#to the point that the guy takes their son and leaves cause hes worried she cant take care of him

[fishybehavior]

What do you mean only Kai can experience parentification??

I'm gonna give Jay so much- *gets shot*

[alloftheimagines]

joel miller | first kill

masterlist | taglist | ko-fi

words: 1.8k

warnings: blood, violence, strong language, angst, hurt/comfort in the best way joel knows how, they/them reader.

synopsis: in which the reader is forced to take a life for the first time in order to save the man they love. not requested just more brain rot from me.

tags: @sweetbabygirlsworld

When the first gunshot sounds, you bite down on your tongue to trap a scream, tasting blood. Joel ushers you and Ellie down behind the truck, and you wrap an arm around her to keep her close. Joel hunches over you, protecting you both. You hate that he has to; hate that he sees it as his job.

But he’s the only one who can keep you safe. 

Your wide-eyed gaze snags on a small opening in the wall. “Ellie. Go hide in there. When Joel says go, you go.”

“Fuck, no. I’m not leaving you guys.”

“Do as you're told,” Joel bites out. He peeks over the top of the truck before returning his focus to you. As he does, a bullet pings off the metal and you all cower. “Shit. There’s two of ‘em.”

Your trembling hand reaches into your waistband for your pistol. You’ve never used it, not once, Joel always making sure you don’t have to. But there’s three of you now, and you’re not sure there’ll be an easy way out this time. 

He looks over the truck again. “Now. Go now. Stay low.”

You urge Ellie away, and she crawls to the hole at the same time Joel returns his attention to the shooters. You breathe a sigh of relief when she vanishes in the shadows. 

“You, too,” he orders, surprising you.

“No,” you reply. “Two against one? I don’t fucking think so. I’m staying.”

He sighs, jaw ticking in frustration, but there isn’t time. Footsteps grow closer. He rises into a crouch, balances his shotgun…

Shoots. 

You flinch as you hear the body hit the floor, and then another round of bullets whistles through the air from the remaining gunman. “Stay there,” Joel says. “Don’t move.”

You wouldn’t know how even if you wanted to, frozen in place. Silence blankets you for a moment, and then Joel’s finger flexes over the trigger.

His second shot rings through the dilapidated building. 

“Gone,” he whispers. “They’re gone.”

But you both know those shots were too loud, and anybody could be coming. Slowly, you rise onto your feet, peering over the truck. You try not to look at the bodies, the blood, as you ready your gun with both hands, just like he taught you.

Nothing. 

And then a figure comes at Joel in a blur from a side door, and the two of them collapse in a writhing heap. 

“Joel!” 

The attacker is armed, and he has Joel pinned down by the shotgun. Joel is grunting, suffocating. You point your gun without thinking, aiming straight for the back of the stranger’s head. Fear spikes through you all at once, and your fingers curl around the trigger in a deathly squeeze. 

The gunfire rents through the air, causing your ears to ring. The attacker slumps on top of Joel, and only as you see the blood blossoming just above his neck do you realise what you’ve done. The gun wavers in your hand like a ship in a tempest. You drop it, imagining that crimson staining your palms as the stench of gunpowder chokes you. 

You’ve killed. Taken a life.

Before you can worry about the bullet going through, Joel pushes the body away, struggling to rise to his feet. His face is splattered in blood. You barely notice him, too busy looking at the attacker’s now visible features. He barely looks eighteen, maybe twenty at most, maybe far younger. 

A kid. 

You shot a kid. Somebody’s son, brother, nephew. 

Joel is saying your name, but you feel like you’re underwater. 

“Don’t look at him, look at me,” he commands, cupping your jaw and tearing your gaze from the lifeless boy on the floor. “It’s okay. You had to. You had to do it. I’m here, okay? I’m here.”

Slowly, you begin to shake your head as tears roll down your cheeks. “What did I do?” A sob falls from you. “What have I done?”

“Shit.” Joel tugs you into his warm, hard chest, and your tears soak into his jacket. 

“He’s dead,” you’re saying, over and over. “I killed him. He’s dead.” And there is so much blood. You peek over his shoulder again and wonder if that speck there is brain matter on the floor or just your own brain torturing you. 

“I’m sorry.” Joel rocks you, his palm hard as stone as his fingers tangle in your hair. “I’m so sorry, darlin'. But we have to go now. We have to hide. People will be coming.”

“There’s a way out through here!” Ellie calls. 

It’s a blur as Joel lets you go, picking up your discarded gun and slipping it into his waistband. You can do nothing but stare at the life you’ve taken. It doesn’t feel right to leave the body, to leave him. Your victim. 

But you’re being pulled away, through a door, a window, into the street and another ruined building, running, hiding, Joel clearing each step along the way as he keeps you tucked beside him. You stagger on numb feet, looking back every now and again to the building where everything changed. The building where you first took a life. 

You have to stop after what feels like years of moving through the city, bile rising up your throat. You vomit all over the sidewalk. Joel’s hand strokes soothing circles across your shoulders — “It’s okay, darlin’. It’s okay.” — and then you’re being pulled away again, again, again. Finally, you find a place to stop. Joel checks every door, every window. You wipe your mouth, your tears, your snotty nose, finding that you’re still shaking uncontrollably. You imagine your freckles are blood stains and have to hide your hands. 

“Look at me.” He’s cupping your jaw again, his face unfocused. You think about wiping away the blood crusting his weathered skin, but you can’t bear to touch it. “It wasn’t your fault, okay? You did what you had to. You saved me. It was my fault, baby. I should’ve seen ‘em coming. I should have known better. I should have been the one protecting you.”

There’s no answer that you can give. No answer that will undo what you’ve just done. You didn’t think it would feel like this, killing someone, especially when you know the attacker would’ve killed Joel if you hadn’t pulled that trigger, but it feels like the life has seeped out of you as well as him. It feels like there is a darkness weighing you down now, and you know for certain you will see that gaunt face every day, every night.

“We’re going to have to settle here for a bit,” he’s saying to Ellie. “Give them time.”

You sink down without taking off your backpack and are unable to keep from looking at your hands again. They won’t stop shaking. You’re certain they’ll never stop again.

Another hand covers yours. Joel’s. He’s knelt in front of you, wearing an expression full of sorrow — of loss. Because he’s lost you. The person he knows, the person who has never taken a life, who has done everything they can not to leave the world worse off or bloodier than it already is. 

He squeezes your fingers tightly. “Listen to me. Are you listenin’?”

Your bottom lip wobbles, but you nod. 

“I know,” he says. “I know what this means. I know that something has changed today. I know how it feels to carry ghosts around. But I need you to stay with me, right here. I need you to focus, just for a little while longer. You hear?”

You swallow. With the rough pad of his thumb, he wipes away your tears. “We can’t stay here. We’re in the open. We need to keep moving, but we can’t do that if you don’t come back to me.”

“I thought… I thought you were going to die,” you whisper. “I thought…”

“I know, baby, and you did so good. You did so fuckin’ good.” He shifts beside you to press his forehead against yours. Both clammy. “You saved me. You kept me alive.”

You took one life for the sake of another. And the worst part is that, even now, when you are breaking on this old carpet, you know you would do it again if it meant keeping Joel safe. Joel and Ellie. It’s the reason you didn’t think twice. 

You can’t lose him. You can’t do this without him. He’s all you have to cling onto, and so you do, knotting your fingers in his shirt as though reminding yourself he’s here, he’s real, he’s worth the guilt and the pain and the fear. 

“I’m a killer,” you breathe. 

“Sometimes, there is no line between killin’ and survivin’. Not in this world. I’m so goddamn sorry I couldn’t stop him. I’m so…” His face crumples, eyes turning glossy. But he sniffs, shakes himself out of it quickly as he places a kiss to your forehead. “It shouldn’t have happened. But it has. And now there’s nothing we can do to change it.”

You close your eyes, and he’s there to catch more tears, more pain. Nausea rolls through you, but you swallow it down, catching a glimpse of Ellie. Though she’s trying to hide it, she’s terrified, and it’s written all over her face. 

Better you than her, you think. Better this world makes you a killer than a fourteen-year-old. 

“Okay. Okay, I’m ready to keep going.”

“You sure?” Joel whispers. 

You nod. 

He kisses you again, this one lingering enough that Ellie fakes a gag, which earns her a dirty look from Joel. 

“I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that this doesn’t happen again,” he vows. "Everything."

You brush your fingertips across his cheek sadly, knowing it shouldn’t have to be him all the time. He shouldn’t be the only one fighting his demons. 

Now, he doesn’t have to be. 

“We have to protect each other,” you say. “Give me my gun.”

He gives you a reluctant grimace. “Darlin’...”

“It’s too late to go back,” you say, and you’re not just talking about the kill, the blood on your hands. You’re talking about the way you love him, the way you can’t stop loving him. The way your love has somehow made you into a fierce, broken, desperate killer. And a survivor, like he said. It’s too late to go back, and even if you could, you wouldn’t. 

You love him. 

He must see it all over your face, because he softens as he tucks a sweat-slick strand of hair behind your ear. So gentle. He’s so rarely this gentle. 

“Give me the gun, Joel,” you ask again. 

He does, dropping it into your outstretched hand. You want to flinch against the cool metal, but you fight that feeling, slipping the gun away quickly. 

You try to compose yourself, moulding your features into something you hope seems reassuring. Joel dips his head before standing, holding his hand out for you. You take it and let him pull you up, and somehow, the world doesn’t crumble beneath your feet. Somehow, the earth keeps turning. 

Somehow, he doesn’t look at you like you’re a monster. So you keep going, keep dragging this new ghost around the city with you in the hopes that one day it will be worth it.

[sweetlittlegingy]

I Don't Start Shit, But I Can Tell You How It Ends

✦ Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Better Man Universe

✦Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Single!Mother, Dagger Squad vs. Davis

✦Word Count: 2.8 K

✦Warnings: Protective!Hangman, Angry!Hangman, Protective!Dagger Squad, Asshole Guy, Failed Drugging, Jake hints at killing people...

✦A/n: The Dagger Squad finally gets ahold of Mathew's old Principle. They really hate the man, we all do tbh! Day 2 of 500 celebration!!!!

✦Library (Follow for updates! I no longer have a taglist.)

He’d told you he wouldn’t go to the school, and Jake Seresin was nothing if not a man of his word. Especially when the promise was made to you. No, Jake had informed Rooster of the situation. Of how the piece of shit, Davis, had touched you and made completely inappropriate comments about not only you, but also Mathew.

Jake had gone to Rooster knowing that the information would have him on a manhunt, and it did. Rooster was overwhelmingly protective of you, and though Jake had hated it at times, right now he was more than thankful for it. What Jake hadn’t meant to have happen, was to have Bob overhear him and Rooster talking.

No, that was defiantly not a part of the plan.

Though it quickly became a part of it.

“I figure, you go in and sweet talk the office Lady and —”

The slam of the locker room doors had Jake pausing, both him and Rooster looking over their shoulders to see a fuming Phoenix.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Her tone has both the pilots, exchanging a worried glance. Glancing behind Phoenix’s form at the other two male pilots, hoping that their faces would provide a revelation.

Jake's eyes first meet Coyote, a hard unamused gaze meeting his own. His eyes leave his best friend, to flitter between Bob’s own unusually hard gaze and Phoenix, her eyes never leaving his own. Her hands rested on her hips, giving both Jake and Rooster a ‘What The Fuck’ look.

“Nix baby, what’s wrong?” Rooster's tone causes a scoff to fall from Phoenix’s lips, taking a step toward the two of them. Both Rooster and Jake to step back, one hand leaving her hip to point at the two of them. A silent accusation.

“When were you going to tell me that my sister-in-law,” Her gaze cutting to Bradley harshly. “and god-son were getting FUCKING harassed by some idiot Principal.”

Both of them remained quiet; never noticing, until now, that lock room floors were remarkably shiny.

“Hmm?”

“Baby, I was going to tell you—”

“Don’t even Chicken,” the name instantly shutting the man up. She’d only ever used it on him when he was in trouble, using it more often than she did his actual name. “You are sleeping on the couch tonight.”

He shouldn’t have laughed, but Jake loved to see Rooster get in trouble. His laugh quickly dies though, when Phoenix’s pointed finger cuts to him.

“And you, what was the plan? Huh?”

“Trace, I had a plan.”

The sound of dripping water echoed through the silent locker room, each of the pilots waiting for Jake to continue. Jake’s eyes moved back to Rooster, who remained not only silent, but looked like he’d just gotten his favorite toy taken away from him.

Jake’s eyes rolled, realizing that Rooster would be no help to him. The 6-foot-something pilot was already in the doghouse with the wife, and wouldn’t be risking getting more sleepless nights on the couch.

“I mean it’s a work in progress, me and Rooster were hashing it out.”

A grunt leaves Rooster, “Look baby I was just listening, and then I was gonna come tell you.”

His head slowly nodding, “Yeah, I was actually about to tell Hangman that we need your input.”

It was clearly a lie, everyone knew it.

But Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, was in fact the biggest suck-up to his wife. If Jake wasn’t so in love with you, he would’ve laughed. Though from the moment he had met you, he was yours. You said jump, and he said how high.

“You’re an idiot. I love you, but you’re an idiot.” Walking over to Rooster, she gives him a soft kiss, her gaze then bouncing between Jake and Rooster. “But also, you do need me.”

….

Phoenix’s plan was no doubt better, than what the two pilots had initially thought of. Rooster didn’t love the fact that Phoenix was the “bait” in the situation, but she’d quickly told him to shut up before the protest could leave his mouth.

The first part of the plan had worked smoothly, Phoenix and Bob had quickly found Davis’s Facebook page and found the general area in which he lived. They had also learned what car he drove, and like the damn detective that she was, Phoenix found the man’s choice grocery store to shop at.

The momentum of the plan acceleration, like a snowball rolling down the hill. With a “accidental” meeting in the fresh fruit section, Phoenix quickly had a date set with the man.

That was last week which led to here and now, as Phoenix sat at the bar in the Hard Deck, wearing a dress and waiting for her date to show up. The guys crowded around the pool table, causally playing as if they weren’t about to beat the shit out of some middle-aged man soon enough.

You were home with Mathew and Jake knew that you wouldn’t be coming out. He would usually be with you and Maty, but he’d told you that he needed to handle an issue at the Hard Deck with Roos. You hadn’t even questioned it, only asked if he would be coming by after, to which he replied of course.

…

The bar was slightly crowded for a Thursday night, though it didn’t stop the pilots from clocking the door every time it opened. Before long, Davis had shown up, 20 minutes late to the “date,” but he had showed.

Jake notices the way Phoenix slightly stiffens as Davis’s hand rests a tad low on her lower back, and he has to grab Rooster before he goes and beats the shit of the man. Phoenix glances back at the group of guys, meeting Rooster's eyes and giving him a silent ‘I’m okay.’ He relaxes slightly in Jake’s hold, but is still slightly tense as he moves back to the pool table. The group continues the game of pool, eyes fleeting between the game and the bar.

They watch as Phoenix holds a conversation with the man, though maintains a safe distance from his wandering hands. They hadn’t told Penny about the plan, the group of pilots grin as they notice her continually checking in on Phoenix.

….

Penny had once again made her way over to Phoenix and the man, giving her a smile and the man a harsh glare. Penny knew that this couldn’t be one of Phoenix and Rooster's plans to spice up their marriage, no she could tell that this was different.

“Can I get you two a refill?”

“Yeah baby, get me a beer and – ”  Davis looks over to Phoenix, before turning back to Penny. “Get her cocktail.” 

Penny recoils at the name he calls her and glances back to Phoenix who has remained silent.

“She usually takes a beer or shoots liquor, buddy.”

“Yeah, well cocktails are ladylike.”

The comment has both the women rolling their eyes, Penny’s eyes moving back to the group of pilots, and raises an eyebrow at Rooster.

Rising up from her seat, the dress fluttering down around her hips, drawing Davis’s eyes directly to her tan legs, catching his gaze, Phoenix scoffs.

“Get me whatever Pen, I’m going to the bathroom.”

She leaves before Davis can say anything, more than fed up with the overly handsy and sexist man. Making her way past the group of pilots, she silently looks at them, before going into the bathroom.

…

Jake is making his way to the bar before the bathroom door is fully closed. He slides up to the bar, right next to Davis as he flags down Penny.

“Penny ma’ dear, can I get a whiskey?”

He can feel Davis’ eyes on him, silently watching and assessing. While waiting for Penny, Jake leans his back against the bar, his eyes finally landing on Davis.

“Do I know you?” Jake’s eyes stare at the man, like a lion taunting his prey.

“Nah, don’t think so.”

The reply is short and to the point, but it has Jake laughing slightly. Turning back to lean his forearms on the bar, his gaze harsh and waiting for Davis to bite.

“No, I know you from somewhere.”

Davis doesn’t get a chance to answer as Penny arrives again handing Jake the whiskey and setting down the two drinks for Phoenix and Davis.

“You drinking that girly shit man? Cuz I know Nix doesn’t.”

The comment makes Davis release an uneasy breath, before ignoring Jake altogether. The pilot looks back over his shoulder at the group of guys patiently waiting by the pool table.

If he hadn’t turned back when he did, Jake would have missed it. Lucky, Jake sees it as Davis mixes a bag of powder into Phoenix’s drink.

“Oh buddy, you did not just do that.”

Though the words sound light, the comment is anything but as Jake lays a hand harshly on Davis’s shoulder.

“Listen here, this has nothing to do with you. So just go back to your little friends and leave me be.”

Jake’s tongue slightly clicks at the man, head caulking to the side and laying a harsh gaze upon him. His eyes calculating as ever. Jake has been pissed off before, but now, after this, he was just about ready to kill Davis.

The tick of his jaw, gives Jake away “You know, I thought you looked familiar. You are the piece of shit, who fucked with my girl.”

Grasping the glass of whiskey, Jake shoots the rest of it back. Arm falling to rest upon bar, as he gives Davis his signature award-winning smirk.

“Now here’s what’s gonna happen, Penny ma’ dear you’re going to ring that bell and asshole here is going to pay for a round of drinks.” His soft gaze moves from Penny and back to a clearly worried Davis, eyes instantly hardening when they make contact with Davis‘s own.

“Me and you, we’re gonna go outside and have a little talk, about how you treat women.”

Before he can reply, Bradley and Coyote each grab one of Davis’s arms, and drag him out of the bar as Penny rings the bell in the background. Davis lands harshly on the ground, as Rooster and Coyote release him with a harsh shove. The group of pilots crowded around him, each of them staring down at him with bitter gazes.

“I don’t know wha—”

The words instantly die on Davis’s lips, as Jake crouches down next to him. The surrounding group intent on quietly watching; waiting for Jake to make the first move. Rooster hadn’t seen, the way Davis slipped a powder into Phoenix’s drink, though when he found out Jake was sure he’d want to kill the man just as much.

“Now I’m sure you don’t remember, given that you seem like the type of scum that regularly hits on women without their consent.”

The harsh jab Jake lays on the man’s chest, send him back a bit. The boys had seen Jake mad before, but never like this. Never with such fire and anger burning in his green eyes.

“You see, you made my girl cry. Not just that, you put your hands on my girl, and then you have the nerve to talk about how she’s raising our son.”

Sure, Mathew wasn’t his son yet legally, but with or without the paperwork he was still Jake’s boy.

“She showed up at your office, wanting to have a talk about how your school had been treating Mathew.  But she comes home to me crying and hides in the bathroom until I knocked the fuckin’ door down.”

His voice slowly rose with every word, and watching as his words sink in. Jake laughs as he watches Davis pales upon his realization of the words. Jake’s hand raises up to smack Davis gently across the face laughing as he does so.

“Ahhhh, there it is.”

Jake quickly rises back up to stand over the man, turning back around to the group of pilots and motions them to go grab him. As Rooster and Coyote grab onto the man, lifting him back onto his feet, Jake slowly makes a show.

He always like to show off, it made people uneasy. Jake liked making sure everyone knew just how good he was. He glances over his shoulder, as he unbuttons the khaki uniform top, pulling it off so he’s only wearing the white undershirt with his khaki pants. Glancing back at the man with that well-known smirk,

“Can’t have you bleeding on my good clothes.”

He says it so easily, but he knows that it hits its mark, as Davis shutters slightly in Coyote and Roosters hold.

The sound of the bar doors opening, has the group looking back toward the entrance. Watching as Phoenix exits the bar and makes her way to the group.

“Did I miss anything?”

Davis silently stares at the woman, his eyes moving between Jake and her. The realization slowly crept in that this whole night was a set-up; the meet-up in the grocery store, Jake coming up to him in the bar, and now here with his back pressed against the side of the bar wall.  

“Not a thing, Trace.”

The shift of Davis’ shoulders sends everyone's eyes back to him, watching and calculating just how bad his night might become.

“Now as you can tell, well maybe you can’t cause you’re an idiot, but we’re all in the Navy. And with the Navy, comes call signs.”

Jake’s form comes to a halt, staring down Davis with a wicked smile that just about sends Rooster and Coyote running.

“My callsign, well there are few people that know the real reason behind it, but you’re about to find out buddy.”

Glances are exchanged between the other pilots, though it’s Coyote's gaze that never leaves Jake’s. He’d been there when Jake earned the name Hangman. It had been a long time ago, but he knew that Jake, still lay just beneath the surface.

“See everybody likes to assume, that it’s because I like flying alone. Well, that just ain’t it, nope.”

The calculated steps, unnerving gaze, and the way in which Jake talks were clearly meant to scare the man.

Let it be known, that when you pissed Jacob Grant Seresin off, all hell would break loose.

Jake’s right arm shootouts, to grasp Davis’s neck so fast that I has Phoenix gasping. The other pilots only shift slightly at the brutal action.

“No, I got named Hangman because I’ve been known to string up men and play the judge, jury, and executioner.”

With each title that falls from his lips, Jake lifts Davis slowly until his feet no longer touch the ground and the only thing keeping him up, is the hand clasped around his neck.

“Do you understand what I’m saying?”

The group of pilots remain unmoving, all watching in unnerving silence and slowly comprehending the way in which Jake actually got his callsign. Davis tries to nod his head, though the hand around his neck makes it near impossible. As if only to taunt him more, Jake taps his ear slightly with his left hand.

“What was that?”

Shades from red to a light purple, start to cover Davis’s face, a clear sign of his lack of oxygen. His mouth moves though no words can fall from it. A sharp chuckle leaves Jake’s lips, as he loses his grip slightly as the man gasps for air.

“I understand.” The panting of his breath only makes Jake smile widen.

“Good.”

As the single word is muttered from Jake’s lips, the right hand once clasped over Davis’ neck drops. His body falls to the floor on the concrete, causing him to lean back against the bar wall, gasping for air.

“And I thought you would be more fun to break.” His tone light and easy, completely unfazed by the events that just occurred.

Jake reaches over to take his shirt from Phoenix, giving each of his friends the smile that they all came to know once Jake met you. He was a completely different person, than the one he was just moments ago. As he pulls the shirt back on, without missing a beat Jake lowers himself down to Davis. Laughing slightly at how the man flinches away from him.

“Don’t ever come around my girl or son again.”

The tone of his voice sends another shockwave through Davis’s body. Rising without any care for the man, Jake kicks the man’s limp foot before turning ready to get home to you.

A final glance over his shoulder, to the group of his friends still standing around Davis unsure of what to do.

“Hey Roos, I forgot to tell you that he tried to drug Nix.”

The final words, might as well have been those that a coroner would’ve signed in the finalization of the death certificate.

[maleyanderecafe]

The Little Princess and Her Monster Prince (Webcomic)

Created by: Jang namu/Hagwa

Genre: Isekai

This one took me a while to read, but The Little Princess and Her Monster Prince, or I Became the Wife of the Monstrous Crown Prince is genuinely very sweet. Most of it takes place when the two male leads are children and only goes into a big time jump around Chapter 70. The male lead is the yandere in this one, though like I said, considering that he's mostly fairly young, he's much more of the clingy and protective type. There is another yandere that also appears in one of the flashbacks that the main character, Athena has. As of writing this, there are about 80 chapters with the story moving into it's third season fairly soon.

The story starts out with Athena isekaing after waking up in a lake, with her husband, Blake, worried sick over her. After waking up, she immediately goes to find Blake, who seems extremely scared of going near her as he is cursed. Athena, who seems to not care, comforts him and promises to be by his side, which leads to Blake getting very attached to her. Athena promises that his curse will be broken by the age 18, knowing that her sister, Diana will be the one who breaks it. Through this, Athena slowly starts to help with Blake's diet, fires the one in charge as he is embezzling money and thinks about ways to prevent future deaths. While doing all of this, she ends up meeting Richard, a guy that the original Athena had a crush on. Current Athena takes a dislike to him because of the fact that later on he causes both Blake and his father to die, and ends up rejecting him. Blake ends up defending Athena when he tries to strike back, and Athena ends up comforting Blake afterwards when Richard calls him a monster. Athena silently proclaims that she will stay with Blake until Diana is able to undo the curse, to at which point she will have to leave him. We find that Richard seemed like he was originally going to use Athena as a way to take over the kingdom and displace Blake, but since that failed, he has to find another way to go around it. Eventually, Athena ends up meeting Blake's dad, the crown prince to talk about why she ended up firing the one in charge, with this leading him to accept her as his daughter in law. The crown prince sends a spy named Unhan to watch over Blake and Athena as due to the curse he cannot touch or get near Blake without being affected by his curse. As the story goes on, Unhan slowly starts to fall in love with Athena, and we also learn just how much the crown prince cares for his son. Athena gets nightmares about her previous life, with Blake comforting her as she had an abusive father. This time when meeting her father though, she's able to stand up for herself, being able to push him away as he knows that he's trying to use her to take over the crown. The crown prince ends up adopting her (well in the, I will house you kind of way, not actually adopting her) and building her a garden after he sees the abuse that her father gives her. She also learns to dance at the ball, though promises to only have her first dance with Blake.

She ends up making friends with Diana at the ball and introducing her to Blake while she tries to find a way to stop Blake's curse. Blake and Diana end up fighting over who likes Athena more. Athena spends more and more time learning how to break Blake's curse, tracing back the entire thing to a kingdom that fell due to the Goddess of Light. Blake and Diana end up training together, with Diana vowing to get stronger to protect Athena in the future. Diana gets abused by her father as he doesn't want her to learn how to become a knight, and forces her to spy on Athena, else he marries her off. This of course, never comes to fruition as Diana ends up telling Athena what their father is up to. This leads to Blake talking with Athena's father about what happens, and threatening him by showing off what his curse can really do (which burns the father). Diana ends up going to military school (more or less) and Athena ends up meeting Richard again, who is mourning over the death of someone. Knowing that this is where Richard turns to the dark side, Athena tries to give him words of reassurance in hopes that he doesn't go down that path. Blake finds out that Unhan is still following them and confronts him about it, and not too soon after, Athena finds out about him as well.

With this and the crown prince's permission, Athena travels to the cursed kingdom where Blake's curse originated from. There she reads the tablets there to find out more information on the curse as well as some of the memories of the people who were involved. She ends up following some creatures deeper into the castle (with Unhan's help), finding out that the curse actually originated a lot later than what was previously thought, before having to go back. When Athena comes back, she finds that Blake has collapsed due to the curse. Athena is able to stay by him until he gets better, before the two mend a kind of rift that the two had. We also get to see Unhan's younger brother, Baekhan, who is chosen by the god of light and her vessel. Baekhan makes a deal with Athena, stating that he can translate some of the old language that she saw if she can convince Unhan to come back with him to the capital. She succeeds of course, and Baekhan ends up accidentally causing Athena to see memories, finding out that she does have the power of light, the very power that should break Blake's curse. The crown prince has some cute moments with both Blake and Athena after he says goodbye to Unhan. Athena ends up going to the ball, where part of the coup against Blake is revealed, with the crowned prince jailing one of Richard's uncles. Blake's curse disappears the day after with Athena realizing that she doesn't want to let go of Blake that easily. This ends the coup with Richard's family, as Blake is no longer in danger of dying from it (as the curse often kills them before they reach adulthood). Around this time the door of darkness (that's what it's called) from the cursed country opens, with the crown prince going after it. Athena ends up going as well to try to prevent him from dying (as in the story that is where he originally died). Before that though, we see that the curse comes back to Blake for a bit, with Athena realizing that the markings are actually a cry for help from the Goddess of Light herself. She ends up being sucked inside of the door and views the memories of the past.

In the past a girl named Liontel and the goddess of light, Serpania were friends, with Liontel learning how to use light from her. Liontel was in love with Lakshoul, basically the last reincarnation of Blake but with black hair, while Serpania was in love with Phillip, basically the last reincarnation of Richard but with white hair. Ser decides that she will marry Phillip, and promises to transfer all of her powers to him so that she can become human. At this time Liontel and Lakshoul were going to get married too and Liontel ends up talking to Phillip about their weddings. Phillip seems jealous of Liontel's wedding, and when Liontel tells him to try to stop Serpania from transferring her powers, he gets angry. This ends up with Serpania feeling betrayed by Liontel and running away with Phillip, ending with Liontel's wedding being cancelled by a terrible plague. Liontel and Lakshoul stay behind to try to find a cure for the plague, but Lakshoul ends up getting cursed instead before dying. At this point, Phillip suddenly shows up to bring light to the kingdom and become it's king, along with Ser. Phillip ends up throwing Ser aside as she has no more powers, and tries to marry Liontel, revealing that he was just using Ser to gain her powers and end up with Liontel. Liontel finds out that Ser knew that Phillip liked Liontel, but ended up playing along in hopes that he would love her back. Ser reveals that after Phillip took her powers, he used it to spread the plague around. Phillip ends up imprisoning Liontel in the castle for many years, with Ser giving her hope that she will take back the powers from Phillip to set her free. However, what happens instead is that the castle goes on fire, and Phillip ends up revealing that he was the one who likely started the fire and sacrificed Ser. After being imprisoned, Liontel finds out that Phillip lied on the stone to state that Lakshoul was the one who caused the plagues and did nothing about it. Liontel learns that Ser is using the cursed markings as a cry for help, however, Phillip ends up killing the child that has it before Liontel can do anything about it. After viewing all of these memories, Athena ends up coming back to the body of Ser after seven years. Ser, who is angered and bitter, believes that Blake would never love Athena for who she is and the two end up swapping bodies, with Athena in Ser's body and unable to talk or write to Blake. Blake, who has grown up, seems to recognize that it's Athena in Ser's body, however, Athena tries to deny it, as Ser's body will die in about 100 days and she believes that the ending with Diana is still inevitable. Ser tries to get Athena to kill Blake to show that their love is worthless, but she refuses. The last couple of chapters so far show that Ser is trying to trick Blake within Athena's body.

Because the series spends a lot of time with the two as children, we get to see more of their cute encounters and their eventual growth of romance, which I personally think is very nice. I'm pretty biased towards cute characters, so this something that was up my lane. The entire story feels very circular with it's way of writing, and I think it's nice that it's able to develop such a backstory with its world, specifically on the concept of curses and the Goddess of Light. Just as the story starts talking about the two, so does near the end Athena has to experience the same thing, and so does Athena show kindness to Blake while he's suffering with said illness, so does Blake show back the same kindness to Athena, even when he's not sure it's even her. There's also the loop of Athena being so sure to let go of Blake to be with Diana so that it will break the curse, coming to terms with the fact that she indeed wants to stay and then attempting to make Blake stay with Diana because that's how the original story was and that her body will not last long enough to make it worth it. A lot of people will probably simp over the crowned prince, but he is honestly a good dad and we can see where Blake gets his kindness from in the first place. There are some parts that kind of held my suspension of disbelief like when Athena very coincidentally finds Korean food in an otherwise European isekai type of story, or that Richard kind of was just overthrown really easily, but overall, I think that the story did a good job with it's pacing and characters, even if I did kind of wish we got to see Diana more because her arc of becoming a knight seemed pretty interesting. Ser is probably going to get a happy ending despite the (frankly) terrible things that she's done, both either on purpose or out of naivety, which is kind of a bummer cuz it's a dick move to stick your friend into a body that will not only die in a 100 days but cannot communicate to her one love while also stealing your friends body to try to seduce said love.

There are technically two yanderes in the story, Blake, our main male lead and Phillip, the one who caused all of the problems in the past with Liontel. Starting with Blake, he gets very attached to Athena pretty early one due to his isolation and everyone treating him like a monster. I'm a big sucker for the "scared of interaction because I think I'm a monster" kind of thing and them being told that they're not a monster and in turn they get attached type of scenario so it was really cute watching Blake having to go through this. Plus, he's just kind of adorable like that, and I wish his personality would have been the same when he grew up, but alas, that's never how it goes. Blake as a lot of MLs of this type are, generally is pretty tame- he's mostly very clingy towards Athena, gets jealous when she gets near other guys (namely Phillip and Unhan) and can be protective when need be, like when he was able to harm Athena's dad for abusing her. He also gets pettily jealous like with Diana or when he believes that she's danced with someone other than him when she goes to the ball for the first time. Like I said though, he's pretty light for a yandere, not even really attacking anyone who didn't deserve it, like Athena's dad. He is pretty sweet, even when he gets older, still having that more protective side as we saw when he was younger.

Phillip on the other hand is on the completely different end of the spectrum. A lot of his moves on dating Ser and even having a family and kids are more on him gaining power so he can be with Liontel, since he honestly seemed pretty indifferent because he's only ever really loved Liontel, despite her already loving and being engaged to Lakshoul. He's incredibly manipulative, not only tricking Ser into taking her powers and using them to cause the plague that destroyed his country (and Lakshoul), but also ultimately blaming the entire thing on Lakshoul in the tablets that he writes for his death. He pretty much only comes back after Lakshoul dies in the vain hope that Liontel will stay with him, and when that doesn't work, he ends up imprisoning her inside of the castle until he's forced to burn it down and trap her best friend thorough sacrifice. Things only really go worse from there as he kills a child that has the screaming begging of Ser trying to be freed as well as any other person that has the curse on them, eventually, succumbing to the curse itself. All because he wanted to be with Liontel. If that isn't a dark and tragic yandere, I don't really know what is. He is a very good villain yandere though, I will give it that since he pretty much single handedly caused the downfall of the entire kingdom just so he could be with Liontel and caused future generations to still inherit this curse while still somehow ending up being the hero based on the inscriptions.

Overall, I actually did enjoy this webcomic. I feel like this one was kind of more biased than usual just because I really like Blake as a male lead (which is something that doesn't normally happen for me) and because I actually did find the entire lore of the cursed town with Phillip, Liontel and Ser compelling as it's something that's spilled into the current story as well. If you are interested in this story, please give it a try.

[mythicalartistx]

So people blame Terra....

And it's not his fault.

Like essentially he wanted to do good and he wanted to help people.

Maleficent manipulated him like she did with Riku.

Terra and KH1 Riku are actually similar

Xehanort was probably a mentor he looked up to and he didn't know he was bad. Like from the viewer everyone is like he screams bad guy it's Xehanort— but Terra didn't know this.

Xehanort planted the seeds in his head and had him use darkness. Though Darkness isn't inherently evil, Eraqus was only worried.

Because of DR events where the darkness killing all of Eraqus and Xehanort's friends, Eraqus was worried for Terra. Xehanort , however, by experiencing that and seeing that went astray after the fact. Eraqus however knew this about Xehanort.

Maybe he thought he changed with putting Ventus in his care.

But because of DR events, Eraqus was worried and wanted him to be safe (he viewed him like a son) and would rather him just stay at the land of departure.

That's why he tasked Aqua with watching him. But at kh3 Eraqus admits he shouldn't have done what he did.

First seeing BBS you think oh he's a bad teacher when actually he's one of the better ones. He's just worried they will turn out like what happened in his and Xehanort's past. He only knew darkness as bad at this point too, they didn't have anyone like Riku who is in the light but also used Darkness for good

He keeps Ven sheltered, asks Aqua to bring them back and watch over them, and has Terra go out to prove Eraqus is wrong.

But by having them leave, Xehanort takes advantage of it.

Eraqus admits he was a foolish teacher and asked so much of them.

The reasons Terra was different from Riku is that he knew that darkness was bad and didn't want to use it. He then uses darkness to protect Ven something Riku probably would have done and that's when Eraqus realizes what he did was sorta wrong too and that he shouldn't have raised his hand against them.

However, Xehanort, takes that opportunity to attempt and kill him as Eraqus hides in Terra's heart.

Xehanort set the three of them on a path that led to distrust and separation.

It's no one's initial fault. It's bad circumstances.

After the final battle, Aqua saves Terra by sending him and her armor to the world of light.

And before anyone says she shouldn't of done that because he ends up causing his problems with Xehanort obtaining his body, Aqua didn't know that would happen.

Literally none of the characters knew the outcome of things. They didn't know Xehanort was filled with darkness, trying to sway them. Ventus lost his memories from being split from Vanitas.

They trusted their master for some reason let Xehanort around, that's the only thing I honestly really question.

He probably was just wanting to reconnect with their tragic yaoi

I see people hate on Aqua too but it's not her fault. She didn't really let being Master go to her head, she just wanted to do what was right and what she was told. Again because of separation there was distrust.

Anyone it's just Xehanort's plan, no one is at fault.

[ikranwings]

WHATS MEANT TO BE

Chapter one: first meeting

Song for the book:

Navi is in blue

Authors note: I hope you guys enjoy! I haven’t written anything like this in years and I’m really worried about it. please enjoy and I hope you guys like it ❤️❤️

After I post this I have to head to bed it’s like 5:30 am but I had to get this out

I feel like the first chapters short but it will def get longer.

Warnings: mild swearing, talk of wounds?

Dedication: I don’t normally do a dedication but for the first chapter I am! I just want to take the time to thank @milknhonies . For hyping me up in the comments when all I did was tease the hell out of everyone looking forward to this XD. I appreciate you and I thank you so much for encouraging me ❤️

Miles had flown off in defeat after his war with the Sullys and metkyina clan. The mans own son wouldn't even join him after saving his life. As much as he tried to deny the kid as his own he couldn't. Sure Spider had come from the human version of himself so he wasn't technically his own blood so to speak. However he still felt some sort of responsibility towards him, his only family he technically had left had chosen to leave him and return back to the Sullys. His only choice now was to retreat on his Ikran. Even in his injured state the man knew sticking around here was not the safest option.

His plan was to head back to the base of operations, heal up and hope they would send him back out there to finish the job.Would the general blame everything on him? Revenge was the reason he was created, revenge was the only meaning he had in his life now. Surely there wasn't anything else that could be out there for the man now could there? They had to let him continue this mission, there was nothing else out there for him at least that’s what he thought.

Miles was tired, exhausted from the fight that had ensued not long ago. The man needed to rest, after inhaling all that water and nearly drowning amongst other injuries he needed to relax. Pushing himself further would only cause harm to himself in the long run especially if he were to lose consciousness while flying his Ikran back. There was only one choice he could make at this point, he had to land and make camp for the night and hope he was well enough to make flight early on the next morning. Landing and regrouping his thoughts was the smart thing to do, revenge wouldn't be possible if he was dead that was for damn sure.

Landing was the last thing he remembered. Sliding himself off of his Ikran after separating the bond and splaying himself flat on his back on a grassy plain. An open area he had briefly scanned before landing. It looked clear prior so he was almost positive he wouldn't be disturbed while he rested for a few minutes before he was to set up camp. He was only going to close his eyes for a few minutes, just a few minutes in order to hopefully replenish some energy. All he needed was a few minutes…

—---------

The next moment his eyes snapped open, what felt like minutes had actually been hours and a strange Navi woman was kneeling beside him,was she trying to cause harm? Or was she assessing his injuries? No, he wouldn't take that chance. Not this time around that was for sure. In an instant he had forced himself up and shoved her over, using what little strength he had in him to pin the woman before him down to the ground. Making it impossible for her to move as he used his legs to pin her own, there was no telling if she was going to thrash against him and he wanted to cover all basis. Especially since he didn't want to be kicked or knocked upside the head, Miles was sick of being knocked around for one day. Still the woman below him struggled trying to pull herself free from his grasp.

“ Lonu vrrtep! (Let go of me! Now demon!) She hissed still trying to shove him off despite the fact he had a hold of both of her wrists. She spoke a language he didn't understand or rather barely did as his son had begun teaching him prior and never finished. Still he wished he learned more than he had for moments just like this one. “ What do you want huh?! Come out to kill me have you? Well it won't be easy!“ Intimidation Was his tactic, that sort of thing always seem to work when he was trying to scare someone off. The Navi woman below him merrily hissed in return still trying to find some form of leverage in order to shove miles off of her.

“ off! Now! “ English? The navi woman before him could speak english? Sure he knew many could from the school The Rda had provided for them all those years ago, but that was just for the forest Na’vi. At least thats what it had been to his knowledge at the time, there was a possibility of more he had no clue of. His human self never bothered to take in that sort of information however. Found it pointless to teach these people that sort of thing as they never listened to reason. Always in the way of the end goal, trying to protect some stupid and meaningless tree in his opinion.

The distraction gave the Na’vi female the chance to take the upper hand away from Miles. His grip on her had loosened and given her the chance to pull an arm free and shove him forward with enough force that had him plopping back into a sitting position. Hands set behind him in order to keep himself from going all the way down.

“ Skxawng, you are hurt.. I was helping. “ the woman was pointing to his face, dried blood under his nose, a cut along his cheek and a smaller one on his forehead. She was only trying to clean him up as she had found him there laying on the ground seemingly unconscious. His Ikran had been nowhere in sit only some giant horse like creature he hadn't bothered to learn about in his past life or even present. The Na’vi woman had come across him and immediately attempted to help him out. Not something he was use to and still something he was skeptical about.

Miles arms seemed to falter in support, despite his burst of energy when pinning her down he was still weaker than what he would have liked to be. His little outburst had taken alot out of him and the woman before him seemed to notice that. Slowly she stood from her place on the ground, ensuring the man before her could still see her as she moved. Being able to see the person trying to help you at all times definitely would help her case. Stepping back to her pa'l(direhorse) she reached a hand into a pack she had situated on the back of the creature. Retrieving a small bowl, a handmade cantinee of sorts, a small cloth? and something Miles couldn't quite make out wrapped up in a small pouch.

Sitting beside him once again she laid her belongings on the ground in front of them. Carefully she poured some of the water into the small bowl, intent on wiping away the blood from under his nose and around his cuts in order to assess what she needed to do. Dipping the rag into the small bowl she attempted to press it to his face only for her arm to be swatted away instantly by the injured man’s hand. Really he was just making it difficult for her to help him out. Really his behavior was comparable to a child throwing a tantrum for absolutely no reason aside from the fact that they didn't want to follow what an adult was trying to teach them or help them.

Rolling her eyes proceeded to try again, dipping the cloth once more before squeezing the excess water out of it before pressing it just under the man's nose in order to wipe away the blood. It was working until… Smack. Miles had once again swatted her hand away in frustration.

“ Stop that! “ She hissed immediately smacking his arm in return, if he wasn't going to listen she would act with the same attitude he was giving her. “ You are no baby.. Do not act like one… I am helping, not hurting.“ instead of trying again she sat there, arms crossed with damp cloth still in hand waiting for him to just give in. The Navi woman wasn’t going to give him any other option aside from that. He was going to accept her help and it was just something Miles was going to have to deal with. “ alright fine damn it! “ A low growl slipped past his lips, had he been in perfect condition he would have shoved the woman away and taken off. “ Why are you so damn insistent anyway helping a damn stranger.. not real smart I’d say. “ Perhaps he could use this to his advantage in some way. Only time would tell really.

At first the Navi woman was quiet, mulling over the question or rather statement he had presented her with. In her heart she had a reason, albeit a very personal reason but a big one nonetheless. “ no one left behind. '' Uncrossing her arms she proceeded to gently press the damp cloth to his face, this time with no resistance “ if you wanted to do harm you had chances. “She had spoken up once more while slowly pressing the damp cloth around each cut upon his face until the areas were mainly free of the dried blood that had caked itself there during whatever journey he may have had. Fresh blood trickled down from the gash along his face which led her to assume that it had been deeper than the one on his forehead.

A huff left Miles as he rolled his eyes, he didn't like how right she was about the situation he was in and yet there was still nothing he could do about that, “ Youre just lucky, most don't speak to me that way and live. '' Miles tried to seem threatening in some way, he had a reputation to keep up after all. Not that the woman before him knew exactly who he was or what he had done. Intimidation clearly didn't work as she rolled her eyes at him only moving to dump out the small bowl of water in order to refill it. She then opened the pouch that had previously been set on the ground before them to reveal some sort of powder. Only taking some of it out and placing it in the small bowl along with a small amount of water in order to mix it together into a salve. Making just enough to cover the cuts he had on his face and to stop what little bleeding he may have.

“ This will keep it clean and help to heal, no infection. “ She didn't really give him a chance to say no as her fingers had dipped into the bowl to collect the substance and run it along his cheek and forehead where it was needed. The second this strange substance touched his skin he recoiled, the stinging sensation was not something he expected.

“ Oh and it will hurt a bit… “ Her warning came after the fact and he was not too happy about that. Really it just annoyed the absolute hell out of the man and yet the woman before him had a smile on her face, “ The hell was that for?! “ he practically roared, she should not find this amusing because he sure as hell didn't.

“ Tam tam( there there ) , That was for your threats. “ If he was going to be a pain in the ass about her helping him then the least she could do was give him a taste of his own medicine so to speak. The navi woman smiled once more, wiping away any excess of the substance that wasn’t adherent to any of his wounds. If it wasn't clear to her before it certainly was now. The man before her was completely alone and on his own, in need of a home or at the very least a place to be for a little while.

Miles rolled his eyes, did this woman really not warn him just out of sheer spite? Was she using this as her own form of payback since all he’s done from the moment he opened his eyes was snap and swat at her as if she where a fly on the wall? This woman had absolutely no fear of him and for some reason it thoroughly shocked the man. Not that he would admit that to her or anyone in the moment however it did get him thinking. Quaritch was but a small part to the RDA not many would know of him or his face. Or rather his human face that is. Even now this Navi woman before him didn’t know who he was aside from The very clear fact she had more than likely realized that he was different. An avatar built by the sky people for some reason or another.If he really wanted to he could sell it as if he had defected from the humans and run off seeking shelter. Find his way into a clan and learn their ways before using said information to bring it back to the general. Perhaps even use what he could get against the sullys and finally claim the one thing he had set out to do since he had woken up.

“ That’s my bad.. I’ve been on edge since I left the sky people… You got a name? “ Of corse she had a name, what an absolutely foolish question for him to ask. “ hm.. Tst-xo? “ Miles tried to use what little knowledge he remembered from his son, from the kid he had ride along with him from nearly the very beginning. Spider was his name and in all truth he wished he listened to him more. Wished he took in more knowledge of this language so he wouldn’t be so god awful at it as he was now.

The woman before him merely shook her head, his pronunciation was absolutely horrible to say the least. It would definitely need some work if he where to try and speak full coherent sentences. The running he spoke of was something she had chalked his injuries up to be from. Had he fled and gotten hurt in thr process of it all? There was really no way for her to know the truth in his words. “ it’s Tstxo.. “ The woman before him was quick to correct him, couldn’t have him going around saying the wrong thing after all. “.. Yes I have a name… Tilor‘atan te säsilpey Oare’yuey‘ite. “

Miles looked bewildered, it was entirely a mouthful and even he wasn’t sure he could say it all at once. How the fuck did they go around with these long ass names and not mess anything up in the process. It was beyond him, surely they had to go by nicknames or something. There has to be something else he could say instead, “ You got a nickname I could call you instead huh? “

“ You can call me Tilor… shorter, easier for you. “ she nodded in confirmation only. It was clear to her this man, this dreamwalker before her didn’t know the language all to well. Really he didn’t know a thing at all aside from what she assumed to be a few broken words. Still she watched him smile now that he had a simpler name to call her.

“ well then Tilor… I’m Miles. “

Taglist

@drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed

@peachymemoriess

@blossom618

@bitchykittenconnoisseur

@mrs-sullys-blog

[welcome-to-green-hills]

Since Knuckles is coming out in a couple of days, YAY, I wanna share an idea on a side plot of sorts which is something that probably might not happen but DAMMIT I NEED IT- (If I was correct on this, I will flip my lid lmao)

Maybe before Knuckles goes out with Wade, Sonic and Knuckles would have some sort of heated conversation about how Knuckles kept declining Sonic's help since he was the one who got him grounded, and Sonic was only trying to help him feel at home with the people who care about him. How they're trying to help him feel at home.

Sonic just wanted to help Knuckles feel happy to have a family, and as a brother it's his job to help him.

Knuckles is still adjusting to his new home, and hasn't really thought of the idea as him being Sonic and Tails' brother or Tom and Maddie's kid yet. He just coldly replied "I am not your brother," before he just sits there on the floor, wanting to be left alone.

Hearing this hurt Sonic. A lot. He's happy to have more friends. More brothers. But hearing Knuckles say those words to him left him really upset. "You really are an Echidna warrior, huh?" is something Sonic would probably say before leaving the room, leaving them conflicted with each other for nearly the rest of the show.

Since Sonic is convinced that Knuckles won't accept the fact that his life changed for the better and he's sticking to being a warrior with no sign of taking breaks and relaxing and having a real life, and Knuckles believing that Sonic is ignoring his worries of protecting the planet and just lay around, doing nothing and doing whatever else instead of doing his job as a Warrior.

And Knuckles decided to go up from the ceiling window and up the roof to get some fresh air, before an idea pops up of checking up on Wade and seeing what he's up too, only to find him with his mother and sister.

(I also noticed that in the newer Knuckles behind the scenes clip, I think Wade and Wanda have some sort of conflict with each other or something, and this reminded Knuckles of the argument he and Sonic had a while ago, or whenever their meeting will take place in the show. And this will make him think about how he acted while he goes on his journey with Wade all the way up to the fight between him and the Buyer, maybe.)

The next day, Sonic and Tails noticed that Knuckles left the house even though he's grounded and should not step foot out of house until then. Sonic and Tails suspects that Knuckles is just out in town. (At this point Sonic is still upset with Knuckles so he isn't too worried about Knuckles being gone. ...Yet.)

Tom and Maddie hasn't notice Knuckles going missing yet, so Sonic advised a plan that Tails knew that it wouldn't work. It would be a callback to Movie 2 where Sonic made a dummy version of Knuckles tucked in in his bed, so it would look like he's still asleep.

When Tom or Maddie went to check on him, they went to wake him up, since it's already the afternoon. But then noticed that it was just a dummy. If it was Tom who went up to check, he'll probably say: "Not again..." XD

Sonic and Tails would expect Maddie and Tom to take this very badly. Tom was pretty annoyed about it but took it too well, since it happened before many times. (coughcoughsoniccoughcough) but meanwhile Maddie was kind of freaking out and is worried as hell about the little red guy.

Maddie wondered if he ran away? And if he did, was it because of her? Did she fail as a mother? She tried to be patient with him and help him understand and adjust but she thought grounding him was what caused him to leave and she was panicking about it.

Sonic, being the best son/kid ever, goes in to immediately comfort her, telling her that Knuckles will come back, and that he's just probably hanging out with Wade or something. He tells her it's not her fault and she did her best to be there for him.

It calmed Maddie down a little bit, seeing how supportive and sweet Sonic was to her. But once Maddie leaves the room (probably so that Tom could comfort her also,) it was Sonic's turn to feel sad and Tails took notice.

Sonic thought that maybe Knuckles won't come back after what he said to him and how insensitive he thought he was being to him that night. Tails doesn't think so. He knew that he didn't mean it, but it didn't make Sonic feel better.

Sonic thought he screwed up because as a brother, it was his job to be there for Tails and Knuckles, and he only made Knuckles feel worse. (Bonus points if Sonic was almost about to cry during this scene because angst)

It's Tails' turn to comfort him and says to him that it wasn't his fault, and that Knuckles will come back once he understands that those words he said were just him being upset.

It instantly cheered him up. He was still guilty, but he was happy knowing that Tails wasn't upset with him. "Only Miles 'Tails' Prower could comfort his best buddy like that." He would say, ruffling up his bangs. (IT WILL CRY IF HE SAYS THIS 😭)

And maybe after the whole confrontation at maybe the last episode, Knuckles and Wade will finally come back home to Green Hills and the last scene would be him coming home to his house. His home.

The show would most definitely end with Knuckles learning that it's not about being a warrior, but fulfilling another kind of purpose. A purpose to protect his family and the Master Emerald. (Which is placed in a garden surrounded by flowers. Also a headcanon of mine. 🥹)

The Wachowskis just finished eating dinner, and Tom just got done telling everyone that they will form a search party to find Knuckles in the morning in case he hasn't turn up yet.

Sonic put away all the dishes for Maddie since she still wasn't feel okay, but when he puts them in the kitchen sink, Knuckles just crawled through the doggy door and they both just stared at each other.

Knuckles blankly said "I broke the doorbell," since he tried to ring it but it didn't work XD

Sonic tackled Knuckles to the ground and apologized about what he did and said super, super fast that Knuckles couldn't understand what he was saying. The whole family heard the commotion and see Knuckles for the first time since a couple of days ago.

Maddie, relieved to see him back home and okay, yet infuriated with him for disobeying and leaving the house while he was grounded. He was gone for days and she was worried sick about him! She thought something happened to him!

Knuckles, not enjoying seeing Maddie like this, apologizes rather abruptly. For leaving the house without warning and worrying everyone. He understands that his home is with them and that they will look after him, despite his strength, and he wouldn't mind it at all, as long as he is surrounded by the very people who gave him another chance after what he had done in the events if the second film.

He asked if he was still grounded, and Maddie said yes, but it doesn't change the fact that she is so happy and relieved to see her son back home to her. They both gave each other a tight squeeze, happy to have each other again.

Knuckles is grateful to claim Maddie as his mother.

After that embrace, Knuckles also forgave Sonic after their little squabble, and they were both cool with each other again.

The episode would end with Maddie asking where has Knuckles been gone to these past few days, and it may have cut away to outside the house, but after hearing Sonic scream: "YOU WENT THROUGH A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION WITHOUT ME?!", it was clear that Knuckles is going to explain his whole journey to his family, despite their shock. XDD

Just wanted to see a small side plot involving Sonic and Knuckles' misunderstanding with each other complete with Knuckles learning on how he should live his new life on Earth with his newfound family. Just wanted Sonic and Knuckles to heal together, even if their apart for the whole show 😭

(Hope to God you see this cause this took me forever to type down and I really needed to share this with someone because I'm going feral over these thoughts and I want someone to go feral over this with me-)

Oh…. Oh…🥺

[officalroyalsofpierreland]

An Executive Decision

Emperor's Study, Palais de Royal Rouge, Pierreland

Katalina: Did you have to be so combative with her David? Honestly!

David: She started it!

Katalina: Dios Mio! David, if you had just pulled back the letter-

David: Like I could! It would've made me look weak!

Katalina: Yet you are now looking like an asshole. For fucks sake David, you could've told them that Felipe forged the damn letter. I know that the young Napoleon V is not a fan of your son and Vivianna could've-

David: Then I look like I have no control over my own family!

Katalina: You don't! Watcher, you couldn't even leave Felipe in here alone. What if he rummaged through your desk? And found the fucking report about what happened with your father. About Ben's-

David: Katalina. You know we don't fucking talk about that. Ben. was. killed. by. firing. squad. That is what happened. And it shall stay that way.

Katalina [pushing his hand]: Yes. yes. I know, tow the party line. However, what if he found it! He's bound to find out you've cut him off. He knows you're angry.

David: And he didn't find it Kat. And let us hope that the truth goes with us to the grave. Felipe will be punished. Granted it shall sound severe.

Katalina: Not exile...David...the children.

David: no no...like you said, I already look like an asshole. Strip him of his titles. Bar him from my presence for a number of years but allow for his wives and children to visit if they wish. Matches the current level of asshole if you ask me.

Katalina: Like they will if Felipe is barred. David...think this through.

David: Why are you always questioning my decisions?

Katalina: Cause they've been fucking questionable lately! I don't know what's happened with you and age, but some of your decisions are not well thought out. Hence, what is happening with Lenerd.

David: The Empire must not look weak-

Katalina: He is a toddler! Who is our blood. He is not a matter of state, and yet your fucking pride made it one!

David: He is de facto heir of the IU right now! How would we do succession? Co-parenting? Religon? Cause dear Watcher, Eloise is marrying the Simparte boy-

Katalina: Who will have more of a fatherly influence on our grandson than his own father at this rate.

David: Louis is not-

Edmund: Are you two always going to be fighting when I get summoned.

Edmund: Cause this is getting awkward...and frankly, the fact I can't tell Dee Dee any of this is stressing me out...

Katalina [sighing]: I'm sorry Eddie...we can't risk any leaks...I'm already worried about Felipe.

Edmund: I haven't seen him lately...what's going on?

David: Let's all sit.

Edmund: Is everything alright with him? What did you decided to do about young Lenerd?

David: I haven't heard from your brother in a while and....I technically didn't decide anything.

Edmund: What does he mean? Mama?

Katalina: Your brother...forged your father's handwriting stating that your father will not tell Louis about Lenerd or acknowledge him-

Edmund: No...

Katalina: And burned the original letter

Edmund: No

Katalina: So now your father has refused to recall the letter, and is attempting to carve out a tentative peace with Queen Viviana instead of just putting his ego aside...we tell everyone in 10 years the truth.

Edmund: DAD WHAT THE FUCK!

Edmund: You're going to let...my children be denied the opportunity to be with their cousin??

David: Look...it's the best I can do while giving Louis some buffer-

Edmund: Look...I love my little bro, but fuck him for a moment. He needs to be there!

David: Look at your brother's current behavior over Maggie getting a boyfriend. Tell me that's a guy ready to be a dad.

Edmund: You could just tell him to make him grow the fuck up.

Katalina: okay Edmund, you've sworn enough for the both of us at this point.

David: Look...this is the decision on Lenerd. In terms of Felipe, I want you to tell him my terms and that he will be summoned to accept them.

Edmund: I take it whatever the terms are, he has the illusion of choice?

David: Yes.

mentions of @empiredesimparte and @funkyllama

[andreal831]

If you don’t mind, can you make a post ranking all of the mothers in TVDU (e.g. Esther, Lily, Hayley, Caroline, Liz, etc)?

Ranking of TVDU Mothers, Worst to Best:

16. Dahlia

While Dahlia is not Freya's biological mother, she raised her. She was the only maternal figure Freya had over a thousand years. It goes without saying why Dahlia is dead last. While she is an excellent villain with a complex backstory, it doesn't change the fact that she was awful to Freya. So much so that Freya tried to take her own life, causing her to lose her baby. Dahlia had no love for Freya, only seeing her as a tool for power. She was ready to discard Freya as soon as a more powerful, easier to manipulate option came along. Dahlia never viewed herself as Freya's mother, which explains why she put no effort into being a good one.

15. Kelly Donovan

It's honestly surprising how good of a guy Matt is considering he had Kelly as his only role model. Kelly abandoned her kids when they are both in high school to chase after a man, forcing Matt to work nearly full time to afford to live and take care of Vicki who had a known drug problem. She only ever showed back up when she needed something and wound up causing havoc in her children's lives. While we can feel sympathy for Kelly losing her daughter the way she did, Kelly then continues to abandon her son, forcing Matt to deal with the loss on his own. Matt throughout the series is seen struggling much more than his friends due to his financial insecurity and his very warranted emotional attachment issues. Every other male character is given slack for having mommy-issues, but Kelly really did a number on Matt and he is given no sympathy by anyone. Not even the other parents on the show who could have stepped up and helped.

We also can't forget her SAing her son's best friend, Tyler.

14. Greta Sienna

We don't know much of how Greta was before Klaus killed her husband, but Greta allowed her hate and need of vengeance to consume her, shifting her focus away from her children, Roman and Antoinette. While she did care for them, risking Klaus' wrath to protect them, she then largely abandons them to lead her cult. Greta attempts to influence her children with her ideals, however, when Antoinette does not follow her beliefs, their relationship seemed to suffer. Roman also spent 50 years desiccating before Greta saves him. When they are reunited she uses him to get close to Hope, putting him in danger of angering the Mikaelsons. She then drags Antoinette into the conflict by manipulating both her daughter and Elijah with lies. Greta repeatedly put her own anger and hatred over her children, and it almost cost them their lives.

13. Lily Salvatore

We are told that Lily cares for her sons, and we even get glimpse of it throughout the show. But like Greta, Lily largely abandons them for her cult. She gets some credit for attempting to take her sons and run, but then quickly loses them for letting her son take the blame for the missing money and be beaten by his father. Lily then fakes her own death, forcing her sons to mourn her, all the while leaving them behind to face the abuse she was aware of from their father. While she is a ripper and potentially worried about harming her children, the fact that she didn't hunt down Giuseppe and kill him puts her pretty low in the ranking. Damon and Stefan would have been better off being orphaned at that point. But we see her getting control of herself enough to form her new family, never once going back for her children.

Even when she is released from the prison world, she prioritizes her new family over her sons. While I have sympathy for Lily for what she likely went through with her husband, it doesn't redeem her as a mother. Stefan does attempt to repair their relationship, but it is in a large part due to his forgiveness and less of an effort on her part. She is a better mother to her heretics, but even then, prioritizes Julian over their needs until the very end. She gets a couple of points for sacrificing herself to protect her heretics, who she viewed as her children more than her own sons, however, it does little to help her rank as a mother.

12. Isobel Flemming

Isobel does get some credit for knowing she wasn't ready to have a child since she was only a teenager, hoping Elena would have a better life with the Gilberts. But her caring more about her ancestor, Katherine Pierce, than her own daughter puts her pretty far down on the list. It seems that a lot of her actions against Elena are either from being compelled by Klaus or just fearing him, however, nearly all of her actions throughout the show seem to be putting her own daughter in harms way.

While Isobel clearly never wanted children and does not appear to be very maternal, she at least had the compassion for Elena to tell John to get Elena away from the Salvatores. While, as an audience, we may love the supernatural relationships, as a mother, Isobel did not want Elena to be invovled in the dangerous, supernatural world.

11. Katherine Pierce

Katherine was forced to give away her daughter and that clearly stuck with her. We see glimpses of the mother Katherine could have been had her life been different, but that unfortunately wasn't the mother Nadia had. Katherine did attempt to search for her missing daughter when Nadia was still a child, which is more than a lot of these mothers do, however, when given a second chance with Nadia, Katherine struggles to bond her.

Like everyone, Katherine has some valid reasons for her actions, but it doesn't fix how she treated her daughter. Much of their relationship seems to be Katherine using Nadia, prioritizing Stefan over her own daughter. She gets some credit for being by Nadia's side at the very end, however, it's a little too late.

10. Esther

This is a complex one because on one hand, Esther tried to murder her children multiple times. But on the other, she truly did lover her children in the classic toxic, Mikaelson way.

Esther only has her children thanks to her sister, Dahlia, and a bargain they made forcing her to give up her first born child. Esther is clearly devastated by this deal when she realizes just what it cost her, effecting her relationship with each of her children later.

Like Lily, Esther should have done more for her children to protect them in an abusive household. However, unlike Lily, Esther never leaves them. She does attempt to shield them from Mikael's abuse, often putting him to sleep or lying to Mikael to protect her children from her mistakes. Even after Klaus murders her, she still shows him forgiveness. Yes, she is attempting to kill him at that point, but I can't fully blame her.

At least the next time when Esther comes back, she attempts to give them another option rather than just death. While her actions are questionable, she does it out of love, which is more than a lot of the mothers on this list can say. At the end she sacrifices her life for her children. Similar to Katherine, it is too late, but it is clear she has a complex relationship with all of her children. They all show a fondness for her at points, signifying that there is mutual love there. Her sacrifice at the end at least allowed her children to attempt to remember her fondly.

9. Abby Bennett

At least when Abby abandoned her daughter, she left her in good hands. It is clear Abby loved Bonnie, but for whatever reason decided she couldn't raise her. However, watching her prioritize her adoptive son over Bonnie was devastating. Bonnie didn't deserve that.

She gets some credit for showing up a few times when she was needed, however, the fact that she didn't even know Bonnie died shows just how out of touch she is with her own daughter. Abby's motivations are unclear as to why she couldn't be more present in Bonnie's life. They hint at it a few times, but the fact that Abby didn't even bother to show up for Bonnie when Grams died or when she lost her father speaks volumes.

8. Liz Forbes

Liz and Caroline have a complicated relationship. Liz ends up raising Caroline on her own after husband abandons them. However, Liz's focus on her career tends to put a strain on their relationship. It only gets worse when Liz finds out Caroline is a vampire. Liz takes a lot of time, but eventually comes around to it and accepts Caroline, even saying she is proud of her. Liz standing up for Caroline against Bill was such a great moment for them.

Liz has the benefit of living longer than a lot of the mothers which allows her and Caroline to repair their relationship and even develop a close bond.

But she loses massive points for ignoring the twenty-something year old man hanging around her daughter and then later befriending him. Yes, she didn't know what Damon did to Caroline, but still. I need her to be a little more invovled in Caroline's life and recognize what she was going through. She is a cop after all.

7. Carol Lockwood

Carol is yet another example in the series of a mother allowing their child to face abuse at the hands of their father. Like the other examples, we can't dismiss how difficult it can be for a woman and her child to escape abusive men, especially when they are well connected like Mayor Lockwood was. Carol seemed to be a better mother after the death of her husband. Although her elitism likely contributed to much of Tyler's bad behavior in the early seasons.

Carol gets massive points for never turning on her son even when she finds out he is a werewolf. While Carol doesn't appear to be an overly affectionate mother, she did everything in her power to protect her son with no hesitation. She was definitely in over her head trying to protect the town from the supernatural, it was still clear that her son was her priority. Her last words were trying to protect Tyler.

6. Pearl

The worst thing Pearl did to her daughter was befriending Katherine Pierce which led to them being separated for a century, leaving Anna alone. We don't know much about their long lives, but it is clear Anna and Pearl had a close bond and clearly loved each other very much.

5. Jenna Sommers

Again, Jenna is not biologically a mother, but she does become Jeremy and Elena's legal guardians after their parents die. Jenna is still so young when she takes on this responsibility, balancing school on top of managing two children mourning their parents. Jenna is far from a perfect parent, often letting her emotions cloud her parenting, however, she has a closer bond with her children than most of the parents on this list. She allows them to be messy and imperfect, but makes sure they still feel loved and safe. In her last moments, she spends them trying to protect Elena.

She gets massive points for finding Damon hanging around her teenage niece weird. But does lose some for not actually doing anything about it. Jenna likely would have been even better had they trusted her with the truth. A lot of her struggles was her attempting to make sense of what was happening with only half of the information.

4. Caroline Forbes

Caroline clearly loves her daughters and would do anything for them. If we were only looking at TVD, then she would be right up at the top. But we can't ignore Legacies. While the writers do a better job of implying Caroline is invovled in the twins lives, there are just too many moments that it didn't make sense for her not to be present. She essentially, like so many of the TVDU moms, abandons her daughters due to writing.

I haven't seen Legacies, but even I know that Lizzie dies and becomes a heretic and Caroline doesn't come back for an entire season. While I believe the excuse is that Caroline is seeking a way to end the merge, the twins are still years away from the merge and her daughters needed her. Especially with how neglected they felt with Alaric prioritizing Hope. It's a shame the writers ruined Caroline as a mother because she was clearly dedicated to them when they were little.

3. Freya Mikaelson

While Freya wasn't Hope's mother, she essentially becomes a surrogate parent to her when the rest of the family is forced to separate. Freya is willing to do anything for family and oddly enough that does lose her some points. At times she does allow her determination to keep her family together to put Hope in questionable positions. But it always comes from a place of love. She is also one of the few family members that stays connected with Hope after she loses her family. Freya would do anything for Hope and she proves it by being willing to turn into a vampire and take the Hollow to save her. Even though Freya is a late arrival to the Mikaelson family, she winds up having one of the closest bonds with Hope out of any of them.

She and Keelin also have a child later, so honorable mention to Keelin because, even with zero evidence, I just know Keelin would be such a great mom.

2. Sheila Bennett

We don't know much about Sheila as a mother to Abby, but she took on that role for Bonnie and excelled. Sheila was one of the few adults who was actively invovled. She would do anything for Bonnie, even watching over her from the otherside. Anytime Bonnie needed her, she was there. They had such a special bond and Grams died far too soon. Grams knew just how kind and selfless Bonnie was and attempted to protect her from herself multiple times. But Grams wasn't much different, performing the complex spell, knowing it would likely take all of her energy. If Grams had lived, I just know she wouldn't have allows Bonnie to be taken advantage of the way she often was throughout the series. Sheila Bennett was a force to be reckoned with and no one was allowed to hurt her granddaughter.

Again, extra points for warning Damon to stay away from Bonnie, but she could have held that same energy for Stefan. We needed more mothers protecting their teenagers from being preyed upon by these 100+ year old men.

1. Hayley Marshall

There's no question who the best mother, no best parent, in TVDU is. From the moment Hayley decides to keep Hope, she does everything in her power to make the best life she possible can for Hope. Not only does she protect Hope's physical safety, but she also protects her emotionally and mentally, something that is missing from a lot of the other parents. Hayley will do whatever it takes to protect Hope, even if it is not a popular decision.

She was at a large disadvantage since many of the threats to her child were leagues more powerful than she was, but she never backed down. The amount of enemies she faced off with, knowing she likely didn't stand a chance, all in the name of protecting Hope. She was ready from the beginning to die for Hope and inevitably did.

There is also something to say about the bond they have throughout the show. Hope clearly feels safe and loved by Hayley, even when her life is in complete chaos. I don't think a mother-daughter bond comes close to the trust and love Hayley and Hope have for each other (besides Grams and Bonnie). Hayley had to be killed off in TO, because there is no way Hope would have been able to go through what she did in Legacies if Hayley was around. Hayley got one phone call from Alaric and dropped everything, traveling halfway across the country to bring Hope home. She disciplines Hope, but also talks to her, making sure she understands the deeper reasons for why Hope was acting out. There is nothing Hope could do that would make Hayley hesitate for a second to love and protect her.

I just know if Hayley had heard about a 150 year old vampire (Roman) hanging around her daughter, she would have immediately gotten invovled. She had gone down that path and wasn't about to let Hope get dragged down it as well.

Honorable Mentions:

Jo Laughlin - If Jo had been given the chance, she would have been a great mother. She was a very maternal person and loved the twins so much. Unfortunately it's hard to judge since Kai took that chance away from her. Valerie Tulle - Valerie is another one that I am just assuming she would have done a great job if given the chance to have her child. While she did a lot of questionable things, at the end of the day she was a compassionate person who would have done anything to protect her child. Miranda Gilbert - Miranda seemed like an overall good parent, seeming supportive and compassionate to Elena when she was having issues with Matt. I honestly don't remember how much she knew about the supernatural world or the vampire hunting her husband's family was into, so potentially problematic if they were dragging their family into the supernatural world. However, we don't know much about Elena's mother, but we do know how much she loved her. Hayley's Mother - Again, we don't know much about Hayley's mother, except for the fact that she agreed to her daughter's arranged marriage when she was an infant and that she sacrificed her life to protect Hayley. From what we are told, it seemed like Hayley's parents were on the right side of the war, but it is hard to say. Nadia Petrova - We assume Nadia had a child so she is in the honorable mentions as a mother, but we have zero information on what she was like as a mother. Kai's Mother - I'm just going to assume she was awful. We know Kai grew up not being allowed to touch others, and being isolated. We don't know anything about his mother, so it could be that she had no control over her own life, but considering she is never mentioned, it doesn't seem that her kids have fond memories of her. Tatia - People often forget that Tatia had a child, but she did. We know she took her child and ran to protect them after her husband died in battle, but not much else. There is no mention of what happened to her child after she died. However, she was a mother so she gets an honorable mention.

[aspisera]

Aspisera's Masterpost of the Deltarune Escapism Theory Character Connections!

Okay so before I start this, I am NOT good at writing.

This is my take on the connections in the Escapism Theory for Deltarune. I’m going to be naming off points on a descending scale with how outlandish the connection to characters are. 

It will descend like this:

Susie

Kris

Noelle

Berdly

(thank you @stunfiskz for humoring my take on Noelle when I first thought of it)

Here we go:

Susie - Jevil and King

To me (and others, I’m sure) King and Jevil have strong connections to Susie. King is basically how Susie confronts her abandonment issues. 

Instead of crying about it, she gets angry and lashes out. In the fight she has with Lancer, she goes on the offensive instantly. Choosing to get aggressive about it because she’s tired of people leaving her behind; loyalty means a lot to her. King is the same way because of the Lightner’s abandoning his kingdom. He grows jaded and coarse while developing a vendetta. He does everything in his power to make the Lighteners leave, to trap them, or to kill them so they don’t cause more issues.

With Jevil it’s a bit different. Jevil is more related to Susie’s nihilism and cynicism (particularly being concerned with her own interest in Chapter 1). Susie and Jevil both subscribe to “Our actions hold no value so what’s the point in conformity?” as they both show how they can care less about the safety of others or the larger problem at hand (e.g. The Roaring). Towards the end of Chapter 1, we can see Susie start to care about other people a bit more. Thanking Kris and becoming their friend. She also warms up to Ralsei a bit. And when you defeat Jevil in both endings, he accepts your kinship and helps you in battle (Either as Jevilstail (Armor) or Devilsknife (Weapon)). Just like how Susie went into your part (with Lancer) after you defeated them.

Kris - Spamton and Lancer

I know what you’re thinking “What do you mean Lancer?” but stick with me, I promise.

Kris and Spamton may seem like a fairly obvious comparison… So why is it down here? Some may not have looked deep enough. It’s not just about puppets on strings, no, it’s about depression. 

From the beginning, we can tell Kris has low motivation, sleeps in, and ignores school responsibilities, and it’s probably because Kris is depressed. Their brother is away, they feel like an outcast, they’re being bullied in school by Susie (in the beginning), and their parent’s have a broken marriage (which doesn’t help). Spamton reflects this: Mike not returning the calls, being removed as an Addison and being laughed at because of his failures, and him being broken himself.

Both him and Kris want to change and go back to how things were but they’re both grasping at straws. Nothing seems to be working, especially for Spamton. To Kris, Spamton is what they could have been if the Soul didn’t step in. Kris relates to Spamton on such a high emotional level that they have a mental breakdown after the fight with NEO. It makes them reflect on what they have now and how they might’ve turned out. Same with how Spamton appreciated Mike being there for him… until he wasn’t.

Lancer and Kris are a bit harder to explain and also ties in with Noelle’s comparisons. Lancer is shown as a goofball, a silly guy, a child. Kris is a notorious prankster and is basically the town weirdo. They both have their victim of choice for most of their jokes and have obsessions with things people consider unorthodox (digging holes and knives). But Kris and Lancer are also connected in the sense that Kris is afraid of getting close to people just like how Lancer is. Lancer is scared of his dad finding out but Kris is worried about driving people away. Kris most definitely has a history of making people not like them and so does Lancer. Lancer admits himself that none of the basic enemies really listen to him and only do so because he’s the King’s son.

Noelle - Queen (obvs) and Rouxls Kaard

Told you it would tie in. Queen isn’t hard to understand when relating her to Noelle. Queen uses Noelle and likes her because she can manipulate her well as Noelle is a pushover and a people-pleaser. And, of course, that ties in with how Queen is like Noelle’s Mom. Always pushing her to do her best in school so she can keep up the image of their family. She can’t have Noelle flunking like she did on that spelling bee. 

Rouxls Kaard is fun to explain. Both Noelle and Kaard are looking for a greater purpose as they both feel like they have more meaning to themselves other than doing good in school or making puzzles. Noelle wants to do what she wants but feels pressured by her mom to keep going. Kaard wants to do his own thing, too. Making puzzles isn’t fun for him but he keeps doing it because he feels like he needs to. Though there’s greater purpose in sticking with Kris and Lancer. Kris can provide a journey and a possibility at finding something that means more than academics. Taking care of Lancer gives Kaard a HUGE purpose. He plays around with the idea of being a second father to Lancer but is scared of how to approach it, just like how Noelle is stuck thinking the trip to the Darkworld is all a dream.

Berdly - just Swatch (for now)

Berdly’s is gonna be short and sweet. I think Swatch is who Berdly wants to be. Berdly masks himself as acting smart, charming, and tough all at the same time. Swatch is pretty much all of those things. Swatch is smart but you don’t get upset because they don’t come off as condescending, not to mention him being fuckin’ BUILT.

That’s pretty much it. I doubt this thing is comprehensible in a literary sense but I don’t write often so I hope all of my points get across nonetheless. I decided to make this post to finally tie into Stunfiskz’s drawing of Noelle and Rouxls Kaard’s sprites making the same faces and not let people just sit in the dark.

[after-urh34rt]

Don't leave me here, I'm scared!

Summary: You meet Isagi's parent and the lights go out by a thunderstorm. Boyfriend Isagi reacts to you being scared of the dark

Fluff/Comfort

Pairing: Isagi x Fem!Reader

You were invited to Isagi's house so you can meet his parents, though you were nervous Isagi reassured you that there's nothing to worry about.

Once you and Isagi reach the door he unlocked it.

"I'm home!"

The sweet smell of lavender scented flowers reaches your nostrils, his house is as refreshing as laying down in a field of flowers.

"Oh Yoichi, Welcome home Darling!" His mom walks toward him and gives him a kiss on his cheek causing him to blush of embarrassment because of your presence.

"Oh? Who's this?". "Mom, dad. This is my girlfriend, Y/N..". You get from behind Isagi and bow deeply.

"Hello, my name is Y/N L/N and I'm happy to be with Isagi. I promise to treat him so well that he'll get tired of it." You smile at them

You walk up to Isagi's mom and take her hand with both of your hands and ask:

"You're so beautiful, it's like an Angel giving birth to another Angel. Will you please allow me to date your son?".

She looks stunned and smiles from ear to ear,

"Thank you so much, you're so adorable! I'll go wash the dishes so we can have a celebration for my son getting a beautiful lady! And you can call me Iyo if you'd like!"

"let me help you".

You walk with Isagi's mom and start talking about something.

Isagi's smiling at how beautiful you look and how well you get along with his mother.

Once dinner is you sit next to Isagi, you guys start eating at the table and talking about Isagi when he was younger.

It's a thunderstorm so Iyo is going to give you some of her clothes to borrow, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

As you guys are eating a random strike of lighting hits the electricity causing the lights to go out.

"Oh? Has there been a power outage?"

Once the lights turn off your heart beats faster, your breaths are getting heavier, and your body is trembling

"Yoichi, I'm scared..".

"What?".

"I'm scared..I'm scared of the dark."

Isagi is surprised to hear that but he grabs his phone and uses his flashlight to find your hand.

he puts his arm around your waist and his hand on your head causing you to put your head on his shoulder.

You put your arms around his torso and hold it tightly, tears forming in your eyes.

Isagi feels his shirt getting wet where your eyes are and he hears you whimpering.

"Shh, it's okay..I'm here, you're safe with me..I'll protect you..".

You start taking deep breaths to calm yourself down but it isn't working. Isagi doesn't like seeing, feeling, or hearing you cry.

Out of nowhere Isagi starts singing you a lullaby calming your nerves.

...

"Aww, so kawaii!!" Isagi points his phone screen using it as a light to see what his mom is gushing about.

"I took a video and a picture of you lovebirds!"

"Not the time!" Isagi and his dad say in sync.

Moral of the story: Isagi is the best boy ever <3 💚

[coffeewithacold]

Our kingmaker campaign goes great!

Some from our games~

Starring: Lemm - LN halfling fighter, "guys you can't arrest them, it's MY job" Aegen - CN halfling bard, "i lost my left mitten. the right one is sad, cause they were very close-knit" Alisson - NG drama queen half-elf magus, "i take a step and use a point from my arcane pool to burn the living fuck out of them" Siegfried - LG human paladin of Abadar, "Yeah my god won't be okay with me participating in an unknown ritual, but Alisson asked nicely" Essa - LG half-elf cleric of Erastil, "Where are the cows, BITCH" Hedviga - CN human shifter, "she expresses her displeasure with being stung by an arrow by turning into a big ass wolf"

Lemm after yet another fairy problem: There was a rabbit with tits jumping on Siegfried! Alisson: you know, if I was a rabbit with tits, maybe I'd like to jump on Siegfried too... I mean- *Tatzlwyrms attacks nest of magpies* Alisson with nat 1 on init: oh, they're cute, can I pet them?

*Group finds traces of boots and horse hooves* Essa: maybe it was centaurs? Hedviga: in boots? Aegen: oh no, Centaurus in Boots-

*OOC taking about character's backstories* Alisson: Natalie told fortunes with cards. Four died, one is in intensive care. Siegfried: Natalie, no more fortune telling! Alisson: She won't be able to, even if she wants to.

*Meeting with the robbers* Lemm: Guys, we are in the minority. Siegfried: Don't worry, they're just bandits robbing peasants. Alisson with all her elvish pride: Pathetic.

*Alisson buying wine for the ritual* Lemm: take one more for us! Alisson: aren't we working? Aegen: we'll just have a cultural evening with a glass of wine Alisson: Okay, I'll buy one more, but we'll drink it after the mission. Lemm: maybe- Alisson: NO. Alisson: I have never paid taxes and I'm not gonna to Lemm: you what. Alisson: never mind Lemm: you gonna leave your sons in prison? NPC, Bob Moslin: yes, cause I'm RAT and I live like a RAT Lemm: wha- Bob: *turns into a wererat* *Fighting with Kressle* Siegfried: well, her hp is low and i want to knock her out. I'm taking a step and beat the woman. Aegen: Here he is, our future baron. Hedviga: Do rulers pay taxes? Alisson: I think the Revolutionary Council... Lemm: the Revolutionary what? Alisson: NEVER MIND GM: In this robbers' cache there are several bottles of strong liquor, a lot of jewelry, about 900 gold coins and a music box worth 90 gold Alisson: what is the melody in the music box? GM: well... it's a nice melody Alisson: Is anyone from our lawful guys watching? No? Okay, I steal the music box when no one is looking.

[writing-rat]

You're Just Like My Son

Pairings: Rio Morales and Miles Morales, Miles Morales and Jefferson Morales

Content: Miles Morales coming out as Spider-Man, just family, fluff!

Summary: Miles Morales is Spider-Man. He thinks he is hiding it well from his family. He doesn't realise he is a bit obvious however due to his dad having some hints until it is too much and he gets confronted...

WC: 2688

One long day and Miles was tired. He had just finished a few tests but he knew he had to patrol around town, not wanting to let criminals run rampant around the city. He knew that he was too tired for it but he felt like it was his responsibility to take care of the city. He still had a lot to learn too. He had been Spider-Man for a month after all. He actually learned how to swing down to a T. He was still learning how to fight while swinging though.

He was currently swinging around in his old Spider-Man suit while Aunt May helped him make a new Spider suit whenever he could go over. It wasn’t as often as he’d like but it would have to do. He also was still growing so they thought it would be good if they waited 3 months before finishing it. He was still a boy going through puberty and growing after all, never mind the fact that he was also becoming Spider-Man which would make him taller. 

As he was in his thoughts looking around, that was when he saw a robber running out of a store. He was quick to swing over and web him up, leaving a sticky note and grabbing the money. ‘Caught by your friendly Spider-Man’ he had written on the note before he went into the store and handed over some money. That’s when he swung away just as the cops arrived.

Today would be easy, or so he thought. He saw his father chasing a criminal so he immediately swung over to help. Eventually, he was just about in front of the criminal. “Hi,” Miles teased the criminal before he went to try and help catch him… at least until he was punched right in the eye causing him to cover his eye quickly and blindly webbing the criminal. “Fuck,” Miles grunted out as it was a hard punch to his eye. He was sure it would bruise too which would make it obvious to his dad since he had seen it. 

“Thank you Spider-Man,” the police officer said and MIles nodded, removing his hand. “It is no problem Officer Morales,” he spoke in his fake deep voice and held his hand out. Jefferson meanwhile shook it and was looking at his guys, telling them to get the criminal. “Hey Spider-Man, can I ask you a question?” Jefferson asked. 

“Sure,” Miles answered, raising his eyebrow as he was genuinely curious. “How old are you?” he asked, looking at him. “You don’t have to say your exact age. I just… I want to know how young you are because it is way too dangerous for a teenager and I am sure you are one,” he explained.

“I am 14,” Miles spoke before he was nodding and swung off, leaving Jefferson shocked at how young he was. He wanted to try and stop him right then and there, he didn’t want a kid to be seriously hurt. 

-

It was Friday and after classes so Miles was bound to be coming through the door soon. Rio was cooking Miles’ favourite meals as he did well on his tests and was finally setting in and doing his homework on time. Rio did make a point to say it wouldn’t happen often though which the young boy understood.

Soon enough Miles was home and dropped his stuff down respectfully. “Mamá, papá, hola,” he called out. 

“Miles!” Rio called out happily before she gasped. “Are you ok?” she immediately added. 

“Yeah! Just… bumped into a streetlight was all,” he spoke, smiling. “Don’t worry, I went to the school nurse about it. She said it’s ok,” he added with a soft smile before hugging his mom who hugged him back. Jefferson soon walked out of their bedroom then. 

“Looks like you’re matching with Spider-Man,” he decided to joke as he went over and joined their hug. Miles panicked a little before he quickly calmed down.

“Really?” he asked. Jefferson nodded with a smile. He was just glad it was by a streetlight instead. He did have a thought about him being Spider-Man but it couldn’t be possible.

-

It was just after Miles’ birthday and Miles had a sponsorship for the first time. It was for one of his favourite sports brands too. Adidas. He had a photoshoot and everything with it too and got to keep the clothes. He had tried on sweatpants, jackets, shirts, shorts and shoes. In fact he started to wear them daily too including the jackets when it was cold. 

Whenever he walked around town and saw photos of him, he just felt pride. No one knew it was him but himself. Everyone seemed to notice the new clothes he got but he just excused it with birthday presents and money. Ganke was keeping his secret luckily and actually called the cops for him a few times when he needed them. He would pay him some money each time, sure, but it was worth it. He was getting more and more sponsorships and photoshoots. In fact he was being called by magazines for interviews and photoshoots which he was taking whenever he could. 

In fact he was glad when he got a baby powder one as he was feeling awkward buying a lot of baby powder dressed as Spider-Man. No way was he doing it while not as Spider-Man. Most people knew his father after all. Sure, the sponsorship did get him cancelled but once he reworked the writing and explained what he meant then most was fine. 

It was another Friday and Miles was coming back from school with a new coat and sweatpants on but had on a plain white T-shirt underneath. Once again he greeted his family before they noticed the clothes. “New clothes?” Jefferson asked. Miles was nearly panicking but he nodded.

“Yeah! Used a bit of my birthday money you know?” he responded and Jefferson nodded.

No way his son was Spider-Man. He was smart enough to not do the dangerous things that the other teenager was doing.

-

It was just after lunch on a Sunday afternoon and Miles was stretching. “Thank you mamà,” Miles spoke with a smile and Rio nodded. “Always Miles,” she spoke and smiled as his dad was on shift. 

“I’m gonna go on a walk is that ok?” Miles asked respectfully. Jefferson looked up and was nodding. “Of course,” Rio spoke with a smile, happy to see her son going out. 

Miles smiled, hugging both his parents before he left the house. That was when Jefferson’s phone rang. “Hello,” he spoke, pausing for a bit whenever he responded to questions. “You need me in? Ok, I’ll be a minute,” he responded to whoever was speaking before hanging up. “Mi amor, I need to go down to the office. I will see you at dinner though,” he spoke to her smiling gently.

“Of course! Don’t be home too late, don’t want Miles to miss you at dinner after all,” she chuckled.

He nodded as he left, annoyed by the fact there was another supervillain event. He just hoped Miles wouldn’t run into it. He proceeded to run down the stairs, wondering why he didn’t pass by Miles but figured he just went down quicker. Soon enough he was at his car, speeding off.

Miles meanwhile was swinging around, following after the villain. He was just wanting to quickly get it sorted out so it wasn’t too suspicious. He was sure his dad was catching on though…

-

Miles had left to go out into town to go around the shops which left Jefferson home alone as Rio was at her job. He was just tidying around the house, not wanting it to be a mess when his wife arrived home. He was hoovering around when he noticed Miles's notebook was on the floor near the door. He was confused as to why as he picked it up and put it on the side, continuing with the cleaning of the house. He would probably look into why it was potentially dropped there because there was no way it was an accident.

After an hour, he was done cleaning as the apartment had been dusted, hoovered and the dishes had been washed. He was happy with how it looked as he was grabbing Miles's notebook but it slipped out of his grasp. He quickly went to pick it up before he saw what page he landed on. It looked like a girl with shaved hair on one side in a Spider-Man costume, except he had never seen someone look like her, Spider-Woman or not. That’s when he decided to investigate more, seeing tickets from a bus ride that took him to the Hudson Valley and also his Uncle Aaron as the prowler. He was wondering how he knew.

That was when he thought about how the media had told the world he was the prowler so he assumed it was that, ignoring the fact that Aaron was wearing the Prowler costume but that could also be explained away as him being in the news as the Prowler. That’s when he put the notebook on Miles’s desk, looking around the room as he was surprised it was quite neat minus the spider web in the corner. He was glad his son was becoming more mature and tidy.

Miles soon came home as he was stretching, and was holding a few bags. “I got stuff in for tacos. Want to help me make them tonight?” Miles asked, holding his bag up and a light in his eyes. Jefferson just chuckled and nodded. “Of course, I’ll help you champ. Also, I noticed you dropped your notebook. I put it back on your desk,” his dad nodded. He noticed how Miles paled but he didn’t blame him if he was drawing his crush as Spider-Woman (well, assuming that it was someone he was crushing on in school). “I didn’t look, don’t worry,” he added and Miles nodded, believing his dad. He wasn’t as pale. “Thanks, Dad,” he spoke with a soft smile. “I love you,” he spoke gently and Miles lit up with happiness.

-

It was just another night and Miles was at the school. It was Wednesday so he would be coming back soon. That was when a text came through. ‘Dad! It’s too late to leave. I left a book in my room. Is it ok if you grab it for me? Sorry for the hassle, I just need it for the next lesson. I admitted fault to the teacher already as I had her today!’ he texted his dad. Jefferson sighed, tempted to text Miles back to scold him but he had taken accountability so he couldn’t be too bad. 

‘Good job for admitting it to your teacher. Since I have the morning shift tomorrow, I will give it over. This won’t happen much though, got it?’ he texted Miles before having to add on. ‘What is the book and where? Is there anywhere I should avoid?’. He understood that his son’s room was his son’s domain and didn’t want to see something that was too personal after all. 

‘It’s on my shelf! It’s for English Literature! Thank you, Dad!’ he saw Miles had texted back. He could tell how happy his son was even through the message. He just chuckled with a smile before he got up and went to the bedroom, flicking the lights on. He saw boxes behind the shelf but didn’t say anything as he grabbed the book until he saw what the boxes said. ‘Webber’s Baby Powder’ it read. He was confused as to why he saw it there. That’s when he thought.

He put the book in his bag before he texted back. ‘Did you get someone pregnant?’ he texted. 

‘???’ was the response he got and he sighed. 

‘The baby powder. Why is there so much?’ he texted back again. 

‘Oh! It’s good for dry shampoo and also for skin irritation. It also makes my shoes smell better. Thought I would stock up so I wouldn’t have to go back soon for it’ Miles texted back. Jefferson sighed in relief then nodded.

‘Ok! I was just worried you got someone pregnant was all’ he responded.

‘Nah. Still single. Anyway! Meet you outside at 7 am?’ Miles texted, switching the conversation.

‘See you there’ his dad finished the conversation.

As he put his phone away he couldn’t help but sigh in relief. He was just thankful he wasn’t going to be a granddad early.

-

It was Saturday evening and Miles had been in his room all evening doing homework. As usual, with the homework he finished, he webbed up to his ceiling. There was no real reason why, he just did it out of habit at this point. “Miles?” he heard his dad call out and knock on the door. He quickly took off his headphones and looked at the door. “You may come in,” he spoke with a smile. Jefferson walked in. “So how is the homework going?” he asked. “Good. Why?” Miles responded suspiciously.

“I just want to take you out for some coffee is all, have a chat,” Jefferson spoke. He had been doing this to his whole family due to his brother dying and he didn’t want to ruin any relationship of his.

“Yeah, we can do that!” Miles spoke happily and stood up as he was grabbing his jacket and coat as well as his bag before he was ready. Jefferson did notice the books and the homework on the ceiling however but he decided not to say anything yet, not wanting to ruin their vibe as Miles would say…

-

It was soon close to dinner time and Miles was at the table. He was curious why his dad and mom were staring at him and then at each other (since they just asked him to sit down) before they finally decided to speak up. “So… we noticed something different about you. Would you like to say what it is before we say?” Rio spoke, looking at him.

“Shoot. You guys know I’m bi? I… didn’t think you would find out. I’m sorry. I didn’t know how you would react. I’m sorry,” he spoke, thinking that was what it was. “I didn’t mean to stare at that guy Dad, I’m sorry,” he added, thinking it would be an issue. “Wait, you’re bi? That’s no problem hijo,” Rio spoke, her tone being gentle. 

“Of course it’s alright champ. Nosotros te amamos como eres,” Jefferson spoke.

“Oh… then what is this about?” Miles asked, looking at both of them, relief in his eyes. 

“You being Spider-Man,” his dad spoke and Rio nodded.

“We just don’t want you seriously injured is all,” Rio added, not wanting to make Miles more scared. 

“I’m sorry. I just… it is needed as you know,” he admitted.

“Yes but we don’t want the normal criminals to hurt you hijo,” Rio spoke. 

“With the villains the cops can’t handle then that is ok,” Jefferson spoke. Miles looked at him and nodded, looking down ashamed. “We love you, you know that. But that also means we worry about you,” Rio stated. 

“Also with the drawing of that Spider-Woman… is that who you want to be?” Jefferson asked. “Dad! You said you didn’t look. But no… long story short she is someone I knew and worked with but… she doesn’t live in New York,” he spoke. “I know, I know. I apologise for looking. And that’s alright. We just… want you to be safe,” his dad spoke.“And if you get injured, I want you here so I can help you, whether it is serious or not. Got it?” Rio asked sternly. Miles just smiled and nodded before he saw his parents nod and get up. He was confused why before he was hugged by both of them.

“We love you,” both spoke. Miles was happy. He felt accepted. He couldn’t ask for anything more… except for Gwen but he would be happy to know that she was happy.

[atxxzist]

broken | c.s (01)

next // series m.list

pairing: choi san x reader

word count: 6.3k

warning: allusion to neglect, abuse, expect some heavy stuff

there's only been a couple, rare instances where your aunt helped you with a genuine smile on her face; cooing a tune under her breath and packing your belongings with no complaints.

of course all of them relating to a time where you had to leave, whether just for a few days, or maybe now permanently.

you know she won't take you back after you walk out the door.

a part of you truly wanted to despise her, for all the snarky comments through the years, and that uncomfortable, embarrassed, look on her face whenever she'd get asked if you were her child.

a woman of her age holding a grudge against a teenage girl unheard of.

but ever since your mom dumped you on her doorstep, you know you've made her life hell since.

that although she's overbearing and would probably throw you to the wolves first chance she gets, you'd have no roof over your head and no food in your stomach if it wasn't for her.

because if your uncle wasn't out sitting on the porch with a cigarette in between his fingers or downing his fifth soju bottle by noon, he was in bed taking one of the many naps of the day.

she's had a hard life, and you've only made it worse.

so maybe after all, all you can do for her, is leave. one less mouth to feed and one less problem to worry about. she probably has been waiting for the day you become of age anyways.

the goodbye is straight to the point; no crying or weeping tears of sorrow. nothing alike any departures that you see in movies. but it's over with. a new life, new people, and a new city you go.

mingi's dad is the one to drive you guys. if there has been anyone in your life remotely close to a father figure, it would be him.

he was the one who always paid when you were too out of pocket to really do anything with mingi. paid for the school festivals, for your uniforms when it was getting dirty, and when he found out you were going to be spending the new year alone, he gladly swooped you in for a trip with them.

a lot came with mingi, after he found you under that oak tree in your freshman year of high school, lost and alone. all of them a blessing.

"how do you guys think seoul people are gonna act like? are all the rumors true?" yunho speaks from beside you; he's another blessing that came with the package.

shortly after forming somewhat of a friendship with mingi, which solely consisted of him pestering you and sticking his nose where it didn't belong, he introduced you to yunho, his best friend.

and what were the odds that the only kid who actually bothered with you, would be your next door neighbor as well.

it was then that you met his parents and it very much explained where mingi got his mannerism from. though he has his moments.

"yeah. are they as stuck-up as everybody say? do they drink until morning--"

''--mingi, almost everyone drinks until morning. even back in that old town of ours," mr. song cuts.

mingi spares his father one glance and scoffs.

"yeah tell me about it, father. tell me how you grew that big belly of yours that is two months past due."

you and yunho chuckle quietly in the backseats, accustomed to their father-son banters.

mr. song hisses under his breath and snaps a quick headlock at mingi before moving his eyes back to the road.

"if i wasn't driving, i'd slap that mouth of yours," he says, "why can't you be more like yunho?"

"what!?" mingi voices in disbelief. "he was the one who started it!"

"oh..." he continues, "i know what this is about. it's cause i'm gay and you want a daughter-in-law after seeing minji and yunho."

both you and yunho roll your eyes at the boy's dramatic act.

it was something mingi had told you only a couple weeks after you got to know him. it's still mind-boggling how fast he trusted you, but he said he just did. something about you.

and a year later, he confessed to his parents. afraid at first of course, who wouldn't be. only to get a slap on the head by mr. song, not because he was gay, but because he had snuck out with you after mr. song specifically told him to watch the stove.

safe to say, he almost burned their house down that day. but the constant stealing of mrs. song's makeups and the hidden collection of boy band posters under mingi's bed kind of gave it away.

"yeah, sure," mr. song replies with a dry sarcasm. mingi rolls his eyes.

"anyways! about the dorms, i'm excited!" he diverts.

"i don't know..." you mumble.

you had wanted a lone room to yourself--those were an option. but neither you, nor mingi and yunho knew very much about the process. everything is new to you all. so by the time you guys had signed up, there were only leftovers.

meaning you're going to have a roommate; possibly one that's gonna have to put up with you for the next four years.

you don't know how to feel about that. especially a stranger.

so while mingi and yunho are esctastic about the mystery of their new roommates, which you're sure they won't have a problem becoming best buds with within a week span, you on the other hand, is dreading it.

"come on, y/n. it'll be fun," mingi attempts to lighten from the front.

yunho nods along. "yeah. and maybe even if your roommate turns out to be a major buzzkill, think about everything else. you're in a new city now. it's a fresh start."

"right," mingi agrees, "you need it, y/n. after everything you've been through. this is going to be great, i already have a feeling."

and for once, mr. song is onboard with his son. you see a smile on him from the rearview mirror.

"you're going to have a good time, sweetheart."

"i can't wait to see who's the hunk that i'm gonna be sharing a room with," mingi suddenly says, like his father isn't just right next to him.

mr. song shoots him a glare and mingi clears his throat, drawing back.

"i mean--"

you and yunho erupt into a fit of laughters.

~

you're definitely in seoul's air. the hustle and bustle, chitters around every corner that you pass--much louder than the old, quiet town, and the many tall buildings overlooking the city.

after bidding farewell to mr. song, with mingi stubbornly and smugly swearing on his life he's so glad to finally be away from his parents' domineering ways, only to break down and refuse to let his father get back into the car, you made it.

some rather confusing conversation with the lady at the front desk, but somehow you manage to convince her into giving you the key to the room.

mingi and yunho are off to their own before you even make it past the elevator. some friends they are.

"43-d 43-d...." you mumble to yourself repeatedly, just in case you happen to miss said room, staring at each number plastered on the wall so passively strolling by.

"43-d!"

you stop in front of a door quite secluded and far from the main hall, taking in the big '43-d' stickered to the side, before dingling the key in your hold.

you wonder if your roommate had already made it in. wonder if she's sitting at the edge of the bed and intently peering at the door because she's equally as curious.

if she's gonna be the best thing for the next four years, or the worst nightmare all in one.

a small creak is heard at the opening of the door, and the view in front of you; a squared-room as small as you imagined. a window right in the middle separating two single beds and a girl with long, flowy hair sitting on the one at the right, her back facing you.

she turns to the source of noise and her face just as pretty as the rest of her body. she gets off to stand on her feet.

"oh my gosh! are you my roommate!" she beeline towards you. you nod at the question.

"i'm yuna!" she holds out one of her hand, a smile on her face suiting for a girl of her class. you wouldn't know exactly, but judging by her outfit, it probably cost a pretty penny.

"i'm y/n," you answer, almost whisper-like, shaking her hand in return.

now that she's standing, you realize how much shorter she is in comparison to you. a couple inches at least.

"i was afraid my roommate was gonna be a creep. but you look anything but that!" she chuckles; another thing so pretty about her.

"thanks?" you respond, a small smile gracing your lips at such thing.

"so y/n..." she says, reaching behind to shut the door, then proceeding to drag your wrist; the rolling of your suitcase grating to the ear. "what's your major?"

she goes back to sitting at the bed, but her stance facing you and hands in her lap. you stand there overlooking her, unsure where to place your hands or how to bend your legs.

"oh, uhm... information technology."

you weren't really sure initially, but from the years of beating both mingi and yunho at whatever games you got your hands on, and the constant troubleshooting of mingi's hardware issues, they figured you're kind of tech-savvy and highly encouraged you to consider the field.

all of your childhood being spent with some kind of distractions since your parents were too busy being elsewhere or really there for you, paid off in some ways.

"cool!" she beams, before tilting her head slightly, "so... what is that?"

you giggle, not a stranger to such question. you learned pretty early on that not many people care about the government term.

"just computers."

"ah!" she nods at it all coming together.

"and you?" you're surprise that came out, but she sounds easy-going enough.

"art!" she proclaims, the way she said it tells you it's something she takes pride in. "i was just about to hang these up!"

it's then that you notice the many pieces of artworks laying on the bed she's sitting on, all framed and to go.

the one in her hand right now of a pink lotus flower perfectly painted and almost quite even realistically. all the strokes of it are gentle and pastel, you can tell the efforts put into it.

"it's beautiful," you compliment her with a smile.

the first two weeks goes by awfully fast.

your classes and professors are alright, and your roommate is someone who you can actually see yourself becoming decent friends with, because you don't exactly plan on living the next couple of years in lingering awkwardness and dreaded silence.

but while her half of the room is padded with decorations, like someone actually lives there, your half just looks sad.

you didn't exactly have much to bring. neither mingi nor yunho brought a lot either. just a few necessities and clothes; everything else buyable with the change you carried.

problem is, you don't have a lot. just a couple bucks you were able to save through the years and some from mr. song that he so kindheartedly gave you.

so there weren't a lot of options for decoration. but at least for now, you have a pillow to sleep on and a blanket to counter the cold.

you need to start job hunting.

aside from that, you spend your days in the comfort of mingi or yunho, or both, sitting in the library and listening to their narrations of how their week or day went. who they met today and how great everything is already going.

well, that's mostly mingi.

yunho just sulks about how much he misses minji, his girlfriend. she had decided to stay back in the old town and attend university there. the program for her major was better, she said.

the names definitely tripped you at first. it also didn't help that the two were constantly at each other's throat and cursing one's parents name for the similarity. but you get used to it.

mingi's met a lot of people. a lot. but none of them he talks about as much as jung wooyoung, who also happens to be his dormmate.

the name at first hitting you with familiarity. you've definitely heard about him, from passings and whatnot. from mouths of other students.

his parents are rich rich, and although he's just a freshman like you guys, with only two weeks into the semester, he's already throwing the most lavish parties that will be the talk of the town for at least an entire year.

mingi said he didn't have to be in a dorm, he wanted to be in one. someone like jung wooyoung, barely of age, can already buy his own house right next to campus if he so desired, but you know this is probably all fun and games to him, to try to live the life of a struggling college student with restrictions.

so what are the chances that jung wooyoung, probably by far the most popular freshman, is mingi's companion. some odd strings of fate that is.

but it's mostly pathetic when they'd ask about you. how your day and week went or if you have gotten yourself into a sorority yet. you already told them about yuna, and that was mostly it.

if there is even anything remotely close to interesting from your college experience so far, it would probably be kang yeosang.

not that you would tell mingi and yunho about him, though. especially not in a place so public and exposed where words can easily get around. because if you're to say something about your encounter with kang yeosang, it's definitely not anything nice.

"intro to computers, room... ah!"

you finally found the room, after only mindlessly wandering around for thirty minutes or so, but you did it.

you're at least five minutes late. not a good look to the first day of class, but there's a plethora of worse outcomes.

when you walk in, your heels nearly dig into the flooring and a nervous speck flashes across your eyes, overlooking the population of students and seeing that it's a fucking sausage fest.

damn you for having picked a male-dominated field.

they watch you trail to a seat like you're the first sighting of a rare creature, which makes it all more nerve wracking that you can barely grasp where you're going.

just that you took a seat in an empty chair, as long as everyone stop staring at you.

then, you hear someone clearing their throat all of a sudden. you turn to the source but his eyes are gone. only his shiney, blonde hair in your view as whoever it belongs to, begins scribbling down something, but never returning your gaze.

it's only until the next day during attendence that you learn the mysterious boy's name.

kang yeosang.

you also learn within the next few sessions that he's an exceptionally gifted student, his skills in the course makes your amateur basic knowledge of computers pale in comparison.

you respect him. your professor likes him. and other students know he's in a league of his own.

he's even pretty. like the man jumped straight out of a manhwa cover. nose perfectly sculpted, features full of innocence yet deadly at the same time. and the hair color that brings an extra glow to his skin.

you feel nervous just sitting next to him, even. someone of this caliber should be starring in tv dramas or attending some prestigious university. what the hell is he doing sitting next to you in some intro class that he can probably pass with closed eyes.

that is until you actually speak to him. and all respect, any small amount of admiration you had for him, goes out the door.

because this dude is entitled and stuck-up as hell.

he's always had this aura around him that he's better than everyone else in the class; speaking very little and barely acknowleding anyone. but you gave him the benefit of the doubt.

you're working on a simulation assignment, stuck on a step you cannot get past although you already double checked everything. a quick glance to the front shows your professor already occupied with assisting other students, so you bite the bullet.

you don't do it very often, you're not good with new people. but there's no other way.

seeing as yeosang is already done with his, maybe he can help you out on just this very teeny step; a favor.

but he nearly snide; click his tongue and puffs out an air of annoyance like you're a mere inconvenience when you just muttered a small "hey..." with the lightest tap on his arm.

he looks over your screen momentarily and has the most irritated expression you've ever seen on anyone.

then a scoff departs from him. mockingly.

"if you're already struggling with something as simple as this, maybe you should reconsider your choice of major, princess."

and your jaw drops.

so uncalled for, and all over something so miniscule. the nickname and his tone lets you know of the blatant sexism since you're the only girl in a class full of men.

his attitude reminds you of someone. someone you've since learned to forget. leave behind.

and from that day on, you told yourself: kang yeosang can go choke on a stick.

"it's gonna be fun!" mingi slaps your back.

god knows how the hell he actually managed to convince you to come to one of jung wooyoung's magnificent party. your first ever college party. but he had gotten an invitation from the man himself.

not even a week after talking about them, and you're already here to testify it for yourself, if they truly are as great as people say they are.

you had asked yuna if she wanted to come along, just because she's the only other person besides mingi and yunho that you know, but she had plans with her parents tonight.

yunho is running late and had given the okay for you guys to go first. said he'll show later with his roommate, who he has been hushed about except for a few small comments that they get along well.

"i think i might throw up," you say, turning to mingi with a frown.

the house isn't as big as you had thought; quite mid-size actually and very modern, which leads you to believe that jung wooyoung does in fact, have a house off-campus as well.

"no no," mingi coos, rushing to your side immediately, arms thrown around your shoulders.

"you're going to be okay. i'm gonna be right next to you all night. i promise." he smiles. "now let's go in."

the music is blaring loud, strobes of flashy lights; all pink, green, and blue, lasering through your eyes and there's drunken bodies everywhere as mingi drags you through the front and into the house.

the space is so tight with everyone busting ass on the dance floor and you attempting to dodge so you won't get hit, you're literally holding your breath in hope you won't lose mingi, or the other way around.

he finally stops near a corner with less traffic, a couch to the right and he lets go of your hand.

"hey!" you hear a voice; a new one.

you watch as a smaller, much shorter man than mingi with parted black hair and a red solo cup in his hold, goes to handshake him.

you're guessing that's wooyoung.

"you made it!" he screech excitedly. you just realize how high he can actually go.

"i did!" mingi replies back with the same enthusiam. "and it looks awesome, man."

these two are literally made for each other, you think.

"thank you thank you," he accepts the compliment with a cheeky smile.

"ah! this is my friend i was telling you about!" mingi all of sudden pulls you into the spotlight, only for you to cower in immediately with a flustered reaction.

wooyoung chuckles.

"she's a shy one, i see."

mingi chuckles back.

"you have no idea."

wooyoung straightens his posture, eyes boring into yours and holding his hand out.

"wooyoung." he smiles.

you slowly and hesitantly reach out your own to meet his, uttering in the quietest volume known to men, "y-y/n."

when he kisses the top of your hand, you almost jump just from the cultural shock, but is able to contain yourself in just the same 'ole flustered face.

"nice to meet you."

he breaks apart the contact, and so do you. resting your hand back at the side.

"if you need anything, or have any questions, just let me know, y/n. happy to help."

you only nod in return, averting your gaze to mingi for him to say something because the nonexistent social butterfly in you is dying out.

"oh, yes!" he says out of nowhere.

~

you're now seated on the couch, watching the abundance of people grind against one another on the dance floor, and then moving your attention back to mingi and wooyoung still at the same spot chatting away like they have all the time in the world.

mingi had gotten you a drink just so you'll have something to do. just so he'll feel less guilty about having dragged you up in here and is now throwing you off to the side.

nothing alcoholic. just punch.

you take another sip of your drink, the cup just out of your vision and boom--mingi and wooyoung now gone. just like that.

so much for "i'm gonna be right next to you all night." your freaking ass.

a small surge of panic rushes at the comprehension of no mingi in sight and a bunch of strangers around you, stuck on someone's couch.

you pull your phone out to text yunho.

y/n: are you at the party yet? mingi just left me. i don't know anyone here ☹️

yunho: yeah i arrived a little while ago. where are you?

y/n: i don't know. inside the house, on the couch?

yunho: i'm coming

you breathe a sigh of relief, hoping yunho will be able to sweep you away soon, but proceeding to leave a message for mingi as well, just if he answers.

everything's already beginning to close in like walls and making you majorly uncomfortable.

but then five minutes passes, then ten, then fifteen, and yunho is still nowhere to be seen and mingi hasn't replied either.

y/n: are you coming?! 😭

yunho: some dickhead is out here causing a ruckus and blocking the entrance inside the house. stay put, or maybe go out to the back and see if mingi's there?

you scowl. just great. one glance to the left confirms the commotion, so you get up and shove your phone into your pocket, carrying the cup in your hand that still has a decent amount left, and going on a search for your wonderful best friend.

it doesn't seem as packed back here as it is up front, but still requiring for you to muster up some strength to be able to push past some sweaty bodies and out into wooyoung's backyard.

but it becomes a grave mistake, because if the front is bad, this is just heinous.

music from all corners of the yard, a big heated pool right in the middle and a bunch of almost-naked people in their swimsuits splashing in and out. you don't know how you're going to even make it to the other side to find mingi.

but all it takes is another once-over of the current situation for you to conclude that you'll probably have better luck of yunho finding you.

you spin around to head back inside, until a voice, almost like nails on chalkboard at this point, comes into the picture.

"i didn't think i'd see you here," yeosang mumbles, just standing slightly off to the side, hands in his pockets and a smirk on his face.

your eyebrows furrow into madness because instead of running to anyone else, it just has to be him.

didn't think he'd see you here? why? because you look like a total bookworm who'd rather stay in her room than be out at a party? it might be true, but his generalizing ass is annoying you.

you don't give him any sort of reply that might feed into that sick ego of his. only roll your eyes dramatically and continue on your feet, trying the best to get inside once again.

but it seems like the crowd only multiplies by the minutes, more and more people coming and you getting lost in the herd.

"excuse me," you grit through your teeth, not at all giving up.

but with shoulders grazing, body parts touching, and reeks of alcohol that definitely isn't you, one lift of an arm from anywhere and the drink in your hold will be gone.

which is exactly what happens. your cup flies out of your hand to whoever's hard chest you just came in contact with. it drops and rolls onto the ground, stepped on by passersby and crushed to the sinking cement.

though not before whatever was still left in there spilled itself onto this stranger that was coming from inside while you were countering from the opposite direction.

"i'm so sorry!" you say apologetically, the sight of his drenched black shirt already embarrassing as it is.

but one push from the back and a grunt leaving your mouth, you trip and fall right forward--which would have been detrimental have an arm not wrap themself around your waist to keep balance.

your palms now on this stranger's hard chest and you're thinking to yourself: it can't be any worse than this. wetting this stranger and now he has to keep you from falling, too.

but when you finally look up to meet his gaze, it gets much worse when you see just about the most attractive person right in front of you.

his sharp eyes returning your starstruck ones and a coy smirk on his lips from having you in such a position.

you think you're about to pass out.

"you okay?" he asks, and it plucks one of your heartstrings, how mellow and soft his voice is. nothing alike his intimidating appearance.

you nod, and only just registers you're still leaning on his chest like an idiot when a small chuckle leaves him. his arm already untangled itself.

"sorry..." you whisper lowly, standing back on your toes and he smiles. you catch the indentations on his cheeks that are made of dimples and oh my gosh. this is the guy you just made the worst first impression on.

"hey, it's okay," he assures.

you observe him peeking his head out, checking either sides before swooping your wrist so fast, you almost gasp.

he turns back around and leads you inside the house. the process is much quicker, considering he's taller, stronger, and able to squeeze his way through without all the pitiful pleadings.

you're not sure where he's going, but he seems to know his way around just fine.

but such a handsome stranger gripping onto you so tightly does do a little something to your heart.

you take the time to admire him from the back and you notice he has some broad shoulders. manly, sexy, broad shoulders.

"let's get you cleaned up."

his melodic voice snaps you out, seeing that he brought you to the kitchen, right next to the sink.

it's surprisingly peaceful in here. the muffled music still audible from an earshot, but nothing barbaric like it was before.

maybe this handsome stranger is a regular at wooyoung's parties.

he starts ripping the paper towels from the holder and you can only stare in amazement at how he manages to make such a simple task look so... captivating.

he hands you a bunch of them and it takes a hot second for your words to unclog itself from your throat.

"oh no. only a little bit got on me, and some on my shoes, i think," you refuse the gesture.

he giggles silently and switches his gaze to your sneakers.

"cute shoes." he smiles, and it also just sinks in right now how unreal the lighting from the kitchen makes him look.

you feel your cheeks heating up. hopefully he doesn't notice.

"thanks..." your eyelashes flutters once, and a faint smirk crawls onto him from the image.

"you don't go to parties often, huh?" he says, dabbing his shirt lightly with the paper towels.

was it the way you looked? that excruciating expression on you that tells him you've never been to a single party in your life, or maybe the clueless, dim-witted act in such a setting that speaks volume.

"not at all actually. i was looking for my friend."

"oh!" he perks up, some kind of interest sparking. "i might be able to help if you tell me who she is, or maybe he?"

"well, i'm sure you know jung wooyoung."

a smile so handsome cracks on him at the name drop.

"i know jung wooyoung. he's your friend?" but something about the way he said it feels like he knew more about wooyoung than just know.

you shake your head.

"my friend went off with him. mingi. song mingi."

he squints his eyes.

"name's not ringing any bell. but shouldn't be too hard locating wooyoung. he's usually upstairs entertaining the guests or down by the pool hosting some games. i'm guessing you already checked outside?"

"i was out there, but... there were too many people. that's why i was coming back."

he nods and settles on a gentle smile.

"we can check upstairs then, you okay with that?"

you nod and wait for him to finish, keeping quiet as he throws the used towels to the trashcan. but you can still spot some wrinkles on his shirt where it has been untouched.

"you're not going to clean all of it?" you ask so genuinely, innocently, he thinks you're already too endearing.

he releases a chuckle and shake his head.

"you get used to drinks spilling on you the more you attend these events. might not be the last one of the night, you never know."

"oh..." all you say, a little embarrassed from the remembrance of your doing, but he finds the pink blush decorating your cheeks incredibly cute.

he smirks, only to replace it with a smile shortly after.

"let's go find your friend."

you nod and follow behind him. almost wishing he'll reach around to pull you along with those veiny arms as he guides you just like he did before.

baby steps, y/n. baby steps.

but you guys aren't even out of the kitchen yet, when something goes off in the pocket of his pants.

he stops instantly and you could've knocked right into his back, but manages to keep a safe distance.

you only observe with wide-eyes as he pulls his phone out, the screen reflecting on his perfect face and something about him changes that second.

a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips that lasts longer than the one he gave you before, shooting a quick glance your way, moving back to the screen and thrusting the device back.

he turns around and you await in your stance.

"unfortunately, i won't be able to. something came up. think you'll be able to navigate your way around? turn right after you exit and the stairs should be there. wooyoung is usually in one of the rooms upstairs."

it's a bit disheartening but this stranger has already done so much for you, especially given the starting circumstances. and you couldn't ask for more.

"i should be able to," you tell him.

"perfect." he shuts his lips into a smile. "and if you don't mind me asking, may i know your name?" a more cheekier one arises.

"y/n..."

"y/n. i'm gonna remember that. well, then i'll see you around on campus. you go to the one across the street, right?"

you nod. "same one as wooyoung, yeah."

"awesome! see you then, y/n."

a part of you conflicted, wondering if you should ask for his name, too. you would want to know the name of such a kind, handsome stranger that helped you.

but you open your mouth to say something, and he's already gone. ponder about the possibility of ever really seeing him again, and acknowledge the two or three butterflies in your stomach.

you just might have developed the tiniest crush on someone you barely knew and have barely spoken with for under an hour.

a defeated sigh leaves you, eyes moving back to the kitchen exit and meeting yunho's surprised ones.

"y/n!"

when mingi suspiciously brings up you not being upset, or at least not upset enough that he ditched you, you tell him that it's fine. it happens. college party shit.

you won't really tell him that because he's an awful, promise-breaking friend, it eventually lead you right into the chest of a cute, handsome, dimpled stranger. literally.

and you also won't tell him that you're still thinking of this stranger; so much that you didn't even realize you had carelessly accepted an invitation out to dinner until he comes knocking at your door.

"how do you accidentally say yes to an invitation? i gave you a whole ass speech about it, girl. and you were nodding with hums and 'uh-huh'." he rolls his eyes.

"you talked a lot, mingi! i clocked out halfway." you shrug.

"you're a shit ass friend. just awful."

you scoff and lightly push him by the shoulder.

"you literally dipped on me for some dick, what are you talking about."

"okay, first of all, wooyoung is as straight as a ruler, believe it or not. and second of all, what happened to it's fine."

you blow a raspberry.

"so that's why he invited you out to dinner? you guys are friends now? and people can change their mind."

"more than friends," mingi corrects with a smile. "best friends now."

you roll your eyes and shake the statement off.

yunho's room is just a floor above mingi's, already able to spot the room number he gave you guys from where you're standing.

"oh shit," mingi suddenly voice out.

"what?"

"i forgot my phone."

he checks the pockets of his jacket, then patting down his pants, and... nothing.

"you go first. go wait in the lobby if i'm still not back yet by the time yunho's ready."

"fine."

he walks off, and then there was one.

lately, luck seems to be working against you, doing the most to make sure you're excluded from your friends. that includes being in the same dorm building.

you knock the door just twice, afraid of coming off annoying.

yunho also have a roommate, you have to keep in mind. mingi had mentioned his roommate will be dining with you guys.

you're about to knock again, when it flashes open with a squeak of the frame and your jaw drops at the person standing before you, having to nearly rub at your eyes just to make sure this isn't some sick joke.

"what the hell are you doing here?" you spit so bitterly.

yeosang grimace, before letting loose an irksome laughter.

"this is my room."

and that's when it hits you that...

"hey y/n!" yunho speaks from behind, fixing at his shirt. "about almost ready."

well hallefuckinglujah. might as well run you into the ground at this point. and when a smirk dashes across yeosang's lips, you can picture how red your knuckles are from all the clenching.

~

you're greatly disappointed in yunho, and in mingi.

okay, maybe they didn't know you knew kang yeosang and your rather unpleasant experiences with him since you didn't tell them, but it does make you question how they're able to stand someone like him. especially yunho.

someone so... egocentric and self-absorbed, when yunho is anything but that.

makes you want to shudder even more thinking back to him talking so kindly about his roommate that he gets along with so well.

even right now as yeosang's sitting across from you with that stupid smirk still on, it makes you want to lounge forward and wipe it off his equally stupid face.

"my treat, guys! eat to your heart's content," wooyoung announces. he's in the seat next to yeosang and even he, already likes him, too.

"don't have to tell me twice," mingi replies, flipping through the menu.

"oh, right," yunho snaps up. "about this friend of yours, he coming?"

wooyoung had talked about inviting another friend along, but he's running late. very late.

"he should be on his way, yes."

you're listening to wooyoung when you suddenly feel a soft kick to your ankle, almost giving it away by your reaction.

you move your focus from wooyoung to yeosang and see that he's trying to hide an amused smile.

two can play at a game.

so you kick him back, with actual force and gratification when his face twists in pain.

you're too busy playing footsie with yeosang and lasering each other deathly glares, that you miss the opening of the restaurant's door, and even wooyoung standing up.

"ayyy, he's here! my best bud, my partner in crime!"

only at wooyoung's louder voice, do you turn to the new arrival and immediately, heart eyes overcome your vision when you realize who it is.

and when he locks gaze with you, his mouth draws into a smile; those cute, cute dimples showing. and he's so, so handsome.

"my man, choi san!"

next // series m.list

taglist: @sorryimananti-romantic @revehosh @cookiechristie @avantalem @atiny68 @belletiny @shibera @mochibabycakes @justineasian

[theslvttysimp]

》MC's Addicted Parents

Mammon《

TW: Substance abuse, abandonment, child neglect, crying.

Scenario: You're an MC with parents who abuse substances. Though you've been on your own for a while now, the trauma from your childhood still follows. This is how Mammon would react.

The brothers and you have a movie night tonight! Once a week you guys all huddle in the common room and watch a movie together. This week it was Belphie's turn to pick the movie.

With you're sitting in between Mammon and Beel on the couch as the movie begins. You quickly realize that this movie could reopen some suppressed memories you've been keeping. The movie contains drug use of two adults and their children getting out of a bad situation.

You manage to keep your cool. You practice a controlled breathing method and it's working pretty well so far. Maybe you can get through this! You don't want to ruin movie night with your issues and you certainly don't want the brothers worrying about you.

You're doing great until there's a scene in the movie where the parents are nodding off on the couch, and their son walks in on them trying to wake them up. This was your breaking point.

You bite your lip as you're watching the movie fighting back tears. Your controlled breathing method no longer works and you feel a lump build in the back of your throat. Mammon has his arm around your shoulder, completely sucked into the movie. Beel to your left is chowing down on popcorn, eyes glued to the screen.

You're trying your best not to let your emotions win, but the screen of the TV is slowly becoming foggy thanks to the tears welling up in your eyes. You think to yourself that you need to get out of here and fast. If you don't,you're going to be a bawling mess in front of the whole HOL.

It feels like a fire is burning on the inside of your throat and your breath starts to hiccup. Uh oh, here comes the waterworks.

You stand up as calmly as you can, trying not to cause a scene. You bend over and whisper is Mammons ear that you're going to the bathroom. Your voice is slightly shaky, causing Mammon's eyes to slightly widen. He tries to take a glance at your face but you turn to leave too quickly for him to catch a glimpse. Are you crying? Why is my human crying?

Mammon can sense something is off. He says nothing, looking at you concerned with your back facing him as you excuse yoursslf from the couch and walk to the door. He turns his head and watches you scurry out of the room, keeping his eyes glued on tryung to asses the situation. He leans back on the couch, biting his nail in worry trying to watch the movie. His mind is racing. Is his human okay? Her eyes looked wet. Nah, maybe it just me. She's just going piss after all.

A few minutes go by, and Mammon snaps up from his seat, catching Beel's attention. " You okay, Mammon?" Mammon ignores his brother and strides out of the room. No, he's not alright. You've been gone for 10 minutes already, and by the sound of your voice earlier, clearly something is up. If you're upset, he's upset. He can't just shake off this feeling that something is wrong.

He checks the closest bathroom near the common room and knocks. " Hey, human! Ya good in there?" There's no reply. Okay, something is definitely up. He runs up the stairs, heading to your room.

Mammon whips your bedroom door open. He finds you laying in your bed face down on your pillow sobbing.

" G-get out!" You yell from your pillow. You don't want him seeing you like this, you don't want to burden him with your trauma. You also find it embarrassing the childhood you lived and shudder at the thought of talking about it.

"PFFFTTT.... Clearly, I'm not leavin'! What's wrong MC?" Mammon says, ignoring your request. He closes the door behind him and flops on your bed next to you, placing a hand on your back. He looks concerned and he is NOT leaving until you tell him what's going on.

Watching that movie made you feel like you're reliving everything all over again. You try to calm yourself down enough to form words, but the world struggle to come out. You continue to cry in your pillow, clutching it closer to your face to muffle whimpers. Mammon lays on the bed next to you, his arm bent on the bed and hand holding his head. " Hey.... MC..... talk to me, darlin'. It's okay, I'm here."

After waiting a few minuets and still no response from you other than tears, he lays on his back and pulls you on top of him. You bury your face in his chest and grip his shirt. He wraps both of his arms around you. The warmth of his body is exactly what you needed. You pull him tighter and feel his heartbeat on your cheek, soothing you with every thump. He kisses the top of your head and rubs your back until you're calm enough to talk.

" M-my parents are like the ones in the m-movie. They did drugs around me all the time. I felt so a-alone. It's like they f-forgot about me and cared about drugs more!" You start bawling your eyes out all over again, slamming your face in Mammon's neck.

Mammon starts to tear up a bit. He's absolutely shattered that you feel forgotten and all alone. He pulls you tighter in his embrace, not caring that his neck his soaked with tears. " I'm so sorry, MC. Ya know, I'm always here for ya." His voice is soft. You feel the vibrations of his voice in his throat, bringing you a sense of comfort.

" I'm sorry ya weren't treated how you deserved to be. But I'm here with ya now, and I ain't ever leaving ya. I promise as your first, I ain't going nowhere." He lifts your face up with a hand under your chin. Despite him blushing a little, he gives you a quick kiss on the lips. He puts his hand on your cheek and wipes a tear away with his thumb. " I love ya, MC. Don't ever forget that."

You guys skip the movie and stay laying in your bed. He's not going to have you sit through a movie that's so hard for you to watch.

When it gets late, he picks you up and walks you to his room so both of you can cuddle on his huge couch, watching a different movie of your choice. You end up falling asleep in his arms before the movie ends. He understands you're tired from the crying you did. When he notices your eyes shut, he can't help but smile softly at your sleeping face. You look so peaceful in your sleep, and he can never imagine how someone could abandon a beautiful soul as you.

He meant what he said, he's not going anywhere. He's going to be by your side until the end of time. The Great Mammon wouldn't dare to forget you.

[twoidiotwriters1]

The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: The Jacksons make me feel so warm and giddy -Danny Words: 1,968 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter Listen to: 'Brother' -by Vraell

LVII: Not to Self-Diagnose or Anything but I Need a Nap

Ara is still recovering from giving in to her murderous urges when the sea attacks them. Everyone except Jason is on deck trying to keep the ship afloat, but Ara realizes they can't spare the son of Jupiter, so she goes to get him.

"Alright, Ken, rise and shine!" Ara crashes against the doorframe. "On a scale of one to ten, how much do you wanna die today?"

Jason pushes himself up. "Eight."

"I was joking and now I'm concerned!" Ara sounds too enthusiastic for her words to sound genuine. "But I'll take it because we need you, so come die like a hero and not like a Victorian child!"

Ara helps him leave his bed, carrying him through the stairs until they're above. "You know, Jace," she grunts as the ship sways violently. "I think therapy would lessen your near-death experiences, something tells me they're related..."

"Shut up or I'll puke on you," Jason groans, unable to keep his head upright.

She looks at him, her voice turning serious. "I can't let you help unless you promise me you'll fight for you, Jason! Not for us!"

The boy locks eyes with her and he tenses his jaw. "What do you think I'm doing?"

"You're drowning in guilt," she can barely hear him above the storm. "But that wound won't close unless you start to respect yourself!" The ship screeches harshly and Ara looks around. "Let's go to Percy!"

The others look at her like she's gone crazy as she walks past them holding Jason, but when Percy sees them he nods casually and points ahead. Something below the ocean's surface is causing the storm and he wants to swim down and attack it directly. He asks Ara to stay and keep the ship afloat.

Percy doesn't need to speak a lot for her to understand, a few gestures and words, and Ara gets the general idea. Jason looks a bit worried yet eager to help. "Are you sure you can work alone?"

"I'll throw you overboard myself!" She scowls. "Go!"

Ara summons Poseidon's blessing the moment both boys jump into the sea, stretching her arms out and doing her best to create a current that balances out the tides that hit it from every side. Using one blessing at a time for long periods no longer drains her, but now, even after almost half an hour, her arms aren't even shaking.

"It's over... I think," Annabeth approaches her, drenched from head to toe.

"Jason and Percy," Ara leans over the handrail. "Should we look for them?"

"That's them!" Piper calls from the other side of the ship. "Leo, help me!"

"So you're a priest now?"

"Pontifex."

"And that healed you?"

"Basically," Jason says happily. "Good as new."

"If you're a priest does that mean you'll be celibate forever?" Leo smirks.

"I said Pontifex, not son of Hephaestus."

Hazel chokes on her ginger tea and Frank pats her back and scolds the two boys. "Guys!"

"You are infuriating," Ara says with her mouth full. "I can't get my own special label because then you go out of your way to get your own! That's so rude—"

Festus sets off an alarm and everyone jumps, Leo takes a moment to listen to what the dragon is saying and translates it to his friends. "Sea serpent again, Percy..."

The boy nods, looking slightly green—he got poisoned again—and waves at the others. "You keep eating. Birdy, care to join me?"

Ara gets up without arguing, perhaps he feels too weak to handle it alone. Once on deck, Percy stares at the sea and points at a bright yellow creature. "There."

"Cool, a banana. Do you want to talk?" Ara draws out her flintlock. 

"Whoa! Since when do you own a gun?" Percy asks, staring at it with horror.

"You hadn't seen it?" Ara raises a brow. "I've got it for a couple of weeks now."

"And you know how to use it?"

"No, Percy, I lost four fingers and left Frank in a wheelchair," she replies with a straight face.

Percy frowns. "Alright, I walked into that one." He watches the serpent and tilts his head. "Banana wants to fight—I can get us closer and you can use your Nerf gun."

"Sweet."

"Let's wait a bit, I'm still woozy..." Percy makes a face. "And let's tackle everything, while we're at it," he leans on the railing. "Jason told me what you said to him."

"It worked, didn't it?" She replies, thinking he's about to scold her.

"I've been feeling the same way," Percy confesses. "I don't wanna freak out Annabeth, so... you can keep the secret, right?"

There is a lump in her throat when she realizes the wall between them has lost height, and now she can meet his gaze. "You almost died again, drowning," Ara acknowledges, referring to the fight with his half-sister.

"Jason saved me by making that deal... he also saved himself, but I don't know if Annabeth told you what happened with the goddess of Misery..."

"Yeah," Ara replies, understanding where this is going. "I get why you did it, though. Sometimes you're over your head and it's so tempting to just..."

"Be cruel?" Percy submits.

"Someone has to be the bad guy," Ara sighs, staring at the serpent. "And we'll always be the lesser of two evils, Percy."

His eyes sadden a bit. "When I was about to kill Misery... it didn't feel like that."

"You were angry," Ara reasons. "None of us want to die, but we both know that the people we're thinking of when we're fighting death aren't ourselves."

Her brother runs a hand through his hair, a bit stiff from the sea salt. "We got attacked by the arai too... I got curses from all the monsters I've killed and other beings I've hurt... and as I suffered, it felt fair. It made me wonder..."

"If that's how I feel about my curse?" She guesses with a sad smile. "The way I see it, I got the opportunity of a lifetime—literally—and the price to pay is all I have."

"And you think it's worth it?" Percy questions, it doesn't sound like he'll judge her if she says yes.

"I don't know," she confesses. "I wanna say yes, but that's only because Leo is entangled in it. If it were about me only, I'd probably think it's shitty."

Percy prepares to jump. "Banana's getting closer."

The boy summons a tide to carry them, Ara keeps talking but she raises her voice to be heard over the water. "I think the lack of empathy for myself comes from the fact that someone always had it worse. In the orphanage I was one of the pretty ones, Leo thinks I would've been adopted in no time—at camp, I was an Aphrodite, I was overlooked. The list goes on..."

Once they're close enough to the sea serpent, Ara tosses the Greek fire vial she took from a box on deck, then points her flintlock and shoots, exploding it on the serpent's face. Percy summons a tide to protect them from the blast and they wait a few seconds to see the golden dust vanish in the ocean. They go back to the ship.

"So you risk your life to validate your feelings?"

"No," they reach the Argo and Ara seizes a rope to climb. "I'm saying everyone else had something bigger going on, so it was only right I took care of the chores no one wanted. I had it better than most."

"Who was saying these things to you?" Percy grunts, climbing after her.

"The voices aren't real, Nemo, they're in my head," Ara clarifies. "Someone might've said it once or twice and I took it to heart. I don't know."

He gets on deck. "This... is probably the most depressing conversation we've ever had."

"Yeah..." They share a look and Ara pats his arm. "That means it's naptime!"

Ara wakes up to Leo cussing on the cabin across the hall, the ship is making a weird sound like it's sailing through the gravel and she leaves her room quickly only to crash against Leo in the hallway.

"Easy, doll!" He catches her. "Had a nightmare?"

"What's that sound?" She asks drowsily. 

"That's our daughter getting wrecked by the mighty power of a rock," Leo scowls. "Every time I fix something, another thing breaks. You hear the engine, begging to be put out of its misery? That's how my brain sounds nowadays."

Ara rubs her eyes, too sleepy for his ranting. "You know, I had the saddest talk with Percy the other day, and weirdly enough, I've been sleeping like a baby ever since... and yet I still feel like I've been run over by a truck every time I wake up."

"Leo, we're unstuck!" Percy calls from outside.

"I should do a checkup to see what we messed up this time," Leo sighs. "Wanna come?"

"I should," she mumbles, walking after him.

Proof of how exhausting this last stretch has been is that none of them have the energy to fuss or ask how they're doing. Their sanity is hanging by a thread that gets thinner the more hits the Argo II takes.

"Maybe you're always tired because you're carrying eight blessings?" Leo continues their talk as they get to the control board. "Hercules said more than ten would make your body act up, but that doesn't mean having eight will do nothing."

"There's always some stupid monster to fight or something to fix, that's what's killing me," Ara picks up her hair in a ponytail and reads the monitors. "It's the fifth tube again."

"Dammit!" Leo complains. "Can you take care of it?"

"I'll need some of that black tape, pincers, and—"

"Safety gloves," the boy places all the tools in her hands. "Insulating tape. Pincers."

Ara nods without excitement. "You're the love of my life."

"I know," Leo replies, an enduring scowl on his face as he focuses his gaze on the monitors. "Please don't kill the engine or I'll kill you."

Percy drags Ara out of the engine room to enjoy ice cream on the upper deck with the rest of the crew. She's been working like crazy, motivated by the fact that in two days, whether for better or worse, this is ending.

Ara sits on the rail and observes the town of Mykonos, absently eating an ice pop as she tries to enjoy the breeze. She keeps thinking of her conversations with Nike, Leo has run through the plan with the goddess looking for advice, and the goddess seems to be trying her best, wanting Leo to be her chosen champion.

"So, the island of Delos is right across the harbour," Piper says. "Artemis and Apollo's home turf. Who's going?"

"Me," Leo replies promptly. He's wearing a pirate hat Percy got him during his visit to the town, so he doesn't look exactly trustworthy. When the girls stare at him reluctantly, he pouts. "What? I'm diplomatic and stuff. Besides, it should be me, right?"

"Some of us should go with you," Hazel declares.

"Well, Ara said she wanted to rekindle the old flame with Apollo," Leo nudges her leg. "You still want to come, right? It's gotta be us."

Ara taps her palm with the wooden stick of her ice pop, nodding absently. "I guess..."

Leo watches her in awe. He remembers when the girl jumped off that golden chariot and glared at him with those dark-brown eyes that made his knees weak. Now he knows her in and out better than anyone, but the feeling of inferiority persists.

It's like meeting the pope—you know that's a person, but you still feel extremely out of place and there's nothing you can do to match the vibe, so you endure the absurdity. Ara has always been his miracle.

"Leo?"

The boy gives a start and turns to Jason. "What?"

"I said I don't feel comfortable letting you two alone. You know, since technically speaking, you are the ideal pair Gaea could use to wake up?"

"I'll go with them," Percy offers. "But I'll, uh—I won't interact with Apollo and Artemis if I can help it."

"That's fine," Ara hops off the railing and checks her compass. "Nemo, Firecracker, time to meet our executioner."

Next Chapter –>

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