thepenultimateword - Tumblr blog

[thepenultimateword]

So I found the first two paragraphs of a story in my Google docs and it made me realize something about myself 😆 so I decided to make this to illustrate what it’s like in my brain when it comes to this favorite dynamic

Imma try to continue it, basically if you like Arranged or Love Thy Enemy, it’s almost the same plot just different characters/situation 😅

The very specific dynamic of royalty and arranged marriage is only in two of these, but this is brief list of the writing I included in this video. It’s everything I’ve written with the strong woman x weak(er) man dynamic (at least off the top of my head):

Fantasy

White Woods (monster hunter x witch)

Love Thy Enemy (empress x general)

Arranged (warrior queen x prince)

Heroes and Villains

Lotus (villain x civilian)

Slightly Sidetracked (villain x sidekick)

Sci-fi

Too Tall (Military Captain x Station Commander)

A Human Captain (Captain x crew member)

I Don’t Understand (soldier x civilian)

[thepenultimateword]

Mug included fellow villain! Please take all evidence that I was in any supervillains’ houses! 😅

Wellcome to the Villain flea market™

Have you stolen too much this year? Gotten bored of those ancient jewels? Is your lair getting too full of rare stuff that doesn't give you the wow factor anymore? Well, I might have something for you!

Introducing the Villain flea market™

Try selling your stolen goods here at the Villain flea market™! The market that is only once a year, just for villains like you! 🫵

(And for the heroes out there! Altho, the rules state that there are no heroes allowed. Heroes can still try to join, as breaking rules just to sell your stuff is quite a… villainous thing to do. But we do recommend dawning a disguise 🥸)

Don’t have a stall to sell out of? Don’t worry! We at the Villain flea market™ can help you, with this little Picrew made just for this occasion: Villain Market stall

(Note: you do not need to make a picture if you don’t want to! Text only is fine)

Here is my stall! 🐇🌙

I got 4 items on sale for you today!

First up we got my favorite Spheal pokemon card, ain’t he cute? I stole this one along with all the other cards from a scalper some month back.

Second item is this strange hat, I think it’s some earth fashion since that is where I stole it from. It’s too heavy for me, so I’ll trade it for a cuter and lighter hat.

Next up we got an orb of eternal flame. It’s a nice orb of eternal flame. But with it, my room is too warm to sit with a blanket, so I would rather sell it. And no, I won't tell you where I got it from.

And at last I got one crate of fresh bananas! I’ll give you one bannana for free, it’s rich in potassium!

Tagging:

@heroes-villains-side-blog, @hopefullywritingahit, @rainy-knights-of-villany, @hufflepuffwritingstuff2, @bluejay-in-flight and anyone that wants to join.

[thepenultimateword]

Welcome, one and all!

I am definitely a villain who definitely belongs here! If anyone tells you otherwise, they’re thinking of somebody else!

Nevertheless, I have four items up today, each confiscated from a villain—er, person—who didnt need it anymore.

1. A lovely cup of steaming chamomile tea. Get it while it’s still hot! It was originally in a wine glass which was very weird and impractical so I switched it into this much nicer mug.

2. A broken Christmas ornament found in a pile of other junk treasure. It may not look like much but the previous owner took special care of it meaning it must be worth at least $20— No, $50!

3. A few cheese danishes. There was a whole tray so surely these won’t be missed, but geez, someone at that house was crazy about pastries!

4. The lost fang of some dangerous creature. Is it a baby fang of something still living or is it an ancient artifact? The person who owned it seemed like a nerd, so who knows.

Tagging: anyone who wants to do this! Cause I’m a whimp when it comes to tagging 😅

Wellcome to the Villain flea market™

Have you stolen too much this year? Gotten bored of those ancient jewels? Is your lair getting too full of rare stuff that doesn't give you the wow factor anymore? Well, I might have something for you!

Introducing the Villain flea market™

Try selling your stolen goods here at the Villain flea market™! The market that is only once a year, just for villains like you! 🫵

(And for the heroes out there! Altho, the rules state that there are no heroes allowed. Heroes can still try to join, as breaking rules just to sell your stuff is quite a… villainous thing to do. But we do recommend dawning a disguise 🥸)

Don’t have a stall to sell out of? Don’t worry! We at the Villain flea market™ can help you, with this little Picrew made just for this occasion: Villain Market stall

(Note: you do not need to make a picture if you don’t want to! Text only is fine)

Here is my stall! 🐇🌙

I got 4 items on sale for you today!

First up we got my favorite Spheal pokemon card, ain’t he cute? I stole this one along with all the other cards from a scalper some month back.

Second item is this strange hat, I think it’s some earth fashion since that is where I stole it from. It’s too heavy for me, so I’ll trade it for a cuter and lighter hat.

Next up we got an orb of eternal flame. It’s a nice orb of eternal flame. But with it, my room is too warm to sit with a blanket, so I would rather sell it. And no, I won't tell you where I got it from.

And at last I got one crate of fresh bananas! I’ll give you one bannana for free, it’s rich in potassium!

Tagging:

@heroes-villains-side-blog, @hopefullywritingahit, @rainy-knights-of-villany, @hufflepuffwritingstuff2, @bluejay-in-flight and anyone that wants to join.

[thepenultimateword]

Thanks for the tag! I’m flattered to be included on the list! And I’m looking forward to reading some of these other stories I haven’t read yet!

Fics of a touch starved villain with death powers x hero who's the only one immune.

The romance-repulsed and touch-averse in me ⚔ wanting to collect the whole set

Anyway. For 2 and 3, I named them myself, not the authors. I thought they were funny.

For your reading pleasure:

Two-parter, happy ending by @thepenultimateword

What are you gonna do? Stab me? by @yourheartonfire

Villain was being annoying and made Hero angry and is scared now by @bloodintheflowers

My "analysis" of @bloodintheflowers' snippet if you scroll down :3

4. Deathtouched by @arealphrooblem (named by author)

Honorable mentions

Medusa as the villain by @watercolorfreckles

Hero with destructive powers, four-parter, by @auratusaria

Art which fits the theme out-of-context, by @awkwardosthe3rd and @unfried-mouth-wheat

Prompt. Hero with destructive fire powers who hurts everyone they touch, by @gingerly-writing

Fire villain but oh no! It's raining! by @/thepenultimateword

Spoilers and not exactly but fits the vibe kinda by @/thepenultimateword

To blogs that were tagged: This list has existed for over a year now I just didnt know whether to tag you guys. But I've decided I will because you guys obviously have some interest in common + consider it a version of: 🐾

More of #my evil library management (link)

[thepenultimateword]

AHHHH I LOVE YOUR SNIPPET SMM henchman staying with villain even if they retired showed how much they cared for them...ouuhhhhhhg -🐏

Ahhh thank you!! Yeees, they’re just a couple of cute angsty beans! I love that henchman spent so much time tracking Villain down like, “how dare you go anywhere without me” 😆

[thepenultimateword]

Always

Villain tried to shut the door, but Henchman was too fast, catching it by its edge before the gap could fully disappear.

“Found you," they said, half threat, half croon. They shoved into the house, knocking Villain back a few steps.

"What are you doing here?" Villain said, catching themself on the coatrack and nearly pulling it down on top of themself.

Henchman reached over Villain's head to steady it and then stayed there. Peeling back the nonchalance plastered over their shame. Taking in their altered form.

"Where have you been?" they countered, soft, knuckle raised gently against Villain's cheek before abruptly dropping again.

"Here. There. What does it matter? You found me." Villain ducked under their arm and hobbled slowly to the couch. Henchman's heavy step traveled in the opposite direction, followed by the click of the door closing, then the steps tramped back toward them. By the time Villain had plopped down on the couch cushion Henchman was kneeling in front of them. For an instant, it was like nothing had changed. Total fealty.

Villain stopped their hand short before they could touch Henchman's head. It felt wrong when they were so utterly weak. There had always been a balance, Henchman so physically intimidating, and Villain thrumming with destructive power. The upper hand, the reason for such devotion, had been crystal clear. Now, Villain could wither and scatter under Henchman's expectations.

"You completely disappeared." Henchman laid their head in Villain's lap anyway. "You were hurt and I got worried. But you didn't answer my calls. You didn't tell anyone where you were going. It's taken me 8 months to track you down. It's like you were trying to avoid me."

Villain sighed, dropping their rigidness and succumbing to the urge to stroke back Henchman's hair. It was just as soft as they remembered, thick and fluffy like an animal pelt. They twirled a piece above their ear, but avoided Henchman's watching eyes as they responded, "I was done for and everyone knew it. It was better to step down and disappear than wait for someone else to assassinate me."

Henchman reached up and took loose hold of Villain's wrist. Why was their gaze so earnest? Didn't they know? Didn't they feel the difference in them? Shouldn't that past awe and adoration be visibally dying at the sight of them?

"I would've protected you," Henchman said.

"I didn't want you to. I have too many enemies. You would have been hurt."

"Then you should've told me. I would've come with you."

"I didn't want that either."

Henchman flinched, and Villain was struck with a stab of guilt. That wasn't entirely true. Of course, Villain had wanted Henchman with them. Of course, it was agony knowing they couldn't even say goodbye. But anything but a clean break would have been worse. They couldn't just ask Henchman to give up their position, goals, and standing for life of nothing. No, more than that, they couldn't bear to see Henchman's devotion grow into disdain. The loss of their powers was the loss of their worth. Henchman would've clung to the threads of their memories but ultimately, Villain would have failed them.

Henchman dropped Villain's wrist but huddled in a little closer. "And...now that I'm here?"

Villain's heart panged. "You should go back."

Henchman hugged tight around Villain's legs, almost like a lifeline. "Why?"

Moment of truth. Time to make this permanent. “I’m not going back.”

“I know.”

“I can’t. I’m ruined. Those heroes took everything when they stripped me and left me for dead."

"I know."

"And even if I wasn’t. I still wouldn’t go back. I was getting tired. Losing focus. That's how they got me in the first place."

“I know.”

Why did they keep saying that? Obviously, they did not know if they could be so casual. This was the rest of their life!

“Henchman, I can’t give you anything anymore. I don't have the influence or power to protect you. I can't bring about a bright new world. I'm spent. A pathetic shell. You should find another person to serve. I'll never be able to give you what you want."

Henchman turned their head up at them. "Why would I want any of that?"

Villain choked. "Don't you?"

"Maybe when I was a kid. Things change over a couple decades." They lifted their head and sank back on their heels. "Your powers were amazing. It's true that they drew me to you. But I never stuck around for that. Or for the status. You're just so..." Henchman broke off, face crinkling as they searched for the word. Finally, they shrugged. "I don't know; it's too big. You spent so long taking care of me. Looking out for me. Giving me chances I didn't think I deserved. Let me do the same for you." Henchman took their hand in both of theirs, hesitantly kissing one knuckle. "Just let me be with you."

Villain flushed a little. They'd always been close. Close enough for feelings. Close enough for both to recognize it in the other. But there had never seemed to be a right time to acknowledge them out loud.

"Do you really not want me here?" Henchman said at Villain's extended silence.

"You'd be ok with a normal life?" Villain pressed. "No powers, no schemes, no money, just me?"

"It's always been just you."

Villain slid off the couch and onto the floor in front of Henchman. "Of course, I want you here."

They couldn't keep their voice from cracking in the middle and the next thing they knew they were folded up in Henchman's arms. They melted immediately. All the shame, fear, and frustration seemed to fade right out of them.

"I love you."

Henchman jolted a little, but as they pressed their head to Villain's, Villain saw a smile tugging at their lips. "Good. Then I'll always, always stay."

[thepenultimateword]

Prompt #278

“I can’t believe this,” the villain fumed. “You catfished me!”

Hero flushed. “I did not!”

“No costume. No powers. Just a few dinky gadgets and what is that? Is that supposed to be a mask?”

“It is a mask!” Hero said, subconsciously touching Their hand to the bunny sleep mask, holes cut where the eyes had once been. “I’m just on a budget!”

“What were the costumes on your profile?”

“Rentals. …For resume photos.”

Villain sighed heavily, running their hands through their hair and staring back at the sky. “And you’re inexperienced. Great. You know Nemeses Are We exists for a specific reason, and when desperate Heroes like you who just want to fight anyone for a decent cash grab or bit of limelight get on and lie about everything, you waste a lot of time and prep for the villains that give a crap.”

[thepenultimateword]

Prompt #277

Large droplets of blood splattered on the hardwood. Hero’s face burned. And their back. And their legs. They wished they could just curl up and disappear.

Loud footsteps sped back into the room. “Ok, I think I found some bandages. We should do the head first. Heads bleed a lot. Look at me.”

Hero fixed their gaze on Villain’s feet. “Just go.”

“What?” Villain’s hand slid along their cheek but Hero still didn’t meet their eyes. “No. I’m going to stay and patch you up.

“I don’t want you here.”

“You’re hurt, at least let me—”

“I said I don’t want you here.”

“Hero—”

“Villain! Take a hint and just get out! From my apartment and my life!”

[thepenultimateword]

Boop

Beep beep boop boop!

[thepenultimateword]

Sneak Peak...

...of something I'm writing right now.

"She doesn’t look particularly well-fed to me. Release her.”

The guards broke under the second order; the hold abruptly lifted, and having been half-supported by such, Bryony fell forward onto her hands.

“What is a vampire doing trespassing on Wulfhelm property? My guards think you’re here for me.” He fluffed the fur on one cheek. “I wouldn’t blame you. However, the unconventional manner of your break-in raises some doubts.”

“What break-in?” Bryony said. “I came up the walk like any other civilized person.”

“My point exactly.”

[thepenultimateword]

But Dune 2021 is so good and not boring at all? I mean, it’s ok if it’s not everyone’s style, but just like OP said here, saying something is boring as a critique does feel very shallow. I love the first Dune movie because I love watching things build and unfold. It does stand on its own. Obviously it ends with you knowing that there’s another movie coming, but it’s very solid. Lots of arcs and political intrigue. The cinematography alone is fantastic. I I don’t know how someone could say nothing is happening when in fact so much is happening from the very beginning.

Again, it’s ok if it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but is many people’s exact cup of tea, so I don’t really get the criticism.

and calling something boring feels like such a shallow critique but dune (2021) is such a colossal piece of nothing like it's epic proportions of slow it drags and drags and drags! like your movie should justify its own existence you can't give me what is essentially a prequel and do worldbuilding for nearly three hours just to set up part 2 like i just think movies should be good on their own and not exist to serve a sequel/franchise.

[thepenultimateword]

Soulmates Prompt List

I hope it’s ok if I use the red string in some of these prompts. Since it’s cultural, I don’t want to appropriate it or anything; I’ve just read so many fun soulmates stories based around that concept lately that I thought it would be fun to write some prompts.

1. The red string will guide you to your soulmate when you are in close proximity (within a few miles) to them. Unfortunately, [A]’s leads them to a funeral. Fortunately, they’re a necromancer.

2. Pirate’s red string has always led them into the sea. They always figured that meant that they were “married” to their sea life. That is until one day the string goes tight and they are pulled overboard and find a merperson on the other end, desperately trying to bite the string free.

3. People don’t have just one soulmate. There are many potential soulmates depending on the path one follows. Villain has take advantage of this fact after realizing that their powers are strengthened with each soulmate’s soul they devour. They don’t care much for losses, much preferring their position as a ruler and almost god. That is until they until they meet Hero, the first soulmate they’ve ever cared to spare.

4. Soulmates know each other at first sight. It’s sort of ZING! Or a ZANG! Or something like that. [A] was always told they couldn’t miss it, but now [B] is looking at them like they were just electrocuted and [A]…felt nothing.

5. Thief sees the words mid-heist. The words they never told anyone but wrote on their arm at 13 during soulstice to be able to recognize their soulmate one day. However, even with proof, Detective seems to think Thief is making up another one of their deceptions to escape. Or maybe they’re just in deep deep denial.

6. [A] is cursed to remember and [B] is cursed to forget. They are Soulmates in every life but not always successful ones. Turns out [B] only regains their memories of past lives when [A] succeeds in making them fall in love with them once again. It’s a tiring thing, wooing their love in every life, but it’s more painful to be forgotten.

7. Fate has already chosen matches for each person, but that does not stop some people from trying to “steal” soulmates, ignoring the rules that forbid flirting with anyone not prearranged for them. In fact, quite a few people have started claiming that soulmates should be a choice, but can anyone really defy fate?

8. Soulmates appear in each other's dreams the night before they meet in person. After such a dream, [A] recognizes [B] immediately, and from the look on [B]'s face when they lock eyes, they recognize them right back. So why are they lying and claiming they've never seen [A] before?

9. People used to be born with predestined matches, a matching mark appearing somewhere on their skin upon first meeting. But one day it simply stopped, so humankind had to manufacture it themselves. Now, upon birth, every baby is implanted with a device--they are legally required to upload all personal data to the device's cloud throughout their life--to simulate such a mark, only to activate upon contact with a compatible match. The ways of spontaneous soulmates are now only a story of the past. [A] is fully invested in the technology, however, [B] doesn't believe humankind should have ever messed with the decisions of fate.

10. In a post-apocalyptic world, [A] expected their soulmate to be dead. Not that it mattered anymore. Almost everyone was dead. And love was not going to keep them alive. But when a thief sneaks into their safe house and tries to steal supplies, [A] tackles them to the ground, catching a glimpse of the soul mark on the thief's neck just as it fades. Their soulmate still exists. And the feelings that come with that knowledge are very confusing.

[thepenultimateword]

Prompt #276

“Just leave me.”

[A] gritted their teeth harder and continued dragging [B] down the flickering hall. “No.”

“Don’t be an idiot, [A], I’m too heavy and they’ll be hear any minute. You need to drop me and get out of here.”

[A]’s grip tightened under [B]’s arms and they wenched them backward to glare furiously down into their face. “I’m not leaving, I love you!”

“I’m not even human!” the android said, motioning to their missing sparking bottom half.

“I don’t care!”

[thepenultimateword]

Aahhh! I just read through ‘A Human Captain’ and was wondering if you’re ever considering writing a continuation for it. It’s so cute and the characters are so endearing especially Flekkett. It’s alright though if it’s just one of those pieces that you may not continue due to it being sometime since writing it and you having new ideas you wish to write.

Thank you so much! I love it when people discover my sci-fi stories! Flekkett is just a little cutie 😊 I would like to write more, but I don’t have any immediate plans for when or how I’m going to write the next part. I’m not really sure what I want to happen next in the story, and like you said, since it’s been awhile, it’s not always at the forefront of my mind. But I almost never say never, so I hope to right another part to it someday, hopefully sooner than later 😅

[thepenultimateword]

Prompt #275

Other Hero blinked a couple times at the figure in front of them, trying to make sense of the words coming out of their perfect, pretty mouth. They looked so shiny in their hero uniform, all bright colors and unsoiled fabric. That was the thing about constant interviews. They kept your hands clean while everyone else’s got dirtier.

“Look, I know this might be hard for you to grasp,” Other Hero said, “but I’m not one of your fans.”

“I know.” Hero looked at the ground. “But I thought maybe…you like food and it’s only one evening and I’ll pay for everything, and it doesn’t have to be a ‘date date’ just a get to know you thing…get together…I don’t know.”

“You are sweating buckets right now.”

Hero cringed. “I’ve been working myself to this for weeks.”

Other Hero frowned. This made no sense. “You know it would be a thousand times easier for you if you just asked out one of your millions of followers.”

“But I don’t like them, I like you.”

[thepenultimateword]

Claws and Fangs Part 2

CW: Discrimination, essence of racism and hate speech (just with made-up terms because its supernatural creatures)

Part One

[Vampire!]

The little girl standing tiptoe in the doorframe sprang at the vampire's chest, nearly knocking them backwards down the long flight of stairs. Luckily, Fangs managed to catch her under the arms and swing her weight back toward the door just in time.

"Aggie!" they cried, matching her energy. They rubbed noses with the child as they shifted her to the crook of their free arm and reached behind them to find Claws’s arm again.

The child, Aggie, clung to their neck. "Daddy said you weren't coming!"

"Plans changed." They gave the little girl an extra squeeze before smoothly positioning Claws in front of her. "This is [Werewolf]. They're staying the weekend with us."

The little girl lit up for an instant but then froze, sniffing the air and wrinkling her nose. "Why do they smell like that?"

"Aggie!" a new feminine voice scolded, this one older, huskier. "That's no way to treat a guest."

A tall, raven-haired woman in a long red dress appeared in the doorway. Claws only needed a second to recognize her as another vampire. She carried the same red-eyed glint and predatory elegance as Fangs.

Her gaze roved up and down, taking in their utter unvampireness, but she still smiled as she met their eyes.

“Excuse my daughter. She hasn't had much exposure outside a clan.."

Aggie wriggled out of the Fangs’s arms and darted past her mother's legs and into the house.

"I'm [Vampire's] sister, Nerezza. You must be [Werewolf]."

"You know me?"

"Of course, we've been trying to get them to invite you for a dog's age." She gasped, covering her mouth. "I am so sorry."

Fangs covered their face with one hand. "Nerezza."

Claws's face heated. Apparently, their identity was no mystery. "Er, it's fine. I didn't really notice."

"Until you made a big deal out of it," Fangs said.

"Excuse me, [Vampire] for being careful," Nerezza snapped. "I didn't want to offend them before they even got through the door, and I only just remembered that dog is a derogatory term!"

"You can say dog, just don't call them one."

Nerezza glanced at Claws for confirmation, as if she only trusted the explanation from the source's mouth. When they nodded, she noticeably relaxed.

"Well come on in before you catch a cold standing here. Just leave your bags by the door; the staff will take it up to your room. Now. Let's introduce you to everyone else."

Fangs squeezed their hand as they crossed the threshold. "Here we go."

The house was even more beautiful inside than out. Rich red rugs swathed pearly marble floors. The walls and banisters were dark chocolate wood decorated in tapestries and oil portraits of vampires that looked suspiciously similar to Fangs and Nerezza. At the end of the hall, Nerezza turned through an arched entryway into a great, round sitting room. The sofas and recliners were draped in white fur throws and a rose and silver-leaf garland hung over the hearth, the hearty, pine-scented fire within accenting the room with an orange glow.

"Evening everyone!" Fangs said

Several vampires twisted their heads around as they entered, one man on the end of one sofa with his dark silky hair pulled into a bun immediately began sniffing the air.

"What in burning silver is that smell?"

The man beside him, looking nearly identical except for his hair--pale blonde and plaited over his shoulder, promptly punched him in the ribs.

"Told you, told you, told you!" Aggie sang from the floor where she was very meticulously putting together a puzzle of a frog pond.

Fangs's hand slipped out of Claws's grip and settled more protectively around their waist, seeming to forget for a moment that their partner was over a head taller and a few palms bulkier than they were. Though they wouldn't deny that having that supernatural vampire strength wrapped firmly about them was comforting.

"This is [Werewolf]. You know about them. My...er...well, we're engaged. Sort of."

"Sort of?" Man Bun said condescendingly, this time blocking his brother's fist.

"I haven't actually asked yet, but we both already know--"

"You're going to," Claws helped. "It just hasn't officially..."

"No, not quite yet."

"Soon though?" Claws tipped their gaze meaningfully toward Fangs’s face. Standing in front of their family for the first time probably wasn't the time or place for hints, but they couldn't help it now that the topic was out in the open. They had been waiting for a while now.

"Oh, yes, yes, very soon!" Fangs said, and they both strained smiles at the room. Fangs clapped their hands together. "Anyway. Aggie and Nerezza greeted us at the door, this is my brother-in-law, Gabriel."

The vampire he gestured to was in fact the only one who had not bored holes into Claws upon entering. Mostly because he was reclined all the way back in the biggest armchair, snoring. Claws still committed his enormous frame and the pink elastics in his auburn beard and hairline to memory.

"My brother Renwick,” Fangs moved on, introducing the blonde man. “The especially rude one is Lauden." They pinched Man Bun's cheek and turned their tone babyish. "Our baby."

Lauden swatted them away. "Shut up, I'm grown! ...Unless the last blood custard is up for grabs, then I'll gladly be the baby."

"My mother and father, you can call them Jacqueline and Valerian.

Jacqueline strained a smile, but Valerian was as still and austere as one of the oil paintings in the hall. Claws could definitely tell who had the strongest genes. Jacqueline's blonde hair and storm gray eyes had passed to Renwick, but the rest of the siblings shared their father's raven hair, amber eyes, and delicate bone structure. They still needed to get used to vampire parents looking nearly as young as their children.

Fangs gestured to a regal, middle-aged man in the armchair closest to the fire, not a recliner for how stick straight he sat, pale hand planted firmly around the gold knob of his cane. His dark hair was a mane brushed straight back and streaked at the temples with silver.

"Grandfather Ambrose," they mumbled quickly and then immediately brighter, "And that’s everyone!”

Before Claws could reply so much as 'pleased to meet you,' Fangs's strong arms dragged them off balance, plopping them both on the floor beside Aggie, Claws in the center of Fangs's lap.

Claws looked at the floor. It still wasn't the full moon, but the phantom sensation of a tucked tail and ears plagued their body. Maybe this hadn't been such a great idea. The air of awkwardness and disapproval was worse than being alone.

"So, [Werewolf]," Nerezza said, breaking the quiet. "How long have you and [Vampire] been together."

"W-we met a year and a half ago. So I guess officially...a year? How long have you known about me?"

"A year sounds right," Renwick said, leaning his elbows forward on his knees and resting his chin in his hands. His eyes seemed intent on dissecting Claws bit by bit. "You're name came up several times, but [Vampire] has always been a closed trap on the topic. Now I know why."

"Not that it matters, of course," Nerezza piped in quickly.

"Of course," Renwick agreed, though his tone was much less concerned. "How old are you?"

"Er, 27."

"Ah."

What was that supposed to mean?

"Ren," Fangs warned.

"What I'm just getting to know them. Isn't that what you want? Isn't that why you brought them?"

"This a probationary meeting. For if you ever get to see them or me again."

Claws melted closer to the floor, tracing the pattern of the rug with their eyes.

Aggie tugged on their sleeve. "Can you help me find the froggy eyes?"

She pointed to one of the background frogs on the box, his eyes only the corner of a mostly pond puzzle piece.

"Of course, let's see..." They sifted through several nearly identical, greenish-gray pieces. "Ah ha! One set of froggy eyes!"

Aggie's amber eyes lit like embers as she fit the piece into place. "And the dragonflies?"

Claws slowly slid off Fangs's lap and sprawled onto their stomach. "Pink or blue?"

"The pink."

"Ah, those ones are tricky, huh? Well, it looks like they're an edge piece, so can you help me find all the pieces with flat sides like this?"

She nodded adamantly, and together they made a small pile. Claws already saw the dragonflies, but instead of handing the piece to her they said, "See any pink ones?"

Aggie bit her lip mildly with one fang, flicking her eyes back and forth like a cat stalking a mouse. All at once, she pounced, finger landing on the center of the piece.

"Right there! Right there!"

"You found it!"

Aggie giggled. Claws was vaguely aware of a slight back and forth of their hips, habitual even with the absence of a tail.

"Look at them wriggle, just like a--"

"Why don't we all change for dinner," Jacqueline said, cutting Lauden off. She stood with a flourish, fluffing the skirts of her creamy vintage evening gown. “Lauden, dear, come with me, and I’ll help you with your tie.”

“What are you talking about?” the young man said, crinkling his pale brow. “I know how to tie—”

“Come.” Her eyes flashed like lightning in the violent storms of her irises, and Lauden quickly got up to follow her.

***

Claws threw themselves on the bed, giving a luxurious stretch as they stared up at the rich velvet canopy. They rolled on their side as Fangs closed the door.

“Alright, infamous outfit change #1. Help me, my love, what am I ever supposed to wear?” They tossed their head and pressed the back of their hand to their forehead.

Instead of playing along, Fangs sat on the edge of the bed and took their hand. “Do you want to go home? Because one word, and we’re out.”

"Hm?"

"We've only just arrived, and they're already being rude. It's going to get worse as they get more comfortable."

Claws crawled the couple of feet between them and flopped their head on their legs. "I’m not so much of a coward that a few mean words can chase me away. I’m from a wolf pack, you know. We deal with rough every day. Besides, I’ve been through worse.”

“Like what?”

“You.”

“Ow. What?”

“You were not pleasant when we first met. In fact, you called me the d-o-g word. Multiple times.”

“Because I was stupid! And I didn't know it was a slur! I didn't exactly talk to werewolves yet."

Claws reached up and smoothed the creases out of their face. "I know. The point is I can handle it. I'll let you know if can't."

Vampire wore a pout but nodded. They pointed at the suitcases. "It's the grey suitcoat with the red cravat. I'll help you tie it."

"You think I can't do it on my own?"

"Oh, I know you can't. Now stay there and sit still. I'll explain a bit about dinner."

Master Taglist:

@moss-tombstone @crazytwentythrees-deactivated @just-1-lonely-person @the-vagabond-nun @willow-trees-are-beautiful @cocoasprite @insanedreamer7905 @valiantlytransparentwhispers @whovian378 @watercolorfreckles @thebluepolarbear @yulanlavender @kitsunesakii @deflated-bouncingball @lem-hhn @office-plant-in-a-trenchcoat @ghostfacepepper @pigeonwhumps @demonictumble @inkbirdie @vuvulia @bouncyartist @lunatic-moss-studio @breilobrealdi @freefallingup13 @i-am-a-story-goblin @ryunniez @rainy-knights-of-villany @distractedlydistracted @saspas-corner @echoednonny @perilous-dreamer @blood-enthusiast @randomfixation @alexkolax @pksnowie @blessupblessup @wolfeyedwitch @thedeepvoidinmyheart @cornflower-cowboy @bestblob @a-chaotic-gremlin @espresso-depresso-system @prompt-fills-and-writing-spills @paleassprince @takingawildbreath @yindo @psychiclibrariesquotestoad @harpycartoons @pickleking8 @urmyhopeeee @goldenflame2516 @tobeornottobeateacher @talesofurbania1 @sweetsigyn

[thepenultimateword]

Prompt #274

“Look who it is,” Villain drawled, blood dribbling down their chin. “The fallen angel. You’re usually doing rounds with your hero friends by this time of night. What? Fall to far? No damaged goods allowed in that heaven of an agency?”

Antihero stepped out of the shadows and crouched down in front them. “I know you’re just trying to hurt me so I’ll leave.”

“Then take the hint.”

“You’re bleeding.”

“It’s not your business. Go back to bootlicking your precious heroes. I bet you make a great dog.”

“You’ve always been a pill,” Antihero said, lifting Villain’s arm to get a look at the bloody slit in their skintight suit, “but you’re being particularly nasty tonight. Jealous are we?”

“I don’t care anything about you!”

Antihero only smiled, throwing one arm under Villain’s legs and the other behind their back as they lifted them into a bridal carry. “So mean,” they tsked. “But I’ll carry you home anyway. I’m nice like that.”