#overgrown and mystical <3

[happyheidi]

dark mystical fantasy world

x x x x x

[mino-diabolik]

DARK FATE — General Prologue [CG]

「Monologue」

Blood is thicker than water. Are we meant to believe a statement like that so blindly? Can familial bonds truly be worth the sacrifice of the relationships we have forged on our own? Perhaps they sculpted us into the people we are today. But can they claim they know us in depth? Can they claim that they will love us even if we do not become what they wished us to? Will they still care for us when we disagree? When we no longer wish to continue what they have started? These shadows press upon us worlds more than the gold of this crown. When our time comes, may we be buried beneath the earth. And not the weight of our name.

[ Location: No Man's Land — Demon Realm ]

Paws land heavily upon the ground. A large wolf of an obsidian coat charges through the overgrown. A young woman sits on its back with ease, clutching to its fur.

DJ: Mind your step, Mystic. This area is notorious for dangerous vegetation.

Mystic: Fret not, my loving Queen. This humble servant shall bring you back safely.

DJ: Oh, shush, boy. Quit jesting.

Mystic: Hahaha! Alright, I get it. I'll be careful.

( I've never been around this area. I suppose listening to mother this once would be for the best. )

The wind whistles loudly. Mystic suddenly slows to a stop.

Mystic: ... ... ...

DJ: ... Mystic? What's the matter?

Mystic: Can't you smell that?

DJ looks around, seemingly taking in her surroundings. She perks up.

DJ: ... ... Yes. Yes, I do.

Mystic: It's...

DJ: ——familiar.

Mystic kneels. DJ climbs down. He gently pushes her to hide.

Mystic: ( What... is that smell?

Why does it seem so familiar? )

—Rustle—

Mystic: ( Something...

There's something coming this way—— )

A branch cracks. Mystic pounces. A young woman startles under the shadows of the forest. Multiple other wolves stand around her.

??? (1): ... ... !

A pair of unknown individuals hurry into view just moments after. Mystic takes a furious stance, his ears pinned back.

DJ: ——Mystic, halt!

Mystic: ... ...?

( What's going on? )

??? (2): Who's there?! Come out right now!

Leaves rustle. DJ emerges. Mystic takes a protective stance in front of her.

??? (2): ... ...

... ... What——?

DJ: Sh—...

... ... Shin?

Mystic: ( ... ... Shin? The Shin?! )

DJ: ... Sob...

DJ walks closer to the man, tears pouring. Her hands quiver, hesitant to even reach for him.

DJ: You're alive...

... ... You're alive!

All of you are!

??? (3): ... ... ...

DJ: Lord Carla.

Carla: I never expected to see you again.

DJ: I could say the same, sir.

Magic swirls. Mystic emerges back into view in his original shape.

Mystic: Mother, what's going on? Who are these people?

Shin: ... ... "Mother"?

Mystic: ( Wow, he's mad now. )

DJ: Shin... this is Mystic. My son.

——Our son.

Carla: What?

Shin: ... ...

Our——!?

Mystic: ( We don't look all that alike. I've certainly got his eyes, though.

——One of them, at least. )

Shin: How could he... ...!?

DJ: Well... don't you remember our final night together?

Shin: ... ... Huh.

Mystic: Okay, too much information——

Shin: ... ... …

Mystic: ( He's staring at me now. )

What?

Shin: I was just thinking how you don't look like me at all.

Mystic: That so? Hah, thank god.

Shin: You——!

Mystic: I know what you're insinuating. I don't appreciate it.

Mystic: And hey, look here——

Mystic inches closer to Shin. He taps a finger right under his left eye.

Mystic: Now, tell me... which eye are you missing?

Shin: ... ...

Carla: As it would seem... Though he lacks many of your features, this boy is truly your flesh and blood.

—Fade—

「Monologue」

The Founders guided us back to their palace. The Banmaden. All with the promise of explaining what had happened in the aftermath of that long distant defeat. "How did you escape?" Mother asked. As it would turn out, the Lunar Eclipse gave the First Bloods the chance to escape. Even with it being a few months away, it’s proximity was enough to weaken the barrier and for their combined power to shatter it. They wandered through the Demon Realm for days, looking over other kingdoms and their linked territories. Mother spoke of her life after she left the Banmaden all those years ago. It was a story I had heard thousands of times. I have never been fond of standing around listening to the elders, so I decided to take the chance to view the terrain.

[ Location: Balcony — Banmaden ]

Mystic: ( So... this is the Banmaden. The Palace of the First Bloods.

I had only ever seen it from afar. Up until now, it and the surrounding area had been locked away by KarlHeinz's magic.

Can't imagine what it must have been like... )

??? (1): ——Excuse me.

Mystic: ... ... !

( Oh…! It's that woman from before. She didn’t say much at our first meeting, so I didn’t really have a chance to pay her any mind.

She really looks a lot like Lord Carla…

I didn't even feel her approach. Scary... )

Hey, um...

??? (1): Kazuha.

Mystic: Kazuha…

Sorry. Didn't hear you step out here.

—Rattle—

Kazuha: Is this yours?

Mystic: ( Father's revolver! )

How did you——?!

Kazuha: You left it unattended at the lounge down the hallway.

What an odd object. It is similar to a cannon. Though, perhaps a smaller version of it.

Mystic: Could you give it back—

Kazuha: I can hear the many bits and parts on the inside.

What is this machine called?

Mystic: ( Has she never seen a firearm? What is she going on about a "smaller cannon"? )

It's a firearm. A revolver. You put bullets in it.

Kazuha: Revolver?

—Click—

Kazuha: Bullets? Are those the cannon balls that go through the mouth of this machine?

Mystic: No, that's not—

Sigh, give it here. Lemme show you.

( Even a child would know how a revolver works... )

( ... Don't tell me... she's actually never seen one? )

( Just how long have these people been locked away in this place? )

Mystic jerks the cylinder open. It clicks and the bullets rattle. He angles the firearm for Kazuha to see.

Mystic: This little thing here is a bullet. They go in the empty spaces inside the cylinder. When you pull down the hammer—the little lever here on the back—it turns, then it's ready to fire.

Kazuha: Remarkable.

... My mother would have loved this artifact...

——Where did you get this?

Mystic: Ah, well, it was a gift from my father.

Kazuha: I wasn't aware Shin owned something like this.

Mystic: No, not that guy.

I'm talking about the man that was betrothed to my mother.

Even though his feelings were never reciprocated, he loves my mother very much. And for that, he raised me like I was his flesh and blood.

Kazuha: ... ... What a spineless man.

Mystic: Huh?

Kazuha: Since you know so much about this machine, I can assume you have the proper knowledge to wield it?

Mystic: Oh, um... sure?

I don't use it often, though.

Kazuha: ... ...

I am sure we will find a use for it.

Mystic: ... ...?

—Fade—

[ Location: Deserted Street — Human Realm ]

—Bang!—

A demon yelps. The bullet quickly consumes the intestines it has latched onto with a sizzle. He drops, howling in pain.

Mystic: Here I thought everyone knew not to make deals with Vipers. Have you learned nothing from history?

Now look at you—

Weeping like a child while you clutch to your guts.

Demon Target: N—no! Have mercy...!

I—I just need some time to get the funds!

It wasn't my intention to disappear!

Mystic: Uh-huh. I'm sure.

Kazuha: Mystic, quit wasting time.

Mystic: Oh, c'mon! Their sob stories are always the best part of the job.

Kazuha: My father said to return early tonight. We have an important matter to discuss during dinner.

Mystic: Ain’t no one told you to tag along.

Kazuha: It is exactly because of that attitude that I did. You have started taking too long. Perhaps a proper deadline would keep you moving.

Demon Target: Yo—you won't get away with this! Just wait until my boss hears of——

Mmmf...!

—Click—

Mystic: Ah-ah-ah. No talkin' with your mouth full. That's not proper at all.

And anyways, my boss—right over there—she’s way scarier. I can promise you it.

Now open wide and taste the barrel well, yeah? I gotta aim for your palate well.

Kazuha: Mystic.

Mystic: Ugh... fine.

Demon Target: Mmf! Sto——!!

—Bang!—

Mystic: Aww, man. Dude had such a pretty face, too. Now look at this mess.

Kazuha: We should head back.

Be sure to clean yourself up before you even take a step in the grand hall. My father will not be pleased with your appareance.

Mystic: Roger that, boss. I'm sure my mother wouldn’t be all that jolly about it either.

Mystic tucks the bloody revolver into a pocket on the inside of his jacket. Crackling and hissing can be heard as the bullets consume all organic matter from the deceased demon's corpse.

Mystic: What's Lord Carla gotta talk to everyone about, anyway?

Kazuha: My father did not specify any topic, strangely enough…

Mystic: ( It's always something with that old man... )

How fuckin' exciting.

Kazuha: Watch your mouth.

Mystic: Sigh... yeah, yeah.

( Not sure what it is...

But I have a really terrible feeling about this. )

—Fade—

[ Location: Grand Hall — Banmaden ]

Utensils clink against plates. The voices of the family echo in the mostly empty grand room.

Carla: ——that is the human with the heart of Menae's daughter.

Mystic: ... ... ...

( Oh... fuck. )

Carla: Flashes of this memory came to me earlier today.

I am not sure how this could have happened, but it must have manifested for a reason.

Shin: What maniac put the heart of a demon in a human body?

Kazuha: ...What are we meant to do, father?

Carla: I have not quite made up my mind about it.

But as far as I am concerned, we cannot allow the pawns of KarlHeinz to continue having possession of something so valuable.

Mystic: ( "Pawns of KarlHeinz"... huh? I suppose that's one way of putting it. )

Shin: Are you saying we should take the girl away?

Carla: I see taking that route as the only viable option at this moment.

Mystic: ... ... ...

( I know exactly who they're talking about.

Oh, Yui, you poor lamb... it really seems like you can't catch a break... )

DJ: ... ... ...

Mystic: ( Mother is looking at me.

She knows of the little lamb. I've spoken to her about Yui multiple times in the past. )

DJ: ... ... ...

Shin: What is it, Des?

Mystic subtly shakes his head.

Mystic: ( Please don't—— )

DJ: ... ... Sigh...

It's nothing, dear. I'm just a little tired, that's all.

Shin: Hah, that's so?

Shin leans close to DJ, the shape of his mouth hidden behind her obsidian hair. She startles. Her faces goes red. Shin backs up with a short chuckle.

—Creak—

Mystic: ——I'm full. Thank you for the meal.

DJ: Mystic, where are you going? Everyone else hasn't finished.

Mystic: I'm sorry, mother. There're some things I forgot to take care of.

Mystic gives DJ a quick side-hug and the rest at the table a short bow.

Mystic: Enjoy your meal!

—Footsteps—

Carla: ... ... ...

DJ: Fo—forgive him, my lord. He's not exactly used to——

Carla: No need. It is none of my concern.

——Kazuha...

Kazuha: Yes, sir.

「Monologue」

I rushed out of the palace. The wheels of the motorcycle kicked up dust as it spun to exit through the Banmaden's gates. My Familiars emerge from the surrounding forest, barking and whining as they chased close behind. I have to warn them. I must get to them before they are found.

Mystic peers up at the sky through crooked branches. The wind whistles in his ears.

Mystic: ( The moon…

… it’s finally turning bloody soon. )

「 General Prologue — End 」

[ Dark Prologue ]

[quill-n]

Year of the OTP: March: Fairtytale au

[ID] A digital drawing of Inuoka Sou and Shibayama Yuuki from Haikyuu!! They are in a mystical-looking library. The walls appear to be glowing slightly with bioluminescent light, and the shelves are overgrown with strange purple branches that are flowering little balls of warm light (like stars) instead of leaves. Inuoka is approaching Shibayama with a wave, saying something with a smile. Shibayama is behind a wooden counter, climbing a ladder that leads off-screen and half-turned back towards Inuoka with a startled expression. Inuoka is wearing regular clothes, while Shibayama is dressed in fantasy-esq robes. There is a wizard hat hanging on one of the branches, and another branch is reaching out to steal the key hanging around Shibayama's neck. [end ID]

I got one done before the very last day of the month for once!!

okok so this is an au I've had for almost a year now, actually! I'm not sure how well it counts for the prompt, but I think it fits??

Basically, Yuuki is the owner of a humble little bookstore in a little corner of the city, but in reality he's actually the guardian and keeper of a ✨secret hidden library✨ and the door is a secret magic entrance that only he can unlock...

He usually locks the portal after closing time for the bookshop in the normal world. But one day he forgets to lock it, and someone walks in...

It's Sou of course! He wanders in to find himself in a very unique and mysterious library that's very different from the little book store he thought he was walking into. Luckily, that was his first time in the "shop" so he doesn't really realize anything was off at first—just looks more eccentric on the inside than it does on the out, right? (the dumbass lol <3)

Anyways, Yuuki takes this opportunity to pretend that this was just a normal interaction, sell him whatever he wanted and get him out of the library as quickly as possible. They talk a bit about Yuuki's favorite book, he recommends it and ends up just lending his copy over to Sou (whatever gets him out of the library faster)

But uh oh! The library doesn't let him leave! And Yuuki's key is missing!!! so now they have to figure out this little conundrum together :)

(Long story short, they poke through the books, discover that they can travel through the stories, and find the key that way <3)

[danshive]

Current form of my Mystic Horn deck.

Lots of humans, desired outcome is using Mystic Reflection on something good right before using the horn, but can win plenty without that.

Plargg is never intended to be played (deck doesn’t even have a red mana source). It’s the flip side that’s potentially absurd.

I wouldn’t call it a tournament winner, but it can win plenty of games in hilarious ways all the same.

Deck 3 Plargg, Dean of Chaos (STX) 155 4 Hanweir Militia Captain (J21) 14 4 Soul Warden (M10) 34 4 Horn of Gondor (LTR) 240 4 Overgrown Farmland (MID) 265 4 Mayor of Avabruck (SIS) 53 4 Branchloft Pathway (ZNR) 258 1 Yavimaya Coast (DMU) 261 4 Mystic Reflection (KHM) 69 4 Hengegate Pathway (KHM) 260 2 Brushland (BRO) 259 2 Barkchannel Pathway (KHM) 251 2 Dreamroot Cascade (VOW) 262 4 Avacyn's Pilgrim (SIS) 48 4 Coppercoat Vanguard (MAT) 1 3 Lunarch Veteran (MID) 27 4 Esper Sentinel (MH2) 12 1 Adarkar Wastes (DMU) 243 1 Plains (JMP) 45 1 Forest (M21) 313

[s10127470]

Sonic’s Latin American Adventure (Part 1)

Most of you are probably familiar with Sonic Adventure.

While not being Sonic’s first, it was his first big successful jump into the world of 3D.

And although it has aged in terms of graphic and especially voice-acting, it’s gameplay and story is still fondly remembered by many.

But one element that I want to take about are the levels.

Sonic Adventure has some of the most iconic levels in the Sonic franchise.

But what some of you may not know were the real-world inspirations behind them.

Ever since the Genesis days, Sonic has drawn influence from our world for reference.

Carnival Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was inspired by the local carnivals that Sonic Team saw in San Francisco.

Casino Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was inspired by Las Vegas, which Sonic Team took a trip to during its production.

And undoubtedly the most recognizable (and widely hated) level in the entire franchise Green Hill Zone from the game that start it all, was inspired by the rolling green hills and blue skies of California.

But when it was time to develop Sonic Adventure, Sonic Team wanted to go bigger than ever before and create more realistic worlds than before, thanks to the greater capabilities of the Sega Dreamcast.

One of the kind of new environments they wanted to do for Sonic Adventure were jungles with ancient ruins.

When creating levels for the games during the Genesis days, while Sonic Team did draw some influence from the real world, they mostly drew inspiration from movies and tv shows.

None of the team had ever seen any genuine ruins or jungles before, and tools like the Internet were way too primitive at the time for help.

So in order to make the environments of the game feel authentic as possible, Sonic Team took a nearly 3-month long trip through Central and South America.

They traveled to Mexico (specifically around the Yucatán Peninsula), Guatemala, and Peru.

And they not only took inspiration from the environments of those locations, but also the culture, history, and possibly even religion.

So today, I want to go into depth on the real-world inspirations for some of the levels and elements of Sonic Adventure.

So grab your adventure gear and some snacks, cause we’re going on a Latin American adventure!

Coming up first we have the very first level of the game, Emerald Coast.

When taking in the tropical beach environment, the seagrass thatched umbrellas scattered all over the place, forested cove and the resort at the beginning of the level, it’s safe to say that Emerald Coast was inspired by popular vacation spots such as Cancún and Tulum.

Next we come to the Mystic Ruins and Lost World.

These two locations are definitely the strongest examples of the Latin American influence.

They’re both clearly inspired by the ancient ruins of Mayan cities such as Chichen Itza, Tikal, Uaxactun, and San Gervasio, along with the jungles surrounding them.

Within the Lost World level, there’s a bit of a snake theme going on. From the torches, to the entrances, and there even being a giant stone snake moving around in the water section.

In Mayan culture, the snake was one of the most important animals, alongside the jaguar and the quetzal.

Snakes were seen as the vehicles by which celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars, crossed the heavens on. The shedding of their skin made them a symbol of rebirth and renewal.

And although there were many sculptures of snakes, most of them found on pyramids, they were often used to represent an important deity in Mayan mythology.

But I’m gonna touch on that a bit later.

The history of the Mystic Ruins is also pretty accurate to the history of most of the Mayan cities.

As most of you probably know, the Mystic Ruins was originally the home of the Knuckles Clan.

But after it was abandoned for thousands of years, it eventually became overgrown with jungle.

That was basically the same thing that happened to the real-life Mayan cities.

After they were abandoned, the surrounding wilderness essentially claimed them.

For example, this illustration shows what Tikal might’ve looked like during the time of the Mayans.

And this photograph shows what it was like back in 1881.

Next we move on the second level of the game, Windy Valley.

When taking in the mountainous landscape and the stone structures (plus their appearance), it’s pretty clear that this level is a loose adaptation of famous Inca city Machu Picchu.

As for the next two levels, finding their inspiration was admittedly a bit tricky when considering the locations Sonic Team traveled to.

But after a lot of research, I think I found them.

Icecap from Sonic 3 returns as the fourth level in the game.

Although it’s inspiration is a tad tricky, I believe that it was inspired from the various snowy-peaked mountains of the Andes.

And for the final level, we come to Red Mountain.

This was probably the hardest level for me for find any possible inspirations for.

Admittedly, for the longest time I thought it was inspired by the tepuis of Venezuela.

And at first glance, you can definitely see the comparison.

Unfortunately, the only place that Sonic Team traveled to was Peru.

But then I remembered that Red Mountain had a bit of canyon look as well.

And after doing some research, I've come to two possible inspirations for the level.

These inspirations are Colca Canyon and Rio Marañón, two canyons located which not only have similar appearances to some of the geological features of Red Mountain, but also just so happen to be located in Peru.

Next we have is Sand Hill, and funnily enough, the history of the level actually involves its inspiration.

During the trip, one of Sonic Team's stop was the city of Ica. During their visit, they discovered the sport of sandboarding. It amazed them so much that they decided to include it as a mini-game for Tails.

As you could already tell, the location was inspired by Ica itself.

Well that's all I can share for now!

I've already reached the 30 image limit, so I can't show any more photos for this post.

So this is gonna be a two-parter. Along with that, it's gonna be much shorter than this one since I'll be covering that the last bit of info I wanted to share.

So stay-in tune for the second and final part of Sonic's Latin American Adventure!

[uncleasad]

Sunday night status update

As Rod Stewart was fond of saying, “It’s late September and I really should be back at school…”

Here at Uncle Asad in Fandomland, that means it’s time for the annual “some night status update” checking in on all the unpublished words and works. (OK, the 2022 update was in May, dunno why, that was…18 months ago, and you expect me to remember? 😂 Oh! It was because of the announcement of the cancellation of Legacies, which felt to me a little bit like a non-event in the wake of Kaylee’s departure the previous fall/winter.)

Back in 2021, nearing the end of my summer writing hiatus, I tallied up all the words in my unpublished, in-progress fics—7 works and nearly 107K words then; in 2022, it was 10 works and nearly 135K words.

Sad to say that although I’ve published 8 new stories since then, all 10 of the in-progress works are still unfinished (8 with no new words), and I’ve added 6 more in-progress stories, too!

The list, with word-counts and estimates of percent complete:

Josie returns to a derelict and overgrown Salvatore School after 10 years away (aka After Ten Long Years) (25,213 words in 5 distinct sections, +60 words, ~75% complete)

Hope meets the Saltzmans in the post-Civil War upper midwest (aka Old West Hosie) (11,340 words, ~25% complete)

Alternate realities bleed over into the lives of Hope and Josie (21,040 words, ~50% complete)

Part 3 of The Model and the Painter (1,265 words)

Hope investigates the disappearance of crime boss Josie (2,778 words, 1+ chapters complete)

Crime heiress Hope meets an enchanting woman who may be her moll (aka runaway Josie) (36,053 words, ~25% complete)

Newly-divorced Hope takes a job teaching art at Whitmore College (aka divorcée Hope) (14,376 words, 8+ chapters complete)

Hope, Josie, Lizzie, and others struggle with their lot in life in the brutal Geminid Empire (aka Hosie dystopia) (16,313 words, ~10% complete???)

A sequel to the surprisingly-popular You Couldn’t Even Bother To Check On Me? (3,140 words)

No-Humanity Hope goes on a rampage across North America, hunting her enemies and extracting revenge (aka Dark Hope on a rampage) (4,708 words, +358 words, ~60% complete)

In the olden days, Alaric sells Josie (aka Selling Josie) (608 words, ~10% complete???)

Ten years after leaving Mystic Falls to try to save Hope, Josie is summoned home by a mysterious letter from her father (aka Stepmother Alyssa Chang) (11,328 words plus an 831-word excerpt scene; ~60% complete)

A disaster of a fic I shouldn’t write and which may never see the light of day (aka The best ones always break my heart twice) (16,260 words, ~75% complete)

Hope Mikaelson is sitting at the bar when Josie Saltzman walks in (aka Josie walks into a bar) (2,211 words, ~50% complete)

Something something Hosie Santa Claus (aka Hosie Santa Claus) (962 words, ~10% complete???)

An intersection of the lives of Hope and Josie just before the fire (aka Hosie half-shot) (1,239 words, ~50% complete)

That’s now almost 170K words of unfinished stories! 😳🤯 (Across 16 works; 32,608 words in 6 new in-progress fics.)

I did finish/publish more works than I added new unfinished ones since the last check-in, however; thank goodness for small favors, however minuscule! 😂

I don’t have a great strategy for whittling this down; as many of you may have noticed, I’ve been in a bit of a slump since spring—and I haven’t written a word since July 1 😢 I feel like, aside from the late summer writing sabbatical of 2021, the summer writing decline usually happens to some degree, and with the coming of fall and winter, I have more time, but that may all be wishful thinking. Still, fingers crossed. At some point, though, I’ll find an hour or so to finish writing the Hosie half-shot and go from there….

Thanks to everyone who’s stuck with me this long and read my fics along the way, and I’m sorry I don’t have a more upbeat outlook right now.

[ghosts-and-blue-sweaters]

What's your favorite kind of car?

Do you like video games? Which is your favorite genre? Specific favorite game?

Favorite dog breed?

What's your morning routine?

Favorite writing space?

Best fictional character of all time?

You have a microphone that makes you heard around the world. You can say one thing. What will you say?

Okay, I honestly don’t… care much, for cars. They’re just meh to me. I like bikes better :D

I used to play Mario Galaxy and Mario Kart and Super Mario Bros Wii alllll the time when I was little, and to this day they’re still incredibly nostalgic and hold a lot of good memories. I think I was… six, when I played Mario Galaxy for the first time. My dad played Mario and I played the little player two star—it was freaking awesome, and always something I looked forward to. One of my favorite things to do was collect star-bits for my dad, and freeze enemies. It was just… awesome. So much fun.

However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve liked video games less and less. My brother is the video game guy, and he is a hekkin nerd about it XD

I don’t really play any video games now, and haven’t played any for years, BUT! Zelda Breath Of The Wild has amazing cutscenes and a great story and ZELDA IS VERY LIKABLE and LINK OH MY GOSH LINK MY BELOVED!!! HE EATS ROCKS FOR FUN!!!

I went through a phase a year or two ago where me and my sister came up with loads of fanfic ideas for BOTW, and I still want to write them!! I think it’d be really fun! I’m just preoccupied with DSMP at the moment :)

So long story short, I’m not a video game person, but I really really like BOTW for the story (and also Tears Of The Kingdom).

Favorite dog breed oh goshhhh

I love golden retrievers (special dogs, and also the same breed as Shadow from Homeward Bound, which is my Most Nostalgic Movie and I need to see it again) and I also like golden doodles (same breed as my dog Ginger <3) and I also like german shepherds (really cool dogs they look so awesome) and I also like great pyrenees (giant fluffy darlings the lot of them and they protect sheep)

But I also really really like wolves :D

I don’t have much of a morning routine, to be perfectly honest; I’m a night owl, and mornings haven’t ever been my thing 😅

I guess they’re… chill? I don’t know, not much happens. I don’t even eat breakfast, most of the time.

FAVORITE WRITING SPACE I LIKE THIS QUESTION!!! Okay, so until just a couple months ago, I didn’t have much of a writing space. If I wanted to write, I usually wrote on a very uncomfortable chair in the living room, or sometimes in my bed.

But at the start of this year, I (somehow) got into a writing routine; every day at 8-8:45pm, I’ll sit down at the tiny table in the kitchen, where I stay until 10pm. It’s been my writing place for a while now, and it’s gotten to the point where I feel wrong when I write anywhere else 😅

So definitely that! Actually here’s a picture:

Now you get to read part of my romance story ajsgajsvjav I honestly had No Idea what I was doing as I wrote it

I can and have written other places—a park bench, a cabin, the notes app on my phone—but I much prefer the kitchen table!

Best. Fictional. Character. Oh boy. Deathy. I will probably ramble. Oh boy.

I gotta start with Ghostbur, of course. My beloved, the ghost of all time, lover of the color blue and sheep, Innocent, weirdly relatable, wearer of yellow sweaters… the perfect guy <3

The way cc!Wilbur treated him is criminal. cc!Wilbur needs to be tried for his crimes and found guilty of malicious intent, murder, enjoyment in other’s sufferings, and Far More.

AND THE FANDOM!!! DON’T GET ME STARTED ON THE FREAKING FANDOM!!! People either see Ghostbur as an overgrown toddler who can’t understand anything, or they see him as this strange mystical Being who is serious all the time and never smiles and is always sad and depressed.

Neither are true! Stop it! It’s annoying and terrible! Freaking stop!

Ghostbur didn’t deserve what happened to him, and he doesn’t deserve the awful fandom interpretations.

Ghostbur deserves the whole world, and all the sheep in the world, and the softest sweaters imaginable <333

I also really really like Wilbur, Tommy, Tech, and Maul :D

Oooh… hm. That’s a tough one.

I think I’d say…

GOSH DEATHY THIS IS HARD!!!

I’d want to say something about Christianity, but there’s so much to say, and I’d want to make sure people understood and didn’t get confused, and I wouldn’t want to say the wrong thing and give people wrong assumptions.

Oooh… maybe I’d share some of my story, like when I dealt with doubts about my faith. That might help people. Oooh :0

Thank you soooo much, Deathy!! This was quite fun to answer :D

[creatrackers]

Milly Of The Sea prologue

I would love any feedback! This is the first draft and will go through a lot of editing, so any critiques would be appreciated <3

   Among the rubble and overgrown weeds of the crumbling palace, I found a dragon. It has been abandoned for almost a decade now, after the Dunbar family scandal. Most royal families have one every few generations, and when they do, the same thing happens: they up and leave their castle and the village it looks over, overnight. Though, the Dunbars were especially mysterious. I’ve heard a hundred different versions of why they disappeared.

  The basis of the story is that Melody Dunbar, the Dunbar’s only daughter, was killed by her brother. Melody was the youngest child. She had three older brothers: Malcolm, Edgar, and Atys.   Atys was the next in line to rule over our village. Earlbraun was old fashioned and still had the royal’s eldest son take over when his father retires from being the ruler. Most villages in our country threw out those sexist and unfair laws as the Rulers advised us to do moons ago. But there are almost three hundred villages in the land so they can’t really force the Dunbar’s to do anything; they have bigger issues than outdated rules. Atys was thankful for that though, as he was not the favourite child and otherwise would not have been next in line.   Edgar was the second oldest child. He was his parents’ favourite, as well as the village’s. He was deemed the ‘dream boy’ out of the bunch, the unanimous favourite of the village folk. He seemed too good to be true. And was too good to be true, I suppose. Edgar murdered Melody, if you believe the gossip. Soon before her disappearance, for whichever reason you want to believe, it was announced she was to be marrying a prince from a different village. Many say Edgar was so raged that two of his siblings, two who were not good enough to rule, were being given better titles. He was always jealous of his older brother. Burdened by the knowledge that no matter how perfect he was, he would still never be given the throne. Now his younger sister, one who barely even saw the people, was being sent off to rule elsewhere. And so, as the most popular version goes, Edgar pushed Melody out of the tallest tower where her sleeping quarters were in the midst of a fight. She died upon impact.   Malcolm was the youngest son. He was shy and kept to himself, living in the shadows of his brothers. Not that he minded. He rarely came to visit the village, only doing so to visit bookstores or when dragged to Earlbraun by Melody. Everyone knew how close they were, how he was affected the most by Melody's absence. Some say he ended his own life after she died, wishing to meet her in heaven. He always wished he wasn’t royal, as did Melody, but they survived their days in the palace and at royal events by having each other. So when he no longer had that, he went mad.   The only thing Malcolm enjoyed about being royal was his pet dragon. Only royals, filthy rich common families, as well as breeders were allowed mystical pets. Wild beasts with such powers were too uncontrollable for people without the space, resources, or knowledge of these creatures. The dragon was one of the only things the younger Dunbars had that the rest of the family didn’t. Malcolm and Melody shared a knucker named Delta. She was young, they got her as an egg when Malcolm was eighteen and Melody was fourteen; two years before the incident. After they were both supposedly gone the dragon was set into Vern; the feared forest south of Earlbraun that’s home to strictly mystical creatures who survive off of each other. It was the only logical place for the dragon to go once both of her owners were gone. But Vern is horrifying… A dragon who had been cradled since birth would have no chance of surviving there. So that day when I found her while exploring the old palace, I wasn’t shocked. I was in awe, of course. It was the first time I had ever seen a dragon up close. But once I realised it was a young knucker who was as red as burning flames, I knew it was Delta who had gone back to her kingdom. She would’ve found it abandoned but had no place to go, so she stayed. Knuckers feasted off of small animals; rabbits, mice, fish, birds, and those sorts. They are aquatic dragons and sleep in cool water so their bodies don’t dry out. The palace was demolished; infested with animals and had a stream running into the now flooded gardens. Perfect for Delta.  

  Since the Dunbars fled, our country’s Rulers have sent down a new pair of royals to look over us. The pair are a young couple, newly wed, and have broken a lot of boundaries for out-of-date Earlbraun since their arrival nearly a decade ago. For one, we have female leaders. The two women got married just five months before taking over. Princess Lee and Princess Ailsa. Both from royal families in Vardint’s capital. They’ve been training to rule since they were mere toddlers, and were nowhere near surprised by the request for their leadership. They’ve had young and fresh ideas; a lot revolving around the expansion of Earlbraun.   So one Autumn afternoon I packed up my things. My belongings fit into one large hiking backpack. Saying goodbye to my parents was surprisingly difficult, especially as they were concerned about where I would be and if I had enough money. I told them I did, from the years at Bahamut Books and all the lessons in archery I’ve taught, and that I would write to them as often as I could. I left out the dragon part, and how I had no idea where I was going. And yet, as I trekked to the Dunbar palace with my backpack, tool belt and pouches, quiver, and the biggest canteen I could buy… I never felt more on track.

[strobebi]

hii what mods do u use for minecraft ? i love all the pink ^_^

so sorry for the long wait! i forgot to respond the ask </3 but anyways, hi! im glad you liked as much as i did S2 im using many mods, so ill list the ones that appearead on the pictures! im also using a lot of texture packs, ill list those as well <3 now for the mods, im playing on 1.15 so if you plan to play on 1.18-1.19 some of these might not be updated to those versions </3 but no worries! i've seen that theres a lot of cute mods coming out for these versions! okay so, im using - Supplementaries (little jar whit the fish) - Comfy Cozy (green cushion and little banners) - Dads Sewing (the plushies) - Farmers Delight (the kitchen stove and cooking pot) - Mystics Biomes (the pink wood and strawberry field) and for the texture packs, im sure that most of these are updated and the ones that aren't might work in the new versions eitherway - Kawaii World! Paintings - cute and less tacky (for the pink strawberry terracota) - overgrown flowery gui - crops get flowered - Buul0chka's Carpets Pack

[gloriabomfim]

Part 4: Befriending a Black Panther

Montage 1: [The Beast encounters a stealthy black panther in the depths of a dark jungle. The initial meeting is marked by cautious growling and roaring.]

Montage 2: [They engage in a territorial dispute, their roars echoing through the dense foliage as they establish their boundaries.]

Montage 3: [The Beast and the black panther work together to repel a group of intruding creatures, their synchronized roars driving the intruders away.]

Montage 4: [They share a hard-earned meal, their growls of satisfaction filling the night air.]

Montage 5: [During a joint hunt, The Beast and the black panther coordinate their movements with synchronized growls, becoming a formidable hunting team.]

Montage 6: [They rest side by side under a moonlit canopy, their growls now reflecting a deep sense of camaraderie.]

Montage 7: [The Beast and the black panther protect their jungle territory from rival predators, their roars serving as a fearsome deterrent.]

Montage 8: [They engage in playful bouts of wrestling and pouncing, their growls conveying their joy and excitement.]

Montage 9: [The two friends encounter a massive monsoon storm, and their synchronized growls convey their determination to seek shelter.]

Montage 10: [Their synchronized growls become a means of communication, expressing a range of emotions from happiness to concern.]

Montage 11: [The Beast and the black panther explore the hidden depths of the jungle together, their growls guiding their journey.]

Montage 12: [During a perilous encounter with a rival group of predators, their synchronized roars assert their dominance and protect their territory.]

Montage 13: [They rescue a trapped animal, their growls of cooperation a testament to their teamwork.]

Montage 14: [The Beast and the black panther share a moment of vulnerability, their growls expressing their trust and emotional connection.]

Montage 15: [As the seasons change, they adapt together, their growls mirroring their resilience.]

Montage 16: [They face a natural disaster together, their synchronized growls of determination driving them to safety.]

Montage 17: [The Beast and the black panther confront a common enemy, their roars echoing in unison as they protect their jungle home.]

Montage 18: [They enjoy a tranquil moment by a serene jungle river, their contented growls revealing their sense of contentment.]

Montage 19: [The two friends help an injured animal, their synchronized growls guiding it to safety.]

Montage 20: [They discover a hidden waterfall, their growls of delight filling the lush surroundings.]

Montage 21: [During a challenging hunt, their coordinated growls become a language of strategy, leading to a successful capture.]

Montage 22: [They share a close encounter with a family of rare jungle creatures, their synchronized growls showing respect for these extraordinary beings.]

Montage 23: [The Beast and the black panther face adversity, and their synchronized growls convey unwavering support.]

Montage 24: [They explore the darkest corners of the jungle, their growls of curiosity leading them to intriguing discoveries.]

Montage 25: [The Beast and the black panther engage in playful chases through the jungle undergrowth, their excited growls filling the night.]

Montage 26: [They work together to deter a group of rival predators, their synchronized roars asserting their dominance.]

Montage 27: [The two friends stumble upon an ancient, overgrown temple, and their growls of wonder echo in the mystical atmosphere.]

Montage 28: [They assist an injured member of their own species, their synchronized growls guiding it to safety.]

Montage 29: [During a night of eerie, dense fog, they navigate together, their growls of reassurance creating a sense of security.]

Montage 30: [As time passes, The Beast and the black panther continue their extraordinary friendship, their synchronized growls a testament to their unbreakable bond.]

[unknownusernumber13]

Writing Project: 01 Wednesday - Write a 500-word story titled Serotonin

This is my first time posting something I've written. It isn't perfect, I'm still learning! I've never been the best at spelling, so please forgive any typos. Please let me know what you think, how can I improve?

I hope you enjoy <3

Serotonin

My mother takes melatonin to help her sleep at night.

I don't remember taking it myself when I was a child.

When I was little, I used to have nightmares about monsters getting me. The one's that every child fears is waiting under the bed, or watching from the closet. The one's that lurk in the dark, in every space you can't see well in.

So, I slept with a nightlight. An easy, simple, perfect solution. The small little light kept the monsters in their place. my mind no longer raced with thoughts of fear, I could sleep.

That's how life worked back then. You used cheap coloring books and dollar store crayons to create a masterpiece. You walked in the backyard and had mystical adventures in magic forests. Plastic kitchens could make the best tasting cookies. The joy of a child can be found in weeds and twigs, the royal flowers and fairy wands that can be seen beside any overgrown sidewalk.

I didn't need melatonin to sleep.

But then I grew up.

At some point, I stopped being able to find enchanted trees in the backyard. I couldn't remember the steps to true professional dance steps that most certainly weren't made up. Going outside became a chore. Cooking was no longer an exciting mystery, you always knew what was coming out of the oven.

I started seeing things for what they were. A book was just a bunch of paper with words printed on it. A cup was something to drink your coffee out of. A car was a machine that took you from one place to the other.

Things started to become simplified, boring.

But life also stopped being easy, simple, and perfect.

You couldn't find joy seeing the weeds bloom, it just meant more weeds. You still pick up the twigs in the yard, but only to throw them out of the way two seconds later. You took walks in the afternoon, but only because your doctor said you should. You laugh with friends and joke about childhood experiences, but your smile is just for show.

I couldn't be happy just coloring anymore. I started caring about my clothes getting dirty. My shoes needed arch support. The little stars that once shined in my eyes, fell to my cheeks, and were washed off with overpriced skincare.

The nightlight, the mighty force that once fought every dark creature that dared come near me, became a nightlight. The monsters become hung up clothes, and tucked away storage.

I stopped being able to sleep at night. My thoughts never stop, they run until they see the sunrise.

I started taking melatonin. You take a pill every night shortly before bed. You start to feel more sleepy, and then you usually sleep through the night. If it stops being as effective, you can up the dosage. If the increased dosage also starts to stop working, discontinue taking it for a period of time. You can start taking it once you've given your body a break.

Melatonin is actually easily accessible, much like the happiness I once found as a child. The only difference being you must pay a predetermined price.

I wish the same could be said for Serotonin.

[sword-crack-l4]

Download SWORD crack (license key) latest version R6H-

💾 ►►► DOWNLOAD FILE 🔥🔥🔥 Download Achievement Unlocked — These achievements were unlocked through normal gameplay or by using a bug within the game. You can find an Unstable fairy in the Darkness Realm. When you take out a Fairy Unstable Fairy, it explodes and releases a wave of force that can damage nearby player characters. It will drop the Legendary item Grave Breaker from to It looks so creepy. It will drop the Magician Icon from to It will attack you, but it can be easily killed by weapons. It will drop the Zombie Worker from to and the Box Core can be obtained from this. There is a limit of 1 per 3 minutes. Theme worlds which are bounded, accessible, and self-contained. Use tools to discover ancient ruins, meet new people, and craft your skills. Explore the world of Otherland from the beginning. You play the character of Athena, a young woman searching for a place to rest. Explore a variety of worlds within Otherland, each following a different theme. Want to get in on the Beta? Unlock the entire game, then play! Just go to the site. You can participate in the events that interest you You can join events triggered by the schedule when they are convenient to you. You can also choose your own events to schedule in advance or define your own schedule. The Game Calendar A wide range of scheduled events that are introduced throughout the day. With a unique real-time combat system and a diverse fighting style system, you get to experience the ultimate real-time action fantasy showdown. Choose your weapon of choice and fight your way through the chaos of the land of the undead. You are well equipped to survive the dangers that await, from the overgrown marshlands, to dense forests, to castles and other haunted fortresses. All beautifully rendered in stunning 2. Beat enemies to find and collect items to unlock awesome skills. Each skill and item has its own stats and might be useful in battle. Experience the ultimate real-time action fantasy showdown in Shadow and Light! Adventure to the marvelous world of light and dark and experience a thrilling story mode of Shadow and Light! Light is a real life girl and Shadow is a supernatural vampire. The two of them come from two different worlds: Light lives in the land of light and Shadow lives in the land of darkness. The game starts when Light and Shadow meet each other. Now they are entangled in a fierce battle where they both have to show their fighting skills — Light in her mystic arts, and Shadow in his supernatural talents. We are truly surprised at how this game developed. Story: What will you do for a girl in the past? With whom will you spend your time in the most romantic way? The story offers you a total of four beautiful female protagonists to choose from. Each one has its own unique personality, romances and quirks. Between the two adults there are, of course, many different routes that lead to the final ending. Gameplay: When you travel in time, every second has great importance. Routes and Stories: Three different routes follow different paths. The final ending will be unlocked once you reach the end of the story! You can switch between the girls during the respective routes and after meeting the criteria to unlock the endings, and even switch back at any time during the story. A strong romantic dynamic is created between the different routes. That means for each girl at the start of the route there are two different men she can go out with. Cases: At the start of the game, you will be approached by the four girls to make your choice. The possibilities are endless! The endings will be unlocked once you have made your choice and the girl you chose has been knocked out. Time Correcting: The girls will speed their way through time and jump through time when you press the space bar. This means you can use the girls to increase your speed, access new routes or fight against the enemy. Can you get to the past and save the four girls? How far can you go through time? Releasing Date: The second game will release a week after the initial game is released. The girls of Time Tenshi 2 have traveled to the past to experience things that could impact the future. The girls have been thrust together with the immortal and mysterious Temporal Force and are no longer able to return to the present. The games are fusions of Valkyrie Profile and Digimon Adventure. The games have received generally positive reviews. Overview Gameplay The Valkyrie Profile series is a series of classic action role-playing games, particularly. Featuring large, side-scrolling dungeons for players to explore, Valkyrie Profile games often involve players exploring both the dungeons and the world outside them. The series is noted for its extravagant cutscenes and often humorous dialogue. In recent years, development has shifted from 3D polygonal graphics to 2D tile-based graphics. Valkyrie Profile: Covenant uses this look and feel as its gameplay theme. In Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth, the characters, dungeon layouts, and many visual elements are completely new, with the exception of the NPC dialogues. Lenneth was initially designed as a traditional PlayStation 2 title to bridge the gap between the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 4. However, Lenneth would have felt out of place on a PlayStation 2 because it lacks a traditional experience gamepad and gyroscope detection. The game was supposed to have a gyroscope-enhanced Valkyrie Motion, which would provide a brand new dungeon map experience to the series. Nevertheless, Lenneth received both positive and negative feedback for its disregard for the original Valkyrie Profile series, being more focused towards the fan base of Digimon Adventure for its reminiscent elements and gameplay. Media The series has three manga series. A issue manga adaptation of Lenneth by Natsumi Itsuki began serialization in September Two novels have been released. Story Mode: Watch a beautiful woman being chased by the military police. Experience the beautiful story of this woman and her adventures along with the gorgeous 3D FMV. In the battle mode, you can play against an all-girl team with AI players or you can fight against AI. You can also participate in a battle between your team and a rival team. Practice Mode: You can create any team and play against it, learning the strategies of the game. This title will be very exciting for you!

[miraculous-trinity-leo]

Tᕼᗴ ᑕᕼᗩOTIᑕ ᗩᑎᘜᗴᒪ

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7) (Part 8)

[I would once again like to thank my wonderful Miraculous friend, @buginetye, for helping me in creating more wonderful ideas for this fic, hope you're having an absolutely wonderful day]

Chapter 7: Greetings Mighty Mushu

·•·–—–·•†•·–—–·•·

Marinette enjoyed her day at Titan Tower, she definitely enjoyed the magic summoning. She had spent almost half the day there and was now walking back home with Mushu hiding in the hoodie of her winter jacket.

Walking down the empty alley not far from her home, Mushu poped his head out to look around.

"... Damn, the world looks like shit now, what did you humans do to it?" - Mushu

"Well, this is an alley, normally they look a bit nicer, but we're in Gotham, so it has its own unique charm to it." - Marinette walking down the alley

"... Ah yes, the sight of garbage, and old puddles of blood are very ‘Charming’" - Mushu pointing out the garbage and one old blood puddle

"It's Gotham, it only gets better sight wise in the center of the city, and worse crime wise all over." - Marinette now back on the sidewalk and heading towards a heavily overgrown parking lot

"... How have humans not gone extinct yet?" - Mushu

"Don't know, it's honestly a miracle." - Marinette walking through the heavily overgrown parking lot

"I'll never understand you humans... Anyway, why does it feel like we're in a jungle?" - Mushu

"It's a saftey measure." - Marinette continued walking as the thick brush seemed to part for her to pass.

"... Am I seeing things, or did those plants just move out of the way for you?" - Mushu rubbed his eyes before seeing more of the plants open up, showing a clear path - "It's like fucking Narnia all over again!"

"Wait, you've seen the movie Narnia?" - Marinette paused for a moment to get a better look at Mushu

"No, there is no ‘The Movie Narnia’, I'm talking about Narnia, it's a mystical world where I once had a holder that lived there... The talking Lion was a bit weird, even for me." - Mushu

"... It actually exists?" - Marinette

"Of course! There were even three human children from this dimension that went to Narnia, though I'm not sure how many years ago that may have been." - Mushu

"I-... I don't know how to respond to that." - Marinette stood on the open path, now wondering if every movie/book that was fantasy related, was actually based on real things

Only one way to find out

"... Um... Do you know what lightsabers are?" - Marinette

"You mean those glowy sticks that come in a lot of colors?" - Mushu

"Yes." - Marinette

"... Is this another one of those ‘movies’ of yours or something?" - Mushu

"Maybe..." - Marinette

"... Let me guess, you want to know if ‘The Force Is Strong Within You’, and try to find a way to get a glowy stick too? Is that it?" - Mushu crossed his t̶i̶n̶y̶ travel size arms as he spoke

"... Possibly." - Marinette slowly continued down the path

"... That ain't gonna happen." - Mushu hid himself back in Marinette's hoodie, cutting off their conversation. And Marinette got the message and kept walking... for about a minute

"... So, are you the ‘Kwami’ of Sass or?" - Marinette almost at the end of the path

"What the hell makes you think that?" - Mushu popped back out to look at Marinette

"You just seem a bit sassy to me." - Marinette

"Oh no you didn't!" - Mushu moved his head side to side and snapped his claws while moving his paw infront of his face

"Or Drama? Which is it?" - Marinette walking up to a gate

"Neither! I'll have you know, 𝐈 am the Kwami of Perfection!" - Mushu

"That's kinda vague don't you think?" - Marinette walking through the gate and closing it behind her

"...No, I'm perfect in every way, how can that be vague?" - Mushu

"Well, it's perfectly vague, you could make the world or a tiny useless object perfectly useless, or perfectly useful. So, I see it as a vague thing." - Marinette walking towards a buildings' garden with many, many different kinds of plants

"Okay, I see your point, but... It's perfection." - Mushu's words made Marinette laugh - "What is it now?"

"It's just, with you, someone could draw the shittiest drawing in history, and if you ‘perfected’ it, it would become the perfect shitty masterpiece!" - Marinette had to stop walking from all the laughter

"... That's not funny." - Mushu

"Yes it is! ... WAIT! Has it actually happened?!" - Marinette tried to sound serious, but still had a few giggles as she spoke

"... You people enjoyed those cave paintings didn't you?" - Mushu

"... Holy shit you're old." - Marinette finally stopped laughing when it sunk in Mushu was ancient

"... I'm gonna sleep now, m'kay?" - Mushu stared at Marinette for a moment, before making sure to whip his tail at Marinette's cheek as he went back to the warmth of her hoodie

Marinette ignored the tail whip and entered the garden when she was completely done laughing. She continued over to the front door, and opened it. As soon as she stepped inside and closed the door behind her, she was instantly jumped by Bud and Lou, causing her to laugh as she was covered in slobber.

"Hello Marigold, how was your day?" - Ivy coming out of the kitchen to greet Marinette

"It was great, I had a lot of fun." - Marinette said as she hugged Bud and Lou one more time before getting back up

"I'm glad to hear that, dinner will be ready soon." - Ivy walked over to Marinette to give her a kiss on her forehead

"Okay... um, where is everyone else?" - Marinette couldn't sense their energy anywhere within the building

"Well, Harley is out... doing some business, Ed is running from Batman again, and Selina... I think is robbing another high-end place." - Ivy walking back to the kitchen with Marinette behind her

"Oh, well, I was hoping to show everyone something I found." - Marinette taking off her coat only to see Mushu giving her a VERY disapproving look before heading into the kitchen with Mushu on her shoulder

"And what might that be-" - Ivy froze the moment she saw this tiny thing on Marinette's shoulder.

"Marinette Isley-Quinzel, what is that?" - Ivy with a very concerned look on her face

"Before you say or do anything, this is Mushu, and I'm stuck with him?" - Marinette wasn't really sure how to tell her mom she bound her soul to a t̶i̶n̶y̶ travel size Dragon God

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, I'm- ACK!" - Mushu was instantly grabbed by a carnivorous plant

"IT CAN TALK?!" - Ivy had the plant try and swallow Mushu

"WAIT MOM, NO! He's fine I summoned him!" - Marinette had the plant spit Mushu out, only for him to go face first on the kitchen door and stick to it, in an almost cartoon like fashion, he very slowly slid down the door

"You- what?" - Ivy was very confused

"I summoned him with magic...?" - Marinette suddenly sensed her other mom

"What'd I miss, and who summoned what?" - Harley slammed the door open with a serious look on her face... causing Mushu to get smooshed between the door and the wall, everyone heard a tiny crack of something

"What was dat sound just now?" - Harley looked at a shocked Ivy and a pale Marinette before looking behind the door and seeing a living... something smashed like a cartoon

"... Ives, have yuh been growin' your ‘special’ plants again? Cawze I tink I'm seein' tings… mawh than usual."

"No, what you're seeing is real." - Ivy walked over to Mushu, and carefully grabbed him (well more like peeled him) off the wall

"Den what am I lookin' at exactly?" - Harley poked Mushu, and saw his eye twitch - "Dat's not right."

"M-Mushu? Are you okay? How many fingers am I holding up?!" - Marinette held up 3 fingers

". . . 3?" - Mushu spoke meekly

"Are yuh okay?" - Harley asked Mushu with slight concern

"What does it look like?" - Mushu glowed faintly before returning to his normal look

"Was dat Magic?!" - Harley asked excitedly

"No, it was a trick of the light, OF COURSE IT WAS MAGIC!" - Mushu crossed his arms as he hopped onto Marinette's shoulder

"You don't have to be rude about it, besides, you're a god, you can't exactly die... right?" Marinette didn't notice the growing shock on both her mom's faces

"Of course not. Like I've said, 𝑰 am Perfection, and as such, I can't die in such an imperfect way, obviously." - Mushu lifted his head high with his chest out as he spoke in a proud manner

"Geeze, you and Chloé would love eachother." - Marinette looked at Mushu, who was ignoring her gaze

"Hold Up did I just squish a GOD?!" - Harley was both in awe and shock... mostly very concerned shock

"...Why yes you did, now *ehem*, Bow Down Before Me Foolish Mortal, Before 𝐈 Smight Thee Imperfect Self." - Mushu had such a smug look on his face, before Marinette held him upsidedown - "Hey! Blueberry, what the heck?! Put me Down this instant!" - Mushu went quite after realizing his voice cracked

"Apologize please." - Marinette holding Mushu from his tale

"For what?" - Mushu

"For freaking out my mom, she believes in that stuff, so if you please." - Marinette

"... *sigh* Because Blueberry insists, 𝑰, the Mighty Mushu, Kwami of Perfection: Apologize for what I said that may or may not have scared you." - Mushu spoke reluctantly, but sounded somewhat sincere

"... So where d'ja get de tawhkin' lizard?" - Harley asked as she went to grab some coffee

"Magic summon." - Marinette replied with a smile

"... That's it! All of Yall LISTEN UP, I am NOT a Lizard, for the last time I AM A DRAGON! D.R.A.G.O.N!" - Mushu fed up with being called a lizard

"Then why are you so tiny?" - Ivy asked innocently

"Tiny? Tiny!? I AM NOT TINY! I AM TRAVEL SIZE FOR CONVENIENCE!" - Mushu was really fed up, he hopped off of Marinette's shoulder and started walking to the door

"Mushu, where are you going?" - Marinette watching Mushu walk closer to the door

"I need some fresh air, so I'll just be outside thank you very much." - Mushu continued walking and phased through the door that lead to the Gardens

"Wait, if he could phase through stuff... Why de fuck was he flattened like a pancake on de wall?" - Harley sipping her coffee

"He's just a little dramatic." - Marinette

"I'd say mawh than ‘just a little’ Cupcake, he needs therapy... do Gods even go tuh therapy sessions?" - Harley looking outside the window to see Mushu yelling his head off

"And he's yelling infront of the Common and Green Figwort, my poor babies..." - Ivy was just about ready to have another plants silence Mushu, but Marinette had gone out to Mushu, looked at him for a second, said something that shocked Mushu, and Ivy (Ivy was listening through her babies) before Marinette came back in with a smile. Both adults looked back to the Garden, only to see Mushu standing there like he was just slapped in the face.

"What on earth d'ja say tuh make him look like yuh offended his very existence?" - Harley, who has no clue what Marinette said

"Nothing really." - Marinette acting like she didn't

"Marigold, who taught you that kind of threat, it left him speachless!" - Ivy

"Ummm, Aunt Selina?" - Marinette now looking a bit guilty

"What d'ja say?" - Harley

"I only said that ‘I would refuse to help him find his broach if he keeps acting like a child.’ Did I go to far?" - Marinette looking a bit worried

"My Cupcake's learnin' how tuh threaten people, and dis was huh first threat... I'm SO PROUD!" - Harley gave Marinette a big hug - "Dey grow up so fast!"

"What-!" Marinette was soon getting a bone crushing hug from both her moms

"We're so proud of you, but don't do that to everyone, only bad guys, okay?" - Ivy

"Ok... but... I... can't... BREATHE-!!"

·•——·Now lets back up a bit·——•·

Starfire was in the living room watching Nightstar beat everyone in UMS3, she didn't expect to see Beastboy being strangled while Raven recorded it infront of the Zeta-Tube, but soon realized it was Beastboy and Raven's friend that was to visit the Tower today. Everything seemed somewhat normal about the girl, though she was quite strong if she got Beastboy in a headlock. The next thing that came as a surprise, was Marinette beating everyone in UMS3, she had never seen anyone beat someone so fast before, and then, Robin challenged her to a duel with real swords! Had he lost his mind? She was a civilian!

But Starfire knew there was no way to change his mind, so she gave them wooden swords instead, and hoped that he wouldn't hurt Marinette to much.

... But then she saw that not one of his attacks affected her, she had a perfect defensive position, and was easily dodging all of Robins strikes. Then she saw Robin back off, thinking about something. She was about to call it a tie, but was cut off by Robin throwing instutls at Marinette, it shocked Starfire, Robin had never thrown insults in a simple duel. She looked to Marinette, she thought the girl might cry, but that's when Starfire saw it, something was VERY different about Marinette, while through the whole match she was calm and overall happy, she suddenly had a weired energy to her, she didn't change her expression, she just stood there. When Marinette spoke, it sent shivers down Starfire's spine, the icy tone in her voice wasn't something normal for any civilian. Marinette quickly defeated Robin after that, and Starfire went to make sure he was alright. She continued to watch Marinette more closely, both during the hack off and the magic summoning. Starfire was concerned that Marinette may be a villain, or working for one, so she went to the Watchtower for their daily reports. Starfire was first to arrive, she sat at the table, wondering why Marinette seemed so... destructive...

It took about 30 minutes for everyone to arrive, each JL member listing off their findings for the day, then it was Diana's turn to report in.

"Everything is as it should be with the Amazons, and Themyscira. Though one of our artifacts acted strangely, it stoped quickly, and is nothing that should be of concern, that is all." - Diana sat back down once she was done, and then it was Zatanna's turn

"And do you have anything to report in today?" - Batman spoke from his spot at the table

"Well, I do not know if it is to be of any concern at the moment, but at around 5:32pm EST time, I felt a... disturbance, it was faint, but also very strong, it alsmost seemed like some kind of Ancient Magic was activated for a short time." - Zatanna seemed to be lost in thought with a worried expression as she spoke

"Were you able to determine it's origins and how long it lasted?" - Batman

"Yes, though it lasted for less than 10 seconds, I was able to find the general area it was in, if you'll please look to the screen." - Zatanna brought up a before and after image Magic Map of Jump City

"As you can see before the time of the anomaly, everything was normal, then withing the 10 seconds it lasted, half of Jump City was covered in a chaotic, and destructive Ancient Magic. This Magic wasn't strong enough to do any damage thankfully, so whoever or whatever caused it, either didn't know how to use this type of Magic, or showed a point of weakness or extreme anger in their core. The only spot that was heavily covered with it was the general area of Titan Tower. As of now we don't know what exactly caused this, but I will see to it that it's checked out thoroughly, I would like to request Dr. Fate, and John Constantine's help in order to make the search quicker." - Zatanna sat back down after Batman gave a nod of approval.

"Starfire, did you sense anything different today while you where in the Tower?" - Batman

Starfire stood up and answered a bit nervously

"Yes, infact, I may know who caused it." - Starfire

"Then tell us." - Batman

"I think it was the friend Beastboy and Raven brought to the Tower today." - Starfire

"How old were they, and what was their name?" - Batman

"She is the same age as Beastboy and Raven, and I only know her first name: Marinette." - Starfire

"Well, was their any instance when this Marinette seemed different or angry?" - Zatanna

"Yes... it was during her and Robin's duel..." - Starfire

"What?" - Batman

"Why the hell would Demon Spawn duel a civi?" - Red Hood

"She beat him and everyone else at UMS3. I am unable to change his mind when it is made up, so I kept a close eye on them during their match." - Starfire

"So then she lost to Robin and got mad?" - Nightwing

"No... Robin, couldn't land a hit on her so he threw insults at her to get her mad... and it worked, though probably not how he planned." - Starfire

"Was there any noticable change about her?" - Zatanna

"She had a strange feeling to her afterwards, it felt almost curse like, or... more like looking at death? She asked for Robin to apologize, yet he did not. Her movements were quick and precise, and she took Robin down." - Starfire

Everyone was in silence at the table... except

"She took down Demon SPAWN OH MY GOD!" - Red Hood was soon laughing his ass off, and fell out of his chair

As Red Hood laughed at the not so funny situation, they all looked to Batman for their next move

"Did she, or anyone mention who her parents where, and where she might live?" - Batman

"No, oddly enough, not once did she or her friends say anything about how she or her family were, nothing about where she lived or names of family members." - Starfire

"Then we'll assign two individuals to keep an eye on her." - Batman

"But who should we send?" - Superman

Red Hood just kept laughing, until Batman spoke up

"We'll send Red Hood." - Batman

"Hahaha- WAIT WHAT?! Why do I have to Babysit?!" - Red Hood

"Becuase you haven't had a mission in a while." - Batman

"Bullshit, I have done a lot of missions lately!" - Red Hood

"Name one mission within the last month you had." - Batman

". . . Fine I'll babysit." - Red Hood grumpily sat back down in his chair

"Was anyone from the Tower somewhat close to her, other than Beastboy and Raven?" - Batman

"Nightstar seemed to be forming a possible good friendship." - Starfire

"Then Nightstar will accompany Red Hood in watching them." - Batman

"Why did you make it sound like she's in charge of me?! I'm the adult!" - Red Hood was offended, but Batman ignored him and stood up from his seat to finish the meeting.

·•————· The next day ·————•·

Marinette introduce Mushu to her Aunt the next morning, and they got along quite well from the start. Apparently, Mushu likes shiny things, and has agreed to help perfect Catwoman's heists if he gets at least one shiny gem or metal object...

Her Uncle wasn't able to meet Mushu, since he was caught by a Batbird and was sent to Arkham. Which might be a good thing for once, her Uncle never liked small talking creatures.

Marinette couldn't go out, since Raven and Beastboy told her that she was gonna be under surveillance again, and since her moms were out ‘working’ she was left with her Aunt, Mushu, Bud and Lou. Marinette tried to find ways not to be board, but she failed, and was hanging upsidedown from the railing of the metal spral staircase, while blowing bubblegum when her Aunt walked in.

"What are you doing?" - Selina was confused why Marinette was blowing bubblegum upsidedown... again

"*pop*Trying to think of something fun to do." - Marinette

"... Upsidedown?" - Selina walked closer till she was below her Neice, and looking up at her

"Yup *pop*." - Marinette looking at her Aunt

Selina didn't want Marinette to be like that all day, she could get a headache if Marinette stayed like that, and then she thought of something that might be good for Marinette to learn...

"How about we come up with a game?"- Selina smiled as she spoke

"*pop* Okay." - Marinette untangled her legs from the railing and gracefully landed infront of her Aunt

"*pop* What are the rules for this game?" - Marinette looked up at her Aunt with a smile, wondering if the game would be fun

"The rules are simple, no use of weapons, no outside help, at least for now, no magic or help from Mushu, and no pat downs." - Selina

"Okay, and what is the objective for this game?" - Marinette

"Pickpocket me. It is a useful skill, and we'll make it fun, and if you get good at it, I'll let you join me on a robbing spree or two." - Selina

"Okay, easier said than done, do I have to be in your line of sight, or can I try and do it sneakily?" - Marinette

"Either is fine." - Selina

"Am I allowed to swap the items out with random objects?" - Marinette

"Of course, anything within the rules is allowed, as long as you get the objects." - Selina

"Okay, I'm ready then." - Marinette smiled at her Aunt, happy that this would be fun and useful

And she did remarkably well for her first time. Although Selina put the objects in slightly hard spots in her jackets, Marinette was able to get them, and swap them with other objects similar in size, even when she didn't know what the target item was. They kept on going, and Marinette kept getting better and better with each game. So Selina stepped it up a notch, and started grabbing bigger items, yet Marinette still did well. They took a break around noon for lunch.

"So how are you able to know what kind of item I have, and where, if you didn't see it?" - Selina was wondering how her Kitten managed to make such quick progress in such little time.

"Its' energy." - Marinette replied simply

"What do you mean?" - Selina looked at Marinette, did she have other meta-abilities?

"Everything has its own kind of energy, this table, the silverware, your hidden tazer in your watch." - Marinette listing off different items

"So, you can differentiate the different energies, and know what they are right off the bat?" - Selina

"More or less, I have to know what object the energy is related to, so I would have to at least see it once, and then I can tell what and where it is by the energy, though I can't have a very wide search range, the bigger the object the easier it is to sense it from far away, and the smaller it is, the harder it is to sense from a distance." - Marinette

"Does this also apply to people?" - Selina

"Yes, though the energy of people is unique to only them, I have yet to see two people with the same energy." - Marinette got up from the table to continue their game

"I'm so proud of you!" - Selina gave Marinette a big hug before continuing the game

By the end of the day Marinette was a master at slight of hand. A useful skill for what she had planned. Sometime around 8pm Marinette decided to go out as Wonder Quinn, though her suit had the same color designs, it was altered to fit the cold weather. She also made a special pocket for Mushu within her hoodie, so he could stay in it whether she had it on her head or not. She was running along the rooftops, heading to a special spot where she met up with Beastboy and Raven, they stopped a few crimes as they mostly had fun on the rooftops. They got some snacks and were sitting on some gargoyles...

"... I think I want to steal the Batmobile." - Marinette proclaimed nonchalantly

"*PFFFFF* WHAT?!" - Raven/Beastboy spat there drinks out in shock

"I said I want to steal the Batmobile, I promise I'll return it afterwards." - Marinette smiled sweetly at her friends, they were in for a long, and fast ride.

·•·—–·★·–—·•·

Chapter 7... it took a bit to long, but here it is! Hope you're all staying safe and having an absolutely marvelous day !BUG-OUT! 🐞💮🐞

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[pascalpanic]

Benny’s Girl (Prequel to Before The Next Teardrop Falls)

Inspo: Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield

Pairings: Benny Miller x f!Reader, later Frankie Morales x f!Reader (in Before The Next Teardrop Falls)

Summary: Benny’s new girlfriend is everything Catfish wants and more. Too bad it’s his best friend’s girl.

W/C: <4k

Warnings: language, sexual content, pining ohhh my word pining. 

A/N: HI FRIENDS <3 I absolutely loved Before The Next Teardrop Falls and I LOVE writing pining, especially with my Frankie baby, so I decided to make a prequel to it! This fic is based on Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield, which I absolutely ADORE. you can read this as a stand alone or you can read it as a prequel, I think either one works well!!

Sometimes, a spark seems to appear where one never existed. It’s common enough; it’s the reason most relationships fizzle out before they can become something explosive and fiery. One thinks that the dynamite is going to explode and take off in a bright shower of colors, when in reality the lighter never truly lit the wick.

That’s what happened between you and Benny Miller. You’d loved the guy, really, but not in the way you thought. You still do. It’s just that the both of you were lonely people seeking something more than your past had given you. The two of you were hopeless romantics. Maybe that’s what started the relationship.

You’d met in a way typical for the younger Miller brother. You’d been at a bar with some friends who were desperate to get you laid. The same could be said for Benny, who was there not with his brothers-in-arms but the man he’d defeated in the ring that night. Nick and Benny were good enough friends, close enough that losing to the other was rarely a sore spot. 

He’d spotted you across the bar, thought your laughing face was beautiful and your smile as you locked him was magnetic, drawing him to you before he could stop himself. Natural attraction. You introduced yourself. He told you his name was Benny. You asked why his hands were taped, he explained that he was a professional fighter, you’d made some snarky joke and you ended up talking for the rest of the night. One of your friends left with Nick. You and Benny stayed until the bartender shouted that it was the last call. You wrote your number on his taped palm and he saved it. 

You went on two bar dates before he decided he needed to introduce you to his best friends. They were like brothers to him, they knew everything about him and he knew them inside and out. You went to the same bar as you’d met at, and you met the men he’d served with in his Special Ops days.

Santiago, known as Pope for some godforsaken reason, was a charmer. He’d kissed your hand after shaking it, complimenting you and making small talk, finding connections and building on them. You’d laughed at the man’s joking advances, and flirted right back. Benny squirmed lightly, but you kissed his cheek and assured him you were just playing along.

William, Will, Ironhead, was Benny’s older brother. He’d given you a warm clap on the back and shook your hand, telling you that you were brave for putting up with the rascally guy. You had to admit, it was fitting. It was clear that they’re brothers: they had the same furrow to their brow, their blue eyes widened in reaction to anything, they had a similar habit of tipping their head back to laugh when something was especially funny. 

Frankie Morales, Catfish, was the last one you met and most definitely your favorite. He was quieter than the other guys, sat back while the other men made the noise. He was the punching bag, taking the brunt of the hyperbolized jokes- how Catfish hadn’t slept with a woman in 10 years, how he was the loud one of the group, how he was the one you had to look out for when he was drunk. You knew none of them could be true. He had a sweet smile and gave you a nod when you introduced yourself. He and Pope had some kind of banter between the two of them, albeit a banter you couldn’t understand as someone who didn’t speak Spanish. 

Throughout the night, you found yourself more drawn to Frankie. He had a beautiful laugh, would pull his ball cap down a little lower when someone made a joke about him. He was the one who’d expose a lie Benny or Santiago took. He nursed one beer while the other men got rowdy, and you’d done the same. It seemed that the two of you found kindred spirits in each other over the course of the night, while Benny and Will and Santi smacked each other around and took an obnoxious amount of trips to the bathroom.

When it was time to head out, you’d hugged each of the men goodbye. It was already clear that you fit in just like one of them, even if you didn’t have the past experience that bonded the men. You hugged Frankie last. He was the best hugger; he wasn’t ridiculously ripped like Benny, firm and awkward like Will, or flirtatious like Santiago. He was strong but soft. The man was definitely a hugger, you could tell, and it was comforting for the brief moment or two you were in his arms. 

Frankie put his cap on your head teasingly, covering your eyes, then stole it back and gave you a pat on the back. “Ben’s a wild one. Good luck with him,” he teased and walked off. You had to admit, his ass had a nice curve to it as he walked off to his beat-up truck. “Call me if he does anything stupid and I’ll beat his ass for you,” he called over his shoulder, prompting Benny to flip him off and put an arm around you. He simply laughed and got in his car.

-

Frankie became your favorite of the group. The two of you are the ones teasing each other exclusively and sitting quietly while the other men get crazy. Frankie tries sips of the cocktails you order, excitedly making grabby hands when the bartender sets it down. He always lets you steal some of the food he orders when you’re at the bar longer than normal. He shares your affinity for classic rock and when the bar blasts AC/DC, it’s Frankie who screams the lyrics to Thunderstruck with you while the others cover their ears. Santiago joins in sometimes too, but the country-loving Miller brothers never quite know all of the words like Catfish does. 

At some point in the few month relationship, you earn your nickname of Queenie. It’s from teasing Santiago, and the one who bestows the title upon you is Will, the most stoic of the group. It’s an honor, you tell them all, laughing. You call the shots, and everyone follows. Even though Benny is your lover, Frankie is your second-in-command.

When Frankie does allow himself to get drunk, he’s the most fun of the group. He’s extra lovey, telling the men how much he appreciates them. He tells stories the other men won’t about their Special Ops days, about the stupid things Will did when they were abroad. He’s shamelessly goofy and funny and falls all over the men. You even convince him to do karaoke with you once.

Benny is an overgrown class clown, but he won’t do karaoke, no matter how hard you begged him, called him baby and pressed soft kisses to his face. He wouldn’t budge. Tonight was a rare night that Frankie drank more than one round. “I’ll do it!” He shouts excitedly, eyes lighting up. “Ooh, c’mon, it’ll be fun. We’ll be so good at it.”

You, unfortunately, were not good at it, but you had the time of your life with Frankie. On that barely-raised platform, the two of you sang Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart, completely out of tune and out of sync. You were giggling the whole time, especially at Frankie’s falsetto on the little “woo-hoo”s. 

The two of you tumbled back to the table after, you giggling and falling into Benny’s arms. “Did you like it?” You cooed, sitting on his lap.

Benny laughed genuinely, pressing a kiss to your face. “Sure did. That was fantastic. Maybe you’ll have to sing just for me sometime, huh?” He teases.

Frankie sits alone on his barstool at the end and downs the rest of his beer. He flashes you a quick smile when your eyes meet his and he retires early for the night.

-

You and Benny had sex a couple of times. He was good at it, good enough. You enjoyed the way his lips moulded to yours, the way his thrusts were quick and fast and properly angled. From a technical standpoint, he should’ve been perfect. It was all you wanted, but there was no real connection behind it. The moans that trailed from your lips were small and soft, and the louder ones were never genuine. He always made you orgasm, at least, but it was slow and dull, the kind you’d wring from yourself with just two fingers.

The two of you had fun together. You went to the county fair, you got boisterous and drunk at bars, you did everything two twentysomethings are expected to do in a relationship. After every date, you had a small sad smile on your face as you got in your bed and distracted yourself with something on your phone. Something about it wasn’t right: you didn’t connect soulfully, in some mystical and spiritual way where one can read the other’s mind, in the way that movies and books and legendary romances felt some kind of supernatural force that pulled the strings and led them closer. It wasn’t what you needed, but it was what you wanted, and so you hung on a little longer.

Benny felt the same, but he was too afraid to disrupt the balance. He’d rather be mediocrely happy than alone again. He liked having a girl to squeeze water into his mouth and wipe his sweat after a fight, someone to slide his dick into while her lips met his skin. He didn’t want to lose that, even if he was slowly realizing that he just wanted a friendship with you.

You hung out with him and the other men more. You realized that he wasn’t your boyfriend around them, more of a sibling, teasing and nudging. There was no affection, no romance, just the playful aspect of him. That was fine, you told yourself, until you realized that it wasn’t, it couldn’t be.

-

By principle, Frankie is not and refuses to be a jealous man. That changed when you came into the picture. 

Something about you is absolutely magnetic to him, more than the way Benny was drawn to you across the bar. Sure, he’s been attracted to many girls, but he wants you. He yearns for you. He makes a joke at the table and it doesn’t make anyone but you laugh, but he doesn’t give a shit that Benny and Will and Santiago don’t find it funny, because he gets to watch the way your eyes glimmer and your mouth falls open and your chest heaves with the beautiful ring of your laughter.  

He loves that you hug goodbye, because he gets to pretend for a moment that you’re his and he is yours, that he can press his lips to your soft skin and call you his girl. But you’re Benny’s girl, and he’s okay to live like that. He’d rather have you as a friend than not have you at all. Even if he dreams about you at night, even if you live in his head on repeat, saying his name. Frankie, baby, I want you, I want you…

One night, in his sleep, the sound of those words echoed through his head. He’s never heard you say them, but his unconscious brain assembled them like a beautifully haunting jigsaw puzzle that made all of his blood run south. 

Dream-you is standing in the doorway to his bedroom, wearing just his t-shirt. Dream-you smirks, walks closer, climbs over Frankie and presses her lips to his and her tongue delves into his mouth. She lies down onto him and grinds her hips to his and laughs and laughs and he presses his face into the curve of her- your- neck, smelling your perfume and grinding his hips back against dream-you’s. “All I want is you, Frankie,” dream-you mumbles and bites his lower lip. He shivers and dream-you coos his name, lines herself over his aching member and just before she slides down, he wakes up to a dark and lonely bedroom with a half-hard dick. 

You and Benny joined the gang the next night out. He couldn’t meet your eyes. He listened as you fussed over Benny, heard you call him baby and steal his beer with a giggle. 

“What the fuck has gotten into you, Fish?” Santiago asked when you’re in the bathroom. 

Frankie shook his head. He pulled his cap lower and finished his beer, then poured another from the pitcher on the bar. “Slept like shit last night.”

-

You’ve decided that it needs to end, so you asked Benny to meet him at your favorite bar. He agreed, and wanted to invite the boys, until you asked that it be just the two of you. It hurts that he has a glimmer of hope that you’re about to end things. If you don’t, he will.

You walk in with an apologetic smile, sitting across from him. “Hey, how was your day?” You ask in a soft voice. You’re unconsciously trying to prepare yourself to let him down gently.

He shrugs a little. “Uneventful. Yours?”

“The same. Listen, Benny…” you start and trail off, looking away.

He takes one of your hands and looks at you, his eyes understanding. “Hey. I think I know what this is about.” He reads the sadness in your eyes like a book. “We need to be done. I get that. I agree.”

Your face finds a soft smile as you look back at him. “Really?” You ask.

“Yeah. I have something to ask.”

“Shoot.”

He takes your hand and presses it to his lips softly. “Will you no longer be my girlfriend and just go back to being my friend?” He asks. 

You nod excitedly, laughing. “Oh my god, yes, Benny. I’d love to no longer be your girlfriend.”

The both of you laugh at the irony in your words, and he sets your hand down. “Thank God.”

Later that night, Will, Frankie, and Santiago find their way to the bar. Of course they do. They come over to your booth, sliding in and pretending to love up on Benny. “Oh, are we interrupting a date?” Santiago asks with a fake pout.

You chuckle and look at Benny. He gives you a small smile and a nod. “Actually, no. No more dates between Benny and I. We’re over,” you say and breathe a sigh of relief.

Frankie’s blood runs cold. He must be dreaming for him to hear this. It’s only ever in those dreams that he hears the words he wants the most fall from your lips, words like these. Words that indicate you’re no longer Benny’s girl. “You two seemed so happy,” he murmurs in confusion.

Benny senses it all clicking. Frankie has liked you all along. He’s smarter than the gang gives him credit for. He can read his friends easily, and Frankie is the easiest of all of them to understand, with those big brown eyes that give everything away. It’s gotta be, he thinks. You probably don’t like him back, as anything more than a friend, but Frankie is in deep shit now for you. He nods, looking at Fish and shrugging. “We just didn’t work. We’re still gonna be friends though. She’s one of us, isn’t she?”

The men all cheer in agreement and it calms your frantically beating heart. The worst is over now. And goddamn, does Frankie look cuddly tonight in that flannel, you think to yourself. You slouch down against him two beers later and discover that yes, he’s as comfortable as he looks.

-

You’ve been single for a year now. Benny still texts with you daily, as do the other men. He sends you shitty Facebook memes that seem more like a dad would post. You realize that it’s for the best that you and Benny are over, with a chuckle. You can be much more honest.

It pains you to realize it, but you’re crushing hard on your ex’s best friend. Frankie Morales is everything you need and want and desire. His big arms wrap you in a hug every time the two of you say goodbye, and every time it feels like it lasts a millisecond longer. That neither of you want to let go.

Frankie feels the same, even though you don’t know it. He has that haunting dream once a week, the one where you kiss his neck and call him baby and it makes him yearn every night at 2:00 in the morning, staring at your Instagram page and thinking he should text you and see if you’re up. Not as a hookup, not anything like that. He just wants to talk to you.

You tease Frankie about his chronic insomnia. How he sends you random texts late at night. “Have you considered melatonin?” You ask.

“I have weird dreams. It’s not the falling asleep, it’s the waking up,” he admits, looking in the opposite direction of your face. 

Some days, Frankie thinks you feel the same. He notices the way your eyes linger on his face, the way you always sit next to him in a booth. The way your phone’s lockscreen is a photo of the two of you being stupid at some function. You’ve become best friends, Frankie has to admit, but sometimes he thinks there could be more. But then you say something offhanded and he has to throw the notion away. 

One night at the bar, when it’s just the men and you’re nowhere to be seen, Frankie takes Benny and guides him into the bathroom. His blonde brow furrows in confusion as he looks at Frankie. “Yeah, Fish?”

His hands rub together nervously and he looks down, before fidgeting with his cap and looking Benny in the eye. “You and Queenie… that’s all in the past, right? There’s nothing between the two of you?”

A smirk finds his face. “I knew it, Frank! I knew it from the night her and I broke up.”

He frowns. “Is that why?” He asks hurriedly. “Oh shit, I didn’t break the two of you up, did I? Jesus, Ben, I’m-”

“No, you dumb fuck,” he laughs and shakes his head. “I just saw the way you looked at her after it happened. Crazy in love. You totally are.

Frankie’s face turns red and he takes off his hat to adjust his hair. “Do you think she might like me too?” he asks, quietly. As if you could hear him somehow.

Benny nods, excitement in those bright blue eyes. “Hell yeah she does, Fish! You’re her fucking phone lockscreen. Girls don’t just do that.”

“I don’t know, man, we’re best friends. That might not mean shit.”

The blonde puts his hands on the brunette’s shoulders. “Listen to me, Frankie. I’ve known you’re into her for like a year now. I know she likes you too. It’s time, you gotta ask her out.”

“Really?” He asks, brown eyes widening. “I don’t think so. That could fuck everything up,” he says, the anxiety in his voice.

“Trust me,” Benny nods. “It won’t.” 

Frankie’s grinning ear to ear. “Alright. Tomorrow night, I’ll ask her to meet us here, but it’ll be just me. I’ll ask her out, how does that sound?”

“That sounds fuckin’ amazing, man!” Benny exclaims. “I’m happy for you. She’s a great girl and you’re a great guy.”

“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” he asks, wringing his cap in his hands. 

He nods. “Go for it, Fish.”

- Frankie never gets the chance.

The next night you float into the bar, absolutely on cloud nine. You’re grinning ear to ear and it only widens when you see Frankie, rushing over and hopping on the stool. “Hey Fish,” you coo and kiss his cheek.

Frankie’s stunned. “Hey. How was your day?” He asks hesitantly, looking at how flustered and happy you look.

“So good,” you laugh. “I actually got asked out. Like, on a date. This really sweet guy, friend of a coworker. His name is Sam.”

Frankie’s sure you can hear the crack that echoes inside his ribcage. His heart splits in two and to hide a quivering lip, he raises his glass to his lips and takes a swig of his beer.

You continue to talk about him, noticing his silence. “How was yours?” You ask, frowning a little at how tense he is. You rest a hand on his upper arm.

Frankie does his best not to flinch from your touch. “Not great,” he chuckles and clears his throat. “I kinda fucked something up.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” you pout and stroke his arm softly. “Can I help you with it? Do you need to talk about it?”

He shakes his head quickly, standing from his stool. “No, just a personal thing. Hey, I’m gonna run and piss, the other guys will be here soon. Order something, it’s on me.”

Frankie’s gone into the bathroom before you can even process it. You frown a little but the smile returns as you order the drink and think about Sam.

Frankie locks himself in a stall and texts the other men.

D-SQUAD 🚁

Frankie: mission aborted. You guys need to come to the bar now so I don’t look like a chump.

Benny: what happened?

Frankie: a guy asked her out today. she’s taken now I guess

He stares at his phone and sends one last text.

Frankie: and don’t you dare mention it to her. make her tell you first.

He slides his phone in his pocket and leans against the wall of the bathroom stall, letting out a deep sigh. This is all shit. He’s a coward, and he should’ve done something sooner. 

He finally returns and sits next to you on a barstool. There’s a smile on his face that you’d notice was plastered if your mind wasn’t so wrapped up in your day. “So. Tell me about him. I’m happy for you, you know that?”

-

@remmysbounty @mishasminion360 @softly-sad @blo0dangel @luxurybeskar @binarydanvvers  @sleep-tight1 @apascalrascal @randomness501 @spideysimpossiblegirl @notabotiswear @pedro-pastel​ @sanchosammy​

[diner-drama]

Destiny (1/6)

I thought it would be really funny if, instead of finding out about Merlin's magic and having one episode to react, Arthur instead spent a whole season being an absolute prat about the whole thing. Here are some things I've imagined from this scenario, set in that magical period between Season 3 and 4 when the knights of the round table were running around being chaotic dumbasses and stealing chickens.

Chapter 1/6. 1373 words. Rated T. Also on AO3.

"Merlin," yelped Arthur, outraged and relieved in equal measure. "What on earth are you- Is this what you meant by powerful, ancient magic? You can make your eyes go sparkly and then fix people's clothing?"

Merlin stopped short and rubbed the back of his own neck awkwardly. "Among other things, yes."

"And you've been moping around all day about this?"

"You didn't believe me! I was baring my soul to you and you were so arrogant that you just-"

"You told me that you'd saved my life a hundred times with the mystical power of your warlock skills," said Arthur, wiggling his fingers as though casting a spell. "Not that you were hiding the ability to dress me more efficiently."

---

That Merlin and Prince Arthur were fighting was known throughout the whole of Camelot, not least because the sound of yelling echoed impressively though the acoustics of the ancient stone halls. What was less clear was what, precisely, they were fighting about.

The first sign that anything was wrong had been the eerie silence in the castle when the prince and his knights returned from a particularly hairy quest to deal with a nest of wyverns in a distant village. They'd been entirely successful in vanquishing the beasts, but neither Arthur nor Merlin had said a word for the entire ride home and hurried off to opposite ends of the building as soon as they were able.

"Is everything alright, my lord?" called Leon, knocking on the heavy, ornately carved door to the prince's bedchamber.

"Go away," bellowed Arthur.

"Are you sure you-" started Leon, stopping abruptly when something loud and heavy thumped against the door, clearly thrown with great force.

Merlin was also in a less-than-optimal mood.

"He didn't believe me, Gaius," he fumed, pacing around the physician's workshop and gesticulating furiously, hands knocking into the scrolls and books that littered the surfaces.

"I have to say, I am surprised at that," responded Gaius mildly, moving some of his more delicate equipment out of the way of Merlin's swinging arms. "You've done a terrible job of hiding your magic."

This elicited a smile and a reluctant laugh from the young sorcerer, and eventually he was persuaded to sit down and have some dinner, still complaining about Arthur with his mouth full.

"I mean, I'd only just saved his bloody life from that overgrown chicken thing."

"The wyvern?"

"Yes. It doesn't even breathe fire! I don't know why he couldn't just" - Merlin made a series of gestures that seemed to resemble stabbing something viciously with a sword - "and I wouldn't have had to do anything at all! This is all his fault."

"Why on earth did you have to tell him?" asked Gaius in wonderment, shaking his head.

"I didn't mean to! It just sort of slipped out when we were trying to get to the nest." Merlin poked moodily at his stew with his spoon. "I didn't think this was what I had to worry about when he found out about me," he said mournfully. "I thought he might have me beheaded or burned or something, but then he looked at me like I was insane. It was all 'this is stupid, Merlin', and 'don't be ridiculous, Merlin'."

"Don't you find that preferable to being burned at the stake?"

Merlin let out an incoherent noise of frustration. "If I'd known he would be such a mutton-faced prat about it, I would have set myself on fire and saved us all the bother."

Gaius, calling on his ancient and hard-won reserves of patience, took a deep breath and patted him on the shoulder. "Merlin, this is all completely new to him. You must give him time to form his own conclusions."

"How long is that going to take?" whined Merlin, dropping his head onto the table and groaning. "He'll need his life saving fifty times before his brain catches up."

"Go and get some sleep," Gaius instructed him, taking away his empty bowl and guiding him towards his bedroom. "I'm sure this will seem better in the morning."

Long after the sun had risen and all the palace staff had begun their day's work, Arthur thrust open the door to Gaius' workshop and raised his voice.

"Where is my useless manservant?" he bellowed.

Merlin, who was clearly enjoying having a bit of a lie-in and a private sulk, opened his bedroom door to glare at him.

"So you are alive," said Arthur, a brittle, uncertain undercurrent lurking below his usual teasing manner. Merlin looked rumpled and adorable, and not at all as though he were hiding a wealth of unearthly powers. "I had to get my own breakfast this morning - what is wrong with you?"

"You told me to get out of your sight," Merlin reminded him caustically.

"I didn't mean that you had the day off," he scoffed. "You'll do anything to get out of work, won't you? First you come up with this cock and bull story about being some kind of sorcerer, and now you're lazing around in bed - I mean, honestly, Merlin."

"I thought you didn't need my help," said Merlin haughtily. "Since you're so certain of my capabilities."

"What capabilities?"

"Exactly."

"I don't need your help," Arthur insisted, puffing out his chest. "I'm perfectly able to start the day on my own, but that doesn't mean you can shirk your duties."

"Your tunic's on backwards."

Arthur looked down at himself and decided to fly into a rage to cover up his embarrassment. "I can't be expected to notice insignificant details like that! I have a kingdom to run."

"No, you can't be expected to notice anything," sneered Merlin. "Even if it's right underneath your nose."

"Are we really still doing this?" sighed Arthur, turning his eyes to the heavens. "You're not a sorcerer, Merlin. You have neither the intelligence nor the subtlety to keep that from my notice. Now would you please stop being weird and attend to your prince?"

"Fine," yelled Merlin, entirely losing his patience and thrusting his hand in front of him, palm forward. "Arstafas stunt gierd," he hissed, his eyes glowing amber as he cast the spell.

Arthur's tunic righted itself while the prince looked down in amazement. With a self-satisfied smirk, Merlin re-laced the fastenings and tied them in a bow, weaving the magic from a distance with his fingers.

"Merlin," yelped Arthur, outraged and relieved in equal measure. "What on earth are you- Is this what you meant by powerful, ancient magic? You can make your eyes go sparkly and then fix people's clothing?"

Merlin stopped short and rubbed the back of his own neck awkwardly. "Among other things, yes."

"And you've been moping around all day about this?"

"You didn't believe me! I was baring my soul to you and you were so arrogant that you just-"

"You told me that you'd saved my life a hundred times with the mystical power of your warlock skills," said Arthur, wiggling his fingers as though casting a spell. "Not that you were hiding the ability to dress me more efficiently."

"Do you have any idea of the topological complexity involved in-"

Arthur crossed the room to clap Merlin on the shoulder. "Look, Merlin, I'm sorry that I doubted you," he said in mock sincerity. "Clearly, if this is what you think a great sorcerer is, then you truly are one."

Merlin made a face, eyeing the hand on his arm uncertainly. "Aren't you worried that I'm going to be seduced by the dark forces of magic or something?"

"What would the dark forces of magic want with you? Unless they need their trousers fixing, I don't think we need to worry about that."

"So you're not going to..."

"Going to what?"

"Behead me?"

"Behead you? I've just found out that you're a slightly less incompetent manservant than I previously thought, of course I'm not going to behead you."

Merlin let out a relieved huff, grinning widely as Arthur ruffled his hair.

"However," Arthur continued, grabbing his servant suddenly by the scruff of the neck and enjoying his surprised whimper, "I do want to discourage you from keeping little secrets from me again, so I think some kind of punishment is in order, don't you?"

"No, actually, I-"

"I'm glad you agree," he continued smoothly, dragging Merlin towards the door. "I think all of the knights have armour that needs polishing, and I know that there's a whole pile of dirty laundry waiting for you in my chambers."

"Would you like me to lick your boots clean, too?" grumbled Merlin, stumbling forwards a few steps into the corridor as Arthur released him.

Arthur screwed up his face. "Don't be an idiot, Merlin. Saliva is terrible for leather. Oh, and Merlin?"

"Yes, sire?"

"I hope it goes without saying that this all needs to be done by hand. I don't want to catch you using any... shortcuts."

"Of course, sire. Wouldn't dream of it."

[mino-diabolik]

❝Scavenger Hunt❞

Mystic’s Birthday Special [2/3]

＊

[Location: Hallway — Banmaden]

Mystic: [I rip the envelope of the third clue and slip out the card.]

(Let’s see... what do you have planned for me next?)

𝕮𝖑𝖚𝖊 #Յ

Mystic: (My boss?)

. . .

Oh!

＊

[Location: Balcony — Banmaden]

Mystic: [I walk out into the balcony, where I find Kazuha sitting on the edge of the stone railing. She turns around to look at me and smirks.]

Kazuha: You took longer than I had expected.

Mystic: [She twirls her hand and the envelope magically appears in between her fingers. I move towards her to take it but when I try to grab it, she snatches it back. I look at her, confused.]

Kazuha: There’s something you have do for me first, if you want get your next clue:

Mystic: (“I’m sure she’s got some work for you,” said the past clue.)

(So that’s what it meant.)

[I take a step back and shrug.]

Alright, what do you need me to do?

Kazuha: Well, you see—

Mystic: [Kazuha snaps her fingers; a sudden burst of light drags me attention away. Amidst the darkness of the forest afar, a floating flame comes alive.]

Kazuha: —my familiars lost one of the small gifts Kino got for you, so I’ll make that your mini-game so you can get your next clue. Alright?

Mystic: [I glance over at the overgrown and smile.]

Sure. Sounds fun.

Kazuha: Great.

Mystic: [Kazuha slams an hourglass over the railing.]

Kazuha: You have thirty minutes. Go...!

Mystic: [I hop over the railing and deploy onto the ground. I land with a light tap on my feet and rush off into the forest. My phone vibrates when I cross that line.]

[Time remaining: 30:00.]

[I approach the flame Kazuha created; it’s hovering in top of something.]

[I kneel down in front of it. It’a a glass bottle. I tilt my head to the side as I try to figure out what this was all about.]

(Wait... ah! There’s a note inside.)

[I pop the bottle open and turn it upside-down, catching the piece of paper on my hand.]

Mystic: (“Do you remember that time I showed you how to catch a rainbow on a plastic bottle? This is pretty similar. Place the flame into the bottle and use it as a lantern. You might need it to search around.”)

[I glance in between the bottle and the flame, before approaching. I slam the bottle down on the flame and catch it, sealing it inside with the cork. A spotlight shoots out of the bottom of the bottle, pretty much like a flashlight.]

(Wow... this’s efficient.)

Kazuha: Don’t stand around so long, Mys! The clock is ticking!

Mystic: [Kazuha’s voice echoes over me.]

[I begin walking around, looking everywhere around me, in search of anything that could help me find Kino’s gift. As far as my eyes could see, I can only see trees and other overgrown.]

(Kazuha said her familiars lost it... then—!)

[I place the bottle down and begin shifting in my wolf form. My paws hit the floor and I throw my head up to howl. I take the bottle in between my jaws and begin rushing once again.]

Mystic: [I take a whiff of the air, immediately catching a scent that makes my tail wag. I turn on the spot and speed up. I cross bushes and jump over logs, raising my head to continue searching for anything that could give away the position of the lost gift.]

Kazuha: You have fifteen minutes, Mys! Hurry up!

Mystic: [I jump over a bush and rush past a section of the forest while inhaling. I halt then and there, quickly snapping my head back in the direction of the scent.]

(There’s something sweet and something that’s salty!)

[I rush up to the spot and come to a stop in front of a tree. I begin sniffing around, circling the tree. At last, I find a bag hidden in between a couple of bushes.]

[I shift back into my normal form, immediately feeling my phone vibrating.]

[Time remaining: 05:00.]

Mystic: (Oh, shit—!)

[I jump back to my feet and rush back in direction to the castle. I jump, shift into an owl and grab the bag with my claws. I flap my wings once and shoot upwards. I place the bag on the railing and return to my original form.]

Mystic: Haa... haa...

[Ring! Ring!]

[Timer Finished!]

Kazuha: [Smiles.] Amazing, just in time.

Mystic: [She brings out my next clue and hands it over.]

Kazuha: Good job.

Mystic: [I take it from her hand and smile, still agitatedly breathing.]

Thanks...

Kazuha: Alright, then... go on. Happy birthday.

Mystic: [I smile shyly and nod shortly before walking back out into the hallway.]

[Location: Hallway — Banmaden]

Mystic: [I open the bag and look inside.]

. . . !

[Bags of my favorite chips and strawberry gummies are on the inside. My phone vibrates a couple of seconds later.]

[Message from: Prince ✯]

↳ I know these are your favorites... so I hope you enjoy them!