#probably don't use soup but who am i to stop you

[basuralindo]

Hey I'm dropping a crepe recipe because there's still people around who think they're hard to make and I'm sick of french food being romanticized to the point of inaccessibility.

I call this a 3-2-1 method to make it easy to remember; 3 eggs, 2 cups water/fluid of choice, 1 cup flour.

I'm sparing you the obligatory backstory on my path to cooking extremely flat pancakes because we both know that neither of us care. If you want to hear me overshare check my blog between 1-4am pacific time.

•Anyway, start with three eggs and beat with a fork until they're all one color (you can use a whisk or an egg beater but I hate the extra steps. Fork it):

•Add 1 cup flour:

•Add whatever dry flavoring you want (I usually go with cinnamon and cardamom, today we're doing matcha cause that happens to be what I'm cooking. Some mornings caffeine is meant to be eaten):

•Add sugar to taste if desired. It's not necessary for the recipe, and if you've managed to add enough to throw off the consistency you've got other shit to worry about, so follow your heart. I usually use like two tablespoons or so (I prefer brown, but white tastes better with matcha):

•Decide on your fluid of choice. Water and/or milk is the usual, but you can do literally whatever you want; hot cocoa, coffee, tea, soda -whatever you want them to taste like. Go nuts with it. Use soup if you want idgaf it's between you and your chosen god at this point. I recommend starting with 2 cups for simplicity, but you can add more if needed for the right consistency. At this point I just eyeball it tbh.

•Add a little at a time and start mixing until it's as smooth as you can get (this is also where you'd add wet flavorings, like vanilla extract):

•Add the rest until the batter is roughly the consistency of heavy whipping cream, or like thin tomato soup (if you actually ran with the soup joke, add a little water to thin it out). Just get it to where it's still a little viscous but will run if you pour it on the pan:

•For best results cover and let it sit in the fridge overnight or for a few hours (it will separate a little, just mix it again). For last minute "I forgot to prep this last night but I really want crepes" results, we're putting it aside while I wash dishes and heat up the pan.

•Ladle out like ¼ cups worth onto a hot lubricated pan (butter or cooking oil, medium heat) and swirl it until it coats the bottom. Don't stress if it looks like shit the first few times, that's what practice is for, add a little more fluid if it's not spreading well:

•cook until the top is no longer wet and edges start to lighten:

•Flip it with either a very flat spatula or sheer hubris (spatula recommended for beginners), and cook for like 45 seconds (I have no sense of time), then slide it onto a plate:

•Top with whatever you want and try whatever folds/rolls you saw in that one show that made you think these were cool.

Go forth, have fun, eat well.

(if you want an even easier method with only mild sacrifice to quality: mix a couple eggs and some extra fluid into your leftover pancake batter and leave it in the fridge for the next morning)

[muntitled]

more dom!hazel would be so appreciated if u can hehe 🫶🫶

+ another anon who asked for a cleaning bruises fic

𝐁𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 & 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 | 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧

Hazel Callahan x fem!reader

Summary: "If I put my hands up your skirt right now, am I gonna find you wet?"

Warnings: Established Relationship, Hyper feminine!Reader, PJ as her own warning, Mentions of Bruises, Mentions of Violence, Cleaning Hazel's bruises, Domestic Fluff, Humor, Jealousy, Possessiveness, Smut (+18 Minors DNI), Dirty Talk, Mutual Pining, Fighting Kink?, Fingering, Dom!Hazel, Sub!Reader, Praise Kink, Degradation Kink, Overstimulation

Can be seen as a continuation of this fic but not strictly

Your afternoon had been almost perfect, with Hazel nestled between your open legs just a step lower on the school bleachers. Her head had been thrown back, with her curls running rampant against your skin and tickling your chest. You smoothed her hair down in vain intervals while she played with a loose string on the stitiching of your plaid skirt as she droned on and on about the unlikelihood of being enlisted as a bomb tech by the US Army.

"I don't really know where else I could use my particular set of expertise. What else could I do that won't ultimately lead me down the path of... you know, treason and terrorism?" You nod vaguely as Hazel continues her equal parts aloof and equal parts worrying rants. All while combining your fingers through her hair, "I mean, I just feel like World War III is probably upon us, you know-"

"Ugh, could you guys get a room?" You had been so enamored by Hazel's ranting that you failed to notice PJ at first. Her and Josie made their slow ascent on the bleachers until their shadows blocked your afternoon sun.

"Could you get a girlfriend?" The words had snipped off your tongue with harsh vexation as you instinctively cradled Hazel closer to your chest.

"Jesus-" Hazel had muttered, as she craned her neck up to stare at PJ and a disgruntled Josie, "Why are you trying to hijack my boob time?"

You had to reign in all murderous intentions as PJ grabbed hold of Hazel's forearms and forcibly dragged her up off the bleachers… out of your arms.

"You don't get boob time until we all get boob time. And need I remind you that you're going to be late for Fight Club," You heaved a very loud, very obnoxious sigh as you tilted your head backwards, letting the rays bounce off your pink sunglasses, "You guys should seriously get a room." Said PJ, "Stop giving the entire football team a show. Come on, you're setting us back like 69 years-"

Before PJ sunk her claws into Hazel completely, she bent down until her lips pressed against your cheek, and she whispered, "I'll see you back at my place, yeah?"

Your heart deflated at her confirmation that she was indeed leaving you for Fight Club, "Hazel..."

"Shh, shut up. Just say yes,"

But before you could wrack your brain for something coherent to say, PJ had already begun to make her descent off the bleachers, taking your girlfriend along with her.

You did not hate PJ, nor were you her biggest fan at the best of times. However, nights like tonight made your vexation grow to unimaginable heights simply because PJ is completely and utterly inescapable.

This evening, however, waiting for Hazel to get back from Figh Club, had been perfect. Etta James had been oozing through The Callahan's home speakers as you prepared the butternut soup- Hazel's favourite Post Fight Club recovery meal (although she hated admitting it, because she did not want to put you out of your way).

You are perfectly content, trapped in your web of make-believe as you prance around Hazel's kitchen, assembling your respective bowls needed for the soup. Mrs Callahan had let you in, as she always did after school, with a dismissive wave while she babbled into the receiver of her iPhone. Before she completely disappeared into the innards of her sprawling house, Mrs Callahan vaguely threw over her shoulder "Hazel is at her thing until 5 but I'm sure you've been made aware," and you were left in this great big labyrinth to entertain yourself.

Sex had been even more seldom, given that Hazel was rarely ever in any shape to commence any form of coitus due to the various bruises popping up in unlikely places. You wish you can safely tell yourself you despised seeing her bloody and battered state - that you gain absolutely nothing from Fight Club and that you most likely never will.

But you're staring dreamily into the pot of soup, and you're stirring and stirring, with your heart racing in anticipation of Hazel's inevitable return with her inevitable bruises smeared across her perfect little face.

You had not planned on cooking for anyone because seducing Hazel in her inevitably bloodied state was on the forefront of your mind, and Mrs Callahan had a very tempting bright pink apron hanging on the hook.

So perhaps you did do this all for her.

Perhaps you were waiting for her, to stride on through the foyer, nursing a streak of dried blood down her nose, eager to catch her reaction at seeing you so comfortable in her space while you rushed to swoop in and fawn over her.

This near perfect daydream might have actually manifested…

Were it not for PJ's loud and obnoxious voice bleeding into the kitchen from the foyer, accompanied by the heavy groan of the front door slamming shut. Your shoulders visibly sag as you empty the rest of the soup into your bowl just as the trio rounds the corner into the kitchen.

"Oh my God - soup!" PJ exclaimed rushing towards you with her gaze zeroed in on the bowl locked firmly in your hand. You had been so focused on keeping the bowl from PJ's incessant grabby hands that you failed to see the dazed, almost breathless look that sprinkled over Hazel's face who drifted slowly behind Josie despite this being her house.

Suddenly, every thought about the impending bruise she was facing due to not dodging a right hook earlier vanished from her mind like doves in the wind. Hazel's head was completely flooded with the image of you, in her kitchen, with your cute as fuck little skirt grazing just above your knee.

This almost did not feel real. Less than a month ago, no one barely blinked in her direction, but now...

So enamored was Hazel by your act of service, she nearly failed to catch PJ's innate need to flirt whenever you were in the vicinity.

"You look hot by the way," PJ had slyly said, still reaching for the bowl of steaming soup, which you only drew higher above your head.

"Sorry PJ, only people who make me cum get to eat my cooking."

"Is that an invitation?" She asked, leaning against the counter, "That sounded like an invitation."

Hazel cleared her throat, finally succeeding in having your eyes wash over her. "Can we probably not talk about you fucking my girlfriend, maybe, I think?" She said cooly, discarding her bag somewhere on the floor before making her up closer towards you. Her slouch was even more prominent and you swear the air in your lungs thinned as she brushed up beside you and muttered, "Hey,"

"Hey yourself." And Hazel's tummy instantly warmed as you discarded the bowl on the counter, turning to cup her cheeks in your hands as you observed her latest shiners acquired from Fight Club. Something sinister flashed through Hazel's mind as your big dark eyes scanned over her visage, eyeing the new bruise splotched across her eye and the horizontal laceration on her cheek.

"It doesn't hurt," She can barely find her words under the overwhelming feeling of your care and attention. Your scent is all encompassing, and before she ever allows for anymore of her arousal to stain her boxers Hazel attempts to draw her face out of your palm.

"Jesus, Hazel!" You squeal, pulling her head down closer to your height, until Hazel has to support herself with a hand on the counter behind you, "Please don't tell me you were sparring with anyone on the football team again!"

You hoped you succeeded in masking how turned on that thought actually got you...

Hazel's voice is deep and low as she replies,

"Jeff said that if I can at least dodge his left, left, right hook next time, I could probably be ready for the whole team." You breathe out and airy laugh almost the same time as her, the both of you silently aware of what the other was doing.

"Ugh, you're such a virgin." PJ mutters under a mouthful of soup.

"I literally have a girlfriend," Hazel mutters without looking away. Her gaze was nearly trapped in yours as she allowed you to pull her limp body away from PJ and Josie. "Come on, I need to clean you up."

And that's how you had found yourself, cross-legged on Hazel's bed with her leaning against the headboard like your Oh so compliant little patient. Her gaze is yet to waver from yours, in fact, cleaning the laceration had been utter hell, right up until this point because Hazel had taken to drawing various circles against the skin of your exposed thigh.

The skirt had ridden up marginally from your seating position, and Hazel seems perfectly fine toying with your various emotions.

"You look really pretty," Hazel breathed out as if those words were sitting heavily on her heart ever since you applied the wet gauze against her left cheek. You try to hold your composure, keeping a firm eye on the dressing of Hazel's wound as you say, "I don't really think I want you going to fight club anymore,"

"Tch'yeah okay," she snickers dismissively, "Hey, is this skirt new? It's hot- like 'gay 50s housewife' kinda hot," There's an edge to her voice that has Hazel sitting taller against the headboard before incriminatingly letting her hands drift just a little higher on your thigh. Your breathing becomes heavier as you fight hard to maintain your crumbling composure.

"I'm serious, Hazel," you had begun to whisper. Why had you begun to whisper?

"I don't wanna have to stitch you up every time-"

As soon as the gauze was plastered onto her cheek, Hazel's head was already melting into your chest, nuzzling at your open cleavage exposed by your Pastel v-neck as she says, "God, I love it when you mommy me,"

"H-Hazel," any warning you tried to inject into your tone gets fizzled out by the embarrassing moan that escaped your lips as Hazel's teeth dragged lightly against the skin of your chest. Her hands were restless, as if she was testing herself as to how far she'd allow herself to go so quickly.

You suck in so much air as Hazel's palm cradles the inside of your thigh and because you're cross legged, closing your legs is nearly impossible. "Fuck, I'm so turned on, right now," her voice cracks as she brings her face up from your boobs. Pressing a hand to your cheek, she tries and fails to bring your lips towards hers.

Hazel frowns as you say,

"You think it makes me feel good seeing you like this?"

You ignore the budding voice in your head echoing the loud and very obnoxious 'yes, yes you do like seeing her like this. You like seeing that reckless smile blossom onto her cracked and battered face. It gets you wet and you know it does-'

But your voice is full of fragile conviction as you say, "You think I like seeing my girlfriend beaten up everyday of the week?"

Hazel blinks once before she succinctly replies, "If I put my hands up your skirt right now, am I gonna find you wet?" An entire desert ecosystem is suddenly born inside your mouth, and you swallow thickly as your eyes evade Hazel's uncomplicated, piercing gaze. She tilts her head, smiles gone, simply waiting for your response.

"Do you want me to tell you what I think?" She asks before steadily closing the distance between you once more. Only, you're so terrified of being caught out, so utterly embarrassed at the thought of her finding out about the pool of wetness that had begun soaking completely through your panties, that you back away the closer she gets. Your slinking backwards only allows Hazel to crawl closer until she's hovering above you in the centre of her bed.

You have her undivided attention, and she has yours. Your eyes recklessly scans her face, every cut, laceration, and every old bruise buried under a new one has your lips turning downward as a small, almost imperceptible whimper forces itself out of your throat.

"There she is…" Hazel whispers with a palm cradling your cheek, "There's my needy little girl," You're quickly slipping into subspace right in front of her and Hazel is more than grateful. A single silver pendant dangles from her throat as she dips down, finally connecting your lips in a quietly passionate kiss. Your eyes immediately flutter shut, and so does hers. The both of you are utterly enamored by the sheer lust communicated by the intensity of the kiss alone.

"Fuck," Hazel curses, momentarily breaking apart to peel off her oversized graphic tee. You're watching your girlfriend in her sports bra with unbridled lust shining heavily on your pouty lips.

"Tell me you're wet for me," She says, "Please, Baby."

You're slipping deeper and deeper but you still have half a mind to lightly whisper, "Hazel, they're right downstairs-" She's already crashing her lips back down onto yours.

"Tell me you're wet for me," She murmurs against your lips, never being able to stray too far.

The hand that isn't holding her up, hovering above you, is once again, underneath your skirts, only this time, the tips of her fingers are dragging up against your inner thigh with no chance of stopping.

"Fuck, Hazel,"

"Is that supposed to be an answer?"

You're already pulling your own hips off the bed, seeking her hand out like a whore as you break the kiss only to whimper, "Yes, okay, fine! I'm so wet for you, Hazel- just, please!"

She watches completely fargone as you let your soaked panties meet her awaiting palm. Watching you grind yourself against her hand has Hazel's mind absolutely descending into lust.

"God, you're so beautiful," she says, before finally pressing her own hand against your soaked panties. She rubs in harsh, rough circles, eager to bring you to the very edge of insanity. She needed to see you fall apart for her again and again-

"Inside," You whisper, watching your girlfriend rub your cunt with bated breath. You're still wearing your skirt but you figure Hazel needs to fuck you in it to fulfil some sort of fantasy and you don't entirely mind. Not at all.

"Hazel, Please. I need you inside-"

"Fuck- you're such a slut-"

Your head immediately falls back against the bed as Hazel's movements against your soaked panties increases.

"You like it when I call you a slut, baby?" Your hips stutter upwards in vague response as you moan loudly into the air.

"Fuck- Hazel, I'm close- I'm so fucking- fuck," the orgasm sneaks up on you like a villain in the night and you're spamming underneath her, while Hazel continues to rub your cunt through the torrid sensation. Before you've ever even come down from your high, there's a knock on the door, and look towards it with slightly parted lips and blurry vision.

"Hey- you have no more soup, and I think you two are fucking in there so Josie and I are just gonna g-"

"Fuck off, PJ!" Hazel screams at the door, failing to hear the small little 'Okay, rude' before she's lifting your skirt until they're pooling at your hips.

"Hazel, what're you-"

"Another one, okay?" She nods encouragingly before shifting your panties aside and pressing the colds tips of her forefinger and middle finger against your soaked cunt. "You're going to give me another one. I wanna see if I can do it."

You can't even roll your eyes at her unnecessary display of pride because your eyes are rolling to the back of your head as she drags the essence of your arousal along your clit. "Fuck, you look so hot-"

"H-Hazel," the aftershocks from your previous orgasm rack through your upper body just as the oncoming tempest of lust gears you up for the next one. Hazel leans over you once more as she continues to rub at your clit, "Just one more, baby, I know you can do it. Show me, baby." It's downright evil, the effect her manipulation has on your body as you descend further and further into your lust.

"Look at how perfect you look," she says with a voice thick with lechery, "Fuck, you get me so wet to, baby," she murmurs before instinctive pressing her lips to yours once again, as if something nestled in her being, craved the touch of your lips against hers.

"You're gonna be a good girl for me?"

"Fuck- Hazel-"

"I'm right here, angel," she whispers, before bringing the tips of her fingers to your opening. Hazel is quick to slide her index and middle finger into your pussy until she's fucking you hard and deep. It takes a few short pumps for you to clutch mindlessly at her forearms with your vision slightly waning as you look up at your smiling girlfriend who watches you descend into your orgasm.

"That's it," she coos as you clench around her fingers, "You're doing so well for me, baby,"

"F-Fuck!" You stutter out as you fall into the depths of euphoria. Your mind is flooded with nothing but Hazel, all thoughts previously plaguing your brain is made null and void. In the end, you're just a beacon for her to release her frustrations out on. Even if it means overstimulating you until you become a noisy, helpless mess.

For a while, each other's heavy breathing is all you hear.

That is, until you hear a loud bump against Hazel's closed door, drawing both your attention.

"PJ-" whispers Josie with unimaginable frustration.

"Oh my God, they're definitely fucking-"

[ddejavvu]

hi mei! i absolutely love your stories! you’re a really great writer 🥰

i was wondering if u’d be interested in doing a hotch drabble about him with a s/o who seems really intimidating but is actually really soft and sweet?

like maybe it’s her appearance that makes the team intimidated by her—edgy clothing and dark makeup and stuff—when she shows up to hang out with hotch on his lunch breaks. and she’s like ‘i feel like your team doesn’t like me :(‘ and he’s like ‘honey, they’re borderline scared of you’ but it’s fluffy.

if you don’t wanna that’s totally okay! i did a bad job explaining but i’m sure you’d do an amazing job :)

love ya!! hope ur having a good day

Aaron loves when you visit him at the office for lunch, but you don't look like you're in high spirits yourself. When you sit down its with a huff and a hiss of the chair accommodating your weight, only adding to your dramatics.

"This might be my career in profiling speaking," Aaron begins, his voice soft in case something is terribly wrong, "But something tells me you're not having a good day, sweetheart."

"You're good," You tease him, and he wishes you could laugh about it together, "Aaron, I think Doctor Reid is afraid of me."

Aaron has to bite his tongue not to laugh. Doctor Reid is afraid of buffets, he thinks, but it's not an abundance of germs that unnerves Spencer about you, it's- well, it's everything he knows about you.

"Honey," Aaron calls upon that sweet tone again, "He doesn't know you very well."

"You didn't deny it!" You groan, falling back into your chair and abandoning your soup on his desk, "I knew it. What did I do?"

Aaron looks into your eyes, black-lined and sharp. He watches you chew on your cheek, your black-stained lips moved by the nervous quirk. Below your tense jaw is a chain that rests against your neck, not a full choker but not loose, either. It nearly disappears into the hem of your jacket, black leather that falls over a rather graphic old band tee.

"It's not what you've done," Aaron explains tentatively, "It's probably- well, how you look."

Your nose scrunches, and Aaron marvels the fact that you seem to have forgotten your appearance, "How do I look?"

"Like a doberman pinscher in human form," Aaron bites off a corner of his sandwich, chewing it in lieu of pressing the matter further.

"I like dobermans." You supply weakly, "Why is he afraid of me?"

"You're just not what he's used to," Aaron sighs, swallowing his mouthful and leaning across the desk, hand outstretched, "He probably thinks you could dismember him with those nails."

You place your palm in Aaron's own, and he flips your hand around to showcase the rather impressively sharp acrylics you're sporting.

"And your boots are heavier than he is, I guarantee it," Aaron nods down at your thick-soled black boots, ones that give away your entrance from a mile away by the sound of their rubber hitting the ground.

"He's just..." Aaron searches for the right word, trying not to disparage you or Reid, "Skittish. You should talk to him, though, honey. He likes science, and literature, and Star Trek. Pick something from one of those categories, and I promise he'll never stop talking to you for the rest of your life."

You're mostly satisfied, but you let your hand rest in Aaron's for a moment longer, and he'd be a fool to drop it.

"Am I scary, Aaron?" You ask earnestly, and his smile is warm as he brings your hand to his mouth to kiss at your knuckles.

"Not to me. And not to anyone who knows you," He promises, "But... it is nice to not have to worry about carrying a gun when we go out together."

"Aaron!" You laugh, "I'm not a weapon!"

"You could be!" Aaron insists, tugging your hand over to his lunch and dragging your fingernail across his sandwich, "Here, honey, cut it for me, would you? They forgot to give us knives."

"Stop!" You insist, but your laughter gives you away as you turn back to your soup with burning cheeks, "Just you wait, Aaron. As soon as Penelope stops running whenever I enter a room, we're gonna talk shit about you for this."

[tarjapearce]

I need to know how ranchero Miguel convinced the parents to let him marry their daughter. Was it a shotgun wedding? 👀

Indeed 👀. Bit of Drama and slight angst under the cut.

-------

You had woken up nauseous and dizzy, for the third time in a row. Your mother was concerned. Had something made you sick? She was stricter with the kitchen staff to be more careful. But upon the wafting smell of your usual morning soup, an egg drop soup, entered your room, you retched on the bathroom, again.

You paled.

When was the last time your period came? It was hard to keep tabs when you were trying to attend other business and try to not die in the process. Two months and counting. You barely had the chance of seeing Miguel as well, since he had his own good share of work in the barn.

And he was the last and only man you have been with. Your hands went around your tummy and tears were in the verge of spilling. You were pregnant.

God, you were so scared. You knew how your parents thought of him, and for all you knew, they still thought you were pure.

But as things were going sooner or later They'd find out, probably kick him out and you'd be forced to marry a guy that looked like him to make pass the child as his. The thought scared you shitless, so you washed your mouth, bathed, got dressed and went to him.

He was talking with the foreman of another estate, but excused himself upon seeing you.

His smile faltered when you approached, solemn look, and red nose by the constant sniffling.

"Hey, hey. Come here. ¿Qué le pasa a mi chula?" (What's wrong with you, gorgeous?)

You whimpered and buried your face in his chest. He held you tightly.

"You mom got you on another date?" He rolled his eyes and you shook your head.

"Your dad tried to sell Luis again?" Another shake of your head.

"Then what is it? You gotta tell me,princesa."

"I..." You hiccuped, "I think I'm pregnant."

You could feel him tense and he made you look at him. You thought he'd be angry but the shine in his eyes proved you otherwise.

"¿Voy a ser papá?" He questioned with a excited yet strained voice. You just stared at him and he kissed you, deeply (Am I gonna be a dad?)

"¡Me vas a hacer papá!" (You're making me a dad!)

He was happy and you broke down.

"Why are you crying? Aren't you excited?"

"I am but... Dad will kick you out and... and.. -" You hiccuped and he just held you with a smile.

" Ps, que me eche. I've got my own home anyways. And if... things get bad, you'll come with me. Okay?" He squeezed you tightly and grunted happily, "Dios te vas a ver preciosa con esa panza toda grandota y redonda. Te voy a cuidar, vas a ser mi reina. Ya vas a ver."

(He can do that.) (God, you'll look gorgeous with that big and round belly. Imma take care of you, you'll be my queen. You'll see.)

He just kept rambling things you couldn't understand, but seeing him giddy made your aching heart to relax.

"I'll talk to him. I... Le voy a pedir tu mano." (Imma ask him your hand in marriage)

"W-What? are you sure of it? I mean, I don't want you getting hurt. He might look like an old man but... he knows his tricks.

"Your mother is the one that I'm concerned about."

And he was right.

"ABSOLUTELY NO." She had protested, the staff had been hiding behind the doors, listening to the scene unfold.

"How dare you asking for such thing!"

"Mom-"

"No. Who do you think you are?! Of course you won't marry her! She's set for better things!"

Miguel's eyes narrowed and your heart stopped with sudden rage.

"I want him!" You stood up, stomping your hands on the table.

"I'm old enough to decide on my own, Mom. I... I love Miguel." With every word that spilled from your mouth, she held her heart as your dad just pinched his nose bridge. He had been silent the whole talk, just glaring holes at Miguel.

"Good lord... Just... Imagine the scandal, the people... What would they say about you?! About us?!"

"They already talk shit under our nose, mom. Their opinion is irrelevant. None really approaches us if it's not for a favor."

"You... you brat!"

"I'm pregnant."

Miguel stood to calm you down as the fight kept rising. Your dad immediately straightened up and looked at Miguel.

"You." His voice venomous, but calm, "And you." He pointed at you.

"Tomorrow at church. 8 am."

"You can't be serious! You'll wed them?!

"Your yelling won't make her less pregnant. And I rather have them wedded than having an off marriage child. A sin." Your dad mumbled and looked at you, your rage seemed to be consuming you by how they spoke of your future child. Miguel's expression hardened, a low growl emanating from him.

"Once you're married, I want you both out of my property, got it?"

"Fine! I didn't want to spent my life being a fucking trophy wife for some rich man I barely know."

You were wedded, and despite your dad underlying sadness, and he wanting to swallow his words back, pride didn't allow him to speak and ask you to stay. Your mother didn't even look at your way.

Miguel had packed your things and put them on his truck. You left to a new life with him and your future family.

[fatuismooches]

Your fluff writing is soo good! Thank you so much for making this blog.

Can I request headcanons for Dotorre, Pantalone, and Capitano with a reader who's not used to the cold? I just moved from my extremely warm country to a really cold place, and am sniffling, shivering, and miserable 🥲🥲 If only there's someone to cover me in a boyfriend jacket and hold hands with something to keep me warm 😔😔

Dottore once went through the same thing, moving from Sumeru to Snezhnaya definitely affected him in the beginning. His younger self grumbled throughout his experiments as he was bogged down with the heavy winter coat (that Pierro so generously provided) while the native Snezhnayans felt pity for him, but dared not to look at him with that feeling. It was really a hindrance in the beginning, not even gloves could keep his fingers from stiffening. A big disappointment since he needed steady hands. However, a couple of centuries and body modifications later, make it so the cold is nothing special to him or his segments. It really doesn’t affect them much anymore.

So for once, Dottore can actually understand what you’re feeling. And even more surprisingly he can handle the situation in a relatively normal way! You look kind of ridiculous with the amount of layers he's made you wear, but he insists that this method will work. You'll build up resistance eventually! But you're probably not satisfied with this turn of events (you wanted cuddles, didn't you?) so just head on over to his segments. As long as they're not busy, feel free to take their artificially heated-up hands and move them around your body. It will feel very nice. Lucky you, who needs expensive heaters when you have the segments! But honestly, no matter how cold you are, don't give too much attention to them and neglect the original Dottore! Would he turn off the lab's heating and assign tasks to the segments to make you crawl back to him begging for warmth? Well, that's up to you.

Pantalone will not hear of your shivering and sniffling, no, not on his watch. What did you expect, that he'd let his beloved suffer like this when he has all the remedies at his fingertips? There's not much to say really. Thick, cozy blankets. A delicious hot beverage of your choice and hearty soup by the fireplace. Only the finest heaters in Teyvat. Warm, comfortable clothing. A seat on his lap if you prefer rather than the bed. The amount of things he does for you may have you feeling a little too hot, not just from the number of heat sources but his willingness to do all these things for you. (But please don't overheat.) He won't stop until your hands stop being two blocks of ice. And yes, you can steal his coat if you so desire. He has a lot more, don't worry about it. Hell, steal two or three if you like... one to wear, one to place over you, and one to... hold? Doesn't matter, Pantalone encourages it. And although he doesn't like seeing you cold, of course, he thinks you're just far too cute when you give him the puppy eyes for much-needed warmth and attention.

A part of it also stems from how many days and nights he spent cold and alone as a child, with nothing and no one to keep him warm. Often becoming sick from the conditions. So he knows exactly how it feels to be trembling and miserable. Which is why he will never let you suffer similarly, Pantalone cares for you far too much for you to ever endure anything related to that. He will make sure to keep your hands warm, as long as you keep his heart warm too.

Capitano feels quite glum, even though you can't exactly see that from his expression, you manage to read his general body language quite well, not to mention the stare you get when you sniffle for even a second. He himself doesn't feel the cold much either, being the very strong man he is. But Capitano wants to help you, he really does - he has led troops through all kinds of weather, including the biting cold - so he is aware of methods used to retain as much warmth as possible. So yes, he will make sure your closet has much warm clothing, although he has to awkwardly clear his throat when asking for your sizes. He will get confused as to why you steal his massively oversized clothing instead. He will make sure that soup is nutritious enough to keep your strength up (even though you're not a soldier...) Of course, the bed will be your cozy warm haven, the blankets are very nice and big considering how tall Capitano is.

Considering how Capitano isn't all that versed in things like this or taking care of people, you would thank him for all he's done for you. Except that he's forgotten one thing, you'd tease. Externally he looks the same as always. Internally he wonders if he's messed up and if he's upset you. Was he wrong to apply the logic of being a captain to his relationship with you? No, it's merely the fact that he has yet to cuddle you. Oh. That's all? But wouldn't all these blankets and sheets be better at warming you, your husband questions? Nope, you'd shush him before making yourself right at home and his lap. You are very strange, Capitano thinks.

Also just imagine them with their Harbinger coats, and you're inside of it! Stealing the warmth! Your head popping out as they give you kisses! <3

[junimo-plushie]

I just got my Stardew cookbook and I absolutely love it!

Except for one thing. TW: addiction, suic*de

Let me say first:

We know Pelican Town has two alcoholics- Shane and Pam.

Pam is hot tempered and selfish. We don't really know why she drinks. She clearly has a problem managing personal relationships and funds as a direct result of her addiction. A lot of fans hate Pam and are largely unsympathetic to her, which is a reflection of people's view of alcoholics in real life: lazy, mean, self centered and at sometimes even repulsive to the senses. Even after getting her job back and a big beautiful house, Pam can't let go of her pride or stop drinking. She is so deeply ashamed of herself she would be overwhelmed if she took away the crutch that allows her to numb herself to it. I say all this to demonstrate that Pam is an incredibly well rounded and thoughtful character.

She doesn't get a redemption arc. This is who she is in Pelican Town forever.

Shane is a different story.

As we get to know him, we find another extremely well rounded character. We see him struggle with his addiction to the point it almost kills him. His internal battle with depression is exasperated by his addiction and he expresses that to us in a way similar to Pam. Neither of them want this, they don't like how their alcoholism makes them treat their loved ones, they want to change but don't know how-very common issues alcoholics deal with.

The point im getting to is this:

Stardew has given us two extremely well thought out and realistic characters. While alcoholics ( as is the case with most addicts) are often thought of as "lazy" "too dumb to stop/see addiction is destroying them" "unsalvageable", etc., Stardew very clearly RESPECTS these complex characters. Pam doesn't need a redemption arc to be well written, she's realistic.

Respectful is the main word here.

I'm an alcoholic. A lot of people don't know how bad it was and I'm getting better. It's so normalized to shit all over addicts, it's incredibly refreshing to have two relatable characters that are respected.

Ok let me get to my complaint.

This from the book:

From the writers credits it seems like CA was not the only one who wrote villager's lines in the book.

It's like they looked at Shane's Stardew wiki page and said, " ah yes alcoholic. His brain just be soup and he must have no practical instincts." In my opinion, nothing about Shane's character would suggest that he wouldn't have the good sense to go to a sink to wash his eyes out.

It just seems disrespectful. Something that media REALLY struggles with is showing addicts that are dynamic and have any shred of dignity. They usually can't even portray them as humans giving them zombie like qualities.In my opinion, Stardew never had that problem, which is why this so deeply upset me.

Id really like to get some other opinions on this. Is there something in Shane's dialogue lines that I over-looked that would make this make sense for his character? Am I being way too sensitive to this because it's an issue that I'm too close to(probably)? Other addicts in particular, how did you feel reading that?

[anangelwhodidntfall]

Request: Heyy bestie thank you for my tarsem story <3. If you don't mind I would like to request something with dad!Quaritch where the reader is sick and just clings to him and he loves it so much and Jake is all jealous because the reader used to cling to him before Quaritch came into the picture.

Sickness: Dad!Quaritch

It had started with a few sneezes here and there and then the coughing started and progressively got worse until one night you woke up coughing so you got up and made your way towards the kitchen to get a drink. Your dad who had been sleeping until he heard one of you, he couldn't quite figure out who it was coughing, had made his way towards the kitchen to see who it was. He was surprised to see you standing there sipping some water and god did you look miserable which made him frown.

"Hey angel, you not feeling good?" He asked. 

"No, the coughing is keeping me awake, my whole body hurts. I thought maybe the water would help but it isn't." You said sadly. 

"Come here, let me feel your forehead." He said as you set your glass down and walked over t him. 

He gently placed his hand against your forehead and felt how hot you were which he thought you probably had a cold. You relish in the relief of your father's cold hand against your forehead that felt nice against your hot skin. 

"Angel I think you have a cold." He said as you backed away from him a bit feeling a sneeze come on. 

"Sorry, I didn't want to sneeze on especially if I am sick. Do we have anything I can take to help me rest?" You asked him. 

"I think we might. Why don't you go sit on the couch while I check, okay?" He asked as you nodded your head. 

Hey angel, we only have enough for tonight, we'll stop by the Sully's in the morning to see what they suggest for you." He said taking a seat next to you. 

"Mo'at will probably make me up some medicine or we'll have to go to the lab to see what the scientist suggests. It really depends." You said breaking out into a coughing fit making your dad frown as he rubbed your back. 

After taking your medicine, you laid your head in your dad's lap making you look at your shock, he for sure thought you might go lay with your twin or your boyfriend or Jake even but not him. Sure you two were in a much better place than you two had ever been, but still having you cling to him made his heart swell. 

"Oh, angel." He said running a hand through your hair as you slept. 

The next morning when you woke up and had some soup which your twin had to help with since your dad's cooking wasn't the best but he was trying, you guys went to Mo'at to see if she could help you. 

"Oh, my yawne." Neteyam said once he saw your state as you guys walked through high camp.

"I know I feel so terrible." You said sneezing which made your throat hurt.

"Here let's get you to grandmother." He said taking your hand which made your dad smile a bit seeing how much the boy cared for you.

Just as your dad suspected, Mo'at did confirm that you had a cold that should be gone in a few days and was most likely from the other night when you and Neteyam got stuck in the rain. She said she would make you up some medicine and Neteyam said that he would have Neytiri make you some of her soup that she always made for you. After getting you home, you instantly fell asleep against your dad. 

"I'll be back later with my mom with her medicine and her soup." Neteyam said as your dad thanked him.

"Y/n is sick?" Jake asked confused as you hadn't come over to him like you normally did when you got sick. 

"Yeah me and her dad took her to grandmother this morning, so grandmother  is making her some medicine and I'm gonna bring it to her." Neteyam said. 

"Where is she right now?" He asked. 

"Sound asleep in her dad's lap." He said making Jake confused as you never slept in your dad's arms before now. 

After Neytiri finished making your soup, him and Neteyam made their way toward ya'lls tent, Jake wanting to see if what his son said about you was true. They gently walked in and sure enough there you were sound asleep in your dad's lap. 

"Hey, we brought her medicine and my mom made her some soup that will help." Neteyam said as your dad gently woke you up. 

"Here's your soup yawne, and then you can take your medicine so you start feeling better." 

"He really cares for her huh?" Your dad asked watching you and Neteyam. 

"He really does. They're good for each other. But since when did she start sleeping in your lap?" Jake asked him. 

"Took me by surprise too, but she started last night. I gave her some medicine and she was out in my lap nearly gave me a heart attack, I half expected her to go to one of them or you even but decided to enjoy it while I could." He said. 

"Yeah, it goes by too fast. Enjoy while you can. If you ever need a break let me know. Neteyam i'm heading home, I want you back by Eclipse." He said before leaving. 

The next few days Jake would frown seeing you sleeping against your dad, which used to be his spot before your dad came back into the picture. At first, your dad found it amusing that you choose him instead of Jake and not gonna lie he did purposefully walk around with you in his arms or sit where he knew Jake would see him just to rub it in his face. But then it hit him how hard this must be for Jake to deal with since he did raise you while he was gone and decided to play nice. 

"Hey, why don't you go lay with Jake while I go see what your brother is up to?" He said as you nodded your head. 

"Hey, Jake do you mind if I lay with you?" You asked him making him smile. 

"Of course, sweetheart thought you forgot about me." He said as you frowned. 

"I could never, I'm sorry I made you feel that way." You said looking up at him. 

"It's alright sweetheart, I know you have your dad now, I don't want to interfere with that." He said. 

"You could never Jake, your just much my dad as he is, I'll just try to divide my time with you two better." You said making him smile. 

"You are just as much my daughter as you are his, get some rest sweetheart." He said placing a kiss on your forehead. 

Your dad came back and smiled seeing you sound asleep against Jake, which made him happy to see because him and Jake don't always get along, but he figured maybe for your sake that they could learn how to co-parent. 

"Thank you for doing that." Jake said. 

"I hate to say this but you and Neytiri did a great job raising them, especially her. So I think we can find a happy medium with sharing them."  Quaritch said looking over at you. 

[opal-and-co]

My sweet sassy boy Minty very suddenly passed away just over a week ago today and I want to say a million things, but mostly I just want to share him with as many people as I can. He was very silly from the second I brought him home, up until he was last with us.

This video was taken not too long after I brought my parakeets home, and I thought it was entirely too precious that this darling baby bird was...spinning. For fun. He grew out of this behavior, much like an adolescent might stop spinning for the hell of it even though it was the funniest thing ever when they were 6.

Adding some additional info under the read more. Nothing heavy, just some stuff I'd like to share in memory of my little guy.

Parakeets are a common "first pet" for kids, or seen as easy, especially with their throwaway price tag in pet stores. When you bring home a parakeet (or any parrot really), you're bringing home a 10+ year commitment to an animal that isn't even largely considered domesticated. These amazing little animals are known for their charismatic personalities and charming tricks. They can talk! They'll do all kinds of things! They'll be your best friend! While true sometimes, Minty never really wanted to be friends with me in the two years I knew him. Cornflower (the blue blob behind him in the video) does not care to be friends with me and probably never will. They vastly preferred each others company, as well as the company of my cockatiel who, while isn't a parakeet, is another bird like them. All my birds like me and my partner well enough that we know we're part of their "flock," but my parakeets will never ask for snuggles or head scritches. I'm almost certain they will never learn to speak simply because they don't want to. They don't want to sit on my shoulder and be my best buddy. That's okay. They're not domesticated animals like a dog or a cat who might be actively interested in a person's company. Parakeets are small and delicate and complex. They are messy and they bite and they scream and these are not behaviors you can train away. Small birds with high metabolisms poop every 5-8 minutes. That's a lot of mess, even if it's not all in one go!

So when you look at my darling Minty, or when you look at any other funny parrot video or picture online, please remember that is nearly a wild animal that should be enjoying the company of its own kind. I ask you kindly not to purchase birds from pet stores and seek to rescue whenever possible if you truly think your home is right for a parrot. I ask you to know that your bird may never do the things the birds online do, and you need to be okay with that. Your bird will bite and scream and make a mess, and you need to be okay with that. If you know someone considering bringing a bird home, please gently try to inform them of the ugly that comes along with that.

At this point, this is word soup and I thank you for reading this far. I am not a beakon of all bird knowledge, but I think myself knowledgeable enough that my DMs are open for questions, and if I don't feel comfortable answering something, I can find you a resource.

[hopelesslyromanticgay]

An Americano Please Part 4

Word count: 1819 A/N: pretty dialogue heavy chapter. No huge TW's as far as I can tell

Y/N's POV

11 AM rolls around and I'm standing in front of Jenna's apartment complex, anxiously tapping my foot on the ground.

It's a nice day today, not a lot of clouds, which is rare for Autumn here.

"Morning," a familiar voice says. I look up to see Jenna smiling at me, her long black hair swaying with the slight breeze. 

"Hey, how'd ya sleep?" I ask.

"Pretty good, I was really tired," she tells me, pushing her bangs out of her eyes.

"Yeah, working a much as you seem to tends to have that effect," I chuckle.

"I guess it does, but it's not like I can just stop working," she reminds me.

"I get that, everyone needs a job in this day and age," I agree.

"You- you have a leaf in your hair," she giggles.

"I do?" I ask, feeling around my scalp to try and find it.

"Here, let me just..." she gets up on her tip-toes and pulls the leaf from my hair. I find it impossible to conceal my obvious blush.

"All good?" I ask.

"Yep," she smiles.

"Shall we walk?" 

"Lead the way."

We start to walk down the street, quiet at first. Neither of us really know what to say.

"So how come you speak English?" Jenna asks out of the blue.

"Oh, I grew up in an English speaking country, but my parents read in some magazine that raising children bilingually makes them smarter. Turns out they happened to know Romanian, so I kinda just grew up speaking both languages," I explain. 

"I see," she replies.

"They were wrong, by the way."

"Huh?" she inquires.

"It didn't make me smarter, just a more valuable asset to cafe staffs," I joke.

"Ok, that makes sense," she giggles, "so why'd you come here?"

"Who knows, maybe it was to cover up an elaborate crime," I say blankly, "do you speak any other languages?"

"No, just English, but I know a really small amount of Spanish," she confirms, "but I have to know more. Did you murder someone? Am I your next victim?"

"No don't worry," I laugh, "I wouldn't do that to anyone."

We walk a little more in silence, with me pointing out little landmarks as we go.

"That's Casa Zuzulache (this is literly a real place I found it on snapmap) it's an old motel, for some reason it shows up as a night club on a lot of maps though. Confuses a lot of tourists," I chuckle.

"Yeah, I can imagine," she laughs along, "like, you walk into what you think will be the time of your life and all you see is a tired old person behind a desk!" 

We laugh as we continue to walk, I don't know when it started, but at some point, she had slipped her hand into mine, and hadn't moved it since. Normally when someone I like does this, I feel an anxious sort of butterflies, but this. This just feels... right. 

"There's Freya House, it's also a hotel, but it has a decent restaurant. Apparently the soup is bad, but most things I've had there are pretty good."

"Good to know. I haven't gone out to eat much since I've been here. Most places can't accommodate vegans," she says.

"Oh you're vegan!" I exclaim, "no wonder you kept ordering oat milk. I just thought you were really gay!"

She bursts out laughing, "I'm probably some for of gay, but yeah. I'm a vegan." Okay, so by that logic I probably have a chance with her. 

"Where do you film?" I ask, "I could give you some nearby food recommendations."

"That'd be great!" she smiles, "I film at Cantacuzino Castle!"

"Dang," I tell her, "that's pretty cool. It's so beautiful there! As for restaurants:If you have cash to spend, I recommend Canta Cuisine. It's a really nice restaurant. Really plays into the whole 'castle' vibe."

"Ooh cool, you'll have to take me," she grins.

"Bold of you to assume I have the money, haha!" I laugh

"Anywhere else?"

"There's a pretty good pizza place called Eidolon that I'm sure has vegan options."

"If they have fake cheese, I'll go," she laughs, "so what do you like to do around here?"

"My friend Nessa and I like to go to Eidolon every other Friday," I start, "there's not a whole lot to do around here. A lot of the time I just watch TV, feed my betta, work, and go for walks."

"Oh my gosh, you have a betta?" she asks.

"Yeah, her name's cupid!"

"Can I meet her?"

"Sure, I'll take you by my place in a bit if you want," I offer.

"I'd like nothing more," she smiles, "so where are we going right now?"

"You'll see," I reply mysteriously.

"Oh my god you really are gonna murder me, aren't you," she laughs, her eyes lighting up.

"Now why would I murder someone as gorgeous and charismatic as yourself?" I smirk.

"You think I'm gorgeous?" she raises an eyebrow.

"Uhh, yeah. Have you seen yourself?"

"No, I'm a vampire and can't see my reflection," she deadpans.

"Very funny," I respond matching her deadpan, "I don't think you meet the height requirement for vampires though." I reach down to pat her head.

She pouts, letting go of my hand and playfully shoving me, "hey! that's not fair!" 

"Okay, I'm sorry," I fake offense.

"You better be." We continue to walk in a comfortable silence until we get to where I want to show her.

It's about thirty minutes of walking, and the block before we get there, I playfully cover her eyes.

"What's going on?" she inquires hesitantly.

"I don't wanna spoil the surprise!" I reply innocently.

"Okay then." We continue to walk the last block before I finally uncover her eyes.

"Behold," I start to say, "the only English bookstore in Busteni Romania!"

"Oh my god, you're the most amazing human being I have ever met!" she exclaims, practically dragging me through the door.

"You said you liked to read so I assumed this would be fun for you," I tell her.

"Are you kidding? This is the best place ever!" she rushes over to the nearest shelf like a kid in a candy store. I knew this would be a good idea. Her adorable smile tells me just how thrilled she is.

"You're my new favorite person!" she announces. I feel a deep blush creeping up my face.

Jenna frantically searches the shelves, taking a book here and there, but mostly just looking, "I'm gonna come here any chance I get!"

"Mind if I join you from time to time?"

"Only if you bring me coffee," she giggles, she has the cutest laugh, "just kidding, you can join me anytime."

"I just might take you up on that offer." Now it's her turn to blush. 

We stay in the bookstore for about an hour, looking at practically every shelf. By the end, we have more books than we can possibly count.

"Today was really fun, thank you," Jenna smiles, taking my hand in hers.

"Of course, and hey, now you know Busteni a little more!"

"So, are we going to your place or what?" she asks.

"Okay, okay," I laugh, "let's go."

It's not more than a five minute walk from the bookstore to my apartment, which is really nice.

We spent most of the walk in a comfortable silence, enjoying each other's  company.

"Ladies first," I joke, holding the door to the complex for her as we walk inside.

"Woooow, how chivalrous," she laughs along, "cool building."

"Thanks, I guess."

We walk up the painfully steep stairwell to my apartment, Jenna insisted on not taking the elevator, so stairs were the only other option.

"Here's my place," I tell her, unlocking the door. My apartment's not huge, but it's not tiny either. It's a one bedroom with a nicely sized kitchen, perfect for me.

"Wow nice kitchen!" she exclaims, "I should have known you'd have your own espresso machine."

"What can I say, I love my job," I joke, "nah this thing's ancient, but it works great."

"You have a cool place. My apartment doesn't feel like a home yet, more like a hotel room," she confesses.

"Well maybe it's because you haven't made it yours yet," I suggest, "why don't you try decorate it more to your tastes? That is, unless you already have."

"No, I'm barely unpacked, I've hardly lived here for a month."

"Well if you ever need a hand unpacking, give me a call," I smile.

"Okay, I'll take you up on that offer. Now where's this betta fish you were telling me about?"

"Cupid's over here," I guide her towards my bedroom.

"Damn, taking me to bed already. This is moving pretty fast," she laughs.

"Get your mind out of the gutter!" I blush, "Cupid's just in my room." I open the door so she can see the tank.

"Oh my god she's amazing. I used to have a one," she says.

"What happened to yours?" I inquire.

"He jumped out of the tank and suffocated," she says sadly.

"I'm so sorry, that's terrible," I reply, squeezing her hand.

"Probably my first heartbreak," she laughs.

"So what do you wanna do?" I ask.

"I don't know," she admits, "do you want to watch a movie?"

"Sure!" I say, "what are your thoughts on horror?"

"I love horror! You know I've actually been in a few horror movies?"

"That's sick!" I exclaim, "which ones?"

"The new scream, which has yet to come out, and another one called 'X,'" she tells me.

"Scream's a great franchise, it's so cool that you got to be part of it," I compliment her, "I'll try to watch those movies when they come out for sure."

"Oh my god don't," she grimaces, "it's so embarrassing."

"Okay, I just won't tell you if I do," I smirk.

"What were you thinking of watching right now?" she changes the subject.

"There's a new trilogy out called Fear Street if you'd be interested in that? The first takes place in the nineties apparently."

"Sounds fun. I love nineties and eighties music," she confesses.

So that's how we spend our evening, watching the whole entire amazing trilogy.

.... a few hours later ....

"It's getting late, will you walk me home?" she asks.

"Of course," I respond, helping her up from the couch.

We walk home avidly discussing what we had just watched.

"And that reveal with Sarah? Incredible!" she exclaims, "no one would have seen that coming!"

"Exactly! Like, everything you had seen up to that point was just the opposite of what was actually true," I agree.

"Okay but Deena's music taste is phenomenal," Jenna adds, "like it's just so..." she tries to explain the concept but there's really no words to exclaim how good the first movie's soundtrack was.

"And the Cindy and Alice sidestory?" I bring up, "like, so realistic, so queer coded, all around amazing."

"Yeah the representation of so many groups was really well done," she concludes.

"Well, this is my place," she says when we get to her apartment. I wish today would never end.

"Thank you for today, Y/N," she smiles, "I had such a good time, and you made it really special." She gets up on her tip-toes to kiss my cheek. We both stare at each other blushing.

"Good night, Jenna," I squeeze her hand, "It was nice getting to know you."

"I'll stop by the shop for coffee tomorrow, pretty girl," she winks, walking off into the building.

Today was a great day.

Here's some Jenna photos to fuel your brain!!!

[navstuffs]

The Deal

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x GN!Reader

Summary: “I will do anything to save Arthur Morgan’s life. Even your soul? Even my soul. Anything.” / A Weird West story where you would do anything to save Arthur Morgan’s life, no matter the consequences.

Warning Tags: Weird West trope (wild west + horror/fantasy/science fiction), +14, angst

Author's Notes: hi and welcome to my first fic for my halloween event! i have had this prepared since august and am so excited to be sharing it finally! really nervous excited to be using the weird west trope. there is also this artwork i saw after i finished writing and it screamed THE DEAL. enjoy your reading!!!

my halloween's masterlist

"Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it." (The Monkey's Paw - W.W. Jacobs)

When Mr. Strauss asked you to help Arthur, you promptly said yes. Arthur always had so much on his plate, taking care of everyone and everything, so you would take any weight from his shoulder if you could. Arthur didn't like that at first, you alone going to collect debts, but you had proved yourself over and over again. You understood him, though; this life as outlaws wasn't easy, and any of you could lose your life every time you went out. It was nice to have someone caring for you after all those years, to have Arthur be protective over you since you two started going out.

So, of course, when Mr. Strauss asked for help collecting a few debts in a morning while Arthur was away, you promptly accepted. He explained it should be easy, nothing someone with your type of experience couldn't handle. A window called Jane Huxley, a frail banker named Joseph Willis, and lastly, an old man called Bernard Miller. None of them would present much of a fight if the situation arose, despite Mr. Strauss's warnings for you to be careful. Their debts were small but still needed for the camp. You had a vague suspicion Mr. Strauss didn’t want to endanger you, primarily due to Arthur’s anger.

It is late when you arrive at Bernard Miller's house, late enough for the moon to be up in the sky. You should have been there way earlier, but Mrs. Huxley had an outraged brother you had to defend yourself from, and who would have thought a frail banker could run that fast? You dismount your horse, your eyes scanning the situation ahead: a single cabin in the deep woods. Nothing is out of the ordinary, so you hope your last one will be easy.

It is a warm and humid night, and you can feel sweat on your neck. There were no houses along the way to Bernard Miller's cabin. You don't remember when you heard a single noise. It has been a while since you were deep in the woods like this. Your horse seems agitated, and you pet him, promising tons of sugar cubes after this. 

The cabin in front of you is old and probably only has one room. As you walk closer, you notice candles lit from the windows so the old man could still be awake. You wonder how he lives in such an eerie place and all alone. There is no presence of a stable or any livestock. Maybe he has friends that visit him? As per Mr. Strauss's statement, Mr. Miller could barely stand. It is none of your business at the end of the day; your job is to get the money back and get the hell out of there.

You enter the house without announcing yourself, not surprised by how rustic it looks inside. It looks uninhabitable, with a couple of holes in the ceiling. There is a bed, a table, a nightstand, an old cupboard, and a chair. Sitting in the chair, probably the oldest human being you have ever seen. Older than Hosea and Uncle together, with wrinkles all over his body. When you enter, Mr. Miller eats soup under the candles and barely lifts his eyes to look at you. A big, white, messy beard, long white hair, and dark eyes are the only things you notice. 

“Mr. Miller, I have come to collect the money you borrowed from Mr. Strauss.” 

Mr. Miller stops mid-air with his spoon and looks straight at you. Immediately, every single strand of your hair raises from your arms. As a gunslinger, your survival instincts had to be high if you wanted to live to tell a story the next day. You learned very early to read dangerous situations and escape them as quickly as possible. Or fight, which was always your last option. That’s how people survived. But never freeze. The situation you are in right now gave you none of those options. You couldn’t run. You couldn’t fight. You are stuck in Bernard Miller’s enigmatic stare, unable to move. You bite your lips enough to almost draw blood, a resource you learned at a young age to wake up, but you still can’t move. As if the world is frozen all around you.

Bernard Miller gives you a small smile, and the world starts spinning again. Your heart beats to remind your lungs need air. You give one deep breath, and Mr. Miller returns his attention to his soup.

“I won’t ask again. Where is the money you got from Mr. Strauss?” You are surprised your voice isn’t shaking, but your legs are. Your hand is over your revolver to give you a certain sense of safety. 

Mr. Miller continues eating, and you start roaming around his house. Your first instinct is to look into the old cupboard that the old man uses as a kitchen: nothing except for a few cans of old food. You don’t even think of taking those, walking towards the nightstand. When you pass Mr. Miller, you catch the soup he eats is grey with pieces that look like fish. He doesn’t flinch or complain when you roam through his bed, finally stopping by his nightstand. You find the exact amount of dollars you need in very clean notes when you open the drawer. Your hand stops mid-air as you approach to get the money. Why are those notes so clean compared to the rest of the house? You aren’t one to believe in curses; you believe a single bullet could end a man’s life, and that was it. No ghosts or devils existed in a world where humans could be so bad. The spoon hits the plate, waking you from your entrance. With one final decision, you get the money, relieved you are finally done with this place.

When you walk towards the door, a shallow voice mutters.

“He's goin' to die, you know?”

You stop in your tracks.

“What did you say?” You answer back, your voice is so low you would be surprised the old man heard it.

“The one you love. He's goin' to die.”

The hand grabs your pistol again as you turn in your heels to stare at Bernard Miller. He is standing, his eyes straight towards you. 

“We're all goin' to die. We're humans.” You don’t even know why you are still there: you got precisely what you needed. But something, an invisible magnetic force, kept you there. One that you can’t fight or run.

Because Bernard better not be speaking about Arthur. The old man's yellow smile just gets bigger, as if listening to your thoughts.

“He's goin' to get very sick, and you won't be able to do anything about it, except watch powerless as life slowly drains from him. There is nothin' you'll be able to do unless one thing: you'll come to find me.”

“Old man, I don’t know what in the hell you speak of, but if you don't shut—”

“You'll come to find me.” Bernard finishes, decisive. 

“Go to hell.” You whisper before leaving through the door.

It is good to feel the night air in your lungs. It makes you focus properly: you want to look back to the rustic cabin as you dash to your horse, but you don’t. Something says you wouldn’t like what you see. You ride away from Bernard Miller’s home, swearing yourself to never come back.

Your horse seems to share your fears, and you arrive at the camp in record time. The words of Miller stuck in your head as a chant.

“You'll come to find me.” 

“The one you love is goin' to die.” 

It had to be a way for him to scare you not to take his money. It had to. Javier is on watch and waves when he sees you passing.

When you arrive at camp and give your horse those promised pets and tons of sugar cubes, you calm yourself a little. You are back in your safe place, surrounded by the voices of the people around you. Maybe you need a drink. Or two. Slowly, the sense of normality floods your body. Sean, with Karen on his lap and Uncle singing together drunk around the campfire, makes you smile. You stop by the camp’s box, placing the money there, and a hand on your shoulder makes you jump. It is Mr. Strauss, with a satisfied expression.

“How was everything?"

"All good. Got everyone. Mr. Miller tried to scare me a little at the end, but I also got his money."

"Who?"

"The old guy? Bernard Miller? Creepy and ancient?"

Mr. Strauss looks at his record book, a slightly confused expression. You move your weight from one leg to another as Mr. Strauss flips through his book. When he is done, Mr. Strauss raises his eyes, simply stating.

“Well, at least it is done.”

He leaves without saying another word as you stand, uncomfortable. Why, for a second, it seemed Mr. Strauss didn't even remember Bernard Miller? You turn your face toward Sean’s group and notice Arthur sitting there, observing you. You smile, forgetting about Bernard Miller for a moment. His beard and hair are a little longer than the last time you saw him, almost two weeks ago. You want nothing else to run toward his embrace, but you and Arthur try to keep your relationship more private. Arthur looks tired, and you nod slightly toward your shared tent. Should you tell Arthur? He certainly is like you: he doesn’t believe much in those supernatural things. 

It doesn’t take long for him to join you in the tent. As Arthur walks in, and you are shielded from the exterior eyes, his arms are on you. You two hold each other in the darkness, not speaking. After your eyes adjust, Arthur holds your face to give one good look at you.

“Missed ya.”

You don’t answer, holding him tightly with your arms. You are never letting go of him. He is going to die, you know? A shiver passes your body, and you hide your face into Arthur’s body. That doesn’t go unnoticed by him. Arthur separates gently, rubbing your arms.

“Heard you went to get some money back for Strauss. Did anythin' happen?”

“No.” You don’t want to tell Arthur precisely what happened. He might find you silly. As a gunslinger, you had to believe in real people, real danger, not some made-up ghost or whatever lived in that cabin. And he would be right.

“You sure?” Damn you, Arthur Morgan, who knows you so well that can even sense when you are lying. You nod, giving him a half smile.

“Yes.”

Arthur doesn’t seem entirely satisfied, but he doesn’t push it to which you are thankful. He tells you he doesn’t like when Strauss sends you on debt-collecting missions alone because some people could turn violent. You don’t discuss, simply letting that warm feeling spread in your heart. You liked it when Arthur got protective over you. You warn him you can take care of yourself, and Arthur nods, apprehensive.

“I know. I know you can.” Arthur mutters. He doesn’t have to complete the sentence. I can’t lose you is hanging in the air.

You are both dirty and exhausted, and his beard scratches against your skin when you deeply kiss him. Arthur kisses you a little longer than a typical good night kiss, but when you break away, he offers no resistance. 

“I love you. You aren’t losing me, okay? And I am not losing you.” You tell him as a promise to anyone who might be listening. 

He's going to die, you know?

You don’t know where you are going. Your horse is riding without a destination, just racing across the fields of green. Arthur just told he is dying. And instead of staying as his supportive partner, you flew. You had enough. Arthur didn’t attempt to make you stay; he watched miserably as you mounted your horse, leaving the camp. A place you should have left a long time ago with Arthur. Away from Dutch’s insanity, from death. Run away and never look back. Run away from all death and despair.

But Arthur is loyal, and you are loyal to him.

The tears flood into your eyes, and you are sobbing, loud. Your horse runs faster, fuelled by your pain. You need to get away from everyone right now. You are furious but mostly more irate with yourself. You still remember Arthur’s expression as he watched you leave: upset but resigned. He doesn’t even expect you to come back. It would be better for you anyway. 

Your surroundings change as your horse rides away. As if the wind across your face can take all your pain and anger. 

When you finally stop your horse, you repeatedly apologize to him, laying your head against his head. Your horse shakes his head, and you dismount, still apologizing with your fingers shaking.

It gives you a few moments to recognize where you are: right in front of Bernard Miller’s house. It is still old, still standing. As if you just left from collecting that debt long ago. When Arthur wasn’t sick. When everyone was alive and well. When things were still okay.

You'll come to find me.

You should jump in your horse and get away from there. But you don’t.

When he is sick, you'll come and find me.

The voice that has been tormenting you speaks in your head. You forget about your horse and anything around you and slowly walk toward the house.

What would you do for him? 

How much are you willing to give for Arthur Morgan’s life?

“Anythin'.” You answer to nothing.

The door opens, and a young man walks out of the cabin. You stop mid-track, your eyes locked with the dark eyes in front of you. It is Bernard Miller. Except he isn’t old anymore. He is still wearing the same old dirty clothes he wore when you first came to collect the money, but he is young. Handsome. Black hair, the same slight smile on his face that bewitched you. Bernard doesn’t seem surprised to see you. No. He smiles as if he had been expecting you this whole time, and how dare you to be so late? He doesn’t speak as you start sobbing quietly.

“He's sick. As you said.” You mumble, pathetic. It couldn’t be Bernard, the only last sane part of your mind tells you: it could be anybody else, his grandson, a stranger, anyone else?? You had to hold onto that last sane thought.

“And what do you require from me?” The way Bernard spoke now. His voice was as if an icy knife cutting against your skin. You inevitably chill, wincing away. You hold yourself together for Arthur.

“You can cure him, can’t you? You shouldn't, it shouldn't be possible, but you can. I know you can.” You murmur, not knowing where that knowledge has come from. Bernard looks satisfied and utterly different from when you saw him, but you simply accept it. He shouldn't look like that, there was no possible explanation for this man to be Bernard Miller. But you accept it anyway; you will take whatever is coming to save Arthur’s life. And something told you this man, whatever he was, could help.

Because you had to be going insane, right?

“I can. There is a price to pay.” Bernard states, and you instantly nod.

He starts closing the distance between you, and your knees give in. In a sign of respect or adoration, you don't know, it doesn't seem to matter anymore. Bernard doesn’t seem surprised as your knees drop onto the floor with your head down. You don’t care; you say it out loud, and he knows it. Bernard opens a big, twisted smile, and you find comfort where you once found fear. 

I will do anything to save Arthur Morgan’s life.

Even your soul?

Even my soul. Anything. 

As Bernard touches your cheek, you close your eyes. The sensation of comfort just gets more significant in your chest as you disconnect from your body. The last part of you that screams you shouldn’t have done this is shut off. You know now, as inevitable as the sun will rise tomorrow, that Arthur Morgan isn’t dying of that damn disease. 

You smile back.

You wake up hours later, extremely confused. You look around, and the cabin of Bernard is still there, but it looks much older than before. As if no one has lived there for years and years. You get up, hungry and thirsty. It must have been some sort of crazy nightmare, you think.

You ride back to the camp, trying to remember the events from last night. Arthur told you he was sick, and you left angry and furious instead of facing or even comforting him. By the time you arrive at the camp, he has left again. No one is looking at you differently, which you find weirdly comforting. 

A few days pass until you see Arthur again, and he looks…better? His face isn’t as pale anymore, and he has some blush on his cheek. As if life is coming back to him. 

“How are you feeling?” You wonder as he stops by your side.

“Fine? I almost haven't coughed the way here.”

You nod, happy. Maybe Arthur was getting better. What did those doctors know anyway? There is no one strong as your Arthur Morgan, and he would live many and many years.

The gang is over. After killing Micah, Arthur finds you where you two had agreed to meet. A start of a new life, as he said. Away from crime, away from that horrible life. Just you and him, a few horses, some livestock. A simple lifestyle. Arthur didn’t need much, you didn't need much. You had each other. You had forgotten entirely about Bernard Miller, happy to share a life you always wanted with the man you deeply loved.

But a deal is a deal. And when time is up, time is up: you have to pay the price.

You watch as Arthur leaves to get eggs from the chicken. He gives you a kiss and leaves whistling. He looks so relaxed and happy. It warms your heart to be the one to share that with him. After years of hard work, he deserves it. You both do.

When he doesn’t return after awhile, you look for him. It is a hot day, and Arthur might need a cup of water and a few kisses. You find him fallen behind the stable, his horse close to him. Unconscious. You run towards him, the cup of water forgotten on the floor, and roll him over. He doesn’t seem to be breathing. You remember a new technique to compress the chest that you read in a book that Arthur brought you from the library a couple of weeks ago, and you start compressing his chest and blowing air on his mouth.

“Come on, Arthur, come on.”

Hours pass, and Arthur doesn’t move an inch. You drop to his side, exhausted, looking everywhere for someone. Anything to save him. You close your eyes, praying for anything to save him.

When you open your eyes, you are in front of young Bernard Miller again. Your clothes are different, and you are younger again. You are on your knees in front of Bernard Miller, just as in the day you discovered Arthur was going to die and, and...

No, it isn't possible.

You blink, confused, as Bernard Miller smiles as if he has seen this scene multiple times and still loves it every time he witnesses it.

“Even your soul?” Bernard asks, his eyes glowing in the darkness. Whatever is left of you is gone by now, but you can’t wait to live with Arthur again. And again. No matter the price, no matter the outcome, no matter the ending.

Anything for Arthur Morgan’s life. To live by his side all over again.

“Even my soul. Anything."

taglist: @agqrtz, @daydreamrot, @roseglazedlens, @scar-crossedlvrs. if you would like to be tagged into my halloween event, let me know!!

[optimismxmagicism]

TOA Anniversary Munday

(TY for the template Neffi!)

Celebrating TOA and the people who contribute to make our group what it is.

Repost, don't reblog. Only fill in what you feel comfortable sharing!

Happy anniversary, TOA! Here's to many more years spent together.

Name: Queen

Pronouns: She/Her

Birthday (no year): October 18th

Where are you from? What is your time zone? Netherlands, CEST

How long is your roleplay experience? Uhhh about 10 years now I'd say?

How were you introduced to roleplaying as a whole? Gamefaqs had a thread where you could create your own Fire Emblem Fates character. I joined out of curiosity when i was like 13 or so and things just kinds went from there.

How were you introduced to TOA? Rosie, my online big sis, sometimes shared snippets of her experiences with me. I got curious and the rest is history.

Do you have any pets? I have an elderly doggy named Beef :)

What is your favorite time of year and why? (Season, holiday, general period) Winter, definitely. I'm a cold over heat kinda girlie and I like the early nights and cold weather. Perfect for soup!

What is your IRL occupation? IT support service worker and Maid Cafe waitress during the weekends.

Some interests and things you like/enjoy? I'm big into cooking, gardening and cleaning.

What non-Fire Emblem games do you play? Final Fantasy, Genshin Impact, Persona, Danganronpa, Pokemon, Tales of, Uchikoshi games, just to name a few. Also big into Otomes and BL games.

Favorite Pokemon type & Pokemon: Fairy! Favorite is probably Sylveon and Vivillon.

Tell us some funfacts and trivia about yourself! - I am an auntie to 3 adorable little nephews. Love babysitting them :) - Truly I am a girly girly girl. I love pink and cute things and all that goodness. Always have firmly believed that femininity is strength and anyone who disagreed with me has been ground to dust under my heels :) - I used to have a YT channel where I uploaded my own vocaloid covers. I stopped though because I lost interest and the videos gained little traction.

How did you get into Fire Emblem? *Deep sigh* Ike x Marth Yaoi during the Smash Bros Brawl days.... This was before I knew anything about either character and just thought they looked cute together.

What Fire Emblem games have you played? All of them except for Gen 2 of Genealogy (glitches killed that run) as well as Thracia. I'll get to them someday...

First & Favorite Fire Emblem games: My First game was Shadow Dragon. My favorite is a tie between Sacred Stones and Three Houses

List your 5 favorite Fire Emblem characters across the series! Ashe, Ewan, Nils, Nina, Dimitri

Who was the first character ever to make you go “ooh I like this one in particular” and why? Can be any context and reason! Wolf. This was because I was still young and just entered my "started liking boys that weren't squeaky clean" phase.

Any Fire Emblem crushes? 😳 Dimitri.. If you know me you know I'm down horrendous. Sorry kwdjwkdj. Chrom and Xander are also hot.

If you’ve played (or are familiar with) the following games, who was your first S support? Who would you S support nowadays? - Awakening: Chrom forever and always. - Fates: Tsubaki was my first. Nowadays its Xander, Jakob or Shigure. - Three Houses: Dimitri. Its always Dimitri. If I play BL and I don't choose Dimitri I have been killed and replaced. - Engage: Diamant was my first! I also really liked Kagetsu and Amber.

Favorite Fire Emblem class? Dancer!

If you were a Fire Emblem character, what would be your class and stats? Would you be playable? I'd be the cleric that needs to be babied at first but gives cracked heals later on. High magic/speed/resistance, low Strength/Defense.

If you were a Three Houses character, what would be your affiliation? (Black Eagles, Blue Lions, Golden Deer, Church of Seiros, Those Who Slither in the Dark, unaffiliated civilian, other - for example Almyran) Blue Lions baybeeeeeeee

If you were an Officers Academy student, what would be your boons, banes and potential budding talent? Boons: Faith Reason Authority - Banes: Axes, Brawling, Heavy Armor

If you were an Engage character, which nation would you originate from? (Firene, the Kingdom of Abundance; Brodia, the Kingdom of Might; Elusia, the Kingdom of Knowledge; Solm, the Queendom of Freedom; Lythos, the holy land of the Divine Dragon; Gradlon, the desolate land of the Fell Dragon) Wherever Kagetsu's from.

How do you pronounce TOA? 🤔(separate letters, to-ah, other?) To-ah.

Current TOA muses: Ewan, Nils, Byleth M

Past TOA muses? Uhhh from the top of my head: Saleh, Rolf, Nina, Takumi, Male Corrin.

Who was your first TOA muse? If you no longer have them, can you see yourself picking them up again? Ewan was my first! I don't think I'll be dropping him for a long time as he's just become so special to me :)

Do you believe you have a type of character you gravitate towards writing? Characters that put up a front of being easygoing or simple, but have a lot of inner troubles they hide from others. Those that like to make others happy.

Do you have characters or types of characters you don’t think you can handle writing, but wish you could? Very masculine types. Manly Men or Muscle Himbos are characters I greatly enjoy but just don't like to write.

What kind of scenes, situations etc do you believe you enjoy writing the most? I like writing scenes where characters bond with each other, either over an earnest heart to heart or silly shenanigans.

Do you have any scenario in mind for your muse(s) that gets you thinking “man I hope I get to write this one day”? I would love to write a scene where the mask just fully crumbles and the entire truth is revealed about my muses deepest feelings. Also for Byleth specifically I'd love to write post timeskip scenes where he's in touch with his emotions and takes on the role of Archbishop.

Favorite TOA-related memories? A specific one was Andrei's turnaround on Ewan during the halloween candy game. It was one of the first major bonds Ewan would end up developing.

Present or past tense? I Try to say I'm past tense mostly but sometimes I jumble things up a little.

Normal size text, small text, no preference? I've started trying small text recently, but I'd say I have no real preference.

Got any potential muse delusions to share? 😉 Nope! I think I'm set for now. There is one character that, If the opportunity ever arises I'd want to get but not right now.

[insomniacsystem]

Azrael and Ashton pre and post bein held as POWs by Barkov aka when they meet again after Ash fakes his death and they both join SC.

As always at this point Bases by: @mellon-soup

It's been ages since I wrote anything but take a lil writing snippet for the second picture↓

Let's just say Azrael had been having a rough few days; his desk is chock-full of paperwork that he's slowly ending up more and more behind on as even more piles up, and his rookies keep causing damn issues left and right. And worst of all, it was November, the shittiest damn month Azrael could think of. At least when it comes To his mental health that is. And, of course, as always, he hadn't told anyone about it. And he's pretty sure only Graves, Vance and a few other higher-ups are really the only ones who'd know why as they likely would have access to what the SAS would actually give them in terms of the documents detailing his capture because, of course, their stupid secrets mattered more than his superiors being informed…

Azrael sighed, carrying his coffee down to his office, his eyes half-lidded, looking as if he'd barely slept yet again, but that was normal this time of year. They were already a day into the anniversary of his capture, the second day out of a week and a half. It's not exactly surprising he hadn't slept despite the scoldings he'd always get from everyone. But really, I mean, how was he supposed to sleep with his nightmares waking him up constantly? He'd rather just start work at 3 am like he is now than focus on the lingering sensations he feels over his skin. He shakes his head, trying to shake away the thoughts, yelping as he runs into another Shadow, his hot coffee running down his clothes as his mug shatters on the floor, a pained hiss escaping his throat at the burning sensation.

“Christ-! Do you mind being a bit more-” Azrael's heart stops in his chest the moment his eyes meet an eerily familiar shade of green still having to look up at the much taller redhead just like he used to. For a moment, Azrael is completely and utterly convinced he's losing his mind. He hadn't properly slept in 24 hours, and suddenly, he was literally running into long-dead men.

The lieutenant takes a few shakey steps back almost stumbling as he stares at Ashton the older, very different looking Ashton his stupid fucking ex-fiance who was supposed to be dead… and here he was, His hair now straightened out no longer in the firey red natural curls he remembered.. God he even has the piercings he'd constantly ranted about wanting but that he'd always too scared to get due to his mother and her controlling religious abuse… he wasn't dead… Ash. wasn't. dead.

“You- you… fuck no- god, you're kidding me. You're actually fucking with me right now! right…?” Azrael forces out trying desperately to hide the shaking of his voice behind his frustration, his breathing picking up before he can even notice it.

“Shit-! Rhys sweetheart I can explain alright- fuck you weren't supposed to be here-” Ashton stammers out practically stumbling over himself as he tries to explain and apologize immediately attempting to pull Azrael into a hug, something that probably would have worked 10 fucking years ago but, not now not anymore, hell Azrael could barely place the last time he let someone hug him by now.

Azrael pushes his gloved hand against Ashton's chest stopping the taller man in his tracks, an unrelenting cold glare in his eyes as he stares up at the man he used to love ~~the man he still loves~~. A glare Azrael knows damn well he doesn't actually mean he can't actually hate Ash not even now…

“Don't. Touch. Me… And It's Azrael nobody calls me Rhys anymore, and I don't want you to either. now get wherever the hell you're going-” Azrael has to Pause, glancing at Ash’s dog tags and finding his rank. “Get wherever the hell you're going, Sergeant, and fast…” The lieutenant forces the words out as a growl, desperately trying to hide the fact he felt like breaking down.

The smaller man pushes past Ash harshly, walking towards his office as fast as he can manage inconspicuously, his hands clenching and unclenching tightly as he walks slamming his office door shut behind him and locking it tightly. Finally, he lets himself sink to the ground with a choked sob, still fighting back his tears even now that he's alone, burying his face in his knees and just trying to breathe…

[that-wizard-oki]

Oki I'm begging you, I just found out that they're planning on removing the furniture sets from the crowns shop and when I tell you I will cry if they do so, idk if you have any pull in these decisions but please if there's a way to make them stop then please do something 😭😭😭 sorry to ask this but those are some of the best items in the game and I love decorating houses, it won't be the same without it 🥺

Hey anon! So I can kind of answer this concern, but please know that whatever statements I make in this post may not be 100% what will happen- I am a character animator, so I don't normally know of/ any crazy changes to the crowns shop or other items for sale.

However, I am the animator specifically involved with the product team at KI- meaning, when I'm not working on stuff for the mainline wizard release, I'm the one who normally animates mounts/pets and some other stuff that's coming to the crownshop or will be in a bundle/pack/so on. If it Moves, i probably know a bit about it, but if it doesn't Move (so, furniture stuff lol), I usually don't.

I had no prior knowledge they were planning to remove some of the furniture packs- HOWEVER, I did talk to my product coworkers about it, and what happened was that **these packs were probably removed because a good many of them haven't sold AT ALL on over a year or more.

If something's not selling in the CS, we normally want to replace it with something that will. (kind of like how, if you're running a restaurant, and customers haven't bought your tomato soup bisque in six months, it might be time to take it off the menu and add a new soup to attract more customers & keep revenue/business going).

However, it sounds like their plan was to bring the furniture packs back for a limited time every so often, like for holidays or throw back Thursdays, etc.

Again, this is not an official statement by or from KI, so please don't treat this is fact. It's just some information i wanted to share because I totally get why it seemed like a sudden choice, and please feel free to (RESPECTFULLY) provide your own criticism- it defo helps us in decision making, or reconsider choices that have been made.

**Just a side note, we keep track and actively look at what is & isn't selling in the CS, among like, sooooo many other things. It's very rare that we (or, any company selling anything, really.) just "randomly" make choices on what to put/take out of the CS. It's not part of my job title to know/do that of course, but i do know our product team looks at these numbers every week to predict what we should do next, both short term and long term speaking.

Anywho, i hope this quells your anxiety anon! Just speaking as a player, those furniture sets are SO good so i was also nervous when i first saw the post xD But yea it (so far) sounds like they will return every so often and aren't going to be gone for good!

[aladaylessecondblog]

2:12:08 (raphael x tav pt 7)

Tw: Panic attack, oral sex. Raphael is his own warning.

By the time Raphael let her return, Wyll was finally awake, and she brought him his soup with a smile. Cald stood on the other side of the room watching--not wanting to intrude too much but obviously burning with curiosity.

everything is FINE

"Finally awake," she said, "I'm sorry I put a sleeping spell on you, but it was the best way to ensure you recovered properly. Do you feel alright now?"

Cald went and got his own bowl, then quickly returned. Wyll took the soup and started eating, answering in between bites.

"Well enough...better than I have in quite some time, in fact. I knew I needed to tend that wound, but...I kept thinking I was fine."

"Until you weren't." Tav gave a slight smile. Wyll was, for certain, not the one that remembered, then. He'd been feverish before, she could excuse him not realizing then. But now he was awake and well...there was no reason he shouldn't be realizing--if he WAS the one.

Or...maybe Raphael was simply fucking with her. Maybe, she thought, Cazador didn't remember either...maybe no one but the two of them did, and she'd sold away her body and time for nothing--

Deep breath.

"Your wound is cleaned and healed now, and you should be well."

"I wish I could--"

"There's no need to worry about payment, all of what I treated you with can either be regrown or regained in time. The swamp is a bounty of herbs, and as for my magic...well...my god ensures I am capable enough to aid anyone."

"I was actually planning to ask if you had seen someone, but you've already done so much."

"Who are you looking for?"

"A tiefling named Karlach," Wyll replied, "I keep hearing that she's been seen around here...and, well...I ended up crossing paths with a Gur who'd had a few too many."

"I wonder if he was looking for anyone...I don't know why you'd be looking HERE, of course, there's nothing much here."

"Nothing?" Cald asked, "There's us."

"The boy's right," Wyll replied, "You're alone here and you're a follower of Ilmater. If anything you're the person the monster would probably go for. Those Paladins of Tyr--"

"They're not paladins," Tav said automatically, and when she saw Wyll cock an eyebrow she added a little white lie, "In my line of work you learn the fakes, and those men are no more paladins of Tyr than I am. They're...servants of Zariel."

Wyll couldn't seem to find words.

"They were here some time ago, asking about Karlach," Tav went on with the lie, raising a hand to silence Cald when he looked like he'd say something, "And they thought I might be hiding her...I wasn't, of course. They were...well, they won't be back, if they know what's good for them. So if you meet those two fools again, just remember what I've said."

There was a pause.

"And try to remember that someone who has gained freedom from a master may not be the same now as before."

"Would you hide her, should she come to you?"

"If she causes no trouble to me or mine, then yes," Tav replied. She gave a slight smile. "Ilmater instructs us to help all who ask it of us, not merely those most would find deserving. I've even healed a few wargs and goblins."

"But she's a servant of Zariel herself."

"And no less deserving of care than you," she replied, "I have heard whispers of her...she is hurting no one, from what's going around."

"Yet you've heard nothing of where she is?"

"No," Tav replied. "Now please do me a favor and finish your soup. I'd rather not have you fall ill from not eating."

She moved off and whispered to Cald to play along with the lie, but then said he was free to question the man once he'd finished eat, as he looked like he was feeling well.

And when the boy approached him, Wyll perked up.

From the other end of the room, Tav couldn't help but smile.

-------------------------------

Wyll stayed through lunch since Cald didn't seem to want to stop talking to him, and then dinner--and naturally, Tav jokingly thought to herself, the sky opened up and let loose a torrent of rain.

"It looks like you're staying the night," she said, giving a slight smile. "I'm sure the famous Blade of Frontiers would prefer a better bed, but..."

"I sleep in tents most of the time," Wyll replied. "It's been nice to be in a bed again."

"If you've gold to spare I could sell you a quilt to make the tents easier to bear," Tav replied. "But--"

A sudden touch on her shoulder, then a stroke over her abdomen.

"I--pardon me, I need to...check on my mushrooms down below. The--heavy rains tend to make the waterfall a bit...overenthusiastic..."

"If you need any help--"

"No. No, it's fine, you can..." Tav turned her back to him just in time to avoid him seeing the wince that came next. Haarlep was stroking lower, and all she could think was that she couldn't let Wyll see her face.

He might understand having a patron but she still didn't want him knowing.

She practically ran through the fireplace, and was incredibly glad the next touch waited until she was on the other side to happen. Then there was groping, and stroking further down--

It's never going to stop.

The thought struck her hard, when the feeling of fingers slipping into her cunt echoed through her body.

Even when you've paid him off, this will go on.

A stroke a bit higher, a thrust of fingers a bit deeper. She squirmed, her hips automatically moved, jerked, when the next touch was deeper.

It was too much and not enough at once.

Her heart was racing a moment later; panic and pleasure tied themselves into a knot. It was humiliating, it was--

It's never going to stop

It's never going to stop

It's never going to stop

Sitting down didn't help at all. Despite the pleasure rising in her gut, she couldn't relax. From nowhere it seemed her breathing was getting harder, her chest aching, lungs burning...

Raphael's face above her.

When had he shown up?

"Not now," she managed to grate out, hardly looking at him. "I can't--I can't breathe--"

A hand at her shoulder, a whisper in her ear, and suddenly the rushing river of utter panic was gone. The sting of humiliation from being so touched by Haarlep remained, but at least she didn't feel as though she were running away from something while being rooted to the spot.

She let herself be held against his shoulder. He'd ask for it anyway if she didn't, it was easier just to let him do it.

"Poor little mouse," Raphael's voice came in a purr, "Not doing as well as you thought you were, hmm?"

"I--can--" She wanted to say she could handle it on her own, but her voice choked itself rather than be party to the lie.

"Perhaps if you would stop being so stubborn, things wouldn't have gotten to this point. But you struggle and fight...for what, really?"

Tav couldn't find the words. Her mouth opened and closed uselessly, the words in her mind refusing to speak themselves.

Because you're an evil piece of shit and I don't want the world to suffer under you.

I can handle this. I can handle this. I just need to wait.

"Now, now, dry the tears. You can hardly be the hero of Baldur's Gate if you're a sobbing mess."

Where had the tears come from?

Tav didn't remember starting to cry, or...

Deep breath.

"Take a deep breath and remember that I am here. Shut off your mind, simply obey, and all will be well."

Raphael's words were a soothing balm to her still aching head. But there was one lingering concern--

"I have--someone in the house--"

"They're not going to be a problem."

This was not the submission she'd enjoyed with Gortash, eager and waiting for the pleasure that always followed. This was the submission of exhaustion, of being too tired to go on, and she couldn't make herself like it even if she wanted to.

"On your knees, my pet."

Tav's body automatically obeyed, and she reached up to unbutton Raphael's trousers without him saying another word. There was no need to ask what he wanted when she was in this position--it was always the same. It was predictable, something she could not fail at.

He was already half-hard, and it only took a few strokes of her hand to complete the process. She lowered her head to take him into her mouth and heard a slight hiss from overhead. One of his hands moved to the back of her head, and stayed there as she started to bob over him. Haarlep's work went on below, and her hips rolled against nothing. The pleasure rose...

"There we are...very good, my little mouse. You see, don't you?"

She could say nothing, and she knew he didn't really want an answer anyway. Raphael never did when she was on her knees...he simply wanted to talk at her. She moved back, caressing the head of his cock with her tongue and stroking the rest of him with her hand.

"All you need to do is take your place, and all those pesky little problems will go away. No more fear over petty vampire lords and what they might do to you or yours. The tadpole? A thing of the past. Anything that would attack you would find itself in a world of pain. Because you are mine...and anyone attempting to take what is mine will find themselves cursing the day they dared to do it."

Tav was about to move down, and groaned when he pulled her back and off of him.

"Give me the Crown of Karsus, my pet," his voice softened and soothed, "And you need never worry again."

Before Tav could respond he pushed her head back down, and began to thrust against her head. She let herself relax, let him do as he wished, riding against her face. She zoned out, until all that remained was Raphael. His voice filling her ears, his hand gripping her hair, his cock in her mouth.

"Give me the Crown of Karsus, and your master will see you kept safe and well-cared for until the end of time."

A groan. She sucked in a breath when given a chance, brought her tongue up--and suddenly his cock pulsed, and filled her mouth with his seed. She swallowed it all down and felt her throat and stomach warm from the heat of him. After a short pause she tucked him away and fixed his trousers without being told to. Her own pleasure came, forcing a moan from her lips, and soaking her thighs with release.

"Are you not thankful I've made it so easy for you?"

She gulped one final time.

"Wildshape," he commanded suddenly, "I know you're able to."

"I-into what, master?"

Why was it so easy to say the word now?

"The cat."

Tav obeyed, shifting into the form she rarely took. A calico cat with dark eyes, fluffier than might be expected to be seen around here.

Raphael picked her up and sat her in his lap.

Why? Why are you doing this? What is this accomplishing?

He did nothing, that was the confusing part. Nothing of note. Merely stroked her, scratched behind her ears, stroked beneath her chin until she purred for him. He kept this up until she was almost falling asleep, and then he set her on the seat beside him.

"Change back."

She obeyed, rubbing her eyes for a moment before she found herself pulled into a soft kiss.

What IS this? What is he trying to do?

"Why me?" she asked quietly, once they'd parted. She forced herself to meet his eyes. "I helped kill you. I--"

"Because you're smarter than you think you are, and I am not averse to taking you under my wing should I get what I want. All I ask is that you lay down your pride--and serve. As you always have."

A pause, and a whisper in her ear.

"One hour, fifty seven minutes, and twenty two seconds. Less than two hours to go, o apple of my eye. A pity. I know you'll miss me."

Raphael was gone before Tav could reply.

[l3m0ncyan]

New to Life | Chapter 11

Steven Grant/Marc Spector x hispanic! Teen! Reader

Masterlist

Next Chapter

Warning: Almost SA event at the end

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Y/N walked through the automatic doors wearing a grey hoodie, sweatpants, and sneakers. Her eyes felt puffy but not in the way that one does after crying. It was more of her eyes feeling so tired, that she was able to feel her eyebags. Because of this, she probably seemed like she would yell at you or rudely speak to you if you were to exchange a word. She scanned the grocery store for the aisle where she could start shopping. She grabbed a red plastic basket near the entrance and made her way through the crowd of scattered people.

After last night's incident, she was rather paranoid about there being a murderous god roaming around. Oh and of course to top it all off, she finds out her powers are some kind of leech. Sadly, she couldn’t even tell her friends since they were threatened by the very creature. Coming back home, she couldn't rest knowing that at any moment, that thing could go and bite her head.

She only got a few hours of sleep due to the lack of it and awoke with a migraine. She walked to her fridge, thinking it was because all she needed was a nice breakfast, and lo and behold. Her food was all moldy and expired. It made sense since she was gone for a week. Groaning, she decided to go grocery shopping with the last of the money she had saved.

Which is what she was doing now.

She grabbed a can of ravioli while browsing the select items on the shelf. She could buy actual groceries and ingredients, but she was looking for something quick to make. As per the square price tag on the shelf, if you bought four, you would only pay about 2.44 pounds. It sounded like a good deal, well to her at least, she didn't know if it was worth it or not.

She put them in her cart and proceeded down the aisle to see if there were any other items she could buy. As she stared at the packets of dry pasta, she considered making soup like her mother used to make. It would mean her calling her for instructions on making it, but it's worth a shot. She kinda wanted to get Steven's and Marc's reactions to foods she grew up eating. She went to the next aisle and discovered a variety of cereal.

She moved on to the cereal boxes aimed at children, who wanted something sweet. Is she concerned? No, it wasn't childish if it meant she could eat. A familiar deep voice came into her ears as she looked at two boxes and thought about the taste.

“Food”

“What do you think im doing?” She whispered in an annoyed tone.

“Not that, I am talking about those”

Puzzled, she turned to her right side and saw a woman probably in her 30s. She had a toddler in her cart who pointed to the items she thought were tasty. Y/N's eyes widened and she returned her gaze to the shelf.

"You are not going to murder a mother and her child! Plus, I need t buy actual food for myself, not you," she said quietly.

As she continued to browse, she noticed the price of (favorite cereal) which was a little higher for her taste. Sighing, she returned it to the shelf and examined the off-brand items. Her 'friend' seemed to notice.

"Why don't we team up? You take whatever food you need, and I eat any guards who try to stop you. It's a win-win situation"

"You want to rob the store?" She says it loudly, which causes the mother beside her to look at her strangely.

She quickly pulls out her phone and implies that she is on a phone call. Making it appear as if she was on the phone with a friend who was cracking jokes. The woman nods and returns her attention to her shopping.

“…we aren’t about to do that” this time she says it in a hush tone.

“It is a good plan though”

“Thats a terrible plan”

“How?”

"Because you're still going to be murdering innocent people!" She becomes quiet as she realizes her words were too loud.

The mother looks at her, shocked and terrified. She moves quickly away from the aisle with her child and away from Y/N. Y/N groans and runs her hand down her face while gripping the basket handle.

“Great, now I look more of a crackhead than I already did” she mutters.

She grabs the cheapest box and heads to the milk aisle to get out of there as soon as possible. She started walking back to the apartment building after she paid. She looked over the bag of groceries she had purchased, relieved that she had purchased enough items.

Moving through the crowd of people who were most likely late for work, she calculated that she wouldn't be home for another block and ten minutes on the bus.

As she walked down the street, she noticed a homeless man sitting on the ground with a cup in his hand. Most likely, asking for money.

“How about him? He does not look innocent”

"Jesus, are you still talking about eating people? No," she said, her face scrunched.

“But you said innocent people were the ones I couldn’t eat”

"That's an innocent person, dude," she said as she looked at the man who flipped her off for staring, "maybe innocent."

“You are changing the rules”

"I haven't changed a thing. How about I ask you questions instead because I need a very good explanation," she gestured with her hands, drawing a few pairs of eyes to her.

“Why did you decided to show yourself now instead from the beginning?”

“You were busy with other matters”

“Like?”

“Those animal beings with powers”

“You mean the Egyptian gods? You were scared of them?” She scoffed

Y/N arrived at the bus stop, where many others were waiting, most of whom were dressed in business suits and carrying briefcases. She waited away from the crowd, however, because she was speaking with the symbiote.

“I was not scared, I just did not want them to know about me. Especially the female one”

“You mean Hathor? She was sweet though”

“She was not”

When the bus arrived, everyone shoved each other. As the last person to arrive, Y/N pushed her way through the crowd in search of a seat. Finding one, she rushed over to it as if a spotlight was shining on it, but it was won by a man. Her shoulders sagged and she groaned, continuing to stand while clutching the bus's handle.

Surprisingly, Mania remained quiet on the bus ride, which Y/N quietly thanked. She didn't want to risk appearing even more insane on the bus, and she was still tired. So this was a welcome relief from dealing with the symbiote.

The bus came to a screeching halt at Y/N's stop. Her feet led her down the path to the apartment, hopping off. She shoved her hands into her pockets as the cold air blew in. She quickened her pace to get home faster, grateful that she had decided to wear baggy and warm clothes. The building was visible in the distance, as was the merchants' who were outside of it.

She walked past many sellers as she approached. Most of them she recognized, and some of them recognized her. Before the trip to Cairo, people would say things like "good morning" or "afternoon." The greeting was always returned by Y/N, but that was it. It was the same in this case, one said 'hello' and she would say it back.

She looked at the number screen as she passed through the pair of doors and into the elevator, waiting for the 5th floor to appear. She returned her gaze back to her grocery bag and placed a hand on the milk to ensure it wasn't warming up. But who was she kidding? It was cold outside, so the milk had to be fine.

The doors opened and she stepped out as the elevator chimed. There was no one walking down the hall, so she could talk to Mania if she wanted to. However, Marc and Steven would be suspicious if they were in their flat. And she didn't want them to be a part of her problem. So she decided to keep her questions until she went inside.

Opening the door, she walked in and made her way to the kitchen. She placed the bag on the table and began putting the items back in their proper places. It was quick because all she had to do was put away cereal, ravioli cans, milk, and other items.

She then walked over to the couch and took a seat. Her hands were on her lap, and she was staring at the wall. She was considering the questions she wanted to ask. She began at the beginning in order to gather as much information as possible.

“All right, so what really happened at the alley? You know the day we met"

Mania stayed quiet before it started to speak.

"The body I was controlling was physically weak, and I needed a replacement. That's when you passed by."

"And you picked me? Why? Also, what was the deal with the red explosion?"

"...I lunged at you, trying to eat you. Because your human mind couldn't comprehend, it created that image of a blast. Also, I did not choose you; it just happened that you were a good fit for a body."

"Wait, you're telling me I was about to die that day, but I survived because we were a match?" Y/N paused.

With that piece of information, her life changed a little more. Yes, she had the option of dying at the tomb, but she chose to return. She would not have returned if she had died at the start. That would have been the end of the story.

“So when I blacked out, did I actually die?”

“You did, but when I took over, I healed your body”

“Wow…so I died three times” she swallowed the thick saliva in her mouth. Her mind went blank.

“It is two actually”

“Doesn’t matter. Okay wait then why didnt you heal me back at the tomb?”

“When you were hurt, I decided to get out of your body and leave. You were not the effort”

Y/N scoffed offensively, “Oh so you just decided to leave me behind?”

“I came back didn't I?”

Y/N leaned back on the couch, her arms crossed. Knowing she wasn't as important to hurt her a little, even if the opinion came from some creature. She imagined what would happen if she died that night in the alley, and how everyone would react.

Of course, her family would be devastated. Her siblings would be blaming themselves for not making an attempt to better her home life. Her parents would probably be distraught and believed they should have tried to convince her to stay in California.

But Steven. He'd probably be bewildered, wondering how he could have let that happen. He would be saddened to learn that his friend had died. Marc would probably feel terrible for leaving her to die. He wouldn't forgive himself.

Speaking about those two, she still wondered about how she was able to hear them through reflections.

“By any chance, are you the reason why I was able to hear Steven and Marc in mirrors?”

“Perhaps”

“What do you mean perhaps?” She mocked it.

“I realized you were not so capable, so I went to them multiple times, but they were...unexpected. That lead me back to you"

That still didn't answer her question, and she was irritated at being called weak. Marc and Steven, on the other hand, would have dealt with it. Their stress level would have most likely skyrocketed and who knows how they would have changed.

"I assume you're confused. When I returned to your body, I believe I brought some traits from their mind with me. That is, their ability to communicate through reflections."

It made more sense to her that the 'ability' Mania was referring to was most likely Marc and Steven's disorder. The disorder was like tracking mud into the house, and Y/N's mind was the floor. All that was required was to clean it or, in this case, wait for it to fade away.

It was a bad analogy, Y/N shook her head and rested her face on her palms.

She kept asking it questions, trying to wrap her head around it. One of the most important was where it came from. She knew Hydra had to be to blame but was it created or did it come from somewhere else?

It turned out that it wasn't even from this universe. It explained how one day it ended up and, in the words of Mania, "A place that a human can get a type of liquid to feel numb." To say it another way, a bar. It explained how it had no recollection of being there, only that something similar existed like it.

After being found by scientists, it was stolen by Hydra and then used in experiments. Hence the man who was in the alley that day. When it was easy to understand, the next piece of information made her queasy.

"So what happened to that guy?"

"If I tell you, you won't like it”

She readied herself, not expecting what could have happened, “What?”

"After I took over your body, I needed nutrients...He was the closest thing”

Her lips parted and she looked down at the floor, unable to imagine how. But she did, and it was terrible.

“You’re saying I ate him?” Her breath quickened.

Her mouth began to water, and her stomach began to squirm. She dashed to the restroom, slamming the door open, feeling something come up her throat. She knelt by the toilet and gripped the seat as her body pushed out her last meal.

She murdered a man. A man who was attempting to flee danger, but her idiot self had to stumble into that alley. If she hadn't, she might have been able to save him.

“Even if you didnt check on him, he would have still died”

She scowled, raising her head. It didn't explain how it could read her thoughts which freaked her out more. She stood up to the sink, wiped her mouth with the sleeve of her sweater, and poured water onto her palms. She splashed herself with the cool liquid after rinsing her mouth.

She stepped back into the living room, biting on her tongue in rage. She thought having these powers would be cool and something she'd be able to show her family, but she couldn't. It would only mean putting them in danger.

"I need you to leave," she said as she stood in the middle of the room, her gaze fixed on the floor.

“Leave? Why, when there are so many heads, torsos, and legs around me?"

Y/N wrinkled her brow as if it smiled at the fact.

"Plus, if I did, you'd just be a loser again."

She laughed and shook her head, recalling Hathor's advice to keep an eye on her power. She did, and now she has to deal with a symbiote. Hathor could have at least given her a heads-up that her powers seemed more like a curse.

"Alright, if we're going to call each other names, you got to be pathetic because you need someone just to move around," she flailed her arms and slapped them to her side.

“I can move on my own just fine”

"Are you sure? If you can, then just go and look for someone else or go back to your weird planet!" she remarked sarcastically. "Before you can do that, you're still a fucking parasite!"

“Parasite?!”

Tentacles rushed out of her back and onto the wall, slamming her body against it. Her head shook and she grumbled from the pain. When she opened her eyes, she saw that she was pinned up against the wall, her feet dangling. She looked at her arm and tried to pull it away from the wall, but the same tentacles held her back

"Let me go! I get it! You're sensitive to the word parasite!" She yelled, still attempting to remove her limbs from the wall.

Her shoulder tingled and another tentacle emerged, but this one was different. It was much thicker than usual and moved between strands. As it approached her, the tip began to morph teeth and eventually became a head.

The same figure she saw in Stevens' bathroom stood in front of her. It had sharp white eyes and long sharp teeth that formed a smile this time. It returned her stare as the stem moved and squirmed around.

“What the hell?” She breathed out.

"Listen carefully, Y/N; I am smarter and stronger than all humans combined. I'll use you as a ride, and in exchange, I'll keep you alive; that's my deal."

"What if I say no?"

"Then I'll kill everyone you care about, beginning with those two neighbors, that woman, and your family, and saving you for last."

She had no choice; she was being threatened, but that didn't mean she was going to let it win.

"Are you still going to be eating people?" she continued to make eye contact with it, fearing she would irritate it.

“Very much”

She leaned back and looked up at the ceiling, both sides seemed like there would be killing. Panic slowly built up in her body, wondering what would be the best approach.

“Since you, won't be leaving anytime soon, how about we add to the deal?”

“I'm listening”

“I'll let you eat people if you promise its only bad people”

“How would I know the difference? All you humans are horrible”

"Oh, I believe you, but there are some worse. Like Harrow and Hydra. Those are the people who want to cause harm to others for power and shit like that"

“Hmm, that is difficult”

She sighed, “Ill tell you which ones are good and bad, deal? Oh, and I don't want to be bossed around too much. I just want to live normally, alright?”

Before Mania could say anything, there was a knock at the door and they both turned. Y/N had a feeling who it was but before she could say, Mania won her.

"It's those two," it grumbled

There was more knocking and Marc spoke up, "Hey, are you busy?"

Y/N widened her eyes and asked Mania if they had a deal. Mania appeared hesitant, but Marc's constant knocking rushed them.

"We need to talk about last night. You were acting weird and rushed out on us before we could talk about the news" Marc, on the other hand, was very concerned. He felt helpless without his powers, especially with a killer and her acting strangely.

He continued to knock as the pair inside tried to negotiate.

"Come on! He's gonna get suspicious and he's gonna know" she whispered.

Mania looks at her before returning her attention to the door. It couldn't believe some insignificant human was going to force it to agree to her terms. Its head nodded, groaning.

"Fine"

Mania dropped Y/N, causing a large thud. Marc paused and began to shake the doorknob.

"Hey! Is everything alright?" With her silence, he began to panic more. Holding back from kicking the door down.

As she struggled to get up, she felt pain in her knees. Mania instructed her to hurry up and open the door. She opened the door, almost slipping, to see Marc standing there with his leg raised. They both stood there, taking in the situation.

"Were you about to kick down my door?" She looked him up and down.

He immediately planted his foot back down, "I was uh, what was that thud?"

"Oh," she scratched her head, "I slipped..trying to do a pushup"

Marc nodded and asked if he could come into her apartment. She nodded and stepped to the side to allow him to enter. He looked around and his gaze was drawn to the wall to his right.

"What happened there?"

When Y/N looked at what he was talking about, she noticed a large dent in the area where she was pinned down. She cursed in her head, trying to come up with some lame excuse.

"I don't know. It was like that when we came back. Probably an earthquake" she shrugged.

"I don't think an earthquake could cause that"

Marc nodded and continued eyeing the white wall. This caused both Y/N and Mania to grow nervous. For Y/N, it felt like that one episode from Spongebob where he and Mr.Krabs think they killed a health inspector.

"They are on to us. Lets kill them!”

“No!” Marc looked over at her, wondering why the sudden burst.

"No...pues que raro verdad?" she gave an awkward smile.

Marc just stared at her, puzzled, knowing something was wrong. Instead of prodding any further, he decided to discuss last night's event. Maybe it was that that was causing her to act weird.

"Right, anyways about last night," he moved to the couch and took a seat, "How are you feeling?"

Y/N followed and sat a seat away from him to give each other space, "I'm alright you know, honestly feel better now that they are gone"

She was referring to both Harrow and Ammit, and Marc felt the same way. Worry was eating him up, knowing that Harrow would soon unleash Ammit again. That he would then go after Y/N as well. Fortunately, Harrow was killed not long after.

"Same here, but I still want to know how he got killed" he crosses his arms and leans back.

Y/N nods and looks to the side, attempting to round up all suspects. Hathor would not waste her time attempting to kill him. Layla and Tawaret didn't seem to like the idea of killing him, and she would have called if she was in London. Khonshu was the only one who made sense, but how did he find an avatar so quickly?

"I am hungry, have them leave so we can find bad people"

Her shoulders sagged as her thought process faded. They both haven't eaten in a long time. Y/N would have eaten at home, but she didn't want to keep Mania waiting while she ate. She was afraid that if she did, it would try to devour Marc right here. So she had to excuse herself and say she had to go shopping for the last item on her college shopping list.

"I'll go with you" Marc began to stand up.

Y/N panicked and shook her head, "It's alright, it's just a few quick things you know. Waste of time for you, just go and sleep or something"

Marc waves her off, "I'll be fine, and like you said its only a short trip"

"A short trip that is like an hour long because of the walking and the ride on the bus. Yeah no, you stay at your place" she grabs her wallet from the dining table.

"That's cool, going out can give me some fresh air"

"She's acting weird"

"He's persistent"

"Then just open a window or something" she gestured to hers.

He raised an eyebrow, "Why do you want me to stay so bad?"

"Why do you want to go so bad?"

"Whoever killed Harrow is probably still here and you might come across them" he says with a serious tone.

"That's where I use my powers" she raised both arms.

Seeing this was becoming a loop of some kind, Steven suggested Marc to let him front. Maybe he would be able to convince her to let them tag along. He sighed and nodded, his body tensed up. Y/N already knew the signs for when one switched, so seeing this wasn't surprising for her.

“Great, the smart one is here”

"Oh love, you look pale, is everything all right?" Steven asked as he took in his surroundings. He approaches her closer to inspect her further.

She had just finished vomiting, so she was obviously not fine. She hasn't eaten either, which irritates her because she was hoping to eat the canned raviolis. But not anymore, because she now has to go hunting for bad guys while keeping the boys away from her. Who knows what Mania would do to them.

“I wouldn’t do anything”

“Im fine dude, just let me go to the store and you guys relax at home. I promise I can handle myself” she said, not trusting Mania still.

"I know you can handle yourself, but shopping would be exciting! Let us join you!" He almost claps with delight at the idea of going shopping with his friend.

“Make the journey there sound like a waste of time!”

"I'm literally just getting a backpack," she says, her head cocked to the side. "And, knowing how indecisive teenagers can be, we go through each one and analyze every detail. Yes, that does sound boring."

“Nonsense! I would be delighted to help you with choosing one, and I may know of a few stores to visit. That way, you can be the sharpest-looking student at your university! Oh! We can even go shopping for clothes! What do you think?" He laughs.

It warmed Y/N's heart but she couldn't let him join. She was more concerned about telling an adult man to stay at home at this point than she was about her finals. Mania continued to rush her out of there, adding to her anxiety.

“If I don’t eat at least one head in the next few minutes, I’ll be eating both of yours”

"Can you be quiet?" She whispered to her side, hoping Steven wouldn't hear. But he did. And she felt her heart drop as she saw his expression of hurt and sadness.

He frowns but speaks calmly. "Y/N, I know we are being clingy, but all we want to do is spend time with you before a new problem sweeps us off our feet."

Y/N felt guilty, despite the fact that her remark was directed at Mania. She could see the two attempting to bring peace to her life, but she was sadly pushing them away. It wasn't on purpose; it was all to protect them from the symbiote inside her.

It hurt her to see Steven hurt by her words. Marc was probably in there hurting too because he saw her wanting to stay away from them.

Sighing, she looked back to Steven.

——

“Pussy”

After feeling bad about herself, Y/N decided to let Steven tag along. Mania, of course, did not like this idea, so Y/N created a plan to escape Marc's and Steven's watch and go look for trouble. She had no idea how she would find bad people, but she would try.

She wondered if some of Harrow's followers were still at the London hideout. Or if some of those Hydra people were still out there looking for their experiment. She hoped one of them was walking around here, that way she can get this task out of the way.

Steven's voice awakens her from her trance. He was listing all of the stores and what he had purchased from them. The last one Y/N catches is a store where he purchased his bag and mentions how many options they have. She decided to go with that one, and Steven was delighted to show her one of his liked stores. She assumed they were going to a tailor for leather backpacks from how Steven was explaining the store. Where an old man would show her his best creations, each with her name engraved on it.

Like she said, it sounded like a dark academic-style building, but when they arrived and walked to the location, it was nothing like her expectations.

It was just a large grey square building with posters advertising their big sale. A blue square sign with the words 'Poundland' in yellow was placed in front of the building. It honestly looked like a mixture of Walmart and Ross.

She knew at this point that she had to stop stereotyping everything in England as old and medieval.

Inside, it definitely reminded Y/N of the store Ross. The memories of her mom leading her to some random aisle and then waiting almost an hour just to move to the next one came to mind. Fortunately, she was with Steven who she hoped did not act the same way.

"The bags should be around here...There!" he lead her to an aisle where many backpacks were hung.

Right, she was supposed to buy an actual backpack now with her low funds. She was honestly planning on just using one of the bags she used to travel to England, but not anymore it seemed.

Steven grabbed one of the bags and looked at it then showed it to her, "Look at this one, it's waterproof and you can charge your phone!"

Y/N grabs it and looks at the size of it, "Its nice, but.. it looks too small for my laptop"

Steven gives an 'oh' and continues to examine each backpack, realizing that it must be larger than the one he previously displayed. It was honestly quite difficult trying to choose one because most of them were either for children or too small.

After about ten minutes of searching, Steven brought Y/N a large leather backpack. It was a caramel color with two side pockets and one square pocket at the front that you could zip up. The top flap was black leather with a long piece with a magnet that could be clipped onto the second one to close it. It was also large enough to hold her laptop.

Grabbing a hold of it, her eyes took in the small details, "I actually like this one"

"I did tell you I would be of help" he chuckled

Y/N rolled her eyes and looked at the price tag, 33 pounds. That was twice more than what she carried. Placing it back, Steven was confused and looked at her puzzled.

"Was something off about it?"

"Nah it was just...more than I can afford" she shrugged, "Is there a clearance area?"

Steven nodded but he was still disappointed in the fact that she couldn't buy something that she liked. Where would be the fun if she could only get items that she didn't even want in the first place?

"She really liked it, did you see the look in her eyes?"

"I don't mind getting it for you," Steven said, returning his gaze to the leather bag.

Y/N looked at Steven, surprised, "No, you don't have to…"

"I insist," he said as he snatched the bag from the hanger, "how about we get you a jacket before we leave, I heard it'll be quite chilly tomorrow."

She nodded, enjoying the idea of going shopping with Steven. In fact, just hanging out with him. Every time she went shopping or went out with someone, she felt obligated to focus on that person's happiness. Usually, she rushed shopping because she thought the other person got bored. The action was returned this time though, and she was happy about it.

Sadly, today wouldn't go as normal. She still had to go and feed Mania whoever she found on the street.

"Sure, but I uh, need to go to the restroom first"

She quickly walked to the restrooms after excusing herself. Normally, there would be an emergency exit or a way out nearby. Looking back, she noticed Steven walking towards the men's aisle, looking for something for himself, while still carrying the bag she had chosen.

Sighing, she looked straight ahead.

"So how many bodies do you need? 10? 20?" She quietly asked, wanting to quickly come back.

"You exaggerate too much. One would do for now"

She breathed out in relief, "Okay good, I'll take you to...man I don't even know"

She thought of the many places that might have criminals. Prisons she didn't know where they could find one. Mafia hideouts, hell no. The closest thing she could think of was an alley in the sketchiest place.

"Why not look for that building where you found Arthur Harrow and his minions?"

"I really don't remember where it's at"

"I do, I can locate the surroundings from your memory"

"That... is actually useful. I guess we can head the-"

The yelling of others cuts her off. She turns her head to the sound and sees many people fleeing or hiding. That's when she heard several guns go off. She walks toward the source of the commotion, using the aisle shelves as cover, and sees six men at the front wearing only half a mask.

"What the hell?" she whispers.

One of the men orders the customers to sit down and not move. Other men yell threats and the like while pointing their guns at everyone. That's when she notices Marc, who is crouching, glaring at them. She wonders why he isn't suiting up, but remembers how powerless he is now. That won’t stop him in fighting though, he was probably planning a way to take them down.

Seeing that the majority of the people in the store are either at the front or hidden, Y/N enters an aisle and crouches on the floor.

"Looks like the food came to us"

"Yup, the thing is we can’t get to them without Marc seeing you, and I know you want to stay hidden still, right?" Y/N considers using her powers, but knowing that it's just Mania doing the work, she lets it take the stance.

"We can go after them while being hidden”

Y/N stands up and notices herself growing taller before she can even ask anything. It's not her actual body though; instead, it's the same black goo she saw on Mania. It covers her from her feet to her torso, and her head is soon enclosed in the dark substance. An abstract white figure of a spider appears on her chest. Three spikes adorn her head, giving her a punk look.

A pair of white glossy eyes and a smile with long sharp teeth adorn the face. The smile line begins where the mouth opens wide from where the ears should be; it was like the Jokers in other words. Mania doesn't give Y/N time to take in the appearance before leaping out of the aisle and toward the men. The same men notice, and their face is filled with fear.

"What the hell is that?!"

"Shoot it!"

They begin to rapidly shoot but Mania's body deflects the bullets, causing them to fall.

"Where was this trick back at the tomb?" Y/N who was able to see what is happening from inside.

"I wanted to use it in a more badass way"

It grabs one of the men's guns and crushes it with only one hand. Mania smiles seeing the man's eyes widen.

Marc, bewildered, looks at the black creature who just came out of nowhere. What he doesn't anticipate is the creature devouring a man whole in one bite.  It doesn't make a bloody mess despite its long teeth. Deciding to back down, he looks around to see if Y/N is anywhere on sight.

"What the hell is that, Marc? Do you think Y/N is safe?"

"...I-I don't know" Marc doesn't say it but he feels like he's seen that same black goo from somewhere.

With only two men left, Mania walks over to one of them and lifts him up from the ground. The man tries kicking it but it’s no use. Up close he can see the thick saliva drooping out of its mouth while it’s eyes had an iridescent look.

"Eyes, lungs, pancreas. So many snacks, so little time" Mania growls.

The man tries to free himself from Mania's grip, but it tightens even more. Mania licks the man's cheek with its long tongue which he cringes at. Another man shoots it from behind before it can eat him. Mania chokes the man and throws him across the store. It then chomps on the man who shot it, decapitating him and leaving his body on the floor.

Before Mania can pursue the other man, police sirens and officers yelling to shoot are heard. As bullets fly, Mania runs to the back of the store, breaking through the wall and escaping. Mania detransforms as soon as they reach the outside and Y/N hides at the side of the building. The officers are perplexed by seeing the opening it made. The creature is gone. Y/N can hear them discussing setting a perimeter to look for it, which makes her panic.

“There’s a door”

When Y/N looks to her right, she notices that Mania is correct: there is one. They go through and see the flickering lights with the mess of items knocked down the shelves.

Many people are either fleeing or frozen in place. A few officers patrol the area with their guns drawn, looking for Mania. They had no idea they had just walked past it.

As she walks through the store, she hears Marc call out for her. She follows his voice and finds him still holding the backpack. Despite being in a hostage situation, he still kept the bag she liked in hand. His gaze is drawn to her, and he rushes to embrace her.

"Oh, thank God you're fine," he exhales, "come on, we should go."

He drags her out of the store and through the crowds of police officers. Some of them ask if they need to be checked by EMTs, but Marc says they're fine and walks away. News cars surround the place and there are people talking about the incident.

Y/N looks around and notices the last man attempting to rob the store being handcuffed. His face contorts in great shock as he mutters a few phrases about a demon before being placed in the backseat of a police car.

Once away, Y/N looks at the bag in Marc’s hand, “Did you-“

"Don't worry, I paid for it," he says reassuringly, "Did you see what happened back there? ”

She nods, “Yeah, creepy ass monster thing”

“Fuck you”

“Yeah” Marc replies, “Good thing the police came in before it tried to kill everyone”

"It didn't look like it was trying to hurt us, more like trying to save us…" noticing Marc's suspicion, she shifts her perspective, "But if it did, I would have used my powers"

Marc shakes his head, “No, it would have been dangerous. You don’t know what it could have done, I saw it. It ate those guys in one bite”

Y/N gulps, she remembers. She remembers everything that happened while she was being controlled. Rather, while her body was being used as a vessel. It felt strange like you were wrapped in a blanket while watching television. She recounts how powerful she felt as they defeated the group of men.

The two walk to the bus stop, which is thankfully already there. They walk in, find seats, and lean back. Y/N was relieved as the sun began to set for the first time. She just wanted to get to sleep so she could be ready for her first day of college. Forget about the hostage situation and Mania.

“I don’t think you have eaten, have you?” Steven asked her. Guess Marc's job of keeping them safe was over.

“Nope, was planning on just eating some canned food that I bought earlier”

"Canned food?!" Steven almost screamed. "You mean you'll eat processed food instead of home-cooked meals? ”

“Yeah?”

"I'm not going to let it happen; you're having dinner at my apartment.  I'll prepare my famous spicy and baked cauliflower for you," he declares.

Y/N smiles, “Sounds good, I won’t pass up food that I don’t have to cook”

“I didn’t”

Y/N bit her cheek, trying not to tell Mania anything. It laughed at her reaction and decided to remain silent. Y/N wouldn't lie, she was beginning to see Mania as less of a burden. Her friends and family would be safe as long as there was a surplus of criminals. Well, that's all she thought she had to worry about for now.

—

The bus ride was quick, but walking to the apartment was even faster. Y/N and Steven ate together at his place, discussing her schedule and when she would return from university. It turned out she only had four classes to complete three days a week. That means she'd have a lot more time to herself.

"Seems like you need to pick up a hobby for now" Steven took a bite from his bowl of food.

Y/N did the same, "More like a job, I've applied to like five and none called"

Steven hummed in response, "There will be an opening you'll see, plus its only been the second day"

Steven's phone rang and he looked at the caller ID, his eyes widened.

"It's Donna" He said in a hushed tone, showing her the screen.

"We hate her!"

Her fork dropped from her grasp, and she exclaimed, "Fucking she-devil or something we didn't know about?"

"What do I do?" He looked at her for guidance.

"Answer her! Wait, give it a second to ring. Don't wanna look desperate you know"

Steven nodded and let the phone ring for a few seconds longer. He returned his gaze to Y/N to see if it was good to go, and she nodded. He cleared his throat and responded with his best 'Good Afternoon.'

"Put it on speaker," Y/N said quietly, and Steven did as he was told. Donna's voice echoed throughout the apartment.

"Finally you bloody answered!" Her voice pierced their ears.

“Sorry-” Steven was perplexed when Y/N abruptly shook her head. She motioned her hand to Steven, implying that he didn't need to apologize. He cleared his throat and nodded.

"Right, I mean, I was really busy, I didn't even know you called," he said almost sarcastically. Y/N almost laughed, forgetting that Steven had a habit of getting an attitude when someone irritated him.

"What are you even busy with? Anyway, I'm not here to strike up a conversation. Although it irritates me to ask," Donna huffs, the two of them wondering what kind of news she despises so much. "I hope therapy has been doing both of you well...Would you and your niece like to work at the museum again?"

Steven looks at Y/N, and she returns his gaze. Among all coincidences, they now have the opportunity to reclaim their job. It was a pain if they were honest, mostly because the entire staff was rude. Most of them pretended to be friendly with them while they talked shit about them in the break room.

Aside from the people, Steven and Y/N enjoyed working there. They enjoyed working in an Egyptian museum, particularly Steven. It was fun seeing artifacts and seeing the different kinds of people who held an interest in Egypt. Furthermore, the pay was higher than in other places.

Steven placed his palm over the microphone portion of his flip phone and turned to face Y/N. "What should I say?" He mouthed.

"Don't agree yet! It'll make us look weak"

She agreed with Mania silently and thought about keeping the option open, “Say we’ll think about it for now”

He removed his hand, nodded, and said, unimpressed, "We will think about it.  I'll let you know later tonight."

“…Fine. But hurry because we are short on staff” Donna then hung up and the pair were met with the beeping of the phone. They both made annoyed faces, "Damn, would it kill her to be nice for a change". Y/N grabbed her fork again and began eating aggressively.

"She literally begged us to come back at the end." Steven continued to eat before pausing to ask, "Do you think we should go back?"

"And deal with her again?"

"And deal with the looks we'll get when we come back"

"Deal with J.B's bullshit"

"Don't forget the dirty looks from my failed date"

As the two named the cons of the job, they could agree on one thing.

"…The pay was good, though," Y/N said as she fiddled with her food.

"It was good..." Steven said as he stared down at his phone.

That was what tipped the scales in their favor. They waited about 20 minutes before Steven called Donna and agreed to return to work. They discussed Y/N's schedule and such, and Donna hesitated to agree. When told that they would begin tomorrow, Y/N declared that they should drink to the news.

"I don't think it's such a good idea to drink the night before your first day of classes and work," Steven said, taking his and her plates after they had both finished their meals.

Y/N sighed in defeat, "I hate that your right"

"Let's just drink back at your place"

"We don't have wine back over there" She whispered.

"Did you say something?” Steven turned around, holding the bowls in his hands.

Y/N scrunched her brows, “…No?”

Steven let out a 'hmm' and said how he thought he did. She ran up to Steven and helped him wash dishes, hoping to distract him from thinking about the subject any further. He kept telling her she didn't have to, but she shrugged. They just kept washing dishes until there were none left.

Y/N then walked over to the dining table to gather her belongings before returning to her flat. Steven motioned for her to wait as she was about to walk out the door. She sees him holding out the leather backpack she bought earlier. She had completely forgotten about it, and she felt somewhat guilty about it.

Taking it from Steven's hands, she smiled at him, "Hey thanks for getting me it"

"No problem, me and Marc saw you eyeing it back at the store before all that happened," he said with a small laugh.

"I didn't realize I was, guess I'll have to watch my body language next time," she joked. "Anyway, I'm going to start going, good night to you, and good night to Marc if he's here."

Steven's body tensed up and out came Marc, "I'm here, good night kid"

He ruffles her hair, and she moves her head to avoid his grasp. She waves goodbye as she walks to her apartment.

__

She began brushing her teeth after showering, this time more paranoid. She kept looking in the mirror, thinking Mania would pull the same stunt again. She glanced at the mirror, still on edge after cleaning her teeth. She exhaled thinking Mania wouldn't try to scare her while looking at her eyes, lips, and the few spots on her skin.

That was until Mania's form came on the reflection, giving Y/N a smile.

"Boo"

Y/N recoiled and let out a small scream. Her reflection returned to normal, but Mania continued to laugh as it came out of her right shoulder.

"Fuck you, man," Y/N groaned as she exited the restroom. She went to her backpack, which sat by the bag of materials she had collected a week before, and brought them to the couch. She then began organizing each piece on the inside.

"You are easy to scare, Y/N"

"You are so funny," she said, mocking its laugh. She kept putting the last items inside. She finished by extending the backpack away from her body to inspect it, making sure she removed all tags. She placed it on the couch, nodding in approval.

After turning off all the lights, she walked over to her phone to make sure that it was charging. Setting up her alarm, she laid on her bed and went under the covers. Falling into a deep slumber.

—

“I don’t know why you are rushing, we still have 3 hours to go”

"I'm rushing because I still have to try to find where my classes are," Y/N said as she hurriedly put on her black boots and jacket.

She dashed to her backpack and checked to see if she had everything; wallet, notebooks, pencils, and so on. She swung her backpack on her back, satisfied that she was all set. She took a step back to check herself in the mirror before heading out the door.

It was a simple outfit, she wore a white t-shirt and a gold necklace. She wore simple jeans with a black belt and an oversized coat that she found while thrifting. As for shoes, they we’re just leather boots.

She walked over to the door and out into the hall, nodding in approval. Steven appeared in a matter of seconds. He was dressed for work in a button-up with his signature jacket and jeans.

“Are you nervous?” Steven asked.

She shook her head, “No…maybe”

Steven reassured her by patting her back and telling her she had nothing to worry about and that she would do great.

As they exited the apartment and boarded the bus, they were forced to stand once more on their way to work and school. The two could only exchange quick exchanges because they were pressed together by the large crowd.

“You think this looks fine?” Y/N continued to examine her clothes.

“It looks fine, love. Do you have all your materials?”

"Yup, double checked last night and this morning," she said, nodding. "Do you think they made any changes at the shop?"

"I don't think they would have after only a week. Honestly, I think what changed was everyone's perspective on us," he sighed, slumping.

"Eh, who cares," she shrugged. "They had no idea we were saving their sorry asses."

Steven nodded and kept his grip on the bus. Steven's stop finally appeared after about ten minutes.

“That’s you” Y/N gestured her head to Steven.

“It is. Okay, well wish you luck in your classes, focus, make new friends, and, most importantly, have fun. Oh! And be careful!" He said this as he took a step back from her.

“Got it” She snapped her fingers and pointed a finger gun at him.

He smiled and shook his head, that’s when Marc switched over, “If anything happens, call us. Even if some kids are picking on you”

“Dude, everyone on the campus is over shit like that, but I appreciate your effort” she lightly bowed her head.

“Right, anyways be safe and let us know when your on your way”

Y/N nodded, “Of course, later gators” she grinned.

Marc paused and smiled, “In a while-“

“-Crocodile” Steven then switched in.

They waved goodbye to Y/N before exiting the bus. Now it was just her and her thoughts, with Mania thrown in for good measure. There were many seats left empty after a wave of people left, so she decided to take a chance.

Her stop was still a few blocks away, but the ride was relatively short. She spent the majority of it staring into the abyss until Mania spoke up.

“What is the point of college?”

Y/N would sigh and take out her phone, acting like she was in a phone call.

"It turns out that the world has made it so that you have to pay thousands of dollars just to get a piece of paper that says you're qualified to work.  And that work usually earns you a shitload of cash." She came to a halt after finishing and considered whether she still wanted to be a nurse.

“I just made you rethink life” Mania laughed.

It did, and now Y/N was wondering if working 12 hours a shift was worth it.

—

Y/N stood in front of tall buildings after finally finding the entrance to the university. Each one had its name plastered on its side. In all honesty, they looked exactly like she imagined them to: old and medieval. Each light pole had banners in the colors of the school which were red and white.

Many students were rushing to class as she walked in. There were many stands along the walkway with people attempting to recruit others into their fraternity or sorority. She made a mental note to stay away from them since she grew to be scared of those groups. She checked her phone's time and realized she still had about an hour before her class began. She began walking around the campus, pulling up her schedule to see which building her classes would be in.

--

After about 30 minutes, she was still no closer to locating her class. She could feel her brain pounding in her skull and was on the verge of crying and quitting. Perhaps college isn't for her. Is it too late to drop out and come back to America? No, she couldn't do that; she liked London and its relative peace.

She also had a real good friend, or rather friends who cared about her well-being. Back in California, most of her friends were fake and only concerned about themselves. Some of them would even go out of their way to bring her down. Apart from them, she had one friend who resembled Steven, Marc, and Layla. Except they stopped talking after they graduated high school.

She sighed and walked to a nearby bench, where she sat, still analyzing Google Maps. Perhaps there was a secret path or something, similar to Harry Potter.

"This is boring, let me just help you find the room"

Checking her surroundings, she quietly said, "What's making you help me out of nowhere?"

"I rather not see you cry and make yourself look like a total loser in front of everyone"

"Oh, well I guess that's kinda nice in a way-"

"And so we can hurry up and eat more bad people"

"There it is, anyways how can you even help me?" she crossed her arms.

Mania said nothing else and began to emerge from Y/N's lower back. "What are you up to?" Y/N almost panicked as she turned and followed the black trail with her eyes.

"Stop doing that, you'll make my existence known if you keep staring at me"

She turned around to see a few people passing by, a few waving or smiling at her. She'd return it and then return to talking to the air, "You didn't answer me though," she'd say.

"Found it"

"Wow, that was fast. Where is it?"

"...You'll probably get angry for what I'm about to do but it's the fastest way"

"Wait, what do you mean?" she asked quickly as her body was yanked away from the bench and launched into the air. She felt like she was being dragged away by a rope. She screamed as she flew through the air before being thrown against the side of a building.

She opened her eyes slowly, her back aching after falling to the ground. She looked up from behind the bushes that surrounded her to see if anyone was coming to see what was up, but no one seemed to notice. Mania poked her head out of her shoulder again and looked at her.

"You could have fucking told me!"

"If I did, you would have said no and we would have walked more"

Y/N groaned and stood up, "Are we even at the right place?"

She looked up to the wall of the building and read the name, it was. Mania commented on how it was faster than she was and was expecting a thank you. Y/N rolled her eyes and thanked it, getting up and cleaning herself up.

Quietly getting out of the plants, she speed walked away and out to find her classroom now. Before Mania could tell its idea again, Y/N put a finger to her lips.

——

Y/N finished her first day of college after nearly five hours of classes. It didn't go as planned because Mania was occasionally whispering in her ear. It would ask on how long class would last and whether they could go in search of its next meal. As a result, Y/N had to write notes on her notes in order to communicate with Mania.

Aside from that, Y/N was now late for work. She wasted time by getting lost on campus and trying to find her way out. This resulted in her missing the bus and nearly having an anxiety attack. She was now attempting to run the next four blocks before her shift began in ten minutes.

Her legs were burning as she pushed herself to keep moving. Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath. Passers-by would simply stare at her as she was a gasping mess. If it was cold before, it was no longer so because she was sweating.

"At this rate, you aren't going to have the energy to work"

"Shut up..." She breathed out, wiping her forehead with the sleeve of her coat.

"Let me help you"

"Last time you helped me, I almost got a concussion"

"This time you won't, I promise"

Mania sounded genuine, which surprised Y/N. She paused for a moment, taking in the distance she still had to cover. She'd be late because of the numerous traffic lights that would keep her waiting until it was her turn to cross the street. She reluctantly allowed Mania to help her.

Mania instructed her to go into an alley without anyone seeing. Y/N walked into one and hid beside a dumpster, looking around if everything was clear.

"Ready?"

Y/N took a breath in and shrugged, "I guess"

Mania then transformed Y/N into the same black figure from the store. Mania ducked to make sure no one was nearby before piercing its claws into a nearby building. It launched itself up and landed on the roof of the same building.

It then started running, jumping from one facility to the next. It kept doing so, and the people below didn't seem to notice. In Y/N's opinion, she appeared to be on one of those rollercoasters with many ups and downs. It was actually rather enjoyable for her to just jump in the air and not see anyone be eaten. Especially since Mania knew exactly what it was doing and would not let them die from fall damage. So her stress was low and she was able to sit back.

She wouldn't tell Mania, or perhaps it already knew, but Y/N had taken a liking to it. Even if it's only been two days since she has been able to communicate with it. A part of her is relieved that she has someone or something to talk to when she is alone, even if it means that same thing not wanting to be a part of her social life.

The building of the museum came into view and Mania jumped onto the roof. A loud thud occurred and Y/N felt her body cringe, knowing that it was heard from inside.

She was right, Steven and the rest of the staff heard it. They exchanged glances, and some speculated on what it could have been. Some speculated that it could have been a pipe exploding or something. Others speculated that it could have been the monster from the news.

Donna who was unfortunately by Steven began to talk to him, "Did you hear what happened at the Poundland by Sterling? Crazy things are happening around here, ever since those Avengers defeated Thanos"

“Yeah, I think everyone has heard” Steven said in an uninterested tone.

"Honestly, you'd think they'd gotten rid of all extraterrestrial life here on Earth, but no, now we have to deal with all this crap," Donna says as she leans against the counter.

"Technically, we are also seen as extraterrestrials by other extraterrestrials," he pointed out, which Donna rolled her eyes at.

"I forgot all about your attitude, hope your niece lost hers in the week you two were away. Speaking about her, where is she? She usually arrives on time, but it's almost 3 o'clock," she checks her watch.

This made Steven nervous, especially after the previous conversation about the monster from yesterday. Y/N was usually early because she was always worried about being late. Perhaps her last class lasted longer than it should have. Maybe there was traffic. It was probably some reasonable, normal thing that occurred.

Or perhaps that black slimy creature chose to specifically attack the bus she was riding on. Maybe she was already on her way here when that thing took her. She most likely tried to use her powers but they didn't work, so she called for help but no one answered. He didn't respond. He wasn't there. He should have been. 

All these thoughts were freaking Steven and Marc out.

“Relax, I’m sure she’s fine…..try calling her”

Steven quickly pulled out his phone, ready to dial her number, until he heard someone run into the museum.

“I’m here!” Y/N slid inside and came to a halt.

"Look here, it's the long-lost gremlin." JB teased, and Y/N walked by him, flipping him off.

Steven sighed in relief and put his phone back into his pocket, “Glad you made it on time, thought you might have gotten lost on the way”

“Technically we did”

"Uh, yeah, I kinda got lost, then I missed the bus, and then I had to run all the way over here," she said as she straightened her clothes and combed her hair.

Steven approaches her and pulls a feather from her hair, "I see, did you happen to run into a flock of birds?" He chuckles.

“Probably...”

In reality, while she and Mania were on the roof, they landed near a nest of baby birds. Awestruck by the sight, Y/N approached them and cooed at them. That was until their mother arrived and began trying to pluck her eyes out. As a result, she has a feather in her hair.

Of course, she couldn’t tell Steven this since she would also have to explain how she ended up there.

-

The day went on, and the two continued to work their shifts. They didn't get any training for obvious reasons, and Donna just wanted the pile of work to be done. Y/N and Steven were a little rusty at first, misplacing things or not understanding how to use the cash register. That was quickly resolved, and they both worked quickly.

Aside from actually working, their predictions about the rest of the staff and their opinions were correct. There would be whispers about both of their "manic episodes" and how crazy runs in the family. Steven would be concerned about Y/N, but she would laugh it off, pointing out how, despite the fact that they are unrelated, they are living in people's minds for free.

"Not to burst your bubble, but don't you gossip about others behind their backs?" Steven inquired.

Y/N would give him a half-lidded look, "You taking sides now? Besides, you would talk shit about people all the time"

It was dark outside now and most of the visitors were gone. The museum's lights gradually went out, leaving only the gift shop's lights on. The two were almost finished with their tasks and were eager to get home and rest. Steven was finishing up inventory on a clipboard while Y/N gathered all the scattered items.

"I believe that is it for today, you almost done?" He clicked his pen and placed it on the holder of the clip.

She nodded and straightened out a stack of fact cards on a shelf. "Let's go ahead and clock out. I was thinking we could stop for food on the way?"

"That sounds like a good idea" Steven smiled.

Donna interrupted their conversation while carrying two boxes stacked on top of each other "I have bad news for you two. These have just arrived, and I need you two to put them on display for tomorrow. This includes taking inventory."

"But our shift is almost over" Y/N crossed her arms.

"Almost, meaning you have time. Either way, you two will be paid for the extra hour. So take advantage of that” She placed the boxes on a table and then walked away, leaving the two exhausted bodies standing there.

Y/N groaned, "Fucking piece of shit, I swear”

Using the scissors from the counter, she aggressively tore through the tape that sealed the boxes. Steven avoided trying to calm her down because he knew it would irritate her even more.

Inside the boxes were both cardboard displays that needed to be assembled with a sheet of how the end piece was supposed to look. Plus the new items were many jewelry pieces with hieroglyphics engraved on fake gold. Some of the jewelry pieces were necklaces, rings, and earrings.

Y/N double-checks the sheet to see how the display should look. It turns out that she needs to build a whole shelf, which includes putting every single jewelry piece in its proper place. To make the display more visually appealing.

It appears to be tedious work, but she does not dwell on it. She takes one piece and then another, putting them together but discovering they don't fit. She reaches for another piece, but it, too, does not fit.

"I think it's this one" Steven hands her a navy rectangle shape.

It was a match when she held it up to the other piece. She thanks him and continues to try to get everything set up.

Steven counts the packages and records them on his clipboard. Although it may appear simple, he must also write down the item number of each jewelry set after counting how many there are. So this is also exhausting work, and at this point he is scribbling whatever comes to mind.

After about ten minutes of trying to keep the pieces together, Y/N throws them down on the table. "Bro, God fucking dammit! Esta pinche-!" With frustration, she groans and bangs her fist on the table.

She now understood how Marc felt after trying to put together the constellation map back at the desert.

"Don't strain yourself," he says sympathetically, "just finish inventory and we'll deal with this cardboard situation."

She nods and he continues to work on his task. He notices that there is no blue ink coming out of his pen as he writes. He tries again and again, but nothing comes out. He shakes it, but nothing happens. He walks over to the counter to see if there are any more pens, but there are only pencils.

He couldn't just change the color pattern on the sheet, so he asks Y/N if she has one. She raises her head from the table after studying the image of the display.

"Don't have one...but I think JB has some" she grimaces.

"Great, let's see if he doesn't do that thing where he hands me one and just as I'm about to grab it, he pulls it away," Steven groans.

"Good luck" she sings.

Once he leaves, Y/N continues trying to put the display up but she is starting to lose patience. It seems like Mania is too.

"I am tired of this, let me do it"

Y/N's elbows to hands are covered in black goo, and they begin working quickly. She sees the shelf on the table being built and soon enough, finished in the blink of an eye.

"What the fuck? You did that fast" Y/N is taken aback.

"I memorize everything, but you're doing the rest"

Before Y/N can respond, Steven comes back.

"I finally got the pen. I was right about his move; it lasted about five minutes. Marc grew tired of it and fronted, grabbing it from his hands" As he got closer, he noticed the tall display on the table and his eyes widened slightly. "Wow! How did you finish it?"

"Eh, I got the hang of it. Anyways let's hurry cause I want to go home"

Steven nods, and the two start wrapping up their shift. He quickly finished the chart and began assisting Y/N in hanging all of the necklaces and such.

With the display and work ready for tomorrow, the two exit the museum and make their way to the bus stop.

"Do you still want to go eat?" Steven looks to Y/N who shakes her head.

"I don't know about you, but I kinda just want to go to sleep"

Steven agrees and they head straight home.

--

Y/N has returned to her apartment and is dressed in her oversized clothes, ready to sleep. She covers herself in her bed sheets after checking to see if the door is locked and her phone is plugged in.

"Since we are only working tomorrow, can we go and look for more bad guys?"

Y/N sighs, "Not really possible since were working almost the whole day"

"During break"

"That would be hard since we only get like thirty minutes. How about in the weekend?"

"No!"

"Jeez, alright alright! I'll see what we can do, are you sure humans are all you eat?"

"...I might have kept things out"

"Mania..."

"...I also eat this sweet thing that you humans call chocolate"

"…Are you saying we could have just bought chocolate instead?" She gave a deadpan look up at the ceiling, as if it were Mania.

"...Yes"

"I can't believe you, yet I do. We'll just get chocolate tomorrow, yeah?"

"Now!"

This time she sits up and asks, "What store is open at…" She takes out her phone and checks the time. "Twelve o'clock in the morning"

"The store down the street, I saw their times and they are open 24 hours, meaning forever!"

"...You're not gonna let me sleep huh?"

"Nope"

-

So there you have it. They arrived at the same store where Y/N had gone before meeting Mania. With that coincidence, she purchases various chocolate items, such as chocolate bars, chocolate chips, chocolate milk, and so on.

After they pay, the wind picks up, causing Y/N to zip up her hoodie. Despite her fuzzy pajama bottoms, the cold was getting to her.

As she walked down the block, she had a flashback to how she had walked the same route around the same time a while ago. Speaking of which, she notices a woman walking quickly in front of her. Behind her, it seemed like she was being followed by a group of men.

What the fuck?, Y/N thought to herself.

The woman then dashes into an alley. The same one where Y/N and Mania fused.

The men then follow behind, and Y/N feels her stomach move, as if her gut was telling her something terrible was about to happen. As she gets closer, she hears the same woman plead and cry.

"Bad guys right?" Mania growled

"...yup"

Y/N wanted to flee and pretend she hadn't heard anything, but the other part of her wanted to charge in and beat the crap out of those guys. Her feet moved by themselves, and she found herself a few feet away from the crowd. The guys surrounded the poor woman, making catcalls and such.

One of the guys notices Y/N and smiles, motioning for the others to approach her. "You want some too?" they all ask, with wide grins. The woman looks down, feeling guilty for involving Y/N in her situation.

She shakes her head, "Nah, just wondering how fucking pathetic y'all are"

They frown and approach her. One of them reaches out a hand to grab her, but a black tentacle wraps around his arm and snaps it.

The man screams as he looks down at his arm.

Mania snatches him up and swallows him. The others try to flee, but tentacles from the back grab them and pull them in.

One man looks up in terror as he witnesses all of his friends being devoured by the black creature known as Mania. Finished, Mania makes its way to the last man, a sharp grin on its face.

"You come near her again, in fact, you go anywhere in the city, preying on innocent people," Mania grabs the mans neck, "We will find you and eat both your arms and then both of your legs, then eat your face right off your head, do you understand?"

The man shakes his head and asks for mercy.

"Yes, so you will be this legless, faceless thing, won't you? Rolling down the street, like a turd, in the wind" Drool falls from Mania's mouth. "You feel me?"

"...What the hell are you?" The man asks.

The right half side of Mania's face peels back and reveals Y/N's. Black veins grip on the side of her face as she stares at the man.

"We, are Mania" a mixture of Y/N's and Mania's voice comes through. They both smile at the man and then Y/N's face is covered again in black goo.

"On second thought..."

"No, please"

Mania licks it's teeth before chomping down on the man. The woman from before stares in horror as she sees Mania finish the last of the men who tried to hurt her.

Y/N is transformed back and she cracks her neck, trying to relieve tension from the transformation. She looks over to the woman and raises her palm to show she won’t harm her, “It's okay, you're safe”.

She then walks away, grabbing the bag that held all the chocolate inside. The woman doesn't do anything but just stares at the teen walk away.

“That felt great”

“I mean yeah, you just filled your belly with bad guys dude” Y/N continues to walk down the block.

“Not that, I meant saving that woman”

Y/N blinks, “You liked helping her?”

“Yeah, we should do this more”

“You want to become heroes?” She said it in a joking way and cocked her head to the side.

“Yes! Let’s become heroes!” Mania yelled enthusiastically.

Y/N laughed, “Okay, okay. We can think about it at home”

They continued walking, the apartment building coming near view. That’s when something told her to look up. The same sense she felt at the glass pyramid at Mogart's.

On top of a building was a dark figure and all she could see was a pair of white glowing eyes. She paused and stared before it disappeared into the night.

“You saw that right?” She breathed out.

“Yup, bad guy?”

“…I don’t know”

She took one last look before she continued to make her way back to her apartment. She put her hood up and kept her eyes down.

Whoever it was, they didn’t seem to want to harm her. That’s what she hoped. They probably now knew who she was and what power she held, which scared her. She didn’t notice, but as she made her way home, that same person kept their eye on her from a distance.

——————————

I’m sorry if it doesn’t make sense or it seemed rushed 😭

Also scenes i drew for more visuals ;)

Taglist: @itsjusspele @dustyinkpages @scoliobean @moonywritings

[silver-tooth-the-panther]

Half-Demon! Tanjiro AU

Chapter Ten:

The Battle of The

Jaguar Demon

Warnings: Blood, some gore, child abuse, and angst

Word Count: 7919

  After the unfortunate events at the noodle shop, Douma had carried a sleeping Enmu home in his arms. He was confused by the aching feeling inside his belly. It felt like something was gnawing him on the inside. Despite how much this feeling hurt, Douma wanted to know more. He wanted to understand it. He wanted to feel it.

  Thus after he laid Enmu down into his futon-that was in his room of the Infinity Castle-Douma instantly went looking for Tanjiro. Luckily, it didn't take too long to find him. Tanjiro was surprisingly still in the Infinity Castle and was in the new kitchen, cooking some strange stew.

  "Hey, young king." Douma tried putting on a cheerful smile. "How have you been? I hope that the others haven't given ya a hard time." Tanjiro turned to look at him with a sweet smile. "Oh, hey Douma. I've been fine. A bit tired, but fine. The others seem to be pretty awkward around me though.."

  Douma put a hand to his hip. "Oh, don't worry! They'll warm up to you eventually!" Tanjiro then made a soft, relieved rumble. "I hope so..By the way, is Enmu okay? He seems to be more aggressive and quiet than usual." Douma sighed heavily, resting his head in his hand. "He..just found out something rather..devastating."

  A small yelp came from Tanjiro as he completely turned around. "What happened?" Douma scratched his neck. "Well..turns out..Muzan used to drug him. I don't really know the reason why, but he used Opium Poppies to do so." Tanjiro gritted his teeth and growled. "I've never met someone so evil. Maybe he drugged him to manipulate him?" Douma nervously shrugged. "I have no clue. He did seem to be very loyal, so drugging him just doesn't seem to make any sense."

  Tanjiro turned back to the stew with an angry huff. "Maybe he's going through withdrawal. That would explain his aggression." Douma nodded, agreeing, "That and blind loyalty." Tanjiro nodded. "He really did mistreat you all, didn't he?" Douma shrugged. "I guess you could say that.." He knew he was no better. Douma knew that he had committed similar evil sins.

  "Hey..young king, mind if I ask you something?"  Tanjiro looks at him. "Of course. Whatever you need." Douma stretched his arm out and sighed. "I need to talk to someone, but I would like you to go with me. I just don't want things to get too ugly between us." Tanjiro raised an eyebrow, taking the stew pot off the heated portion of the gas stove. This kitchen was a newly installed "System Kitchen", which made everything able to be made while standing up. "Who might that person be? If you don't mind me asking."

  Douma ran his claws through his long, platinum blonde hair. "It's Inosuke.." Tanjiro stopped in his tracks and looked at him cautiously. "Are you sure he's going to listen to you?" He seemed to be genuinely sympathetic. Tanjiro knew that if Douma was really trying to reach out, something was clearly happening within him

  "Probably not, but I want to try to apologize. I don't know why, but there's a gnawing feeling inside of me. It's strange and it hurts, but I really do want to understand it." Tanjiro looked at him and gave him a small smile. "He may not forgive you, but he may want to start something new with you if you're really trying to change." Douma nodded eagerly. "I am! I really am..I want to understand the things you feel.."

  Tanjiro picked up a wooden serving spoon and started scooping the soup into a plethora of bowls. "That's good. We'll leave once I'm done giving this out to everyone." Douma sniffed the air and made a happy yap, not caring about masking. "That smells great! What is it exactly?" Tanjiro purred with appreciation. "It's Nikujaga. Aoi actually showed me the recipe."

  Douma tilted his head with a warm smile. "I haven't had that in a long time.." He could remember when he was really young, back when his parents were still alive. Douma remembered that his mother used to make that exact same stew for him. It was his favorite..back when he truly could feel joy. Come to think of it, there was a section of his life that he couldn't remember.

  "Hey, Douma. Do you know when or how you lost your emotions? You do seem to have some knowledge of them, so it seems like you lost them rather then not having them at all." Tanjiro seemed to be on the same page as Douma. "Well, you're right. I used to have emotions when I was really young. However, there's a strange gap in my memory. Then, I never felt emotion again, not until you revived me anyway. Yet even then, there are exceptions." Douma made a dissatisfied rumble.

   Tanjiro turned to look at him as he finished putting the soup in the bowls. "Don't worry. We'll help you understand them." Douma smiled at him. "Heh, thank you, Lord Tanjiro." Tanjiro returned the smile as he caught the scent of someone else entering the kitchen. "Oh hey, Mister Kokushibo!" He turned to see the six-eyed demon with a wicker basket in his arms. There seemed to be many different snacks in it as well as colorful paper and a small watermelon.

  "Good evening..Kamado..I'm about to leave..to go visit someone." Tanjiro beamed with excitement. "Douma and I are also leaving to visit someone. Would you like to come with us? I could show you how to get to wherever you need to go." Kokushibo put a hand to his chin and shrugged, knowing that he didn't know how to get to his desired destination. "I don't see..why not."

  Tanjiro smiled and purred as he put all the bowls onto a tray. "Don't worry about each one of us individually." Kokushibo said, putting a hand on Tanjiro's shoulder. "Muzan was able to communicate..with us telepathically. You might be able..to do the same." Tanjiro raised an eyebrow. "How would I do that?" He asked with a curious tone.

  "Oh! Oh! Just think of talking to the others and come up with what you would say to them!" Douma said excitedly. Kokushibo nodded. "That's basically all there is to it." Tanjiro closed his eyes and imagined a scenario where he was standing in front of all the half-demons. "Hello everyone! I actually made some stew for all of you. I have to leave with Kokushibo and Douma, so the stew is in the kitchen." He originally didn't expect to hear anything back..

  "Guess you must've figured out how to communicate with us telepathically, huh?" Akaza's voice rang through his head. "Woah.." Tanjiro almost felt dizzy from sudden overstimulation. "It's alright, young king. You'll get used to it." He heard Aizetsu say, reassuringly. "Yeah! Thanks for letting us know though!" Urogi chirped happily as always. "You're..welcome.." Tanjiro shook his head, hoping to get the telepathy to stop.

  "Sorry..I didn't mean..to cause you..any distress.." Kokushibo said, slight guilt in his voice. "It's fine, Mister Kokushibo. You were just trying to help." Tanjiro gave him a soft, weak smile. He could already smell the other half-demons heading into their direction. "We should probably go. Some fresh air might help you!" Douma said with a grin.

  Tanjiro put a hand on his head and nodded. "Yeah..that's probably for the best." Kokushibo and Douma joined Tanjiro's side as all three of them made their way out of the Infinity Castle.

  Once outside, Tanjiro took a deep breath to clear his mind. "Feeling..any better?" Kokushibo asked. Tanjiro nodded his head. Then, a strange scent caught his attention. He swerved his head over to where the scent was coming from.

  Hidden in the darkness, tossed into the bushes, was a metal jar. It reeked of a foul odor that Tanjiro recognized from the many battles he had fought with other demons. He picked up the jar and gagged like a cat. "Hm? What is that?" Douma asked, tilting his head. "It's..blood. Muzan's blood.." Both Kokushibo and Douma widened their eyes in surprise. "Some of it..survived?" Tanjiro nodded before gagging again.

  "Why would he keep this? It reeks!" Tanjiro asked, wincing in discomfort. "He used to..experiment on his blood..Muzan wanted to..find out its limitations..." Douma put a hand to his mouth, holding himself back from laughing. "You must have a really strong nose, huh?" Tanjiro weakly nodded. "Do you want me to take it inside?" A strange voice said from above.

  All three of them looked upwards to see Gyokko in the trees. His vase was lodged into a tangle of branches. "Oh, hey Gyokko!" Douma waved with a friendly smile. "What are you doing here?" Gyokko chuckled. "Just getting back to have some dinner. I received your message, so I came in a hurry."

  Kokushibo made a soft growl, seemingly untrusting of Gyokko. "Why..do you suppose..we keep it?"  Gyokko tilted his head. "Well if we just throw it out, someone might be able to find it and use it." Tanjiro nodded. "He has a good point." Kokushibo squinted his eyes. "Fine..Give it to the biwa lady..She will know the best place..to hide it.." Gyokko made a dissatisfied rumble. "Alright. Will do."

  Tanjiro quickly gave Gyokko the jar of blood, seemingly happy to get rid of it. Gyokko took it, dove into his pot, and rolled off the branch and into the Infinity Castle. "Let's not waste..anymore time." Kokushibo looked up to the sky. It was slowly turning a fiery orange. "It's getting..late." Both Tanjiro and Douma nodded. "Alright!" Tanjiro said. "Let's go!"

  Giyuu sat alone while the other Hashira ate together. This was their first dinner that they were able to have together since Rengoku's passing. While all the others were chatting happily, Giyuu couldn't bring himself to join them. There was always a level of anxiousness that came over him whenever he was with them. He had no idea why, but he felt like no matter how much he wanted to, Giyuu just couldn't get close to them.

  Rengoku then walked in with a bento box in his hand, his usual warm smile shone brightly. He scanned the room, waving at the other Hashira. Strangely though, his eyes made their way over to Giyuu. The Flame Hashira made a soft, soothing rumble as he walked over to where Giyuu was sitting. "Good evening, Tomioka! How have you been?"

  Rengoku's booming voice caused Giyuu to jump slightly. "I'm fine, Rengoku." He said in a quiet voice. Rengoku tilted his head and leaned in. "I'm sorry. I couldn't hear you." Giyuu took a trembling breath. "I said that I'm fine." He said, raising his voice.

  The Flame Hashira smiled at him. "That's good! Do you mind if I sit next to you?" Giyuu lowered his head slightly and scooted over. Rengoku purred rather loudly as he sat down next to him.

  "Don't you want to be with the others?" Giyuu asked him, finicking with a piece of salmon. "I should be asking you that." Rengoku said as he opened his bento box. "You did seem really joyful when you saw all of us coming back, so why the sudden hesitation?"

  Giyuu looked away, feeling shame creeping up onto him. "It's not like I don't care about you..it's just.." His voice went soft once more. "Don't worry, Tomioka. I know that you do care. I've just noticed that you've been more anxious. I just want to make sure you are okay." Rengoku said as he took a bite of his bento. "UMAI!"

  Giyuu nodded his head, not saying anything. He did truly feel anxious, but he couldn't quite put his finger on the reason. He looked up to see Tengen at the other table talking to someone he couldn't see. The other Hashira looked tense with their still bodies. Even Obanai was making an audible hiss, thus making Tengen's conversation hard to listen to.

  Eventually though, Tengen stood up and walked over to the two of them. "Hey uhh..Rengoku..there's someone here who wants to see you." Rengoku turned his attention away from his food and looked up at him. "Oh? And who might that be?" It was then that the mysterious person revealed themselves from behind the wall.

  Akaza-the one who had previously killed Rengoku at the Mugen Train-walked out with a nervous and guilt ridden expression on his face. The other Hashira-except for Mitsuri and Gyomei-stared him down as he made his way over to the Flame Pillar. It was then that Giyuu felt a rising anger in him. However, for the sake of keeping the peace, all he did was give Akaza a death glare.

  "Hey, Kyojuro." Akaza said in an anxious tone. "Long time, no see." Rengoku looked at him with an unreadable expression. "Good evening, Akaza. What brings you here?" Akaza then sighed with a heavy heart, bent down and bowed to the Flame Hashira, catching every Hashira off guard. "I'm sorry..for what happened at the Mugen Train. I really do regret what I did to you..what I did to all those men. I have come to ask for your forgiveness."

  Rengoku tilted his head and made a soft rumble. "Do you really mean it?" His voice didn't sound stern, it was soft and it sounded like it had warmth to it. "I do. I mean every word." Rengoku then closed his eyes and smiled warmly. "Well, then I forgive you!" He roared in a cheery voice. Akaza looked up at him and smiled with relief.

  "Wait, what?!" Sanemi and Obanai yelled simultaneously. "Why would you forgive him?! He killed you!" Obanai hissed angrily. "I can tell that he genuinely regrets what he's done. Besides, I know that there's more to him than we know." Akaza stood up with hopeless relief. "And what makes you believe that?" Sanemi gritted his teeth. "Well..he did use his Blood Demon Art to end his own life." Giyuu spoke up with uncertainty in his voice. "My point exactly!" Rengoku said.

  Sanemi and Obansi just grumbled in frustration. "Relax, you two." Shinobu scolded them. "If he forgives him, then he forgives him. There's no need to make a fuss." Akaza gave Rengoku a sweet smile. "Thank you, Kyojuro. I mean it." Rengoku returned the smile and chuckled. "No need to thank me! I don't think that you're truly evil! Say, would you like to join Tomioka and me?"

  Akaza scratched the back of his neck. "Thank you, Kyojuro, but I already ate." Rengoku chuckled once more. "Oh don't worry! You don't have to eat! I just figured you'd like the company." He was right about that, Akaza really could use the friendship, so he sat down next to the Flame Hashira.

  However, Giyuu felt rather torn by this.  On one hand, he was glad that Rengoku was able to forgive Akaza. Yet on the other hand, he doesn't feel like either of them should trust him. The knotting feeling in his gut only grew stronger, making Giyuu lose his already weak appetite.

  Rengoku looked at Giyuu and slowly started to put the pieces together. He took the Water Pillar's hand and gently squeezed it. "Don't worry, Tomioka. I'm not going anywhere. None of us are." Giyuu looked up at him with wide eyes. "Are you sure?" Rengoku nodded and spoke softly. "I'm positive." A slow drowsiness crept up on Giyuu as he leaned against Rengoku's shoulder. Finding himself getting comfortable on the Flame Hashira's warm body his body eased into a light slumber.

  Then, a screeching call echoed through the dark sky..

  Gyutaro and Daki had finished their dinner rather early for they had plans that night. For the first time in a century, the Shabana siblings were able to take a calm stroll in the woods. Unlike their first trip to the Infinity Castle, they were well prepared and were aware of the directions and the area they had chosen to walk in.

  "Alright. We're just taking a stroll, so don't burn the castle down." Gyutaro snickered as both he and Daki slid open the outside door. "I won't make any promises!" Urogi chirped, flapping his wings excitedly. Nakime just shook her head. "Don't worry, you two. The castle will still be here." Gyutaro and Daki looked at each other, chuckled, and left, closing the door behind them.

  Daki immediately stretched as she felt the cool air hitting her lungs. "It feels great to finally have some time to ourselves, huh?" She said with a cheeky smile. "Hell yeah it does." Gyutaro returned the grin. "Truth be told, I have never felt this free before." His voice was soft and filled with an unfamiliar warmth.

  Daki seemed to return the same sediment. "You're right about that. Having a stable and comfortable place to live, not having to sell myself for whatever money we could get, and not to mention the great food!" Gyutaro cackled. "I know! How did that slayer even learn how to cook anyways?" Daki just shrugged as she walked beside her brother. "Don't know. It definitely has something to do with that nose of his."

  Gyutaro nodded. "Yeah, definitely." Daki hummed with child-like enthusiasm as the pair walked. The stars shone with a bright warmth that illuminated the siblings' path. The trees around them provided a sense of comfort and freedom that the two had never felt before. Now they could truly enjoy each other's company.

  "The next thing we need to do is to get you a lover." Daki said in a semi-teasing tone. "Oh please! No one besides you can love this ugly mug." Gyutaro rolled his eyes. "Besides, you'd just get jealous." Daki shook her head. "No I wouldn't! I would love to see you get a lover! You of all people need one!"

  Gyutaro just huffed. "Yeah right. I'm way too toxic to be a truly loving partner." Daki sighed with a little bit of frustration. "You're just selling yourself short, brother. There's someone out there just for you. I know it." She turned her head, looking straight into the dark woods.

  Strange dirt mounds covered the area. It made it look like the site was an unmarked grave yard. The strange sight caused Daki to get goosebumps. "Hey, brother.." Gyutaro looked at her with a "Hm?" "What are those dirt mounds for?" Gyutaro looked up to see the mounds. Dozens and dozens of them covered the area, making the scene even more uneasy. "I..don't know."

  Then, the sound of rustling leaves alerted them to the path in front of them. The sibling duo quickly summoned their weapons and growled menacingly. "Who's there?" Gyutaro gritted his teeth. A small, bloodied demon pup fumbled their way out from the bushes.

  The pup looked like he was part jaguar for he had a black spotted tail, rounded ears, dark spots on his neck, and his hands and feet looked more like paws than normal appendages. He was wearing a navy blue kimono that had white borders on the wrist cuffs and neck hole. The strange thing was, the kimono looked like it was too big for him as it was sliding off his shoulder. The pup was also wearing black pants over his digitigrade legs. He had short, dark brown hair that was curly in the front and fluffy throughout.

  Both Gyutaro and Daki yelped when they saw him. "A pup?" Gyutaro whispered. "They're rare..What's one doing here?" The pup turned to look at them with black eyes that had dark blue pupils. His body was beaten, battered, and covered in deep scratch marks.

  The small pup-who looked like he was nine or ten-ran to them with tears in his eyes. "Please! You need to help us! My brother and I are in danger!" He cried out as he tugged on Gyutaro's pant leg. Gyutaro winced as he looked down at the pup. "You're the only one that looks hurt, little one." He picked up the young pup and held him in his arms.

  "Where's your brother, dear?" Daki said in a sweet voice as she pet the pup. He shuddered under her touch. Then, a loud, rash voice roared through the night. "Strifles! Where are you, you little shit?!" A large male demon ran out from the bushes. He looked very similar to the smaller pup. The male demon had the same jaguar-like qualities and kimono-except it seemed to fit him better-as the pup. The main differences were his muscular, yet sleek build and long and wild hair that was tied into a low ponytail.

  This demon looked to be completely untouched, unlike the small pup. However, there was blood lathered on his hand paws. He looked at the siblings' and smiled. "Ah! Thank you two so much for finding my brother, Strifles." His voice was raspy and harsh as he spoke.

  "Who are you?" Daki hissed, raising her Obi sashes. "Woah! Woah! No need to get fussy, miss. I'm Ran'yō, the jaguar demon." Daki squinted her eyes. "He said you two were in danger." Ran'yō chuckled eerily. "It was just another demon. Don't worry. I took care of it."

  Gyutaro was looking at Strifles's wounds as Daki and Ran'yō were talking. His examination revealed that these scratches were not what they seemed. They were thin and deep, which contrasted normal demon claws which are wide and shallow like fingernails. These claw marks were more like a cat's than a demon's.

  Gyutaro then slightly squeezed Strifles's paw fingers to see his claws. Alarms went off in his head as he saw the cat-like claws extend out. He then looked at Ran'yō. He also had the same claws. Not to mention, they were covered in blood. Everything then clicked.

  "What the hell were you doing to this pup?" Gyutaro growled as he hugged Strifles close to his chest. Ran'yō's grin faded. "Just defending him from a rabid demon. What else?" Strifles winced I fear as he heard his brother mention a rabid demon. "Bull fucking shit!" Gyutaro roared. "These claw marks aren't those of a normal demon! They clearly came from a large cat and you are the only one here that has bloody paws!"

  Ran'yō growled, clenching his paws. "It's none of your damn business! Strifles! Come here!" The young pup shook his head. "I'm not going with that evil ram!" Ran'yō growled as walked towards them. "You little-" Gyutaro then swung one of his sickles and lodged it into the jaguar demon's jaws. "You will not lay a claw on him, you bastard!"

  Gyutaro looked at Daki in a panic. "Take the pup, Ume!" She immediately scooped up Strifles with her Obi sashes. Ran'yō huffed angrily as he jumped back. "I will not lose my life to you low lives! Jackyll will get his eternal food source! One way or another!"

  The ground beneath all of them shook as the dirt mounds began to burst open. "Blood Demon Art.." Ran'yō cried out. "Cat Call!" Large jaguar corpses emerged from each of the dirt mounds. They were rotting, yet still had the agility of their living counterparts. "What the hell?! Jaguars aren't native to Japan!" Gyutaro growled as he drew his sickles. "You're right." Ran'yō laughed. "A friend of mine has been giving them to me in trade for my brother's flesh!"

  The Shabana siblings felt absolutely sick. "That's just disgusting!" Daki yelled. The undead jaguars roared victoriously as they ran towards Daki and Gyutaro. Gyutaro yelled with anger as he swung his blood coated sickles at the undead felines. Daki swung whatever Obi sashes she had left at the jaguars as well.

  What they didn't account for was how many jaguars there were. There seemed to be hundreds! They all leaped at the duo, severely cutting them with their sharp claws and fangs. Strifles yelped with fear as the jaguars advanced upon them. "God damn it!" Gyutaro roared, striking at the jaguars. "My Blood Demon Art isn't as effective as it was."

  "It's not just that!" Daki gritted her teeth as she used an Obi sash to block a jaguar's snapping jaws. "There's too fucking many of them!" Ran'yō laughed as he watched the chaos. "I will get my brother back! I will continue to grow my jaguar army!" Gyutaro used his blood sickle to slice a jaguar in half. However, the dead feline was able to reconnect itself and continue to attack. "Are you that much of a coward?! That you need to use dead puppets to fight?!" Gyutaro growled.

  "Oh trust me..If you think this is hard, wait until he shows up." The plethora of jaguars continued to rip and tear at the Shabana siblings. Strifles was sobbing from fear as the jaguars snapped at both him and Daki. "Brother! We need to call Tanjiro! There's just too many of them!" Gyutaro growled, slicing a jaguar's head off. "He's fucking busy! I can handle this! You need to run back home!" Daki yelped as a jaguar with a sagging face bit down on her leg. "We need him to convert these two anyways! Just call him!" Gyutaro huffed, looked to the skies, and roared like an angry red fox.

  When the daylight was still out, Tanjiro headed to the Butterfly Mansion with Kokushibo and Douma by his side. The young Demon King lead them to the estate with his sharp memory and sense of direction. Douma messed with his hands nervously and Kokushibo seemed to be deep in thought on their way there. Eventually, that made it to the estate.

  "Alright. I'll make sure that nothing gets too ugly between you two, but please understand that he's going to be hostile." Douma nodded as he listened to the king. "I understand completely." Tanjiro then took a deep breath and knocked at the door. "I got it!" He heard Inosuke's raspy voice from behind the door.

  The boar slayer opened the door rather recklessly. "Monjiro!" Inosuke yelled in a happy tone. "Where have you been?" Tanjiro smiled sweetly. "I been helping the other demons. I hope you've been alright." Inosuke laughed. "Everything's been fantastic!" He tilted his head to the side and saw Douma.

  His cheerful demeanor immediately shifted. "What's he doing here?" Inosuke said with a soft growl. "Douma..wants to talk you." Tanjiro sighed as he moved out of their way. Douma slowly approached Inosuke with shaky steps. "What the hell are you doing here?" Insure gripped the handle of one of his sword's tightly.

  "Inosuke..I've been feeling these strange feelings recently..and they've been tearing me apart." Douma spoke with a soft and hushed voice. Inosuke didn't say anything. "I know that I've done unforgivable things..and I know that you can never forgive me."

  "You're damn right..You killed my mother!" Inosuke yelled with fury. "Inosuke..I really did care about you and your mother. I wanted her to live her full life, but she found out about my secret." Inosuke only growled. "And you couldn't have fought back against Muzan?! You couldn't have broken away from him?! That's no excuse!"

  These words felt like sharp, piercing daggers. "I know! I know that they can't change anything! You're right..I should've stood up for her..I should've made myself better for her..better for you..but I was too much of a coward!" Tears were streaming down Douma's face. "Quit your lying! You never cared about her!"

  "Inosuke." Tanjiro spoke with a soft voice. Inosuke turned to him. "He's not lying, Inosuke. A scent of sorrow and truth is coming from him." Inosuke huffed as he turned back to Douma. "He seems to be..telling the truth..little one.." Kokushibo said as he observed Douma. "He's never..shown with much..emotion before.."

  "Please...Inosuke..I'm not asking you to forgive me..I just want to start anew." Tears continued to stream down his face. At this point, Inosuke didn't know what to feel. He truly wanted a father figure in his life and if Douma really means what he's saying, he could possibly get it. However, Inosuke didn't know if he could trust Douma. He doesn't want him to stab him in the heart like he did all those years ago.

  "I can't forgive you for what you've done." Inosuke said in a much more calm voice. "But..maybe we could start over..that is, if you really mean what you say. Do you actually care about me?" Douma nodded, too weak to say anything. Inosuke turned away from him. "You'll have to prove it then. I need more than words to believe you."

  Douma wiped the tears from his eyes. "I understand, Inosuke. I'm so sorry.." Inosuke crossed his arms. "No amount of apologies can fix this." Douma nodded. "I know.." Tanjiro walked over to Inosuke and crouched down. "Are you alright?" Inosuke swayed a little bit. "I just hope he means what he says." Tanjiro gave him a soft smile. "I believe he does."

  Now, the night had settled in. The stars shone brightly above them. Yet, the beautiful night was disturbed by a terrified roar, alerting the group. "Someone's in danger.." Tanjiro said as his eyes slitted. He then ran off with the rest of the group following behind him.

  The roars became louder and louder as Tanjiro, Inosuke, Douma, and Kokushibo came closer to the source. Blood covered the forest floor as the jaguars tore at the Shabana siblings. "Draw your weapons!" Tanjiro yelled as he drew his sword. The others quickly did the same. Tanjiro managed to land the first hit, slicing three jaguars in half.

  Ran'yō growled in annoyance. "More intruders..No matter!" Some of the jaguars turned their attention to the group and dove in for the attack. The fierce felines scratched and bit at all the group, both half-demons and slayers. Luckily, everyone was able to sustain their ground. Kokushibo, Tanjiro, and Inosuke sliced and diced the jaguars with their swords while Douma and Gyutaro were able to fend off others with their unique weapons. Daki was able to climb a tree with Strifles in her arms.

  "Damn it..I can't have them getting close to me!" Ran'yō said to himself as he watched all the others slowly advancing on him. Then, the sound of a ringing bell echoed through the woods. Ring..ring..ring..It's ringing causing the hair on everyone's neck to stand up. Ran'yō grinned wildly. "Hahaha! He's here! The ram is here!"

  "Who's the-ack!" A blur of energy rushed toward Inosuke and threw him further into the woods. "INOSUKE!" Douma cried out, running after him. The jaguars were able to overwhelm the others now. "Oh no.." Tanjiro said as he gripped his sword, watching the jaguars advance upon them.

  Douma sped to where Inosuke had landed by following a path of his own blood. Whatever that was had thrown Inosuke extremely far! The blood ran along the forest floor like a strange marking.

  Inosuke hit his back against a tree. He groaned in pain as he stood up. His boar mask had fallen off when he was flung, so his human face was exposed. "Looks like I was mistaken." A deep, cackling voice spoke with a chill. Inosuke looked up to face the powerful being.

  The voice belonged to this strange ram creature. It had the legs and head of a ram, but it also stood up on two legs and had arms like a human. Its fingers were hoof-like claws and it's coat was flat black. The creature's horns were striped with green, blue, and purple and it's hooves were also the same colors. A strange "X" shaped scar covered the edge of its snout. The strangest parts abothis creature was its golden piercing eyes, and a golden bell that was tied around its neck with a red sash.

  "You are not the kind of food I want." Its deep voice sent chills down Inosuke's spine. The creature pressed its hood down on Inosuke's chest, causing him to gasp for air. "Who..are you?" The ram smiled with sharp pointy teeth. "Why, I'm Jackyll. The only true demon you've probably seen!"

  Jackyll's hoof started to crush Inosuke's ribs. He yelled in pain as he tried to swing his sword at the ram. But the ram was fast and he quickly caught the sword. "Trying to fight back, are we? Well don't worry! I'll make this painful!" Jackyll cackled wickedly as he sunk the sword straight into Inosuke's femur, causing him to scream.

  Blood squirted and poured out from his wound. Jackyll twisted the sword in his leg, making the bones crunch and the muscles tear. Inosuke screamed in absolute agony while Jack cackled in amusement. "You pathetic humans think you're so strong." Jackyll grinned as he twisted the sword. "You don't know who the true apex predators are! Don't try to convince me that those Moons are anywhere close to being the strongest!"

  Jackyll jumped back with a strong kick. "I will slaughter all of you, so that my species will rise again!" Visible energy danced on the ram's body as his horns started to glow. "Say goodnight!" Jackyll roared as he ran towards him. Inosuke closed his eyes and accepted his fate.

  Yet, instead of feeling any more pain, Inosuke felt warm blood drip onto his legs. "You will not kill my son!" Douma's voice roared at the ram. Inosuke looked up to see Douma standing in front of him. Blood dripped from the large scratch wound on Douma's chest. Jackyll bared his fangs and snarled. "A human demon?! How dare you filthy creatures further interfere with my life!"

  Douma drew out his deadly fan as his wound slowly healed. "What the hell are you talking about?!" Jackyll grinned as he ran towards Douma and grabbed his arms. "Looks like Muzan never spilled the tea about us Humanoid Demons! You and your kind nearly drove us to extinction!"

  The jaguars viciously bit and scratched at the half-demons. Tanjiro's haori was almost completely shredded. Kokushibo kimono had been ripped off and Gyutaro looked like a severely used scratching post. Daki was the least damaged, but both her and Strifles were cornered by the undead felines.

  Kokushibo huffed and grunted with each cut and bite. "There's too many..of them..I have to..No..I can't..but.." He looked up at the others, watching them fight for their lives. He now knew what he had to do. Kokushibo morphed his body into the monster form he took during the final battle and was able to slowly tear through the jaguars.

  "Listen!" Tanjiro called out to Ran'yō. "We don't have to fight! I can free you from the burden of eating humans! I can help you!" Ran'yō snarled before laughing maniacally. "I'm not interested in eating humans! That ram demon gives me a jaguar every month in trade for flesh."

  Strifles jumped down from Daki's arms. "No, little pup!" She yelled as Strifles ran towards his brother. A strang,  brown Maine Coon cat ran beside Strifles, seemingly defending him from the jaguars. The cat didn't have a nose and its fur was ragged and torn, but it clearly wanted to aid the pup. Strifles was successfully able to reach his brother and tugged on Ran'yō's kimono.

  "Brother please! Maybe he can help us! Maybe he can free us from the ram!" Ran'yō snarled. "Shut up, you little bitch!" The jaguar demon kicked Strifles in the chest and sent him into a tree, causing the pup to release a pained cry.

  Tanjiro widened his eyes and gritted his teeth. "How dare you? HOW DARE YOU?!" Something inside of him felt like it was burning with absolute fury. The ground shook beneath everyone. Then, a large dragon made from the ground water burst through the earth.

  Tanjiro's hand was raised as he stared at Ran'yō with pure hate. "Hydrokinesis." Kokushibo whispered as the water dragon loomed above them. This was a part of Tanjiro's Blood Demon Art. "How dare you hurt him like that?! He's just trying to save you!" Tanjiro's roars were filled with rage.

  "You have no idea what it means to be a loving sibling, do you?! How dare you hurt an innocent pup?! Let alone, your own brother! He doesn't deserve to be beaten and kicked! He has never bore the blood of the innocent! I can smell it! You, on the other hand, have borne only his blood and for what?! More power?!"

  Tanjiro looked at Strifles, who was curled up on the ground, crying. "No matter how much damage you do to him, your little brother has always looked up to you! He always loved you! And you used that love against him! You let that ram torture him for lord knows how long!"

  Rage consumed Tanjiro as he roared into the night, startling Ran'yō and making him back up. The water dragon then roared. It's aquatic body turned into solar flames. Kokushibo widened his eyes in awe, both at Tanjiro's power and speech. Gyutaro was also impressed, but quickly took action. He saw a shallow trench by the tree where Strifles was and scooped up the young pup.

  Daki followed him and took the pup into her arms once they were in the trench. "Stay here." He said in a hushed voice as he jumped out. Kokushibo flung the jaguars that were behind Tanjiro in front of him by using his tentacles. All of this in preparation for Tanjiro's attack.

  Douma was struggling to hold his own against Jackyll. The ram demon pushed him back by using his powerful digitigrade legs. Douma tried to use his Blood Demon Art, but he couldn't freeze the air without killing Inosuke. "Your kind are useless wastes of space!" Jackyll pushed Douma's arms back, causing the bones to break and rip out of his skin.

  Douma screamed in pain as his elbow bones were exposed. "You have no idea who I am..Let me show you!" Jackyll stuck out his long tongue, revealing Kenji that read "Upper Besst One." Douma widened his eyes. "You're a fake! A phony!" Jackyll's laugh was wicked and cold. "Is that so? Then how am I absolutely destroying Upper Moon Two?"

  Douma closed his eyes and roared in aggravation. "I will not let you hurt my son!" He kicked the ram in his stomach, which only pushed him back slightly. A strange, fiery light emitted from behind them. Douma turned to see the massive flame dragon. Then, he had an idea. Douma heaved Jackyll by his middle and quickly threw him into its pathway.

  The solar flame dragon roared angrily and Tanjiro roared as well. Before anyone else could react, the dragon burned its way through the pathway. The Maine Coon cat was standing in the way. "Mr. Nibbles!" Strifles cried out with outstretched arms. Gyutaro saw the car and dove after it. He tumbled into the trench with the cat in his arms and held Daki close to his chest. "Don't look at the flames, Ume!" He managed to roar above the sound of the blast.

  The solar flames burned everything in their path. The jaguars, Ran'yō, and even Jackyll. Tanjiro roared angrily as the dragon incinerated everything in its path. Kokushibo stood behind him, both looking in awe and in horror.

  The light died down and the smoke cleared. Corpses of burned jaguars were strewn around the area. Ran'yō's skin was horrifically burned to the point where he was almost unrecognizable. He groaned in severe pain as his body was stiff.

  Tanjiro walked through the burned area and towards Ran'yō. He squinted his eyes in disgust as he looked at the pitiful demon. "Strifles will never be put in that kind of pain again." He growled before slicing off Ran'yō's head with his black blade. The jaguar demon's body disintegrated almost immediately once his head was decapitated.

  Tanjiro looked up to see Jackyll, who was severely burned. Unlike Ran'yō, Jayckll shook off the burned skin and regenerated quickly. He looked up at the sky and snarled. "You're lucky the sun is coming, otherwise you'd all be dead! That half Humanoid pup will be my food source..and I'll destroy your bloodline.." Before Tanjiro could make another move, Jackyll's bell rang and he sped away in a blur.

  Tanjiro looked over at his group. "Is everyone okay?" Gyutaro and Daki emerged from the trench with Strifles and the cat in their arms. Kokushibo stood up and dusted himself off.

  Douma immediately went over to Inosuke once the dragon passed. "Inosuke! Are you alright?!" Inosuke looked up at him with blood dripping down his face. "You saved me..thank you." Douma smiled with relief and carefully hugged him. "I'm just thankful that you're alive!"

  Douma had to pop the bones back into his arms before he could lift Inosuke up on his shoulders. He grunted in pain with every step that he took, but he made sure to pick up Inosuke's boar mask along the way. A plethora of different scents hit Tanjiro's nose as a herd of footsteps was audible.

  All the Hashira-plus Akaza, Zenitsu, and Nezuko-ran to the scene of the battlefield. "What the hell happened here?!" Sanemi said with widened eyes. "This area has been incinerated!" Tanjiro turned to look at the Hashira. "There was a demon..a jaguar demon..one who abused his brother."

  Gyutaro and Daki walked into the clearing, Strifles shivering in Daki's arms. "Oh my.." Mitsuri covered her mouth with shock and horror. "That poor pup.." Obanai squinted his eyes. "Even for a demon, that's low. Purely vile!" Gyutaro and Daki walked over to Tanjiro-who outstretched his arms-and handed Strifles over to him. He looked into the young pup's saddened eyes.

  Tanjiro hugged the pup close to him. "I'm so sorry, Strifles..I'm so sorry." His voice cracked with sorrow and regret. "I didn't want to take your brother away from you." Nezuko and Zenitsu quickly hurried over to Tanjiro. "Brother, it's not your fault." Nezuko winced. "You just had to do what you needed to do to keep him safe." Zenitsu said in agreement.

  The Hashira then examined the battlefield. Rengoku looked across the scorched landscape. "Young Kamado, did you do this?" Tanjiro only looked up at him. "He did.." Kokushibo spoke up. "He was..infuriated by the pup's abuse..and scorched the earth.." Rengoku nodded. "You have gotten immensely stronger, Young Kamado. There's no denying that."

    Akaza walked over to Kokushibo with a curious expression. The six-eyed demon turned away in shame. "Don't look at me..this form.. is hideous.." Akaza only tilted his head in confusion. "Hideous? What do you mean hideous?" Kokushibo turned back towards him. "This form.."

  Akaza raised an eyebrow and blushed slightly. "I don't think it's hideous." Kokushibo could feel his face turning red. "You..you don't think so..?" Akaza nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah! I actually think it's rather cool." Kokushibo covered his blushing face with a clawed hand. "I guess..if you like it..it must not be..all too bad.."

  Everyone who was injured was quickly escorted to the Butterfly Estate. For most of the group, their wounds recovered quickly due to them being half-demons. However, Inosuke remained in the mansion for a while longer. Jackyll had broken four of his ribs and completely shattered his left femur.

  However, the person who had received the most damage was Strifles. For a while, he refused to eat and couldn't hardly sleep without crying. Luckily, he had been converted by Tanjiro and many of the half-demons tried to help him, but nothing seemed to work.

  Strifles was huddled inside his room, not making a sound when someone knocked on the door. "Hello?" Strifles mewed in a weak voice. "Are you Strifles?" A soft voice replied from the other side. "Yeah.." Strifles buried his head in his arms. The door slid open, revealing that the person who was behind the door was none other than Rui.

  "Hello there." Rui gave him a kind smile. Strifles waved as his tail curled around his legs. "I just wanted to check up on you. I heard what happened to you and wanted to see if I can help you." Rui said as he sat down next to him."

  "There's nothing you can do, but thank you." Strifles buried his head in his arms once more. Rui winced with sympathy for the poor pup. "I know it hurts, Strifles, but I promise you that you're better off without him." Strifles began to sniffle. "Why didn't he love me? I tried to make him happy, yet he still hated me." Tears streamed down his cheeks as Strifles burst into sobs.

  Rui quickly wrapped his arms around the jaguar pup. "No, Strifles. It's not your fault. He was the scumbag that tortured you. You didn't do anything wrong." Strifles sobbed into Rui's kimono. "I just wanted him to love me! That's all!" Rui then nuzzled his tears away, fully indulging in his instincts. "Don't worry. You deserve love and I promise you'll be loved by many here."

  Strifles looked up at him, tears dripping from his eyes. "Do you really mean that?" Rui only hugged him tighter. "Of course I do. I wouldn't lie to you." Strifles hugged Rui as well and slowly, yet surely, fell asleep.

  The night was cool and dark as Kokushibo traversed through the land. For now he was finally aborigines deliver the wicker basket of goodies. The destination slowly came into view, making Kokushibo sigh in relief. He tenderly approached the steps to the Mist Estate and put the basket down in front of the sliding door.

  "Tokito..Genya...I regret everything that..I've done to you..and to all the others..I hope..you take my offering." Kokushibo said in a low whisper. He then turned and started to walk away.

  "Hey, six-eyes." A stern, cold voice called from behind Kokushibo. He turned around to see no one other than Sanemi Shinazugawa. "What the hell are you doing here?" He gritted his teeth. "I just came here..to deliver gifts.." Kokushibo said softly. Sanemi looked at the basket then turned back. "I don't trust anything you say.."

  Kokushibo nodded. "I understand that..I've hurt you..deeply." Sanemi clenched his fists. "Look here, I'm not going to kill you because of Master's orders, but if you even come near my brother ever again, you will be gutted." Kokushibo sighed. "I've made..many mistake..I know this..I just wish to amend..the mistakes I can amend."

  Sanemi narrowed his eyes. "If he forgives you, for some fucking reason, then I'll leave you be. If you try to attack him, I will skin you alive and feed you to the crows, got it?" Kokushibo nodded, regret creeping up on him. "Oh, and by the way, that ram demon is still at large. Do any of you have any clue of who he might be?"

  Kokushibo shook his head. "His name is Jackyll..he's supposedly a different species than us..and he used to devour Strifles's flesh..That's all..but we're still looking into it." Sanemi huffed angrily. "You better. From what we know that ram is extremely dangerous." Kokushibo nodded. "He is...and he's truly..a mystery.."

 

Author's Note: Oh Lordie, this one was long! I'm also introducing two reoccurring OCs in this chapter! Strifles and the main antagonist, Jackyll! There's still two other OCs that will play a big role in this story!