ever created appears on the internet, but yesterday just happened to be such a day! The Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century, Reigen Arakata, has graced the internet with his personal website, and the design and features of the website are absolutely state of the art and amazing to behold! Aside from the services that Reigen offers the masses and descriptions of his skillful prowess, however, there is also a Guest Book, already filled with amazing comments and statements from visitors. But not all Guest Book comments are created equal, and some are much better than the rest; how to know which ones you might have missed, or where they rank? Well, fear not, because we’ve braved the many, many pages of comments to give you the very best comments left so far! 

    Honorable Mentions:

Dio Brando: “JOJOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!”

We sort of knew you would say that.

Jotaro: “DIO!!!!!”

There’s got to be easier ways for you two to contact each other than this website.

John Cena: “Can you help me make my body visible again?”

We almost didn’t see this comment until later, so it didn’t make it higher on the list.

Dante: “mom says its my turn on the spirit consulting website”

If we need a consultant we’ll let you know, but right now we aren’t running any ‘now featuring’ special partnerships, sorry!

Top 15 Comments:

15) Dex: “When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call?”

You don’t have to call anyone! That’s why there’s a website!

14) AnynymousHelpie: “My friend never shut up talking about toes. It’s like they obsessed with it. Can you help me how to stop this madness please thanks”

I don’t think we have a service that can help you with that. Maybe meet new people.

13) Dingus Wingus: “ASMR reigen throws salt in your face”

We appreciate the ideas and will pass them along to Reigen for new potential services!

12) ai: “but reigen can you exorcise the demons in my mind that make me eat mac and cheese at every waking hour”

We hear Reigen might have a trick for this, but it sometimes makes you eat olives at 2 a.m.

11) Battler: “Mr. Reigen, do you fight witches? I think my grandfather’s mansion is full of them. Please help”

Everybody knows witches aren’t real, but if you got some Super Paper, I bet Reigen could write some good warding scrolls on it for you.

10) Jon_ner: “Dear Master psychic Reigen, A goblin-like creature has been following me around for the last few weeks to steal my precious pea wörter and I don’t know what to do, please help me Greetings from a Swedish nephew”

I don’t think Reigen does multiverse stuff, but that certainly sounds very troubling!

9) Ayumi N.: “Not sure it works … Had an exorcism done about 2 weeks ago on my paren’ts bedroom but i’m still hearing weird thud sounds in the night!! Be wary …..!”

We regret to inform you that these noises may increase next week, but on the bright side, we can tell you that it isn’t ghosts. Probably.

8) lovesick: “mr arataka with your skills and expertise can you teach me how to transcend the barrier between 2D and 3D so i can finally meet my fictional husbando”

We can't speak for Reigen but we're pretty sure he'd be able to help you with his spirit photography skills.

7) I AM ANGRY: “ANGRY ABOUT ELVES And I need YOU to get rid of them I can pay you three good cattle or five sheep, whichever you’d prefer”

While Reigen says his skills with digital media are very good (just look at the website), we are unsure if he can really help you in this regard, as the UI is a bit hard to understand.

6) piccolo: “Help me”

We’re sure you will be fine, after all you’re either a very good dad, or a pretty decent instrument!

And finally, the Top Five Comments:

5) Casper: “Thank you”

Now that’s what you call a ghost in the machine! Ahem…

4) Adam: “My bank account was possessed by an evil money spirit, but Reigen-sama banished it with ease! I now have $0 worth of demons to trouble my thoughts. Thanks, Reigen-sama!”

That’s… Well, if you’re happy, we’re sure Reigen is happy, Adam!

3) Leave my Eggs alone: “Is it possible to curse someone to give them really big and powerful hands so they can’t hold small objects anymore or eggs?”

We don’t really like to use or advise on doing any curses, sorry. Have you considered buying bigger eggs?

2) Tusk: “I think my TV is possessed because everytime I play video games now I keep losing and I’m certain it’s because the TV is possessed”

You’re right, this is a very serious problem. We’ll let Reigen know right away to contact you at git.gud@gitgood.com.

And our number one guestbook comment pick is...!

  1) Keysmash: “I believe there’s a ghost that makes me extremely lazy. It couldn’t possibly be my fault, that wouldn’t make sense. Help me, please.”

This sounds like an extremely bad ghost problem. We are sure Reigen will help you if you go see him, but this might require a few high class exorcism skills!

Bonus: We Are Worried About Their Wife:

Can You Help My Wife: “Can you help my wife?”

This comment has us worried. CAN you help their wife, Reigen? We need to know what’s up with this person’s wife!

Well, we’re sure that this enlightening look into the problems and minds of visitors to Reigen’s website will give you a good idea of what you could expect and ask for yourself. Why don’t you go on over and give the site a look, schedule an appointment, and maybe leave some comments yourself about how Reigen can help you, or how he may already have! He IS the Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century, after all!

What’s your favorite part of Reigen’s website? Can you help that person’s wife? Let us know in the comments!

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Nicole is a features and a social video script writer for Crunchyroll. Known for punching dudes in Yakuza games on her Twitch channel while professing her love for Majima. She also has a blog, Figuratively Speaking. Follow her on Twitter: @ellyberries

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