#they're releasing a breath they didn't know they were holding? like it's a relief

[hanasnx]

thinking about Jason Todd dating a veterinarian/doctor reader. We all know he's very busy with his Red Hood work, so having someone with a busy schedule is almost a relief for him, because then he wouldn't have to worry about disappointing you due to lack of time. he has a lack of time monitoring the city and the reader has a lack of time on medical duty. it's fair. it work.

but that’s not the best point of all, at least not for me. In my mind, Jason is very closed off and stubborn, so it's very difficult to get him to take care of the injuries he gets in alley fights against criminals, but now he's dating a doc and It change things, especially when they're trying to tend to an injury and it's so close, holding him still because god, won't he stop squirming? and he's like "okok, put your tits on my face will not calm me down, doc." It does. it calm him down. jason is a tit guy. He can sit for hours with you stitching his back without anesthesia if it means he'll have the soft flesh hidden beneath a tank top rubbing against him, against his face.

This is shaping up to be a long-winded rant and I don't want to be exhaustive, so I'll go to the last topic: the way tend his injures always lead to sex. he has this thing that he wants to be taken care of. he's rude and dominant with everyone and maybe even in bed, but sometimes he just wants his love to put bandages on his shoulders and spread kisses all over his face while he rides him nice and slow, saying that everything will be fine, that he will be brand new on no time. I also think it could happen since he's just too beat up to fight crime and Reader just put a stay-at-home sign on him, and it's driving him mad. he has nothing to take out all that energy and anger, so he takes it out on you, fucking you against every possible corner and surface, unlike the bubble of love from before, now he's just digging short nails into your hips already marked by his fingers, creating more and more noise tickets late at night.

anyway, I think that's it! I'm so happy you liked that ask about Dick & ballerina, it just warmed my heart! hope you're doing well!

MINORS DNI 18+

"Jay— Jay! You'll pull your stitches!" you warn, but JASON TODD remains un-intimidated, yanking you back by your hips to meet his thrusts. Some thug with a knife gave him a long slice across his bicep, followed closely by one across the side of his ribcage. Wounds you'd just finished tending, but the bourbon he'd downed to ease the pain was already in full effect. That, or he's fucking you through the sting. He's got you bent over in front of him, your fingers bracing on some piece of furniture while you stand. He didn't bother taking your clothes off, yanking your panties down to pool around your ankles, your smart little pencil skirt folded over your torso.

"Help me through the pain, Doc." he replies, his gruff voice strained from effort. "Hurts so good." he moans, but you can tell he's feigning it, as if he's not taking you seriously. To distract you from your protests, his large body curls around you, hand cupping your hanging tits, rolling the flesh in his fingers and palm. "If you cum on this dick I'll feel better."

You bark a laugh at him, releasing a breath you didn't realize you were holding. "Make me do it then. I'll have to patch you back up after this anyway." As if to playfully punish you for your attitude, he smacks one of your tits and you squeak in surprise.

"Finally on board."

[borbygorlinbbqworld]

A woman doesn't notice that one of the bras she bought is a nursing one. Once she wears it her boobs fill with milk and keep growing

Anya had always had big boobs.

Ever since they had started growing at age 13, they had been on the larger scale. The process for buying bathing suits and bras in particular had always proven a challenge; she had a very petite frame, but her breasts seemed to stick out of everything, and were often sore from the padding that came with retail bras.

Which was why finding the Abra Cadabra bra in the return pile at Target meant so much to her. She looked at herself wearing it in the mirror, turning this way and that. There was virtually no padding, so while her nipples did poke through the fabric a bit, it was super comfortable. The straps didn't dig in, which was another huge bonus.

She marveled at how well it supported her jugs, even bouncing them by the straps. Though they did jiggle quite a bit, it still felt comfortable.

She smiled at herself in the bathroom mirror, finally content. She looked at the box the bra came in, wondering how she had missed this product for so long.

Nursing Bra.

Anya's cheeks flushed. The reason it must have fit so well was because the bra was intended for women with massive jugs nursing their kids.

It was a little embarrassing, but so what, right? No one would know the bra was meant for--

Suddenly, Anya felt a tightness in her breasts. It was a feeling she usually got when her bras were too small, but this bra fit, didn't it? She looked at herself in the mirror, but nothing seemed amiss.

But the feeling continued, even through to the next week.

She stood in front of the mirror again with her top pulled over her breasts, examining them. Her healthy, round double Gs looked... different.

She was no stranger to her cycle filling her cups up a little bit here and there, but this was different. Her breasts looked swollen and full, and they felt like they weighed a ton. Her nipples were constantly hard now, poking through the fabric of the bra like two aching cherries.

"Holy fuck..."

Anya whipped around, jostling her full breasts, and startled at the sound of the man's voice. Ben, her older brother's friend, stood before her. His cheeks were flushed as he stared down at her chest.

She fumbled with her shirt, doing her best to pull it back down over her boobs, but the fabric protested. It was a stretchy fabric, but even it has its limits. Finally, she shoved them into the shirt, the tightness forcing breath from her.

The shirt certainly hadn't been that tight when she put it on this morning...

"Sorry," she finally said. "I was just seeing something..."

"Looking at how big they've gotten?" Ben asked.

Anya flushed. So he noticed too... "I don't know what you mean."

He reached his hands over, gently hoisting her heavy boobs up. She released a heavy sign of relief; who knew her back ached so much from them!

But Ben didn't stop there. Gently, he rubbed his thubs over her nipples, hardening them further. Anya let out a moan; good God, that felt good!

What didn't feel good, however, was the continued tightness in her chest as it strained against a t-shirt unequipped to hold her endowment.

"Your tits were already big. Now, they're..."

Anya squeaked helplessly as he massaged her breasts occasionally jiggling them around. Every jostle not only made her shirt feel even tighter, but her clit begged for release.

"Can I tell you something?" Ben tore his gaze from her breasts to look her in the eyes. "I always had a bit of a crush on you when we were all younger. Couldn't help but picture marrying you, and getting you pregnant as many times as I possibly could."

She bit her lip to stifle the moan of pleasure his words brought her.

Riiiip.

What was that? Anya was too distracted to look away from Ben to bother. He continued handling her, sinking his fingers into her flesh; she could feel each and every gland swell at his touch.

"I couldn't stop myself from thinking about how I'd fuck you, even when you're pregnant. How your tits would get so fucking huge, you'd be some bed-ridden breeding cow..."

His thumbs swirled around the outside of her areolas, teasing the hell out of her.

Finally, with another sound of tearing fabric, she realized her shirt had ripped. Her full breasts pulled her forward from the added weight, and she moaned.

They had never felt this engorged before, let alone so full. She caught sight of them in the mirror. Where she had already been a well-endowed double G cup before, she doubted her old bras would even cover her nipples anymore. The massive mounds had deep blue veins that throbbed near her nipples, and her breasts would have filled her entire lap had Ben not been supporting them.

"God, I wanna put babies in you so bad..."

Her underwear soaked at the suggestion. The idea of being impregnated by him right now made Anya burn with desire.

His touches were agonizingly arousing, and her teats begged for release.

Release?

Finally, Ben squeezed at her nipples playfully, and she realized what had been happening. Two hot spurts of milk showered his face. Anya moaned with pleasure and from the relief; holy fuck, it felt good!

Ben let her breasts go, once again causing her to lurch forward a bit. They swayed, sloshing the gallons of milk that had come out of nowhere. He knelt down so her teats were at eye level before pulling the nursing bra down to reveal her puffy nipples. Steady streams of milk leaked from them, and she begged him internally to lap it up.

But that wasn't the only thing her body needed at the moment, was it?

She stared down at him needily. "B-Ben?"

He looked up, a small smile on his face. "Yeah?"

Anya unbuttoned her jeans and slid them down her legs. "I need you to fuck me. Like... right now."

-----

🐮❤️

[divine-misfortune]

Aether calls Dew while they're on tour, not long before they're due on stage, and he's all too happy to hear from him. Steps off to the side of the dressing room and slips an earbud in to answer, expecting the usual little pep talk that he rolls his eyes at despite the fact it makes his heart flutter, but that's not what he's met with.

Aether's voice is lower. Close to gravely. He breathes out his name and Dew's eyes go wide, suddenly grateful he'd put his mask on early.

"Dew-"

The way he says his name goes straight to his dick. Volume and tone all too familiar to him, hearing it conjures up these memories of hours spent between his mate's legs. His cock thick in Dew's little hands, pink and weeping, as Dew bats his eyelashes and kisses the tip. Coyly he'd ask Aether if he could hold out for just a few more edges because he doesn't want to stop touching him just yet, and Aether would never say no. He'd let Dew stroke his dick for hours without release...And judging by the sound of it, Aether was doing just that to himself.

"Aeth?"

"Hi baby...Fuck, know you go on soon but I just needed to hear your voice."

"Didn't we just talk last night? You miss me that much already?" He chuckles and leans back against the wall, toeing a line across the carpet.

"Hell, more than you know. Kept thinking about you, couldn't help touching myself, only made it harder to stop thinking. You alone?"

"Not really, no." Dew sighs and is met with a little groan, expecting Aether to do the same and hang up to continue jerking off on his lonesome.

"Fuck," there's the anticipated sigh but it dissolves into a weak chuckle. "Think you can be a good little pervert and help daddy? Need you to talk to me baby boy, want to cum to that pretty little voice."

His breath catches in his throat as color floods his face. He hates how easy it is for Aether to get his blood really pumping, how easy Aether makes his cock start to fatten up. All it took was a little heavy breathing and a few words and his boxers were feeling tighter. Dew's gaze sweeps the room. The other ghouls are all occupied. Backs turned to him as they get ready, too distracted by each other to notice his absence. He bites his lip and listens intently to the faint sound of Aether stroking himself, it's wet and sloppy and makes his knees go weak.

"Yes daddy..." Dew whispers and feels his heart hammer. Nobody spares him a glance. "Whatever you need."

"That's my good boy, anything for daddy huh?" Dew nods despite the fact Aether can't see it, he already knows the answer. "Listen so fucking well...Bet you'd take your cock out and start touching yourself right now if I told you to, right in front of everyone, wouldn't you? Show off how eager you are to do what daddy says."

He runs his tongue over the back of his teeth and subtly tries to readjust his pants, a poor excuse to paw at his cock for a minute. The little touch doesn't offer any relief, only helps him fill out the rest of the way. That's what Aether would want anyways, he knew how Aether liked him.

"I would." The fire ghoul admits, throat dry.

"Daddy got you worked up already?"

"Uhhuh..."

"Then do what daddy tells you and play with yourself." His words drip with authority, and Dew doesn't have a disobedient bone in his body in the moment. He feels his fingers shake as he moves for his belt.

And oh, did Aether like him to push his luck.

[oishiyani]

🦐 ; Another Owe

warnings ; none! this is entirely SFW

🦐 ; y/n fell into a swirling feeling of misery inside! don't worry akutagawa's there to rescue!

—also this is just a small drabble about one of the episodes in bsd WAN! i thought this would be a cute idea

"err.. looks like I lost it somewhere.." you whined in a tone of distress. Having one of the missing documents you were suppose to fill in supposedly went lost! that was even one of the last batch that you had to deal with!

'now how am i gonna tell the boss now..?' you thought.

you scratched the back of your head as you continued to travel every corner in the room, looked under every sofa and chairs, maybe in the drawers? no- you still couldn't find the missing document.

your back felt like it was experiencing a massive back pain from searching through the entire room, but in conclusion- it still wasn't found! you sighed.

"are you looking for this?" a voice spoke behind you.

you turned around to be met eyes with akutagawa, who was holding a document that you assume to be the one you're looking for.

you took a look of the document, looking closely into the text and finally recognized it as the last and missing piece of your work. You let out a sigh of relief with a smile next.

"oh yeah! this is the last of it thank god you found it!" it felt like the heavy weight on your shoulders had been released as soon as you recieved the paper from akutagawa. you thanked him and went on to arrange the final documents you finalized.

"tch, you should remember where you put your things. they're always scattered.." he commented.

"sorry, i owe you one again!" you replied.

oh y/n y/n y/n.. are you even aware of how much this man had helped you through such small needs and crisis? there was a never ending loop of how much your needs were need to be fulfilled but worry not! akutagawa is there for you at any time.

while you were arranging the stack of documents you had in your hands, a thought came up in your mind. it was akutagawa, but you started to realize how much he had helped you with so much list of stuff you needed throughout your time in the port mafia!

that time, when you were feeling a flu after delivering a mail the boss ordered you.

you opened the doors leading to the meeting room of the port mafia, seeing that nobody was in the room.

your breath was starting to hitch- your body felt quite hot than before, lastly you felt like fainting. you

sat down to one of the long sofas and laid there 'till you didn't realize yourself that you had fallen asleep.

later on waking up with the feeling of something comfy under your head. you lit your eyes a bit- vision was blurry but as soon as sight cleared, you sat up and noticed a comfy pillow was what was underneath you.

at the corner of your eye, the sight of a glass of water and what seemed to be medicine pill sat across the table not far from you.

you heard the sound of a door open. you looked to its direction to see akutagawa again, with both of his hands in his pockets he walked to you.

"hirotsu provided that for you, when he entered the room- he saw that your breathing was shortening and upon checking your temperature from your forehead. he said it was hot."

"you have a flu y/n."

you stared at him then shifted your gaze back to the medicine hirotsu gave you, you let out another smile. "then i have to thank him as soon as i see him, thanks for informing me akutagawa." you replied.

while staring at the objects on the table, a sound of a loud thud occurred. you looked to where it came and saw..

a whole box of.. yogurt drink 10 billion lactobacillus cells?!

you were taken aback, not sure of how to react- yet you didn't know what were those for.. you stared at it blankly not until akutagawa let out a cough, eyes closed with fist formed on his mouth as he did.

a faint red shade on his cheeks where you didn't seem to notice. that's good.

"drink those, it'll help with your flu." he said as he retreated back his ability that seemed to carry the box of yogurt drinks for him.

akutagawa exited back to the door, still leaving you in a confused state.

the next day, you felt more better than yesterday. being stable enough to walk through the base of the port mafia.

you entered the meeting room yet again, you were met with your fellow workmates. Hirotsu, Tachihara, and Gin. they all sat except for Tachihara, leaning on the sofa with arms crossed.

"hello Y/N, how have you been feeling?" Hirotsu greeted as you walked in. "greater than ever! thank you for the medicine you gave me Hirotsu-san!" you happily thanked.

"say.. akutagawa gave me a box of those yogurt drinks called 10 million lacto- uh.. i forgot but there were tons of them! he told me to drink those.. but I only finished 3 so far.."

"HE GAVE YOU WHAT?!" Tachihara yelled.

he pinched the bridge of his nose, "you're not suppose to give those to people who have a flu! how can they down something that thick?!" he said in a frustrated tone.

"oh? so that's why he bought a box of those.." Gin said, everyone looked at her.

"yesterday around noon, I saw my brother walking around the city and I happened to get a glimpse of him stopping by a store. But I had no clue why he was there, i went on with my day after that." Gin said.

Hirotsu took a sip of his tea, "hm, yesterday he asked me where was y/n, when i told him you were resting and had a flu, he left off in a haste." he said.

akutagawa bought those for you? no way he did! that must cost a lot and he didn't need to buy that much!

"well next time, advise your brother not to buy a damn yogurt drink and instead buy something else!" Tachihara commented.

"i've never seen my brother buy something for someone that much. (aside from dazai..)" Gin said.

"i owe him another one yet again.."

[anachilles]

For the prompts: Clegan + acceptance or redemption?

here you goooo!! two in one since they went so well together hehe. tysm for the prompts, and hope you like!! 🫶

acceptance - muse a kisses muse b’s forehead and lingers redemption - muse a holds muse b’s face together and rests their forehead against them

The baking, Algerian heat is a shock to the system when Bucky practically throws himself out of the plane's escape hatch.

It gets damn cold up there, and often isn't much better in England before they take off. If he took a second to think about it, here, the flight suit and thick, well-tailored sheepskin coat would feel uncomfortable. Constricting.

His feet are barely on the ground though, a hurried and unlingering kiss pressed into his hand and then to the wing of the plane that miraculously got them there, before he swivels back towards the empty horizon laid out before them, eyes fixed. Searching. Like he could pull Buck's plane to ground himself just by willing it so.

His crew are debriefing with the others who'd made it somewhere behind him, Blakely and Croz and all of their guys, but his mind is only in one place. It doesn't have a hope of straying anywhere else until he knows, sees with his own two eyes, feels under his own fingertips, that Buck is wheels down on the ground before them.

The wait is as agonising as the whole journey there had been, Buck having spent most of it beat to shit and trailing behind, and Bucky having spent most of it with one eye on his fort and the other on the gun he'd forcibly commandeered to help make sure it stayed in the air.

Jack Kidd joins him at one point, close enough that Bucky could feel their elbows brush where their muscles held equally rigid. If he spoke though, Bucky didn't hear him.

Eventually, Buck's fort appears, barely airborne and falling apart as it more or less limps in the direction of the airstrip. Looks like a goddamn tin can that's been shot at too many times. Bucky releases a breath he wasn't aware he'd been holding. The lump in his throat doesn't clear until they actually touch down, though, just short of the runway and with, if he's not mistaken, not a single damn working engine.

No engine fuckin' Cleven strikes again.

He barks out a laugh, smacking Jack in the process.

There are a lot of guys in their company who were outstanding pilots, as well as airmen in general, let there be no mistake about that; men Bucky trusted without question. Guys whose hands he wouldn't think twice about putting his life in if it came to it.

Only Gale Cleven could've kept that beaten up bucket of bolts in the sky, though. Likely by sheer force of his own skill, stubbornness, and incomparable ballsiness, in equal, unquantifiable measure. If he was anyone else, he and the entire crew would've been either dead or captured. By all means should've been, if you were the religious sort who figured God had a plan for us all and that you can't fight what's been divinely decided for you.

Bucky's not sure what to feel between relief, terror, anticipation, desire, and strange urge to get to his knees, hands clasped, between it all.

When he and Kidd drive out to meet them its obvious Buck's shaken, significantly enough that Bucky's able to see it so evidently in the droop of his shoulders, and the jolty, uneasy flickering of his eyes and the cut of his mouth.

They lost one of their men; Norman Smith. Radio operator. A man gets his legs blown off and it's taking all Bucky has not to fixate on a smear of blood staining the woollen lapel of Buck's jacket. That's something to feel guilty about later, though.

Buck's pacing, agitated, and Bucky follows him, a current responding to the pull of the moon as they recount their losses; take stock. It's a usual post-mission motion to grapple for, that they're at least somewhat numb to by now, or can at least kid themselves they are when the adrenaline's still pumping through their veins.

"And Curt?"

He hadn't planned on saying it, but it tears itself out of whatever corner of his chest Bucky had managed to wrangle it down into ever since it became evident that Curt's bird was going down.

Buck won't look directly at him. His gaze verges on haunted as he watches the horizon, so Bucky's left staring at his blood-spattered side profile, awaiting any answer other than what he knows somewhere deep down, lurking and sinister, to be the truth.

Buck's stumbling, tremored, vulnerable "I-I don't know..." is like a bucket of ice water over Bucky's nervous system. His spine stiffening, it's all he needs to swallow back the grief as it comes creeping in.

To fix his expression.

To crack a joke.

To desperately reach for jingoistic optimism when even that refuses to crack the other man's blank, slightly shell-shocked veneer.

"Sure, Bucky..."

Bucky can feel Buck disappearing into his head as they watch the sunset, enveloping the atmosphere around them in a sense of finality as the day closes out and they're left to regroup.

Eleven forts out of 21.

Over 100 men gone in one day.

Jack calls to them from the truck as the last of Buck's crew begin to depart for the nearby base, but Bucky waves him on, yells that they'll walk back. Buck offers no refute, and with a nod he leaves them, the remnant silence only broken by the wind rustling the weeds stubbornly poking out from the arid earth.

Now alone, some tenuous thread of control in Bucky snaps. He can't fight all that emotion burgeoning within him, threatening to choke him if he doesn't do something with it. He takes Buck by the elbow, and pulls him behind the shell of his plane, shielding them from the glaring view of the airfield and potential onlookers.

Taking Buck's face in his hands, it's like he's helping physically hold the man together, their gazes meeting in one heated, loaded moment among the storm of loss and shock and eerie quiet. Bucky brings the other man's head towards him, pressing his lips to Buck's forehead regardless of the dirt and sweat, grime and blood marring his perfect fuckin' face.

Satisfaction suffuses through his chest when he feels Buck relax, even if just a fraction, into the gesture. When he breathes out, exhaling that control and poise and clenched-jaw determination that got him here, and just lets himself be held for a moment.

When Bucky finally pulls away, he steals one last glance, before closing his eyes and letting their foreheads rest against each other, slowly starting to feel weary, the fatigue settling into his bones like an encroaching winter.

Still here. Under his fingertips.

[obsessiveagony2point0]

Oh, boy, it's you... That I lie with... As the world caves in...

Twitter/X•AO3•Pillowfort •Linktree•Bluesky•Ko-fi

🛑 SPOILER WARNING 🛑

If you haven't read or looked up anything on The Sandman past the show, then don't read the little ficlet below the cut line.

I had this thought... What if instead of Dream dying the way he did...his body faded into a flurry of poppy petals..

Throw in some Hob and Dreamling...

He's spilled family blood. One of the few rules of the Endless. And he knows he doesn't have much time. As soon as Orpheus stopped breathing he could feel his body changing. He immediately teleports himself to Hob's dream, which whatever was happening vanishes and in it's place is a white background with nothing but a worn couch and a coffee table that holds 2 wine glasses and a few bottle of wine. Hob is confused, but happy to see his once friend now love. They sit, and they drink, and Hob talks, but the immortal knows something is the matter. Dream...isn't fully here with him...less so than usual. So...he asks. To his surprise, Dream answers. And it's the most gut wrenching answer Hob has ever received. He doesn't understand why Dream must be punished for being merciful to his child and says, "There must be a way to stop this!" Dream shakes his head. It doesn't matter. His body is already shifting, fading. As he says this, Hob watches as a poppy petal floats off Dream's shoulder, leaving nothing but a see through hole, as if Dream were nothing more than empty husk. Hob stares at Dream, his heart aching. Tears sting his eyes as more petals drift from Dream, pieces of his love floating away and it feels as if he can't gather enough air in his lungs. He gently holds Dream's face, afraid touching him would cause the Being to disappear faster, but to his relief it does not. Instead, Dream presses his pale cheek against Hob's worn, calloused hand, crystal tears pooling in the corners of those blue eyes and floating away with the petals. He pulls Dream into a kiss, tears running down his face as he can feel through it how very thing the Being's presence is in his hands and against his lips. He feels the whisper of a touch brush up his jaw to his cheek and Hob knows it's Dream's hand. Hob releases Dream's lips and presses his forehead against his love's, the lump in his throat making it hard to breathe. He stared into those beautiful blue nebula's, but in the corner of his eye he can see more and more petals and can feel less and less of Dream. His heart nearly stops as those blue eyes close. An exhale of a sigh echoes around them and then...Dream's form is no more. A cloud of poppy petals is all that is in front of Hob, floating away into the emptiness of the dream. Hob reaches up after them. As the remaining petals in his presence leave, they wind and twist up his arm and hand, the softness of them like a lover's farewell touch before they float well out of his reach. He watches them for as long as he can, as best as he can, because his vision blurred from tears that didn't seem to stop. When they're out of sight, he whispers, "Goodnight, love..." Hob awakes to the darkness of his bedroom, tears pouring down his face. He turns on his side, curls into a ball, and sobs. Heaven shattering cries and sobs and screams that he doesn't bother trying to muffle. Why should he cover his pain...let the world hear. Let the world hear the mourning of an Endless.

[probably-writing-x]

Curtains Closed - Part 3

Summary:

Warnings: I dont thinkkk there's anything, just hella fluff

Author's Note: Your wish is my command... I hope this doesn't disappoint <3 Thank you for all of the love on curtains closed, it has been so fun to write !!

A year today. A whole year had passed. You'd shot and released a film, won an Oscar, got a new apartment in New York, released your own makeup brand, and were now in the audition process for a new film you were hoping to get. An entire year of your life, the highs lows and the inbetweens - all of it without Drew.

Since the Vanity Fair party, the two of you hadn't spoken. It was a relief to realise he wasn't dating Emily, but it didn't change anything else. You weren't ready to date him again without feeling that same jealousy and distrust that had driven you apart in the first place. You needed to know that if you got together again, it would stick.

"I don't know what to wear," You groan to Madelyn over facetime, holding up two outfit options, "They haven't told me anything."

"Just wear something comfortable," She encourages, "They're going to be more concerned about having Academy Award Winner (Y/N) (Y/L/N) in their film than about what you're wearing."

"I don't know why I'm so nervous, I just have a terrible feeling about this," You groan, pulling the black pair of leggings over your thighs.

Today you had a chemistry read with the person who would be possibly playing your love interest in the film, meaning the casting directors had to make sure that you would be a convincing fit for the roles. The last time you'd had a love interest of any kind on screen, it was Drew.

"Alright, I think this is okay," You take a deep breath, fixing the bottom of your oversized sweatshirt over your waist, "I need to down a coffee and then I need to go."

~~~

You arrive at the audition with a minute to spare, hurrying through the door with a glimmer of sweat breaking through your light makeup.

"God, I'm not late am I?" You wince at the girl on reception.

She smiles and shakes her head, "Don't worry, you're all good. And I'm pretty sure they would wait for you anyway."

You take a deep breath, "Is the guy already here?"

She looks at you with a frown between her brows, "They haven't told you who you're reading with?"

You stare at her for a second, a little taken aback, "Why? Should I be concerned?"

As if on cue, the two of you reach the door to the audition room and she opens it for you to go through.

This is the feeling, isn't it? That feeling of your words dropping from your throat, your heart dropping out of your chest, colliding with the butterflies that are now on a rampage inside your stomach.

"Drew."

He is still every part of him. Tall, shoulders broad, bright eyes, the defined structure of his face, hair growing out longer than the last time you'd seen him, messy and perfect around his face.

"I didn't know you'd-"

"Be here," He finishes your sentence for you, "Yeah, me neither."

You can tell by the slight breathlessness in his voice; he'd lost all of his words too.

"Is everything okay guys?" The casting director frowns and both of you whip your heads around to look at her and the rest of the panel, like you'd both just been caught in the act.

Drew's eyes turn back to you almost as quickly as they'd left. You blink a couple of times at the table of people waiting for you, trying to draw yourself back to some level of professional reality, "Yeah, everything's fine."

"Alright, are you two ready to start with the scene?"

No. Not a single part of you was ready.

"Of course," You force a smile, one that you had gotten used to faking.

"Yeah, of course," Drew must be good at faking too.

~~~

"I don't know who you think you are, but this isn't you, this isn't us," You read the line aloud, trying with everything you could to draw yourself away from your own body and into the character.

"And what is us anymore?" Drew responds, his eyes hunting for yours.

You look up at him and see the emotion behind him, the vision of him and the character seemingly blurring into one in front of you, "Maybe there isn't an us, maybe that's the problem."

He swallows the lump in his throat, dropping his arm from where it had been gripping onto the script, letting it rest aimlessly in his hand - now that his eyes have latched onto yours, he's sure that is all he needs;

"I'm not ready to give this up. Not now. I don't care how long that takes, I don't care if I'm waiting up every night for the next time you're next to me in bed, I don't care how far I have to go, I'm not losing you. This, whatever you want to call it, it's not ever going to be worth losing," There's a quiver in his voice, "I regret it all, I do. Every single bit of it that made me lose you. And I'll work every day to change that, but I need you there with me, for it all."

Your character is meant to speak, but there are tears in your eyes and an unknown certainty that he was speaking to you and not to the words you were supposed to return with.

"I don't care how long it takes for me to convince you to believe me again," Drew shakes his head, "I love you, (Y/N)."

You watch his cheeks flush red at that almost instantly, his mouth opening and shutting to try and find the words.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean-" He scratches at the back of his neck, looking at the script again as he fumbles over the paper in his hands, "Nessa, I meant Nessa."

The main casting director clasps her hands together, "Don't worry about it Drew, that's what multiple takes are for anyway," She laughs.

Your eyes haven't left him yet, as he turns his head to look at the crew all with their attention on the pair of you.

"I think we've seen all we need to see from the two of you today, thank you for coming in," She continues, "(Y/N), is everything okay?"

Your eyes are still brimming with tears, and it takes you longer than it should to turn to her and try to respond through the bubbling emotion in your throat, "Yes."

~~~

It feels like an air of reality hits you as soon as you step outside of the building, onto the harsh normality of the New York streets.

"I'm so sorry, I really didn't know you'd be here," Drew comments, dragging a hand through his hair, "I would've at least warned you if I knew."

"Did you mean it?" You cut in through his words, your voice still shaky like the tremble in your hands.

"Did I-"

"Did you mean it? Were you talking to me or the character?"

His eyes find you and yours are on him, and it feels like you're seeing each other for the first time in twelve months. You see it all in that moment. The way he'd kissed you, the way his hands always found perfect position on your curves, the way he knew your words before you spoke, knew your memories before you'd made them. The way he'd held your heart and promised to keep it. And, in that moment, you realised he'd never broken that promise - you'd taken it from him.

"(Y/N) I-" He breaks the silence, letting out a quivering breath, "It's you, it's always you."

You're sure your heart swells in that moment, the moment where fireworks explode around the soulmates in the film, the moment you know it's forever.

"What are you doing right now? Do you have plans?" You ask quickly, fighting to not stumble over your words.

"No, um, nothing," He clears his throat, "Nothing."

"How does coffee sound?"

You're taken back to two years ago, the two of you young and foolish on set together, playing two characters that were stumbling over themselves to fall in love. The way you'd felt exactly the same for Drew as you had for his character then. But those characters weren't going to last - they were naïve and it was all passion and misplaced love. These two characters were different. They'd aged and broken their own hearts, learnt more about themselves than they'd ever let someone see before. And that, this, was the thing that lasted.

"Coffee sounds great," Drew nods, "Something tells me we've got a lot to catch up on."

You shrug your shoulders and let the inevitable smile break its way onto your features, "Oh, you know, just the usual."

[queen-dahlia]

𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐯𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧

𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟰

Note: Translation is not 100% accurate. Expect grammatical errors.

// : alternate translation | words in blue was the 4:4 answer

As a spy for Prince Chevalier, I would like to get as much information as possible about Prince Gilbert.

It was this sense of mission that allowed me to remain calm even when the beast captured me.

Gilbert: "Heh. Since you were so competent, I'll tell you one thing about me."

Prince Gilbert embraces me and wraps me in his cold temperature.

The fear of being held in the bosom of a ravenous beast is stronger than the thriving tension caused by the proximity to the opposite sex.

Emma: "What is it?"

Gilbert: "I'm actually—"

Gilbert: "I'm cold."

(. . . . . .)

Emma: "… I know."

Gilbert: "Here's the thing."

It was as if he were holding a stuffed animal, and I found it hard to breathe.

Gilbert: "I'm cold, so I like to feel the warmth of people all the time."

(...I see?)

(This information... doesn't seem to be of any use.)

I think I may have solved the mystery of Prince Gilbert's unusually close proximity to me.

Gilbert: "I like you, little rabbit, because you're warm."

Emma: "... Why don't you put on something warmer instead of holding me?"

Gilbert: "Is it bad?"

Emma: "It's better than being misunderstood."

When a man and a woman embrace, people around them tend to assume that they are in a relationship.

This is a problem that should not be tolerated, even for a guest of honor.

I tried to get out of his arms, but he only held me with enough force to make my bones ache.

Gilbert: "I don't mind being misunderstood."

Emma: "I don't like it... and it hurts!"

Gilbert: "I'm sorry. It's hard to control my strength."

I was released unexpectedly and easily, and I let out a sigh of relief.

But then he immediately grabbed my hand, and my shoulders jumped.

Emma: "Please let go."

Gilbert: "How can you say that to a guest of honor?"

Emma: "I don't want to put up with everything just because you're a royal."   //   "I don't want to put up with everything just because you are a prince."

Gilbert: "Ahaha, you're so cheeky."

Gilbert: "But I like that part of you, you know?"

(He doesn't seem offended... Rather, he seems to enjoy it.)

Gilbert: "Hmm... once you get used to it, I bet you won't feel a thing."

Gilbert: "By then it will be too late, though, won't it?"

══════════════════

—After finishing their business at the orphanage, Leon and Eve's smiles disappeared as soon as they got into the carriage.

Emma: "Is there a problem?"

(As far as I can tell, though, it seems to be operating normally.)

All the children I played with looked happy.

Leon, however, who is sitting across from me, looks bitter.

Leon: "There is nothing wrong with the operation itself. The children didn't seem to be treated unfairly."

Yves: "That's the only thing that helps. It's like they're going to take good care of them until they get out of the orphanage."

(The way you put it...)

Emma: "After leaving the orphanage—"

Gilbert: "They will be the tools of a perverted noble with bad taste, won't they?"

Emma: "What do you mean?"

Next to me, Prince Gilbert chuckles.

His red eye isn't smiling at all.

Gilbert: "Orphans have no family registry, so they're perfect for hard work."

Gilbert: "But slavery was abolished in Rhodolite a long time ago, so it takes a bit of work to get people to work for you."

Gilbert: "The fact that they are moving in the domestic affairs sector means that some aristocrats are using their power to buy up children…"

Gilbert: "It means there's a good chance they're in the business. In other words, aren't they suspected of human trafficking?"

(!?)

Leon: "Lord Gilbert has a good eye, doesn't he?"

Gilbert: "It happens a lot in my home too."

(Unbelievable.)

All the children I met at the orphanage had beautiful smiles on their faces.

I don't even want to think about the harsh future that awaits them—that their smiles will be shattered.

Leon: "I've looked at the list of foster parents of children in orphanages, and most of them are probably fictitious names."

Leon: "The only way to prove that the list is false is to find the children who were placed in foster care."

Emma: "How?"

Yves: "It's obvious."

Yves clenches his fists tightly in his lap and opens his mouth with a stern, even angry look on his face.

Yves: "We're going to meet the root of all evil."

══════════════════

(... It's very troubling.)

The princes from the domestic affairs faction joined the knights and arrived at the residence of a baron.

Leon and Yves were so convinced that they sent knights and soldiers to search the house, despite the baron's confusion.

Leon: "Julius, how was it?"

Julius: "We found children locked up in the basement."

(They really found them!)

The baron's complexion turned pale when Julius, one of the soldiers from the domestic affairs faction, reported the incident.

Leon: "Make sure it matches the roster."

Julius' eyes widen as Leon hands him the document.

Julius: "Did you steal it from the orphanage?"

Leon: "That sounds bad. I borrowed it."

Julius: "As expected of Prince Leon."

Leon: "Thank you. Don't let anyone get away. We'll get them all."

Julius: "Yes, sir."

As he was leaving, Julius looked at Prince Gilbert, who was standing in the corner of the room.

(.....?)

It was only for a moment, but it was different from hostility—in fact, I think I even felt a sense of longing and respect.

(What was that?)

Gilbert: "You've got some interesting things here."

Emma: "Prince Gilbert?"

Gilbert: "Oh, no, it's nothing."

Gilbert: "The show is about to start, and you need to focus on that."

(... I'm curious, but for now I'll just keep it in mind.)

A short distance away from us, Yves was confronting the baron with a determined demeanor.

Yves: "Now, Baron. Would you like to explain what's going on?"

Yves: "Why is this house full of orphaned children?"

Baron: ". . . . . ." 

(But how did they know the baron was involved in human trafficking?)

Gilbert: "I'm sure it was a whistleblower."   //   "It must have been a tip-off."

Perhaps the question was on my face, Prince Gilbert whispers in a hushed voice.

Emma: "Do you mean to say that someone has informed the court of the wrongdoings of the Baron?"

Gilbert: "Yep. So they sent an external spy to look into it, and when they found the results, the princes went to inspect it in person."

Gilbert: "Before the evidence is destroyed, they will take the documents from the orphanage and question the nobles about their wrongdoings."

Gilbert: "If the royal family goes in person, they can't refuse an investigation, so I think it's a surefire way to do it, albeit a forceful one."

(It's a sign that the domestic faction princes are properly listening to their people.)

Gilbert: "However, nobles are creatures who like to struggle."

Gilbert: "... Little rabbit, if you don't want to die, don't leave, okay?"

Emma: "What does that mean—?"

The answer to the question did not need to be asked.

The baron rings the bell on his desk, and armed men swarm into the guest room, their weapons drawn at once.

(Is this what "struggling" means!?)

Leon: "Mercenaries?"

Yves: "No, it looks like a mix of amateurs."

Leon: "Right. Given that they know we're royalty and are willing to pick a fight, I'd say they're a radical group of anti-monarchists."

(…"Anti-monarchy"?)

Baron: "It's not that I didn't consider the possibility that you might come to investigate at all."

Baron: "Then I'll be out of here."

(What, you're going to run away?)

Armed people blocked the way to protect the baron, who turned on his heel.

The knights and soldiers have been sent to search the mansion, and only Leon, Yves, Prince Gilbert, and I are here.

(But these people only saw Leon and Yves.)

There were no weapons pointed at me or Prince Gilbert, as we were not in a prominent place to begin with.

Gilbert: "What will you do, little rabbit?"

Even in the face of the tense situation, Prince Gilbert never fails to smile.

Gilbert: "There doesn't seem to be anything you can do about it."

Emma: "No! I'm going after the Baron!"

Leon and Yves each draw their swords and engage.

Soldiers and knights must be in the same situation, as we can hear the sounds of fighting from outside the room.

(At this rate, the Baron will escape!)

My feet are moving before I can think.

But he grabbed my hand forcefully.

Emma: "Prince Gilbert!"

Gilbert: "You're an idiot."

A single unrelenting word, like a dash of cold water, brought me back to myself.

Gilbert: "There's no way you can keep up with him."

Emma: "But–"

Gilbert: "I hate it. I don't want to run in vain."

(… As Prince Gilbert said, I feel like I can't catch him even if I chase him blindly.)

(On the other hand, if we sit here and watch the process with bated breath, we will let the criminal escape.)

Emma: "I'll go ahead and ambush him."

Gilbert: "Can you do it?"

Emma: "It's a case of one or the other, but..."

Gilbert: "I think an ill-thought-out preemptive move would certainly fail."

Emma: ". . . . . ."

Prince Gilbert smiles refreshingly and turns his back on me.

It's not like you can just take a leisurely stroll and proceed to the doorway, and no one will pay any attention to you.

It was because the armed men were being pushed by Leon and Yves.

Gilbert: "Hey, aren't you coming with me?"

Emma: "… Where are you going?"

Gilbert: "You're the one who said you'd get ahead."

Emma: "... Will you help me?"

Gilbert: "Yep. Because helping you is my job today."

Gilbert: "I need to be of some help."

(Can I trust you?)

(... No, I can't spare the time to get lost right now.)

I hurriedly chased after the black back that was moving away from his troubled question.

Leon: "Emma!"

Emma: "Don't worry, I'll buy you some time!"

Leon: "... Okay, but don't be too reckless. I'll follow you right away!"

I assured Leon and left the room...

══════════════════

(I could really get ahead of myself.)

Prince Gilbert's accuracy was as if he had grasped the entire structure of the mansion.

When the baron appeared a few minutes later, I felt the same excitement as when I saw the magic trick.

(… You mean to say that he read the baron's movements with a complete understanding of the structure of the mansion, which was supposed to be his first visit?)

This person's potential is limitless, and I unconsciously clasped my hands.

Baron: "What the hell is going on? Why are you here?"

Gilbert: "The little rabbit wants to talk to you."

(... This is not the time to stand around aimlessly)

I go in front of Prince Gilbert and face the Baron, who tries to move on.

(Let's have the appropriate conversation and buy some time.)

Emma: "Why do you do such terrible things to children?"

I wasn't sure if I could get an answer to my question, but fortunately, the baron stopped in his tracks.

Baron: "Terrible? I was just doing my business!"

Baron: "Rather, they should be grateful for the food, clothing, and shelter that I provided."

Baron: "I'm giving value to these orphans who have nowhere else to go."

Emma: "... That value doesn't seem like a good thing to me."

(If they found the children in the dungeons, I can only imagine how they treated them.)   //   (I can only imagine how they handle the children found in the dungeons.)

Baron: "What's the matter? A person's value is determined by their birth."

Baron: "Do you understand that we can never stand on the same stage as those who live at the bottom?"

Baron: "In a sense, I am a benevolent being for giving them a use for which they have no status."

(... Are you serious?)

Emma: "Have the children ever laughed even once in this mansion?"

Baron: "If you have a child like that, you have to educate him. It is the duty of the nobility to make them understand their place in the world."

(I think everyone has a different set of values, but this person's way of thinking is fundamentally incompatible with the other people.)

The more words we exchange, the more discomfort fills my heart.

I didn't feel like I could compromise, and no matter how much I punched the wall of my hardened sense of values, it didn't seem like it would crumble.

Emma: "... Crime is a crime."

Emma: "What you did is against the law at Rhodolite, so don't run away and atone for it."

Baron: "I don't know which daughter you are, but don't tell me what to do."

Baron: "It's time for you to get out of the way."

Emma: "… I refuse."

Baron: "Then I have no choice."

The baron draws his sword and closes the distance between us with a hint of power.

(What should I do? Anything that might be a weapon—)

Gilbert: "Hey, who gave you permission to touch the little rabbit?"

(Ah.)

Before the sword can reach me, a jet-black cane slams into the baron's chest.

The moment I saw Prince Gilbert stomping his crumpled body on the floor and laughing so beautifully that it was frightening.

What came up was a chill that made me feel nauseous.

(… I don't know why. It's not like I'm being stepped on, but it looks painful.)

The air suddenly changes.

Gilbert: "No, you can't. The little rabbit is my prey."

Gilbert: "I don't remember allowing anyone other than me to hurt her."

(What's that?)

Even if I want to say something, it doesn't come out.

Without "Prince Gilbert's permission," it is difficult to even move a finger.

Gilbert: "Those with status have the right to do as they please with those below them."

Gilbert: "That's what you're trying to say, isn't it?"

Baron: "Ah..."

Gilbert: "Hmm, what is it? You look dissatisfied, but it can't be helped."

Gilbert: "Because just as you mistreated orphans with no backing, I have every right to mistreat you."

Gilbert: "I am a member of the royal family, and you are a third-class aristocrat. I have to tell you the difference in status, right?"

(… Prince Gilbert looks very angry.)

Something is stuck, but the overwhelming air, with even a hint of blood, disturbs my thoughts.

The baron, who was under the full pressure of the beast, was about to peel off the whites of his eyes.

Gilbert: "What should we do, little rabbit? Shall I kill him?"

(……Eh?)

The words are so casual, as if to say, "Let's eat sweets together," that I can hardly believe my ears.

Prince Gilbert's smile did not waver, but it was still a place of fear.

Emma: "No!"

Gilbert: "Why?"

Emma: "Because... no one has the right to kill anyone."

Emma: "This man must be judged by the law."

Gilbert: "Rhodolite is troublesome."

Emma: "… Is it different in Obsidian?"

Gilbert: "Yeah. Because I'm the law."

Emma: "Prince Gilbert is the law?"

Gilbert: "Yes, the royal command is absolute."   //   "Yes, the royal family's orders are absolute."

Gilbert: "If I say I'm going to kill you, then killing you is justice and the lawful way to punish you."

(… Such a messed up thing can work.)

I exhaled, but I was still trembling.

Gilbert: "Lucky for you, this is Rhodolite."

Gilbert: "If it was in Obsidian, he'd be dead."

Gilbert: "I don't want any wicked nobles who defile innocent children."

The baron had already passed out.

It's not like he used violence to the extent that he lost consciousness, and it was abnormal to control the place with only murderous intent.

His red eye had no emotion in them.

It is as cold as Prince Gilbert's body temperature.

(Not the way I look at people.)

Emma: "So you are like the Baron, Prince Gilbert."

Emma: "Both of you think that 'those who have a social status have the right to do whatever they want with those below them.'"

Gilbert: "Fufu... that's how the "royal family" is like."

(I never knew.)

(Apart from the fact that he is the prince of an enemy country, I always feel fear towards Prince Gilbert.)

Where does this instinctive alertness come from?

The answer is right in front of me.

Emma: "In your eyes…"

Emma: "There are no "humans" in it."

Gilbert: ". . . . . ."

(There are no humans in Prince Gilbert's world.)

(That's why he can "kill" with impunity and be kind to children in the same vein.)

Since he doesn't think that they are "humans," there is no need to consider them.

Even with me, whether he hates it or is afraid of it, Prince Gilbert will push his will through.

(Not "like" a real beast.)

(… It's a beast in human skin.)

Gilbert: "Fufu, you despise me?"

Emma: ". . . . . ."

Gilbert: "I don't care what you think of me, though."

As if he had lost interest, he stepped away from the Baron, and Prince Gilbert returned.

My chin was constrained by the handle of the cane, and my gaze was drawn into his red eye.

Gilbert: "I hate humans."

Gilbert: "I don't love anyone. So you, too, better watch out."

Gilbert: "Because I'm a beast that can kill you with a smile, okay?"

Emma: ". . . . . ."

(… If I make a mistake—)

The baron rolling on the floor overlaps with my future self.

There was a fear there that was incomparable to the time the baron almost attacked me.

══════════════════

Emma: "—That's what happened today."

Chevalier: ". . . . . ."

That night, as soon as I returned to the court, I hurriedly headed to Chevalier.

Although the case of collusion between the orphanage and the baron for human trafficking was successfully resolved,

My heart was filled with darkness, like it was raining so hard that I felt like I was drowning. **

Chevalier: "That's a very apt description of the world without people in it."

Sitting on a chair, Prince Chevalier dropped his words without stopping his hand from turning the book.

Chevalier: "Do you know what another name for Obsidian is?"

Emma: "... A country of military and ores?"

Chevalier: "No… A country of deceit and corruption."

Chevalier: "Every country has its share of power-hungry fools, and Obsidian is no exception."

Chevalier: "Corruption and lies are a daily occurrence, and when you're the royal family of such a country, it's easy to imagine."

Emma: "… It’s not a very nice country, is it?"

Chevalier: "It's just a rumor."

Chevalier: "The actual inner workings are not clear. Obsidian is a country where information is strictly controlled."

Emma: ". . . . . ."

Chevalier: "… Aren't you dissatisfied?"

Emma: "No…"

(I understand that Prince Gilbert must have his own circumstances.)

If you are the ruler of a country of deceit and corruption, it may be difficult for you to see people as humans.

(I just can't accept that.)

(… I don't think a prince who doesn't love anyone is a very good thing.)

Chevalier: "I don't think there's anything wrong with that."

Emma: "How did you know what I was thinking?"

Chevalier: "It's on your face."

(Yes, I guess so.)

When I held back, he snickered at me.

Chevalier: "Sometimes rulers need to cut down on the hearts and minds of the people."

Chevalier: "That's just the idealistic way to be a champion."

Emma: "So you affirm the way Prince Gilbert is."

Chevalier: "It's not the same as affirmation. It just means I understand."

Chevalier: "If you don't see people as humans, then you are the same, right?"

Emma: "The same...?"

Chevalier: "You don't see Eyepatch as a person."

(… Ah.)

Chevalier: "By nature, people have no fear."

Chevalier: "For you, it was the beast and not a person."

Chevalier: "By being aware of this, you are protecting yourself. Are you saying that this is wrong?"

(… I couldn't say anything about the people.)

While I accuse him of not seeing people as people, I myself only treat Prince Gilbert that way.

The moment I realized it, I felt a pain as if the thorns of a rose were entwining my heart.

Emma: "… I did something terrible."

Chevalier: "You're dealing with the enemy."

Emma: "But… What did Prince Gilbert think?"

(I know I'm the one who needs to be vigilant.)

(… But that's not what this is about.)

Even today, Prince Gilbert helped me.

If it weren't for Prince Gilbert, I'd probably be severely injured right now.

I might have missed the baron in the first place.

(And yet, I haven't even thanked him.)

(… I'm the worst.)

Chevalier: "You don't need to feel guilty."

Chevalier: "It would be useless to say that."

Closing the book, Prince Chevalier stood up and flicked my forehead.

Emma: "… It hurts."

Chevalier: ". . . . . ."

Chevalier: "You can use the palace kitchen as you like. The expenses of the materials should be paid to the foreign government as entertainment fees."

(… How much can Prince Chevalier see through this?)

He snickers once more, and Prince Chevalier returns the book he was holding back to the shelf.

Chevalier: "Even so... I don't think "I hate humans" is the word of a man who hates deception."

Emma: "Huh?"

Chevalier: ". . . . . ."

(… What does it mean?)

Prince Chevalier said no further words.

I bowed and left the library, too, before the night was over.

══════════════════

Gilbert: "… I never thought the little rabbit would come to visit me in the middle of the night."   //   "… I didn't expect a visit from the little rabbit in the middle of the night."

Gilbert: "Maybe you're a night crawler?"

Emma: "No."

Emma: "May I have a moment of your time?"

[melishade]

Attack on Prime New Age Anthology: Reunions

Main Story

Catching Up

Catching Up Part 2

Released from Quarantine

People are reunited with loved ones.

Colt and Gabi were led to a new room by Nurse Darby, who they later learned to be Jack's mom. They were all wearing face masks that she had described as protection against unseen viruses. When she opened the door, both gasped to see Falco resting peacefully on a hospital bed. There were tubes in his nose to help him breathe, a heart monitor tracking his heart rate, and a needle in his arm connected to an IV.

"Falco!" Colt cried out as he ran over to his brother. He hugged him close, letting the tears fall down his face and hit his brother's cheeks.

"Will he wake up?" Gabi asked June.

"It's hard to say," June confessed, "He's been in a coma with no medical treatment. We're monitoring his condition as best as we can, and we're hoping that it'll be enough."

"...I did this," Gabi mumbled to herself.

"No. This isn't your fault." June kneeled down and placed her hands on Gabi's shoulders.

"But it's true." Gabi felt tears sting her eyes, "I-!....I stormed Wheeljack's ship in rage and Falco begged him not to go. He followed me as I tried to kill people onboard. And the bullet ricochet and hit him." Gabi covered her eyes as the tears began to fall. "I might as well have killed him, and the last thing he'll remember is that I told him he was a bad friend."

June genuinely didn't know what to say to that. How could she? A child was confessing to all of these things? How was she supposed to comfort that? June took a deep breath and centered herself.

"Listen, Gabi," June began, "Right now...don't focus on that. Focus on doing what you can for Falco and Colt, okay?"

Gabi nodded solemnly as she wiped her tears.

"Why don't I get you guys from fresh face masks and some hot cocoa?" June suggested as she stood up, "You can stay here as long as you want. We'll be sure to bring you food. Okay?"

"Okay," Gabi mumbled. June then stood up and pushed Gabi forward so that she could be with the two brothers. June then exited the room and shut the door behind her before leaning against it. She let out a long exhale, rubbing her eyes with her hands before recollecting herself and walking away from the room. Her focus was healing the sick. That's what she needed to focus on right now.

===

"They're in here." Fowler opened the door for Willy, and Willy's heart stopped at the sight of his wife and children sitting and eating in a room together. They were wearing clothing so vastly different from their own world. They looked nothing like royalty. They looked like civilians.

Willy saw his wife, Victoria, turn her head and gasp at the gasp of Willy standing at the door. She stood up, and Willy couldn't help but think that it was weird to see her wife in pants.

"Willy!" Victoria started to cry.

"Daddy!" his children cried out with joy and relief as they ran up to him and clung to his legs. Willy couldn't help but fall to his knees and hold them all close to his chest.

"Dad!" Fine cried out as she hugged him so tight, "Dad, you're alive!"

"Yes, I'm alive!" Willy sobbed, "I'm here!"

Victoria finally kneeled down and grabbed Willy's face before kissing him dead on the lips. Willy reciprocated in kind before releasing his wife and wiping away her tears.

"I thought I'd lose you," Victoria confessed.

"I'm here, and I'm never going away again," Willy swore, "I promise."

Fowler smiled slightly as the family was finally reunited before he shut the door to give them some privacy. He turned his attention to Kenshin, who merely crossed his arms and stared down at the floor with bitterness.

"You alright?" Fowler asked.

"...I'm bitter," Kenshin confessed.

Fowler placed a hand on Kenshin's shoulders in comfort. "It'll be okay, son."

Kenshin shook his head. "It's never going to be okay."

====

Erwin watched with apprehension at the mess that was Hanji's new quarantine area. Papers were strung all over the walls by magnets, strings, and tape. Torn paper was scattered all over the floor. The table they were given was such a mess, stained with pen smudges and food. But Hanji didn't even notice him as they were deep in thought and pacing around the room.

"And they've been at this for how long?" Erwin asked General Bryce.

"They haven't slept in a few days. Maybe a week," Bryce explained, "That shouldn't be physically possible; it's going to be detrimental to their health. Despite the fact that we've been getting good information from them, we need them alive to actually depict the madness on the wall right now."

Erwin stared at the cluttered wall as a realization dawned on him. "This isn't madness. It's grief."

"What?" Bryce was confused as Erwin stepped forward and knocked on the glass with his flesh hand. Hanji raised their head and gasped with excitement.

"Erwin!" Hanji's body slammed against the glass directly in front of Erwin, "It's good to see you in the flesh! God, I have so much I want to talk about! This place is so advanced!" Hanji started cackling, but Erwin kept calm and pressed his palm against the glass.

"I'm sure there's a lot you want to talk about," Erwin began, "But I think it'd be better for you to rest."

"Nope!" Hanji pushed themselves away from the wall, "I have too much to decipher and reprogram! I have to draw up the blueprints! This is no doubt the consequences of me not asking my questions to him, but that's okay! The fun of science is the discovery!"

"Hanji, you've been awake for a while now," Erwin reminded, "That's not good for you."

"Nothing is ever truly good for you!" Hanji retorted, but Erwin noticed they were now trying to force a smile.

"You need a break," Erwin declared, "You need to actually sleep before you come back to this."

"No thank you!" Hanji snatched the taser from the table, "I want to show you how this works instead!"

"Hanji, you're not being productive," Erwin proclaimed before looking down at the tattered sheets of paper on the floor, "You're out of control, and your writing becomes messier when you can't process your thoughts."

"You don't know that! I mean you haven't been commander for the past four years, and the military is effectively dismantled! You can't order me at all!" Hanji snapped at him.

"I'm telling you as a friend," Erwin declared, "I don't want to see you collapse and end up in the hospital again...and neither does Levi. Not when he walks up."

Hanji turned away from Erwin and rubbed their arm. "...That's a low blow, even for you."

"I know," Erwin agreed, "But we're already experiencing enough chaos right now, and I need you in top shape to help deal with it."

"...Erwin, I don't want to stop," Hanji confessed, "I'm afraid to shut my eyes and this is all a dream. That...I'm back there...or I'm dead...and the titans and Eren-!"

"I'm right here," Erwin swore, "I'm not going anywhere."

Hanji rubbed their cheeks in defeat and frustration. "I don't think I can sleep."

"We can get you melatonin. That should be able to help you sleep," Bryce informed.

"Never heard of it," Hanji called out.

"It will help, but we're only going to give you a few," Bryce explained.

"Right. Too many of anything can be bad," Hanji remarked as Bryce walked out of the room, "Thank you Bryce. And sorry for making that guy cry!"

Hanji noticed Erwin sitting down against the glass and raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What are you doing?"

"I told you I'm staying," Erwin reminded.

"Levi needs you more than me," Hanji retorted.

"Levi has medical professionals checking him," Erwin stated, "You're making people cry and refuse to calm down. I think you need me right now more than Levi does."

Hanji didn't reply to that as they sat down and rested against the glass behind Erwin. "Okay. You win."

"It was never about winning," Erwin reminded.

===

Sasha could only stare solemnly at the closed casket that supposedly held Connie's body inside. Behind her, stood Armin, Historia, Onyankopon, Jack, and Rafael.

"Can't I open it to see him?" Sasha asked.

"He's been dead over a month at this point," Jack answered, "It's not going to be good for your physical or mental health."

"Connie died in my arms with a gaping hole in his abdomen," Sasha snapped at him, "How much more traumatized can I get?!"

"Sasha," Armin warned her.

Sasha didn't reply to Armin's preparation of a scolding and turned back to the coffin. "This is such bullshit."

"He was your friend," Rafael spoke up, "You have the right to bury him wherever you want when you go back home."

"I'm burying him in his hometown," Sasha declared.

"...we can make it a memorial sight," Historia proclaimed as she walked up and placed a hand on Sasha's shoulder, "To honor those that were killed during Marley's attack on Wall Rose."

"...That does sound nice," Sasha agreed.

"It better be nice," A voice spoke up. Everyone snapped their heads to see Jean getting wheeled into the morgue by Miko, wearing a hospital gown and a bandaged stump where his leg used to be.

"Miko, you didn't-!"

"I asked your mom!" Miko rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Thanks again for bringing me here," Jean said to her.

"No problem, man." Miko patted his shoulder before Jean wheeled himself over to Connie's casket. He stared at the box solemnly before turning his attention to Sasha. "How are you feeling?"

"Like shit," Sasha mumbled.

Jean sighed to himself. "At least we know he's in a better place along with his family."

"...I still want him here," Sasha confessed.

"...Me too," Jean admitted before he noticed something, "Wait, where's Mikasa?"

"We...we don't know," Armin confessed.

"What do you mean you don't know?!" Jean turned to Armin, "Wasn't she there during the final battle?!"

"Yes, we were right next to each other, and then I went to check on Megatron-!"

"Stupid decision really," Rafael interjected.

"And then when I went back to check on her, she was gone and she abandoned her 3D gear!" Armin explained.

"You didn't see where she went?! She couldn't have gotten far when you were taken!" Jean retorted.

"Look, Jean, everything was just so chaotic, and I just lost track! I didn't think that she'd leave," Armin lamented.

"Well, like we promised, we're going to help you find her," Jack proclaimed, "It'll be like finding a needle in a haystack, but we gotta start somewhere."

"Maybe she didn't ditch her communicator," Rafael theorized, "If she kept it in, we might be able to pinpoint her location. If not-!"

"We'll be back to square one," Miko concluded.

“We can go back to the sight of the final battle and retrace her steps,” Jack suggested.

“And track what?! A good portion of the area was trampled by giant, skinless feet!” Miko exclaimed.

“We’ll figure it out,” Jack declared, “That’s our job.”

“Can you guys help with the burial?” Sasha asked.

“We’ll help with that too,” Jack reassured, “Why don’t we create a game plan first? There’s going to be things demanded of us pretty soon and we need to find a way to tackle them all. If we plan it out, it’ll be easier to handle.”

“Sounds good.” Miko held out a clenched fist towards Jack, and Jack bumped his fist to hers. Rafael joined the two of them before all three turned to the 104th.

“Sound like a good game plan?” Miko asked them.

“Um…” Armin trailed off. Historia was the first to step forward and bump her fist with the others. Armin decided to join Historia, followed by Sasha, who wheeled Jean over so that he could join the act of cooperation.

“Alright. Let’s do this,” Jack grinned.

(New Age anthology is close to wrapping up. The last part with be about Mikasa, but the few before them will address a few additional loose ends before going back to the main story.)

[annwrites]

— pairing: chainsaw angus x lilsister!reader

— type: one-shot (collection)

— summary: it's your birthday.

— tw: domestic violence

— word count: 1,138

— tagging list: @emilynissangtr

Today is your birthday. You don't consider it a special day. Not anymore. Maybe you did when you were little—for the first few years of your young life—but now it's just like any other day.

You spend the day cleaning like always, running through your normal routine while Angus is off at the lab. Or elsewhere.

He didn't tell you where he was going this morning.

You hadn't asked.

You wonder sometimes which he prefers: you showing interest, so he can feel like he's important to you for more than just your survival—even if he's the thing that's slowly killing you—or seeming indifferent; your nose kept out of his business. Literal or otherwise.

That evening, Angus returns to the smell of lasagna wafting through the house. He finds you on the couch, reading a mass-market paperback, a throw-blanket resting over your legs and lap.

He extends a hand toward you, the other hidden behind his back. "Here."

You reach up, smiling, gently taking the plush object from his grip: a cheap brown teddy bear, that's holding a red heart, which says 'Happy Birthday!' in white thread. You try to imagine him walking through a store with it in-hand and fight back the urge to laugh at such an image.

You hug it to your chest, staring up at him, your cheeks now flushed. "Thank you. I love it."

He jerks his head in the direction of the kitchen. "C'mon. One more thing."

Your brows furrow. "The lasagna is still cooling. I just took it out."

He shakes his head, reaching down, taking your hand, your teddy falling onto the floor. "Not about that."

You rise from the couch, tossing your blanket aside, looking back over your shoulder at your forgotten gift as he pulls you in another direction, feeling sorry that this is the little guys new home.

You promise yourself mentally that you'll take good care of him.

You're currently seated at the dining-room table that's positioned in the middle of the kitchen, the oak-wood surface gleaming against the overhead light. The tablecloth is currently in the dryer. You'd forgotten to pull it out earlier. You still have placemats, though.

Angus sets a single cupcake—with light-pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles atop it—down in front of you, a single candle stuck in the middle.

Now you know what he'd been hiding.

You release a breath of relief then.

He walks over to the junk drawer, retrieving a lighter, a flame sparking to life as he lights the wick.

You lean forward, softly blowing, and it fizzles out.

You look back to Angus, who's currently leaned back against the stove, his arms crossed.

"What'd you wish for?"

You give him a pleasant lie, hoping he can't tell that it is one.

"I already have everything I want."

He nods, just once. "Let's eat."

The two of you dine in silence, your cupcake sitting in the middle of the table.

You're saving it for dessert.

You'd offered to split it with Angus once the two of you were done, but he'd said he'd gotten it for you to have.

He'd let you use the fine China for dinner tonight that had come from your grandmother. It was one of the things he took from the old house when the bank repo'd it after your dad's 'suicide'.

You're very careful not to leave a single scratch on the porcelain.

Once dinner is through, you forgo putting the plates in the dishwasher, instead choosing to hand-wash them with a soft sponge instead.

Once they're clean and dry, you turn around to return them to their home in their specific cupboard across the room, but you trip over Angus' foot.

You fall, and they shatter.

You stare in horror at the ruined dishes, beginning to shake. "I—I'm so sorry."

You scramble to begin picking them up, your lasagna likely to make a reapperance.

He loudly scoots his chair back and you flinch.

He kneels down, quickly grabbing you by the hair at the back of your head, staring into your terror-filled eyes. "Do you have any fucking idea how much those were worth?"

You blink up at him, still on your hands and knees. "I didn't... I didn't mean to. Your foot—I tripped."

He raises a brow, his nostrils flaring, pulling harder against your scalp. "Are you trying to make this my fault?"

You begin vehemently shaking your head. "No, no, of course not. It was an accident. I...maybe I can try to super-glue them back together? The big pieces."

He grabs your face in his free hand, squeezing your cheeks so hard you're afraid he'll break your temporomandibular joint. You won't be eating again for some time if he does, you suppose. Not solid foods, at least.

He won't be spoon-feeding you, that's for certain.

He sneers. "They can't be fucking fixed. I should've known better than to let you near them. You break everything you touch."

A quiet sob escapes your lips.

"I'm so sorry," you say, choking back tears.

"Stop fucking crying!" He shouts, shaking you.

You squeeze your eyes shut, willing it away. Hoping that when you open them again, he'll have disappeared.

Finally, he tosses you to the side.

He grabs your cupcake from the table, throwing it onto the floor.

Now you'll have to mop again.

There goes your dessert.

Along with your perfect night.

And your birthday celebrations, no matter how small.

"Clean it up," he spits, stalking out of the room.

He looks to the table over his shoulder. "And put the goddamn tablecloth back. Don't need you scratching it up and ruining it, too."

Once the kitchen has been tended to, and you feel numb instead of like all your nerves are frayed—you'd cried yourself to the point of exhaustion—you find the living room empty.

His car isn't out front anymore.

And your teddy's head is lying across the room, stuffing protruding from its neck.

You pick up its body, and its head, going into the bedroom.

You'd stuck yourself more than once, and it looks a little funny—you're no seamstress—but you'd managed to put him back together again.

You'd sung yourself a nursery rhyme while fixing him. That one about an egg.

It never did say that's what he was in the song.

You hide your new friend away beneath your secret floorboard that Angus doesn't know about—the one beneath the rug under the bedframe—and suddenly don't feel so lonely.

Now you're both trapped in darkness you can't ever escape. Broken things that've had to be mended. Neither of you quite the same after being 'repaired'. Pieces of you missing afterwards that you can't properly fit back inside.

At least you'll suffer together.

Happy birthday, you whisper to yourself.

[ga-yuu]

[Gilbert Von Obsidian Story Chapter 4]

WARNING: The following topic contains topics about human trafficking, child labor, and slavery.

----Part 1----

As Prince Chevalier's spy, I wanted to get as much info about Prince Gilbert as possible.

It was this sense of mission that allowed me to still remain calm even after being captured by the beast.

Gilbert: "

Gilbert: "....Fufu. I'm happy. For that, I'll tell you one thing about me."

Prince Gilbert brings me closer and holds me tightly.

I feel my body instantly turned ice cold.

Emma: "W-What?"

Gilbert: "Actually, I..."

Gilbert: "I'm cold."

(..............)

Emma: "......I know."

Gilbert: "Here's the thing."

He hugged me tightly as if I were a stuffed animal and my breathing become labored.

Gilbert: "I'm cold, so I like to feel the warmth of people all the time."

(....I see...)

(This info.....doesn't seem to be of any use)

I think I may have just solved the mystery of Prince Gilbert's unusual distance.

Gilbert: "I like this little bunny because she is so warm."

Emma: "How about putting on your cold weather gear instead of suffocating me....?"

Gilbert: "Will that help?"

Emma: "It's better than anyone misunderstanding us."

If a man and a woman are seen hugging, people around them will assume that they are in a relationship.

This is a problem that should not be tolerated, even if it's done by guests of the state.

I tried to slip out of his arms, but he only held me with such force that my bones creaked.

Gilbert: "I don't mind if anyone misunderstands."

Emma: "I hate it...also it hurts!"

Gilbert: "Oh sorry. It's hard to find the right amount of force."

After releasing me, I sighed in relief.

But soon my hand was gabbed and my shoulders jumped.

----Options-----

....I'm in trouble.

Be patient.

Let go

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

Emma: "....I'm in trouble."

Gilbert: "You poor thing."

Emma: "........."

Gilbert: "Hmm...once you get used to it, I bet you won't feel a thing."

Gilbert: "By then it's too late, though right?"

..........

After finishing their business at the Orphanage, Leon and Yves's smiles disappeared as soon as they got into the carriage.

Emma: "What's the matter?"

(It seemed to be running fine as far as I could tell though....)

Every single child I played with seemed happy.

Leon however sitting across from me looks bitter.

Leon: "The children didn't seem to be treated unreasonably. The management there is fine."

Yves: "They will do everything that is required. They're going to take good care of them until they get out of foster care."

(That way of putting it....)

Emma: "After leaving foster care..."

Gilbert: "They're going to be the tools of the trade of a perverted aristocrat with bad hobbies, right?"

Emma: "....What do you mean?"

Prince Gilbert who is sitting next to me, smiles.

But his red eyes weren't smiling at all.

Gilbert: "Orphans are perfect for child labor because they don't have a family register."

Gilbert: "But slavery was abolished in Rhodolite a long time ago, so it takes a bit of work to get people to work for you."

Gilbert: "The fact that this reached the internal affairs faction's ears means that some aristocrat is going to use his power to buy up children and...."

Gilbert: "It means that he's most likely doing this as a business. In other words, human trafficking?"

(!?)

Leon: "....Prince Gilbert has a keen eye, doesn't he?"

Gilbert: "This kind of thing always happens in my home country."

(....unbelievable)

All the children I met at the orphanage had beautiful smiles on their faces.

I don't even want to think about the harsh future that awaits them. That would shatter those smiles.

Leon: "I've looked at the foster care listings for children in the orphanage and most of them are probably fictitious names."

Leon: "The only way to prove the list false is to find the children who were placed in foster care."

Emma: "How?"

Yves: "That's decided, isn't it?"

Yves clenches his fists tightly on his lap and opens his mouth with a stern, even angry look on his face.

Yves: "We're going to meet the root of all evil."

----Part 2----

(...It was bigger problem than we imagined)

The princes from the internal affairs faction joined the knights and arrived at a certain Baron's mansion.

Leon and Yves were so convinced that they sent knights and soldiers to search the mansion, despite the Baron's confusion.

Leon: "Julius, how did it go?"

Julius: "Children who are held captive are found in the basement."

(Finally!)

The report from Julius, one of the soldiers from the internal affairs faction caused the Baron's complexion to turn pale.

Leon: "Make sure it matches the roster."

Julius's eyes widen as Leon hands him a document.

Julius: "Did you steal it from the orphanage?"

Leon: "That sounds bad. I borrowed it."

Julius: "As expected from you, your highness."

Leon: "Thank you. Don't let anyone get away. I want them all."

Julius: "Leave it to me."

As he left, Sir Julius looked at Prince Gilbert, who was standing in the corner of the room.

(....?)

It was only for a moment, but I think I even felt a sense of awe...rather than hostility.

(I wonder what it was just now)

Gilbert: "...What an interesting pet to keep."

Emma: "Your highness?"

Gilbert: "Ah, no nothing."

Gilbert: "The freak show is about to start, so let's watch carefully shall we?"

(....Maybe it's just my imagination. But I'll just keep it in my mind for now)

At some distance from us, Yves confronted the Baron in a resolute manner.

Yves: "Now, Baron. Shall I explain what's going on?"

Yves: "Why is this compound filled with children who have been placed in foster care?"

Baron: "...Nn..."

(But how did they know the Baron was involved in the buying and selling?)

Gilbert: "Must have been a tip-off."

Perhaps the question was on my face, that Prince Gilbert whispered in a hushed voice.

Emma: "You mean to say, someone informed the court of this Baron's wrongdoings?"

Gilbert: "They sent an outside investigation agency and when they found who was behind it, the princes went directly to inspect it."

Gilbert: "They went to get the documents out of the orphanage before they could destroy the evidence, and came here to question the nobility about their wrongdoing.

Gilbert: "If the royal family goes in person, they can't refuse an investigation, so it's a forceful but surefire way to go about it."

(It's a sign that the inner-city princes are listening to their people)

Gilbert: "It's just that aristocrats are creatures that like to play hard to get."

Gilbert: "...Little bunny, if you don't want to die, don't leave okay?"

Emma: "What do you mean---"

But I already got my answer.

The Baron rings a bell on his desk, and armed men rushed into the drawing room, weapons at the ready.

(No way...this is!?)

Leon: "Mercenary...huh?"

Yves: "No I think there are some amateurs in the mix."

Leon: "Yeah. Looking at the fact that they know they're royalty and get into fights, it's an anti-royalist extremist 'group'"

(...Anti-royalist extremist?)

Baron: "It's not that I didn't consider the possibility that you might come to investigate at all."

Baron: "Then, if you will excuse me."

(Are you going to run away?)

As if to protect the Baron, who turned on his heel, armed people blocked our way.

The knights and soldiers have been sent to search the mansion and only Leon, Yves, Prince Gilbert and I were present.

(But these people only see Leon and Yves)

There were no weapons pointed at me or Prince Gilbert as if we weren't a threat at all.

Gilbert: "What do we do, Little bunny?"

Even in the face of a tense situation, Prince Gilbert never fails to crack a smile.

Gilbert: "Then again, there is nothing you can do here."

Emma: "....No! I will chase after the Baron!"

Both Leon and Yves unsheathed their swords and started fighting.

The soldiers and knights must be in a similar situation, as we can hear the sounds of the struggle from outside the room.

(At this rate, we will lose the Baron!)

Before I knew it, my feet started to move.

But suddenly someone grabbed my wrists tightly.

Emma: "Prince Gilbert!?"

Gilbert: "You are an idiot."

-----Part 3-----

I come back to myself with an unrelenting dash of cold water.

Gilbert: 'How could you possibly keep up with a man's legs?"

Emma: "But----"

Gilbert: "I don't like it. Seeing you running in vain like that"

(....I have a feeling that Prince Gilbert is right. We won't catch him if we chase him in the dark)

(But if we sit here and watch the process unfold with bated breath, we will miss the criminal)

Emma: "We'll ambush them ahead of time."

Gilbert: "How?"

Emma: "Hmmm, maybe just if we simply..."

Gilbert: "A thoughtless advance will surely fail."

Emma: "...."

Prince Gilbert smiles briskly out of place and turns away.

It's not like you can just take a leisurely stroll and proceed to the doorway and no one will pay any attention to you.

This was because the armed men were being pushed by Leon and Yves.

Gilbert: "Are you not coming with me?"

Emma: ".....But where are you going?"

Gilbert: "Didn't you say that you wanna ambush him ahead of time?"

Emma: "......So, are you helping me?"

Gilbert: "Mm. Helping you with your job is why I am here."

Gilbert: "Since I've promised, I have to keep my promise."

(Can I believe him?)

(....No, now is not the time to waste thinking that)

I hurriedly chase after the black back that is moving away from me while I am worrying about it.

Leon: "Emma!"

Emma: "Don't worry. I'll buy you some time!"

Leon: "....Got it. Be careful. I'll come for you after I finish this!"

I nodded to reassure Leon and left the room...

.................

(I could really get ahead of myself)

With the precision of a man who seems to know the entire structure of the mansion, Prince Gilbert blocks the narrow corridor.

When the Baron appeared a few minutes later, I felt the same excitement as when I saw the magic trick.

(....Don't tell me you read the Baron's movements with a perfect understanding of the structure of the mansion? That's something incredible for a person who visited this mansion for the first time)

This person's potential was unfathomable and I unconsciously clasped my hand.

Baron: "What the!? Why are you guys here!?"

Gilbert: "Little bunny here wants to talk to you."

(....Yes, I must not stand around aimlessly)

I step in front of Prince Gilbert and faced the Baron who tried to escape.

(Let's have a proper conversation and buy some time)

Emma: "Why are doing such terrible things to those children?"

I wasn't sure if I could get an answer to my question, but fortunately the Baron stopped.

Baron: "....Terrible? I was doing my business."

Baron: "Rather they should be grateful for the food, clothing, and shelter I'm giving to them."

Baron: "I'm giving value to these orphans who have nowhere else to go."

Emma: "........that value and all that doesn't sound like a good thing."

(I can only imagine how they would have handled the children found in the dungeon)

Baron: "What does it matter? A person's value is determined by their birth."

Baron: "They live in the sewers and we will never be on the same stage?"

Baron: "I am, in a way a benevolent being for giving such things a use and purpose for living."

(.....Are you serious?)

Emma: "Have you ever seen those children laugh in this mansion?"

Baron: "If I had a child like that, I'd have to educate them. It is the duty of the nobility to make them understand their place in the world."

(I know everyone has different values, but...... this person's way of thinking fundamentally disagrees)

I can feel a sense of discomfort in my heart.

I didn't feel like I could compromise, and it seemed that no matter how much I argue, the walls of entrenched values would never come crashing down.

Emma: "...A sin is a sin."

Emma: "What you did is against the law of Rhodolite, so don't think you can escape."

Baron: "I don't know who you are young lady, but don't tell me what to do."

Baron: "If you're done, then please excuse me?"

Emma: "...No, I can't let you."

Baron: "Guess, it can't be helped."

The baron draws his sword and closes the distance between us with a hint of violence.

(I don't know.....something that could be used as a weapon)

Gilbert: "Hey, with whose permission are you trying to touch little bunny?"

-----Part 4-----

(...Ah...)

Before the sword can reach me, a jet-black cane slams into the Baron's chest.

The next moment I saw Prince Gilbert stomping on the Baron's chest who was lying on the floor and was laughing beautifully.

The sight sends shivers down my spine.

(....Nn....Why, I wonder? It's not like I'm the one being stepped on...but still...)

The air changes.

The space that belonged to no one is dominated by the Trampling Beast.

Gilbert: "You can't have her, little bunny is my prey."

Gilbert: "I won't allow anyone but me to hurt her."

(......What are you saying..)

Even if I wanted to say something, nothing comes out of my mouth.

Without Prince Gilbert's permission, it's difficult to even move a finger.

Gilbert: "Those with status have the right to do as they please with those below them, hmm."

Gilbert: "That's what you said, right?"

Baron: "Ah...Haa..."

Gilbert: "Hm, What's wrong? You look disgruntled."

Gilbert: "If you can mistreat orphans with no backing, then I can mistreat you as well, right?"

Gilbert: "Me, who is royalty, can crush a third-rated aristocrat like you under my feet, right?"

(Prince Gilbert...looks very angry...)

Something is stuck, but the overwhelming air, with even a hint of blood, disturbs my thoughts.

The Baron, who was under full pressure of the beast, was about to peel off his white eyes.

Gilbert: "What should we do with him, little bunny? Shall we kill him?"

(.....Huh?)

I can't hardly believe my ears at the tone in which he said that. It's like saying 'Hey, let's have sweets together.'

Prince Gilbert's smile did not waver, which made it even more terrifying.

Emma: "...No. Don't do that!"

Gilbert: "Why?"

Emma: "Because....no one has the right to kill people."

Emma: "This man should be brought to justice by the law."

Gilbert: "Why is Rhodolite so troublesome?"

Emma: ".....is it different in Obsidian?"

Gilbert: "Mm. Because I'm the law."

Emma: "Prince Gilbert....is the law?"

Gilbert: "Yes. The royal family's orders are absolute."

Gilbert: "If I say, 'kill him' then killing is justice and that becomes the lawful way to punish."

(....That's absurd!)

I exhaled while still trembling.

Gilbert: "You should be grateful that you're living in Rhodolite."

Gilbert: "If you were in Obsidian, you wouldn't be breathing in front of me right now."

Gilbert: "I don't want wicked nobles who defile innocent children."

The Baron instantly faints.

It is unusual to see a man who has not violently attacked someone to the point of knocking them unconscious, but rather to control the situation with just his killing spirit.

There is no emotion, in those red-eyes.

It's as Prince Gilbert said, it's so cold.

(Not the way I look at people)

Emma: "....I see, Prince Gilbert and the Baron are alike."

Emma: "Both of you think that people with higher status have the right to do as they please with those below them."

Gilbert: "Fufu....that's what royalty is all about."

(I...I never knew)

(Excluding the fact that he is a prince of an enemy country, Prince Gilbert has always struck me with fear, and for that reason...)

Where does this instinctive alertness come from?

The answer is now before us.

Emma: "In your eyes...."

Emma: "There are no 'humans'.."

Gilbert: ".........."

(There are no humans in Prince Gilbert's world)

(That's why he can 'kill' with impunity and in the same vein, be kind to children)

Since he doesn't think that they are 'humans' there is no need to consider them.

Even with me, whether he hates it or is afraid of it Prince Gilbert will push his will through.

(Not like a real beast)

(....But a beast wearing a human skin)

Gilbert: "Fufu, do you despise me?"

Emma: "......."

Gilbert: "I don't care what you think of me, but.."

He takes his cane off of the fainted Baron as if he lost interest.

He then walks towards me and lifts my chin with his cane and stares me in the eye.

Gilbert: "I hate people."

Gilbert: "I don't love anyone. That goes for you too. So you better watch out."

Gilbert: "I'm a beast that can even kill you with a smile, got it?"

Emma: "........."

(.....If I do something wrong...)

The Baron rolling on the floor overlaps with my future.

There was a fear that was not the same as when the Baron tried to attack me.

-----Part 5-----

Emma: "----And that's what happened today."

Chevalier: "........"

As soon as I returned back to Court, I headed to the library where Prince Chevalier is always present.

The case of human trafficking in collusion between the fosters and the Barons has been successfully resolved but,

My heart was covered with stormy weather and it was raining so hard that I felt like I drowning.

Chevalier: "That's a very apt description of the world without people in it."

Sitting back in his chair, without stopping his hand from leafing through the book, Prince Chevalier drops his words.

Chevalier: "Do you know what Obsidian's alias is?"

Emma: "...Is it a military and ore country?"

Chevalier: "No...it's the 'Land of Deceit and Corruption."

Chevalier: "Every country has its share of power-hungry fools, and Obsidian is no exception."

Chevalier: "Corruption and lying are a daily occurrence and when you're the royal family of such a country, it's easy to imagine."

Emma: ".....It's not a very nice country to begin with, huh?"

Chevalier: "It's just a rumor."

Chevalier: "The actual inner workings of the situation are not transparent. Obsidian is also a country where information is strictly controlled.

Emma: "........"

Chevalier: "......Are you dissatisfied?"

Emma: "No..."

(I understand that Prince Gilbert has his own circumstances)

If you are the ruler of a country of deceit and corruption, it may be difficult to see people as humans.

(It's just, I can't accept it)

(....A prince who doesn't love anyone doesn't sound very nice)

Chevalier: "I don't think there's anything wrong with that."

Emma: "How do you know what I was thinking?"

Chevalier: "It's written all over your face."

(Really...?)

When I pulled my cheek, he chuckled at me.

Chevalier: "Sometimes rulers need to cut down on the hearts and minds of the people."

Chevalier: "I think he's just following his ideal of being a champion."

Emma: "So you approve of Prince Gilbert's...way of being?"

Chevalier: "It's not the same as affirmation. It just means I understand."

Chevalier: "If you don't see people as humans, then you're no different, right?"

Emma: "What...?"

Chevalier: "You don't see Eyepatch as a human."

(........Ah)

Chevalier: "Originally, humans are not afraid of other humans."

Chevalier: "To you, he is a beast from the beginning and not a human."

Chevalier: "When you think like that, you are first trying to protect yourself. Now you say that this way of being is wrong?"

(...I cannot say anything)

While I accuse him of not seeing humans as humans, I myself only treat Prince Gilbert that way.

The moment I realized, I felt a pain as if the thorns of a rose were twisting around my heart.

Emma: ".....I have done such a terrible thing."

Chevalier: "You're dealing with an enemy."

Emma: "But still...what must Prince Gilbert be thinking?"

(I know I should be vigilant)

(.....But that's not what this is about)

Even today, Prince Gilbert helped me.

If it weren't for Prince Gilbert, I would have been badly wounded by now.

We might have missed the Baron too.

(And yet, I haven't even thanked him)

(....I'm the worst!)

Chevalier: "No need to feel guilty."

Chevalier: "----I wonder if it would be useless to say that."

Prince Chevalier, having closed the book, stands up and flicked my forehead.

Emma: "...Ouch."

Chevalier: "......."

Chevalier: "You can use the kitchen if you want. I'll include the expenses of the material as an entertainment expense of the external affairs faction."

(.....Jeez, how far does Prince Chevalier reads my mind?)

He snicker once more and put the book he was holding back on the shelf.

Chevalier: "Even so....I don't think 'I hate people' is the word of someone who hates deception."

Emma: "Eh...."

Chevalier: "......"

(....What do you mean?)

Prince Chevalier does not say anymore, meaning that it's the end of the conversation.

I bowed and left him to himself.

..............

Gilbert: "....Little bunny, didn't think you'd come to see me in the middle of the night?"

Gilbert: "Are you perhaps secretly a night crawler?"

Emma: "Wrong!"

Emma: "May I have a little bit of your time?"

[daintyduck99]

 holding hands and one gets self-conscious of just how long they’ve been doing so, so they let go (much to the other’s disappointment)  and rulie?

Reggie definitely disturbs the gravel as he sprints away from the admissions stand, but it's not like he wasn't doing that before, no matter how much he'd tried not to fidget. Strangers continue to give him the stink eye as he barrels back up the hill—

But he can't help himself.

Despite all of Julie's updates about the Molina family road trip, and her recent confirmation that they'd make it to the fair, it'd been hard to believe they'd be here.

That's them, though, and Julie squeals as he scoops her up and spins her around.

"Julie," he breathes, "you came."

She laughs. Her hands are hot on his neck, and her eyes shine like twin suns.

"I said we would, didn't I?"

"Well yeah, it's just—good to see you."

She smiles harder. His heart goes haywire.

But Carlos interrupts before she can say anything else, abruptly reminding Reggie of where they are, and he blushes vibrantly as Carlos grumbles.

"Can I get my hug, now? If you two are done making heart eyes at each other?"

"What—"

"We weren't…"

They're still stammering as they unravel, but thankfully, Ray saves them. He ruffles Carlos' hair, waving off his comment with a chuckle and a soft, indulgent smile.

"Oh, don't mind him. He's just cranky because Julie got to pick the music for the last hour or so."

"One hour of Taylor Swift is one hour too many!" Carlos insists, but he hugs Reggie tight and simply snorts as Julie protests.

"It wasn't entirely her music!"

"Yeah, just the love songs. Hers and everyone else's. If I have to hear Jump Then Fall one more time, I'm gonna puke."

Ray sweeps all of them into a hug before Julie and Carlos can get into a proper argument. He kisses all of them on the top of the head before he releases them.

"Reggie. Julie. Why don't you check out the horses? Julie's been excited to see them since you mentioned it to her. Carlos and I will meet up with you somewhere in a little while, okay?"

"Okay!" they chorus, equally bubbly.

Carlos looks like he wants to say something else, but a glare from Julie prompts him to hold his tongue.

Ray gives her some money for admissions, and once she has her bracelet, she slips her hand into Reggie’s.

"I don't want to lose you," she explains as Reggie sends her a sideways look. She bites her lip. "Is this…is it okay here?"

And he immediately feels like an asshole.

"Of course! I wasn't even thinking—if anyone gives you shit, and you don't beat me to it, you know I'll knock them on their ass. If anything, I was thinking—it's been a while since we've held hands. It's nice."

Her eyes skitter away as a dark flush stains her cheeks. She squeezes his hand.

"It's not that I didn't…they were just sore. My hands. I wasn't used to having calluses on my fingers, yet. But yeah. This is nice."

Reggie hums. He couldn't stop smiling now if he wanted to, but she still isn't looking at him, so he’s pretty sure he's safe. He squeezes back.

"So, how's violin been going since I left?"

She tells him about her progress as they make their way to the horses. If anyone gives them dirty looks, he doesn't notice.

Julie is just so captivating.

She shines in her sundress, a yellow one he's never seen before, and he has to wonder if she bought it somewhere between here and California. Her laughter is bright, and her eyes glow with more warmth than he knows what to do with.

And her hand is hot and firm in his.

Even as Old Red tries to nibble her hair, she holds on tight, although not without a yelp as she shrinks into Reggie’s side.

"Sorry," he says sheepishly, doing his best to keep his stubborn horse at bay, "now that I think about it, I guess he's never been around anybody with curly hair."

"Hmm. He has good taste."

Reggie and Julie both jolt, only for Reggie to sigh in relief as a familiar figure ducks around the corner, grinning like a mirror.

"Pawpaw, cut that out! You promised, no tricks in front of Julie or her family."

But Reggie’s deaf to the reply—

Because Julie drops his hand.

She edges away from Old Red, yes, but also away from Reggie, sort of hovering awkwardly between him and his grandpa.

Her lip is going to bleed if she keeps biting it like that, he thinks distantly.

"Oh, I truly didn't mean to startle ya, miss Julie," Pawpaw says soothingly, eyes flickering between her and Reggie with far too much understanding. He puts out his hand. "I just like to tease. It's good to finally put a pretty face to the pretty name Reggie’s told us lotsa pretty things about."

Reggie squawks, but Julie just hums. The tension slowly bleeds out of her shoulders as she shyly takes Pawpaw's hand, and she giggles as he shakes hers with far too much enthusiasm, ever one to ham it up.

"It's nice to meet you too, Mr?"

He flaps a hand. "Just call me Sam, dear. Mister Fisher was my grandfather."

Reggie sidles back over to Julie. His hand brushes hers, and it feels like he can breathe again as her fingers creep back into his. He really doesn't mean to fidget, but her calluses are so new, and he can't help but play with her fingers as they talk.

Only as they're leaving the stables does she bring it up.

"Sorry for…you know. I was fine at first, but after a while…some people keep glaring, and I didn't…"

She shakes her head, and Reggie waits.

"Your grandpa is really nice. It was just…too much, all of a sudden. And I didn't want to give him the wrong idea…"

Reggie swallows. "It isn't wrong."

"I know…"

"No, not just—"

He guides Julie into one of the craft buildings, stopping behind the high wall of quilts. There's no one else on this side of the display at the moment, which at least gives the illusion of privacy.

"They already know I like you," he says softly. "My grandparents. They can tell. Just like Carlos can tell, and probably also your dad. So. It's not—entirely wrong."

He braces for it, closing his eyes, but Julie doesn't let go of his hand, this time.

She takes the other and says—

"I like you, too."

She seals it with a quick, soft kiss—

And nothing has ever felt so right.

[woodelf114]

So, what happens when I discover someone who does beautiful au work and writes gorgeous stories on said aus?

My writer brain goes, "gotta write, gotta write, gotta write, gotta write-"

So, this piece here is inspired by @llamagoddessofficial and her new Tilikum story! She's done amazing work, so go check her out! I have a feeling that for now, a lot of my drabbles/works are going to be inspired by her stuff, so sorry not sorry haha.

Anyways, for context, I'm taking a different spin on how MC meets Skull, because I love that big boy so much and he deserves the best. Also, going to be using third person pov with my Horrortale oc Lucy, because I'm not super great at reader insert pov style.

Now, enough chatter, let's roll!!

---

That field trip literally changed her life.

Her 5th-grade class took a field trip to the local aquarium, the world-famous Ebott Aquarium, known for its exotic attractions and colossal size. But the most exciting part of this place was the sirens. Sirens were known for their speed, power, intelligence, and habit of luring humans with their songs before drowning and eating them. They were extremely dangerous.

So, naturally, Ebott Aquarium had the three largest held in captivity.

Lucy trailed along with her classmates as her teacher started pairing them into groups. Somehow, she had been missed. Probably because she wasn't paying attention and slipped under the teacher's radar. She had her iconic leather journal in hand, but she wasn't taking notes on anything the teacher was saying or anything in the aquarium.

If she was being entirely honest, she wanted to leave.

The vast size of the location, plus the extreme business of people bustling around them, set off her social anxiety and sensory overload. Everything was ringing in her ears. Occasionally her small frame trembled as she took deep breaths to soothe her panic.

When it started to become too much, she wandered off from the rest of her group, desperate to find someplace quiet to have a panic attack in peace. So, it wasn't a wonder that when she spotted a dark room with hardly anyone in sight, she made a beeline for it. Relief immediately washed over her as she stepped into the large room. There was a massive tank with an artificial cave put into it. The tank and the room were darkened, and it didn't even look like anything was in the tank.

Maybe this is an empty tank, or they're preparing the space for something else, Lucy thought as she looked around while slipping her small backpack off her back. She stepped over to the glass, peering inside. Nope, nothing here. Must be empty.

She turned and pressed her back to the glass, sliding down to a sitting position and rubbing her temples. She hadn't really considered the implications of getting lost in such a vast place; otherwise, her panic would have increased tenfold. She didn't even know that at that moment, her group was doing a quick headcount and realizing that someone was missing and that the chaperones were rushing to find a staff worker to help find their missing student.

Lucy opened up her journal delicately. The old thing was worn down enough that she feared it would fall apart if she was too harsh with it. She pulled out a pen and started scribbling random thoughts on the blank pages, using the pinkish-red light to see it better-

Hold up. Where is that red light coming from?

Lucy felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle. The red light was originating from behind her, in the tank.

Her heart began to pound, and she tugged nervously on her beanie. She didn't want to turn around or even move, but her instinctive "prey" fear was screaming get out, get out, get out, get out, get out-.

With a shaky breath, Lucy swallowed a lump in her throat, then slowly twisted her neck to look over her shoulder.

A gigantic smiling skull stared back at her, inches away from the glass that separated them.

She released a small gasp, stiffening even more, but she didn't move. The creature had an upper skeletal body that was taller and broader than her and a lower mass of dark, writhing tentacles. The suckers were stuck onto the glass.

A siren.

Lucy let out a tiny breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. She noticed all the scars littering his bones, locking onto the gaping hole on the upper right side of his skull. His left eye socket was empty and dark. The right one, however, had a glowing red orb with a dark circle in the middle, resembling some kind of "eye" that was utterly honed in on her.

When they finally made eye contact, that orb expanded, and the siren tipped his head to the side like a curious dog. The grin widened significantly.

"Woah..." Lucy finally whispered. She turned around fully, now that the initial fear was gone, replaced by awe and wonder. She leaned closer to the glass, putting a hand on the cool, smooth surface to steady herself.

The siren finally broke eye contact briefly to look at her hand, so tiny in comparison to his own face. To her shock and wonder, he lifted his own skeletal hand up and pressed it against the glass where her hand one. His hand was bigger than her own head and absolutely dwarfed her hand in comparison.

He looked back at her, and Lucy could have sworn that his eyelight was sparkling. His grin was impossibly wide, and it might have looked insane to an onlooker.

To Lucy, it was... kind of adorable.

"Hi, big guy," she whispered, even though she knew he couldn't hear her. "What's your name?"

He cocked his head again, his eyelight briefly glancing down at her moving lips before looking back to her eyes. Like he was... trying to read her lips.

Intelligent, indeed.

She finally broke eye contact to glance around. She spotted a sign near the room entrance on the tank, and she started slowly moving towards it to get a look at it. The siren drifted alongside her, watching her movements closely. It made her giggle a little bit.

She read the sign, which gave information on what kind of siren he was and a brief description... very, very brief. There were many "not much is known about..." sentences.

What caught her attention was the name below its official scientific name.

"Skull."

"Skull, huh?" She asked, looking back at the giant skeleton siren. "Is that what they decided to call you?"

"Skull" was staring back at her, smiling still, and she realized she was smiling back. He seemed just as entranced with her as she was with him, and she felt oddly flattered that such a gigantic creature took an interest in someone as small and insignificant as her.

Probably because you look like a tasty snack, drifted across her mind, enough to make her smile falter slightly. Logically, that made sense. It was probably similar to a big carnivorous cat at the zoo stalking a toddler. It looked cute from behind the safety of the enclosure, but realistically she would probably be torn to shreds if she was in the water with him.

Apparently, her thoughts (or at least emotions) translated to her face because Skull's smile actually dropped as well, eyelight even contracting a bit. He put his hand on the glass again. Lucy looked at it for a moment, brows furrowing before she put her hand on the glass overtop his. His smile brightened again, enough to make her smile return.

Well... maybe he actually is just interested in me-

"LUCY!! There you are, for goodness' sake we've been looking everywhere for you!"

Lucy jumped like she heard a gunshot, stumbling back from the glass and whipping around to see her teacher and a zoo staff member. The teacher looked angry and relieved, while the staff member stared at her like she had grown another head.

"How did- How did you get him to come up to the glass?" The staff member asked.

Lucy blinked, shrinking back timidly and stepping away from the glass. She went to look back at Skull, almost hoping for some form of backup, but the giant siren was gone.

"I- uh- I didn't- he just came up to me, I-I don't know," Lucy stammered, heart pounding. "I-I'm sorry, I just needed somewhere quiet, and this place was empty, a-and I didn't realize how long it had been since- I don't know I'm sorry."

Her teacher huffed for a moment. "Lucy, you know you can't just wander off like that," she stated, stepping over to the young girl.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry," she mumbled on repeat, sounding like a broken record as she started grabbing her things. She cast one last glance at the tank as her teacher started leading her out, still going off on her.

She spotted the red eyelight from inside the artificial den staring at her.

She smiled slightly and offered a little wave, though it was bittersweet. She was sure she probably would not see Skull again anytime soon, if ever.

To her delight, Skull lifted one tentacle up and poked it out. At first, it looked like it was just floating in the water, but then the tip of it wiggled, mimicking the motion of waving back.

Her smile widened considerably before she finally turned and followed the teacher out of the exhibit, not even noticing the dumbstruck jaw-dropped look on the staff's face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucy was shocked when the aquarium contacted her family a few weeks later to offer free weekly visits in exchange for participating in some kind of research survey. Really, all it seemed to include was hourly visits with her new favorite siren.

It seemed like a win-win.

[dabis-azure-songbird]

hello! i'm a new follower and I recently read your dabi x reader ft. shiggy fics. could i possibly trouble you for a part 3? <3

Hello again! :D Abso-friggin-lutely Love Bug! One tall order of Dabi and Shigaraki coming right up! And remember...It's never trouble to have me write a request for ya! ♥ Here comes part 3~

Pairing: Dabi x Reader feat. Shiggy (Part 3), also some ShigxDabi

Warning: NSFW will ensue immediately below the keep reading button.

Note: This is meant to go with the previous parts, but can also be read as a standalone just fine! Without further ado, enjoy yourselves lovelies~ Also for context purposes, this will take place just after Dabi's video is released to the public, calling out Endeavor. Annnddd Shigaraki also thinks you helped plan it. Some jealousy. Hehe!

Shigaraki is particularly pissed off and in a foul mood when Dabi and yourself walk through the door. Especially if the way he has his arms folded over his chest and a deep crimson eye peeking from beneath his hand is any indication. You feel the hair on the back of your neck raise from his glare and swiftly glance at your snowy-haired boyfriend beside you.

"Dabi...Did you fucking enjoy airing your family's fucking dirty laundry drama?"

You can immediately feel Dabi's air change from pure relief and carefree to growing tension.

"Yeah, I did. Feels good. That a problem? I told you before, I very well have my own goals."

Shigaraki finally climbs to his feet and slowly walks around the both of you in a circle.

"Well, since it seems you've both schemed without me this time. It seems I'll just have to punish the both of you." Shigaraki murmurs morbidly.

Dabi is quick to pull you slightly behind his body.

"They had nothing to do with this. You leave them out of it, ugly. Or else."

Shigaraki's eyes twitch in irritation. "Or else? I don't think you quite understand what you're implying, brat. I know we said she deserved punishment from us both last time, but you... oh, you, are in quite deep shit as well."

Dabi's eyes widen as Shigaraki stands in front of him and grips his chin firmly.

"What're y-"

"Shut your mouth." Shigaraki hisses lowly, lips molding against Dabi's softly.

Your own eyes, like Dabi's, widen as wide as saucers.

"Now, you're going to be a good boy, Dabi. Or else, I'm going to disintegrate all you hold dear. Her." Tomura growls, gripping the top rail of his chair and disintegrating it. As if in a warning.

"Do I make myself clear now?"

-----

You can feel the velvet binds around your wrists tightly in front of you and only hear with the thick midnight fold over your eyes. Dabi is in a similar predicament with you straddling his hips in a chair, facing him.

"Thought you were quite slick, didn't you? The two of you may be together, but I thought we were getting so much closer."

You hear Dabi's breath intake with a sharp gasp as the snap of a whip cracks across the bare skin of his back.

"Fuuuuccckkkk..." he breathily shudders.

"That's one. Y/N, I want you to use your pretty mouth and count them out for me. We're going to ten. Dabi, your safe word is 'delta'. But I want to hurt you."

"Shiiittt, I won't need it." your boyfriend groans and you can feel the heat growing between the both of you.

Neither of you sees Shigaraki's knowing smile. Oh, he has already known. He knows how you and Dabi are behind closed doors, after all.

Another crack of the whip.

"T-two...Three.......Ten."

Your boyfriend is already a shuddering mess against you, gritting his teeth.

"I had no idea you were such a pain slut, Dabi. You seem quite ready to impale our dear sweet Y/N now. Think you can stand for me?"

Shigaraki grips the plush of your thighs and lifts you up, back pressed into his chest. And catches you off-guard in the process, causing you to let out a shriek.

"What the fuck are you doing, you pervert!? And they're mine." Dabi growls.

"I'm going to have her in a way you probably haven't~ Now, stand, Dabi. Or I'll have all the fun myself." Shigraki chortles.

You feel Dabi rise to his feet in front of you, and blush even though he can't see you.

"Atta boy, Dabi. Now wrap your legs around him, Y/N~"

You do as told and feel yourself clench as Dabi's shaft is pressed hot against you.

"Oh~ I'm sorry. Let me just help both of you."

You shudder as you feel the tip of Dabi's heat rub against you slowly. And something else... Was Shigaraki holding him?

"Mmm, push into her, Dabi. You know she wants it."

You moan out as your boyfriend huffs and pushes deeply into you with little warning. Your senses are on overload. You can hear them, smell them, feel every little ridge and bulge of your boyfriend's cock sliding into the heat of your depths.

And you're pressed back into Shigaraki tightly, sandwiched and held up between the both of them. The male takes the opportunity to steal some sloppy side kisses and carefully runs fingertips around the sensitive skin of your areolas and soft pebbling rosebuds. You mewl softly into the heat and tongue of his mouth.

"Good girl, Y/N. See? I knew you both had obedience in you. Now..."

You feel a nudge and rub against the pucker of your backside.

"I'm going to untie the both of you now, sweetheart. You had better hold onto Dabi. Dabi, you had better help me hold her between us." Shigaraki whispers.

You swallow nervously and rapidly wrap your arms around your boyfriend, resting your hands on his back. Dabi's hands find your hips tightly. He's been trying so hard not to move, but failing slightly and giving shallow thrusts. Like you, he can feel you around him too. The way your heat beckons him and sheathes him completely, the way your slick is pressed and sticking to his balls when he presses deeply into you, and hear your sweet little breaths in his ears.

"Now, dear Y/N. This is going to hurt quite a bit. But trust me. Dabi, you too."

"Shigaraki, you aren't," a defeated sigh against your lips, "...Don't hurt her."

You hear a lewd spit and again the familiar heat presses against your backside. And you mentally try to prepare yourself. Then the stretching and burning begin and you bury your nails into Dabi's back, causing him to groan into your collarbone.

"Dabi, you know what to do."

"Ok, doll. Focus on me. I'm going to distract you a bit until Shigaraki's in."

"O-Ok..." You whine out before Dabi's got you enveloped in heated kisses and removes one hand to sweep your hair and hold the side of your face.

And he moves. God, the drag and pull of the ridge of his head is driving you insane. You still feel uncomfortable at first, but the pain soon dissolves with Dabi serving as the perfect distraction.

Then Shigaraki moves. And you nearly lose it. Dabi can feel him too. You grit your teeth and moan out softly.

"C-can you try to move at the s-same time?" you blubber softly.

Shigaraki smirks as he removes Dabi's blindfold.

"We can. Dabi you should see your sweet girl's expressions. I'm mad, but definitely not going to withhold that from you."

Dabi is OBSESSED with the look on your face right now. Lips so kiss swollen and parted in a possible cry of pleasure. And then he glances at Shigaraki nuzzled slightly in your hair and his hand rubbing again the bud at the apex of your thighs slowly, causing you to moan again. And he nods, and they both move.

Your mind can hardly process them both and Shigaraki's hand. A delightful mix of too much and too little. Your toes curl as you begin to feel shocks through your nerves.

"Ah...so good. You can be rougher now. Please..." you hiccup softly.

Your wish is their command. The two men tag-team you expertly. And you're not sure they've ever worked so well in tandem. And they're overwhelming and over-sensitizing you. You shudder between the both of them, head back against Shigaraki, and breaths leaving in moans.

Dabi's obsession is his downfall. You're so lost in your pleasure and he can't help but hold your hips tightly and decide to press himself quicker and harder into the hold you have on him.

And then you begin to squirm and Shigaraki smirks as he grips the swell of your bosom in his hands and sucks at the skin of your neck, pressing hard in reckless abandon with Dabi.

And you're crying out. Oh, so loud. You don't realize your orgasm has spurted and coated Dabi and his thighs almost completely and the boys both groan as your body gorgeously convulses around them. Then they're both burying their faces into either side of your neck and pumping you as full as they both possibly can.

Your ears are ringing and you groan as Dabi pulls the blindfold slowly from your eyes.

"I've never seen you look more beautiful, doll."

You feel absolutely drunk.

"Well, I think I have a new way to keep you two working together now..."

[bluegoblinzz]

The Labyrinthine City (part 2)

Omaen and Fer chatted for about an hour, trading stories of the past, and in that time, the effects of the 'potion of confidence' wore off, leaving Finn back to his old self. He decided to break free of the suggestion as well, to join the conversation when Omaen mentioned the start of their quest.

“I have no idea where I'm going,” He shrugged, “that's why I'm here.”

The brew that Fer gave them tasted somewhat bitter before he put some sugar in. It had a bold flavor and a smooth texture, and it was an opaque brown. Fer explained that it was a brew made from mushrooms, as the dwarves were big on cultivating different types of mushrooms.

“For eatin', for medicine, for magic, for poison,” She smirked and stared at Finn, and then burst out laughing “I'm kidding! Ya shoulda seen the look on your face!” Finn breathed a sigh of relief, not even knowing he let his concern and fear show. He thought that was quite the rude thing to say considering they only just met.

“Anyway,” Iggy said, after listening patiently, “I found those two doofuses in the forest singing something, and I just thought I'd come to say hi. Omaen thought I was something else, and threatened me, and then-”

“Oh right!” Omaen chirped, “That reminds me, Fer!” He pulled out the amulet from his pocket and wore it around his neck. His nose slowly swelled and his ears stretched, his skin returning to a prominent green.

“I'm workin' as Iggy's personal goblin,” He announced.

“Wow, that's great!” Fer said, “I didn't know... you liked that sorta job, Omaen. You always said magic was boring.” One of Omaen's long ears twitched and lowered.

“Well, it wasn't,” He said, “But, I figured I'd help her out because it's the right thing to do but-”

“You were manipulated,” Finn stated, “you were against her and now you're all friendly with her.”

“Will you stop distrusting me?” Iggy grumbled, “if I wanted to do something I would have done it by now.”

“Now hang on,” Fer said, holding up her hands, “how did she manipulate Omaen?”

“Oh I'll tell you how,” Finn said, “She held up that silly coin, swung it in front of his eyes, and-”

“Hypnotized him,” Fer said, “Like I did when you walked in.”

“Yes,” Finn said, “I mean no I-”

“I appreciate your concern for my friend,” Fer stated, taking a sip of her brew, “But the spell he underwent is not manipulative. It's the same as the one you had. He can break out of it at any time.” Omaen shook his fist at Finn.

“Yeah!” He shouted, “Do ya think I'm stupid? That I'd be manipulated so easily?!” Yes, Finn thought, but he didn't dare say it, you're a kid, and kids don't know any better.

“Is it really about Omaen?” Iggy asked.

“What do you mean?” Finn said, “of course it is.”

“But,” Iggy said, “you let me hypnotize him. You only got angry when Omaen said he wanted to help me out.” Omaen's expression softened.

“Ya thought I would leave you?” He asked, lowering his ears.

“I... “Finn lowered his gaze, “it's just nice having you along and-” “Finn, buddy,” the dwarf said, “I'm here to go on a quest, and I want Iggy to come because she's nice, and because we really need help.”

“I need help,” Finn muttered.

“I'm not gonna leave ya,” Omaen said, “We came all this way because of what you said ya needed.” Finn nodded, taking a long gulp of the brew. The three stayed silent for a moment before Iggy spoke up.

“So we fought a giant beast, one that looked like a gigantic chicken. Finn fought it off in that lion form while I helped Omaen, and then Omaen took on the beast one on one! Your friend is a very good fighter.” Omaen grinned at the compliment. But Fer seemed to be more focused on something else Iggy said.

“A giant chicken?” She muttered to herself.

“And then while we were all talking,” Omaen added, “This wizard guy came by and turned the chicken corpse into slimes.He released monsters into the safest forest! and knowin' those humans, they're gonna try to blame me! That stupid dwarf who-”

“You guys are ignoring something strange,” Fer said, “Sure, slimes were released into the forest, but how do you think that chicken got there?” They all stayed silent.

“Someone was doing somethin' fishy,” Fer said, “and you all got in their way.” She shook her head.

“We will want to consider that,” She continued, “But... you still haven't answered my question. I am really happy to see ya, Omaen, but why are ya here?” Iggy and Omaen both looked to Finn.

“Is it possible you can teach me magic?” he asked. Fer took another long sip of her brew, and then stroked her beard.

“I can,” She said, “but it would take a while.”

“Great!” Finn said, “thank you so much I-”

“We'll start now,” Fer interrupted. Finn raised his eyebrows.

“Right now?” he asked. Omaen gaped, raising his ears.

“But... what should we do?”

“Ygra, you can use my office,” Fer replied, “Use whatever tomes you want, just do not touch my journal.” Fer's stern tone when speaking about her journal suggested it was not a request, or a threat, but a promise. Omaen grinned at the witch.

“What are we gonna do?!” He chirped, bouncing up and down, “are we gonna make amulets? potions? cookies?!” It definitely wasn't Omaen speaking here, but rather the goblin within him.

“Amulets probably,” Ygra said, “And we might be able to make cookies afterward.” She patted him on the nose, and he shut his eyes and lowered his ears. Ygra set her bag down on a chair next to the desk, and began laying out the ingredients she gathered on the desk including the mushrooms that Omaen had found before. Omaen stared in amazement, as if each thing she placed on the table was a nugget of gold. Fer got up from her desk, opening the door, and gesturing for Finn to come.

“Walk with me for a while,” Fer said, “will you?” Finn nodded, and followed her out the door. Once again, they walked past the monks, and the dwarf at the gong. Finn saw that the one playing the gong this time was a dwarf who was much shorter and much stouter than the first. It was a relief to him to know that they at least got breaks and downtime from this task. The two of them turned down a hallway, and once again this city was unfamiliar and maze-like.

“So,” Fer began, looking straight ahead as they walked, “Who is Finn?” Finn found the question a little strange, but magic, and those who wielded it were always strange, so he didn't mind.

“Finn is me,” he answered.

“And who are you?”

“I'm... an adventurer?” He said. He understood, at least slightly, the philosophical direction she was going in. However, it was these questions that he needed answers to. Everything he knew about himself is what he was in the past and what he was looking to become. Right now, he felt like his identity was drifting within nothing.

“Are you, Finn, a human, or are you a cat?” She asked.

“You're not going to hypnotize me again, are you?” Finn asked, giving the dwarf a wide-eyed glance. She laughed loud enough for it to echo in the hall.

“No no, that would be counterproductive to this meeting.”

“Well,” Finn replied, “I'm definitely not a cat.” He said, “I mean, I don't have whiskers, and paws, and even if I did I wouldn't act like one.”

“What if you shapeshifted, and were hypnotized?” Fer asked.

“Well, I don't think I would be still, because-”

“Because it's your true form?” She interrupted, “because it's temporary?” Once they reached the end of the hall, Finn found themselves at a set of stairs, where there was a path going up, and another going down. The stairs were made of shiny white marble with intricate statues of dwarven heroes made of gold standing on each step. Finn gaped at the art, and wanted to take time to appreciate the craftsmanship, but Fer kept walking. he trotted down the steps to catch up?

“Let's see,” Finn said, “If I were to become an animal, and be convinced I was one, then maybe I'd be one... but if I were to change back into a human, wouldn't that just be a temporary trance or state of being?”

“Why does the temporary nature of your being cause you to not be that thing?” Fer asked. Finn thought for a moment as they turned the corner. There were statues made here of dwarven royalty.

“Well, Maybe because I was born a certain way?” He asked. He didn't know if that was the answer. Fer raised an eyebrow as if it were the dumbest answer she had recieved.

“Finn,” She sighed, “you were born a baby. Are you saying you're still a baby?” Finn opened his mouth and closed it.

“You've changed over many years. And magic can also change you.”

“But magic isn't natural,” Finn protested.

“But magic is natural,” Fer said pointedly. “Magic has done strange things to our world, but it has always done strange things, and has done those things effortlessly.” Finn nodded, but he wasn't sure he understood. if magic was natural and effortless, why do wizards need so much study and practice? And why hadn't he held the wand effortlessly when he first received it? They turned another corner, and the statues were of dwarves holding an oversized hammer. Finn realized that these were the gong players. Omaen was not joking when he spoke about how respected those people were.

“You see,” Fer continued, “you can't look at magic by thinking what something is, but rather what it can be.”

“You've lost me,” Finn admitted, as they made yet another turn down the flight of stairs. This hallway contained statues of what Finn thought were dwarven gods, “You're saying... I don't know what I am, I can be anything... and that would mean I don't know anything. If we defined everything by what it was and what it can be, then we wouldn't know what anything is.”

“Then stop defining things with such thick boundaries,” Fer said, “Like for instance, stairs take you up and down, right?”

“Yes?”

“Then how is it we descended four flights of stairs and ended up back where we began?” Finn gaped. She was right, not only had the statues repeated back to dwarven heroes, but they were standing, once again, next to the hallway they came from, and Finn knew not even the most talented sculptor could remake a statue with such precise details. “That shouldn't be possible,” Finn muttered.

“It isn't,” she confirmed, “no amount of geometry could be used to explain these stairs existing in three dimensional space without some sort of optical illusion, or in this case: a spell. These stairs go against the very nature of what stairs do, but they exist” Finn nodded, feeling like he understood something, but that something was that he didn't understand what he thought he understood.

“The essence of magic is truth,” She explained, “And truth isn't just about whether you're a cat or a human, It goes so much deeper. Truth is tangled in contradictions. it has many layers, and things we cannot fathom, lest we lose our minds.” She took off her hat.

“Many great wizards have delved too far into truth,” She muttered. and after a solemn pause, Fer asked a question that shocked Finn.

“So,” She chirped, “with that out of the way, why don't I teach you your first technique?!”

[ladykailolu]

Ever since the girls go missing, Johnny hugs his remaining children Marco Julia a little tighter, hovers around them a little longer, and worries about them, accelerating the gray overtaking is blonde hair, when they're not in his sight a lot more.

It becomes noticeable when Marco and Julia are teens and want to have more independence. Johnny won't let them go unless he or Gyro accompanies them for the longest time. Eventually, Marco convinced his father to ease up, insisting that he'll personally protect his sister and be by her side at every hour, but even still, Johnny wanted them home by a very specific time, and if this was in the modern age, Johnny would ask for a text at several points in the day, even if it was a simple message telling Johnny where his children were at the current moment. And id they fail to text, it's not a surprise for Marco to see several missed calls notifications, all from Johnny.

It's not like Johnny wanted to act as the overbearing and worry wart parent. He couldnt help it! His anxiety was bad enough before his (step) daughters vanished. And after the vanishing, it grew exponentially worse. He wakes up in sweat and fits of panic in the night, thinking of his children and scared to death over what his happened to his missing girls. Where they hungry? Cold? Safe? Alive??? He had no way of knowing, and very slowly, that ate away at his sanity.

For as long as he could, he wanted to hold onto Marco and Julia, to protect them, to forgive himself for failing to protect his oldest (step) daughters. Especially Maggie. She was the only one of the three he had known and cared for since she was a baby. He had watched her grow from a babbling, good natured baby to a chatty, mischievous, and gentle girl. It didn't matter that her father was someone different (Gyro). Johnny thought of Maggie as his own adorable daughter.

Johnny didn't know the other girls as long or as well as Maggie, but his heart reacted to them in a similar way. He pitied Sadie-Mae, and sympathies with her a little, for being rejected by her parents. Paxe's family was a cruel tragedy that left her spiraling across the wilderness of America. It was a miracle how that zesty kid was still alive. Sadie-Mae too had a knack for surviving on the streets, a hardness no child should ever known. At least, that's how Johnny felt. They were much like their father (Gyro), and these girls deserved so much better.

When they vanished, the left behind a gaping vacuum that defied sealing. There's no way that Johnny could forget his most painful wound. His fear of losing the last of his children, his joy, kept him awake most nights and fretful to the point of rage most days. As such, dark circles from the lack of sleep surrounded his eyes. His face looked leaner, more sunken in, and frowning seemed to be a constant part of his look. His eyes scanned the environment constantly, darting towards corners and other obscure entryways, as if anticipating someone jumping out and attacking them. He was quick to scold Julia and Marco for not being aware of their surroundings 100% of the time, so the kids, Marco especially, only loosened up and had fun when physically away from their father. Of course, sometimes the teens snuck away from the house during the nights to have the freedom outside of Johnny's watch.

Johnny couldn't help his fear from swallowing him at times. Sometimes he goes into panics, struggling to breath and feeling like his body could float and his head could smack the floor. Gyro grounds him out of it, but he doesnt know how long he can keep it up. Johnny gets this faraway look in his eyes that it scares Gyro. Johnny was always nervous while raising his kids before, but this was something much different and severe. Johnny was losing the last of his sanity and soul.

So as you can imagine, when Johnny is reunited with his lost daughters, he is overrun with relief like a valve releasing a sudden burst of pressure and steam. He hugs each one tightly, but he hugs Maggie the longest, squeezing her a bit harder because he knows he might die of a broken heart if anything happened to her. He also begins crying, sobbing because he cant believe that his lost children would find their way back to him. For years, he never wanted to relive that trauma, even going so far as to fight with Gyro over furthering the search for them. After the first few years, the diaappointment in still not fisong a lead to their whereabouts became too bitter to tolerate.

But Johnny has them back now. He occasionally cries because some part of him is desperately trying to convince him that it's a dream to weaken the blow when he wakes up, and he realizes each time that it is real and not a dream at all. He has his whole family back under one roof again: his husband Gyro, his son, and his four daughters. Johnny can finally breathe easier and find happiness again.