#they've always been a story about a man who fell in love with a ghost

[worriedvision]

A handsome customer - Alhaitham

Gender neutral reader, mentions some in-game story stuff. Tighnari is the readers brother. Does have a threat at one point, Tighnari being a protective brother.

--

You first started working in the cafe after you decided you'd rather spend more effort in completing your thesis instead of losing your energy to a job that paid a fraction of what the cafe did. Thankfully, you were competent at the work, so you kept the job while keeping up with your academic work.

There was a handsome customer, in fact he was the first one you served. He was initially really blank with you, not showing any interest past the obvious species thing with your ears. He simply ordered his coffee before taking a seat nearby as he waits for you to complete the order, placing it on the table before returning to the back.

Over time, he started passing you flirty notes. He always seemed to pick when you were there, your colleagues teasing you when they bring it up. He even smiled at you, all of it building towards you catching feelings for him.

Your brother figured it out quickly. There is a scent he caught on you, something that warned him you finally fell for someone. He doesn't bring it up with you, but he keeps a close eye on you to see who caught your eye. See, your species fall hard, and he knew from your personality as well as your breed that you would be thrown off course if some manchild was going to break things off.

He found out who you liked through your friend teasing you behind the counter when he was sitting with Kaveh, Cyno and Alhaitham. He trusted Cyno and Kaveh, but the fact that Alhaitham lied about being a feeble scholar made him suspicious.

"Hey, you keep looking over." Your friend giggles. "Is it the one with the big ears?"

"Ew, no! That's my brother." You grimace, your friend with a smug grin on their face.

"I'm only joking, I know it's not him. Still, is it the General Mahamatra?"

"No, it's not him." You respond, making up an order.

"It must be Kaveh then! He is such a lovely man, he'd treat you right."

"Want me to say it out loud?" You huff out, placing the to-go order and calling the customers name out before turning to whisper to your friend. "It's the man with the earpiece."

"The acting grand sage?" Your friend hesitates. "I get it, he has those buff arms and that chiseled physique, but he seems... emotionally lacking..." Your friend continues.

"But he's the one who keeps giving me flirty comments hidden in notes. He even finds ways to incorporate research techniques that convert it into code, it's so sweet of him." You protest lightly, your friend shaking their head before taking the wine out to the table.

"Alhaitham, would you care to follow me outside? I have something I'd like to ask you about." Tighnari asks. Alhaitham nods, not sure what he could help with.

The moment the door closes, Tighnari turns to Alhaitham, eyes darkening.

"Listen here. You've been flirting with my sibling, and I want you to know they've fallen hard for you. I hope you don't have to be lectured about species. If you were to play with their feelings, I know they'd likely not cope well with it." Tighnari growls. "Do you have true feelings for them?"

"Of course. I can assure you, I will not harm them." Alhaitham responds, Tighnari not relaxing just yet. "I may not express it, however i do know how to treat them the way they deserve."

"Good, because if you break their heart, I will break your legs." Tighnari warns him, opening the door and returning to his usual expression.

"Let's go back, shall we?" Tighnari smiles, Alhaitham following as he opts to get on Tighnaris good side instead of running away with his tail between his legs.

"Hah, you look like you've seen a ghost, Alhaitham." Kaveh exclaims, Alhaitham clearing his throat.

"Oh, I just gave him a light warning." Tighnari states, Alhaitham nodding.

[shallliveoninsong]

9, 13, 17 (multimuse meme)

| asks for muns with a multimuse or more than one muse | 9. why were you drawn to each one of your characters?

◇ This is bout to get long, strap in! (also only doing muses on this blog otherwise we'd be here all day)

Sissel - For spoilers reasons, I really can't say much but Gh.st trick is literally one of the best games ever I will die on this hill please please PLEASE play this game! They've remastered it to nearly all main modern consoles as well as Steam and I love it when REDACTED and then it turns out REDACTED was REDACTED and gosh!

But Sissel is hilarious and the 'straight man' of the comedy which is lots of fun. He's got a good sense of justice, is clever, caring, and is a ghost! I really like stories that explore/play with how an afterlife may work. I really find his Ghost Tricks neat and how they can do so much yet still have plenty of limitations. I really wish I could say more here but I can't without spoiling the whole game but he's a good banana-head guy, trust me ; )

The Reader - Hello more characters from obscure games I love! They are the playable character from Supergi.nt games' Pyre! And while they are kind of a blank slate for you, the player to get to choose how you wish to have them act and whatnot there are multiple times in the story where you can build your own backstory of your Reader how you wish.

Pyre is such an underrated game of Supergi.nt's and the world of it is so intriguing. I was drawn the backstory you can choose where the Reader is an orphan due to their country's generations-long feud with their neighbors and is a scholar who committed the 'sin' of owning books and being literate when the country's government had banned any form of literacy and even the old language (English) long ago. They are exiled for this great 'sin' to an inhospitable land underneath the dropoff of a massive waterfall. I just really like how much they are the glue to the little band of exiles you join together with to try and regain your alls freedom. They aren't a fighter, they physically can't be due to their disabilities, but their guidance more than makes up for it. I also really like how they go from just some nobody exile to trying to change their entire country.

The Voice / Archjustice Androblees IX - Also from Pyre (the faceclaim is not) look- every multi-use needs the one asshole muse ok? This is mine. He's an overdramatic sportscaster who's always narrating your life and roasting you every second of the way! I just find that neat and fun c:

I do think there are more complex things going on too but we don't get to see much of it in the game so we can only speculate for most of it but he went from being REDACTED to this so there must have been something that caused the change.

Jing Yuan - I'm a sucker for deeply hurting characters who hide it all behind a smile : ). Though he's also very cool and the focus on him in the Luofu chapter of HSR certainly helps, he had a lot of cool moments and scenes. But also has range and is a funny eepy lion man. I appreciate the duality. I am so normal about him and his friendship with the HCQ and how it all fell apart : ")

Lady - She's so cool TwT and cute and badass. And actually has a great character arc (at least in 3 which she was one of the main characters I'd say where the rest are more side appearances). She taught Dante to give a damn (honestly dmc3 wouldn't have happened the way it did without her) and hauls around a freaking rocket launcher to fight demons with despite being pure human fighting alongside superpowered demons! What more could you want in a gal? Oh, and has family trauma too so that's fun : ")

13. what’s a weird headcanon you have for each of your muses?

◇ Define 'weird'. Hmm.

For Sissel this isn't weird given REDACTED but he finds it a lot of fun to push things off tables with his ghost tricks.

The Reader is such a book nerd I think they sometimes go to a library and take home more than they can carry resulting in them embarrassingly having to take some back in moments later.

The Archjustice is certainly over-dramatizing his voice when presiding over the rites and loves every second of it.

Jing Yuan sometimes cuts his hair short but it just grows back really fast so the shock doesn't last long to those who know him.

Lady sometimes shoots at Dante when he's being extra annoying--she misses on purpose but it's just to spook him.

17. do your muses get along with each other?

The Reader and Archjustice are at odds at each other during Pyre so definitely no there. No one gets along with Archjustice because he's a bastard. Sissel doesn't like being around Lady due to all the killing and death, but would be ok to hang out with the Reader but... he can't read though so they don't have much in common unless Reader could teach him. Jing Yuan would get along with everyone but Archjustice and would probably like talking with the Reader a lot and fighting alongside Lady (the feeling would be mutual). Lady would be freaked out by Sissel's existence, things are supposed to die not become ghosts! She'd think the Reader is an accident waiting to happen with how easily they allow people to approach them yet physically aren't able to defend themselves.

[frodokas]

WHY I DISLIKE AOT'S ENDING

Well, the journey has ended - and I've never imagined that it would happen in a disappointing way like this. Before I'd jump into anything THIS ISN'T A HATE POST - I respect Isayama and am really grateful his more than a decade-long hardwork, preciseness. I completely understand that in the end he got tired of it and he absolutely has the right to finish his own story as he pleases - but as auidence we have the right to criticize it in a cultured way. The post is based off the untranslated, korean chapter. Not proof-read.

SPOILERS FOR ATTACK ON TITAN'S 139TH (FINAL) CHAPTER BELOW!!!

The conclusion of Mikasa. Okay, we've had our rounds(bee - boo) why I'm personally not a big fan of her and why she's objectively a badly-written character - but I'd be upset even as a Mikasa fan. I was glad that she seemingly was ready to let Eren go, BUT NO. Mikasa killed Eren, but didn't actually let him go. Seemingly she's gonna grieve over him forever, and this isn't a good message, it isn't a big development from her - I think this is a very bad (main!!!) character writing - many people refer to Mikasa a badass, independent, but she sticks to her deceased loved one in a self-destructive way, even withdrawing from society. I understand that she isn't able to process Eren's death, but I they could've shown it to us in a better way. Mikasa isn't a good role model in general, especially with this conclusion of her story.

I've always been reassuring myself, that Historia will surely have a reason being almost written-out. Well, her pregnancy didn't have importance, the identy of the father neither. Just an easy, plot-saving movement, which is really disappointing, it completely ruins her character.

No titans anymore. A thing I enjoyed about Attack on Titan is that actions, decisions actually had weight - if something happened that couldn't be turned back. I was almost certain that everyone will turned back into human - suprise, suprise I was right. It was just a cheap movement to keep the fans thrilled for a month. My heart cried for Connie and Jean, but this upsets me even more.

Jean really didn't have a vision about Marco? REALLY? When the spirits of all the deceased SC members are there, and Jean, one of the most important characters doesn't have a last-last goodbye with the person WHO WAS THE MAIN MOTIVE FOR HIM? It's okay if you ruin this man's whole character arc, but now totally forgetting about a thing that has determined his personality, development and actions during the WHOLE series? Keep me hung.

Connie, where's your mom? You were fighting for her and would even feed a child if that meant you can bring her back to life. HAHAHA.

I think I won't list all the characters whose development and/or arc were thrown into trash.

Everything is just rushed. I haven't been satisifed with the last eight-ten chapters - they weren't logical, some characters started to act OOC and the story just fell into pieces, being the shadow of itself. The Attack on Titan was a morally grey story about soldier life and centuries of hatred, but it got sugarcoated in the end - former enemies are acting like nothing happened, like none of the killed each other's loved ones or committed mass war-crimes. Yes, I know they've been trough a lot - but suddenly the whole world just forgets all of it? Meh. Completely goes against what AoT was originally about.

Of course, it's not a catastrophe, there were some stuff I enjoyed:

Levi's fate. He's an average character, but at least everything is okay about him - there are no holes. He's fufilled his promise to Erwin and now (as predicted) he is the only remaining veteran SC member of his generation. The last one. Also, his salute was beautiful despite the fact I didn't like the whole "SC ghosts" element in the series.

Gabi-Falco reunion. Anatomy 0%, meme material at max.

Overall the first ~130 chapters. They were truly excellent.

I'm grateful, that this story ever existed, its messages, characters and story is still something outstanding. I feel bad for it, I'm disappointed but that's it. It be like that sometimes.

Hitch is a mood as always. Gotta love this bitch.♡

[glossytoji]

Sanji x female reader (Champagne Problems- song fiction)

Champagne Problems (Listen here)

Theme (and warnings): Angst! Romance! song fiction, very soft Sanji (typical kind and thoughtful Sanji), alcoholic reader, reader ghosts Sanji, hopeful ending!

2861 words

Main masterlist

Sanji decided that his shoes is the most interesting thing at the very moment, with his eyes down on his shiny shoe, he continued to walk towards his designated train on water 7. He tried to distract himself by reminiscing memories of the first time that he was here, it was when they've recruited their shipwright and rescued their archaeologist. To his misfortune, his thoughts would always lead back to the woman whom he truly fell in love with, y/n.

He sighed, he then looked up to check what's up ahead and barely even realized the group of gorgeous ladies that are conversing beside the train's entrance. His spirit is obviously dampened, a melancholic halo could almost be sensed around him.

He immediately hopped on the train and searched for his assigned cabin for the night. The night had been so busy for water 7 considering the fact that the holidays are fast approaching.

He lit a cigarette as he finally found and settled on his cabin, his face stoic as ever as if he's bored but in reality he's just in pain.

After successfully dominating the four seas, the grand line, and the new world, and after he have finally found his all blue with his Pirate King, he decided to return to east blue for their another hiatus and returned on Baratie for the meantime. Zeff and the rest of the staff became ecstatic at his son's return. To his surprise, the new female addition was ecstatic as well, as she seemed to have heard amazing stories filled with love and admiration from Zeff. His jaw dropped when he realized that it's truly a lady standing before him. And what's more unbelievable is that she's a sous chef, taking up Sanji's previous position in Baratie. As he was about to feel disappointed that he was replaced, he was nevertheless ecstatic that his spot was filled by a gorgeous woman. Was not Zeff against with the idea of recruiting a woman? Oh well, he's not gonna complain after all.

His heart ached while he struggled to swallow the lump on his throat as he eyed the moon through the windows from his bunk bed below.

The door towards his cabin suddenly slid open as a busy man hurriedly entered and settled on a bunk bed across him. Sanji scoffed, he thought he could sit there in his hurt without being judged but unfortunately, a middle aged man who seemed to be happily married settled across him. Sanji decided to lay on his back and wander over his thoughts. Earlier, while he was getting in line for the train, he thought his head would burst at the bustling crowd but he didn't knew what's worst. The silent sleeper across him or the bustling crowds from earlier? Both didn't stop him from constantly slipping back in his nostalgic and melancholic thoughts.

It was different than everything else that he has ever experienced before. Nami-san would be so harsh on him but he didn't mind and would actually swoon over and brush it off with a laugh. He couldn't forget;

While Baratie is currently lively due to the party, everybody was on the dance floor.  Y/n's eyes were on the crowd, fascinated with everyone before her who are having the time of their lives, dancing as if there's no tomorrow.

She hesitantly eyed the champagne that's being placed on a table, a few meters away from her. She badly wanted a sip but she knew she wouldn't, she promised her therapist, she promised Zeff.

"Y/N- SWAAAANNN!!!! Why's a beautiful lady like you standing on the corner alone in a lively room instead on the dance floor?!" Sanji exclaimed over the loud boom of the music. She didn't have to turn her head to her left to realize that it's indeed the women-lover, Sanji. She playfully rolled her eyes at his playful approach.

"Well, no one asked to be my partner for tonight. Probably too scared to have their foot stepped on by me." She joked.

"My, my, my. May I have this dance y/n-san?" Sanji asked in his most regal and chivalrous manner as he bowed and extended a hand towards y/n. To y/n surprise, Sanji had probably took her joke seriously.

"I don't know..." she muttered but nevertheless placed a hand on his in which he delightfully accepted as they began to saunter towards the vacated space in the middle of Baratie in which they addressed as a dance floor for the time being. The duo had fun on the dance floor until a slow-paced music is being played, a music that is meant for lovers. Sanji then slowly pulled y/n towards him, gracefully placing a hand on her waist while y/n automatically rested a hand on his shoulder while the other hands of theirs are intertwined as they slowly swayed at the sweet music. Sanji slowly leaned and pressed a soft kiss on her forehead. He then softly smiled at her in which she graciously returned. The sweet smile on y/n's face suddenly dropped, a confused look now plastered on her face- Sanji became worried, did he do something wrong?

Y/n hastily dropped his hand as if realization dawned her. She immediately detached herself away from him, walking away without any explanation as she left him out standing in the dance floor. His heart strings immediately reacted as they plucked a melancholic tune. His eyes followed her form as she disappeared away from the crowd. He sighed and momentarily closed his eyes as he recalls her confused and pained expression. He bit his lip and decided to light himself a cigarette since he realized it's been a few hours since he did so.

While the soft purr of the train became music to his ears, his eyes now bore on the bunk bed that hovered over his body. He blew puffs of cigarette, while wondering if she's watching the same moon as he was just now. Is it morning over where she lived? Or is it night? He has no idea at all. Is she sound asleep? Was she thinking about him? Did she miss him?

He then immediately tapped the pockets of his pants to check if his mom's ring is still there. He sighed in relief as he noticed that it's safely tucked deep in his pockets. After all, it's the only remembrance he has of his deceased mother. He decided to reach for his wallet in his back pocket. He gently opened his wallet and eyed the picture tucked on it. A gentle smile lingered on his lips as he traced the picture with his fingers (with his empty hand), while-on his other hand-his cigarette is stuck in between his middle and index finger as he held the same hand with his wallet. Oh how he loved her dearly, it may seem impossible even for him but he sometimes does not realize the times he failed to swoon over the presence of other women as his thoughts became occupied with y/n. It was very natural and ironically funny of how natural it is.

His eyes remained lovingly on the picture. A picture where y/n is adorned with a bright and beautiful smile, he was really glad he got a hold of the picture before she could have the chance to burn it along the hundreds of beautiful pictures that she already did so. Fortunately, he was on time before she could drop it at the burning bin. He could remember the surprised look on her face in which her lips accompanied in to asking "what do you think you're doing?".

He remembered how he gently cleaned the photo off from gas, afraid that he might accidentally burn the photo with his cigarette. It was the only picture that he could save but nevertheless, he was grateful and happy to have been able to keep one. He was honored and humbled to have her break his heart into pieces, someone as sweet and adorable like her, he didn't mind at all. Not even when she left his mother's ring on the bed side table, as he wakes up to an empty space on the bed to his right- where she usually lay- and a called off engagement. He realized that maybe it's not quite a peculiar way to end an engagement, after all it's y/n.

He merely fell in love and did not honestly expect anything so grand in return. He couldn't deny that this reckless love of his has shattered him but in spite of the painful ache that's hoarding his chest, he will forever wish for her safety and happiness. His thoughts led him to worry, she left without any explanations at all- although he didn't mind so much about the explanation- he was worried about her whereabouts as he did not have any idea on where she left to.

Waking up to an empty bed scared him to the point he thought that he just woke up from a very good dream to face the cold nightmare of a reality; a world without y/n. She suddenly left without any trace yet to his luck, the picture in his wallet proved him sane, he's not crazy, y/n's real. Their love is real. The late nights, the long conversations, the I love yous, the intimate moments in their room where they exchange their sweet declarations of love are actually real. He was so honored and humbled. What a lucky bastard he really is- as per Sanji.

He would always remember their conversations on the railings of Baratie as they stare at the horizon before them, how she would joke around and call the world a "madness" while teary-eyed with a forced smile. Sanji knew all too well what she meant by that.

He sighed in relief when he realized that he has a missing flannel on his drawer, he knew all too well that y/n packed it with her on her journey, as his missing flannel happened to be her favorite one. He hoped well that it would somehow warm her, that she could feel his arms around her as she wears it.

It has been a few months since she left him. He's currently on his way back to Sabaody Archipelago to reunite with his crew; they were quite enlightened when they heard about Sanji finally getting married. They became quite surprised that Sanji would actually be joining them back in their journey as they were expecting him to settle down already, however they're ecstatic to have the greatest cook aboard back in their ship. Sanji knew he had to tell them that he's not getting married anytime soon but he didn't have the heart to, not yet, he was still hopeful.

In his bag, a letter is carefully rested in a notebook that he bought just to protect it from unfortunate accidents. It was a letter that he recently found on one of his suits a week ago as he was packing for Sabaody. He didn't have the heart to read it the moment his eyes caught y/n's name at the lower portion of the letter.

He closed his eyes and heaved a sigh.

"Fuck it." He mutters, as he momentarily sat up to shuffle in his bag to retrieve the letter. As he found what he was looking for, he immediately flopped his back on the bunk bed.

Slowly but gently, he opens the letter, his heart pounding in nervousness and anticipation. Will she include her address in this letter? Before he proceeded on reading he stubbed out his cigarette and relied on the moonlight as a source of light while he reads his ex-fiancé's letter.

Dear Sanji,

  My love, you were looking for me. I saw you. I was about to call for you but I realized it would be selfish of me.

I never was ready, so I watched you go.

I am embarrassed to say that I made one of the staff -which shan't be named- as an accomplice, I decided to make this letter, not to clear my conscience but to inform you that I am physically fine and I so badly wanted this letter to reach you. I was sailing close to Baratie to deliver this message, I was quite nervous as  I saw you leaning at the railings and was very sure you noticed me; maybe you didn't mind or maybe you did not notice me at all.

Everything I ever wanted, I found it in you. I badly miss you and want to be with you but I realized I never became better, I thought I'll be fine because I am with you. It's embarrassing to even think about it, you were my fiancé for Christ's sake! Not my therapist! I am currently on therapy right now, I wanted to be better, to be the best version of myself. It pains me to see you worried and distressed over me, I wanted to make life easy for the both of us that's why I decided to take this bold step. Sanji, I finally want to be alive, I want to be happy.

As I arrived at my destination, I realized the world's not so bad after all. I met kind people, rest-assured I am fine and am honestly getting better!

I would have made such a lovely bride don't you think? But what a shame I'm stuck in my head.

Trust me Sanji, you'll find the real thing in this pretty vast ocean. Someday, someone will patch the tapestry that I shred. Someone will hold your hand while dancing and will never leave you standing.

I admit I was crestfallen, I was falling down in this never ending abyss, me and my champagne problems (and obviously many more types of problems). I didn't have it in me to drag you in this madness. You're too bright and too good, I'd be damned forever if I ruin someone as kind and sweet as you are.

I am aware that you told Zeff about your distress over me because you couldn't take it in. I am honestly quite happy that you have someone you could trust to talk with. I am sorry for stressing you out and for inflicting you so much emotional pain and trauma. No apologies could mend but I am truly deeply sorry and I swear on my grave that therapy- yes to therapy.

I know how much you love Dom Pérignon; who wouldn't? I used to love that too much too. It's easy to say that our engagement party was quite a mess. I am sorry for making quite a fool out of you during your speech. Love slipped beyond your reaches, I take accountability for draining you in this relationship. For all of the things I've done, I couldn't give a reason.

Your mother's ring deserves to be taken care by someone who's more than capable than I am.  Someday, someone will make you truly happy. Truly happy to the point it'll make you replace my picture in your wallet. Truly happy to the point you'll forget about my champagne problems. Someday, you won't remember all my champagne problems.

Ps: I met a good friend. Her name is Makino.

Yours truly,

Tears rolled on Sanji's eyes as he studied the letter all over again. He is so relieved and happy. Y/n's always known to leave without making explanations yet she made an exception just for him.

"Please be alright." He whispered as he neatly folded the letter to how it used to be. Slowly, he softly placed a kiss on the letter, a few tears staining on it. He couldn't stop himself from crying he was relieved and happy. Although he always knew that he'll do anything for her, this letter somehow warms his heart. His baby, his beloved finally wants to be alive and wants to be happy. Sanji sobbed in relief. He was in so much relief, no one could truly understand how relieved he was to be able to hear from y/n. Oh how he used to pray and hope that he could somehow ease her pain but reading on to her letter, he was ecstatic, happy, and once again, relieved.

"Baka, I won't ever want anybody else." He softly spoke through tears.

Y/n

"Makino?" He murmured, he knew he heard her name somewhere and just like that,  a huge grin formed on his lips. After his journey with his Captain, he had the perfect idea where to find you. Fingers crossed, he hoped you were talking about the same Makino that Luffy talks about.

His fingers once again decided to pry open the already folded letter, immediately his finger traces her last sentence.

"My love, please wait for me. I just know where to find you." He whispered, as he now stares into the moon while clutching the letter to his chest. A huge smile is now placed on his lips, afterall, he confidently knows where to find you.

[jackson--t]

🎃 Spooktober 🎃

Bloody Boneless - Pt. I

Welcome to my favourite time of the year and my month of spooky stuff! I will create some short spooky stories - if you want to join me, feel free to tag me! 🎃

Summary: Heahmund talks about old sagas and legends in his classes - and tries one game out for himself at home. With a frightening result that makes his blood run cold...

Words: 2.6 k (AO3? Here.)

Spooky Friends (so far): @youbloodymadgenius @jadelynlace (if you want to be tagged, feel free to send me a DM or stuff!) 🖤

Heahmund looked around at his students and grinned a little; his bright eyes wandered over the curious eyes of the teens, who were all talking; some were already coming forward to share their ideas and stories.

It was October, and it wasn't long until Halloween; Heahmund had specifically chosen the last history lessons to get into a little spooky subject matter, about ghosts and folklore, about old tales and myths, and things you'd tell yourself if you wanted to scare someone. Outside, the rain pattered against the window, and the class had been decked out in autumnal red for several weeks, decorated with collected leaves and chestnuts. Heahmund grinned for a moment, then pointed to a student.

"Anna?"

"When I was a child, my mother told me that witches could be found in many bushes and along roadsides. We had a bush in our backyard back then, and it was so opaque that you could only ever make out black structures that looked so spooky..."

"And you must have been afraid of it?" Heahmund said, and Anna nodded.

"Who knows any more sagas? Does anyone maybe know games that involve old Halloween traditions?" Heahmund asked to the group, and several students came forward.

"Tim."

"My big sister once got a Ouija board with her friends on Halloween, and they... tried to call a dead friend through the board. They've never touched it since. She told me things moved around the room and the lights suddenly went out," Tim recounted; several girls in the room looked at each other aghast and began whispering excitedly, while Heahmund pressed his lower back against the desk.

"Stories like that scare you, of course, but it can also be fantasy. There are so many ancient legends and customs that, because of their history, already grasp the origins of fear. For example, the superstition that you should never look in the mirror at the stroke of midnight," he explained, and the teenagers fell silent; they looked at their history teacher intently.

"Why not?" Irina asked, and Heahmund grinned slightly.

"They say it makes you see your inner monster, or your inner witch. There are various games you can try in the dark, but they mostly play with your seventh sense, or simply your perception. The basic idea of fear plays a central role in this. Does anyone know of anything else?"

It took a moment, but then suddenly, quite hesitantly, a finger lifted from the back row; Heahmund's eyes met the shy Natalie, who always spoke very little, even though she had good grades. The others did not like her so much; however, to Heahmund she was a nice girl who was just a little quiet. He nodded to her with a smile; she looked around shyly, then said softly, "You told us once about the Vikings, and about their age. I know a saga about it."

Heahmund raised his eyebrows; he had always loved the subject of Vikings and didn't even know until now that there were customs here, too - or at least ghost stories that the young people told each other. "Really? Ah, very nice! Of course, when someone includes real history, it's always exciting. Tell us more, Nathalie!"

Nathalie hesitated for a moment; her fingers buried in her sweater.

"You told us about Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons back then. And I know a... legend. It says that at the stroke of midnight you are supposed to stand in front of the mirror, and if you... well, if you say Bloody Boneless three times, the Viking tyrant Ivar the Boneless will appear in the mirror."

Heahmund felt a slight chill run down his spine; he had gone over the subject very carefully with the students, and he was fascinated by how much had stuck with her; he looked at her for a moment, then asked, "Have you ever tried it?"

She shook her head vigorously. "No, I wouldn't do it either. The stories about him are too scary for me."

"With Bloody Mary, after all, the legend goes much the same way, except she pokes your eyes out. What do you think Ivar the Boneless does, Nathalie?" Heahmund said; the class watched intently as Nathalie bit her lower lip softly.

"They say that he... that he kills you. With an object he finds on you." she whispered; for a moment, icy chills ran through the class, and the abrupt ringing of the bell elicited a cry from some; Heahmund laughed.

"All's well, we'll see each other again on Wednesday. Until then, please read up on the customs about the Salem Witches' Night and do assignment 10 on it."

Heahmund waited until the class was completely empty; he smiled at the students, then scratched his chin lightly. Ghost stories, what nonsense. Of course, he knew none of these things were true; even though he loved seeing the shocked faces of the teenagers.

Bloody Boneless, what a nonsense....

 

§---§---§

 

It was late in the evening when Heahmund stood in front of the mirror in his bathroom; for a moment he looked at his dark hair, and then got his toothbrush ready. The clock on his shelf showed just before midnight; so, he still had some time.

Something on the back of his neck prickled as he brushed his teeth and walked slowly up and down the hallway; the rain was still casting gloomy shadowy shapes on the windows in his house, and the wind was clearly audible. If he wasn't mistaken, he had also heard a thunderstorm coming from a safe distance - a terribly cozy autumn night that he was about to end with a good book in his bed. Yet he still carried his student's words from today in his ear; that strange story about Ivar the Boneless.

Heahmund had devoted much of his studies to the Viking field, and it was still his favorite part of history. Perhaps he could joke with the children and pretend that the story about the mirror was true. He was sure that the teenagers - at least a couple of them - would not be able to sleep for nights if Heahmund continued Nathalie's story. He grunted softly in amusement before standing back in the bathroom and washing out his mouth.

When he lifted his head, the clock read 11:59 p.m., and Heahmund fixed his bright eyes on the mirror; his own reflection was staring back at him, albeit still with a somewhat wet beard. As the digital clock read midnight, Heahmund exhaled deeply. His hands clawed tightly into the porcelain of the basin, and he said softly in his deep voice:

"Bloody Boneless."

Once, and the rain whipped harder against the window; it was nothing unusual, for the storm had been predicted. Heahmund snorted softly; he felt a little crazy and silly, but he took another breath and said:

"Bloody Boneless."

Far away in the dark of the night there was a low rumbling; but the storm was still too far away for Heahmund to hear it clearly. Nothing happened; Heahmund grinned slightly at his own image in the mirror, and then quietly muttered a third:

"Bloody Boneless."

It happened all of a sudden; the lights in the bathroom began to flicker all at once, and with a ripping thunderclap, it abruptly went dark; just once, the light of the bathroom mirror still flickered on, causing Heahmund to let out a scream.

For a millisecond, the gruesomely contorted face of an angry young man had appeared in it, that undoubtedly belonged to Ivar the Boneless. But the lights came back on, and Heahmund stared perplexedly into the mirror; his hands trembled, and he wore white marks on his knuckles, so tightly had he clutched at the basin. When his bright eyes fell on the mirror again, he could see only his own face in it. No trace of that grimace.

Heahmund exhaled deeply and ran his hand over his forehead, shivering slightly; it was just as he himself had said in his lessons: the brain knew it was seeing something, and imagined it. The thunder had been a coincidence, of course, and had contributed to that brief anxiety -but it had been a horrible experience.

"Amazing, a brain like that.", Heahmund muttered to himself, slightly breathless, before turning off the bathroom light and turning towards the hallway. Just for a brief moment, for the fragile blink of an eye, he imagined that he saw a black, crooked shadow in the mirror that clearly could not belong to him. But it could just have been the shower curtain.

Heahmund hurried to get to the bedroom; the mirrors in the hallway suddenly didn't seem so trustworthy, especially since a bright flash additionally illuminated the hallway. Heahmund had never really been the fearful type; never. He didn't believe in ghosts and stories; he believed in the measurable reality of people. But this experience had given even him a deep goose bump on the back of his neck that he couldn't shake off. When he arrived in the bedroom, he closed the door behind him; the hallway was silent, however, as he took one last look inside before turning out the light there as well.

He had another mirror in the bedroom that he had a good view of; normally he loved it, especially for certain evenings; but now a strange feeling came over him. He looked at the mirror slightly critically, and yet decided against taking it down - he wasn't that anxious now. Everything was explainable, really everything. The blackout, the flickering, even his hallucination. There was nothing to worry about or be afraid of.

He turned on the small light on his nightstand and leaned back against the end of the bed; he covered himself lightly and began reading his book. He loved this atmosphere while reading; there was a storm outside, and he was inside with a book in a warm bed, and he didn't even have to get up early tomorrow, since he didn't have class until the last period. He enjoyed such evenings very much; only sometimes he felt lonely.

The house was only blanketed by the sound of rain and thunderstorms; however, as Heahmund was turning a page, his eyes caught something out of the corner of his eye. It was a dark movement, a quick, barely visible movement, but it shot up the back of Heahmund's neck so quickly and tinglingly that he could not have imagined it.

His gaze went up to the mirror; it was still standing there motionless, and nothing but the room was reflected in it; this weather was playing tricks on his eyes, he was sure of it. And those damn children's stories. He shouldn't have done that shit with the mirror.

Heahmund averted his eyes again; he continued to read in silence when suddenly he heard an unfamiliar noise - it sounded like something hitting the ground sharp and hard, like some kind of knife or axe; but it was almost too heavy for that. Heahmund raised his head and stared around the room, but he could see nothing; yet he could have sworn that this strange sound had come directly from his room. He wrinkled his nose slightly; the sound appeared again, only this time it was ten times louder. And it was almost as if a dark shadow was creeping out from under the doorframe....

Heahmund jumped out of bed. Maybe it was a burglar! He went towards the door, saw exactly the strange shadows on the wooden floor, which looked as if someone with crutch was standing in front of the door - his neck tingled wildly, and he suppressed the fantasy in his head - when with a sudden movement he tore open the door.

"Ha!" he cried; but there was no one in the hall. Heahmund stared open-mouthed into the hallway, and then at the floor - the shadow was gone. He took a deep breath in and out, as he closed the door behind him with a soft sound. He needed to calm down, his imagination was starting to run away with him. It was nothing more than a scary fairy tale that teenagers told each other at their Halloween parties.

When he turned around, however, his body suddenly froze.

He couldn't move an inch even if he wanted to; his muscles seemed frozen, frozen like an icy body in deepest winter. His mouth was slightly open, and yet neither words nor air came out to breathe; for his bright eyes fell on the mirror.

There, in jet-black leather armor, leaning on a pointed, metal crutch, stood a young man with the brightest, bluest eyes Heahmund had ever encountered. He simply stood there in the mirror, no one in front of it, staring motionless in Heahmund's direction; his dark hair was braided in Viking splendor, and his face revealed that he had been through a lot; a small but legendary scar adorned the young man's face.

It took a while for Heahmund's body to release its rigidity; he took a deep shocked breath, and stared in disbelief at the image in the mirror. It was as if frozen; the young Viking in it did not move a bit, but only stared stubbornly in Heahmund's direction. It looked like a statue; Heahmund dared to come a little closer and walked with slow steps towards the large mirror.

A flash of lightning lit up the room, and the rumble of thunder gave the whole thing an impossibly creepy atmosphere. Although Heahmund's body was wrapped in icy cold and thick goose bumps, he walked forward until he was standing right in front of the mirror; the young man was a little shorter than him and stood slightly bent over by his crutch. But he did not move, not even when Heahmund touched the cold pane of the mirror with a slight swallow.

"You're not real. This isn't real. I'm dreaming.", Heahmund muttered darkly; the mirror felt normal, and nothing moved except for the flashes in the background.

It had to be a bad joke. Maybe someone had traded his mirror for a TV? Maybe this was a show? Those damn kids...

Heahmund hissed softly as he looked around the room; but he could see no cameras in the corners, and no feet or anything behind the curtains. There was nothing there...

He turned his gaze back to the mirror; still the young man stood there, but his eyes had changed direction. They were staring Heahmund right in the face now, and Heahmund had to swallow hard against his own horrible fear. He took his fingers away from the cool glass, and stared at the Viking as well.

"You are not real, Ivar the Boneless," Heahmund said darkly.

And suddenly, with the bright light of a flash of lightning and the cruel, violent thunder of the thunderstorm close by, he moved; the face moved jerkily, and his jaw cracked slightly before bright white teeth showed, looking almost like sharp knives in the flash of the thunderstorm; the corners of the young man's mouth lifted, and the bright eyes stared at him like the devil's face made flesh.

„dauði, Kristr.“ A high-pitched, strangely soft, yet scratchy voice shattered the silence of the bedroom, mixed with cruel cracking sounds; and Heahmund froze to ice again.

He took a shaking step back, but his eyes caught perfectly how the pointed end of the crutch pressed against the mirror from inside, and a thousand shards suddenly pattered on the floor; and with a firm and sweeping pulling motion, Ivar the Boneless pulled himself out of the mirror, incarnate.

„dauði, Kristr.“ - "Die, Christian." (correct me if it's wrong!)

[toothblushes]

for the self ship questions: pre realtionship -- 1 & 3. general -- 3. love -- 1, 2, 11, 12. domestic life -- 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9.

Ooh! You're getting lots of lore! :D

This will be long, so I'll put it under the cut ^_^

🖤Pre Relationship🖤

1. It's an interesting story!

There was a sort of urban legend that was passed around the town of a terrifying ghost that haunted the Misfortune Forest. Anyone who ventured into it, would surely meet their demise. In unexplainable ways at that! Supposedly, one poor soul who dared enter was crushed by a piano that had fallen from seemingly nowhere!

Boris wanders into the woods one day (for some reason. I haven't figured that out yet 😂) He stumbles upon the ""ghost's"" old cottage and, being the curious man he is, knocks on the door. He can hear something moving on the other side of the door, but whatever it is doesn't answer him.

Over the course of a few weeks, he visits the old cottage, chatting through the door and sometimes leaving gifts on the doorstep (they're gone when he comes the next day)

He had assumed that the mysterious being on the other side of the door would be a weary old lady or something. Very storybook like.

So when the ""ghost"" finally opened the door one day, he was just like 😳 "oh..."

And that's how they met! :)

3. Well, both of them are on bad terms with/are cut off from their parents, so they didn't have any say in it.

As far as friends go, she didn't have any friends since she had locked herself away from the world for so long.

He also was a bit of a loner for some time, but Pabit was his biggest hype man!

🖤General🖤

3. Um...a bit awkward, to be honest 😅

She had never done it, and he had only ever kissed a flower...

It was nervous and quick. Rest assured though, the fireworks were there and in full force :)

🖤Love🖤

1. He did :)

He was barely able to choke it out, but he managed.

2. He's a fan of all of them, but if he had to choose, it would be physical touch. He's just a very cuddly lovey man! That said, she's very apprehensive about touch from anyone else, but with him she loves it :)

She's more of a Quality time/acts of service kind of lady. She tends to get painfully flustered, so expressing her affection physically or verbally is difficult for her. (This isn't the case when they're alone though 💕)

11. There are a couple of songs I associate with them, one of which is "Home in the West" from the game's soundtrack.

For music outside of the game, I don't really have a whole lot, since I'm not very well versed in music (I always appreciate suggestions!) but I do associate a lot of Jack Stauber's songs with them, especially Buttercup! The reasoning behind this is because I discovered him around the same time I first fell for...you know...my f/o 💦

12. Oh goodness, nicknames are his specialty! 😂

His pet names for her are basically anything flower related. Flower, rosebud, little blossom, sweet pea, just to name a few. His favorite is his little moonbeam! (There were moonbeam flowers growing around her cottage where they first met! It's also what type of flower the hair clip he gave her is!)

Also probably a lot of cute names in Russian. I don't know any specific ones because, well...I don't speak the language 😅

Her names for him are very much things Morticia and Gomez Addams would call each other 😂

My darling, my light, my treasure, etc... Every once in a while though, she'll slip and call him something exceptionally mushy like my sweet pumpkin pie <3

🖤Domestic Life🖤

1. He does <3

It happens in winter, on the anniversary of the day they first met :)

2. The wedding takes place in the woods, during a gentle snowfall. They both wear warm, fancy outfits (hers has a long hooded cloak with faux fur trim and a hand muffler :)

Only their close friends that they made since they've been together (also his adopted mom who is my dear friend's s/I 💕 Yes, they adopted a full grown man) attend. They wanted something small since she (and honestly him as well) would be nervous with a big audience

3. They have two daughters! They're twins named Lily and Daisy :)

Lily is bubbly and cheerful, while Daisy is more reserved and quiet :)

4. Does Pabit count? 😂

Really though, I like to pretend we have the pets that I have. Two cats (I know Lilies are really dangerous for cats, but it's my daydream world and I can do what I want) and a bearded dragon :)

8. Oh my gosh.

They go ALL OUT

Him especially.

Neither of them got to celebrate much when they were younger, so they're making up for that 😂

9. She is.

She's a very sleepy lady, and seeing her all snuggled up and drowsy just melts his heart! How could he possibly leave his sweet little moonbeam to be all by herself!?

And there we go!!

A big ol lore sundae for you!! ^_^

[echo-three-one]

Run run run....

Table of Contents

Previous Chapter : Going Dark - Part 1

Chapter 23 to another story made by Ray (echo-three-one) Comments and Reviews appreciated! I hope you enjoy! Love you all ��️

Going Dark - Part 2

John "Soap" MacTavish

London, United Kingdom

Soap never knew that the bloody guy would pull that trick off his sleeve. He's been sick of the same ringing he first experienced when they went out with Francine.

So he did what he could and quickly got up to his feet as soon as he saw Alex attempt to halt the hostage on his tracks. That bastard's going to pay for stomping on Alex like that.

With comms down once again, he had to act fast, stomping down the stairs, never leaving sight of the runner. He could sense someone following him and assumed it's any of Roach, Price or Jack. And it looked like Ghost caught wind of what happened too.

"Oi! Let's flank him!" Soap roared across the empty streets as Ghost and Roach split ways and ran toward their target.

They're not kidding when they said the Shadow Company is at par with the 141, the guy ran like a horse which Soap never expected from his build. He could see Ghost and Roach sprinting from his sides, one wrong turn and he's done for, but he still had one last trick. 

He raced to the emergency stairs as his heavy feet clanged against the metal. Soap followed, optimizing the steps on edges to gain on him. Going up the rooftops was his biggest mistake.

"Bollocks, he's still running!" he announced as he felt his ears crackling. 

"Well…. st….by…. do….airs.." His earpiece crackled through the static. It's recovering but they're already far off MacMillan's truck where their line connected.

He leaped. Soap almost stopped in his tracks as the runner courageously leapt across the huge gap and rolled on to the next building. He braced himself and continued dashing across the roof and did a mighty leap, his arms circled like he was swimming and he carefully placed his feet to perform a proper land and rolled.

That's going to hurt as soon as the adrenaline fades, but he quickly got up and made use of his remaining burst of energy. 

The runner stopped in his tracks as soon as Roach emerged from the opposite fire escape, raising a pistol pointed straight at him as he raised his hand in surrender.

"Nowhere to run now." Roach said, cautiously walking near him. He's aware that his phone is still inside his pocket and that they had no idea when it'll go off again.

He didn't talk, but he looked panicked. He was sweating all over and his face was beyond recognizable. It looked like he's out of options.

"Tell us Where Shepherd is…" Gary pointed the loaded gun on his head, the desperation in Gary's eyes were obvious.

"There's an abandoned plane graveyard near Afghanistan…" he whimpered. His voice was shaky enough to warrant the truth.

"What's he doing there?" Soap added.

"He's trading the blueprints for the I.P. Address… Please that's all I know" he begged and they quickly left the place, walking back to MacMillan's car.

"You got something?" Ghost asked as soon as Roach's feet landed on the dark alley.

"A place. In Afghanistan." Roach answered.

"And he also had the I.P. Address.." Soap added.

"But that's impossible… didn't Samantha already forget about it?" Ghost asked but there was a quiet pause. Their brains almost looked like working together.

"Holy Crap." Roach finally broke the silence.

And from that moment they realized the other reason behind Samantha's memory returning. One way or another, her memories were once again toyed with.

~

"So how was it?" Price asked the team that ran off to chase the runner.

"We got an address. An abandoned plane yard in Afghanistan." Roach replied. Soap turned to Alex as he sat at the back of the jeep tending to his wound. 

"You okay mate?" he asked walking close to his ally, who was wincing in pain.

"The guy's boots are heavy." He chuckled and so did Soap.

"Listen, Alex. We heard that Shepherd has the I P. address, did Samantha tell you anything about remembering it?" Soap asked as the whole team fell silent and turned to the two.

"Not really. What's bothered me is that she remembers everything except after when Shepherd explained his plans to her… Could it be that…" Alex trailed.

"She remembered because they undid their operation on her…" Jack continued. The whole group stood in silence. 

Price's phone rang and delivered them with more bad news. It looked like while chasing the runner, Shepherd had caught wind of their activity and had some of London police scour the nearby streets for them.

"Da, It's time to go, my comrades." Nikolai announced as soon as Price relayed the message. Their ride home was compromised.

"Where to?" He asked.

"I know a place." Soap said.

TRAIN STATION

It looked like Soap's hunch was right. None of the people onboard to Scotland mind about the faces of the fugitives flashed on the news recently. 

Their day packs had reserved clothes and they opted to change to something more civilian. Soap could smell the fabric conditioner France used to wash his newly bought clothes and couldn't help but miss her. If they weren't on a rush, Soap could've topped up for international calls.

"How long is this trip? 7 hours?" Price asked a civilian with surprised expressions.

"Wow. It's like a plane ride, but I'm still in the same country!" Jack cackled at the idea. He does have a different sense of humor. Just as Alex described him.

The rest of the team took this time to rest, they sat on the emptiest part of the train, away from the people that might recognize them and report their presence.

"I've contacted Samantha. It looks like they're having a small problem over there." Alex said.

"Someone saw one of us fugitives and tried to get inside the house to claim his bounty. At first they just talked him off but he's persistent now. So they decided to fly to our location and regroup there. And Soap, where exactly are we going?" Alex asked. Soap took a careful look around his team and felt nervous about his decision.

"Our old house. In Scotland. It's far off civilization. I think no one would look for us there." he muttered, gaining a nod from Price and Jack. Soap sighed in relief as soon as they thought of it as a good idea. Roach actually felt excited despite having to go there by train for seven hours. He immediately made that decision a few minutes ago without anyone's approval, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

"Hey, you three… Thanks for chasing that runner while we were out. Go catch some sleep. We'll watch over this train. It's going to be a long trip." Price nudged and Jack nodded. Soap gave a pair of earbuds to Price, the old man immediately looked at him with question.

"What's this? A hearing aid?" Price asked.

"Our runner wore that so it might be the reason he wasn't affected by his own blast." He muttered before crossing his arms.

"Thanks, mate. I'll let someone have a look at this." Price nodded and Jack immediately inserted with a suggestion.

"I know someone near Glasgow. A close friend of mine." 

"That's great. He's closer." Price agreed and Soap slowly drifted himself asleep, trying to rest his tired legs all while also trying not to worry about Francine.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

The never shifting scenery of the road home sent John MacTavish into a little nostalgia trip. The sound of trains screeching across the station reminded him of so many things from the past.  The road they're walking along now was the same road he's walked on everyday of his life, and now after a lot of years, he can't believe he's back.

"I don't see anything nearby,  are you sure we're not lost Soap?" Roach asked.

"We aren't. The house is just obstructed by the trees. They've grown taller since I last left." he replied enthusiastically. He looked obviously excited to see his home.

As soon as they reached the short curve, a huge cream-painted house greeted them from the distance. He could hear Alex and Roach's collective oohs and aahs every step they took closer.

"When you said old, I was really expecting it to be abandoned." Roach mused.

"It is, actually. My parents are off… somewhere else." he replied leading the way inside the house. The pool was already dirty and most weeds already outgrew the fences.

Soap pushed the huge wooden double door open and was greeted by the same visage of their entrance way back when he was a kid. Same pictures hung on the walls of his adventures as a kid up to the recent photo of his graduation. His mom was always proud of him no matter what, but he couldn't forget the way she looked at him once he chose to enlist to the riskiest job ever.

The rest of the team helped themselves to discovering the inside of the house, looking at photos, sitting on the couches and grabbing a glass of water. Soap quickly gave them a tour of the house and that they're free to pick a guest room of their choice. It was appropriate that they'd feel comfortable after a tough day.

"Nice place you got here, comrade. Why'd you give this all up for a life that's always hanging on the ledge?" Nikolai asked, tapping his shoulder. 

"I don't even know." he muttered and Nikolai chuckled, making his way to the living room. The team was quick to adapt to the place. Roach and Ghost already chose their rooms and he assumed they already attempted to recover while the three older men gathered around the television and watched the news. Alex was by the telephone, probably contacting Samantha. He wanted to check on France himself, so he planned to go to his room and make a call.

"The New York attack stopped." Price discussed with Nikolai and Jack, the three began speculating about a lot of things. Soap would love to join in the conversation but he decided to update on Francine first.

His room looked the same as when he left, the same shade of blue wallpaper, the same color sheets that were changed weekly and the same things on top of his bedside drawer.

Dialing her number, which he subconsciously memorized, he immediately placed the receiver on his ear and anxiously waited for her to pick up the phone.

"Hello?" her voice sounded different over the phone, but it still sent shivers across his spine as soon as he heard it.

"Hey. It's me." he replied.

"Angelo?" she asked, her voice almost sounded like she's fighting herself not to laugh.

"It's John." 

"I know, silly. Who would mistake you for anyone else with that accent." she retorted.

"Do ya like it?" he teased, making sure he emphasized his Scottish accent well.

"Why'd you call?" She changed the topic. She wasn't budging on his teasing, but he knew she's already blushing on the other side of the line.

"Did Price give you the landing coordinates?" he asked.

"Yeah. Maxine looked it up on the map. It looks like a shady house in the middle of nowhere. Who are you?" she joked.

"Great. I'll see you here. I-" he hesitated. He wanted to tell her how much he misses her. But even with his oozing confidence, he felt like chickening out this time.

"Yeah. We're on our way. Take care out there John." She said and dropped the call. Soap sighed and plopped himself on his bed, deeply sighing at his actions. This girl was making him crazy… and the funny thing is he's all fine with it.

Next Chapter : Going Dark - Part 3

Notification Squad my Beloved

@smokeywhalee @samatedeansbroccoli @enderio @beemybee @whimsywispsblog @ricinbach

[coinofstone]

5x03 The Death Song of Uther Pendragon

Arthur went out to collect firewood while Merlin watched over the dying lady 🥺

They saved a woman from being burned at the stake for sorcery and she repays them with a super powerful magic artifact

"He's always like this at the anniversary of his coronation."

"I thought it was a cause for celebration?"

"It is, but it's also the anniversary of Uther's death."

I would like to refer everyone back to my 4x03 post where I point out that Uther was stabbed on Arthur's birthday, which is also the anniversary of his mother's death. Uther would've died a day or two later. So within the span of let's say, half a week, Arthur's got his birthday, his mother's death anniversary, his father's death anniversary, and his coronation. He needs a hug. It's gotta be the hardest week of the year for him, every year. Speaking from personal experience, I know I wouldn't be anywhere near as upright as Arthur is, for all his thousand yard staring.

It's a very nice sarcophagus but what is going on with Uther's left leg?

No srsly wut is this

Is it reeeeally swollen? Did he break his ankle in the fight or perhaps when he fell?

Ok I'll stop being mean

The ONE time Merlin knocks

You think this was a sex thing? I think it might've been a sex thing.

Spirit!Uther, while traumatizing in his own right, still isn't as frightening as actual King Uther could be.

Oooof I have Things To Say™️ about this. The reason Arthur chooses to use the horn, to use magic, is because, "there isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of the thing I wish I'd said to him." But when he gets to speak to Uther, he doesn't actually get to say very much at all, because Uther immediately begins criticizing everything he's done as king. Arthur doesn't get what he sought at all, instead of an opportunity to tell his father any of the things he wished to say, he gets spoken to, harshly criticized. It's a major blow. And he says as much, when the single man tear spills over and he says "this can't be the last time I ever see you" - yes the line is foreshadowing Uther's haunting of Camelot but it's also signaling that Arthur's been traumatized; he went from having had his father mortally wounded in saving Arthur's own life, to having seen his father 3+ years into Arthur's rule as King of Camelot, and point blank being told Uther is disappointed in him. Not proud of him - actively un-proud. We don't really know what exactly Arthur wanted, if he'd hoped his father would've seen all the good his way of ruling had done and praised him, but I think it's pretty safe to assume that was on the wish list.

Be careful what you wish for indeed.

I AMUSE MYSELF. (I spent two hours figuring out how to create this please appreciate me)

Merlin's angry face when Arthur tells goin what Uther said is literally all of us.

I feel terrible for this but when Percival is leaving Gaius' chambers and he stops to look at the wall-torch, I immediately flash backed to Alice Troughton on commentary in S4 saying "Percival's a bit of a wuss isn't he?"

This is also awful but this episode kind of makes me miss the castle-centric contained episodes of S1

Never any guards around when you're being attacked by the ghost of your husband's dead dad, typical.

I understand Merlin bringing Guinevere to Gaius but putting her in Merlin's bed??????

The way Bradley and Colin both convincingly jumped when they turned around and found Gaius had snuck up right behind them kills me every time.

"Poetry". What he means to say there is, 'why didn't you just tell him we were fucking, since that would actually sound less gay'

So. Merlin took the ghost visibility potion but he can't see Utter knocking over barrels and shelves and things to trap in that store room.

Also why is there a pigeon in a windowless store room? Now I'm wondering why there aren't more birds randomly flying into the citadel, cuz they do have quite a lot of open windows... you'd think that might happen now and again.

Mmmmmmmm

Hmmmmmmm

Ooooof I love a bamf husband coming through to deal with a shit-for-brains abusive father... ghost.

^^actual canon scene

Was Tony shot entirely on green for this? That unearthly blue glow even in close ups where he doesn't look like he's on a green scene makes me wonder.

The 'horseplay' scene at the end was so full of sexual tension and d/s undertones that I literally do not want to say anything lest tumblr flag this post for content.

Commentary is Angel and Rupert. The two regulars who were in the least number of scenes in this ep. Since this post is already crazy long I'll keep this brief.

Aaaaand it's the first time either of them have seen this episode 😂 wow.

They've made 'horn' jokes and Rupert's gone full on tongue in cheek dad jokes.

They are also cracking jokes on Colin being all jacked up for S5 compared to previously when he was so skinny hehe... personally I ain't mad at him 😂

Fifteen minutes into the episode and Leon makes his first appearance

The little bottles and decor things in Gaius' chambers are part of a static set so they pretty much just sit there... Angel says that some of the contents have started to go moldy and they found maggots in one of them 🤢

They're talking about Gwen's new hair and while Angel is being really diplomatic, I get the impression she's as annoyed as I am by it. It literally doesn't match her own hair at all. But she also said some people saw her without the piece on and just said 'omg you cut your hair' so I guess 🤷‍♀️

The scene where Gwen is knocked out by a vase smashing her head - Angel says she was hit with the heavier bottom piece of it, which hurt more than she was expecting, and she wound up with a bump on her head from it.

Not a word about Colin picking up Angel 😢

They're talking about childhood pets and a beverage called lilt? Anyway Angel is really clever and Rupert's corny af but he's funny and I love them both.

Oh this is interesting: Rupert says he and the director talked about having Leon walking through the corridor hand in hand with the cook when he stumbles upon Merlin and Arthur's 'poetry lesson', but they weren't allowed to do that bc it would've been just a little bit too much, or a little too tongue in cheek. Which I'm taking to mean, would've accentuated the subtext of 'poetry' too much.

Angel and Rupert didn't know how they got Uther all glowy either, though Angel said it was probably lighting

Rupert says the line where Utter got caught off, what he was gonna say was "Merlin has ... been to the gym!" 😂😂😂😂😂

They really are great together doing these things

Rupert's story was the horse he had been riding all season had a foal, and nobody even knew she'd been pregnant. They just came out one morning and saw she'd given birth, and he got a call to inform him. That's kind of sweet. I wonder if he sent them some apples or something.

[fortunatelyhauntedblackcherry]

Moonshine - A Beetlejuice Fanfiction 04

Warning: swearing, stalking

Beetlejuice loved what the girls did to the place. They've been there for more than two weeks now and were almost fully done. They worked and packed out and cleaned all day and night to make the house feel like home and actually, they succeeded.

The house was big, and the girls made it seem even bigger. On the lower level there was a hall, a living/dining room, a kitchen, a bathroom and a winter garden, and on the upper level, there were 3 bedrooms with a bathroom. The original small windows in the kitchen and in the living room got replaced with huge ones, and the same happened to the upper bedrooms' windows. Sofía said the more light will come inside, the more it will remind them of the house they left in Europe.

The living room had pretty white hardwood floors, burgundy red ceiling, a black fireplace and a chandelier - both were there since the house was built -, a Victorian-looking burgundy couch with 2 armchairs, a white coffin-shaped coffee table, the fluffiest and biggest black carpet, a huge tv with a sound system, behind the sofa white dining room furniture, and wall-to-wall white bookshelves that the girls filled with books and little relics and souvenirs and things that they liked. Beetlejuice didn't understand why would they need so many books, like, who would read about "Women's place in Ancient Egypt" in their spare time?!? But he liked the other stuff. And he really liked the stories the girls told each other about those little things while they were packing them out of the boxes. For example the one Rei told when she found the fake caramel apple she chipped her tooth with years ago. It was Halloween when her mom bought it for a pun against Ari's mom. It looked so lifelike but it was made of resin and, well, the toothmark was still there. He loved to hear Ari's uncontrollable laugh and clapping like a degenerated seal, especially that one time when Sofía told the story of a framed Broadway ticket she used when she was taking pictures of his celebrity crush, a taxi came by, splashed her with mud and her toes got so slippery inside her high-heels that she fell over, into her crush's arms, and she literally tore his trousers down while falling. The way Rei almost choked to death on red wine when Ari told the girls how she ran from the police in Egypt because she stole a mini Bastet statue from the Museum Shop, but actually they were chasing her because she forgot her passport at the museum almost gave BJ a new best friend, but well, that was his luck. He had fun anyways.

Even though they didn't see him, he was content and happy. His hair turned back to green and fluffy fully, and it only went back to purple once in the past week. The sisters made him feel like he was not alone, like he could join the conversation anytime. He even commented on some things, which made some... Weird impacts. When he made a very humorous comment, for example when Ari was putting a bumblebee made of glass on the shelf and he said "you know bees always have sticky hair, since they use honey combs", she just burst out laughing. He didn't really get it. She couldn't really hear him... Could she? I mean she was not dead. He could not touch anything, nor any of them (believe me, he tried to slap all three's asses), so he was still in that weird alternate reality.

Even tough he really couldn't believe that she heard him, he mostly followed Ari everywhere. Many times he just watched, but he couldn't help himself when she went out to the winter garden and she sang for the plants while taking care of them. That made his gooey little heart so full. He could listen to her singing for hours. He was just floating around her and when she finished a song, many times he said something like:

- Uuuuuh, now sing something from Nirvana pleeeease I really like them and I haven't heard them in YEARS!

She never answered and basically never sang what he wanted. But she smiled when he was all gushy over her voice so he had no idea what to think. One time he thought he even heard her say "thanks" but he was not sure.

Now Beetlejuice was sitting next to Sofía on the couch, throwing some self-summoned popcorn into his mouth and chewed loudly.

- Are you ready? - asked Ari with a wide smile and a very excited voice as she carried a huge box into the living room.

- Last box and we're finally all packed out!!! - proclaimed Sofi while getting up from the sofa. Rei reached into the box and got out a human skull.

- Let's get ya all fixed up, Long John Silver. - they all got a bodypart out and after some time, a skeleton of a half-legged pirate was standing in the corner with a skeleton parrot on his shoulder.

- Awwww look at him he even has a little birdie! How sweet, can I get a skeletal friend too? Maybe I could call him Jacques. And he would be French. Honhon monsieur my name is Jacques and I have a mustache hahaha... - Beetlejuice laughed at himself and slapped his knee. He stood up and went closer to observe the skeleton. - Oh how much fun I'll have with you once I'll be able to possess you...

Sofi shuddered.

- Gosh, it's so cold in here all the time...

- The fuck did you think babes, you WANTED to buy a haunted house, and now you are surprised it's cold??? - proclaimed Beetlejuice. - I thought you guys were smart and shit.

- Yeah, you're right man , we were basically asking for it. - said Ari with a small laugh. Beetlejuice literally jumped up with a small scream. The girls stayed silent.

- What did you just say Ari? - asked Sofía with a tilted head. Ari laughed nervously and stroke her hair.

- Eheheee... Nothing...

- YOU CAN HEAR ME!!! - Beetlejuice clapped his hands like a little child and was screaming in joy. Slight streaks of pink started to appear in is hair. - I KNEW YOU COULD, YOU LITTLE LIAR!!! - Ari rolled her eyes and then looked at her sisters.

- Look, I must have heard it wrong, I'm really tired... I'll just go and take a nap, kay? - her sisters looked at her, both weirded out.

- Ari, are you okay?

- YES TOTALLY FINE BYYEEEE!!! - Ari slowly backed out of the living room, smiling innocently, then as soon as she got out of sight, she sprinted up the stairs.

As soon as she got into her room, she slapped the door shut. She nearly couldn't breathe. She locked her door and she threw herself on her bed. Beetlejuice floated above her, smiled so hard his face would hurt if it could, and tried to boop Ari's nose.

- Babes, if you were a fruit, you'd be a FINEapple. - Ari jumped up and screamed.

- YOU ARE JUST PART OF MY CONSCIENCE, YOU ARE NOTHING ELSE! - she said angrily into thin air. BJ lifted one of his eyebrows.

- Babes, I can't be your conscience. I haven’t even used mine until now.

- There is no other explanation! I know what I said down in the living room but it's not possible!

- THERE IS, YOU... - Beetlejuice bit his fist. This girl might be his way out into the human world. Plus, he liked her. And her ass. - Sorry for the screaming. It's just that... - he lowered his voice and whispered into her ear. - ...you make Daddy so angry. - Ari faceplamed herself. - You can call me that by the way. Or demon straight from Hell. Ghost-zombie Jesus. Sexy. - Beetlejuice was checking out Ari and tried to pinch her ass. - Is your last name Campbell? Because you’re mmm... mmm... good...

Ari turned around, where the voice came from.

- What are you then?!? You can't be a...

- Demon. Yes, I am.