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lyndonriggall · 11 months

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Tea and Coffee on a Winter’s Night: Psalm for the Wild Built, Legends and Lattes and the Welcome Rise of Cosy Fiction

Narrative structures in fiction have traditionally been fairly straightforward: give your audience stakes, the higher the better. If the entire world (or even universe) isn’t in peril, you’re probably not trying hard enough.

That said, as we reach the winter months here in Australia, like a lot of people I have begun to wonder if there isn’t demand for worlds in which the intensity level is set a little lower. During the lockdowns of Covid I sought solace from my fears in the world of the Nintendo videogame Animal Crossing, in which players are thrust into a new life on an idyllic tropical island, making friends with the creatures that live there and gradually improving the infrastructure of the town around them. Those who ask how to “win” the game have to be content with a non-committal shrug: Animal Crossing offers things to do and achieve, certainly, but the concept of ultimate victory is at odds with its essential nature. It is a safe place—all of the pressure of outcome washing away on a gentle tide. Similarly, for years the concept of “escapism” in literature has been a term of derision: a label that implies that both reader and writer are sharing a delusion in order to hide from their own realities. It is intriguing, then, that the genres of science fiction and fantasy—most commonly attacked with this charge—have embraced a recent turn towards an intensified version of this feeling. In “cosy” fiction, the danger is dramatically lowered, the tone is introspective and internally transformative, rather than externally so, and there is a focus on comfort: heart, hearth, armchair and hot beverage.

Cosy novels are cottagecore. They are the kinds of books you might read upon waking from a nightmare, the literary equivalent of a hot drink by the fire on a cold night.

I would love to introduce two of my favourites to you.

A Cup of Tea:

Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Becky Chambers’ glorious science fiction story (winner of the Hugo Award for Best novella) is the story of Dex, a non-binary tea monk who travels from town to town, composing bespoke blends and listening to the problems of the citizens that live in the places they visit. Dex always feels that something is missing, and one day they decide to brave the forbidden wilderness surrounding the urban areas. The wild is home to the world’s robots, who generations ago gained sentience and requested release from human society. One of them, Mosscap, finds and greets Dex. Together they continue their exploration and shared mission of helping soothe the ills of the troubled while finding purpose in their own lives.

Chamber’s book can be read in only a couple of hours, but its effect is longer-lasting. It is a tale that reminds us that acts of kindness may seem small, but their impact has echoes. Tea is the perfect symbol and metaphor for Psalm for the Wild-Built, a novella that is by turns soothing, meditative, and which never fails to warm some small forgotten corner of the human soul.

A Cup of Coffee: Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Travis Baldree’s offering to the genre of cosy fiction takes readers to a very different landscape: the fantasy city of Thune. Here we meet Viv, an orc swordswoman and mercenary who has become weary of a life of violence and is captivated by an obsessive new vision: the possibility of starting a coffee shop. Her first hurdle, of course, is that no-one even knows what coffee is, but that is the least of her problems… her old life insists on trying to find a way to squeeze back in and drag her back to battle.

Like coffee, Legends and Lattes is similarly thawing but with a little more intensity of energy and a slightly sharper edge. Baldree creates a sense of community that is perhaps the book’s greatest asset, and both Viv and the reader form deep and enthusiastic connections with the novel’s diverse cast of characters: the hob Cal, the succubus Tandri, Thimble the baker, Pendry the bard and Amity the dire-cat. Watching Viv’s coffee-house gradually develop its menu, popularity and personality is a joy to behold. Quite simply, it allows for the reader to inhabit the part of living in a fantasy world that is lost to so many distant quests for forgotten treasures: community. If in most fantasy novels the reader finds a band of companion warriors, in Legends & Lattes they find friends: the kind that will sit with you quietly by the fire in an armchair, talking about nothing, with a freshly-baked cinnamon scroll to share between you. It is a story about friendship, love, and also about the fact that often in life it is the simplest of dreams that bring us the most satisfaction.

I love cosy fiction. As I explore the genre more, cosy books remind me, fundamentally, that it is okay for a story to just make us happy. We do not owe it to ourselves or anyone else that our literature is always an instrument and metaphor for struggle, personal improvement or academic deconstruction. What books can do—just as importantly—is give us a haven of respite from a chaotic world. A book can alleviate a small moment of human suffering. A book can heal a wound that you can’t see.

Many of us go to a cup of tea or coffee for a brief retreat and a touch of warmth in our bones.

If that’s the direction that fiction is heading in, pour me another.

#cozy fiction #cosy fiction #review #lit #psalm for the wild built #legends and lattes #becky chambers #travis baldree #original

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natsmagi · 8 months

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I was thinking about other Tsumugi creature possibilities inspired by your witch/sea creature au and I realised one of my favourite flavours of fantasy Tsumugi is her being aggressively normal (well, no powers - she's never normal) while surrounded by these powerful magic users/creatures/vampires etc. And the initial reaction from everyone is 'what's so special about her' and suddenly they're having tea with her in the library and soft for Mugi.

OH DEFINITELY!!!! i think its super cute when everyone around her is very magical and mystical while shes just. like. some farmer that got lost in the forest ASKJHFAKJSHDG

i just really enjoy humanoid creatures and think its fun testing my creativity when designing them ❤️ and it can also be used to enhance her weird girl charm in a way i think ENMFHJDG like w reg mugi we're always like Oh. i thought she looked like a normal girl but it turns out shes got some screws loose. whereas in creaturefication aus its more like Oh. she looked to be so intimidating but turns out shes just a major loser. and i think both are very cute and i love her. she has alot of potential in all scenarios she just needs to be the odd ones out in one way or another

#and also i kinda just suck at coming up with “normal” designs KASJHFDASDHNF #ask

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the-fiction-witch · 2 years

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The Bride In Black P1- 10

Media: IRL X The Invitation / Vampires

Character: Thomas Brodie Sangster

Couple: TBS X reader

Rating: Spooky af + flirty

Series: The Bride In Black

I finished unloading my laundry from the washer moving it into the basket so I could put it in the dryer, throwing it all in and setting it to get it all done.

Suddenly a knock came from my door, so I scurried over opening it with a tired smile, seeing the postman in his bright red jacket

He handed me the bundle of letters secured together with a beige elastic band, I took them nodding to him and headed inside making sure to shut the door behind me.

I made myself tea in my favourite mug and headed over to the little dining table slowly and carefully, opening all my posts and sorting them into bills, junk, and other such things of varying importance until I got to the last one, immediately I took a pause.

It was a small envelope rather thick to the touch, such beautiful blood red cardstock with my address but no name, a little stamp of the English countryside in the top corner, the back sealed with a round black wax seal pressed with a dragon emblem and a few leaves from a Snapdragon flower.

I had no concept who it could have been from and without my name, I was slightly cornered. But I gave in to my curiosity and opened it making sure to not break the beautiful wax seal and pop it off the envelope.

I pulled out a beautiful black card with luxurious red ink.

'Till Death Do us Part

Please join us for this

The first day of eternal love

And the joining of our houses'

Then the date and address and also in the envelope was a similar card and small envelope

'I _____ Confirm my attendance to the ceremony/ reception/ both of Oliver and Ava'

That's odd I don't know an Oliver? or an Ava?

I found a contract number on the back so I gave it a call hoping to clear things up and when it answered a strange... charismatic voice spoke up. "Good afternoon"

"Ohh uhh hi." I smiled

"Hi, who may I ask is this sweet-sounding creature?"

"Ohh uhh y/n y/l/n, I was hoping to speak to someone regarding uhh Oliver and Ava's wedding?"

"Ah yes, awfully sorry most replies in letters were hardly expecting to need the phone" he explained making me chuckle

"No uhh, I think this might have been sent to the wrong person I uhh I don't recognize the names," I said

"Now you mention it, y/l/n was it?"

"Yes"

"Interesting. Not on my list... Ah, are you number sixteen? it should say on the back?"

I looked and it indeed had a number on the back of the invitation

"Yes. Sixteen"

"AHH perfect." He says

"So it was meant for me?" I asked

"Well in a way yes. A sorry family tradition every wedding or big family event always invite at least one stranger someone picked at random out of the phone book. Way of making new family friends and all"

"Ohh" I smiled "that's really sweet"

"So? Would you be happy to attend?"

I thought for a moment about all the terrible things that could happen but it's not every day you get a chance like this and honestly, I wouldn't mind some new friends, having a new experience,

"Yes absolutely"

"Perfect. Well, I look forward to seeing you then miss y/l/n"

"I look forward to seeing you too, uhh?"

"Thomas. Feel free to pop me a call between now and then if you... feel you'd like to"

"Perhaps I will" I smiled before we ended the call I blushed a little but was very excited to go somewhere new and meet new people even if I was concerned but he sounded pleasant enough.

I had to admit I was excited if a little nervous. But I had set rules for myself. Don't drink. Don't try to be flirty or funny. And the first sign of anything weird we get the hell out of there. I had been driving for what honestly felt like years at this point following the directions unsure what exactly to expect, but not this.

I turned the corner and was faced with a long country road surrounded by trees for almost a mile before it opened up revealing this large manor house half the grandeur of Buckingham palace but with much more grounds and details with impressive dark stone, twisted metal bars and gates, old fashioned diamond windows it looked like something from a goth girls dream. I pulled up where some other cars were grabbing my bag and climbing out in awe of this place.

"Who may I ask are you?" A man in a black suit asked as he came down from the steps at the front of the house

"Ohh y/n y/l/n. I uhh I'm here for the wedding. I am in the right place aren't I?"

"I don't believe so no miss," he says but a familiar voice spoke up

"Ohh leave her alone Martin." He says "I believe I know exactly who she is"

This Martin moved from the steps revealing there just shutting the door, a man. He was thin, lanky, with a face impossible to determine age. He had black riding boots with red suit pants tucked into them, a white and black slightly plaid shirt unbuttoned slightly, and a brown leather aviator's jacket seeming well worn.

For a moment honestly, I didn't know if I should be enamoured or terrified.

"Y/n y/l/n, humm your even more beautiful than I imagined" he smiled coming down the steps taking my hand and giving it a soft kiss "Thomas, we spoke on the phone"

"Of course yes sorry I didn't expect -"

"Expect what?" He smirked

"Well you to be so handsome"

"Aren't you a sweetheart" he cooes "Martin take care of her car, come on I'll show you around" he encouraged offering his hand

I nodded and happily took it, letting him lead me inside.

He showed me around the place around the beautiful old wooden corridors and impressive beautiful rooms. I did my best to map my way but it was so sprawling it was hard to keep up.

The large sprawling kitchen, the beautiful library, bedrooms Upon bedrooms Upon bedrooms, dinning rooms, drawing rooms, there was even a goddamn gallery

"And this is the Luna courtyard," he says opening the door to reveal a beautiful garden in the middle of the house with an old stone fountain without a drop of water in it "bit of a lacklustre end to the tour but it is where it ends," he says "and of course the grounds but that's all being set up for the wedding," he says heading in to take a seat on a green metal chair so I smiled and sat beside him

"So, what links you to the bride and groom then?"

"Brother of the bride. Sense of joy and or evy to watch my little sister get married, especially when you're as single as I am" he laughed

"Sorry i-"

"It's alright. I'm thrilled for her"

"Thomas! That you darling?"

"Ohh, yes mother" he called getting up and helping me up too as a woman hurried down a similar metal spiral staircase from the second floor he went and gave her a hug "my sweet boy, I've been looking for you everywhere" and she quickly turned her attention to me

"And who is this?"

"AHH mother if I may introduce y/n y/l/n. One of our welcomed strangers for this event"

"Is she?" She smiled coming to me "what a beautiful little thing. Welcome to our home you'll have full rein of the house while you stay with us, and you're more than welcome to join us tomorrow in the drawing room for cocktails"

"Ohh thank you very much" I smiled

"Martin!" She called and soon enough he emerged "take this young lady and her things to her room"

"Yes ma'am" he nodded so I followed him he took me to a large room the size of my whole apartment, with my own beautiful bathroom, four poster bed, wardrobe, and beautiful gothic windows that looked out to the grounds where the wedding was being set up for the next few days

"All this is for me?" I asked in shock

"Yes the master of the house demanded you to be cared for"

"The Master of the house?"

"You met him. earlier."

"Oh, so Thomas is the master of the house?"

"Yes miss,"

"Well thank you very much"

"Ring the bell if you require assistance," he said before he left my room.

I unpacked a little Nervous. This all seemed far too nice.

I spent most of the first-afternoon unpacking getting settled in this room as well as exploring the place even if it was strange how the wedding being prepared was so grand and yet it often felt like I was the only one there.

I was looking out the window watching the grounds when the door knocked

"It's open"

"Hello, how are you finding your room?" Thomas asks his jacket now gone

"It's a little too much for just me"

"Nonsense, you're our guest. But if you are feeling lonely or perhaps spooked by this old place my suites on the fourth floor I don't mind you coming and bunking with me for a while"

"Thank you but my room is grand enough I don't need anything more" I giggled

"Yes, sure?"

"I'm sure"

"Well be careful it's a big old house people sometimes get a little... scared"

"Well I think it's a lovely house"

"Your sweet" he smiled "Alright, get some rest. Try not to be spooked?"

"I'll do my best"

"Well if you need anything and I mean... anything you call me alright?"

"I will"

"Good, I'll see you in the morning then" he smiled giving my hand a soft kiss before he headed to his own room, I got ready for bed and climbed inside the cosy soft silk sheets now he had mentioned it, it was very spooky here this room felt so very strange I felt as if... I wasn't alone. But that was silly. I kept flicking my light on convinced I saw shapes and figures but it was always just my bag, or the chair, or something normal and explainable.

I couldn't sleep, so I pushed my body out of the bed hoping to get a glass of water from the kitchen. I put my headphones in as not to spook myself by being slow and quiet as I left my bedroom and did my best through the almost pitch-black stairwells and corridors to try and find the kitchens. But as I walked I kept having this feeling, like... breathing down my neck.

as If someone was following me, but when I turned not a soul would be there.

after a good while, I found the kitchens and got myself a drink of water, sipping the ice cold water as I began to walk back admiring the beautiful gothic portraits and other such artwork.

One Portrait was beautiful and sweet it was a thin pale blonde young lady in a red dress with a small silver plaque on the bottom of the painting 'Ava Sangster' the painting looked far too long to be anyone still living perhaps she was named after family members as is fairly common in rich families, I continued on down the corridor and saw another painting, the man in the painting looked so much like Thomas in rich old red clothes and the Plaque even read 'Thomas Brodie Sangster' then again it's a common thing naming kids after family members, all though it is kinda odd they look so similar, still probably just one of those weird coincidences like celebrities that look like Tudor paintings? I kept walking noticing the portrait by the stairs it was a man and woman it looked like the oldest I had ever seen 'Mark And Tasha' impressive.

I heard a bang at the bottom of the staircase making me jump and turned seeing this... strange shadow at the bottom of the stairs but when I tried to look again to make sure I wasn't dreaming, it was gone.

I went back to my room making sure to shut the door tightly, I shook it out of my head and finished my water before heading back to bed.

I woke up to the bright sunlight which was odd I could have sworn I pulled the curtains but thought a little of it, I had slept so long most of the day was gone but a lot of that I imagine was the travelling and the being up not being able to sleep half the night, so I got ready for the cocktail party this afternoon getting into my little dress and doing my hair a little unsure of what to expect till there was a knock at my door as I was finished my make up

"It's open" I called to whoever was there and my door opened revealing Thomas in shined black shoes, black suit pants and a red silk shirt "ohh sorry was I running late?' I asked

"Not at all, I was merely checking up on you" he smirked

"Well I think I'm ready" I smiled

"You look gorgeous"

"Aww thank you" I blushed he offered his hand so I took it and he twirled my hand above my head so I did a spin

"Mesmerising." He says kissing my hand "come on I'll introduce you to everyone" he lead me down to a large drawing room with the doors open to a porch and the small garden where many people lingered with drinks he took me around and introduced me to all these people many of them family or family friends I admittedly felt a little out of place but they were all so kind to me. "So? Feeling alright so far?" Thomas asks as we had a seat together

"I think so, everyone's so kind"

"Why wouldn't we be kind to such a pretty girl?" He smirked "so tell me about our little welcome stranger" he smiled

"Not much to tell I suppose"

"Come on I want to know everything, what do you do? What is your passion? Friends? Family? Hobbies? Music? Blood type?" He joked making me laugh "come on I wanna know"

So I told him about me, my life, my work, my hobbies, he seemed... so interested, hanging on my every word like a curious child until I was done.

"Humm, your fascinating" he cooes "I am incredibly lucky that such a random chance allowed me to meet someone as magical as you" he smiled

"I'm very thankful it did, we might never have met otherwise"

"We wouldn't, and I wouldn't change this meeting for anything" he smiled giving my hand another kiss

"Well can I know about you?"

"Not much to tell"

"I'm sure there is" I smiled and he smiled back telling me much the same things I told him it was so lovely to hear him speak so passionately about these things "you are equally fascinating Thomas"

"You're a sweetheart" he smiled

"Is it just the three of you?" I asked curiously

"Nowadays,"

"I'm sorry"

"It's alright, my mother got very very angry with him. He's not in the picture anyone"

"I see"

"It's getting late. I'll walk you back to your room make sure you don't get lost"

"Thank you Thomas" I smiled

He walked me back to my bedroom and we stood outside in the corridor for a moment "get some rest. Weddings tomorrow"

"Of course, I suppose you'll be very busy"

"I'll make time to see you, I promise" he smiled "well sleep well my sweet" be cooes kissing my hand and then my head making me blush hard

"You too Thomas" I blushed before scurrying into my room before I could make a fool of myself.

I got changed and climbed into the bed again but still the same as last night I couldn't help thinking about everything so I pushed myself up and went to the window watching the vast grounds the trees and grass moving slightly in the breeze when I heard a noise and noticed the perfume bottle that I had sat on the vanity had fallen luckily it hadn't broken but the fall was enough to send shivers up my spine "hello?" I asked, "Someone there?" Nothing replied I heard the floor creaking close to my door "someone here?" I asked trying to hide my fear but nothing, it's all in my head I should just go back to - at that moment the door knocked making me jump out of my skin "c-come in" I said even though I was full of fear the door opened quickly

"sorry y/n didn't mean to scare you" it was Thomas smiling sweetly in a silky robe he clearly wore to bed

"It's okay, what is it?"

"I... couldn't sleep. I wanted to come and see you,"

"That's sweet but you should get some rest ready for tomorrow"

"I know, I just... I wanted to give you this a little present" he smiled revealing from behind him a hanger with a beautiful dress on it "I thought perhaps you might wear it tomorrow for me"

"You shouldn't have-"

"Well I wanted to, I think it'll look beautiful on you"

"I can't accept this it's too much-"

"Well, It's a gift. Seeing you in it tomorrow is more than my repayment"

"Are you sure?" I asked taking the beautiful dress in hand

"I'm sure darling. Hang it up and get to bed you don't want to be all sleeping for the ceremony tomorrow"

"Of course, you get some sleep too"

"I'll try" he cooes kissing my hand before he left again, I blushed hard seeing the impressive dress I hung it in the wardrobe and went back to bed a little overexcited and overwhelmed by it all.

I woke up at first light, had a bath, did my hair and got into my beauu dress Thomas gave me last night. I hurried down and took my seat. I was surprisingly quite close to the front for being a stranger and all and soon enough it began.

First down was the mother I met when I first arrived in a beautiful dress, then a couple of very pale girls in red dresses I assume the bridesmaids, then Thomas as another man both in head to toe black he saw me and I blushed a little, then another man came in a white suit looking nervous and concerned I noticed as he reached the alter Thomas and this other man seemed to loom over him almost threateningly so and lastly came a truly beautiful woman in a long white dress who took this man's hand tightly.

It was truly a beautiful wedding, once the ceremony was over everyone went to the main fields where a dancefloor, a bar, and all sorts of other things had been set up I got myself a drink and found a seat watching everything and nothing.

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michaelmilligan · 2 years

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It's Angelsweek! 🥳

So, to celebrate the birthday of the lovely @heaven-ecologist - have some angel content. :D

Prompts of the day: True Form/Powers/Vessel

Note: My angel of the day is Benjamin. Since we never learned his vessel's name (shame on you, canon), I didn't use one for her, so she's just referred to as 'she'.

It was a beautiful day.

There had been a lot of those lately, she thought idly as she sat on the front steps of her parents' house. Squinting upwards, she could not see a single cloud in the sky, everything bathed in bright sunlight. The fields her parents and her uncle worked. Their cat, who was sleeping on the low stone wall surrounding the main house. The flowers her mother had one day found in the fields and, instead of simply tearing them out, had re-planted them here, in the front yard.

They were red. Her favourite colour, like her Sunday dress. She was sure her mother had thought of her when she'd first seen them.

Truly a beautiful day. A beautiful life. It was like there were only happy days, nothing ever went wrong. Even when it rained or when it was cold, that just meant they could huddle around the fire, could drink tea and listen to her uncle tell his stories.

And yet, despite all this perfection, she felt like something was missing. Someone was missing. A friend, a dear one, someone she knew she had known for a long time, if only she could remember-

There was a rumble and she looked upwards, but the sky was still perfectly blue. Another rumble, as if a storm was coming, except at the same time the sun was getting brighter, brighter, until she had to avert her gaze, pressing her eyes closed.

Be not afraid, a voice called. A terrible, thunderous, frightening voice – and yet so, so familiar that she felt as if a weight was lifted from her chest.

“Benjie?” she asked, and when she stood up, suddenly she wasn't seven years old anymore. Instead she was twenty, or perhaps a hundred and twenty.

How old was she really? Did it even matter? Benjamin was here.

Hello, my friend, he said softly, or as softly as a being his size, a being of his magnitude and power could ever achieve.

Flooded by relief, longing and curiosity in equal measures, she carefully blinked her eyes open, only to be faced with the strangest form she had ever seen. She could not make heads or tails of it, had not been able to do it the first (and last) time she had seen it. Too many eyes, too much light, too little substance. Benjamin looked nothing like any other creature she had ever seen before, nothing like a human or a cat or even a horse. He was something completely different, something special. That much, she had understood from the very beginning, when he had started speaking to her in her dreams. The safest way for an angel to interact with a human, if only not to overload their brains with all their magnificence.

“Benjie, where have you been?” she asked, hearing her voice shake. It had been a long time since he had been gone, that much she knew. How long, she had no idea. But too long, for certain.

I'm sorry, miame. Continuance – his name for her ever since they had decided to stay together. She smiled.

“Don't fret, piripsol,” she replied with her own nickname for him. Of the Heavens – that he truly was. “I just missed you.”

As have I you. In my dreams, you appeared often.

It was a sweet, and yet confounding thing for him to say. “Dreams?” she questioned. “But you don't sleep, how can you dream?” It had also been tinged with some sadness, perhaps even regret. This was just getting curiouser and curiouser.

Where I was, even angels dream. Not always of good things, I'm afraid, but- He broke off, radiating hesitation. How odd. In all the years that she had known him – over one hundred, if her memory didn't fail her – she had rarely, if ever, seen him hesitate.

“They were bad dreams?” she asked gently. “Are you alright?”

I am now. I see that you are happy, and this makes me glad.

More sadness, dripping off him like molten sunlight.

“You say that, but then why are you so melancholic?”

Ah. You know me too well, miame. His appearance hardly changed, but she got the impression of a sad smile directed at her. My mood is subdued because I could not protect you. Could protect neither of us. We promised not to part, and yet we had to.

“We died, didn't we?” Slowly, all the memories came back to her. Benjamin had been using their body at the time, and once the danger had been apparent, he'd mostly kept the images away from her. But she had still been able to see flashes. Of a face. Of a blade.

Lily Sunder enacted her revenge on me. On us.

“The woman with the nephil daughter,” she remembered.

Yes. Well, no. We thought so at the time... It turns out Ishim lied to us. It also turns out that nephilim aren't forbidden by Heaven anymore. Something like a sigh sounded across the yard, making the house rattle a bit.

“I don't understand,” she admitted.

Neither do I, my friend. Not yet, anyway. It's only been a few short years, and yet so much has happened, I'm still trying to catch up.

She huffed out a laugh. “If you're having trouble, no wonder I'm not getting anything.” Shaking her head, she sat back down on the steps. “This is Heaven, right?”

Yes. Your individual Heaven, where you get to relive your happiest memories.

“No wonder everything has been so perfect,” she mused. “Except for one thing, of course.”

Somehow, she felt Benjamin stiffen. Oh? he asked carefully.

She smiled, dropping her eyes to the ground, suddenly shy. “You haven't been here,” she said quietly. “I know angels aren't supposed to visit the souls, but how could I be truly happy without my best friend?”

The following silence was heavy in the way that emotional moments often are. If he were a human, she might have thought that Benjamin was holding back tears. But of course, he was an angel, and his true form had no tear ducts.

I'm sorry it ended that way. You deserved better.

“Hey, I lived more than a lifetime. And with an angel, to boot – I got plenty.”

Still-

“No.” She shook her head. “You deserved better. I- Where did you go, anyway? And how did you come back?”

I went to the Empty. Benjamin seemed thoughtful. It's pretty much what it sounds like. A vast, empty space, where angels and demons slumber forever. Dreaming about our greatest failures, and our biggest regrets.

“And you dreamed about me.” She tried not to let that get to her, but it was hard.

Because I failed you. That's my greatest regret.

“Oh Benjie.” Sighing, she reached out for him, and after slight hesitation, he moved closer. “You were killed. And unlike me, you went to a dreadful place. So stop it with the self-flagellation, I'm not the victim here and you're definitely not at fault.”

You're too kind-hearted, my friend.

“Excuse me, I'm ferocious! Remember that guy who tried to sell us those sugar cubes as medicine?”

Even though he didn't have a mouth in this form, Benjamin still managed to smile. I do.

She smiled back at him. “So you know I'm not just being nice. But anyway.” Her expression turned more serious. “Since I'm dead, I guess that means I don't have a body anymore, huh. This is just what my soul looks like in Heaven?”

It's how you see yourself. How Heaven lets you see yourself.

“Right. In any case, I can't be your vessel anymore if I'm without a body, right?”

That's true.

“Bummer.”

Yeah.

They were both silent for a moment. She wasn't sure if it was awkwardness or simple sadness that sat between them. Maybe both.

Does that mean I can't be your friend anymore? Benjamin asked eventually, sounding anxious.

“Oh, you ridiculous angel!” She threw her hands in the air. “Of course it doesn't mean that. Why would we stop being friends? I mean, you probably won't have much time to visit little old me and I doubt I'm allowed outside my Heaven, but... we can make it work. And by the way, even if you never showed up anymore, we'd still be friends. You're not getting out of this, buddy.”

Maybe it was her imagination, but Benjamin seemed to shine even brighter at her words. Of course I will visit you. The new God is much more lenient than the old one.

“Wait, hold on. A new God?!” She stared at him in horror.

Ah, yes. See. This is one of those confusing things I talked about earlier. So what I have been told is-

It would take a while for her to understand what Benjamin told her that day, and then some more time to accept it. But in the end, she had to admit that however strange the concept of a new God might be, His plans seemed kinder than those of the previous management. He didn't mean to end the world, which was nice, she supposed. It also meant that Benjamin had hopes that he could play his favourite arcade game again at some point. And if Benjie was happy, well, then no matter how much it upset her religious beliefs, the new way of things couldn't be so bad, right?

#Hi hello I live in fluff-land so have some happy ending for my boy and his friend #It's about the angel-vessel relationship and how they got separated by death 🥺#That's my weak point #Anyway angel-vessel QPR anyone? 👉👈#Benjamin SPN #Angelsweek2022 #Seriously they couldn't even give her a name... gross negligence on the writers' part

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myafterlifeisbetterthenyours · 3 years

Note

Lucifer & Lilith X a who is physical embodiment of Hell itself

Lucifer & Lilith with the physical embodiment of hell.

Lucifer, in his arrogance believed he could rule heaven greater then God, and for his arrogance he was cast from heaven.

So, banished from the only home he knew, he went abou founding his own domain.

He wanted to build a place where all the sin and vice God had forbidden, could flourish.

Whether he wanted a place where souls could embrace there sin without judgment, or a place where those sins would consume there soul, even he's forgotten.

But he knew what hell was now. It was Hell.

It was a place of perpetual torment, where if you weren't being preyed apon by your own sins, it would be by another soul.

It was a hound eat hound world and he didn't much care to change it.

He had his beautiful wife, a daughter that, while he didn't agree with and believed to be an inevitable failure, he still loved deeply and only wished she could see her ideals simply wouldn't work.

He loved his wife, and she loved him. The two of them deeply committed to there Unholy union.

Despite being his domain, Hell was its very own entity, an ever changing place, erratic and unforgiving. It wasnt selfish creature, it was what it was.

Demons feared him, rightfully so, ad his followers worshipped him like divinity. Although he suspected many would worship any who sat in his throne.

It was during the annual purge, an event he only allowed because otherwise he wouldn't be able to get out of bed without walking through a waist high sea of sinners.

He was holding a ball for his most loyal and important followers, keeping them safe in his palace.

It was as he was speaking to one of his followers, the two of them talking over some petty nonsense when he saw you.

You were just standing there, calmly looking around you as though you weren't entirely sure I your surroundings were real.

Quickly excusing himself, he went over to speak to you.

Getting closer, your reaction didn't change, calmly looking around, like the king of hell wasn't standing besides you.

You had something of an odd back and forth, the king calmly asking you who and what you were doing here.

You calmly responded to each question.

Apparently you didn't really know who or what you were, you just kind of Appeared.

You supposed you were a demon, but... you just didn't know where you came from, but you found yourself attracted to this place, but you don't even know why. So you just stood there, searching for whatever it was you were looking for.

Lucifer was at a loss.

If what you were saying is true, you were an unknown factor.

And given the fact you were currently standing in his palace, perhaps the most secure building in hell, during the purge, without any form of identification and clearly not being one of his servants. He had no reason not to believe you.

He had you stay with him for now, wanting to keep you close so he could figure out exactly what you were.

And it didn't take long before he realised, you were No normal demon.

The king had asked you to stay within the manor, but somehow, kept managing to find your way outside.

He found you in the garden, slightly annoyed as he'd spent 30 minutes searching his palace before realising you weren't in there.

When he found you, he was Intranced.

He found you calmly inspecting a flower. And while you were inspecting the flower, your whole body seemed to change, your body morphing to match the very plants surrounding you.

It was like you weren't even aware of your changing form, as you innocently inspected the flower before you.

Getting closer, you seemed to notice without even looking.

Turning to him your body shifted back to normal, you just smiling at him like you didn't even notice your body had shifted.

He introduced you to Lilith.

Your meeting was pleasant. You bluntly telling her you though she was beautiful to look at.

But that was the beginning of an odd trend.

As it turned out, you had no filter.

Maybe it was because you were so new to Hell, or maybe you just didn't understand cultural norms, the very few hell actually had.

Or maybe you were just an ass.

As the couple got closer to you, they learned quiet a few things about you.

Like how, they mentioned before, you were very blunt. You were brutally honest as well, if you were asked a question, you'd tell them your honest opinion.

Something else about you they quickly learned was, you were without mercy, without sympathy. Something they both found rather appealing.

As the two spent more time with you, they found themselves comfortable around you and you around them.

You got along so well, they felt as though they'd known you for centuries. Your relationship was so natural, you just... worked well together.

Now, Lucifer loved his wife, and she loved him. The two loved each other deeply.

Both were more than mature enough to have a mature discussion about you, and the two quickly agreed they wished to to court you.

The two agreeing that there relationship was unbreakable, they were simply both attracted to you and wanted to be apart of there union.

You kinda just went along with it. You were already quiet content being with the pair, as you already just seemed naturally drawn to them.

A romantic relationship wouldn't be all that different then before. Of course, you'd act like a romantic couple, or rather a triad.

Youd sleep in bed with them, doing the usual sappy stuff. Kissing, holding each other close. More Kissing. All the good stuff.

It would also be something of a breath of fresh air for the two of them. As you weren't some lesser demon, drawn from the population that knew they were with the king and Queen of hell, if anything, there titles meant nothing to you. You treating them no different than any other demon.

At least until you entered the relationship, you tried to be a little more certious after that.

Your relationship would be more so an emotional one, not to say you didn't get physical, but much of your time was just spent together.

Lucifer was the more playful of the pair, always flirting or pulling little pranks, telling jokes, he especially loved giving you riddles. The fallen angel became giddy watching you put the pieces together.

He was also the more affectionate of the pair, often times giving you a little kiss, or wanting to hold your hand. Loves to hold you close, just enjoying your embrace.

Lilith was the more mature of the pair, not to say she didn't enjoy giving or receiving affection, she was just more refined about it.

The Queen much prefers having conversations with you, or doing something together. Teaching you chess became a major pass time for the two of you.

She'd often read to you, resting your head on her lap as she read you one of her favourite novels.

Your relationship was an odd one, being such a new being, you still had much to learn about your surroundings and now being with them added a whole new layer atop your already dizzying place in hell, including figuring out just what you were.

But Lucifer and Lilith were there for you, and made sure you didn't have to figure it out alone.

Hey Hey. I did my very best to match the request, but it was a fairly tricky concept to pull off.

I was originally gonna go with a badass, "I am Hell. I know no pity or mercy and take from all I come across." But I felt Hell, at least Vivziepops hell, was more straightforward. It wasn't some place of fire and brimstone. It was a void, a void where you were left with only your sin. And made a character to match it.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the story, feel free to check out my other works. Bye Bye.

#hazbin hotel #headcanon #x reader #hazbin headcanons #hazbin hotel x reader #hazbin hotel headcanon #hazbin lucifer #hazbin lilith #lucifer x reader #lilith x reader

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bailey-reaper · 3 years

Note

A drabble where Barok finally asks his crush out on a date but everything goes wrong? with a happy end? :)

A Comedy of Errors... (but Barok's not laughing)

Notes: 😂 Even though I love Barok having happiness and love and kindness to counterbalance all the suffering and turmoil he's endured... I do also love it when he loses his rag at people / things go wrong and irk him. I *love* everything that goes on in his office during the 3rd case in the 2nd game... it's my favourite part of the whole thing! He gets so angry and it's glorious!

S/O is gender neutral (they/them pronouns). Barok refers to them using petnames.

Content Warnings: schadenfreude; cringe; things going wrong; frog mention...

"It's a date!" they said with a big smile and a rosy blush on their cheeks. It almost felt like a dream – Barok had said he was 'deeply fond of them' and invited them out to dinner with him; a date.

"Yes..." Barok nodded, similarly blushing but trying not to acknowledge it, "I'm... looking forward to it," and he was. Deeply.

"Me too!"

The two agreed to meet a week later at a restaurant that Barok was familiar with; he explained it was not because he thought his taste was better, but rather because he was on good terms with the proprietor and, thus, far less likely to be poisoned...

──────≪⊰✥⊱≫───────

At last, after a week in which the two of them thought of little else, the day of their date arrived. Despite a few annoying things going awry prior to him leaving the home, such as a button popping off his shirt when he accidentally rolled his shoulders back with a little too much gusto and his favourite cravat still being too wet to wear, he was determined not to let himself be downhearted.

He arrived at the venue promptly and waited outside for his beloved to arrive. Much to his frustration, a pigeon decided to relieve itself from its perch just above him -- leaving an unpleasant stain on the shoulder of his dinner jacket. Thankfully, he spotted it before his beloved arrived and was able to remedy it with a handkerchief before they saw it.

That didn't stop him scowling up at the pigeon, who flew off in a hurry as it clearly sensed danger.

"Barok!" their voice drew his attention, and took his breath away as they approached looking as radiant as ever. They were clearly dressed for the occasion.

"You look lovely," he remarked as he took their hand and kissed the back of it, "Thank you for coming."

They giggled, "The devil himself couldn't have stopped me."

He smiled at that, "I'm glad..." before offering them his hand, "Shall we?" they nodded, accepting his hand, and allowed him to lead them inside. Barok regarded the maître d and frowned slightly. Something was niggling in the back of his mind; déjà vu but not in a pleasant way, "Good evening," he pushed the feeling away. It would not spoil this date, "I arranged a table for two, name van Zieks."

"Ah yes!" the head waiter said, smiling, "Good evening, Lord van Zieks, allow me to show you to your table."

They were led to a lovely little table that offered a wonderful view of the inner courtyard and the fountain that was situated in the centre of it; it was an appropriately intimate space for a date. Barok pulled the chair out for his beloved and tucked them in, before sitting down himself. The head waiter handed them both menus and set a wine list down on the table, leaving them to look over the fare on offer.

"Wow," his beloved breathed, "This place is amazing."

Barok smiled, "I'm glad you like it... it's a fitting venue for one as beautiful as you."

They blushed and buried their nose in the menu, "T-...Thank you..."

"What wine would you like?" he picked up the menu to inspect the selection on offer.

"I think you're best suited to choosing that!"

"Hmh... very well."

Finally, the maître d came over, "Can I take the order of the two lovebirds~?"

Barok peered at him once more, cocking his head slightly as he studied the grinning man; there was definitely something... odd about him. It gave rise to the most curious irked sensation in the pit of his stomach, "Ahem... We'll have a bottle of the House Sauvignon--"

"Oh do forgive me, sir, we're fresh out of the Sauvignon Blanc..." the waiter said, vaguely apologetically.

"I see," Barok sighed, "Never mind... we'll have a bottle of the Moselle..."

"Mmmm... we're out of that one, too...."

"How about a bottle of Hock?"

"Sorry... none of that, either..."

"Well, in that case... a Burgundy?"

"... Ah... I regret to inform you...."

He grimaced in disbelief, "What the devil is going on... has your cellar dried up or some such? What wines are on offer, then?"

"Well... actually we're fresh out of wine, sir."

"Then why didn't you say that at the start?! More to the point, why bother bringing the wine menu over?"

"Well... on the other side are a number of other drinks that are available..."

"....." he sighed and turned the double-sided drinks menu over to peruse the other beverages on offer, "Fine. A bottle of Moët & Chandon. Black label."

"My, my! Someone has expensive tastes!" the head waiter remarked with a jovial laugh.

"..." The seething glare Barok offered in reply seemed to have the effect of making the man wither somewhat, "Just... tell me you have the damned thing in stock."

"Yes! We do indeed."

"Well that's a relief. Now, before we even bother with food, is there anything not on the menu?" he wasn't going through that... ordeal again.

"No, no!" the annoying man said with a shake of his head, "The kitchen is fully stocked!"

"A small mercy," Barok observed, before looking over at his beloved, "I'm... sorry about that rigmarole regarding the wine... what would you like to eat?"

They smiled and shook their head, "Oh, no, no, don't be!" then, they gave their order to the maître d before folding over their menu and returning it to him.

"Excellent taste!" the waiter said, before looking to the dour reaper, "And what can I get to delight you, sir?"

"Frogs legs to start," he said, "Followed by the steak, rare, with seasonal vegetables."

"Very good, very good!" he made a careful note, then took both the food and drinks menus, "I shall bring over your champagne in a moment and your food will be ready shortly. Do enjoy the wonderfully ambient surroundings, perfect for a date like this!"

Barok peered at the waiter as if he were more than overstaying his welcome; finally, he left them in peace.

"Gods..." he shook his head and sighed, "I do not remember the head waiter ever being that... vexatious. What has gotten into him?"

His beloved smiled, "Oh it really doesn't matter, I'm just happy to be here with you."

"Yes..." he nodded, "You're right, I'm delighted to finally have a chance to spend time with you... like this," it was a blessing that they'd reciprocated his feelings and were amenable to a date with him. No doubt most would be intimidated by his pseudonym and the general way in which he carried himself. But not them, not his beloved. They seemed to accept him as he was, and that was greatly welcomed.

They talked, mostly about how their weeks had been and about shared interests, such as the books that had taken their fancy of late. It was surprisingly easy to converse with them, which was a welcomed change from Barok's perspective. His beloved made for far more enjoyable company than the wooden aristocrats who drove him to the depths of boredom with their inane nattering and inconsequential opinions.

"This champagne is really lovely," they remarked, after taking another sip from their flute, "I'm not normally that fond of bubbles... but this has such a nice, fruity after taste."

"I'm glad you like it," he said with a nod; relieved that the beverage had a) materialised and b) wasn't corked or in some other way undrinkable. The way this date had been going thus far, outside of the interaction with his beloved, had left him wondering what else might go wrong.

Sadly, he didn't have to wait long...

"Your starters!" the waiter announced as he came over with two plates, their contents concealed by silver cloches. He set the two plates down, one in front of each of the diners, then lifted the first cloche, before turning to Barok's, "And, for the gentleman, frog's legs..."

Only, it was not frogs legs. It was a whole, live frog. After a few blinks of its beady black eyes and inflations of its vocal sac, the amphibian launched itself off the plate and into Barok's hair.

"What?!" he reached up in a bid to grab the creature, but his unwelcome passenger hopped out of the way and on to the floor, before disappearing in the direction of the kitchen. Barok glared at the waiter, "What is the meaning of this?!"

"Gracious me! I do apologise! I must have written 'raw frogs legs' by mistake!" the maître d said with a look of shock that was strangely disingenuous, "Do forgive me! I shall put in your order immediately--"

"Don't bother," Barok snapped, "Just make sure the main course isn't an entire living, breathing cow."

"Now, now, don't be ridiculous, sir...."

Once more he levelled the waiter with a withering glare.

"Please," Barok said to his beloved, "Don't let your food go cold."

They smiled, "Shall we share it, perhaps?"

"Oh..." that brought a blush to his cheeks, "No... I... couldn't possibly take from your plate..." but, to his surprise, a piece was already being presented to him. He decided against continued declining, and leaned forward to accept the mouthful, "Thank you..." he said, once he'd finished chewing and swallowing.

"It's good, isn't it?" his beloved said.

"Yes..." perhaps all the more so, having come from their plate.

──────≪⊰✥⊱≫───────

Thankfully, the rest of the date seemed to go surprisingly well -- in so far as there were no more frogs or similar cock ups (though his steak was medium, much to his disappointment, he decided against complaining as the mere fact the thing was edible was relief enough).

"I've had a lovely time," his beloved said to him as they finished off their dessert course.

"So have I," Barok replied, smiling softly, "Thank you, for agreeing to join me."

"Oh.... no... it's my pleasure... I've enjoyed myself a great deal in your company, Lord van Zieks."

"I'm glad to hear it... this has certainly been an... eventful date. I'm sorry, again, about all the oddities that have occurred."

"Oh, no, don't be! It's been a wonderful and memorable date, I loved every minute!"

"Oh ho! It seems this date has been a marvelous success, dear fellow!" announced a familiar voice. Barok knew that voice. It brought a scowl to his lips and a furrow to his brow almost instantly; as if the very muscles in his face were conditioned to respond in this manner.

"Herlock... Sholmes?!"

The maître d tore off his disguise and grinned happily, "Yes! It is I! You never suspected a thing!"

"... What are you doing here?!"

"Why! I had heard rumours that the Reaper was going on a date, so Iris and I took bets on whether that was the truth or not. Alas, it seems I now owe her five pounds..." he looked momentarily crestfallen, "But who can be glum when such a lovely couple is here before them? Truly, you two are as sweet as syrup together!"

"Hehe, thank you," his beloved smiled happily at the compliment.

". . . . . . . So you came to sabotage my date?" Barok hissed.

"What?! No! I came to ensure that you had a most memorable and eventful night, and I think I've exceeded expectations on all fronts!"

"You have indeed!" they said, nodding.

"Well," Barok folded his arms, "In that case, I shall leave the bill to you," he stood up smoothly and took his beloved by the arm.

Sholmes fell over, arms flailing, "Wait... WHAT?!"

"Farewell, 'detective'," Barok called over his shoulder as he escorted his beloved out the door. It brought him no end of delight to think that the man would be washing pots until the early hours.

(Let that be a lesson to you, you second-rate crime scene botherer!) he thought, smirking to himself. This was a most pleasing end to what had been a wonderful date, despite Herlock's meddling.

"You have some truly interesting and intriguing friends, Barok," his beloved observed as he walked them home.

"I'm not certain that 'friend' is the correct word here, my dear," he replied, though he was still smiling to himself as he held their hand and squeezed it fondly. It seemed that despite the ... characters that plagued him, they were not enough to deter his beloved.

That was certainly a huge relief.

#barok van zieks #Barok x Ors #request #silliness #fluff #cw: frogs

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tatestripedsweater · 3 years

Text

Sinner

Plot: You were known as any mans dream, the innocent virgin girl that went to church on Sunday’s. It all changed once you met the boy who intended to destroy that innocence.

Warnings: Sexual Intercourse, Oral (Male Receiving), Blasphemy, Mentions of Physical Abuse, Not proof red properly

Teen!James x Teen!Fem!Reader

Word count: 2958

A/N: The names of his parents are solely made up since we don’t know anything about them

1913

Being the son of the priest within the local church he had learned when to speak and when not too, but the one thing he learned was not to treat a woman like his own father treated his mother. And due to this he started to shit on every word his father, Patrick, had told him from a very young age: ‘If a woman doesn’t do as she’s told a beating wouldn’t go a miss’.

James didn’t believe that to be true, in fact he was the one that got most of the beatings within the household because of him disagreeing with his fathers outlook on women. James saw them as delicate creatures, you were what could be compared to a flower blossoming, showing it’s true beauty to the world.

“Come here James” Not saying a word he let his mother do his tie once again, no matter how many times he did it she always saw something wrong with the way he tied it. It wasn’t in a horrible way either, Dorothy knew how her husband reacted if his family wasn’t looking their best at church.. or anywhere for that matter.

James almost choked at how tight she had done his tie, loosening it when she wasn’t looking he only smiled. He sometimes wondered what his mother saw in his father to marry him, was it his wealth? Probably.

“You know he doesn’t like it loose James..” Her soft voice was the only thing that spoke within the drawing room. Dorothy could only laugh slightly at her only child’s defiance, part of her worried for his life as well but she didn’t dare say a word against her husband. “You know.. there’s going to be plenty of girls at today’s service”

She spoke of this every time, being eighteen he should’ve already been married or at least courting a woman to do so. James wanted to marry, but on his own terms and not just some random girl his parents thought would suit him the best. He already knew who his mother and father had eyed him up to marry, James didn’t want to admit he found her beautiful as it would be following what his father was saying. He wasn’t a follower, James was a leader.

“Y/N is a lovely girl, comes from a wonderful family” James knew his mother meant well, she wanted her only boy.. only child to succeed in life. “Just try, please..?”

“I’ll speak with her after the service..” He couldn’t help but feel some satisfaction when he saw the smile grace his mother’s features, and with all that was said and done he wrapped his arm around her own before walking out of the family home together.

Sitting down near the back even though his father liked his family to be front and center, James couldn’t help but smile when he saw that you were sitting beside him. James could feel his mother’s eyes on him, she knew what he was up to without even asking. Dorothy could read her son like a book, she birthed the boy after all, but one thing she knew is that he wasn’t like his father and for that she thanked god.

You could smell the tobacco and cologne as soon as he sat down beside you, the thoughts that were going through your head were that of a whore so you refused to even make eye contact with him. James could tell you were hanging on to all the bullshit his father spoke off, just by the way you were dressed he could see that you were a good Christian girl, probably a virgin as well.

“It’s not polite to ignore the Priest’s son..” James hoped this would catch your attention and thankfully it did, gulping out of nerves your head turned to look over at him, both of your eyes meeting. “I’m James'' He decided to whisper so no one heard that the two of you were speaking at the same time as his fathers sermon.

“Y/N..” A soft smile landed on your face as you spoke to him, your voice was as soft as honey, almost like his favourite symphony. James could help but become aroused at the very sight of you, you weren’t doing anything promiscuous, in fact the innocent aura that surrounded you was the thing that made his cock harden in his slacks.

As the sermon went on, James’ thoughts only muted his fathers voice. All he could think about was your body, how you’d feel wrapped around his cock and the little whimpers that would escape as soon as he thrusted his cock inside your virgin cunt. James wasn’t a virgin himself, he lost it to some girl he couldn’t even remember the name of, she wasn’t important right now but you were. These thoughts were cut short when everyone stood up, some having started to leave. Had he really been day dreaming the entire time?

His mother looked at him from across the church and he knew what she was getting at, he had earlier promised to speak to you alone after the service was over. James didn’t know how his mother had convinced him to leave James alone in the place of worship, but James noticed a slight smirk on his fathers face as he walked past. Patrick must’ve thought that James was finally going to follow his instruction and marry a girl, but what James had planned was far from the truth.

He watched as you moved to sit at the very front, you looked up at a statue of The Lord as if you had some repenting to do. James wondered what you could’ve done that was so wrong, probably stepping on a bug because he couldn’t even imagine that you would do anything that was considered a sin. The only noise in the church were James’ footsteps as he walked closer to you, the rest of the town having left minutes before.

“You know, Jesus can’t save you” A shocked expression plastered over your face as soon as that left James’ mouth, you didn’t expect this and him of all people, the Priests son. “Whatever you have done, I can assure you he won’t save you.”

“What makes you say that..?” You didn’t dare look up at him, you kept your eyes on the statue that was half the size of the church walls. James didn’t know how to answer that question, well he did but the boy didn’t want to admit that he was weak at the hands of his father. He used to pray, every night in fact, that something or someone would come and take his father away.. that James would be saved from the countless beatings that were bestowed upon himself and his mother but alas.. nothing. So the praying stopped as did James’ belief at salvation.

“Just trust me dear” The small nickname wasn’t much, but it made your cheeks blush a bright red which didn’t go unnoticed by James. He could tell you weren’t used to much affection yourself, and he was right. Your parents were just as strict as his own but with the abuse, so if they knew you were alone with a boy even if it was the priest's father, there would be hell to pay when you got home.

“I-I should go..” Just as you stood up James moved so he was right in front of you, he was taller than you so the intimidation flowed through your body. “Please.. I should get home” Gasping softly, his hand gently placed itself on your cheek, you had never felt something so soft before.

“What did you do? What caused you to stay behind?” Your nervous demeanor didn’t go unnoticed by him, in fact James stepped even closer to you as he pulled his hand away. “Tell me..”

“I… I have these thoughts..” Gulping visibly you looked over at James just as he raised his eyebrow, urging you to go on. “S-sexual thoughts..” Just as that left your mouth a smirk landed itself on the boy's face, you out of everyone was the last person he expected to be thinking about getting fucked. Part of him was glad, you weren’t the sweet and innocent girl you made yourself out to be but the other part.. the other part wanted to punish you and fuck you until you were screaming like a banshee.

“Are they about me?” The bluntness of the question made you quickly look away from him, he wasn’t wrong and in fact whenever you touched yourself James was the one thought that always made you cum. You knew it was wrong, that lust was a sin and that you needed to beg for forgiveness.. but why did something that felt so good be so wrong?

Nodding slowly you couldn’t get any words out, afraid that you might spill too much truth if you did open your mouth. The next question that he asked had you blushing like a whore, in fact you even felt like one with the way you had reacted.

“Have you ever sucked a cock before?” Shaking your head slowly, James’ hand gripped onto your wrist and placed it upon the bulge that was forming in his slacks. “You feel that, that’s what you do to me Y/N! Now get on your knees and start praying!”

Pushing you down by your shoulders, your face came into contact with his crotch and you soon felt your cheeks heat up. You watched as his hands started to unbuckle his belt, his hands were big and the watch on his wrist only screamed that he was rich. Just as his belt came off his slacks soon fell to the floor once he unbuttoned them, you could see the outline off his cock in James’ briefs and the gulps down your throat didn’t go unnoticed by him.

“Pull them down” Your shaking hands gripped onto the tops of his briefs before doing as you were told, as soon as you pulled them down his cock made its presence known. Pre cum was already forming at the tip of his cock, and you soon felt yourself grow aroused the longer you stared at it. “Wrap your lips around my cock, you don’t want me to make you”

Your wet mouth wrapped around his cock and you had to be honest, the sensation and taste was odd, you didn’t know how to describe it. But the noise that came from James as soon as you started to suck his cock was enough to make your cunt went, the saltiness of his skin and the feeling of his hands moving into your hair had you whining against him.

“Take my cock!” A gagging noise was heard as soon as his cock hit the back of your throat, tears falling down your cheeks as he continued to assault your throat. Your hands moved up to dig into his hips as he practically fucked your mouth, not being used to this at all the gagging kept up as did the drool that fell from your lips and down onto his balls. “Good girl!”

He pulled your head away just to have a good look at you, your lips were swollen and eyes red from the tears. You half expected him to thrust back into your mouth, to finish what he had started but you were surprised when James pulled you back up to your feet.

“Look at you.. if only your parents could see you now” The thought of them walking back into the church had you gulp, the drool falling from your mouth was wiped by James’ handkerchief. “As much as I want to taste you, and trust me I do my dear, I want my cum inside you this second!”

Bending you over the podium, James couldn’t help but smirk at how he had you. Your dress riding up, showing your underwear as he bent you over the very place his father spew about all the bullshit and gods ‘plan’. The only plan that was in James’ mind was fucking you until you were screaming, he knew it would echo and he half hoped that people would hear the two off you. What were they going to do? Pry you apart with his cock still inside you? He doesn’t think so.

As soon as the cold air hit your cunt you knew he had pulled your underwear down, being bare behind a boy you rarely knew had you blushing. He was the priest's son.. so surely he knew what he was doing. The moment you felt his cock rub against your wet cunt was the moment a moan fell from your lips, the way he was grinding against your clit felt so good and you didn’t know why something like this would be considered a sin at all. You were in heaven.. but if this meant you would go to hell for having sex out of wedlock then they can throw you downstairs and lock up the key.

Leaning over you, his chest pressed against your own, James’ lips kissing your shoulder as he slowly slid his cock inside you. You had never felt a sensation like it, you were half expecting it to hurt with all the horror stories you heard but it didn’t. The only sensation you felt was fullness, being full of James’ cock. A grunt felt from your lips as he felt you wrap around him, you were made for his cock and he couldn’t wait to make you his.

“Darling..” Wrapping his arm around you to help you keep balanced against the podium, James’ hips started to thrust faster and the only noise in the church were both of your moans and his skin slapping against yours. You could feel his balls hitting your clit with each thrust and it only added to the sensation of being fucked, James continued to kiss and nip at your skin until he was happy he had left a bite mark. He was careful though, he left it on your back, making sure that no one would see and that he would be the only one who knew you to be such a harlot.

“Y-you feel so good..” The moans that fell from your lips bounced off the walls of the church, the podium shaking with each hard thrust that James had delivered to you. The both of you were in absolute pleasure and not anyone could stop it, James wouldn’t let anyone stop you both. He could feel how wet your cunt was getting with each thrust he delivered to you, the wet noises as he pounded into you was enough to emit a growl from his throat. He needed this, and he needed you.

“Mine!” James was a rather possessive boy, he liked owning things and right now he owned you. Moving one of his hands down, his finger made contact with your clit and rubbed it in circles with the rhythm of his thrusts, which seemed to be getting slipper by the second and he knew he was going to cum inside you any minute. But he wanted you to cum first, James wanted to hear you scream out his name.

Your legs started to turn to jelly the more pressure he applied to your clit, you were almost seeing stars and part of you felt like you were going to pass out right then and there. But you managed to hold off, your knuckles turned white as you gripped onto the sides of the podium before screaming loudly. James took pleasure in hearing this, it was like someone was getting murdered and fucked at the same time.

“That’s it! Cum for me!” Your cunt started to tighten around his cock like a vice, no matter how many women he fucked James couldn’t get used to the sensation of a woman coming undone underneath him. You looked like a goddess and honestly he wouldn’t be surprised if you actually were one, your cunt was leaking onto the wooden floors underneath you both and just the very sight of that had James fill you up with his seed. “Fuck!”

Gasping at the sensation, you didn’t actually expect him to finish inside you. You thought it was just some fantasy of his, but never thought he would actually go through with it due to the risk of pregnancy. “Shh.. take my cum, every last drop!”

James had you practically pinned between him and the podium, panting heavily against your shoulder you couldn’t help but think of the consequences of your actions. You were going to have to do some repenting after this otherwise you could see yourself meeting the man downstairs, your cheeks were flushed from the very thought of his cock still being inside you. His cum coated the insides of your cunt, James was surely going to impregnate you at this point and that meant you’d have to marry him.

Mrs March.. that sounded nice. You were pulled apart from your thoughts as he kissed your shoulder once again, where he had left the love bite as if to smooth you. James may have fucked you like a whore, and he may have treated you like one during the short time you spend together but you couldn’t help but wonder if there was a softer side to the man behind you. His hands caressed your hips and your question was answered almost instantly, you didn’t even need to ask him to know the answer.

“Marry me..” You weren’t surprised as he whispered that in your ear, James couldn’t help but smirk as your cheeks flushed red. “Marry me Miss Cortez..”

#american horror story #american horror story gifs #ahs #ahs gifs #ahs imagine #american horror story imagine #ahs imagines #ahs hotel #american horror story hotel #james march #james march imagine

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antipodeanpineapplelump · 3 years

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WIP... Tuesday?

Just in case anyone was wondering what useless novelty project I’m spending my time on now, may I introduce:

Or more accurately: “Shisui Uchiha and the Saga of the Overly Complex Movie Poster that’s Taking Up all of the Author’s Writing Time.”

Or: “Shisui Uchiha and the One-off Story that Accidentally Turned Into a Trilogy, much to the Author’s Total Lack of Surprise.”

So anyway, I have 30,000 words (3/9 chapters of the first part) so far and as usual, no timeline for completing this story. But I’m definitely in too deep to back out now! My new approach to stories is to write the whole thing, then post week by week. So this one is still probably several months away at least...

But here’s a quick preview:

The list of things Shisui Uchiha regrets in his life is pretty small.

A handful of ill-considered one night stands, several embarrassing bets with members of his family, the summer he decided to turn emo, oh—and one particularly notable fuck-up early in his career that very nearly ended it prematurely. But, for the most part, it’s been smooth-sailing.

Sure, maybe the odd rival takes a pot shot at him here or there. Ancient booby traps try to kill him, or the local wildlife steps in where they’ve left off. He and spiders are categorically never going to get along. But he’s never had cause to regret his career itself. He loves everything about treasure hunting—the adventure, the danger, the intellectual challenge of it all. The way his heart races when he finds some ancient artifact supposedly lost for good.

So, all in all, his current position—perched twenty feet up a silk cotton tree in India, surrounded by about two-dozen armed thugs personally out for his blood—well, that’s just another day at the office.

Two of the men walk below Shisui’s hiding place and he holds his breath, watching. They’re thick-built meat-heads; improbable amalgams of every jackbooted thug to ever grace a movie screen, with jawlines Chuck Norris could break a fist on, and brows that would make a Neanderthal proud. Supressing the snicker that threatens to escape him at the thought, Shisui wonders where Gato keeps finding these idiots. Some sort of steroid-fuelled body building conference maybe…

Comfortable they’re far too stupid to realise he’s here, he swings his legs back and forward, checking his bag to make sure his prize is still undamaged. Thankfully, despite having beaten a hasty retreat through the crowded city streets, the jewel-encrusted golden elephant winks up at him like a winning lottery ticket. One that’s going to pay for fancy canapes, champagne and extra leg room on Shisui’s flight home. Then a lot more afterwards.

But karma, as they say, is a bitch.

And karma, for Shisui, makes itself known in the form of a fluffy grey creature that plops down onto the branch beside him, joined in short order by half a dozen other partners in crime. At first, the macaque just fixes its intelligent gaze on Shisui, as though assessing what to do with him. Then, one very pregnant pause later, after the apparent realisation that no food is immediately forthcoming, the ringleader opens its mouth and screams. Loudly.

Shit.

“No, shhh…” Shisui orders in a loud whisper. “Oh come on, don’t be an asshole.”

The screaming continues, soon swelling to a cacophony as the others join in.

“Shoo!” he pleads, waving his arms around to try and scare them off. “I’ll buy you bag of bananas or something when I get down from here, just please shut up…”

But the little bastards don’t stop and, if anything, Shisui’s heated objection only seems to be pissing them off more. Which is fantastic, because truly the last thing he needs today is to catch rabies or—

From the bottom of the tree, someone clears their throat. “Ahem.”

Or that.

It’s smug, officious, and quite frankly, about the last voice Shisui wants to hear right now. Every part of him sinks. On reflection, maybe it was a bit arrogant to think he wouldn’t have been followed to the temple. To think he was just going to walk in, pilfer a several-centuries old treasure, and walk out again, a comfortable five-figure sum the richer for it.

But then, it wouldn’t be the first time.

Sighing, he looks down to see his least-favourite human approximation of a turd. “Gato.”

“Well, well, if it isn’t my favourite globe-trotting Uchiha. Fancy seeing you here,” Gato says, appearing inordinately pleased. His trademark sunglasses sit awkwardly atop his bulbous nose, straddling a pencil moustache that looks like a worm met its unfortunate end on his face some years ago, and he never bothered to wipe it off.

For reasons he can’t currently articulate, it annoys the shit out of Shisui. Possibly because if there’s anything he hates more than someone getting the better of him, it’s someone who’s as much of a fucking waste of space as Gato getting the better of him.

“Yeah well, you know how it is,” he says, glancing around for a quick exit. “Ancient treasures to find, damsels in distress to rescue…”

But unfortunately, the crowd of highly armed men around Gato is growing by the second, and Shisui’s options are looking somewhat thin on the ground. At least, all the ones that don't end with him riddled in bullet holes. Damn macaques…

Gato grins. In the pre-monsoon heat, sweat rolls down his neck and spreads like an oily stain across his collar. “Oh, I’m well aware of how you operate... You’re a businessman, just like me. Always taking jobs for the highest bidder.” Before Shisui can open his mouth to disagree, Gato holds up a hand, adding, “I know, I know… you don’t see yourself that way. Moral code or whatever it is you like to call it. But in reality, the only difference between us is that you have the air of legitimacy that comes with an academic backing, whereas I’m willing to admit what I really want.”

“And what do you want, Gato?” Shisui asks flatly, already knowing the answer. The tired old game they’re playing here.

“That trinket you have in your bag.” Gato licks his lips, as though he can taste the champagne he’s going to be drinking once he returns the statue to whoever hired him, to disappear into some private collection, never to see the light of day again.

“What do I get in return?” Shisui asks, even though it’s obvious from Gato’s expression that he’s not going to like it, whatever it is.

A mirthless laugh assaults his ears. “I’ll let you live to cross paths with me another day.”

As offers go, it’s not very believable. But as much as Shisui hates to admit when his luck’s run out, even he can see the writing on the wall. Today really isn’t his day. Sure, he might trust Gato about as far as he could throw him, but even Gato isn’t stupid enough to shoot him on a main street, in broad daylight. Probably…

Retrieving the golden elephant from his bag, Shisui tosses it carefully down.

Turning the trinket over in his hands, Gato lets out a hum of appreciation. “Very nice. My client will be pleased.” He hands it off to one of his many thugs to box up, then peers back through the branches, looking more like a slug than Shisui would ever have thought possible. Reinforcing the impression, his lips twist with a slimy smile. “Well, as always, it’s been nice doing business with you Shisui. But I think, unfortunately, you’ve caused me trouble for the last time.”

Far too pleased for Shisui’s taste, Gato steps back, raising his hand in a gesture that looks awfully like it’s intended as a final farewell. Or a smug ‘fuck you.’ Either way, the message is perfectly clear.

Shisui rolls his eyes, mentally scratching off another predictable villainous turn on his treasure hunting bingo card. “All right,” he calls after Gato’s retreating back. “Nice doing business with you too! See you next time...” Under his breath he mutters, “Asshole…”

Truly, Gato doesn't have an original bone in his body. It's like he once read The Idiots Guide to Being a B-Grade Movie Villain, then internalised it on the spot to make up for a lack of anything remotely resembling a personality. But, pathetic imitation of a villain or not, his bullets are still effective.

The leaves around him shred beneath the pop, pop of gunfire as Shisui sucks in a rushed breath, bracing himself for what he’s about to do. The branch wobbles precariously beneath his feet as he races along it, pushing off into air that rushes past, disconcerting and empty. The slender gap to the building seems to widen to the span of a gaping abyss—

He hits the rail of the apartment with thud, clambering quickly over it to fall on his back on the balcony, winded, but mercifully unharmed. A macaque peers over the guttering at him, with a leering grin that clearly threatens more screaming.

“Don’t you start,” he warns, waggling a finger at it.

But there’s barely a moment to catch his breath before the sound of splintering wood below indicates another problem. Or an extension of the same one. Bounding to his feet, Shisui scoops up his hat, settles it back on his head, and checks over the railing. A bullet clips the plaster nearby—a pretty good indication that Gato’s men have every idea where he’s gone. That, combined with the way they’re currently pushing through the lower doors to the complex probably doesn’t mean anything good for him.

“Shit,” he announces to no one in particular. It’s times like these he really wishes he carried a gun…

Forcing his way into the mercifully empty apartment off the balcony, Shisui slips quickly through it. Cracking open the door on the far side, he checks the coast is clear. It is.

Of course, it doesn’t stay that way for long. Halfway along the open air corridor, there’s a cry of discovery from his pursuers, followed by more shooting. Seriously, why are the bad guys always bringing guns to Shisui’s knife fights?

Ducking, he runs faster, bursting into another apartment filled with hazy cigarette smoke and shocked faces before finally making it to an exterior stairwell on the far side. Looking at the next building over, it’s immediately apparent the gap is way too far for him to use the same trick he did before. But with Gato’s men advancing on him from below, maybe he can just make it to street level and bypass them altogether…

A thicket of power cables criss-crosses the span between the buildings, with one nearby running almost to the level of the shop awnings below. Sending a rash of silent prayers to whatever gods take care of Indian power line maintenance, Shisui detaches a length of rope from his belt and flings it over the wire, gripping each side like a makeshift zipline. Holding his breath, he pushes off into empty space. To his surprise and considerable delight, the line holds.

It sweeps him across the street, picking up more and more speed, until the side of the other building is rushing at him like—

Shit.

He impacts it with his shoulder, coming to an uncomfortable and jarring stop. Pain shoots down his arm and he lets go of the rope, crashing through a fabric awning and landing ungracefully in a huge stack of bagged flour. Dust floats down around him and Shisui groans, moving each of his limbs in turn. By some miracle, nothing seems broken. Not even his tantō in its leather holster at his back.

Oh well. Fall down seven times, stand up eight…

Apparently his exit was none too subtle though, because Gato’s men are leaning over the stairwell railing, yelling and pointing at the mess he’s made. Dragging himself to his feet, Shisui evades an angry store owner, brushes flour off of his clothes and resumes running for his life.

Never let anyone say archaeology is boring.

As he emerges back onto the main street, searching for quick and easy exit, the sound of screeching brakes and angry honking carries from the road. Cutting a wild path through traffic is an old open-top olive-drab Jeep with several gold charms dangling from its rear-view mirror. It jerks to a stop just before hitting Shisui, both side wheels riding up on the curb.

“Need a ride?” the female driver asks, grinning.

Her windswept hair hangs past the fashionable silk scarf tied at her neck. Unmanicured nails wrap around the slender metal of the steering wheel, like they couldn’t be more at home there. They’re a stark contrast with the cream suit linen she’s wearing, rolled up neatly to her elbows. Speckled with dirt, it looks like she’s probably travelled halfway across the country to be here, and been up to her elbows in the grease of the Jeep’s engine at some point to do it. She’s a walking contradiction—albeit one Shisui is delighted to see.

“Izumi!” he exclaims happily.

Eyes sparkling, she waves. “Hey.”

“I thought you were practicing on the course in Reno this weekend… What’re you doing here?”

A shot rings out, kicking up dust near one of the tyres. Glancing behind him, Izumi rolls her eyes, reaching across to throw open the door. “What am I always doing? Saving your ass, you idiot... Now get in before one of us gets shot, or I have to find out whether my rental insurance covers illegal firefight damage.”

#uchiha shisui #uchiha izumi #future shisuita #new story #my art #really having fun writing this one #I'm such a sucker for adventure movies #and snarky team banter #and this combines both #aaaaand we've just been thrown into another covid lockdown #so more writing time here I come!#Shisui Uchiha and the Lost Treasure of Asura

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solohux · 3 years

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happy 2021! i really hope we all have a better year this year but for now, here’s a list of my favourite kylo/hux fics that were published in 2020, ones that got me through days of lonliness and sadness to make me smile ✧

thank you fic writers of the kylux fandom! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

- keep in the dark (to stay out of the light) by howlingshame Modern AU. Smuggler Kylo Ren runs afoul of Armitage Hux, head of the First Order crime ring. Instead of killing him outright, Hux decides to keep him for his own instead. Kylo is none too thrilled with the situation, but Hux has plenty of patience. He wants Kylo to be his in every sense of the word, and they've got all the time in the world. [E, 247k words, warnings for violence, stockholm syndrome, sub kylo & dom hux]

- Please Remember I Love You by @bumblebae8 After murdering Snoke, Kylo Ren flees alongside Rey, returning to the Reistance and to his mother after ten years. They at once begin strategizing on how to take down the corrupt and evil First Order. [M, 65k words, no warnings, redeemed ben, skywalker family drama]

- Children of War by @starryartemis After a complicated diplomatic mission went awry, General Hux and Kylo Ren accidentally find themselves tasked with their most difficult mission: becoming parents. Despite their complex relationship, they both agree that raising an offspring will help bring glory to the First Order. Their original vision of a united family quickly falls apart as Hux and Ren cannot see eye to eye in what they want the future to hold. [E, 162k words, warnings for violence, kylux science babies, slow burn]

- I Should Live in Salt for Leaving You Behind by Asrael_Valtiri Of course, he’d betrayed Ren, to save the Order. To save himself and his people.To try to save Ren, in a way.Strange, Hux thought, closing his eyes against the glare of the overhead lighting. He pretended that the wetness escaping the corner of his eye was from the brightness. He failed.Stupid, he amended. Stupid, Armitage. [E, 65k words, no warnings, a TROS fix-it, kylo clones]

- Against All Odds by Kittens Kylo really doesn't care for people, but he'll always help an animal in need. When he sees a dog covered in mud on a cold, rainy day, he can't help but try to help. What he didn't expect was for the dog to be a fox and the fox to be a man. [E, 49k words, warnings for violence, modern au, fox hux]

- Hadopelagic by DustOnBothSides [WIP] After a life of staying pharmaceutically heat-free, Hux has to allow his body to go through at least one natural cycle, lest there be consequences. He takes a shore leave and travels to a former omegan retreat, abandoned and all but forgotten after the fall of Old Republic. Ren, not knowing of Hux's predicament, decides to follow, suspecting treason. He finds something else instead. [E, 33k words, omega hux & alpha kylo]

- Sup From My Mouth by @atlinmerrick [Kylux Adjacent] Dolly Oblonskaya never precisely introduces her old friend to her children’s new tutor, no. She does put one lonely man in a room with the other again and again and again...and to her delight Konstantin Levin and Francisco Garupe take care of the rest. Or, this is the story of how an idealistic young Russian aristocrat helps heal a mourning young Jesuit priest, one very cold Moscow winter. [E, 58k words, no warnings, Fransisco Garupe/Konstantin Levin]

- Lighting the Fuse by hey_honey "What is going on?" Phasma asked when Hux returned from his meeting with Leia looking pale. He stared at her. "The Queen's son agreed to marry a First Order official on one condition," he said. "And?" Phasma encouraged. "That official has to be me," he said. [E, 30k words, no warnings, omega ben & alpha armitage, mpreg, ben is ruler of naboo]

- Across the Stars, I am Home by @venetumdrabbler [WIP] Before leaving to go undercover in the First Order, Armitage Hux had made promises. Keep an eye and report when able to the republic, and later the resistance. Keep tabs on the dark force user Snoke. And most important of all: Bring Ben Solo home. So far Hux had managed, or was managing, 2 out 3. Then there is an awakening. [M, 42k words, no warnings, jedi armitage au, slow burn]

- Pro Nobis Solum by CarelessHux (AraSigyrn) Kylo Ren wakes after Starkiller. Alone. [M, 8k words, no warnings, post tfa au, established relationship]

- sisyphus rolls his boulder to the top by yogurtgun While trying to convince Rey to turn to the Dark on the Steadfast, Kylo feels Hux's presence in the Force disappear. [T, 6.7k words, warnings for violence, tros fix-it, temporary character death]

- i can make your dreams come by claquesous It feels like the small hours of the morning, the blurry in-between Hux calls early and Kylo calls late. “Can’t even make it through the night without a pillow to hump, can you?” Hux sneers. [E, 3k words, no warnings, somnophilia, sub kylo & dom hux]

- Knot Finished by Ki_Ken_Tai_Ichi Kylo learns a bit more about Arkanis physiology through practical demonstrations. [E, 2k words, no warnings, hux is alien, top hux & bottom kylo]

- 90 Day Fiancé by @bostarsky & @sunnywritesstuff “Maybe that means you’ll be more inclined to choose me,” Hux hints, glancing over at a drone buzzing by with a sneaky look on his face. Perfect, he’ll create as much support for himself with the public as possible. "What I choose doesn’t matter,” he croons, making it sound as romantic as he possibly can to hide the true meaning of the words. [E, 38.5k words, no warnings, alpha hux & omega kylo, kylo amidala, creepy snoke]

- What if We Tried Again? by @penpenhooray Perhaps, but did Pryde bother to check if he was actually dead?Armitage Hux may be many things, but a fool was not one of them. So rather than stay with the First Order and watch it burn, Hux decides that faking his death would be preferable, leaving him free to tie up his one loose end. His ex-husband, Kylo Ren. But what happens when Ren...isn't quite Ren anymore, but just as "dead" as Hux? What happens if they face their feelings surrounding their failed marriage? What if they dared to try again? [T, 2.7k words, no warnings, tros fix-it, mpreg & miscarriage]

- Where Do You Go When You're Lonely? by @vadianna Fresh off a grueling undercover mission on an unpleasant Outer Rim planet, Kylo Ren wants to eat, drink, and sleep. Unfortunately, Hux is sitting at the only bar in the area. Thinking that Hux is there to brief him, Kylo soon realizes that Hux is off-duty, and has also never seen him without his helmet on. Things escalate, and the two wind up finishing Kylo's mission together as they both get to know each other. [E, 29.3k words, no warnings, false identity, bottom kylo & top hux]

- Team Hux or Team Ren? by AdamJensens General Hux overhears a conversation between stormtroopers that opens his eyes to a competition between the troops of the First Order. He discovers his subordinates are not only loyal and devoted but also obsessed – Hux has fans. So does Kylo Ren, and there's a kind of war going on between the two groups calling themselves Team Hux and Team Ren. What Hux doesn't know yet is that there's a third group solely focused on shipping the two co–commanders. There's fanfiction, fanart and all kinds of crazy theories. Shipping, as Hux will soon discover, is a serious business. [E, 11.5k words, no warnings, crack treated seriously, mutual pining]

- Under Covers of Darkness by Camellia Cook (thekurosakiconundrum) Alpha twins Ben and Kylo have a somewhat unusual arrangement with their mate Hux: they're together, all three of them, and it's not strictly a Hux-in-the-middle situation. [E, 3.3k words, no warnings, threesome, sibling incest alpha ben & alpha kylo & omega hux]

- Share the Load by @emperorsvornskr Hux runs into Kylo while dealing with his unique Arkanan biology- and Kylo is dealing with some self confidence issues. It's a match tailor made for the both of them. [E, 6.1k words, no warnings, alien armitage hux, trans kylo, eggs]

- Safety in his arms by @redcole Kylo knows it's time to bond with Hux, he just wants to make sure that his intentions are clear. After all, it isn't often that an omega courts an alpha. [M, 3.2k words, no warnings, omega kylo & alpha hux, mpreg]

- Horny Hearts by @rattlesnake777 [Kylux Adjacent] Techie has a new flatmate called Matt and all he can really think about is doing it with him... [E, 18.3k words, no warnings, Clan Techie/Matt The Radar Tech, modern au, misunderstandings]

- Collars and Kisses by koi_boi Kylo loves his little fox and has missed him dearly after a long mission away. Hux, not so much, or so Kylo thinks. Then he actually thinks for once and comes to A Realization™. They fuck, they cuddle, then they get soft and tender. Disgusting. [E, 3.4k, no warnings, fox hux, fluff & smut, dom kylo & sub hux]

- the chancellor's gift by @thethespacecoyote Supreme Leader Kylo Ren goes on a mission to retrieve something invaluable for his lightsaber-obsessed chancellor. However, his plans for presenting the treasure to Hux are unfortunately derailed when a group of insurgents kidnap the chancellor and hold him hostage, threatening both Hux's life, and the life of their unborn pup. It seems, even years into their reign, that there are still enemies foolish enough to try to take from Kylo what's his. [M, 5.3k words, warnings for violence, alpha kylo & omega hux, mpreg, protective kylo]

- Entrapped by @kyluxtrashpit While searching for a mysterious Force artifact for Snoke, a squadron of Stormtroopers goes missing. Kylo insists on going out alone then, certain he can find and face down whatever might have killed them and succeed in getting the artifact. The creature responsible, however, has other plans for him. [E, 3.4k words, rape/noncon, tentacle sex, protective hux]

- Your Chain Around My Neck by @bastila-s After the council meeting about the Sith fleet, Kylo asks Hux to stay behind and "prove" he isn't a spy. [E, 3.6k words, no warnings but dubcon tag, power dynamics, smut, dom kylo & sub hux]

- Regret by @abraxas-drake Kylo tries to get Hux to relax under the guise of a work discussion. When things go terribly wrong, Hux must rely on the new Supreme Leader to save his life. [E, 3.8k words, warnings for violence and threats of noncon, alpha kylo & omega hux, protective kylo, forced into heat]

- Invasion by sigo Hux was seated at the long durasteel table in the Steadfast’s largest conference room, Enric Pryde on his left and Mitaka presenting his findings to the group standing on his right, when he felt it: Ren’s hands on his chest, running hot down his skin below his uniform. [E, 2.9k words, no warnings, pwp, bottom hux & top kylo, force sex, semi-public sex]

- In His Grasp by @cosleia Kylo Ren doesn't understand why General Hux is shirking his duty over a simple injury. When he tries to find out, though, he learns more than he bargained for...about the general, and about himself. [M, 4.1k words, post-tlj, pining, hand-feeding]

- Heat Sink by @sparrows-trashcan Kylo Ren is an omega but so is General Hux. While Hux doesn't mind everyone knowing that his preference is limited to male omegas Kylo Ren is shamed to feel the same. Everything changes after the Starkiller incident: Kylo Ren is in heat and there is only one person on the Finalizer who could possibly help him... [E, 4.2k words, no warnings, omega hux & omega kylo, smut]

- Distraction by @kyluxtrashpit Kylo needs a distraction from his hopeless pining over his co-commander, who he's sure he can never have. So he turns to the Knights of Ren to keep his mind - and body - busy. When Hux walks in on the events, however, Kylo learns that perhaps his feelings aren't a lost cause after all. [E, 3.6k words, no warnings, kylo/knights of ren, group sex]

- Between the Stars by Kittens The Finalizer's medical team does not want to deal with Kylo Ren. When he ends up injured during a mission, it's up to Hux to take care of him. It's not exactly what Hux is good at, but for Kylo it means everything. [T, 3.9k words, no warnings, hurt/comfort, bathing]

- Switch Up, Love Eternal by @onewhositswiththeturtles When Ren damages consoles aboard the Finalizer during a tantrum, Hux summons him for some much-deserved discipline. Perhaps there would be some hope for Ren learning the error of his ways if he wasn't such a whore for punishment. [E, 3.4k words, no warnings, dom/sub switching, smut]

- Across the Stars (To Find You) by Lady_Faulkner While on a mission for Snoke, Kylo Ren gets kidnapped by pirates and it's up to General Hux to track him down and rescue him before he's sold on the black market. Along the way, Hux discovers that his feelings of hatred for Kylo Ren have been masking another emotion altogether. [E, 10.9k, no warnings, kidnapping, hurt kylo]

- Doom's Desire by @nerdherderette Hux never expected to find a jewel worthy of the Empire's crown in an Outer Rim desert wasteland. [E, 10.3k words, no warnings, canon au, gladiator fighter kylo, emperor hux]

- Empire Day Miracle by coldashes Kylo just wants to relax, to be surrounded by people is to be surrounded by the Force. Except this is the First Order's Empire Day officer party and things never go as well as one would hope. [E, 4.4k words, no warnings, pwp, identity mistakes, pre-tfa]

- Reptile Husbandry by koi_boi Hux is an accomplished researcher who's having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad time in the field. He stumbles into a cave filled with secrets and one very large, very curious snake. Hux gets fucked in more ways than one. [E, 13.4k words, no warnings, modern/fantasy au, naga kylo & researcher hux, smut]

- Utapaun Christening by @mcducklet-blog Kylo Ren is determined to ensure that his children are the strongest creatures in the galaxy. Armitage Hux is willing to go along with it.Neither of them is ready for what that entails. [T, 6.6k words, no warnings, mpreg, knights of ren, peril]

- so it goes by @msbyjckals [WIP] Hux wakes to feel a pair of warm, calloused hands covering his. He doesn’t remember much, just the mission brief, the landing, and the cold. [M, 2.9k words, no warnings, starkiller rescue]

- Rumor Mill by @theweddingofthefoxes Everybody has their own suspicions about what Kylo Ren and General Hux get up to in private, but the truth is far more tender than anyone would guess. [G, 1.2k words, no warnings, fluff, cuddling]

- The One with the Eggs by sigo Hux turned on his heel, but hardly made it two steps before running straight into Kylo Ren. He knew his face betrayed his dismay. He didn’t have time for this. “I apologize, Ren, but I must be on my way.” Hux stepped to the side and Ren stepped in front of him again. Hux shivered as he felt another dropping sensation inside himself. This time the ‘drop’ completed its path — the inside of his pants was wet, cold gel trickling at a glacial pace down his thighs. Of course, that was nothing compared to what lay ahead. “Ren,” He said sharply. His voice was higher, raising in pitch the way it always did when he was panicked. “I am ill. Let me through.” Ren spoke through his ridiculous helmet, voice distorted. “We have a meeting.” [E, 4.8k, no warnings, alien hux, eggs, bottom kylo & top hux]

- Shadow Of Your Heart by @pangolinpirate & @redcole & @starkillersbae [WIP] After the fall of the empire Luke Skywalker fought a rising evil in the outer rim, a villain named Snoke who tormented his young nephew. With Snoke defeated, Leia sent her son to be trained as part of the new order of jedi, in the hopes that it would keep him safe. [E, 22.7k words, no warnings, omega kylo & alpha kylo, mpreg]

- Clear From Far Away by @pizzzazlut “But most of all, curse Kylo bloody Ren for having a chest that sparked pure, unadulterated arousal that has Hux humping his pillow like a fucking virgin.” Or the one where Hux is just trying to get off but his Supreme Leader just won't leave him alone. [E, 1.8k words, no warnings but dubcon, pillow humping]

- Tripped Over A Mouse Droid by @milarca & @ranebowstitches Hux gets injured while working, and Kylo finds him in the medbay. Who knew mouse droids could be so dangerous? [G, 3k words, no warnings, hurt/comfort, alpha kylo & omega hux]

- with you by @msbyjckals “You know I love you, right?” Ren said. “Of course I know that, I’ve always had you; you’ve always been mine.” [T, 1k words, no warnings, sleepy cuddles, soft domestic fluff]

- Unexpected Avenues by @sinceyouaskedmeforataleof [WIP, Mitaka/Hux] No one wanted to take this particularly grisly task, but Dopheld is glad it fell to him when he realises that all is not as it seems. Can he make a new life on the run with his ex, now that everything he thought he knew has been turned upside down? [E, 84k words, omega hux & alpha kylo & alpha mitaka, mpreg, post-tros]

- Who Needs The Galaxy When There's You? by Mesmeret Kylo is a simple, lonely smuggler with no one since his accident a decade ago. Or so he thought before his twelve year old daughter retrieves him to help out his long forgotten husband with a bothersome heat. [E, 7.7k words, no warnings, alpha kylo & omega hux, amnesia, smuggler kylo & mandalorian hux]

- By the Will of the Gods by @darktenshi17 Armitage is chosen to be a sacrifice to his gods in return for his village's protection. It's not the gods who find him out in the woods. [E, 1.9k words, no warnings but dubcon, fantasy/medieval au,

- The Fall of Yesterday by @sinceyouaskedmeforataleof [WIP] Seven years after Exegol, a nameless sailor works a thankless job onboard an Arkanis pearl harvester and fails to forget all the things he has lost. When the ship arrives at a new port all he wants to do is find a place to sleep through his shore leave. He might find more than that. [E, 10k words, no warnings, tros fix-it, alpha kylo & omega hux]

- Special Delivery by DaisyChainz Hux orders a toy that's supposed to be 'discreetly packaged', but when his hot mailman brings it directly to his front door, he finds out it is definitely not. [E, 3.3k words, no warnings, modern au, smut]

- Most Wanted by @pizzzazlut When the most prolific serial killer the city of Arkanis has ever seen is finally arrested and awaiting trial, it takes two of the cities most respected lawyers to represent the culprit and the victims. The only problem is that Kylo Ren and Armitage Hux haven't interacted since law school and will now have to work against each other to win the career-building case of a lifetime. Or The one where Kylo and Hux are rival lawyers with too much history but an equal amount of hate for Snoke. [E, 12.6k words, warnings for violence, modern au, murders and blood]

- Devotion by @kyluxtrashpit The Emperor loves to hear about his devoted hound's successful missions, ideally in as much detail as possible. Kylo does not disappoint. [E, 1.9k, no warnings, smut, emperor hux & hound kylo]

- three's a crowd by @thethespacecoyote Ren Prime catches Ben sneaking a First Order cadet onboard, and decides an unorthodox kind of punishment is in order. [E, 1.4k words, no warnings, ren prime, smut, voyeurism]

- If we have each other (the world is ours to conquer) by thereisnocowboyemoji “You think, what, that I have feelings for her?” “Please, Ren, do not dare try to insult my intelligence.” [G, 1.3k, no warnings, married kylux, mpreg, jealousy]

- In the Vents by @kyluxtrashpit Hux returns from his shift to find the bottom half of Kylo sticking out of the heating vent. Kylo is stuck and Hux isn't one to let opportunities pass him by. [E, 2k words, no warnings, pwp]

- the monster in your bed by @thethespacecoyote In the dead of night, something terrifying and lascivious comes to a sleeping General Hux. [E, 2k words, no warnings, consensual noncon roleplay, sub hux & dom kylo]

- Old Hornington Rides Again by oorsprong “Don’t be vulgar.” Of course he remembered. The embarrassing nickname had somehow become part of the whole taboo. Sex in the conference room in the early hours; Hux naked but for his boots and his hat and taunting Kylo with dirty talk. Kylo worshiped his cock in those days, treated it with reverence. “I could do it again.” [E, 1.3k words, no warnings, smut, old married kylux]

- His Purpose by partialresonance When Hux hears Snoke's voice in his mind, he thinks it's a caffeine hallucination. Until the voice plants an insidious purpose that Hux has no choice but to fulfill. Thankfully, Kylo is there to save him. Little does he know that the sinister presence was targeting him all along. [M, 5.6k words, no warnings, suicide attempt, mind manipulation, love confessions]

- Mariner’s Hollo by Eirean Whilst on a diplomatic mission, Kylo is invited to take part in the planet’s ancient ritual, and demands that the Grand Marshall accompany him. Said Grand Marshall is deeply unimpressed by the whole thing. [E, 9.7k words, no warnings, enemies to lovers, smut]

- Let It Happen by @pizzzazlut Armitage Hux re-analyzed all his life choices up to this point and could not come up with anything as careless as this. Or the one where Ren joins Kylo and Hux in bed because he doesn't like being left out. [E, 2k words, ren prime, threesome]

- Come On And Slam by @thediktatortot Hux and Kylo invite Ren Prime into their chambers and get more than they bargain for. [E, 1.9k words, no warnings, ren prime, threesome]

- A Passing Madness by moreless “It’s a gift,” says Ren simply, folding his large hands behind his back. His gaze moves between the lightsaber and Hux. “It used to belong to the Jedi traitor Mace Windu. It reminded me of you.” Two steps forward, one step back. Another step back. That's how their relationship works. Even now. [T, 1.9k words, no warnings, duel of the fates au, power dynamics]

- Our Impeccable Leadership by roseofgalaxies The Supreme Leader and his treacherous General have begun to collaborate with unexpected success. There's only one problem: Ren's stopped wearing a shirt. [E, 4.8k words, no warnings, lego holiday special, body worship]

- Giving In by Kyram (BrokenApril) Hux has a mission. Millions of lives are on the line, yet Ren's presence teases him. He's desperate to give in even if his job will become all the harder. [T, 2.2k words, no warnings, touch starvation, force sensitive hux]

- to lay your armor down by surrenderer Once in a while, the Supreme Leader likes to wear his Chancellor’s greatcoat around the Capitol building. [M, 661 words, no warnings, role reversal, force sensitive hux & force null kylo]

- Benefits of Force Sensitivity by Kittens After the surprising change in his relationship with Ren, Hux has a lot to think about. But they also have a mission to complete and that may have unintended consequences. [M, 4.3k words, no warnings, force sensitive hux, cuddling]

#kylux #benarmie #fic rec #i looked for people's tumblr names but i couldnt find most of them!! sorry <3 #and i'm sure i will have left some out #my dad is still in hospital and this was a good distraction from the worry #i hope you find something in here that you haven't read before! <3

135 notes · View notes

catte-bard · 3 years

Text

FFXIV Write 2021 #13: Oneirophrenia

Urianger in his few months of knowing the pixies felt there were two very important facts about them. They were rather friendly, little creatures. And they were mischievous little devils. Fond of mayhem they were always trying to find little tricks to play on visitors to Il Mheg.

And Urianger was their favourite playmate. The mysterious elf who spoke with a funny voice and who had taken up residence in one the old mortal dwellings. He absolutely delighted them. Mortals never stayed in Il Mheg; they feared the fey and usually tried to pass through quickly when traveling its roads.

Today he had been making notes of the different kinds of flora that bloomed the land. Making quick sketches—though his hand wasn’t as talented as young Master Alphinaud’s—as well as jotting notes down about them.

Fascinating, it was all incredibly fascinating. He had theorized that Il Mheg must be somewhere geographically where Ishgard is on the Source. And yet it possessed a completely different clime.

He had been studying the plant life, curious to see if there were any similarities to those on his home shard. However, much of the flora seemed to have evolved in its own way separate from those on the Source. Which he supposed would make sense. The First’s history had been carved out in a different path from the Source. It had experienced its own eras, its own disasters, tragedies, and other impactful events. And so the flora and fauna and even the landscape itself would’ve adapted differently.

“Urianger!” A chipper voice suddenly popped into existence.

“Good morning to thee, Kenn Beq.” Urianger hummed as he scribbled something down in his journal about the tree he was resting under.

“What are you doing this time?” Kenn Beq asked, flitting close to look over his shoulder. “Oh what pretty pictures! Uri likes flowers! Lemme see! Lemme see! Don’t be shy now!”

And with a flick of their wrist, Urianger’s journal was suddenly lifted out of his hands and into the air. The Archon let out a noise of protest. It seemed the pixies were in a mischievous mood today.

“Kenn Beq.” Urianger fiercely said as if reprimanding a child. “Return that at once.”

They merely giggled at him and leafed through the pages. “Oh calm yourself. I only want to look. Oooh, Uri seems to be a scholar as well. Kenn Sul, come look!” They then called and another pixie popped forth.

Kenn Sul and Kenn Beq were perhaps the equivalent of twins in the world of mortals. The other pixies explained that the pair had been “born” together. And thus the two of them together were the source of much mayhem.

In truth, Urianger always found them rather endearing. Perhaps, reminded of another set of twins he knew well; and thus tolerated their presence. However, today he was in no mood to entertain these two.

“Oooh, how pretty!” Kenn Sul fawned. “You should have told us you liked flowers, Uri.”

He sighed. “Aye, I wish to learn more about thou’s land. And I’ve found the best way to learn about one’s surroundings is to observe the plant life. Now if you would be so kind.” And he stretched out his hand, waiting for his book to be returned to him.

The twins shared a look. And he did not like the smirks on their faces. The pixies were like children, he’d decided—very naughty children. Always scheming something wicked.

“Oh fine.” Kenn Beq agreed and sent the book floating back down to him.

“Uri, if you like flowers we can lead you to some very special ones!” Kenn Sul then said. “Ones that aren’t in your pretty book yet!”

Kenn Beq clapped their hands together in excitement. “Yes, yes! Oh I love those! I would love to see them in your book!”

Urianger eyed them warily. Wisely wondering if the two were up to any tricks. One had to be careful when trusting a pixie. Sometimes they were honest creatures and sometimes they would lead you straight into the jaws of a hungry draco.

And these two were no exception. Nay they were much worse!

“I am too busy for games, my friends.” He shook his head. “Mayhaps another time.”

And Kenn Sul made a stomping motion in the air, crossing their arms. “But it is no game. We mean it!”

“Yes!” Kenn Beq added. “There is a flower patch on the far end of Il Mheg that we know you want to...to sturdy? No that’s not the right word for it? Um Kenn Sul, what was it scholars like Uri did again?”

“I believe it was study.” Their twin offered. “Oh you were quite close!”

Kenn Beq did a twirl in the air at the praise before turning their attention back to Urianger. “Come, come! We’ll show you. And if it’s a rotten trick of ours then you’re free to cuff Kenn Sul across the head a few times as punishment.”

And with that Kenn Beq flitted off.

“H-hey!” Their sibling called after them as they followed. “Why do I have to take the brunt of the blame?!”

Urianger sighed; he could just stay here and return to his studies. Perhaps even return to the Bookman’s Shelves for a lunch. But he felt the twins would take offense to that. They would come pester him until he agreed to come with them on their little adventure. And if not that, they certainly would find a cruel trick to play on him.

And so against his better judgement, he tucked his journal under his arm and followed the tittering fey.

“See Uri!” Kenn Sul proudly announced when they had arrived at their destination.

The pixies flew excited circles around him, pointing at a cluster of shrubs with bright purple flowers blooming on them. Indeed he had never seen these flowers on his travels before. And drew closer out of curiosity. Upon closer inspection he found the flowers’ petals were also speckled with yellow like little freckles. And the flowers themselves were about the size of his entire hand.

“How fascinating.” The Archon hummed and opened his journal to take notes. “And what are these called?”

Kenn Beq came flitting up to rest upon his shoulder. “The mortals that lived here long ago had a name for them—I don’t remember what it was though. We pixies however call them Dreaming-While-Awakes.”

An odd name. He’d have to poor through the tomes at his home to see if he could discover its proper one.

“Are they poisonous? Or dangerous at all?” Urianger tilted his head. He knew many flowers were deceptively beautiful and here and the land of fey one could never be too careful. Just the other day a pixie had warned him to stay away from a cotton-like plant that was said to sting like nettles despite its soft appearance.

“No.” Kenn Beq said, casually swaying their legs. “We’ve never seen it harm mortals before.”

He nodded and assuming Kenn Beq’s knowledge could be trusted, he made note of the observation in his journal. And out of curiosity reach out to touch one of the soft looking petals.

The moment his finger brushed against the petal the flower shuddered and sprayed out a cloud of what he assumed to be some kind of mist or pollen. And then it closed up at once, curling itself into a tight little bud.

Urianger startled, coughing and hacking on the strange concoction it had assaulted him with. The smell was absolutely horrendous, it burned his throat and made his eyes water.

Faintly he could hear the twins laughing at him. Accursed little imps! He should have known better! However, before he could berate them for their trickery, they quickly flew off.

Whatever ailed him seemed to finally dissipate after a few agonizing minutes, though Urianger still suffered from its effects. Do not rub your eyes. It could spread the irritant and damage sight. His studies reminded him. And so he kept his hands away from his face.

It took a moment, but the burning seemed to abate to a more tolerable level. He paused for a moment, doing a mental well-being check. He didn’t seem ill or in any pain—the only thing plaguing him were eyes and a slight headache. But otherwise he didn’t seem to be in any danger.

It seemed Kenn Beq had not lied in that regard. The spray probably was some sort of defense mechanism for the plant. To keep itself from being eaten. He made a note of this within his journal before turning to head home.

During the walk back he did not encounter Kenn Beq or Kenn Sul again. The pair of them smartly staying away from him while his anger was still hot. On the morrow they’d probably come bearing gifts of apology, usually polished stones from the river that they thought were pretty.

And so his walk had gone undisturbed. However, about halfway he had to pause. The throbbing in his head had grown steadily worse. Going from a dull ache to a full on piercing pain. A side effect from the flower?

He groaned, clutching at his head with a hand. He winced at the sun beating down on him. was it always so bright? It made him feel nauseated under its beating warmth. Had that flower been poisonous?

Gods, above he felt so dizzy—the world was spinning and—

“You alright love?”

A voice snapped him from whatever was ailing him.

“You’re not looking too good. What tried to drink Thancred under the table? Though I have to say that’s not a very hard feat to accomplish.”

That voice…

His head still ached and he had to squint through the bright sunlight at the figure before him. It couldn’t be and yet...it sounded like her. It...it looked like her.

He could feel himself trembling as his lips parted to form her name. It couldn’t be. It was impossible.

Yet there she stood grinning at him, hands propped on her hips. “Come on then, up you go.” She insisted. “We need to get back home;?don’t want to be out here in the dark, do you?”

Finally. Finally he had the strength to form her name on his tongue. “Moenbryda?” He whispered incredulously.

She cocked her head. “Were you expecting someone else?”

Once again he was left speechless. How? How was this possible? This had to be a trick! Some cruel, cruel trick done by the pixies. He felt angry. He felt sorrow he thought he buried welling up within him again.

Abruptly, Moenbyrda’s smile fell and was replaced by an expression of concern. “Are you alright, love?” She asked moving forward to cup his face between her hands. And Urianger was surprised to find her touch warm. So real.

“How…” Urianger managed to find his voice. And he could feel tears misting in his eyes. “How are you here?”

Moenbryda seemed surprised and even offended at that. “Urianger...I’ve always been with you. Don’t you remember?” A frown furrowed her brow as she placed the back of her hand against his forehead. “Hmph, that flower must’ve done a number on you, eh? You’re positively burning up. Come on, let’s go back home and prep some tea. That always makes you feel better.”

“But…” Urianger began to protest.

“Hush my dear.” Moenbryda told him and patted him on the cheek. “It’s all going to be okay. You just need to rest.”

Something in her words seemed to soothe him. The emotions rattling within him stilled. And suddenly he felt so tired.

“Right...right.” He murmured, feeling dazed and let her lead him back home.

This felt strange. Like it shouldn’t be happening. And yet...her hands had felt so real against his cheeks. Her fingers felt so real as they entwined with his. And her voice, her sweet voice—he could never mistake it. It was her.

And yet it couldn’t be. Back and forth his mind warred like that. Illogical and logical fighting to dominate his mind which right now felt as if a fog had settled over it.

It didn’t feel right but Moen had promised all was well. And well...he trusted her.

They had made it to the Rising Stones.

Wait...that’s not right. Is it?

He couldn’t ponder on it much longer before Moenbryda dragged him inside. She had settled down at a table and quickly shooed him away, insisting that he start a kettle for them.

“And why am I making the tea when it was thee whom suggested it?” Urianger had asked.

And Moenbryda grinned that wonderful smile of hers. Wry and filled with mischief. “Because you need something to occupy your mind, silly thing. You’ve walked the whole way here with a blank look on your face like your head was suddenly empty.” She teased. “You need something to do to get that brain of yours working again.”

He merely shook his head and wandered over to the stove to prepare the tea. Cheeky. She was always so cheeky. And that was one of the things he loved most about her.

The thought tugged at something at the back of his mind. And the dizzy spell that had ailed him earlier had suddenly returned. The elezen had to lean against the nearby wall for a moment to get his bearings. Why was he feeling so nauseous all of a sudden?

“Is everything alright, Urianger?” he heard Moenbryda call out to him. “You haven’t been acting well since that incident with that flower. Funny thing must be messing with your head.”

“Yes...the flower.” He murmured and clutched at his head. Something about that was making his head throb again. What had Kenn Beq called it? Something wasn’t right. “The Rising Stones. How...did we get here? We were just in Il Mheg.”

“We walked here, obviously. Are you feeling okay?”

No. Not at all. Something...something wasn’t right.

“I am fine.” Urianger reassured, shaking his head to clear it. And with trembling hands he turned his attention back to his task. Right...he needed to put the kettle on to warm the water—

Two cups of tea sat before him. Warm and with steam rising up from them. How? Had he already brewed it and just wasn’t paying attention?

“Uri!” Moenbryda called impatiently. “Are you going to hog it all for yourself?”

He pushed down the nauseated feeling rising within him and turned to carry the cups to his waiting companion. This was nice. How long had it been since the two of them enjoyed a nice tea and chat together?

Again the tugging at his mind came. The flower. Il Mheg. Sitting here in the Rising Stones didn’t seem to fit with it. His sluggish mind swept it away. Focus on tea with Moen not that.

The two of them chatted pleasantly. Reminiscing in old memories and recounting stories of their time after graduating the Studium. It was a pleasant time and Urianger felt he had not had genuine laughter in so long.

He couldn’t help but to feel he was forgetting something though. Something that kept nagging at the back of his mind. It had been tugging on him ever since meeting Moenbryda again.

There was something about her. Something about this day. This very moment. And every time he tried to focus on it he was left feeling dizzy.

“Mm you always made the finest tea, Urianger.” Moenbryda praised as she took a long sip. Knocking it back as if it were a tankard of ale. “Always could taste the care you put into it.”

“Preparing tea is an art.” Urianger replied as he took his own sip. Puzzlement welled up within him. His tasted so plain. Had he put enough herbs in it? “Master Loiusoix taught me that important lesson. “

Moenbryda hummed. “You were always his favourite.”

He set his foul tea aside, no longer having the taste for it. “Do not pretend that he never had a fondness for thee.”

She merely shrugged at that and crossed one leg over the other. “Do you miss him?”

The question seemed out of nowhere and surprised Urianger. He scowled and looked down at his lap. “Aye.” He admitted. “Every day, I long for his wisdom and his guidance. For there are some days where I oft wonder if I am taking the right steps. And if I am taking them down the right path.”

Moenbryda hummed thoughtfully. “And me? Do you miss me?”

That question was odd that it made him jerk his head up to see...her fading.

“Moen?” He whispered in worry.

She was fading. Fading away again.

Something...something was wrong. He felt hot all over and that piercing pain in his head from earlier had returned.

“Moen…” Urianger reached out to grasp her hands. “Moenbryda, what is wrong?!” Desperation made his voice hoarse.

And his dear friend stared at him sadly. And yet she smiled. “Ah told you that silly flower was messing with your head.”

The flower? Yes...yes he remembered now. The fog was slowly lifting and his head was clearer.

Kenn Beq had called something peculiar…Dreaming-While-Awake.

“This isn’t real.” He admitted to himself.

“No.” Moenbryda beamed. “But at least it was nice while it lasted.”

He stared at her sadly and when to grab her hand this time his fingers brushed through it. He closed his eyes with a grimace. Of course, he should’ve known better. Known that such a perfect moment could only exist within the confines of his mind.

“Oh don’t be sad, dear.” Moenbryda consoled. “I told you before, I’ve always been with you.”

“Yes…” He agreed, closing his hand into a fist and looking down at the table. “But only within mine dreams.”

“And within your heart.” She told him.

“And within mine heart.” He repeated solemnly. “I suppose it does answer thine question though. ” He murmured, looking up at the empty air where she’d once been. “I do miss thee terribly.”

When he came out of the strange vision, Urianger found himself lying in a field. Likely somewhere in between where the flowers had been and the Bookman’s Shelves. He hadn’t seemed to travel far in his stupor.

He groaned, wincing at the piercing pain in his skull. Now seeming a thousand times worse with him being awake. He awoke feeling sweaty and hot. And when he tried to stand he instantly regretted it, forced back to his knees as he retched up the contents of his stomach.

Twelve, allow me strength to make it back home.

This would be the last time he trusted the fey on botanistic excursions.

Journal Entry No. 63

Dreamer’s Neem (the the pixies seem to dub it Dreaming-While-Awake)

A beautiful looking flower that grows to about the size of a grown Elezen male’s hand. A light shade of purple and dappled with yellow freckles it seems to grow on shrubs in isolated patches around Il Mheg.

As a defense mechanism against creatures that would try to prey upon it, the plant sprays the aggressor with an agitating powder before closing in on itself. It should be noted that this powder contains a very potent hallucinogenic agent that causes truly powerful visions that seem to affect all the senses.

The former human inhabitants seemed to have used the flower for recreational purposes. Similar to the use of milkweed on the Source. It should be noted however, that while the plant may not be deadly it is best to avoid it. The effects of its defensive powder could prove to be overwhelming to individuals not familiar with the plant.

It should also be well noted that an individual exposed should be given cool water and broth for the rest of the day. The after effects of the hallucinations may leave them weak of stomach. And solid foods could agitate their condition.

Have care for thee whom wouldst seek out this plant. For the vision it offers may not always be pleasant. Speaking from mine own experience it was rather tame. Though other accounts I hath read indicate more nightmarish experiences. How lucky I was in mine own…

#ffxivwrite2021 #final fantasy xiv #Urianger Augurelt #writing

13 notes · View notes

pen-observing · 4 years

Text

Yellow feelings

You hold pure feelings for an unpure being. Then again, so does Lucifer.

Warnings: none

Masterlist

Walking through the garden you tried to remember a truth universally acknowledged. In nature, and in solitude, lies the place where humans have to be honest with themselves. Where humans have to admit to their emotions. What nature was more beautiful than the unique hybrid flowers decorating the paths of the House of Lamentation? What nature so odd to a human vessel? Among these paths is where the fragility of humanity turns into undeniable honesty. Why? You realize how small you are whilst your feelings overwhelm your body and soul. You realize that truth sets free in all cases.

When you strayed off the path and walked the streets alone, in moments Mammon had a photoshoot so he could not tag along, you could lie to yourself. You could lie in the halls of RAD. You could stay quiet in front of Diavolo. In a way; you would, in an impulsive moment, even lie to the most powerful being of that strange world. But, my dear, you cannot lie to yourself.

What is the difference between love uttered and love unspoken? The simple secret, once complexities are out of the way, is how it influences people. The massive love which marks growth everyday inside your hearth is unspoken. It is secret. Unlike those that utter the feelings to regain control, you try to swim inside the flutters and crashes of waves that a single glace may bring. You try to fight, you try to silently give in but the end result it always the same. Unspoken love towards him drowns you. It does not even give you a glimmer of a glowing chance to fight back.

You have contemplated long and hard about what having these feelings towards Lucifer really meant. You have questioned and wandered into depths of your mind in trying to find answers. Denial was the strongest weapon at first.

Maybe you watching the way his glowed hand held the tea cup just meant you wanted to find more grace? Perhaps knowing how his hair decorated his features just meant admiring the beauty of a creature who once was an angel? Perhaps knowing which eye of his would twitch first from another crazy idea the prince had was just you, well, finding fun in such circumstances?

Oh, how denial came naturally to you. Oh, how denial dispersed once your feet stood on the stone grounds to look at the flowers.

What you held for Lucifer; shielded in such a small body, guarded with such helpless hands and nurtured with unnoticed care was not, - could not - be anything short of love.

These hybrid flowers were witnesses to your promise. These cold stones showed you the path towards fulfilling it. You swore to tell Lucifer the truth.

Countlessly drowning in waves of secret love would hurt immensely.

Knowing yourself meant taking determined steps towards his study with wavering confidence. If you did not confess now, your own cowardice would eat away any other chance. Why was it that in this moment, in this brief time, you felt so brave? Fate, my dear.

Your feet carried you in front of his door. The door that was almost always slightly ajar, just in case some brother was sneaking out front trying to play another petty trick towards the man that undeniably felt fond of them. His door seemed to loom over you like never before. It seemed to carry a warning. The anxiety of finally uttering feelings, as you did not plan a confession yet, kept growing. However, your impulsive bravery overcame it and stepped a bit closer.

“Pass me my favorite pen, please?”, Lucifer’s voice stopped your hand. Your breathing. All at once. It cut through the air.

Who was the other person in Lucifer’s sacred room? Who was he speaking to in such a voice? Surely, it made you stop but this; this voice plainly displayed exhaustion. Lucifer usually masked worries and held up a proud persona. He had invisible walls to represent himself in such a light that would intimidate everyone. And, hold up- Lucifer has a favourite pen? How come you did not know this despite all the habits your love swayed you to see?

Whoever the other person was in the room with him did not reply. Why? Why was there no reply? If you are breaking the moral codes of privacy just by staying rooted in curiosity they might as well offer something. Anything. Who was the person Lucifer let his guard down for?

Your vision could only take in a bit of what was happening. With quiet breathing and an even quieter step forward; you ducked to see into the room more.

“Oh.”

It is odd how sometimes a heart carrying so much love can break; logical realizations along with atmosphere impressions do not ask you whether the emotions were spoken yet. People always claim that expressions of great partnership and infatuation are carried out with grand displays of affection. Grand displays can feel special regardless of what the person means to you sometimes. You always looked at the little things; the things that stand as invisible strings of love between two people. And, what you saw was enough.

You looked at the sight smiling softly. The need to ardently confess to Lucifer was vanished. It was replaced by understanding and a soft heartbreak. Unspoken love deserves this kind of heartbreak, this kind of ending, my dear.

What do you think hurts more? Rejection after a confession or not a chance to confess at all? I claim it is never having confessed while wishing the object of your affection all the best in this world.

How dare you walk away from the study door faster than you came? How dare you not notice the garden flowers expressing a sad ode to your feelings? How dare you curse the stone path which lead you there? It is paradoxical really. How could you smile when you saw Diavolo’s hand gracefully extend a pen towards Lucifer? How could you smile at Lucifer’s loose tie while Diavolo gazed at him like he was still an angel? It was true intimacy. True intimacy was in that space, between Lucifer and Diavolo; in small moments of everyday life that signified something so grand. It signified a true mark of love.

So, how could you smile and wish their love all the best yet still shed tears and run away from that sight? Run away from that space? Where were you running with such clouded eyes? How did you manage to stay so quiet?

You did not know. All you knew was that a path seemed to open up. It led somewhere you never explored before. Was it always here? Running from something is easier than not knowing where you are running. Something tugged your soul towards that field. Something your clouded eyes could not recognize.

Perhaps it was the magic of humanity?

Was it even necessary to name the force that lead you to a small field which seemed to stand alone in that strange world? No. That field called upon you to answer. The steps carrying you there reached their destination. You stopped in the middle and looked around.

Daffodils. This place was overflowing with daffodils. Golden stars amongst the green grass welcomed you as one of their own.

This was the first time that the Devildom was kind enough to show flowers from the human world. It awakened something within you. A spark.

“I wandered lonely as a cloud...”

Those words just came out of your mouth as if asking to harmonize with the surrounding scenery.

Yellow flowers. What does that love mean now? Blue feelings. Where is that love supposed to go?

Thinking back...when did romantic love lead you up until now?

You dropped down on your knees, completely quiet as one tear drop slid down your right cheek. Yellow feelings.

While gazing at the daffodils in front; you brought your hands up, palms pressed together. In this strange world you found a place to be a broken human again. The gaze shifted towards the sky.

“Please, God, do not let my love be in vain forever.”

Here you were. Praying in a field of yellow under the eternally dark sky. Hoping that your next love, uttered or unspoken, would not waste away.

What is this? Okay basically, I wandered lonely as a cloud is a name of a poem which starts that same way. I had to learn it for one of my classes. It is by Wordsworth and you can read it if you wish to understand more. It is about him being lonely and wandering around until daffodils /which, signify unrequited love by the way) charm him. It is my way of saying unrequited love is not the end, while it is very common. No, I do not ship Dialuci but Diavolo was the first one that came to my mind!

#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me imagines #obey me lucifer #lucifer x mc #lucifer x reader #obey me fic #angst #unrequited love #dialuci #unrequited feelings #make the tags work now or i riot

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fortune-fool02 · 3 years

Text

A Beast’s Beauty

Dio Brando x female reader

Requested by: @ svonschroeder

Ok I got one how about PB Dio falling in love with the reader who looks like Mileena I just love her new design

Warning: Blood, violence

Mileena is my favourite character of the MK series, how could I say no to this request?

Please enjoy.

Darkness plagued the land, banishing all traces of the sun and leaving a waves of shadows in its place. The warmth was replaced with a chill that set one’s nerves on edge, a biting, scraping chill that hissed as it passed. Streets empty of life aside from a scurrying rat that ducked into an alley, followed by the rushing footsteps of a panicked man. Ice cold fear coursing through his body, hot blood pouring down his limp arm as he clutched it tightly, trying to get away from his attacker.

Heavy, ragged breaths left him, lungs burning for oxygen as did his legs begging for a break from the long run. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t for fear that the thing would find him. He had never seen anything so monstrous in all his life and his most darkest nightmares. Such hunger in those inhuman eyes that pierced through the darkness; that horrific, gruesome mouth that belonged to a demon. Teeth made for the sole purpose of tearing through flesh. A monster disguising itself as a beautiful woman.

He stopped dead in his tracks. Another set of footsteps was heard, the sound of heels tapping against stone then silence. Wide eyes searched the shadows frantically, a wounded animal cornered against a wall, searching for some kind of escape but his attempts were futile. The beast had found him. Lunging from the darkness like a leaping predator, her claws dug into the flesh of his shoulders, piercing the skin as her gaping jaws dug deep into the soft flesh of his throat. Needle teeth slicing through muscle, flesh, skin and even bone as she threw her head back, ripping his throat open and letting the blood pour. The man fell backwards, a lifeless sack of meat as the creature landed upright, her long thin tongue licking the blood from her claws and humming at the taste.

Many believed that females represented beauty, grace and kindness. The mothers of children and the givers of life. Their bodies represented as temples of development and growth. Goddesses were carved and worshipped for such things, all of them holding great, flawless beauty that could outshine anything that could challenge them. Graceful. Beautiful. Gentle. Loving.

Though, there was one that willingly shunned away from all of that. She didn’t want to be gentle nor loving. [Name] was cold, ruthless and merciless. Clawed her way out of the rings of Hell to spread her carnage, for the taste of hot blood in her mouth and on her claws. The fear, the ice cold, hopeless fear was what she also craved. To see the light of hope flicker out like a dying candle as she drove her claws deep into the soft, tender flesh of her victims before her jaws followed behind.

With the horrific attacks and numbers of missing people spreading like wildfire throughout London and the surrounding areas, it was easy for [Name] to mask and hide her brutal attacks. Not that she cared of them being discovered, a part of her always hoped they would be. Fear was such a beautiful thing to her. But there was someone who noticed these odd attacks as they were completely unrelated to his own, and he wanted to know who was invading his territory and claiming his victims.

And as if Fate Herself had written it, the two soon crossed paths with one another. But what Fate had not written was for the two demonic creatures of darkness to come to an agreement, an alliance. His manipulation and temptation aided with her ferocity and savagery was something that nothing could stand against.

Dio had, at first, found [Name]’s appearance repulsive with her snapping jaws, reminding him of a beast and was thankful for the veil she wore around her mouth when not attacking a victim. He was no fool to the threat that [Name] held and thus was the reason behind their little alliance. She was a tool to use to eradicate any enemy that stood in his way. A very useful tool. But [Name] was not just that, despite having the savagery of a wild beast, she was by no means foolish nor dull. She was sharper than the claws on her fingers. That was something Dio did find interesting.

A combination of intelligence and brutality, a rare thing indeed. He could not deny there was some aspect of beauty in that, the kind in a poisonous flower with such alluring petals and colours. Her strength easily surpassed any zombie in his command, making Tarukus look like a child swinging a toy axe around. It was certainly something that sparked the vampire’s interest.

“Tell me, [Name]. What are you, exactly?” He questioned her, twirling the red rose between his fingers as he lounged on the comfortable seat, his eyes drifted towards her. Bright, [Eye colour] eyes pierced through the darkness, feline eyes locked on his form, her jaws hidden by the veil again.

“I am a hybrid. Half-Tarkatan, half-Edenian. Two forms of demons mixed into one in perfect creation. My father’s greatest masterpiece.” Her voice held such a hiss to it like that of a snake or cat, further proving her inhuman origins. Dio had heard few tales of these monsters but if she was the product of mixing the two then he could imagine them separate. A fascinating creature indeed. One of strength, power and brutality. A perfect predator.

That was what [Name] was. A perfect specimen.

#dio #dio brando #jojo bizarre adventure #dio x reader #dio brando x reader #jojo bizzare adventure x reader #jojo #jojo x reader #jojo phantom blood #phantom blood x reader #dio phantom blood #phantom blood #jojo part 1

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takenbypeter · 2 years

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Ello ello!

I'm not sure if your ships are still open but I would love a marvel ship exchange!

For you, I would ship you with Thor!!!

You are both VERY happy go lucky, I feel like you would both go on spontaneous adventures and live a carefree relationship, always seizing every moment together! There would be SO many laughs, and Thor would bring so much humor and be such an extrovert that he would help bring you out of your shell very quickly when you first meet him. You would open up in no time! He would be super cringey and romantic because this man has no chill, he would be so traditionally romantic which I think fits well with your romantic nature too. And he would love sharing all your hobbies with you, especially food haha! And don't worry, he would scare the insects away by threatening them with his hammer - "Ah! Six-legged creature! Do not hurt her or you will feel my wrath!" Also, I feel like Thor is also very very forward and blunt whether he realises it or not, and so he would look for a partner who was also a bit blunt sometimes to avoid anyone getting offended haha. I think overall you are both a great match 💛💛

My name is Alexandra, 22, female, straight. I study Theology and Religion at university - I study the Bible, alternative theories surrounding it, and the true intended meaning of each passage. Appearance wise, I am average height, I have deep blue eyes, and I like to dye my hair bold colours. At the moment, my hair is split dye blue and black 💙�� I also have a lot of piercings, and I wear a mixture of gothic and boho style clothing. I also have a lazy eye which sometimes I can get a little insecure about if I meet new people. I LOVE animals, and I have a pet rabbit and axolotl. My favourite animals are cats and ducks. I would describe myself as very compassionate and giving, and very loyal to my friends and relationships no matter what. I have gone through domestic abuse in the past which does mean I find it harder to trust people, and I am healing more and more every day. But once you get to know me and i feel comfortable, I can be quite the extrovert! My hobbies are mainly based around spirituality. I am a Pagan witch, paranormal investigator, and I have my own tarot card reading business 🔮 I also collect teddy bears, and haunted bears/dolls. My favourite music is both rock and heavy techno, and i love horror movies and Scooby Doo ♥️♥️♥️♥️

exchange ship for @like-what-the-fuck-scoob

Hey hey hey! I’m so excited! you’re my first actual ship, eep so hyped 🥳 also thanks for the ship back, I love it 🤍

Bucky Barnes

I’m being 100% honest when I say I didn’t even look at your page until after writing this. At first glance I think he might find you odd. The bold hair, the bold piercings, being a Pagan Witch, let me tell you, he would definitely find this sort of strange, only because he’s still getting used to how different the world is from what he remembers. After some time though, he’d find your hobbies and business less strange and more intriguing, he’d definitely be curious. Seems like the type to join you in your investigations, initially out of curiosities, would definitely enjoy hearing the stories behind the haunted dolls and bears. Bucky has been through his own abuse so he knows how much of a struggle dealing with that is. And since he doesn’t want you to ever go through what you went through ever again, he tries his hardest to make everyday with you count. But because of his own trauma, there have been some moments where he’s slipped into self doubt and that’s where you come in. Together you’d build each other up, promising to protect one another. The fact that you can be extroverted balances out with his introverted-self. In public settings he’d definitely be stuck to your side, because you make him feel comfortable, safe. Definitely the type to admire you from afar. You could be helping someone with a simple task and he’d watch and think to himself, ‘that’s my girl.’ All in all, I think you two would be super cute together and you could introduce him to a lot of new things, turning them into fun dates together.

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I had fun writing it! Thanks for requesting 🦾💙

#marvel #marvel ships #marvel match ups #marvel ship exchange #marvel match up exchange #mcu ships #mcu match ups #mcu ship exchange #mcu match up exchange #avengers ships #avengers match ups #avengers ship exchange #avengers match up exchange

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soft-glitch · 3 years

Text

Through Thick And Thin

Fandom: Sonic the Hedgehog

Type: hurt/comfort, platonic fluff

Word count: about 2700 words

Author’s notes: this year was a mess. But I’m grateful for a few things that happened to me in 2020. One of these things is getting into the Sonic fandom, which helped me find joy in being creative again. Another is a budding friendship with someone really cool, that I can only hope will last for a long time.

This fic is kind of a gift to that person for New Year’s Day. To everyone, but especially to you O, I wish a happy new year and many good things to come.

- - - - -

It was not an easy morning.

Shadow had always been an early bird. He never needed much sleep compared to other mobians, thanks to his bio-engineered origins. This was both a blessing and a curse, depending on the days.

Being able to stay up most of the night during missions proved useful more than once. On the other hand, when ugly thoughts would assail him and sleeping them away was not an option, well… It was suddenly much less interesting.

On this last day of December, the hedgehog could not shake uneasy feelings. Between Eggman’s plotting and his own personal issues Shadow always had rough times, but this year had been… a lot.

Walking silently in the empty corridor, careful not to wake up anyone in the household, the dark mobian reached the kitchen and started preparing hot chocolate. Since most of his friends knew about his sweet tooth he didn’t bother hiding it anymore, and Rouge always made sure they were stocked up on cocoa.

While waiting for the milk to warm, he glanced at the clock on the wall. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

The eerie calm of early hours often made Shadow slightly uncomfortable. Despite his introvert side enjoying the peaceful solitude, it was also a moment where his thoughts would simmer in his mind, either awoken by confuse dreams or simply emerging as the day started. He would often put some music or read a book to avoid thinking too hard about it.

Didn’t always work, though.

Taking a deep breath the hedgehog felt some relief at the sweet scent of chocolate. He took a small sip before moving to roll himself in blankets on the large couch. With a long and noisy yawn he reached for the remote and pointed it at the large TV screen in front of him. Maybe there was something nice to watch while waiting for his roommates to get up.

- - - - -

When Shadow opened his eyes again, sunlight was gently glowing through the translucent curtains of the living room. Which meant it was probably kind of late already. It seemed he fell back asleep at some point.

With a frown, he rubbed his dishevelled quills and took a look at his phone. Almost 11am, and no sign of Rouge or Omega... This was odd, especially since they planned on spending the New Year’s Eve together.

That’s when he noticed an envelope lying on the small coffee table, next to his now empty mug. It was plain kraft, with a small card inside that only offered an address and the words “At noon, don’t be late hun”.

Obviously from Rouge. She loved putting mystery and drama in everything she did. Shadow huffed and shook his head.

Irredeemable.

Did that mean his friends got up without waking him and prepared some kind of surprise? However silly it was, this simple envelope brought some warmth to the hedgehog’s heart. He got up to take a quick shower and prepare for the day, a small smile peeking at the corner of his lips.

- - - - -

The location was one Shadow didn’t particularly recognise, a small intersection in a popular part of the town. Since Team Dark lived in a suburban area and their job at G.U.N was usually all over the world, his knowledge of the city was lacklustre. Right as his phone displayed 12pm a text popped up on the screen.

Rouge Right behind the shoes store, a cafe.

The striped mobian rolled his eyes with a hint of amusement. Even for something as simple as a New Year between friends, the bat couldn’t help making some kind of fun game to play. Shadow would gladly proclaim it futile and childish, but he actually enjoyed these quirky adventures his best friend always peppered in his life.

What he saw next filled him with pure joy. Of course Rouge wouldn’t choose a random cafe to meet. She had to make it extra one way or another, and she just knew how to please him.

The Gentle Garden Chao Café & Flower Shop

Almost giddy at the idea of having some sweets surrounded by chao, the ultimate lifeform stepped into the small establishment. A quick glance around made him happy beyond words: soft muted lights and warm colours complemented vintage furniture, large potted plants adorned all sides of the place, and —most importantly— chao of every kind were all over the place, either walking, being cuddled by clients or sleeping on small pillows.

In the back of the room was a large counter, behind which a massive chalkboard displayed both the cafe menu and prices of various flower arrangements.

Before Shadow could go and talk to the barista, a familiar face caught his attention. Rouge was there, sitting nonchalantly and sipping some drink in the most ostentatious way possible.

The hedgehog smirked and sat in front of her.

“So...?” he started with a raised brow. “So what? Did you think I’d let you stay home for this special day?” Rouge huffed between two exaggerated sips. “It’s just New Year’s Eve, not an anniversary or something...” Shadow said, glancing at the table.

He realised an order of white chocolate cappuccino —his very favourite drink— and forêt noire —one of his favourite sweets— were set in front of him. For a second he felt something rise in his chest. A mix of gratitude and that odd yet pleasing vulnerability he could only feel with his closest friends.

“I know it’s just the new year.” the bat leaned on the table, her eyes both tender and serious. “I also know you haven’t been doing great lately. It’s been a difficult time, and of course it won’t magically be over as midnight comes, but...”

She looked in the distance, her eyes piercing through the windows and their cold winter lighting. Shadow could very clearly feel the bittersweet essence of her expression. This year had also been hard on her.

“We’re in this together, y’know.” she resumed, turning a gentle smile towards him. “And while I can’t resolve every problem we have, I can at least invite my emo bestie to enjoy some chao and indulge in sugary treats!”

The hedgehog chuckled at this, then raised his cappuccino mug. “Let’s have a good time, then. To us bitches.” he said with a knowing grin. “To us bitches!” she exclaimed happily. ”Now drink that ‘ccino, we have chao to cuddle.”

Some laughs and friendly banter later, two chao had found their way on Shadow. One was sleepily nested on his legs while the other was playing on his head, brushing his quills curiously.

“You really have your way with them, just like Omega...” Rouge remarked. She loved the little creatures very much, but she never seemed to attract them as easily as her two partners. No one really knew why and she honestly didn’t mind. It was fun enough to observe them from a distance: no risks of ruined haircut or having one mess with her wings.

“This is the best.” the hedgehog whispered, his voice full of emotion. His friend chuckled. Shadow was endearing in many ways, but his love for plants and creatures was unparalleled in an extremely wholesome way.

“Did you ever consider adopting one?” she asked before biting into her remaining pastry. Shadow’s expression became slightly somber as he looked at her. “I…” he sighed and scratched the sleeping one’s head. “I always wanted to, I guess. Even on the Ark, once we learned about them with Maria, we used to pretend having one. There was a plush, I don’t remember its name. We would play parents, bring it along for walks across the Ark, this kind of things.”

Rouge nodded sympathetically. Maria was less and less a sensitive subject as years went by, but Shadow was still defensive about these memories. Sharing them was one of the most intimate things he would do, and she felt honoured every time it happened.

“Maybe one day.” the hedgehog shrugged with a tired smile. ”Right now our lives are too dangerous. I can’t raise one properly as long as we keep fighting and going on missions Chaos knows where. – Let’s hope we get Eggman and his clique once and for all, then!” Rouge said with a grin. “Can’t wait to have you pester us with photos of your ugly little baby.”

The genuine laugh that followed made the bat beam with happiness.

- - - - -

The very specific atmosphere of New Year’s Eve was not lost to the two mobians as they strolled in the city. Streets were bustling with activity, but in a way that felt distinct from other winter holidays. The ambient anticipation was less frantic, almost… solemn. Instead of rushing for gifts and food, people seemed determined to enjoy the final hours of this year.

Shadow found it interesting, not without its charm. He was more used to strolls in mountains, lonely forests and small paths undulating through fields. The buzzing activity of the city was something else —very nice, though. Plus Rouge knew every neighbourhood surprisingly well, and offered him little fun facts and stories about all sorts of buildings and places.

“It’s a real shame we don’t get more free time between G.U.N and Eggman.” the bat lamented. “There are so many nice spots I’d love to visit with Omega and you. – We do have vacations once in a while.” Shadow replied. “Yeah, but they’re either ruined by some apocalyptic event or by an intense need for rest.” she sighed. “We can’t enjoy the Museum of Arts if we’re falling asleep every two paintings.”

The dark mobian nodded. Technically Omega and him didn’t need a lot of sleep, but being world-saving heroes brought its own kind of mental fatigue. Moments of calm and respite were too few and far between.

“Well. Next time we have some days off we’ll organise a Team Dark afternoon.” Shadow offered. “An exhibit or two, some games at the arcade. Maybe a small concert at a cafe. – Oh my. Hun, I’m impressed to see you take this kind of initiatives.” the bat replied.

The hedgehog gave her a friendly nudge. “Shut up, can’t let you make all the decisions. – I don’t see why not.” Rouge shrugged with a knowing smile.

They suddenly stopped. Without really realising it, the duo had reached the large avenue leading back to their house. As they exchanged a glance, Rouge winked. “Omega must be waiting for us. Let’s move!” she said cheerfully.

- - - - -

An immediate wave of relief filled Shadow as soon as they passed the front door. “Finally some warmth.” he sighed, removing his large coat and thick scarf. “I was expecting your lowered body temperatures.” Omega’s robotic voice answered from the kitchen. “Hot tea and biscuits are ready for immediate consumption. Made with love.”

Rouge snickered and Shadow repressed a chuckle. Both knew Omega was absolutely unable to cook anything without setting fire to it, so the biscuits were probably store-bought. They still appreciated the gesture greatly.

Everyone gathered around the table, remembering stories about the now-ending year and its numerous developments. Adrenaline-filled fights, obscure investigations and exhausting assignments went alongside hilarious mistakes, glorious teamwork… and even celebratory moments with all the other heroes of Mobius.

“Okay, but the award for the best party of the year still goes to Knuckles’ surprise birthday.” Rouge said confidently while helping Omega put on a colourful crochet beanie. “Ughh please. Let’s not talk about it.” Shadow groaned, knowing exactly where this was going. “It was extremely fun. The fireworks accident made it over 200% better than any other celebration.” the robot insisted. “Oh right, I almost forgot about that!” the bat laughed. “Poor Knuckie, having to deal with a fire hazard on his cherished island…”

Memories of the furious echidna shouting frantically brought a grin to Shadow’s face. “But!” Rouge added, ”I mostly remember someone having a few drinks too much and— – NOPE!” the hedgehog exclaimed as he brandished his hands. “No talk of this specific event shall happen in this house. Ever.”

Omega tapped his fingers on the table as he eyed his smaller friend. “It is a shame I did not record it for ulterior viewing.” Shadow’s glare was so intense the former badnik recoiled slightly.

“Oh well, it’s all in the past now.” Rouge mused teasingly. ”Good times, good times...”

- - - - -

The closet was absurdly full of useless trinkets and Shadow was very, very close to “fix” it with a Chaos blast.

Of course he wouldn’t, knowing how preciously Rouge kept all those odd items from her past. Jewels, foreign souvenirs, postcards, old plushies, photographs… All her memorabilia was kept there, in a mismatched mess mixed up with cleaning supplies, spare beddings and various tools.

“They should be somewhere near the bottom!” the bat shouted from across the flat. The hedgehog growled, his eyes desperately scanning the clutter in front of him. Finally he found what he came for.

Fairy lights. The essential accessory to any LRCS —Living Room Camping Session.

Shadow walked back to the main room, where a drying rack and several chairs formed a structure covered by sheets and blankets. Omega was evaluating whether the improvised tent was big enough for him. “It is perfect, Rouge. We will be able to fit within the designated comfy area.” he said before crawling underneath the colourful construction.

The hedgehog carefully hung the string of lights around and inside the tent before plugging it. Rouge grabbed some snacks and scuttled against the large robot, who fiddled with the remote until a title screen showed on the TV.

“Are we really watching this?” Shadow asked hesitantly. “Shadow. We all know your inclination for romance between organic beings. Please come cuddle so we can start the movie.” Omega said. “Don’t tell me you suddenly decided to hate cheesy fiction, sweetie.” Rouge added. “I would rather perish than lose your snarky remarks and teary-eyed spee— – Alright, I get it, I’m coming.” the hedgehog replied with a frown. “This better be good, though.”

It was everything but good. Outbursts of laughter and incredulous stares followed one another as the movie —a romantic parody of the famous blockbuster Attack On Mobius— kept getting more and more absurd. Omega threatened to turn himself off as he struggled to find any reasoning behind what was happening, and Rouge almost choked on her pop-corn near the end of the second part.

When the credits started rolling, the three buddies snuggled together. The winter night cold was no match for a group hug and thick quilts. Shadow eyed his phone and hummed.

“It’s almost midnight. – Does that mean we have to prepare a wish?” Rouge asked in a sleepy voice. “We don’t have to.” the hedgehog replied, glancing at his two friends.

Has to be an odd sight, he thought. A haphazard team with so many differences, united by pure luck in a challenging world. Chilling together in a makeshift tent in the middle of a flat like nothing else mattered. He closed his eyes and took a moment to appreciate the warm feelings. Being surrounded by such amazing souls for whom he really mattered. Knowing all the affection and dedication hidden behind that seemingly cold name, “Team Dark”.

“I wished for a pony.” Both Omega and Shadow looked at their bat friend with tilted heads. “What? They’re cute, I dunno.” she shrugged with a shit-eating grin. “What would you guys wish for? – Dual plasma swords.” the robot replied. “Maybe I should ask Miles when we cross paths again.”

Rouge rolled her eyes, then shouted curse words as she realised midnight was mere seconds away. Omega startled, making the whole tent fall on the team. The striped hedgehog quickly covered his muzzle with his hands, trying to suppress an irresistible laugh. No matter how hard life was, no matter the obstacles in his way, one thing was certain as the year came to an end.

Friendship was all he could wish for.

#sonic the hedgehog #sth #rouge the bat #shadow the hedgehog #e-123 omega #fanfic #team dark

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rockthistowninsideout · 3 years

Text

Never Too Late For A Leap Of Faith

Part 2

Part 1 here

Five times Taichi only feels the presence of Digimons and one time he actually meets them (again).

Words: 1401 Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Tags: 5+1 Pairings: Taichi Yagami/OC, Sorato, Jyoumi

Inspired by this youtube video talking about how the end of Kizuna fits into the narrative of the Epilogue in 02, posted by TheDigiKnow. It’s in my opinion a thorough and yet personal analysis.

The last time Taichi had been this nervous was before his final exam in his studies. He stood before a sleek black door on one of the highest floors in a governmental skyscraper in Tokyo’s heart, Roppongi. Behind the door sat a panel of the Japanese government, wanting to hear his expertise. He wondered if Koushirou was already in there. After another deep breath, telling himself to just screw it, it wouldn’t be any better if he stood here for another minute or two, he knocked.

“Ah, Yagami-shi.” The prime minister bowed to him, as did everyone else, when he entered.

Taichi did his best to compose himself and not get all flustered by the honour of the prime minister knowing his name.

“Hello Taichi-san”, someone said at the other end of the table and Taichi noticed to his relief that it was Koushirou already standing beside a holographic screen.

Taichi bowed to everyone around, then proceeded towards Koushirou. He put his briefcase onto a desk and extracted his notes. He looked at them but then he realized he wouldn’t need them. Nodding to Koushirou, he said, after a few welcoming words “The public has known Digimons mostly as, at best, a nuisance and at worst as a life-threatening force. But we know that Digimons also have a different side. They are caring, loving, and loyal companions who want nothing but the best for humans.

Notice how I said ‘who’? Rationally looked upon, they might be only comprised of data, just like a music or a text file. But they are much more. Imagine the agony you might feel when a CD with your favourite song breaks or a very important text file gets deleted. Now exponentiate that to the grief you feel when losing a loved one, maybe even finitely. This is how we felt when we had to let our Digimon partners go all those years ago because the nature of human-Digimon bond was a doomed one, it was only temporary. Something we lose when we grow up because Digimons make the most sense when you are a child.

And as an adult, you lose sight of what is important in life. You think you have cracked the meaning of life, working hard and getting married – and while I don’t want to disparage marriage or family, not at all – we treat it like it’s some kind of competition. That way, though, carefreeness, our sense of fun, and the lightness of just being and living get lost. But when you have children of your own, you start seeing the world again through the eyes of a child, and slowly that lightness returns.

To make a long story short, we as humans are better off having a good connection to Digimons instead of condemning them as monsters. They preserve our childlike side and add to our social value. This is not about being chosen for a great task, like Izumi-kun and I had been, but about living peacefully together with a species that is much like us humans: Every Digimon is an individual with a fully-rounded personality.

We are here to propose diplomatic relations to the Digital World with the long-term plan of finding a Digimon partner for every human, if they wish to have one. Izumi-kun will now introduce you to his network of DigiDestined that he’s been running for nearly fifteen years now and that shows that not only peaceful connections between humans and Digimons are possible, but also between humans themselves.”

If Taichi had thought the anxiousness he had while standing in front of that office door had been bad, well, he’d blatantly been wrong. He had to suppress the urge to vomit while he watched Koushirou typing furiously on a holographic keyboard. It didn’t make any sense to him, though. As long as he knew Koushirou, there had been the steady rhythm of his fingers flying over the keys, a soft hammering, the sound of knowledge and curiosity. But now it was only silence, as if someone had muted reality.

With a final enthusiastic hit, a picture appeared on the floating screen floating that was painfully familiar. A crystal blue lake, nearly perfectly circular, glittered in the sunshine, surrounded by a dense wood. In the middle of the lake was an island with the most peculiar yet reassuring sight around: a gleaming tram wagon, empty but for a few odd creatures looking like they’d been sitting there for eternity.

Taichi looked down when he felt someone take his hand.

“Let’s go together”, Koushirou said smilingly.

On the other side, he felt another person’s presence. Yamato hadn’t taken his hand but his upper arm was brushing Taichi’s. Taichi inhaled deeply, then nodded. It was time.

***

“Taichi-san?”, a hardly-surprised, childish voice asked.

Taichi took a deep breath but he didn’t turn yet. It was too good to be true, it was what he had dreamt of since their disappearance after the Eosmon incident but he was wiser as to put too much hope into this voice. After all, it could be a hallucination his wishful mind had made him think.

“Taichi-san, do you not want to say hello to me?”, the voice asked again. Someone tugged at his hand.

Finally he looked down. A tug at the hand could hardly be imaginary, could it? Many teeth greeted him, then the mouth closed and he looked into Agumon’s blinking blue eyes. “Taichi-san, you’ve finally come back to me!”, Agumon exclaimed and held out his arms.

Taichi laughed while he cried, crouching down before his Digimon partner. “Yeah, it took me a while, a lot of things have happened.” He embraced Agumon. “Are the others with you? Because we’ve all been waiting so long. Biyomon and Gomamon and Palmon and Gabumon and Tentomon and Patamon and Gatomon. They’re all here.” Agumon stepped away and made a sweeping gesture. The Digimons came forward, their gazes flickering between Taichi and the group of people standing a little distance behind him.

“Yes, we’ve all come back. And we want you to meet some special persons.” Taichi wiped away the tears with the back of his hand, then got up and beckoned the rest towards him with a wave.

“Oh, Sora-san”, Biyomon exclaimed and excitedly fluttered forward, straight into Sora’s arms.

Yamato and Gabumon looked at each other amicably; they’ve never been much for words but understood each other perfectly nonetheless.

“Jou-senpai, I hope you’ve been eating well and not studying too hard while I was away”, Gomamon greeted his partner after he’d waddled over towards him.

“Kouhirou-han, still carrying your tablet with you? I’m glad you haven’t changed a bit.” Tentomon buzzed excitedly around Koushirou’s head.

Mimi and Palmon were running towards each other, screaming with joy, but actual words were not decipherable.

“Takeru-kun, Takeru-kun, why haven’t you come earlier? I was so bored without!” Patamon flapped towards Takeru, then settled comfortably onto his head after Takeru had taken off his sailor’s cap.

A solemn but smiling Gatomon stood before Hikari, paw extended. “I’ve been keeping this”, he said.

Hikari took the whistle gently, a flood of memories rushing through her mind, then she blew it mightily.

As if they had agreed on that as a sign, the remaining people shuffled forward, most were visibly nervous.

“Kana-chan! Oh, Kana-chan, it’s been so long!” somebody suddenly yelled from the edge of the forest. A red birdlike Digimon, with a green beak and yellow coat pattern on his belly, waddled as fast as he could towards Taichi’s wife who’d been leading Hotaro to the Digimons.

Now she dropped to her knees, crying “Oh Muchomon” in delight and embracing her Digimon once he had reached her.

The remaining spouses, who had not been DigiDestineds, watched a little warily. They had heard the stories, hair-raising at times and most certainly not what children should have to endure, so they were familiar with the concept of Digimons. But meeting them now in the wild, so to speak, in their natural habitat, was something they still had to get accustomed to.

Until Gatomon turned to Hikari’s daughter and introduced himself. Then he added “We welcome you to the Digital World, hoping that you will find a home here just like it is ours.”

Meaning the same, but phrasing it differently, Agumon exclaimed “I’m hungry, let’s have a picnic!”

Which earned him laughter from everyone. The ice was broken.

#digimon adventure #digimon adventure kizuna #digimon last evolution #taichi yagami #yamato ishida #sora takenouchi #mimi tachikawa #jou kido #koushirou izumi #hikari yagami #takeru takaishi #original character #sorato #jyoumi #digimon adventure 02 epilogue #5+1 fic #my stories

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